tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23100141536512562222024-03-13T12:17:25.129-05:00Forever and a DayKari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516107794884094735noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310014153651256222.post-91942968632724003522011-03-21T12:51:00.000-05:002011-03-21T12:51:00.794-05:00Missing....Hello out there!! I'm sure you've noticed (or maybe you haven't) but I've been a little MIA for awhile. Lots of things have happened or getting ready to happen and I just haven't found that time to get around to some things. I really am going to be back to blogging. Hopefully at least once a week - I'm shooting for more though!!<br /><br />I'm not 100% where I have left off so, I'm going to just start off from Alan getting back from Basic and how things have gone from there. When he got home to Texas we decided to go ahead and get married at the Court House due to the Army needing paper work fast so we could start getting BAH and he could live off post. So, on June 15, 2010 we went downtown and were married. We are planning to have a formal ceremony next June. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCqo5sRu_PbzONHo4e67f-DCtUlu8VLdU6KVnSD_Wqd36RHKUDnMRY_cgeeqW6dHV9OEq5S7XnwIfHk0PNJQJ47Msx1-scxFyo_jhPv4BFo5WRofHI6dCYbbf6Nm-z751wU0kinr_JPE/s1600/BG+%25289%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCqo5sRu_PbzONHo4e67f-DCtUlu8VLdU6KVnSD_Wqd36RHKUDnMRY_cgeeqW6dHV9OEq5S7XnwIfHk0PNJQJ47Msx1-scxFyo_jhPv4BFo5WRofHI6dCYbbf6Nm-z751wU0kinr_JPE/s400/BG+%25289%2529.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586591211016289858" /></a><br /><br />After a very, very shot week home Alan went up to Kansas where he has been stationed at Fort Riley, which is right outside of Junction City, Kansas. Once he was here and settled we planned on him coming down to get me right away but like always the Army had bigger plans for us. After a couple days of being at post they sent the boys off to Cali for a month long training, so coming to get me right away didn't quit happen. Everything ended up working out just fine, I was able to finish up the summer session with my job, pack everything, and even have a couple days to say good-bye to all the amazing people that I was leaving behind. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYXyRrKZW7xXgoKS60jz1ToT2H4JEnsOPT2zNw2lcDXkYToyIz0pHq1ocG05zgu9-Iwb7m_W9idNcisYGGx-de8qYyEcGfEhV1YP3by3PpgJLE_3gA1Ghdol35g9C3pTvQlyWsQIO8uo/s1600/Kansas.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYXyRrKZW7xXgoKS60jz1ToT2H4JEnsOPT2zNw2lcDXkYToyIz0pHq1ocG05zgu9-Iwb7m_W9idNcisYGGx-de8qYyEcGfEhV1YP3by3PpgJLE_3gA1Ghdol35g9C3pTvQlyWsQIO8uo/s400/Kansas.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586591213737478866" /></a><br /><br />Once we got here, we searched and searched and searched for some place to live. We got here right at the same time the University was getting into their fall session so a lot of the housing was taken already. After almost a week of trying to find some place to live, we found where we are now (we would have taken on post housing but the wait was/is 18 months - we are still waiting to get to the top of the list) and it's the best place I could have asked for. There are only 6 units and the one we live in is a duplex, the neighbors are amazing, and it's right across the street from the City Park. We were really lucky and couldn't have asked for a better place.<br /><br />Not to long ago A got orders to deploy. Not very happy about it but we knew it would come eventually and this is what we signed up for. I'm dealing, there isn't any other way to state it. I'm trying to stay strong for my husband, I'm trying very hard to not loose it around him - he doesn't need to know how hard this is for me when he is going to War. Things have gotten tense between us, nothing super horrible but we argue about the small things to the big things. I try to remember that he is stressed, I know he doesn't want to leave but it's soooo frustrating for him to take out work on me at the end of the day. It doesn't matter though, I will always love him, stand by his side, and support him in anything that might be. From joining the Army, to going to War, to what ever the road might lead and I know he will be by my side as well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ttCZYqDq4GB76kV4j4g23wrPWTYSqbUDS-9kqYPNsIMC7152grkQ-w6aMmDEplFtHN1l-W7X9UotFOH7nectIhbP1_zduiq13DiOAhzZyeghgaFyIjB7yQn5B0TINRPiYNJNDAYprT0/s1600/Army.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ttCZYqDq4GB76kV4j4g23wrPWTYSqbUDS-9kqYPNsIMC7152grkQ-w6aMmDEplFtHN1l-W7X9UotFOH7nectIhbP1_zduiq13DiOAhzZyeghgaFyIjB7yQn5B0TINRPiYNJNDAYprT0/s400/Army.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586591204994805714" /></a><br /><br />Other then that life is still moving forward, I love my new job (I'm a Nanny again, to a 6.5 mo old baby), now that it's getting warmer and there is a 99.9% chance that the snow if finally over and Spring is here I really am enjoying the state of Kansas, I love being close to my family, I love being close to Clare (even though I have not seen her much and I let her down the other weekend - thankfully we have an amazing relationship and she forgave me, or I at least I believe she has). BUT even though I love all of this so very much I do miss Texas and all the wonderful people I had to leave behind. I miss the almost always way to warm weather, I miss my friends, I miss my "kids". I know I can always visit all of them and I do plan on doing that, very soon!<br /><br />Well, that is the quick update of what has been going on these days. Like I said, I plan on being back at least once a week hopefully more though!! I've missed my blog and being able to just let it all out!! Thanks to all of you for sticking it out with me!!<br /><br /><3 KJKari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516107794884094735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310014153651256222.post-72041614088325970552010-04-17T21:12:00.000-05:002010-04-17T21:12:33.819-05:00Recap of everything!So, I know that I said I would be back more often but I forgot how much 10 little 2 year olds will wear you out during the day!! MAN do they stay busy at all times!! Even during nap time I'm busy with eating lunch, getting ready for the next day, or finishing up the craft that we did in the morning!! On top of those crazy kids running at all times we have some crazy sickness going around as well in the younger rooms!! In the infants rooms (older and younger) we have Fifth Disease, Chickenpox, Hand-Mouth-& Foot Disease. Then on top of that in our room we have some funky stomach thing going around - the kids come to school fine and usually by lunch or after nap they have a fever and we have to send them home. MOST (but not all) of the parents in our class are awesome and do what is best for their kids and the kids in the classroom (as well as us teachers) and they will keep us updated as the day goes on. Well, most of these kids will go home and that night get sick to their stomach and run a super high fever, then the next morning when they get up they are good to go - happy go lucky, no fever and no stomach thing any longer. We have NO idea what it is - well, my co-teacher and I have both managed to get this wonderful bug - she had it a LOT worse then I did, so I'm lucky in that way! Other than that it's been a wonderful time so far. I love all the kids (even then ones that drive me nuts) and the other teachers are amazing - I couldn't have been any luckier to have found this job!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHPQLyeLGbB6rP6fvnexmqoEmqykOiEJj5OPL0LPFqgWehMcXGnD2rzPFtqUwgYtWaHc67aFlIaFPueUV0JLIARVCWT_Yt6Is-1lL4yt6Mvyfso5ynbBML4YdcR8D22h0XMJZmfOq6mM/s1600/Volunteer+Page+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 397px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHPQLyeLGbB6rP6fvnexmqoEmqykOiEJj5OPL0LPFqgWehMcXGnD2rzPFtqUwgYtWaHc67aFlIaFPueUV0JLIARVCWT_Yt6Is-1lL4yt6Mvyfso5ynbBML4YdcR8D22h0XMJZmfOq6mM/s400/Volunteer+Page+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461293822035671506" /></a><br /><br />Easter was great - I went to Dallas with my friends mom and her little sister. We meet up with my friend, Jacki at her house and hung out there. It was nice to get away for a little while and spend a holiday with a family I love. We went to Church on Easter Sunday and then we had a wonderful steak brunch that afternoon. Let me tell you - when you give up meat for 40 days/nights your first taste of meat that day is the best thing you've ever had! This is my second year to give up meat and it wasn't as hard this year as last year but that last day always seems to be the worst!! I did manage to overdue it and give myself a tummy ache but I got over and I have put meat back into my diet and not a moment to soon!! :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYlrIpTwH4RWM9hNpKul3uOvqXkweIkhgfYlZ9olx9nadBPJc2sja2LCmN4YpzONb0ARU7VRfofFnYbS_DJT7E1iAOPjyuJf6YhABCnbRlhoHjSF6FbWeJG5igyWYbGLYDBWcwivub9M/s1600/easter-eggs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 333px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYlrIpTwH4RWM9hNpKul3uOvqXkweIkhgfYlZ9olx9nadBPJc2sja2LCmN4YpzONb0ARU7VRfofFnYbS_DJT7E1iAOPjyuJf6YhABCnbRlhoHjSF6FbWeJG5igyWYbGLYDBWcwivub9M/s400/easter-eggs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461293814717841618" /></a><br /><br />In other events - Alan told me that he wrote my dad and asked his permission to MARRY ME!!! Of course my dad told him that he had his blessing and I'm so super stoked and excited!! Nothing is set in stone as of right now and I don't have a ring (ya know that whole he is in Kentucky thing) but that fact it's there and it's going to happen has put a permanent smile on my face for sure!! I DO get to go and seem him next weekend if everything stays on track and nothing changes on his end! I'm so super excited to see him - I feel like it's been forever not 8 weeks - but we are half done and hopefully with this new job and so much coming up it will fly by!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuelhOU1Y2PhV0wFDK5btR5vRMi2u4Qy9J9fN5OBAmij7ZYbQtaHaXfdwpxIA_aU0q8haGpIqtvhmqOPyRoSSKAx9sx8tkxjnbpJWu7cligjwr0K647VoHN-Z_gTYOAhF_YPR2Mo0Q0yo/s1600/Wedding-Rings-300-dpi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuelhOU1Y2PhV0wFDK5btR5vRMi2u4Qy9J9fN5OBAmij7ZYbQtaHaXfdwpxIA_aU0q8haGpIqtvhmqOPyRoSSKAx9sx8tkxjnbpJWu7cligjwr0K647VoHN-Z_gTYOAhF_YPR2Mo0Q0yo/s400/Wedding-Rings-300-dpi.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461293830898785922" /></a><br /><br />Anyway, I hope you all have a great weekend and I will be back!! :)<br /><br />Love, KJKari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516107794884094735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310014153651256222.post-81318166198379231252010-03-31T16:42:00.000-05:002010-03-31T16:42:12.170-05:00Long, Long time...I know, I know I've been slacking in the blogging these days and I really have no reason that I should be. Lots of things have been going on for me. Alan left for boot-camp, I lost my job, I've just been dealing with life! <br /><br />Yes, I said I lost my job. I went to Houston with my friends one weekend, had an amazing time hanging out and being with the girls. I came back and went to work on Monday - the boss isn't there right at that point, so I go along with what I do when I'm there. He comes in, tells me he has to let me go. I'm not mad at anyone or anything. There just wasn't enough work for me to do around the office - I really was bored 90% of my day. He was awesome enough to give me 3 weeks of pay, Cobra my health insurance, and no fight unemployment! So, it could have been a lot worse.