Forever and a Day

Missing....

2011-03-21T12:51:00.000-05:00

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!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!!

<3 KJ

Recap of everything!

2010-04-17T21:12:00.000-05:00

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!

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!! :)

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!

Anyway, I hope you all have a great weekend and I will be back!! :)

Love, KJ

Long, Long time...

2010-03-31T16:42:00.000-05:00

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!

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.

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.

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!!

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!!

Have a great weekend, a very happy Easter, and thank you for being so understanding in why I've been MIA for so long!!

Love,
KJ

1 week 3 days down...

2010-02-17T15:54:00.001-06:00

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!!

Love,
KJ

Army - 19d!

2010-01-29T10:33:00.003-06:00

Cavalry Scout: Army 19d!

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.

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.

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.

This is something he has always wanted, this is the time that it was supposed to happen. Everything is falling into place.

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!

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.

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!

I love him, I will support him, I will do anything to help him make this possible. This is his dream.

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!

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.

Love,
KJ

So Nice....

2010-01-13T08:30:00.000-06:00

I was choose by Sarah 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!!

This award requires you to list 7 interesting things about yourself and tag 7 other bloggers!

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!

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 :)

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!!

Now the lucky 7 people I give this award to are:

* Clare

* Tina

* Angel

* Libbie

* Jen M.

* Jenny

* Jennifer H.

New Years Resolution 2010

2010-01-12T09:56:00.004-06:00

Since 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!

1. Get Organized/De-clutter!

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!

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!

* There are other things that go along with this resolution but I will, some day soon, address that in another post*

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!

Love,
KJ

Miss Me??!!

2010-01-07T10:20:00.002-06:00

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)!!

The holidays were awesome - I will start with Thanksgiving (since it's been THAT long and all)!

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.

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.

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!!

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.

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.

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!!

Love,
KJ

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2009-11-26T08:00:00.000-06:00

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!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Love,
KJ

Prayer - once again!

2009-11-24T15:29:00.000-06:00

*Update: 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!

Original Post:
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!

an old picture of the family - it was Easter last year!

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 :)

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.

The kids - the newest picture I could find from this October at Church

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.

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.

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.

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!

Scott- he hasn't changed at all even though this is a little older!

Thanks so much for everything!

Love,
KJ

Fight for Preemies

2009-11-17T15:49:00.000-06:00

I 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 March of Dimes 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!

Today, November 17th, they have asked for people who blog to blog about their Fight For Preemies 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!!

Here is just some of the info from their page - thanks for reading this and knowing how important it is!

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.

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.

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.

November 17 is dedicated to raising awareness of the crisis of premature birth. The March of Dimes invites bloggers like you to get involved.

• Learn about premature birth at marchofdimes.com/fightforpreemies
• Put a badge on your blog during November, Prematurity Awareness Month®
• On November 17, blog for a baby you love and to help others

We need to fight ― because babies shouldn't have to

Love,
KJ

Countdown to Christmas - Week 1!

2009-11-11T10:51:00.002-06:00

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!

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?!

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.

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!!

I hope everyone else has a great loss week!!

Love, KJ

Fingerprint Friday

2009-11-06T10:10:00.000-06:00

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of god
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of god
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of god
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 join in.
---------------------------------------------------------

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.

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.

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):

NBC, msnbc.com and news services
updated 1 hour, 54 minutes ago

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In a separate interview, Cone said survivors have told him the shooter carried out his gunfire in "a very calm and measured approach."

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.' "

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."

'Friendly fire'
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.

The official spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss matters that were under investigation.

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.

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.

‘Sir, they are opening fire over there!’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.

"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.

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.

Fort Hood's Cone praised the soldiers for their quick reaction.

"God bless these soldiers," Cone said. "As horrible as this was it could have been worse."

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.

Her mother, Lisa Pfund, told the Sheboygan Press that she spoke briefly to Bahr after she was taken to a community hospital.

"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."

Shock
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.

"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."

The wounded were dispersed among hospitals in central Texas, Cone said. Their identities and the identities of the dead were not immediately released.

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.

There will also be a ceremony at the air base to honor the dead.

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.

"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.

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.

Anger about looming deployment?
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

© 2009 msnbc.com

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.

Love,
KJ

Countdown to Christmas - Loosing some extra pounds!

2009-11-04T09:50:00.000-06:00

My blogger friend Sarah has some awesome blogs out there - she has a cooking in Germany blog, a real life blog, and a weight loss blog!! 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 Dawne 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!!

