Farewell Chase Bank!

Yes, the rumors are true. I am now a full-time-stay-at-home mom! Hooray! :) The very thing I wanted to be when I grew up.  It has taken a little while to get here, and things will be tight now, but we know it's right and we're putting our faith in the Lord.

Consequently, it recently was my last day at Chase Bank as a part-time teller. As excited as I thought I would be, it ended up being very bittersweet. My coworkers spoiled me with balloons, cards, gifts, candy bars, ice-cream cake, and more treats, and it made it hard to leave the good friends that I made.

I worked at Chase longer than at any other job and learned a lot of things. So from my four-year run, here are the things that I will miss:

1. The money- An extra paycheck is always nice.
2. My friends/coworkers- When you work with people day after day, you tend to get to know each other well. It's fun :)
3. Adult conversation- You mean there are other things to talk about besides Sesame Street, bottles, and bodily functions?
4. Treat Friday- Who wouldn't miss that?
5. Having constant access to my accounts and bankers- Sure, I can check my accounts online, but if there's an issue I have to actually get in my car and go somewhere to work it out. Bummer.
6. Seniority- I will miss being lead teller and all the perks that come with that. A new job means I start at the bottom of the totem pole again.
7. The morning hour when the drive through is open, but the lobby is closed- This meant an hour when I got to eat breakfast and read my book in between helping a rare customer here and there. An hour of peaceful reading. Farewell.
8. A reason to get ready- I was forced to overcome my laziness and actually get dressed and do my hair and makeup.
9. A few nice regular customers- Thelma, Tom, Barbara, Ernest, and Kermit (yes, his actual name). This list is small. I'm surprised there even was a list. These people should consider themselves lucky.
10. Maternity leave- I'll never get paid to have a baby again.
11. The feeling of accomplishment- I knew what I was doing and I was good at it. I had a measure for my success. This will truly be missed.

Now what I definitely won't miss. I hope this list won't get out of control.

1. Five hours of my day with my kids and taking care of my home, lost.
2. Customers- They are horrible horrible people. Rude, lazy, inconsiderate, and impatient. Look at yourself. You are a customer. Resolve to be better.
3. Handling money- It's dirty and gross and annoying to count over and over and over again.
4. Having to wake up and get ready- Now when my baby cries I can get up in my pajamas...and stay that way the whole day. It's pretty inconvenient when something comes up so I actually have to get ready.
5. Trying to kill time- Man it stinks when it's slow and I've read through all my magazines and done all my crossword puzzles.
6. Chase politics- Not once did I get a review of "Exceeds Expectations" and a nice raise even though I deserved one. And it was all because of Chase politics. Stupid.
7. Monday morning night drop- All weekend, businesses drop bags full of checks and money we had to count and process on Monday while also helping a flood of customers. It was a nightmare. On Sunday nights when I realize I don't have to work the next day anymore, I suddenly feel SO happy!
8. The blame- No, it's not my fault. No, I didn't steal your money. Yes, I did it right. No, I'm not trying to make things difficult. Sure, I'll get my manager, but he'll just tell you the same thing I did. I didn't come up with this fee, I just have to tell you about it and have you yell at me. My bad.
9. Drama- Working with a lot of girls can be scary sometimes.
10. Audits- Why are they scheduled at the most inconvenient time?!
11. Customers- Did I say this already? It's amazing how many people stand in line and complain about waiting, but don't have their slips ready and couldn't get them ready while they were waiting. Be patient, be ready, and shower. How many foul smelling people must I encounter in one day? Oh, and being rude does not make me want to help you out any. Just so you know.
12. Customers- Just thought I'd reiterate.

So here's to my just-ended-part-time-teller job. Cheer!

Now onto the hardest but most rewarding part of my life. Looking forward to it!

Happy Birthday Old Raisin

Today is May 16th, 2011 which means my dad turns the big 50. In our family, if you're getting up there in years, we like to call you an old raisin. Well, Dad, you have now lived half a century...and I think that means you have officially obtained the old-raisin status.

You're hair is graying, your knees are hurting, and you can't remember anyone's name. Your kids have all grown and gone...oh wait...nope can't say that one...and you're putting on weight...but wait...you're actually losing weight! You've worked hard at the same job for years and are about ready...to...not...retire...because you actually just started a new job! You tease and taunt and crack immature jokes and still love to laugh as you take care of your home, yard, and calling.  Jeez...It sounds to me like you are a spry young hopper still. An old raisin wouldn't be losing weight and working so hard while raising young kids.