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQwWWXdWrXuOkmYjhHJm0Qi0ZKNDmY1_3SaUQJ3g2RwIGVbSRMd-pWFcOrU0l7G-3iXC8ZNg3LrCGBHgdz-fx7WD_v8ziNWg0buvlHJGrzEeEATSHyQkaoGE51vo1xu9SaB-2goT4jcg/s1600/job-loss.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 378px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQwWWXdWrXuOkmYjhHJm0Qi0ZKNDmY1_3SaUQJ3g2RwIGVbSRMd-pWFcOrU0l7G-3iXC8ZNg3LrCGBHgdz-fx7WD_v8ziNWg0buvlHJGrzEeEATSHyQkaoGE51vo1xu9SaB-2goT4jcg/s400/job-loss.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454916165769657186" /></a><br /><br />I have been looking and looking. I applied for unemployment and that is just a pain in my butt to say the least - so much to do but thankfully I'm "entitled" to said unemployment! They make you apply for 5 jobs a week and to keep very strict logs of the searches. They at any moment can all and ask to see said logs, this I don't mind - I know they are just trying to keep track of what people are doing and making sure they are putting themselves out there. It's just a lot of searching up to this point.<br /><br />I didn't want to tell a lot of people that I had lost my job. Not sure why, I think I was a little embarrassed that I had. I finally mentioned it to a family that I babysit for and she sits on a board of Day School right down the street from my house. All her kids have gone to school here before elementary school and I have only heard great, great things about it. Thankfully this mom really likes me, talked to the director of the school, and talked me up more then I personally think she should of BUT thankfully it has worked in my favor. Yesterday and today I went up to the school, talked to the teachers and the director and got to interact with the children. Just to make sure that it REALLY was something that I would be interested in doing. Of COURSE I LOVED it more then you will ever know. Kids are my life if you haven't picked up on that. I might not have any of my own but I do believe that my talent is working with kids - so as of today I have another job and one that I will NOT be bored at!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPIlXWtjrx1jQLO9_9yvwADtXq8kgpI8MuK14J1ji48RNG743-LQfnhjhlhrFUgEyKIMdm23GwjHerxj1nsRGbaSnC3ppBZcm8Sx-EbtrkCqlzBszPwVMoAzFzhykv94u7r9RN3Ahkpw/s1600/childcare.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 260px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPIlXWtjrx1jQLO9_9yvwADtXq8kgpI8MuK14J1ji48RNG743-LQfnhjhlhrFUgEyKIMdm23GwjHerxj1nsRGbaSnC3ppBZcm8Sx-EbtrkCqlzBszPwVMoAzFzhykv94u7r9RN3Ahkpw/s400/childcare.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454916159369822194" /></a><br /><br />I'm hoping that after today I will get back into blogging - I've really missed it, it's such a way to get things off my chest. I don't know if a lot of people read this blog and I'm alright with that. I love being able to put it out there and know that I'm not being judged, that I can ask anything and I'm sure that the answer will get back to me. So, in other words, I'm back at the blogging. This weekend I'm headed to Dallas for Easter - so I will have TONS to tell you come Monday!!<br /><br />Have a great weekend, a very happy Easter, and thank you for being so understanding in why I've been MIA for so long!!<br /><br /><a href="http://s14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/kare0526/Blogg/?action=view¤t=easter_cross_3.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/kare0526/Blogg/easter_cross_3.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Love,<br />KJKari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516107794884094735noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310014153651256222.post-67228827351377522102010-02-17T15:54:00.001-06:002010-02-17T15:56:06.529-06:001 week 3 days down...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XCJjyCWppYZJmj7JttbY2gQSFWpugkyOPby1avs8JI3JHbABzs_FBcGYEY8-In-ldn502toSgGlhqX_T2yglxtAg_m1jQ3Qa5XKzj228K5UQ-tVQCL0hoplGuHJv7xDB63Vzq8mnOMs/s1600-h/Alan+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XCJjyCWppYZJmj7JttbY2gQSFWpugkyOPby1avs8JI3JHbABzs_FBcGYEY8-In-ldn502toSgGlhqX_T2yglxtAg_m1jQ3Qa5XKzj228K5UQ-tVQCL0hoplGuHJv7xDB63Vzq8mnOMs/s400/Alan+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439334251940250754" /></a><br /><br /><br />I love him and miss him like crazy - but knowing what he is doing is keep me strong. That and some amazing friends, near and far, that keep me busy and remind me that it really isn't that long. Thanks to those friends - you are amazing!!<br /><br />Love,<br />KJKari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516107794884094735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310014153651256222.post-56094260729317626302010-01-29T10:33:00.003-06:002010-01-29T10:48:16.199-06:00Army - 19d!Cavalry Scout: Army 19d!<br /><br />I had no idea what this was until a few months ago - I have been saying for awhile there is something that I have been wanting to share but just have not done so up to now but it's time. <br /><br />The boyfriend decided that he was going to join the Army. I am so very prod of him. I think it's amazing that he has decided to dedicate his life to serve and protect his country. <br /><br />My family is so proud of him - my dad and oldest brother were in the Army. My other older brother is in the Air Force Reserves. His family has a long military history as well.<br /><br />This is something he has always wanted, this is the time that it was supposed to happen. Everything is falling into place.<br /><br />Right now he is in Galveston visiting his dad before he ships out to boot camp. It's almost like training for me - to know what it's going to be like when he's gone. It's different. It's hard. At least right now he can text me or call - when he's gone that isn't going to happen or it's going to be very little. So very hard!<br /><br />He's going for 16 weeks. 8 weeks of boot camp. 8 weeks of tech training. 16 very long weeks. After that there is a graduation - everyone will be going, including me of course. I know it's selfish but I don't want everyone else there - just me BUT I this isn't about me. This is about him and how he is going to be a Solider. <br /><br />I'm not sure what will come after those 16 weeks, where he will be stationed. What the future is going to hold for both of us. We have talked a lot about the future. But for right now, we are taking it one step at a time. So.Very.Hard!<br /><br />I love him, I will support him, I will do anything to help him make this possible. This is his dream. <br /><br />I will update as I know more, how I'm feeling. It's going to be hard. I'm sure there will be lots of tears at first even long after at first happens. I know it's going to be hard. Why can't it just be easy? I will need support. I will look for support where I can find it. I know it's there. I have amazing friends both in real life and in my blogging life. Still, will it ever get easy to say goodbye, not matter where he will be going, no matter how long he will be gone? I am thinking that's a big.fat.no! <br /><br />Thanks for listening. Thanks for understanding. Thanks for being my friend. Thanks for letting me turn to you when I'm going to need it.<br /><br />Love, <br />KJ<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5Ubwpmh55Hr5zKq5sBuImJSc0z7qJ3flfx6jwBPd-kgxBzrkHGDV7vy9dUEQKG5Q6wbiEHZET9NihEdPSLSiPShAYm1z_fMTfaHv73eMhGux0D1DN4WLs51N03vjErZwaDREUzb8Dh4/s1600-h/army.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5Ubwpmh55Hr5zKq5sBuImJSc0z7qJ3flfx6jwBPd-kgxBzrkHGDV7vy9dUEQKG5Q6wbiEHZET9NihEdPSLSiPShAYm1z_fMTfaHv73eMhGux0D1DN4WLs51N03vjErZwaDREUzb8Dh4/s400/army.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432204228814302002" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNrelHeYLtJLw9AUIRaH7atmXlRXv2nxnbrFL-eaEZLe3jTgY0kS33_34NhmWtk6creV0L3LiXLixdpB72rk4eGoZYDmUPsJO2JBYfiT2fc3QyXqsJg_DwtD40Jpy4WXUuxBhsOVt7_s/s1600-h/cav.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNrelHeYLtJLw9AUIRaH7atmXlRXv2nxnbrFL-eaEZLe3jTgY0kS33_34NhmWtk6creV0L3LiXLixdpB72rk4eGoZYDmUPsJO2JBYfiT2fc3QyXqsJg_DwtD40Jpy4WXUuxBhsOVt7_s/s400/cav.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432204227155659794" /></a><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Llt9_dxcg9Q&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Llt9_dxcg9Q&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516107794884094735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310014153651256222.post-41861522011766371602010-01-13T08:30:00.000-06:002010-01-13T08:30:01.059-06:00So Nice....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxRJqlNqgzjuA2Gv_MrkeIsLLWLkoUUDEyl2yVKhsnBqn80rSk8NHIR8RFE6Y6I1zaQi_USvg67_3z2qRkxtsqWgWDwqy1JnN4JqzPwWuEEjFE4O3uIN9RYf2LRmdef-EBROhLlUJ1mo/s1600-h/Beautiful+Blogger+Award.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxRJqlNqgzjuA2Gv_MrkeIsLLWLkoUUDEyl2yVKhsnBqn80rSk8NHIR8RFE6Y6I1zaQi_USvg67_3z2qRkxtsqWgWDwqy1JnN4JqzPwWuEEjFE4O3uIN9RYf2LRmdef-EBROhLlUJ1mo/s400/Beautiful+Blogger+Award.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425941986905820098" /></a><br /><br /><br />I was choose by <a href="http://sarah-upsdowns.blogspot.com/">Sarah</a> for this awesome award. If you haven't read her blog you should head right on over and do that - she is an amazing Army Wife and raising her daughter in Germany right now. She also has TWO other blogs - a cooking one and a weight loose one. She is an awesome person and I'm glad that I get to call her my friend!! Thanks Sarah for the award!!<br /><br />This award requires you to list 7 interesting things about yourself and tag 7 other bloggers!<br /><br />1. I am highly allergic to many, many things - including food. I have been allergy tested for airborne allergies but not food. I think I might have to get on that sometime this year - it seems they are only getting worse! <br /><br />2. I have a dog named Bailey who will be 10 this year and a cat named Tux who will be 2. I am going to have to find Tux a new home sooner then later because the boyfriend is very allergic to him (the only allergy he has). IF you know of a good home, let me know :)<br /><br />3. I'm lucky enough to have a "second" family. This family was there for me growing up and they are still there for me today. They have seen me trip, stumble and fall flat on my fact - but they were always there to help me get up. I love them more they will ever know!<br /><br />4. I am also lucky enough to have some of the greatest friend around. I'm not sure I would have been able to survive everything if I did not have them. <br /><br />5. I have two tattoos. One is on my lower right hand side of my back and is a Celtic Cross with the Irish flag colors. The other is on my back between my shoulder blades and is a Celtic triangle with shamrocks in an awesome green color.<br /><br />6. I was a Nanny for many, many years for many different families. I think that if I could some how get health insurance out of the deal then I would go back in a heart beat - those kids were my life and I loved (I still do) more then anything!<br /><br />7. I have 3 older half brothers. One was in my life for awhile but he got into a lot of trouble and I have not been in contact with him since. The other 2 were not in my life until I was in high school but I'm so very happy I have them now - they are amazing big brothers and I wouldn't trade them for the world!!