1. Choose a specific, realistic goal that you can achieve by December 25th.
2. Post weekly updates (you choose the day) about your progress.
3. Decide on a gift (reward) that you’ll give yourself when you meet your goal.

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).

2. I will post on Wednesday on how I'm doing and how the week went for me.

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!

Thanks everyone for the support in advance and wish me luck, it's going to be a fun ride!

Love,
KJ

Swag Bucks...

2009-11-03T16:01:00.002-06:00

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 The Foster Family 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:

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.

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.

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.

Third - any friend YOU get to sign up, you earn 1 buck for each buck they earn!

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!

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!

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!

Happy Tuesday!!

Love, KJ

Prayers for Stellan

2009-10-30T13:45:00.000-05:00

Hey 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!

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.

For updates on how he is doing you can go to his MckMama's page and read her blog or if you have twitter you can follow her there as well.

Thanks,
KJ

Fingerprint Friday

2009-10-30T13:30:00.000-05:00

Give Away Day!

2009-10-27T13:07:00.002-05:00

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!

1. Beki @ PamperingBeki 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!

2. Nicole @ Chatty Nicole 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!

3. Jennifer @ The Foster Family 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!

Happy giveaway day!!
Love,
KJ

Chrstmas Ornament Swap

2009-10-26T09:59:00.001-05:00

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!!

Wish List Wednesday!

2009-10-21T11:49:00.000-05:00

This week Jennifer at The Foster Family 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!

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

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,

Mike Watherly - Ever since I started watching NCIS I've loved him. ;)

Gerald Butler - From 300 to P.S. I Love You he has had my heart. Yum!

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!

Happy Wednesday!

Love,
KJ

I got another one :)

2009-10-20T10:20:00.000-05:00

Because Sarah rocks - she gave me another award and I would very much like to thank her for that. You rock Sarah!

I found Sarah's blog 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! :)

So- here is what I have to do next (and you also of course) -

I nominate:

1. Clare @ The Snyder Family

2. Tina @ Welcome to Jonas' World

3. Nicole @ Chatty Nicoley

and make sure you thank the person who nominated you for the award - it's just nice :)

Happy Tuesday!

Love,
KJ

Fingerprint Friday

2009-10-16T08:00:00.001-05:00

Why

2009-10-15T10:18:00.000-05:00

I'm sure that all of you have been brought up to speed about the 120 pound - 5'10" model Filippa Hamilton 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.

I'm sure you have also heard of the "plus sized" model, Lizzi Miller 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.

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.

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!

*This was close to my "bigger" weight

* This is me now - happy, "smaller"

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".

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?

Thanks to everyone for listening and I hope you all have a great Thursday! Come back for Fingerprint Friday!

Love,
KJ

Fingerprint Friday

2009-10-09T11:45:00.000-05:00

Christmas...

2009-10-08T13:00:00.000-05:00

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!!

I know what I'm going to get a couple people - some are going to get something cute off of PamperingBeki's Etsy 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)!

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 site, and some of the money spent went to help a great cause! 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.

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?!!??

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?

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!

Love,
KJ

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!

Blog Award - My First!!

2009-10-07T15:00:00.000-05:00

I got this cute little award from Sarah at An Army Wife's Life, I don't know Sarah but her blog is awesome and you should read it. I love reading all things military (due to my family) but I also like to read and learn how the other side - the wives, kids, family - are doing! So, thank you very much for the award Sarah!

1. Where is your cell phone... Next to me on the desk

2. Your hair... Being held back with my sunglasses

3. Your mother... (step-mom) I'm guessing she is at work

4. Your father... Dad is either at work or helping Uncle Joe with harvest

5. Your favorite food... Pizza!

6. Your dream from last night... I'm not sure from last night - that's a good thing, because the dreams I remember are usually the bad ones

7. Your favorite drink... Water with a mix-in!

8. Your dream/goal... To someday be a great wife and mom - that or succeed at an awesome job

9. What room are you in... The front room of work aka my "office"

10. What is your hobby... Babysitting, reading, blogging - even if I slack

11. What is your fear... Thunderstorms, spiders

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years... So many options, that I can't pick or say just one right now :)

13. Where were you last night... Babysitting, then talking to Jess, then off to the bf's house

14. Something you are not... A liar

15. Muffins?... I LOVE the fiber one apple muffins

16. Wish List items... Nintendo Wii <-- I agree with Sarah

17. Where did you grow up... Kansas

18. Last thing you did... I'm sad to say that I turned on "The Hills" online to listen to - but I'm not sad to say that this season isn't that great!