So, you may be old-raisin status in years, but in years alone.

Sure, you may not look like this anymore, but honestly, I think the permed hair is better left in the past anyways.

So as my gift to my old-raisin dad on his 50th birthday, here are just a few of the reasons why I love him:

My dad is a dang good cook. His rolls CANNOT be beaten. I always feel like I'm missing something when I don't get to eat my dad's rolls on major holidays. His Chinese food is spectacular as well.

Look at how big, tall, and strong my dad is. I think his size represents strength--strength in size and in character. People say about him, "Wow your dad is big!" and when they do I feel my chest well up with pride and I say, "Yeah, that's him."

My dad is mischievous. And when he is, he gets a certain look in his eyes and you can just tell he's up to no good. I love that look. He is the biggest tease and yes he drove me crazy growing up, (especially during the teenage years, if you can imagine) and sometimes still drives me crazy, but I wouldn't change it for the world. 

Each Christmas my dad hands out the presents one by one so we can all see what everyone is opening. It is such a great example to have my father take charge and lead the family in one of our Christmas traditions. I will always treasure this part of Christmas with my dad.

This picture to me represents a soft side in my dad that I love. He isn't really into holidays, but he can usually be coerced into participating because he realizes what it means to us kids. I mean, look at him dressed up as Santa holding our dogs :) That is the best. He did and does so much for the family that I am just learning to appreciate. Participating in holiday festivities, taking us out on vacations when he doesn't love traveling, driving the kids around and picking them up, etc... he doesn't do it because he loves to, he does it because he loves us.  

And here are my two most favorite things about my dad:

First, his testimony and knowledge of the gospel. I can always feel the spirit when my dad bears his testimony and there are many distinct times that I can remember his testimony making a personal impact on my life.

And second...my dad is a teacher by profession, and he's good at it. And while I have been able to experience his prepared given lessons, he has taught me, in a far greater way, on the ins-and-outs of life. Almost everything I do, now that I am on my own, I can trace back to my dad teaching me how to do it. He taught me manners, respect, and honesty, cleaning, working, and how to have a good time. 

One of my most treasured memories is when my brother and I went for a walk with my dad. I was trying to match my dad's pace and walk just like him, and my brother started making fun of me saying how silly I looked. I told him I didn't care, I liked trying to walk like my dad. My dad stopped us both right there and turned to me and said that he was proud that I had the confidence to walk the way I wanted, and that it is a great thing to be able to do things without caring what other people think. And then, he just resumed walking.

It was such a small moment, but what he said and the value he placed in me has stuck with me throughout the years. In that one lesson I was taught the value of confidence and I felt loved.

Not all times were like that. Often, his teaching moments were more of an impatient outburst at how I should be doing something differently. And even though it seemed as if I didn't really care and wasn't listening, those moments sunk in and have stuck with me, guiding my life now. 

I like to tease my husband (quite unfairly because for many years he didn't have a dad around) and I often say things like, "Didn't your dad teach you....

...not to talk with your mouth open or to put your elbows on the table?"

...how to switch lanes correctly?"

...how to iron a shirt?"

...how to talk nice to your siblings?"

...how to clean a bathroom?"

...how to dress nice before leaving the house?"

And it's because I have memories of my dad teaching me about each of these things.

So dad, you are the voice in my head that still reminds me of the right way to live my life, and I'm so grateful that you took the time to teach me what you have. 

You're the best old-raisin of a father a girl could ask for and I love you. Happy Birthday!

Mr. & Mrs. Tappana- 4 Years and Counting

Dear Brigham,

Wow. I can't believe we've been married four years. That's pretty incredible. It got me thinking about everything that's happened in the last four years and I thought I would share some of it with YOU.

Walking out of the temple doors started it all. I should have know we were in trouble when my cousin yelled, "Multiply and replenish the earth!"

That first year we led a busy life full of school, work, and blissful fun and soon enough our first anniversary came and went.

Us on our first anniversary, unfortunately this is our only anniversary we took a picture, thus far.

Shortly thereafter, I became pregnant. This is probably the ONLY event that went according to plan. I have in my mind a time frame for certain events and so far getting a pregnant one year after marriage is my one and only check-mark on that timing list.

Shortly thereafter, beautiful Lydia was born. The most easy-going, mellow, baby known to earth. I'm terrified she's going to pay us back during her teenage years.