<br /><br />Now the lucky 7 people I give this award to are:<br /><br />* <a href="http://thesnydersinks.blogspot.com/">Clare</a><br /><br />* <a href="http://welcometojonasworld.blogspot.com/">Tina</a><br /><br />* <a href="http://welcometojonasworld.blogspot.com/">Angel</a><br /><br />* <a href="http://themiddlestsister.blogspot.com/">Libbie</a><br /><br />* <a href="http://justaminutewithjen.blogspot.com/">Jen M.</a><br /><br />* <a href="http://bryanandjenny.blogspot.com/">Jenny</a><br /><br />* <a href="http://mudpiesformommy.blogspot.com/">Jennifer H.</a>Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516107794884094735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310014153651256222.post-79835994690716203952010-01-12T09:56:00.004-06:002010-01-12T10:10:02.866-06:00New Years Resolution 2010Since I'm all kinds of delayed on doing post I figured that it's my style to do a New Year's Resolution post a little late - but I figure late is better then never, right?! Anyway, to make this a little more exciting I'm adding pictures, all of which I have found off the internet! I swear, some day, I will get back into the swing of things and post real things, about me - with my own pictures but for now - this is what you're getting!<br /><br />1. Get Organized/De-clutter!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFe8YCzvYcXqM8tcVJWr24Hn1g7F7dwRnPEBoLGkQ9HrbWiz87A4TIy0tYQTZ7k0V2awWIJNXWROT3TKkFpBk88npMH-pqSyyhHDQPYfNPcP2pQizW8kT5aPtPB-1KKdB1ay7-3UuweU/s1600-h/01-01-10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFe8YCzvYcXqM8tcVJWr24Hn1g7F7dwRnPEBoLGkQ9HrbWiz87A4TIy0tYQTZ7k0V2awWIJNXWROT3TKkFpBk88npMH-pqSyyhHDQPYfNPcP2pQizW8kT5aPtPB-1KKdB1ay7-3UuweU/s400/01-01-10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425884260674290674" /></a><br /><br />This of course is not my house but something that I would LOVE to have and look like but that's just wishful thinking where I'm living right now. I'm starting in the kitchen and moving from room to room - taking out everything, cleaning the area - and either throwing everything away or donating the things that are able to be donated. I plan to get rid of a LOT and that makes me feel good - this project is going to start in about a month - I will keep you posted!<br /><br />2. The always fun one - Loose some weight. I used to be very over weight and didn't realize it until I saw some pictures - I went to Weight Watchers and lost about 50 pounds. I stopped going before I reached my ultimate goal. I have put on about 10 of those pounds back on so I have gone back to Weight Watchers and have lost 1.3 lbs in about a week. Not bad, not bad! I'm sure I'm going to blog about this as I slowly loose the weight!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvCwM0L0dx2P7jbTMK9OD16zJ219OiY4k1_QtokdwvRNA2wmXb0EjlQA50-I5IyMvtJtORbQBB3wk4S5fovecJ4LRLd6E-a-n_030U3ijLxdkYpM_w2MNGjGl4xSLLCIdyzuBxlX6SMw/s1600-h/01-01-10+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 127px; height: 104px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvCwM0L0dx2P7jbTMK9OD16zJ219OiY4k1_QtokdwvRNA2wmXb0EjlQA50-I5IyMvtJtORbQBB3wk4S5fovecJ4LRLd6E-a-n_030U3ijLxdkYpM_w2MNGjGl4xSLLCIdyzuBxlX6SMw/s400/01-01-10+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425885462694357474" /></a><br /><br />* There are other things that go along with this resolution but I will, some day soon, address that in another post*<br /><br />I know that's only two things for the whole year but I feel that they are BIG (well for me they are). I'm sure as the year goes on I will think of other things I want to change and when/if I do I will make sure to keep you informed on those. I hope everyone is having a great 2010 and until next time - stay safe!<br /><br />Love,<br />KJKari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516107794884094735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310014153651256222.post-56264455743925307582010-01-07T10:20:00.002-06:002010-01-07T10:42:21.467-06:00Miss Me??!!Hello blogger land - I'm not sure if you've missed me but I have sure missed you, tons and tons!! It's been busy around here for me but I figured the least I could was check in and say HI (and maybe a quick recap of the past, oh, two months or so)!! <br /><br />The holidays were awesome - I will start with Thanksgiving (since it's been THAT long and all)!<br /><br />We left for Thanksgiving on Wednesday and drove to Katy (right outside Houston) to see the BF's long time family friends - we stayed there, hung out and relaxed Wednesday. Thursday we drove down the road to meet up with his dad and step-mom and their friends place and to have Thanksgiving dinner - it was nice to meet new people and to be welcomed by so many that did not know us. After that we went back to the other house, hung out, had dessert and went to bed. The next day we hung out a little more and then got on the road to go to Galveston, where his dad lives. When we got there we took a tour of his awesome beach house, hung out, then went out to eat. Over the next couple days we went downtown for the Art Walk - where all the stores stay open late, serve food and drinks and play music. It was pretty neat - the BF wasn't as impressed as I was. Another day we went to a Aircraft museum but there was only one hanger open, unfortunately when Hurricane Ike hit it destroyed 99% of the item int he museum but they are working on getting it back into shape.<br /><br />After we got back it was back to work - we have been pretty busy at work now that the HOT weather had finally cooled down (as of today - I'm FREEZING but that's a whole different post) so that has kept me away from the blog and since December is a short working month for me I had a lot to do before the Christmas holidays.<br /><br />For Christmas my boss is pretty awesome, I came in on the 21st to do payroll, bonus, and the last of the bills paid for the month and then at 5 o'clock, on the dot, I was out of here for almost 2 weeks of vacation. On the 22nd (Tuesday) the BF and I got in my car and DROVE 13 hours to Kansas to visit my family for the holidays. It's a good thing we left that day because over the next 3 days it snowed, snowed, and snowed.... If I remember right we got about 10 inches but the wind was so bad it was making HUGE snow drifts!! We ended up calling of Christmas dinner at my Uncles house due to the wind, ice and snow - no one needed to be out in that stuff let alone driving from all over the state (and Missouri). So, we stayed in had enchiladas and relaxed for a couple of days. On Saturday it cleared up enough for us to head over to Kansas City to see Clare, JR, Fiona and Clare's family (they are my second - sometimes first family) and celebrate Christmas with them. We were lucky to get some awesome cooking from Nancy and some time to chat. Soon after dinner it was time to go and put Fiona in bed. After that JR, Clare, Alan (the BF) and I played the Wii and then Cranium (Clare and I kicked butt on that one). It was a lot of fun and I hate that I do not live closer to them!! I miss them so much and I hate that I don't get to see that wonderful baby girl grow up - she has my heart that is for sure!!<br /><br />Sunday we went back to Topeka, went to dinner with my dad and then just hung out again at home. Monday my brother was able to come down to celebrate Christmas with us, finally! We had fun playing the Wii, hanging out, and drinking a little. It was a fun time had by all. The next day (Tuesday) we needed to hit the road and head back to Texas, another fun 13 hours in the car. Thankfully I'm getting better at letting other people drive and Alan took the wheel. I finally feel asleep in Oklahoma and got a good 1 1/2 hour nap in :)!! The drive went well until we hit Texas, as soon as we hit the state line the weather turned to junk (we knew it was bad, I had been keeping an eye on the weather the whole day) - we sat in about 20 miles of traffic and SNOW in Ft. Worth and then rain the whole way BACK to San Antonio. Once we got home we let everyone know we were home and then went to bed. <br /><br />The next couple of days were uneventful - on New Year's Eve I went to a baby shower and then back home but that night I was NOT feeling well, ended up getting sick, taking NyQuil and going to bed at 8:30 - not the most fun way to bring in the new year but I guess uneventful is better then nothing. After that it was another relaxing weekend at home and then back to work on Monday. <br /><br />Monday was not fun - two weeks of catching up on work was crazy and made me soooo tired but things are now caught up and back to normal around here and for that I'm happy!! There are some big changes happening this year and I can't wait to tell everyone about them - also as soon as I upload the pictures from the holidays I will most sure I post them. If you made it through this long, long post thanks! I hope your holidays were great!!<br /><br />Love,<br />KJKari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516107794884094735noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310014153651256222.post-23587561285109416252009-11-26T08:00:00.000-06:002009-11-26T08:00:01.661-06:00Happy Thanksgiving!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqKQqVvd_xdHwXxAGm8JSSxGSd_7g0wq5g4F6el_YBBzpmZm5xkdGyPrvN13J-jl-tMcbDhs0_ulZn02yVLdBx7srXTdEJh3rXP-9B7ke6M0M2D-feuIsCGscN-FgpzWv_Oc-xKtP0sE/s1600/1happy-thanksgiving.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 357px; height: 364px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqKQqVvd_xdHwXxAGm8JSSxGSd_7g0wq5g4F6el_YBBzpmZm5xkdGyPrvN13J-jl-tMcbDhs0_ulZn02yVLdBx7srXTdEJh3rXP-9B7ke6M0M2D-feuIsCGscN-FgpzWv_Oc-xKtP0sE/s400/1happy-thanksgiving.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408081714297067826" /></a><br /><br /><br />I just wanted to tell everyone to have a safe and happy Thanksgiving this year! I'm actually in Houston with the boyfriend's family - his dad's side. It's going to be an adventure and I can't wait to tell you about it when we get back! <br /><br />Happy Thanksgiving!!<br /><br />Love,<br />KJKari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516107794884094735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310014153651256222.post-23250773362778926352009-11-24T15:29:00.000-06:002009-11-24T15:31:05.093-06:00Prayer - once again!<strong>*Update:</strong> Scott went into surgery today at 1:00 pm CDT. They were able to go in and actually fix his heart - he no longer has a hole!! This is a great thing! Please keep him in your prayers for a quick recovery and no infections!<br /><br /><strong>Original Post:</strong><br />I've been slacking in the blog world these days but there has been a lot going on. I have a lot to blog about and awards that I have been given but I can't talk about that today - today this is for a family in my life that I need some prayers for!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQOQmbGlfcuPjFmIOyEt9WNk_5MvqLWR_VVs2QS_PBqmcBRm5rLT2-WxN-7KEURGGKaTFEUhlmUSDTDclTb7wLqiowaw4XUHYyRzR_K-8FDe-UvOmfi054FyvgpCKFFg5DoTX0FKXQjM/s1600/Lundgren+Family.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQOQmbGlfcuPjFmIOyEt9WNk_5MvqLWR_VVs2QS_PBqmcBRm5rLT2-WxN-7KEURGGKaTFEUhlmUSDTDclTb7wLqiowaw4XUHYyRzR_K-8FDe-UvOmfi054FyvgpCKFFg5DoTX0FKXQjM/s400/Lundgren+Family.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407702921695712578" /></a><br /><em>an old picture of the family - it was Easter last year!