19. What are you wearing... T-Shirt and jeans

20. Your TV.... When I'm home it's sooo many different things - Ghost Hunters, Grey's, Hoarders, etc...

21. Your pets... Bailey (dog) and Tux (cat)

22. Your friends... Are all over the place but that just gives me more places to go on vacation!

23. Your life... Is interesting right now - I'm sitting aside, looking at the paths in front of me

24. Your mood... Today I'm doing well

25. Missing someone... My dad, Clare, Fiona, Mom and Dad Lonergan, etc..

26. Vehicle... Altima

27. Something your not wearing... Make-up

28. Your favorite store... Right now it's all the wonderful Etsy stores

29. Your favorite color... Pink!

30. When's the last time you laughed... Talking to Randy at work

31. When's the last time you cried... I teared up last night

32. Your best friend... I have sooo many, if I leave you off - I'm sorry! Clare, Lou, Jen, Alan...

33. One place you go over and over... On a nice day - the park

34. One person who emails me regularly... Clare

35. Favorite place to eat?... Panera

Okay - Now I'm supposed to nominate 6 people to do this along with me and give them the awesome award. I know that I have 12 followers but some don't have blogs, so I'm just going to do the ones I can - minus Sarah of course! :)

The Lucky Ones Are -

Clare

Jenny

Jennifer

Tina

Nicole

Have fun!!

Love,
KJ

Fingerprint Friday

2009-10-02T10:30:00.000-05:00

Walk, Walk, Walk...

2009-09-30T10:04:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday my friend L and I went to Breckenridge Park to walk in the Alzheimer's Walk. When her grandfather passed away he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's - so we walk in honer of him - our team is called "Friends of Fred".

As always it's a blast, we get there, check in, get our shirts, walk around, get some breakfast, and then start the walk. It's not very long at all only 1.5 miles, so L asked if we could do it twice. I had NO problem with that - it was a nice day, warm but not dying hot, plus the park is nice and shady so it worked out perfect! So we ended up walking 3 miles total. When we got back to the base site it really just looked like we were slow and the last people to get back in.

To make everything even better, we brought her dog, Guido, along with us. L always has funny stories about him when they walk and how he will just stop, lay down and be done - sidewalk, peoples yards, etc... SO to be on the safe side I told her to bring her doggie backpack and I told her I would wear it while we walked, even if Guido decided he was done and wanted in. WELL - only a few people actually commented on it to our faces, who knows how many people said something when we couldn't hear them, but the ones who said something to us thought it was great! Guido did an awesome job walking the 3 miles and did not quit on us once! I'm sure it helped that when they set up water stations for the humans they also had set up bowls for the dogs also, they really thought ahead! ALSO at the base camp they had a little tent for the dogs - they gave away bandannas and a bag with some treats and a poop bag! It was awesome!

After we did our 3 miles and went back to base camp we took some pictures, walked around for a few minutes and then decided that Guido needed to be put in the backpack - tired or not! You knew that was coming, right? There is no was that I carried that thing around all morning and was NOT going to put that dog in the pack (not in a mean way - but a fun and happy way :)! So, we out him in, I put the backpack on and he chilled out. He didn't have any problems being in there. I'm pretty sure he was thinking "Why did I walk all the time when someone would have carried me around all day?"! He was cool with being the backpack while I had it on my back - BUT the thing also rolled!! So, we took it off and rolled him around in it as well. This wasn't on his happy list - he didn't bark or cry or anything but he was moving around a lot when before he was very still and relaxed. Thankfully for Guido we were done for the day and on our way to the car.

As we were leaving we were trying to think of some dog friendly places to we could go too. We ended up at Starbucks for some coffee and breakfast. Guido enjoyed this because I'm sucker for him - he loved the bagel I ended up getting and he also got some ice water to drink as well! So, all in all Guido ended up having a pretty awesome day with us!

After that we went out separate ways - L and Guido went home and I went to the BF's house to take a nap. I ended up sleeping a LOT longer then I wanted to but it felt great to catch up on some sleep. That night the BF and I went out with some friend and THAT is a whole different blog in it's self!

SO - next year we will be walking again. We are always looking for more people to walk with us - it's for a great cause and as you have read it's a very short walk. You don't even have to raise money BUT if you raise $100 then you get a shirt, I always put a high goal and usually only get the $100 but with things the way they are I'm happy with that. L's mom will be walking with us next year as well - it will be a great time and all for a good cause! Think about it and let me know!

Love,
KJ

Fall...