Even though I finished BEFORE Lydia was born, I didn't officially graduate until a few months after. One Bachelor's degree in Psychology for this women.

We started our annual Tappana Halloween Party that we have successfully continued throughout these past years.

We were "dark hosts" twice, that's why there's only
three Halloween pictures

Lydia turned one and DOMINATED her cupcake. This is her victory face. If you'd like to read the complete triumph, check this out.

We attended many many BYU football games and rocked our True Blue colors.

This picture cracks me up everytime.

Brigham graduated from the devil school (but with a quality education) in August. One Bachelor's degree in International Studies with a minor in Business for this man!

I was already preggo for a second time.

And shortly thereafter, handsome Ammon was born. In the last three and half months of his life he has sent me to more doctors than any human should be subjected too. I guess he'll be the easiest teenager EVER (here's to hoping).

And now it's anniversary number four. It seems pretty fitting that on our fourth anniversary, we have a beautiful family of four.

We have truly truly grown these last four years, individually and together. We've had our ups and we've had our downs, and lately it's been mostly ups. I'm so grateful to be in a marriage with my best friend that I can tell anything and everything to. I'm grateful I'm married to a man that I know loves me more than life and that does so many selfless things. What a handsome, sweet, funny, and an AWESOME dad.

I know I didn't go all out for this anniversary, but as a gift to you, Brigham, here are two things that are hard for me to say and that I should say more often.

I'm Sorry

and...

I Love You!

Am I covered for the next year? :) I do love you and I am sorry for my mistakes. Let's raise our bowls of ice cream to the last four years and take a bite of our brownies to the next bajillion! 

Love, Kari

Three Easter Egg Hunts, Bunny Ears, and a Mouth Full of Dye

 ...that pretty much sums up our Easter.

But here are some pictures to illustrate a bit better :)

This is Lydia finding eggs during her first egg hunt.

Lydia (looking adorable in her smock to protect her clothes) stirring an Easter egg in the dye. Dying the eggs kept me on my toes this year because Lydia preferred drinking the dye rather than using it to color her eggs. Every time I turned my back she was trying to drink another spoonful. The dye was only made with water so I'm sure it seemed like kool-aid.

 The master-dyers with our dozen colored eggs. I wish the camera could have caught her yellow and orange mouth.

 Lydia received these bunny ears from Grandpa Dan and Grandma Nonie. She LOVED them! For the next few days she ran around adorned with her lovely new ears.

The kids, Easter morning before church, in their Easter outfits. I didn't buy a new dress this year because Lydia has tons of them, but I did get her awesome Easter pants! 

 Isn't he just so handsome?

 Kyle and Scott came out Easter weekend. It was nice for Scott to be able to get to know his nephew a little better before he leaves on his mission in August. They both are pretty big goofs together! :)

 The second Easter egg hunt. This time the EASTER BUNNY left these eggs. Amazingly the smart Easter Bunny took the candy from the first egg hunt and used it to fill the eggs for the second egg hunt. This egg hunt was my favorite because halfway through Lydia noticed her basket and exclaimed, "Oh no!" and ran over to grab her new coloring book. When we showed her there were more eggs she had missed, Lydia covered her mouth with her hands, giggled, and then said, "Lydia funny." Haha, we sure thought she was!

 The Easter Bunny even left Brigham a new Easter shirt! He looks smashing good in it. Good job Easter Bunny.

The loot left by the Easter Bunny. You can see Lydia's new pants and her basket FULL of Sesame Street stuff.

 By the third Easter egg hunt, Lydia was an expert at finding the eggs and loved it every bit as much as the first time. 

It was nice to have dinner at my Aunt and Uncle's house. They had deep-fried turkey injected with cajun spices and a big ham and more delicious foods. I ate like it was Thanksgiving.

Easter is one of my favorite holidays. It has the best candy, colors, and activities. It's spring-time with beautiful Easter outfits and you get to celebrate new life and the resurrection of the Savior. This year was one of my favorite Easters because Lydia was old enough to really enjoy the activities and her excitement was contagious.

I'm so grateful for the Savior and His life, Atonement, and Resurrection. I love Him for the sacrifices he made for me and for how much he loves me. I'm so grateful I get to live again because of Him, and the holiday full of happiness and newness that allows me to celebrate Christ's miraculous gift. HAPPY EASTER!