</em><br /><br />I know I have blogged about them before but I can't seem to find my post that I had about them so I will just share their story all over again - so if you know the story just bare with me :)<br /><br />Scott and Jess are great friends of mine they have two wonderful kids that I talk about all the time E and O. I go to their house every Tuesday to watch and play with the kids while they go out and do things they need/want to do - kid free. I've done this for years now, even though it just feels like a couple weeks. I love them like they are my own kids, Jess and Scott like they are my brother and sister. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCtEd3L1EFozJxZ_R__SHRITal0bM0m-g95Uzg4IcfOV6vMtSa0j9EjK-mrG_sUfqCGXXN3bQkWI8xLpKo7Cyeds9apB03t4GopZ1JzX_SWewrky8JGpW_tlcDaLd5wj0_I2iwHozcyE/s1600/ella+and+o+-+church+picnic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 351px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCtEd3L1EFozJxZ_R__SHRITal0bM0m-g95Uzg4IcfOV6vMtSa0j9EjK-mrG_sUfqCGXXN3bQkWI8xLpKo7Cyeds9apB03t4GopZ1JzX_SWewrky8JGpW_tlcDaLd5wj0_I2iwHozcyE/s400/ella+and+o+-+church+picnic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407702916046248610" /></a><br /><em>The kids - the newest picture I could find from this October at Church</em><br /><br />Well, a little less then a year ago, O was diagnosed with a major hole in his heart. He is still thriving, gaining weight and growing like he should. They doctors told them that this kind of problem will not have any effect on O until he is in his 30's (give or take) that is when one day he could just pass out, never to wake up again. So, they have opted to fix the hole but not until O is 3 or 4 - it's safer - that is the plan for now - the only thing that would change that is if he keeps getting sick or starts to loose weight, then it would be moved up. <br /><br />After O was diagnosed Jess had Scott go to the doctor. He has been told, a while ago, that something did sound right and he should check it out. Well, Scott being Scott didn't do it. After O, they decided that it was time to have him looked at, since he was about the age that they told O could just die. Well, come to find out Scott has the same thing that O does. They had been waiting to hear from the doctors about when they wanted to go in and get a better look at what was going on. They got the call last week and today Scott has gone into the hospital for that better look.<br /><br />Today, they are going to scope him and look at his heart. IF they find that the hole will be able to be patched by going up a main artery in his leg, they will do it right then and there. If the hole is to big then they will have to wait and schedule him for open heart surgery later on. We are hoping they can just go in and fix it today, it is less invasive and less of a recovery time, of course! I'm not sure what time he went into the hospital but I will update as I find out - more then likely tomorrow some time.<br /><br />Tonight, I'm going to be with the kids. I do not think they have any idea what is really going on. I know that I am going to have to make then fun night for them. O is only 1 1/2 so I'm sure he doesn't understand at all that mom and dad are not around but E is 4 so is going to take notice that things are different. We are going to play, read stories, watch a movie, and have a "sleep over". I might not be staying the night but I might, everything is just in the air and how things go for Scott. So, please keep this family in your prayers tonight - they need it for sure!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO03M2rGYXIgo2GU7JtkvP9kQrj3ScwvBlJ4k5np-jLkvNRzc2JHwac-TRQ-Dk-URIF7G4rQG3YzVrdeN7nf7PFAT3tS-bTzEq4f4oMMw-VjB0pI4G73CVr671UQPAwzdBiRIDP7dCZbs/s1600/Scott.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO03M2rGYXIgo2GU7JtkvP9kQrj3ScwvBlJ4k5np-jLkvNRzc2JHwac-TRQ-Dk-URIF7G4rQG3YzVrdeN7nf7PFAT3tS-bTzEq4f4oMMw-VjB0pI4G73CVr671UQPAwzdBiRIDP7dCZbs/s400/Scott.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407702922399679426" /></a><br /><em>Scott- he hasn't changed at all even though this is a little older!</em><br /><br />Thanks so much for everything!<br /><br />Love,<br />KJKari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516107794884094735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310014153651256222.post-9126004805643036012009-11-17T15:49:00.000-06:002009-11-17T15:52:00.323-06:00Fight for PreemiesI used to volunteer for the March of Dimes (for personal reasons I do not anymore) and they are an amazing organization that helps bring light to those who are premature, lost a baby due to prematurity, and educate everyone about premature birth. They are wonderful people and they raise money for an amazing cause! If you want to know more about the <a href="http://marchofdimes.com/">March of Dimes </a>check out their website or give them a call (almost every large city has a chapter) they will always be willing to talk about what they do!<br /><br />Today, November 17th, they have asked for people who blog to blog about their <a href="http://marchofdimes.com/prematurity/index.asp">Fight For Preemies</a> campaign and I choose to help them out! It only takes a minute to look at the sites and to learn a little more. I hope that you never have to use and organization like this one, but if that were to happen - you should know they are there - to help!! <br /><br />Here is just some of the info from their page - thanks for reading this and knowing how important it is!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8vXdwY8tM2m-YiKaWstFgoKJ0Lkvq83dRlFAcB7Ac6dn6Z7Bl3PyQb6zIvHtqPSCAJkmXahsXspTNdtc4nWoj20COl53FqO747GnngQ448_QXp8i4cQHo0AMDtLG26eRdZPusiEp_iQ/s1600/2ndLeveldo_badge1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 128px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8vXdwY8tM2m-YiKaWstFgoKJ0Lkvq83dRlFAcB7Ac6dn6Z7Bl3PyQb6zIvHtqPSCAJkmXahsXspTNdtc4nWoj20COl53FqO747GnngQ448_QXp8i4cQHo0AMDtLG26eRdZPusiEp_iQ/s400/2ndLeveldo_badge1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405193505881594498" /></a><br /><br /><em>Do you know a baby that was born too soon, too small, unable to suck, unable to breathe on his own? Premature birth is a health crisis that jeopardizes the lives and health of nearly half-million babies each year. It is the #1 killer of newborns and can lead to lifelong disabilities. Worse: the number has increased 31 percent since 1981. It can happen without warning and for no known reason. Until we have more answers, anyone’s baby, could be born too soon. <br /><br />Medical advances give even the tiniest babies a chance of survival, yet for many babies premature birth is still a life or death condition. It’s the #1 cause of death during the first month of life. And babies who survive face serious health challenges and risk lifelong disabilities.<br /><br />The rate of premature birth has never been higher. In half the cases, we simply don’t understand what went wrong. We need to fight for answers. And, ultimately, preventions.<br /><br />November 17 is dedicated to raising awareness of the crisis of premature birth. The March of Dimes invites bloggers like you to get involved. <br /><br />• Learn about premature birth at marchofdimes.com/fightforpreemies<br />• Put a badge on your blog during November, Prematurity Awareness Month®<br />• On November 17, blog for a baby you love and to help others<br /><br />We need to fight ― because babies shouldn't have to</em><br /><br /><br />Love,<br />KJKari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516107794884094735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310014153651256222.post-42441736058060683142009-11-11T10:51:00.002-06:002009-11-11T11:00:44.035-06:00Countdown to Christmas - Week 1!Okay week 1 is over and done with - it wasn't the best week around but hey, when it comes to changing how I eat, it never really is! <br /><br />I'm glad to announce that I have lost 1 pound!! I know, that's not much but hey, it's one pound less then I was last week, right?!<br /><br />I know part of it is because I have not worked out - at all! I always give myself one week to get into the hang of the new eating and then I add a work out. So, starting tonight it's back to the gym for me. Thankfully I have a great friend who joins me when she can (or I join her when I can) so that makes it a little less painful!! Hopefully with the added workouts starting today I will be able to loose more then 1 pound next week.<br /><br />Also, just so you know, I am going to change my weigh in day to Fridays. I would rather weigh in before the weekend and after my crazy work week - it just works out better for me also. So, next week expect this update on Friday!!<br /><br />I hope everyone else has a great loss week!!<br /><br />Love, KJ<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9lTDC-fHJ-qOcRZClbF7mLHALW73Lgo2ye2G-WkVh4GRj754i1kpll-zv1ny9pRDy58gh8o7QpG8teP_vb7sOd40F20jVFkP44hStLHA7n8Pj1fdw0mPvOQspGKpzgU1cLMo4ucdDnY/s1600-h/countdown20button1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 241px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9lTDC-fHJ-qOcRZClbF7mLHALW73Lgo2ye2G-WkVh4GRj754i1kpll-zv1ny9pRDy58gh8o7QpG8teP_vb7sOd40F20jVFkP44hStLHA7n8Pj1fdw0mPvOQspGKpzgU1cLMo4ucdDnY/s400/countdown20button1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402889937484256306" /></a>Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516107794884094735noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310014153651256222.post-15184281089902529492009-11-06T10:10:00.000-06:002009-11-06T10:11:31.471-06:00Fingerprint FridayThere is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:<br />I can see the fingerprints of god<br />When I look at you<br />I can see the fingerprints of god<br />And I know its true<br />You're a masterpiece<br />That all creation quietly applauds<br />And you're covered with the fingerprints of god<br />So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? Here's how to <a href="http://pamperingbeki.blogspot.com/">join in</a>.<br />---------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Today, I had a plan on what I was going to thank God for but, so a major things has happened here in Texas and that has put a hold on my plans for today and to focus on those who need God more.<br /><br />Today, I'm giving my Fingerprint Friday those who lost their lives, those where injured, and every single person who was effected by the events that happened yesterday at Fort Hood. Maybe you don't know what happened or you just learned about it. I heard about it shortly after it went on the air, while I was at work - I just happened to go to my home page and see the "Breaking News Alert". This event, in general, scares the crap out of me. A military base should be safe from those who want to hurt us, this is the one place a military member should be able to go and let their guard down, take a break, be themselves. Because I promise you, every other time, that's not how it is - they are watching out for everyone else, that is their job and they are damn good at it. This man has taken this one place away from those who keep up safe at night, those who put their lives on the line for other people. It kills me that now, if you go on a base, you are going to have to watch over your shoulder because you don't know what might happen, someone might loose it.