2009-09-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

I've been seeing all the blogs that I follow talking about the Fall and how much they are loving the cooler temperatures and everything that comes along with that! I can tell you that I was starting to get jealous. I really do love Fall - the clothes, the smells, the decorating - everything about it. The problem is that I live in South Texas and don't you know that we don't believe in Fall or Winter?! Well, this year I guess the weather got the memo - right on the first day of Fall!!

Keep in mind this is NOT what Texas looks like in the fall, well, at least the part of Texas I live in - BUT when I think of fall this is what I think of and LOVE!

All Summer we have been in a horrible drought, praying for rain, 100+ temperatures for over 70 days in a row - it was horrible! I know I have complained about this a million times in this blog but I never realized how BAD it really was until this Summer. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE hot weather, the swimming, being outside and then going into a cool house/store, I know I'm weird but I'm alright with that. Well, I know I picked one of the hottest places in the country to live but this Summer, like I said before, was above and beyond anything that we could have prepared for. Well, look out because Fall decided that it was going to make an entrance this year!

This is sooo what were were starting/already look like - so dry, cracked ground - it was very, very bad this year

We have had days of rain this week - and now for a couple weeks in a row! That's a HUGE deal when there was NO rain for soooo long! I always make fun of the weather people down here - I love that they tell us a "cold" front is going to come down, especially when it's not even October yet. Usually the "cold" front will put us in the mid 80's, something much, much better then the high 90's - 100's but that's not cold - that's cool! Well, they got it right this week!! For the past 3 days the highs have been in the mid 60's! Can you believe it?? Because I can't - I'm still in shock!! 60 degrees in September, usually we don't hit that until the beginning of November!! All week I have been wearing jeans, long sleeved t-shirts, and even a jacket at work (I still work in the Arctic circle when the boss is around - cold outside or hot, it doesn't matter it's ALWAYS cold in this office). I love that people think that we are going to freeze though. I know that living so far South you have thinner blood due to the fact the Summer's are SO hot - our bodies need to keep cool - so when it hits 60 degrees very, very fast (think at least a 30 degree temp change in a matter of hours)we get very, very cold. BUT I do not think that people need to be out wearing PARKAS with fur on the hoods!! It's not snowing nor do we have any kind of freeze warnings going on. It's just chilly and this is coming from someone who does NOT like the cold at all!

It's so amazing to go from the yucky, dry conditions to now seeing GREEN grass and trees again! LOVE IT

It does all make me wonder though - do you think we will keep our fall like weather and it's time to put away all the tank-tops and shorts or do you think that next week (like the weather man has predicted) we will go back into our 90 degree weather and this was just our long deserved break from the heat?? What do I think? I think the weather man will be right - this is way to soon in the season for us to be so chilly, I think that I'm going to keep my summer clothes out for just a little while longer and hope that I'm wrong. BUT I'm going to take advantage of this great weather and perfect night time snuggling with the windows open with my love. I'm going to soak up all the little kids, birds, animals in general playing outside in the puddles and mud.

So, for those of you who are lucky and have really started Fall and know that your summer is officially over - soak it up because at the rate the years have been passing it will be Summer all over again and we will have wondered where the wonderful Fall had gone to so fast!

Love,
KJ

*These pictures were "borrowed" off the Internet from people that I don't know - I am not claiming them as my own - fyi!

Fingerprint Friday

2009-09-25T09:15:00.000-05:00

Tag - I'm it!

2009-09-23T09:15:00.002-05:00

My Bloggy and real life friend, Clare tagged me with a fun quiz. Enjoy!

1. What time did you get up this morning? 6:45 but didn't get out of bed until 7!

2. How do you like your steak? Medium

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? I Love You Man - great movie!

4. What is your favorite TV show? Brothers and Sisters, Grey's, NCIS, and so many, many more - I'm a TV junkie!

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? I'm not 100% sure but some place I can fall again, spring and summer but no winters, does this place even exist?

6. What did you have for breakfast? Water and a Kashi bar

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Italian

8. What foods do you dislike? Black Olives - but I love green ones!

9. Favorite Place to Eat? Panera

10. Favorite dressing? Hidden Valley and Dorthy Lynch, together. <--- I always forget about this mixture until I go home and spend time with Clare and her mom, then I always remember how much I LOVE it!

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive? 2000 Altima

12. What are your favorite clothes? Jeans and a hoodie or a long sleeved t-shirt with flips!

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? Ireland

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? I really would like to say 1/2 full but sometimes it is 1/2 empty - it depends on the day and my mood

15. Where would you want to retire? Hmm, I'm not sure - but some place great!

16. Favorite time of day? After work, when I can go home, make dinner and just relax with my love

17. Where were you born? Topeka, KS

18. What is your favorite sport to watch? College Football

19. Bird watcher? Not so much

20. Are you a morning person or a night person? I'm more of a morning then night person - but I love the nights when I know I don't have to get up in the morning!

