The Kyle/Katie Box

Ok... so there is kind of a long story that goes along with this post. Now, you can't say I didn't warn you.... because it is LOOOONG. I am only posting this because, one, I think it is funny, and two, in order to preserve memories. Our kids are going to LOVE this someday... well, maybe.

So the whole Kyle and Katie box thing started back when Kyle and I were first dating in high school. We didn't go to the same school, but we were able to see each other every morning at seminary. It became a silly tradition of ours to have "random present days" where we would bring something (pretty much ANYTHING) and suprise the other with it as a present at seminary. Well, over time, these "presents" began adding up, and between these and legitimate keepsakes like prom pictures, homecoming corsages and the like, we each had quite the collection going. I had a designated box that I kept all of my little memories in, and I actually helped Kyle wallpaper the inside of one of his dresser drawers to be his "Katie drawer" where he kept everything I ever gave him!

Now, believe it or not, these collections were preserved in their entireties through a devastating break-up and a two-year mission! Crazy, right? I just didn't have the heart to get rid of anything all that time...We must have known all along that everything would work out in the end! ;)

Anyway, as we were packing up boxes and going through things a few months ago in preparation for our move up to Provo, we decided that some things just had to go, either because we didn't have room for them in the truck or we had limited space in our new apartment which would eventually have to house much more important things, like kids. The Kyle and Katie boxes were two of those things. Kyle made me do it... and I didn't do it happily. These boxes contained our ENTIRE relationship from the very beginning up until we were married (I had added to mine over the years as I recieved missionary letters and the such) and the thought of throwing it all away made me too sad.

So, our compromise?? I took pictures of EVERY SINGLE THING that was in those boxes that Kyle made me throw away, so that we would never forget (how weird we were?). This may all seem ridiculous to you, as does some of it to me, even (what were we THINKING??? oh well... we were 17... give us a break! High schoolers are retarded...), but I hope you enjoy this small glimpse into our highschool dating memories. :)

Coupons. On the back they say "expire:never", I'm still waiting to cash some of these babies out! :)

Kyle filled this out at a YM/YW joint temple lights activity. It says that my religion is Jewish and my postal code is Kyle24/7
Kyle's junior year high School ID and library card....????
He actually sent me this from his mission. Ummmm.....

A puzzle from his childhood he gave me when I was sick with pneumonia my senior year:

I have no idea...

a picture of Kyle's pet snake from when he was little:

cars...

the ex-contents of Kyle's junk drawer, I think....

glasses in so many forms...

a homemade necklace, that I actually wore more than once. I must have really loved him!

Is it necassary to say that Kyle was taking a ceramics class while we were dating??

A souvinir I brought home for Kyle from vacation:

Homecoming and prom corsages. The one with blue ribbon was from our very first date! I actually kept these, and I display them next to my wedding bouquet!

"Kyle's mission fund"

The perishables. Do you think they might still be good after 6 years??

Kyle made that wallet at the bottom of the picture as an "IOU" a new wallet for my 21st birthday present after we were married... told you I had added to it!

A tie that I made for Kyle... I can't believe he never actually wore it!

A hot cocoa mug that Kyle made for me saying "The world's best girlfriend"... oh yea!

You have to give him points for creativity!

No words are necessary:

Oh. My. If this doesn't say "true love" then romance must be dead!

In case you were wondering you can still buy this book on Amazon... I personally think that it would make an excellent addition to a bathroom bookshelf!

The Kyle and Katie box contents in all their pre-disposal glory:

R.I.P Kyle/Katie boxes...

Sorry if this was a little lengthy for you, but remember... it is for posterity!! :)