<br /><br />If you have not read it yet here is the news report as of right now (as we know with all news it will change as time passes - as they learn new details):<br /><br /><em>NBC, msnbc.com and news services<br />updated 1 hour, 54 minutes ago<br /><br />FORT HOOD, Texas - Military officials were starting Friday to piece together what may have pushed an Army psychiatrist trained to help soldiers in distress to turn on his comrades in a shooting rampage that killed 13 people and wounded 30 in Texas.<br /><br />The suspected shooter, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, was on a ventilator and unconscious in a hospital after being shot four times during the shootings at the Army's sprawling Fort Hood, post officials said. In the early chaos after the shootings, authorities believed they had killed him, only to discover later that he had survived.<br /><br />In Washington, a senior U.S. official said authorities at Fort Hood initially thought one of the victims who had been shot and killed was the shooter. The mistake resulted in a delay of several hours in identifying Hasan as the alleged assailant.<br /><br />The commander of the Fort Hood Lt. Gen. Bob Cone told NBC's TODAY on Friday that Hasan was in a "stable condition." He said he would be interrogated as soon as possible. <br /><br />Cone also said he heard first-hand accounts from witnesses on the scene that the suspect shouted "Allahu Akbar," which means "God is Great" in Arabic, before he opened fire at the Soldier Readiness Center at Fort Hood. <br /><br />In a separate interview, Cone said survivors have told him the shooter carried out his gunfire in "a very calm and measured approach." <br /><br />Some 300 soldiers were lined up to get shots and eye-testing when the shots rang out. Cone said one soldier who had been shot told him, 'I made the mistake of moving and I was shot again.' " <br /><br />The general said survivors told him that during the rampage, soldiers "would scramble to the ground and help each other out." Cone appeared on CBS's "The Early Show." <br /><br /><strong>'Friendly fire'</strong><br />Authorities have not ruled out that Hasan was acting on behalf of some unidentified radical group, the official said. He would not say whether any evidence had come to light to support that theory.<br /><br />The official spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss matters that were under investigation.<br /><br />Officials are not ruling out the possibility that some of the casualties may have been victims of "friendly fire," that in the mayhem and confusion at the shooting scene some of the responding military officials may have shot some of the victims.<br /><br />The gunfire broke out around 1:30 p.m. at the Soldier Readiness Center, where soldiers who are about to be deployed or who are returning undergo medical screening. Nearby, some soldiers were readying to head into a graduation ceremony for troops and families who had recently earned degrees.<br /><br /><strong>‘Sir, they are opening fire over there!’</strong>Pastor Greg Schannep had just parked his car along the side of the theater and was about to head into the ceremony when a man in uniform approached him.<br /><br />"Sir, they are opening fire over there!" the man told him. At first, he thought it was a training exercise — then heard three volleys and saw people running. As the man who warned him about the shots ran away, he could see the man's back was bloodied from a wound.<br /><br />Schannep said police and medical and other emergency personnel were on the scene in an instant, telling people to get inside the theater. The post went into lockdown while a search began for a suspect and emergency workers began trying to treat the wounded. Some soldiers rushed to treat their injured colleagues by ripping their uniforms into makeshift bandages to treat their wounds.<br /><br />Fort Hood's Cone praised the soldiers for their quick reaction.<br /><br />"God bless these soldiers," Cone said. "As horrible as this was it could have been worse."<br /><br />Cone made special mention of Amber Bahr, 19, an army nutritionist who was wounded during the attack. He said she helped wounded soldiers during the rampage. Only after the attack did she realize that she herself was wounded, Cone said.<br /><br />Her mother, Lisa Pfund, told the Sheboygan Press that she spoke briefly to Bahr after she was taken to a community hospital. <br /><br />"I actually got to talk to Amber and I talked to her for about 30 seconds and she was in a lot of pain," Pfund said. "She couldn't tell me nothing, either." <br /><br /><strong>Shock</strong><br />Video from the scene showed police patrolling the area with handguns and rifles, ducking behind buildings for cover. Sirens could be heard wailing while a woman's voice on a public-address system urged people to take cover. Schools on the base went into lockdown, and family members trying to find out what was happening inside found cell phone lines jammed or busy.<br /><br />"I was confused and just shocked," said Spc. Jerry Richard, 27, who works at the center but was not on duty during the shooting. "Overseas you are ready for it. But here you can't even defend yourself."<br /><br />The wounded were dispersed among hospitals in central Texas, Cone said. Their identities and the identities of the dead were not immediately released.<br /><br />The bodies of the victims would be taken to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware for autopsies and forensic tests, said a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss matters that were under investigation.<br /><br />There will also be a ceremony at the air base to honor the dead.<br /><br />Jamie and Scotty Casteel stood outside the emergency room at the hospital in Temple waiting for news of their son-in-law Matthew Cooke, who was among the injured.<br /><br />"He's been shot in the abdomen and that's all we know," Jamie Casteel told The Associated Press. She said Cook, from New York state, had been home from Iraq for about a year.<br /><br />Ashley Saucedo told WOOD-TV in Michigan that her husband was shot in the arm, but she couldn't discuss specifics. Saucedo said she and the couple's two children weren't permitted to leave their home at Fort Hood during the shootings.<br /><br /><strong>Anger about looming deployment?</strong><br />The motive for the shooting wasn't clear, but Hasan was apparently set to deploy soon, and had expressed some anger about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. <br /><br />Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, said generals at Fort Hood told her that Hasan was about to deploy overseas. Retired Col. Terry Lee, who said he had worked with Hasan, told Fox News he was being sent to Afghanistan.<br /><br />Lee said Hasan had hoped Obama would pull troops out of Afghanistan and Iraq and got into frequent arguments with others in the military who supported the wars.<br /><br />For six years before reporting for duty at Fort Hood, in July, the 39-year-old Army major worked at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center pursuing a career in psychiatry, as an intern, a resident and, last year, a fellow in disaster and preventive psychiatry. He received his medical degree from the military's Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md., in 2001.<br /><br />But his record wasn't sterling. At Walter Reed, he received a poor performance evaluation, according to an official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the case publicly. And while he was an intern, Hasan had some "difficulties" that required counseling and extra supervision, said Dr. Thomas Grieger, who was the training director at the time.<br /><br />At least six months ago, Hasan came to the attention of law enforcement officials because of Internet postings about suicide bombings and other threats, including posts that equated suicide bombers to soldiers who throw themselves on a grenade to save the lives of their comrades.<br /><br />Investigators had not determined for certain whether Hasan was the author of the posting, and a formal investigation had not been opened before the shooting, said law enforcement officials who spoke to The AP on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to discuss the case.<br /><br />The FBI, local police and other agencies searched Hasan's apartment Thursday night after evacuating the complex in Killeen, said city spokeswoman Hilary Shine. She referred questions about what was found to the FBI. The FBI in Dallas referred questions to a spokesman who was not immediately available early Friday morning.<br /><br />© 2009 msnbc.com</em><br /><br />I have my own thoughts as I am sure many, many people do also. This was wrong, this man should have never opened fire at our men and women, getting ready to deploy for war or anyone for that matter, but he did. So, I'm asking you, instead of being hateful towards this man (which, trust me is very hard to do) ask God to keep those hurt close to his heart instead. Keep those families, who lost loved ones yesterday or who had loved ones injured in your prayers tonight. I have said it before and I will say it again - in times of trouble it's hard to see God and how this might be a fingerprint but if you think of all the people who are praying to him, asking him to hold those people close to him it really is amazing. Yesterday, today, tonight, and for a long, long time these people will be in my heart and prayers.<br /><br />Love,<br />KJKari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516107794884094735noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310014153651256222.post-76363220347136589572009-11-04T09:50:00.000-06:002009-11-04T09:53:42.708-06:00Countdown to Christmas - Loosing some extra pounds!My blogger friend Sarah has some awesome blogs out there - she has a <a href="http://sarah-cookingingermany.blogspot.com/">cooking in Germany blog</a>, <a href="http://sarah-upsdowns.blogspot.com/">a real life blog</a>, and a <a href="http://projectfive-oh.blogspot.com/">weight loss blog</a>!! They are all fun to read and I'm very impressed she can keep so many!! I have a hard time just keeping up this one! Well, I've been feeling pretty down and out about some things and this has effected me along the lines of eating. I've come to realize that I'm an eater - I can say I watch what I eat but I eat MORE then I should and that KILLS ME!!! So, after seeing Sarah and how awesome she is doing I'm going to join her, her blog friend <a href="http://dawneandgreg.blogspot.com/2009/10/day-59-christmas-is-comin.html">Dawne</a> on this challenge! Wish me luck and I hope to have a great update for you come next Wednesday! Thanks Sarah for posting this - I'm ready to get my butt back in gear and mean it this time!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHkiBQxxESpbFItkgujRQ7vU5ky0ah69QZnBFKK-H9RMndToG0Yaj0BUImi-apEmOFpPltH6RHSgjtp9ic9Wl8PO1ObI8fwET6GDun-4lEyVGyNpOTsE_VhzrGYHErbyPqMOStNTYkYA/s1600-h/countdown20button1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 241px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHkiBQxxESpbFItkgujRQ7vU5ky0ah69QZnBFKK-H9RMndToG0Yaj0BUImi-apEmOFpPltH6RHSgjtp9ic9Wl8PO1ObI8fwET6GDun-4lEyVGyNpOTsE_VhzrGYHErbyPqMOStNTYkYA/s400/countdown20button1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400273542818206178" /></a><br /><br /><br /><em>1. Choose a specific, realistic goal that you can achieve by December 25th.<br />2. Post weekly updates (you choose the day) about your progress.<br />3. Decide on a gift (reward) that you’ll give yourself when you meet your goal.