21. Do you have any pets? Yep, Bailey and Tux

22. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? Not right now... maybe in the feature

23. What did you want to be when you were little? A teacher, a mom, a doctor - so many times my mind has changed - even to this day

24. What is your best childhood memory? Summer vacations with my dad to Wisconsin to visit his sister and my cousins.

25. Are you a cat or dog person? More of a dog fan but I love my cat also!

26. Are you married? Nope

27. Always wear your seat belt? Yes, and you will never find me without one!

28. Been in a car accident? Yes - way to many to even count anymore

29. Any pet peeves? People who don't pay attention when they drive, it's scare to see a car coming right for you because they just aren't paying attention!

30. Favorite Pizza Topping? Ham and pineapple <--- Clare, we have WAY to much in common, it's like we have known each other for like 20 years or something! :)

31. Favorite Flower? Lillie's

32. Favorite ice cream? Cookies 'n Cream

33. Favorite fast food restaurant? Chick-fil-a or Taco Bell

34. How many times did you fail your driver's test? Zero

35. From whom did you get your last email? Not sure - already deleted everything and read everything that I should have

36. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Target

37. Do anything spontaneous lately? Hmm, nope

38. Like your job? I do, but I'm interested on where it will take me after a few more years

39. Broccoli? Steamed

40. What was your favorite vacation? There have been so many great ones these days - Dallas and Corpus with Alan, the Cruise with Lou Lou, going home for Fiona's 1st birthday!! I can't choose just one, I loved them all

41. Last person you went out to dinner with? Alan

42. What are you listening to right now? NCIS: LA <--- listening to it at work since I missed it last night!

43. What is your favorite color? Pink!

44. How many tattoos do you have? 2

45. Coffee Drinker? Yep, but not everyday

46.What time did you finish this quiz? 9:13 am

I'm supposed to tag people who I want to do this BUT I really don't know anyone besides Clare and Tina in the Bloggy world - SO, my task for you - if you read my blog and I don't know you - leave me a comment and tell me about you and then go back and do this fun little quiz and tag your friends!

Love,
KJ

Not Me, Monday!!

2009-09-21T10:26:00.004-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I of course am not sitting here, on this wonderful Monday morning... not thinking what I should post in a Not Me! Monday... I ALWAYS know what I should put!

I am of course NOT thinking about how I STILL have not put up the rest of my cruise pictures. I am always on top of everything and never, ever put off anything to the last minute, ever!

This weekend was not good or bad all at the same time. The weekends of course are always filled with great times and sleeping in!

I of course did not celebrate a 1/2 was to St. Patrick's Day event this weekend. I of course did not get referred to being the NEW member a million times, even after being a member of this group for 2 years now. I was not asked if I was three different people's wife (at different times of course) just because I was sitting there having a conversation with a man.

I did not love every single moment of the Hooley (the party, that's what it's called), watching the dancers, eating great food, being with friends, and just being involved with a great organization in general!

Sunday of course was great! I did not get to Church, have something happen (WAY to embarrassing to tell, if it did happen and all), and then WAIT until everyone was IN Church to leave. That way I didn't have to talk to anyone and tell them what WASN'T going on. I was not embarrassed at all!!

I of course I did not get home, have a little break down because life just seemed to not be going my way... CVS of course does everything right, Church was crazy, and my mind was just in overload. BUT you know that didn't happen because even if my mind is in overload I can ALWAYS handle what is going on, no breakdowns for me!! :)

What did you NOT do this week? Want to share with us? Then go and link up to MckMama's blog and let us know!!

Have a great Monday!!
Love,
KJ

Fingerprint Friday

2009-09-11T09:54:00.005-05:00

Vacation Recap... Day 1!

2009-09-09T10:41:00.008-05:00

So, I've been slacking. Partly due to catching up to work, partly due to the fact that I'm convinced that I'm dying (not really, but to those who don't know... I have BAD allergies, year round, and since I've seen an allergist on a regular time frame I've been great... that is until the rain *yup, we got some rain, but that is a whole different long side note* and the mold... they together will be the death of me), and finally partly due to the fact I'm just lazy!!