</em><br /><br /><br />1. My goal will be to loose the 10 pounds I've regained plus 5 so that will put me at loosing 15 pounds by December 25th (a little over 7 weeks away or a little over 2 pounds per week).<br /><br />2. I will post on Wednesday on how I'm doing and how the week went for me.<br /><br />3. As a gift to myself for doing such an amazing job I will get myself a new dress - I love dresses but I will not get one with this extra weight on me!<br /><br />Thanks everyone for the support in advance and wish me luck, it's going to be a fun ride!<br /><br />Love,<br />KJKari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516107794884094735noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310014153651256222.post-38006998316089701642009-11-03T16:01:00.002-06:002009-11-03T16:05:40.599-06:00Swag Bucks...Hey guys! I hope everyone is having a good week so far. Mine hasn't been to bad and I KNOW I'm behind in blogging but I will get caught up, some day! BUT for now Jennifer over at <a href="http://nbjenni.blogspot.com/">The Foster Family</a> had this cool thing on her page and I thought I would try it out. She seems to be having great luck on it so far! Here is what Jennifer had to say about it:<br /><br /><em>So two weeks ago I signed up for Swagbucks after seeing it on another blog. I had no idea what it really did, and asked you guys all about it. Well, after playing around with it, I decided to write a little more on the subject.<br /><br />First off - if you are a "googler", sign up! I am always using google, and this way whenever I search, I have the opportunity to win. On a daily basis, I'll usually win between 2-6 Swagbucks just by searching via their engine (backed by google and ask) instead of regular google. <br /><br />Second - you can earn Swagbucks by shopping online. So when I ordered something from Walmart's website, I just clicked though Swagbucks first and earned that way.<br /><br />Third - any friend YOU get to sign up, you earn 1 buck for each buck they earn!<br /><br />Overall, I've been able to win about $45 in giftcards to different places online, which I'll use for Christmas shopping. I'm all about getting stuff for free!<br /><br />If you haven't yet, sign up and give it a try. Try posting it on your blogs and see how many people you can get to sign up, too!</em><br /><br />So why not give it a try, right?!!? I know I am - I will keep you posted on how it's working out and such! <br /><br /><a target="_top" href="http://swagbucks.com/?cmd=sb-register&rb=1148427"><img alt="Search & Win" title="Search & Win" border="0" src="http://prodegebanners.sitegrip.com/images/swagbucks-125x125Alt.jpg"></a><br /><br />Happy Tuesday!!<br /><br />Love, KJKari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516107794884094735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310014153651256222.post-43078623020571351952009-10-30T13:45:00.000-05:002009-10-30T13:45:00.478-05:00Prayers for StellanHey everyone - I hope your Friday is a great one! I'm sure you've all notices my button to the side that says "Praying for Stellan" well, I'm calling on you blog land to help me pray very hard for this little boy. He is needing it right now!<br /><br />Stellan suffers from a heart condition called SVT - it's where is heart beats very, very fast and if it does not get back to a normal rhythm it can cause a lot of problems. Well, he went into a SVT episode a couple days ago and went down hill very fast. They took him to the hospital, he went into the PICU, and was even put on a ventilator to help him out. He's doing a little better today but they need some prayers right now. Not only for Stellan but for his mom, dad, 2 older brothers, and older sister, for his doctors, nurses and everyone who cares for him - for everyone this little boys life has touched! So, please offer up a minute of your time to pray for this little boy.<br /><br />For updates on how he is doing you can go to his <a href="http://www.mycharmingkids.net/">MckMama's</a> page and read her blog or if you have <a href="http://twitter.com/MckMama">twitter</a> you can follow her there as well. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.mycharmingkids.net"><img border="0" alt="Prayers for Stellan" src="http://www.preshwebdesign.com/images/stellanprayers.png"/></a><br/></center><br /><br />Thanks,<br />KJKari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516107794884094735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310014153651256222.post-479179184668885722009-10-30T13:30:00.000-05:002009-10-30T13:33:26.772-05:00Fingerprint FridayThere is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:<br />I can see the fingerprints of god<br />When I look at you<br />I can see the fingerprints of god<br />And I know its true<br />You're a masterpiece<br />That all creation quietly applauds<br />And you're covered with the fingerprints of god<br />So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? <a href="http://pamperingbeki.blogspot.com/">Here's how to join in</a>.<br /><br />I've been in funk lately - dreading getting up in the mornings, just wanting to sleep in, just really wanting to do nothing at all. I'm pretty sure it's because of all the <em>changes</em> that are going on. They are not BAD <em>changes</em> but good ones, they are just big <em>changes</em> and I'm pretty sure this is how my brain is dealing with them. <br /><br />I've been stressed out - not only because of these <em>changes</em> but due to a lot of things that are personal, things that I just don't want to blog about. I know I started this blog to vent, write about things that I wanted and not feel like anyone is judging me but this is something that I'm not ready to talk about - so it will wait until I am. <br /><br />I know that <em>changes</em> happen, I just wish that I could control them a little better. That I could see what that light at the end of the tunnel is going to bring me. I guess I fear the <em>unknowing</em> more then the <em>changes</em>.<br /><br />Today, my Fingerprint Friday is a reminder to myself that I am NOT in control - I never have been and I never will be. That GOD is in control and when I give myself to him and when HE is ready - these <em>changes</em> will all come together. So, in HIS hands I will be, holding on while he shows me the way.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeM2K_S1-O8wV82guG-qNy-xT5nejkarTT8WHOOsZqhQ9XbxnRZ4UQ_f4G4eCtvHAkAjW9d8GDmfvhHzPU3NWDoGJ9oj-uoUHu44E4IvWcPloVzA7o4BcmUo_nJGoTrxCOY2xgpj3jeVU/s1600-h/Gods+hand.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeM2K_S1-O8wV82guG-qNy-xT5nejkarTT8WHOOsZqhQ9XbxnRZ4UQ_f4G4eCtvHAkAjW9d8GDmfvhHzPU3NWDoGJ9oj-uoUHu44E4IvWcPloVzA7o4BcmUo_nJGoTrxCOY2xgpj3jeVU/s400/Gods+hand.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398462702399764386" /></a><br /><em>*Picture from the internet*</em><br /><br />Happy Fingerprint Friday!<br /><br />Love,<br />KJKari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516107794884094735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310014153651256222.post-39387813524059953032009-10-27T13:07:00.002-05:002009-10-27T13:20:10.174-05:00Give Away Day!Today must be giveaway day in blog land because 3 blogs that I read are doing so! SO, instead of blogging about each one separately I'm going to put them all in one entry. If you want to have a chance to win go check out their pages and YOU blog about them also!! So, here goes nothing!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://pamperingbeki.blogspot.com"><img src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f54/pamperingbeki/150treead.jpg"/></a><br /><br />1. Beki @ <a href="http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/?paged=30">PamperingBeki</a> is giving away one of her AMAZING necklaces that she makes and of all of them it's a BELIEVE on! I love that one, I think - because it changes every time I had to her Etsy page, more then any other one! She is amazing at blogging AND making awesome things - so check out her blog and Etsy site!<br /><br />2. Nicole @ <a href="http://coley02.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-1st-giveaway.html">Chatty Nicole</a> is hosting her very FIRST give away today! She is an awesome blogger and has give me an award that I will get to tomorrow - thanks Nicole! She is giving away some great things that I know I NEED!!! Go check her out and enter to win!<br /><br /><a href="http://nbjenni.blogspot.com"><img border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347408344607133842" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" alt="" src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a161/nbjenni/finalblogbadge125.jpg"/></a><br /><br />3. Jennifer @ <a href="http://nbjenni.blogspot.com/">The Foster Family</a> is giving away a $25 gift card to TARGET!! I love target and with money being so tight these days this would help out in a million ways! She has a great blog talking about her WAY to cute twin girls! Go and see what she has to offer!<br /><br />Happy giveaway day!!<br />Love,<br />KJKari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516107794884094735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310014153651256222.post-90662957355905893702009-10-26T09:59:00.001-05:002009-10-26T10:04:02.678-05:00Chrstmas Ornament Swap<center><a href="http://thissoutherngirlsnest.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq44/joannabrittain/christmasornamentswapsignupcopy.jpg"></a></center><br /><br />Over at This Southern Girl's Nest blog she is hosting a Christmas Ornament Swap. It sounds like such a great idea! You give her your email, she sends you a little questionnaire - you send it back of course, and then she pairs you with a stranger! There are some rules but NOT bad ones or HARD ones at all and it looks like soooo much fun! I wish I had an extra $10 to spare or I would so take part in it! BUT I don't - but that doesn't mean you shouldn't go over and sign up!! Today is the LAST day you can sign up so hurry and do it and then tell me ALLLLL about it when you're done with everything!! I hope you all enjoy!!Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516107794884094735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310014153651256222.post-80013862974498883182009-10-21T11:49:00.000-05:002009-10-21T11:51:40.553-05:00Wish List Wednesday!<a href="http://nbjenni.blogspot.com"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYU4dpoMRabEsK57cly3qsXEmBQIans0Nu4RKih2uMswPyefOs3SD6JrZY4D8ikB4S_bugPs1Ok0XvA9zbMCCluPlF2MRr4A_VU8KZGAc-QIf7uvEYOjBQ3ABq7C6Z8nNbUNuKhs4JEcC/s200/wish+list+wednesday.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347408344607133842" /></a><br /><br />This week <a href="http://nbjenni.blogspot.com/2009/10/wish-list-wednesday_21.html">Jennifer at The Foster Family </a>is once again hosting Wish List Wednesday! I love doing this - things that I wish I had weather real or just for fun and this week it's fun! So, head to her blog - grab the button - and wish away!<br /><br /><em>Do you have a list? You know, that list? The top 5 people in Hollywood that you might up and leave your job, kids and husband for if your fates somehow crossed paths. Of course, it is all in good fun - so here is mine</em><br /><br />JFK - to me this mad had so much potential to change the world and he was taken WAY to early from us. There is just something about him that I think is breath taking,<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2D90NZr_aOtGf73xg3muxO0hJ6fVhQ2J0_A6Psp98lEnfbuGX3bWu0W-DuY_Ds_PfoFsOy8Hf8nrNY2AjubXx557XnOtCU8JzL8tVSeP2oBBv7TerhU-BGt-m1lGweObAZYhuNr4sSzc/s1600-h/port-jfk.