Our awesome cruise ship

Well, now it's time to play catch up and hope that I can remember all the awesome things that happened and that I'm so sad is slowly drifting away to the past! If you remember this post I let you know that I was going to Cozumel, Mexico. I was lucky enough that my friend L invited me along. There were 16 people total that went along for the "ride". L and I, her mom and dad, her aunt and uncle, then some other family members and some family friends. They were an awesome group of people, it was so great to get to know all of them!

Some of the girls on the trip

On Wednesday, L and I left for Galveston... it was a fun little car trip. We stopped at Bucce's, stoped to get some dinner, and managed to miss the crazy traffic in Houston. When we got to Galveston, we met up with some of her family at the hotel, hung out at the pool while drinking a couple beers, then headed up to bed. I soooo did not sleep very well, I was WAY to excited to be leaving. There was WAY to much going on in my head!!

Thursday morning we got up, walked down the road got a great breakfast, then walked back to the hotel to get our things together. We took two cars, one for people, one for bags (the immediate group we were with)... it worked out PERFECT!! After all of that we got into line to get all our things for the ship, got on, and just hung out on the deck while everyone else was getting on. It was nice, drinks were being served along with lunch, people exploring the ship, just relaxing! The ship took off right on time, we said goodbye to Galveston and hit the open seas!

Goodbye Galveston

That night we hung around, seeing what kind of things we had available. We were lucky and had early dinner (at 6 pm... late dinner was at 8:15) so, we went to get dressed for dinner, enjoyed meeting our waiters for the couple of days we would be seeing them, and had a great dinner. My first impression was that it was sooo much better then I thought it was going to be, this impression never left. After dinner we went and changed back into comfy cloths, walked around... found the awesome neon/piano bar, watched a show, and just hung out.

L and I at dinner the frist night

The Pink Elephant in the Neon/Paino Bar

It was a fun and exciting first day on a cruise... that's about the first day in a nut shell... more to come tomorrow :)

Love,
KJ

Fingerprint Friday

2009-09-04T14:05:00.003-05:00

Fingerprint Friday

2009-08-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

I'm off...

2009-08-26T08:00:00.001-05:00

Today at 4 pm cdt I'm off... I'm going to my frind L's house and we are loading up my car to hit the road.

We are driving to Galveston... I think we are going to take our time, stopping at this place (even though I have something against it, not sure why... but I do)

We are meeting up with her family, spending the night on the island. In the morning we will get up, eat breakfast, pack up and head to Port Galveston where we will get on one of these...

I'm sooo excited, I've never been on one before. I have saved and saved for pretty much a year to do this. It is soooo going to pay off! After we get on the ship, we are going to go to this place...

(Cozumel, not Playa Del Carmen)

While there we are going to zip line, eat great Mexican food, shop, and just hang out!! It's going to be a new adventure and I can't wait!! I do need your help though, cross your fingers that one of these doesn't head our way, while we are in the Gulf of Mexico or still not home (diving back to SA) for that matter...

I'm going to write a Fingerprint Friday post but I'm not going to be able to link it to Beki... so, come back and see it! I hope you have a great couple of days... See you back next week with some trip recaps and pictures!

Love,
KJ

Not Me, Monday!!

2009-08-24T14:19:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

This week MckMama is doing a Not MY Child, Monday!! I don't have any babies so I'm sticking to Not Me! Monday!

This past week:

I most certainly did not do laundry and find clothes that I forgot that I even owned... if I did that, it would mean that I had a lot of laundry to do... Don't you know I always do my laundry... every week!!!

I also did not pull cloths out for the cruise I'm going on later this week, that way I wouldn't have to do laundry again! Not me, I love doing laundry!!

I did not almost fall asleep while being out this weekend. I did not have a million people tell me to wake up. I did not tell a million people that I just wanted to go to bed. This of course didn't happen all weekend!

I am not leaving on a cruise this week, I am not sooooo excited to not only be with my friend, to go on a cruise, but to be away from work for 3 days!!

I also do not come back for 4 days and then have another day off (Labor Day), nope, I would plan trips around holidays...

I of course have not written a couple of blogs for this week to post while I'm gone... nope, I wouldn't care if someone wanted to read my blog, because I would be gone!

I am also not excited to come back and post all the pictures and document every.single.day of the cruise... nope, I"m pretty sure no one cares!! ;)

ON that note, you should share what you DID not do this week... or share what your child would not do... soooo much fun!!

Love, KJ

Fingerprint Friday

2009-08-21T10:37:00.004-05:00

My Crazy Saturday...

2009-08-19T14:02:00.005-05:00

So, after my Not Me! Monday, I've wanted to go more into detail about my fun and memorable Saturday afternoon, so here goes nothing -

It all started out with a trip to a local location (this will still stay a secret because some people can not now, as of right now, what we were up too) where I meet up with a friend. I decided to leave my purse in the car - grabbed my camera, phone, money, bank card, cash, and keys (now, looking at this, I should have taken the purse... that's a lot) put them in pockets and we did our thing! While we were there, we decided that we were going to go to lunch and then we both had some errands to run and running errands is ALWAYS more fun with a friend then by yourself (at least it is for me)! So, we went to Panera and then around the corner to Paciugo (it's awesome Gelato - the best! If you live or are in San Antonio, go to this place... it's sooooo worth it)! After that we ran to a photo shop and then to this place:

I love this place, I love the deal, the quality of the things, the people... everything makes me happy. I need to get a birthday present and some small things and some other things, that like always Target can convince me that I need!! Well, while walking through the store (remember, I do not have my purse with me) I sat this down on the seat of the cart:

We finished walking through the store, went to check out, as I was checking out my friend told me she was going to put the cart away, while I finished and before her turn! Awesome, one less thing to do as we walk out of the store! Well, when she got finished checking out we left and started to get in the car. This is when I realized that I did not have my phone, so, we walked quickly back up to the store and inside... no one could have taken the care that fast, right?! WRONG!!! It was gone, no where to be seen! The nice people helped us look in the carts as my friend called and called the phone. Nothing, not a peep came from any of the carts! I was crushed! This stupid phone was an early birthday present from the boyfriend, it had my life on it, passwords, bank accounts, EVERYTHING! I was soooo mad at myself!! Why couldn't I just put the phone in my pocket!! Well, we left Target, no phone and my friends phone number with the people, hoping someone out there would turn in my phone! Saturday came and went... no phone call, no nothing! Sunday got here, still no phone... lots of telling people at Church that I lost it, I had no phone numbers anymore, let alone the times and dates people needed me to watch their kids!!

So, on Sunday I had been planning on going to my other friends daughters 5th birthday party! I was taking Ella with me, so I got her from Church, went and got the boyfriend and started the drive to Boerne (it's about 20 min from SA). While we were there, I had to inform more people that the phone was gone and I had no phone numbers anymore. As we were there, another friend came out with the boyfriends phone, said it was ringing, she looked and it said my name and number!!!!! So, of course she answered, she knew it was lost and I was there, why would I call him?! So, a great, kind lady was on the other end, telling me she found it... in the cart!!! She wanted to know what to do with the phone, should she hold on to it and I can meet her some place or should she leave it there?! I told her to leave it and when I took Ella home I would pick it up. I called Target, talked to a manager (at the advice of the boyfriend, and told them the situation. The boyfriend didn't like that I was going to wait all day (I was not about to load a 4 year old into the car, at the birthday party to leave, get a phone and go back to the party, to turn around later and do it again), so he went allll the way back to SA to pick up my phone and bring it to me!!!

I love this story, not only because I got my phone back but because it made me see that there are great people out there. That if you're a good person, and try to do the right thing that it will come back to you, when you need it too. My faith in people was reassured that night, knowing that lady could have taken my phone and sold it, used it, did what ever she wanted with it. BUT she didn't, she called people to find me (she even called my dad, he called me back, very confused of course - he didn't know it was lost yet) I wish I could have met this lady. I would have told her how awesome she is, how when she needs something good to happen for her, it will because she did it for me!

I know that the next time I find something that is not mine, it's going straight (not that I wouldn't anyway) to someone who can take care of it, until it's owner is found. Thanks Lady for being awesome, you really did make my life so much better, even in ways you will never know!

Love,
KJ

After thought- I have also learned my lesson - if I'm going to have any thing with me, I need to make sure I have my purse. No more laying ANYTHING down, ever!!

Not Me, Monday!!

2009-08-17T15:47:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I of course do not LOVE Not ME! Mondays... nope, I of course do not look forward to doing it, reading other people's or count down the hours until I can do it!! Nope, not me...

I also do not look forward to the time my boss is not in the office! I of course do not wait for him to leave so I can play games, read news articles, or write blogs... No way!! I have WAY to much work to do around here!!

I am soooo not annoyed that work as slowed down, meaning everyone is hanging around the office more then ever, including the guys who work outside! I of course LOVE that everyone is here, all the time! I of course do not mind that they are here, making me look like I'm working! Don't you know... I have TONS of things I could do, I would NEVER want to play on the Internet at work! NOPE NOT ME!!