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 313px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2D90NZr_aOtGf73xg3muxO0hJ6fVhQ2J0_A6Psp98lEnfbuGX3bWu0W-DuY_Ds_PfoFsOy8Hf8nrNY2AjubXx557XnOtCU8JzL8tVSeP2oBBv7TerhU-BGt-m1lGweObAZYhuNr4sSzc/s400/port-jfk.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395095685305470386" /></a><br /><br />Mike Watherly - Ever since I started watching NCIS I've loved him. ;)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNNn6PVYJh51n9-I2GBWVMTPv64ijoY8IHekW2-EunTU76bhWGSPnkc-BkS1Acan2z4gGTvWzu-CuFh8PpHmnkteMEOVhDvPyI9H1ptWYY7rHctc4myRT6_-B3Hyy2HY1Nd_xhY4qZaQ/s1600-h/mike+weatherly.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 278px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNNn6PVYJh51n9-I2GBWVMTPv64ijoY8IHekW2-EunTU76bhWGSPnkc-BkS1Acan2z4gGTvWzu-CuFh8PpHmnkteMEOVhDvPyI9H1ptWYY7rHctc4myRT6_-B3Hyy2HY1Nd_xhY4qZaQ/s400/mike+weatherly.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395095672962515538" /></a><br /><br />Gerald Butler - From 300 to P.S. I Love You he has had my heart. Yum!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhX-P6LpJ0lGlSVpQxHnA2jl0Qf9JdISafYKyyaMGeQOn8O-tQWBOQceTLWhzLU2SZoq0szNRxGrl9sPYgrpjzj9fQz9c2DudhiQzEdlzkmRw5iIgo4ndVT4z9NHYoP8O_4xvaqZEsbo/s1600-h/Butler.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhX-P6LpJ0lGlSVpQxHnA2jl0Qf9JdISafYKyyaMGeQOn8O-tQWBOQceTLWhzLU2SZoq0szNRxGrl9sPYgrpjzj9fQz9c2DudhiQzEdlzkmRw5iIgo4ndVT4z9NHYoP8O_4xvaqZEsbo/s400/Butler.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395095671140884818" /></a><br /><br />Bing Crosby - There is something about this time. I'm not sure if it's the pictures or the movies or what but I think he is very elegant and refine - there's just something about him that I can't explain!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBSQBz25od0B7w4X1Jsqsq1lh6UMR9Z6kNoJutlL-3-7uib7Nx7r8TzmxtpNMuPTdnbQnW15VmYeznODDhmkAkmd8d94R7ACMnLZTIbnAsNFvjla6NV3kUcKtEKfX0Iy9sIv0rSs73iI/s1600-h/bing-crosby.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBSQBz25od0B7w4X1Jsqsq1lh6UMR9Z6kNoJutlL-3-7uib7Nx7r8TzmxtpNMuPTdnbQnW15VmYeznODDhmkAkmd8d94R7ACMnLZTIbnAsNFvjla6NV3kUcKtEKfX0Iy9sIv0rSs73iI/s400/bing-crosby.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395095660665910882" /></a><br /><br /><br />Happy Wednesday!<br /><br />Love, <br />KJKari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516107794884094735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310014153651256222.post-72529506803907152122009-10-20T10:20:00.000-05:002009-10-20T10:22:53.420-05:00I got another one :)Because <a href="http://sarah-upsdowns.blogspot.com/">Sarah</a> rocks - she gave me another award and I would very much like to thank her for that. You rock Sarah! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4SlmbTK4ZYrB0fPD8Cdpby6hXDlRrDHH5Q8mAWCG1K8pqWQPQFt2RTtvuYkjL4lobkMsY1JccYkSISzw2ezs7Wak6DHvA6afUOW0xJOfD98ev0w6iW2Q1Dhyphenhyphen7vdjaTNx0lpo8evsxUHA/s1600-h/lovelyblog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4SlmbTK4ZYrB0fPD8Cdpby6hXDlRrDHH5Q8mAWCG1K8pqWQPQFt2RTtvuYkjL4lobkMsY1JccYkSISzw2ezs7Wak6DHvA6afUOW0xJOfD98ev0w6iW2Q1Dhyphenhyphen7vdjaTNx0lpo8evsxUHA/s400/lovelyblog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394701674410115586" /></a><br /><br />I found <a href="http://sarah-upsdowns.blogspot.com/">Sarah's blog </a>the same way I find a lot of my blog - I read someones blog, look into their blog list, and click away. Every once in awhile I find a blog that I can't get enough of and Sarah's was one of them for sure! She's an awesome mom, an Army wife, and a great person all around! I've learned a lot from her blog and I think that EVERYONE should go and check her out!! Her blog really caught my eye for a very, very specific reason but that is for a different blog entry (which, by the way I hope to post soon - I just have the get the courage to do it). So, Sarah, thank you for having your blog, keeping it real, and nominating me for this award - you rock! :)<br /><br />So- here is what I have to do next (and you also of course) -<br /><br />I nominate:<br /><br />1. Clare @ <a href="http://thesnydersinks.blogspot.com/">The Snyder Family</a><br /><br />2. Tina @ <a href="http://welcometojonasworld.blogspot.com/">Welcome to Jonas' World</a><br /><br />3. Nicole @ <a href="http://coley02.blogspot.com/">Chatty Nicoley</a><br /><br /><br />and make sure you thank the person who nominated you for the award - it's just nice :)<br /><br />Happy Tuesday!<br /><br />Love,<br />KJKari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516107794884094735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310014153651256222.post-15827441524010797032009-10-16T08:00:00.001-05:002009-10-16T08:00:06.822-05:00Fingerprint FridayThere is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:<br />I can see the fingerprints of god<br />When I look at you<br />I can see the fingerprints of god<br />And I know its true<br />You're a masterpiece<br />That all creation quietly applauds<br />And you're covered with the fingerprints of god<br />So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? Here's how to <a href="http://pamperingbeki.blogspot.com/2009/10/fingerprint-friday.html">join in</a>.<br />------------------------------------<br /><br /><br />So, I'm very, very bad at holding a grudge. I think that I could hold them forever, it's that I like too but for some reason when someone hurts me I find it very hard to just "let it go", so I don't and it ends up ruining a lot of things for both me and the others involved. With that being said I have a great friend, her name is <a href="http://web.me.com/alsfields/Site/Blog/Blog.html">Laida</a>, we were not friends for many, many reasons - some that we controlled, some were the work of other people but we didn't see that until it was to late - our friendship had been damaged due to other people. <br /><br />I held a grudge against her for a very, very long time. I was hurt and I didn't know what else to do. I think that God had other plans for us though. We have gotten into fights, held grudges, and not talked for a long, long time. BUT then she is always the good person, she will say Hi and we will start talking - I let the grudge go. I think that God has a reason we are friends and I am very happy that we have both let our hurt go and we have moved on.<br /><br />1 year and 2 days ago she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Allison. Allison turned 1 two days ago (duh ;)) and I'm so thankful that God has put me and Laida back in each others lives. That I can be friend with her and her husband, watch their beautiful daughter grow up to be the women she is meant to be. <br /><br />Laida - I really am truly happy that we are in each others lives again and I'm so very thankful that you are letting me watch your daughter grow up and also be part of her life! Thank you!<br /><br />So - for Fingerprint Friday - here is Allie's first birthday photo! :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pXc0gcvvoB8CjeJ80GqZ9UImjLax48p0_lhfgMnyfNyKQzmihLMNfDM2djTrG5_vpGtwKAaeMXwMyPo4ma0DmYFj8VX9xv5V7z6YtBrkik0bFGjFwGgxqjyFAyHkf_5jkPBwDb9TdlI/s1600-h/allie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pXc0gcvvoB8CjeJ80GqZ9UImjLax48p0_lhfgMnyfNyKQzmihLMNfDM2djTrG5_vpGtwKAaeMXwMyPo4ma0DmYFj8VX9xv5V7z6YtBrkik0bFGjFwGgxqjyFAyHkf_5jkPBwDb9TdlI/s400/allie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392849336330204898" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Happy Friday!<br /><br />Love,<br />KJKari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516107794884094735noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310014153651256222.post-45981069616882313782009-10-15T10:18:00.000-05:002009-10-15T10:19:18.222-05:00WhyI'm sure that all of you have been brought up to speed about the 120 pound - 5'10" model <a href="http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/33307721/ns/today-today_fashion_and_beauty/?GT1=43001">Filippa Hamilton </a>being fried for being too "fat". If you look at this girl, she is beautiful - tall, leggy, "skinny" (not a fan of the word) - but for some reason Ralph Lauren doesn't agree with my opinion. Then even went as far to photo shop an ad of her in Japan - making her HEAD bigger then her hips, something that is not natural, no matter how skinny you are, it's wrong and I'm finding out that I"m not the only one who things along these lines.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_249HefUbHow80NEUTEGEmyLWi1g457bLyQQVhYnakXpOtXqUeb3Zve_5Bx3S8imwiSHXPBygGl-puIrNOqJ5EcsZwaCQ9YD_qYDW77gPSW-QppjctB024ZlMrB8qjcbAsFAaTCgl3I/s1600-h/filippa+hamilton.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_249HefUbHow80NEUTEGEmyLWi1g457bLyQQVhYnakXpOtXqUeb3Zve_5Bx3S8imwiSHXPBygGl-puIrNOqJ5EcsZwaCQ9YD_qYDW77gPSW-QppjctB024ZlMrB8qjcbAsFAaTCgl3I/s400/filippa+hamilton.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392845457811205938" /></a><br /><br />I'm sure you have also heard of the "plus sized" model, <a href="http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/32538061/ns/today-today_fashion_and_beauty/">Lizzi Miller</a> who posed naked, with no photo shop. Again, this women is NOT fat by any means - she is beautiful, - tall, leggy, and very much a "normal" person. I do not think that this should have even made NATIONAL news because she "bigger" then the "average" model.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumQ_YTRlT1dqRgXffXp_lIX1Grbss6hOHN6fiCo6UW7ebxqf2-YEp0bc4bpqymp99ugwIKi_pVlfnnaEwLqDi-1ZhrHVsfpBB9d2EC1nbXjMp_0r6Ryhqa1qyXSQPIrli5IKbV9_A9-Q/s1600-h/lizzie-miller.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumQ_YTRlT1dqRgXffXp_lIX1Grbss6hOHN6fiCo6UW7ebxqf2-YEp0bc4bpqymp99ugwIKi_pVlfnnaEwLqDi-1ZhrHVsfpBB9d2EC1nbXjMp_0r6Ryhqa1qyXSQPIrli5IKbV9_A9-Q/s400/lizzie-miller.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392845462362594898" /></a><br />I just don't understand what is going on - we want the children of today, girls and boys, to grow up with a positive self image. We don't want them to think that because they are bigger then their friends that makes them less beautiful or even fat for that matter. We want the kids of today to be happy with who they are but to be health at the same time. <br /><br />I can tell you as a small child I was on the little side but about 3rd grade I started gaining weight, I started to be on the "bigger" side of the class - it hurt my confidence, my pride, it made me very self conscience about who I was. It didn't help that my family would say things - as in I was getting bigger, that I shouldn't eat so much, that I needed to loose weight. I was still a child, this isn't something you can necessarily tell a child - it's something you have to proactively change without them necessarily noticing what you're doing. As a child I'm pretty sure that if my diet had more veggies and fruits and less pizza, spaghetti, and fast food it would have been different. BUT because of my family telling me this for so many years I still, to this day, have a HUGE complex about what I look like compared to my friends. I hate looking a them, seeing how "skinny" they are and then looking at myself and seeing that I am not. I have become more proactive about myself - I lost over 50 pounds but I know I still have more to go BUT when you are low on funds it's hard to shop healthy or join the gym or join a weight loss group (what I did to loose the 50 pounds). I hate that I have such low confidence in myself at times BUT it's hard because it was pounded into my head at such a young age that you are not beautiful unless you are skinny. It's hard to pick up the phone to talk to my dad and one of the first things he asks is if I've lost any more weight, if I've gained any back, if I'm still working out. That's not what I want to hear when I live SOOOO far away from him, but at the same time that was how he was raised and I know he's not doing it to be mean but it's still hard to listen to ALL.THE.TIME! BUT for now I'm happy with me, I'm going to continue to walk, to eat right, and enjoy life. I know that I am happy and I will continue to be that way but I'm going to work to stay happy!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHlm8aaadf-a79unQkoj-rt4Z8oIn8dkHQeTHB-tOwM5AarERkzRvXZyR0rdpIhoZs5a9g4JPmTfly4mByobnMPHvSqW5LWqglcO2yCvvOe58dTpgo7z6NbsfyU2VyVh6WlI5iN_Eiys/s1600-h/fat.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHlm8aaadf-a79unQkoj-rt4Z8oIn8dkHQeTHB-tOwM5AarERkzRvXZyR0rdpIhoZs5a9g4JPmTfly4mByobnMPHvSqW5LWqglcO2yCvvOe58dTpgo7z6NbsfyU2VyVh6WlI5iN_Eiys/s400/fat.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392845476654204226" /></a><br /><em>*This was close to my "bigger" weight</em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXjO_xDhfUTstHncuQxo6A1E2qM4BglsHlXa468wDnCN-Y7NHV0AvvyI6mZ1Z1cQ6oNuuNYY2uOlkNSLBpypEEFw-y-oYCPyfFscg4wDiFFTTVXmeDvpF2cOkMKnpLu6fLbU_eGkyIQY/s1600-h/017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXjO_xDhfUTstHncuQxo6A1E2qM4BglsHlXa468wDnCN-Y7NHV0AvvyI6mZ1Z1cQ6oNuuNYY2uOlkNSLBpypEEFw-y-oYCPyfFscg4wDiFFTTVXmeDvpF2cOkMKnpLu6fLbU_eGkyIQY/s400/017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392845479380857378" /></a><br /><em>* This is me now - happy, "smaller"</em> <br /><br />Anyway, if you have children I ask of you to HELP them in a positive way to look past what society has put out there for us. To show them that no matter what size, color, figure, etc.. you are you are beautiful. IF you feel that you need to step in and change something about your child then do it without words - do it with examples. Change how the FAMILY eats, talk walks or bike rides together, get them involved in sports. IF you say something to them at a small age it can hurt them and it can cause major problem just not right then but for the rest of their lives. Help them see that society has put a "weight limit" on the people we see on TV and this is not normal. I just hope that people out their realize we are hurting ourselves by doing this. Maybe one day "normal" people will be back in the ads and on TV and not people that society feels should be "normal".<br /><br />I'm sorry about this rant and rave but it's really been bothering me since it's been in the media a lot more. If you want - share with me how you were raised - did you have any issues with weight, did your family ever flat out tell you if you were "fat" or to "skinny". How did you cope with this?<br /><br />Thanks to everyone for listening and I hope you all have a great Thursday! Come back for Fingerprint Friday!<br /><br />Love, <br />KJKari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516107794884094735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310014153651256222.post-29719237487815731172009-10-09T11:45:00.000-05:002009-10-09T11:48:04.028-05:00Fingerprint FridayThere is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:<br />I can see the fingerprints of god<br />When I look at you<br />I can see the fingerprints of god<br />And I know its true<br />You're a masterpiece<br />That all creation quietly applauds<br />And you're covered with the fingerprints of god<br />So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? Here's how to <a href="http://pamperingbeki.blogspot.com/2009/10/fingerprint-friday.html">join in</a>.<br />------------------------------------<br /><br />You know those days that you get up, look outside and just want to go back to bed? BUT you can't because you have to walk the dog and still go to work? Today was one of those days - we have some more fall like weather going on today - rain, temperatures in the 60's, cloudy overcast sky. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqZSgiDrA99MQkB4lRoNkerKbPa0VeDMekxf0q_XSNHd7_wTdgJF0dc3NXsOJ6WNe0OeK9szkUjcSjt1ncX1asCT-uH2ekn71-Y0HOOi97hQfTHsjHW9qn_YlH4o_ar4h76Fb7f1-oFA/s1600-h/Jacki.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqZSgiDrA99MQkB4lRoNkerKbPa0VeDMekxf0q_XSNHd7_wTdgJF0dc3NXsOJ6WNe0OeK9szkUjcSjt1ncX1asCT-uH2ekn71-Y0HOOi97hQfTHsjHW9qn_YlH4o_ar4h76Fb7f1-oFA/s400/Jacki.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390642372830387890" /></a><br /><em>*Photo from Jacki</em><br /><br />I love that God give us these days - even though we might not always appreciate them when they happen. I can tell you that I did not appreciate being rained on that I had to go back and change my cloths after walking my dog this morning. BUT then I remember - we PRAYED, we BEGGED for rain this summer - we PRAYED, we BEGGED for cooler temperatures, a little relief from the rain. So, this reminds me that even though we do not get what we ask for, right then and there God is listening. His ears are always open but what we WANT isn't always in HIS plan.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3_z9xPrFhTDv00vnviz38v0G_bMlpnfWh-GMV0Tj0-hnfQd2dwawql2RhkAPjhtmfgSblHF9CTeYS7zF2NRuzeCWv-6Ao9r-3TkDD0W3b_S1k55jQXILCR3kF2N6XpBfQTkV1KzXP8c/s1600-h/Bailey+at+Lou%27s.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3_z9xPrFhTDv00vnviz38v0G_bMlpnfWh-GMV0Tj0-hnfQd2dwawql2RhkAPjhtmfgSblHF9CTeYS7zF2NRuzeCWv-6Ao9r-3TkDD0W3b_S1k55jQXILCR3kF2N6XpBfQTkV1KzXP8c/s400/Bailey+at+Lou%27s.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390642387945178722" /></a><br /><em>*Photo from Lou</em><br />So, today when I go home from work and walk my dog in the rain (if it's still raining - if not then next time it is) I will THANK God that I'm getting soaked, that he is giving us life, that he is giving us relief.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7McSZOMl7jRXA6FGpOWLLacFDuPMFLi38w_0BgxA_y1KWJeKM7r9IKreYlujjKNxEo86kFz9qnNOR5zC4K6BVNc9CL13nHTv-ls6L6LeOuxr37ZreWxVkgRxafj0kx3zYzrIkLmOi6A/s1600-h/fall+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 306px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7McSZOMl7jRXA6FGpOWLLacFDuPMFLi38w_0BgxA_y1KWJeKM7r9IKreYlujjKNxEo86kFz9qnNOR5zC4K6BVNc9CL13nHTv-ls6L6LeOuxr37ZreWxVkgRxafj0kx3zYzrIkLmOi6A/s400/fall+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390642398802342482" /></a><br /><em>*Photo from some person on the Internet</em><br /><br />I hope you all have a great Fingerprint Friday!<br /><br />Love,<br />KJKari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516107794884094735noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310014153651256222.post-22660980392883844942009-10-08T13:00:00.000-05:002009-10-08T13:02:37.063-05:00Christmas...I know that it's not even Halloween yet but I think about Christmas as soon as the New Year starts - trying to figure out what I'm going to get people next year, what will make an impact - I do this because there are about a MILLION people that I shop for every year and I swear that the list is only getting longer and longer!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6H68hEZ4oWL0tiCCGfSiH0wuXLy5P-Zqbf-2DUCLFJpuF21n7wjvH038cnZHK16whsLIf5gG_f0ztUfSeWaO39wrD0wLztyhlN-3fmJorI8WCdgDHFKNiXyfWTgL1psOTa4ZKKle64eI/s1600-h/christmas_tree.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 273px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6H68hEZ4oWL0tiCCGfSiH0wuXLy5P-Zqbf-2DUCLFJpuF21n7wjvH038cnZHK16whsLIf5gG_f0ztUfSeWaO39wrD0wLztyhlN-3fmJorI8WCdgDHFKNiXyfWTgL1psOTa4ZKKle64eI/s400/christmas_tree.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390290623274201570" /></a><br /><br />I know what I'm going to get a couple people - some are going to get something cute off of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5067587">PamperingBeki's</a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy</a> site. My dad is going to get something awesome IF I can get my brothers to pay attention to me long enough to do what I want them to do (we will see - if not, I'm going to have to come up with something different - great)!<br /><br />So, as I was sitting here thinking the other day of what I could get people this year, things that will top last year (that's going to be hard) my friend messaged me, told me that she bought some things off of this <a href="http://shop.thebreastcancersite.com/store/category.do?categoryId=339&siteId=224&origin=BCS_MSN_ADGROUP_GenericBreastCancer">site</a>, and some of the money spent went to help a great <a href="http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2">cause</a>! Then it dawned on me - I'm going to get people gifts that have more then one meaning the first being that it's awesome, the second that it's from me ;) and the third being that some of my money spent is going to help someone or an organization out. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMG0PXdnpTKvPJiqM15Pt6cgZlFKpqTNMb1Bpe42slFFos8G2Lwqe5J54dPPwkMqHO8oaCMYXmPq0cqSvdz3orFsENjOwsukLKUxl0m7Oho0sF5liNLBF6CZ5kxM8OiYxh1B4VjvgjHc/s1600-h/breast-cancer-ribbon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMG0PXdnpTKvPJiqM15Pt6cgZlFKpqTNMb1Bpe42slFFos8G2Lwqe5J54dPPwkMqHO8oaCMYXmPq0cqSvdz3orFsENjOwsukLKUxl0m7Oho0sF5liNLBF6CZ5kxM8OiYxh1B4VjvgjHc/s400/breast-cancer-ribbon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390290642993188450" /></a><br /><br />I know there are a million organizations that need help, so they sell many, many things. From shirts, to jewelry, to ANYTHING!! The problem is I have problems finding these kinds of sites - because of my friend I have put the Breast Cancer Site on my list to buy from, but what are other sites that are like that. It doesn't have to be for Cancer - it can help out Africa or another 3rd world country, it could be something that helps out under privileged kids here in our own country - I just need your help to find these sites? So, my question to you - do you know of any awesome sites, that I can get some great Christmas gifts off of (for anyone Moms, Dads, kids, boys, girls, etc...) and where some, if not all, the proceeds go to help them out?!!??<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycjxKQM7fOL8Kzvo4kq4OhmnGJwSc-_iCW-bDGtmFifoQSc-M5JqKy5Sz16Sz8dXmiD14FZ06Z2r-nSM7y6uiUm6unEBvmW4zIwhmlOq6livBF5fGPrkMk-0rQFYK7CbXq_El-sd53S4/s1600-h/Presents.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycjxKQM7fOL8Kzvo4kq4OhmnGJwSc-_iCW-bDGtmFifoQSc-M5JqKy5Sz16Sz8dXmiD14FZ06Z2r-nSM7y6uiUm6unEBvmW4zIwhmlOq6livBF5fGPrkMk-0rQFYK7CbXq_El-sd53S4/s400/Presents.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390290650578268754" /></a><br /><br />I try to be a good person and I might not always have it together, I might struggle with money from time to time but I know that I'm lucky to have a family by my side, that I have a job. And isn't this what Christmas is all about - Celebrating the life of our Saviour but also helping others out who are not as lucky as we are?<br /><br />Thanks for listening to me today and if you know of any sites - please, please, please pass them along - anything and everything would be great!<br /><br />Love,<br />KJ<br /><br />P.S. - I've come to realize that the link for the BC shop has other sites as well to support but I'm still looking for ideas and other sites to shop on. Thanks!Kari Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516107794884094735noreply@blogger.com1