I did not go to a 5 year old's birthday party and have a blast this weekend! I of course did not chicken out to go down the 18 foot water slide they had! I of course did not laugh at every single person (adult) that managed to get up and go down... flying full speed... and manage to hurt themselves in some way (not serious... at least on the slide)!!

I did not FINALLY get back to Church this weekend. Don't you know, I go every weekend that I'm in town. I really do love my Church, so I would NOT have a hard time waking up Sunday mornings to get down there!

I also did not go on a super secret mission. Taking pictures of things, to keep an eye on things... I don't sneak around anywhere, I of course would not pretend to be a visitor in the city I live in!!

I did not also have a blast doing this with my friend, who after wards went to lunch with me, then we did not go and get the most amazing Italian Gelato ever! I also did not get the medium size when the small would have been perfect... I also did not eat EVERY bite. Nope, no way, no how... I can control my urges to eat sweets, always!!

I also did not set my wonderful iPhone down in the cart at target... two weekends before school starts (so crazy busy), forget that I set it down and leave it in the cart. I DID remember not even 5 minutes after we returned the cart, tooooo bad someone had taken the care already! Nope, I always carry my purse with me and make sure I have EVERYTHING before I leave a store!

I also did not put my blind faith into karma and God, that it would bring me back a phone, nope... I do not ask silly things from God and karma. I did not tell myself a million times that I'm a good person, who does good things... so there are other good people out there who would do what I would... turn the phone in.

I was not told by everyone that I would not get my phone back, that I needed to cancel service right away, I of course listened so well (I was giving it until this morning). Nope, I listen to ever single piece of advice I'm given!

I also am not soooo happy that I soooo didn't listen to those people. I did not get a phone call (while I'm 30 min outside the city, at a birthday party) that a lady had found my phone! That she wasn't calling me too ask what she should do! That she didn't find it IN THE CART at Target! YAY!!! I was not of course happy, my friends of course were not stunned that there are good people, and of course did not thank God and karma for making good people!! Nope, not me!!

I also did not get yelled at by said friends for not leaving right that second to go and pick up said phone from Target... So the boyfriend, did not drop everything, leave the party, and go pick up the phone for me! No way would he be that awesome and do such a great thing! I of course do not love him at all ;)!

I hope you have a great Monday!!

Love,
KJ

Fingerprint Friday

2009-08-14T10:14:00.002-05:00

Not Me, Monday!!

2009-08-10T13:43:00.004-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Two whole weeks in a row that I've been on top of doing my thing, but you know that is normal but it's Not Me that wouldn't blog for a week or longer!

This weekend I declared that today, Monday, that I WILL be going back to the gym, to get my butt back in shape for a cruise I'm going on very, very soon. BUT it's Not Me who is sitting here, thinking that I soooo don't want to go today and I will start back on Wednesday, nope I'm top of feeling good again, I would NOT put if off a day longer!!

I'm not sitting here trying to recall things that I want to write about today, that isn't ME, I remember EVERYTHING, I of course do not ever forget what I want to NOT ME about...

I of course DO keep thinking about things to say, but can not post... they are not family friendly... BUT that is also not ME! I do not partake in things that I can not post about, I'm a 100% good girl, 100% of the time :)

I am of course NOT counting down the days until my cruise, nope, I'm not excited at all for this to happen! NOT ME!

I also do not think that I'm going to close this down for the day, do to me being able to thing of SOOOOO many things that I DID NOT do this week!

Have a wonderful Monday!

Love,
KJ

Fingerprint Friday...

2009-08-07T09:09:00.003-05:00

I ♥ ....

2009-08-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

Sweet, Sweet baby feet! They are the best... I would eat them up if I could. I'm sad this picutre isn't a little bit better but you get the idea! I can't wait until Christmas when I get to see feet again, they will be bigger but I know I will still want to eat them up!

Love you Fiona!

Not Me, Monday!!

2009-08-03T09:41:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I have not missed Not Me! Monday! once again... remember I'm on top of this ALL.THE.TIME I would never, ever not post.

Oh, I also would not have slacked for an entire week either! Nope, not me. I love to blog, so it would be silly for me to go an entire week of not blogging!

I also did not spend an extended weekend in Topeka/Kansas City, Kansas. Nope, I would never go THERE! ;)

I also did not have some of the best times helping Clare move from Topeka to Kansas City while I was there... and love it!

I did not enjoy the time I got to have with her in the car, talking about everything... like we see each other everyday. Not that we live miles and miles and miles apart!

I did not LOVE spending some much needed time with Fiona, nope, I do not love that girl more the life it's self. I did not enjoy giving her so many gifts for her birthday (okay, some were STILL from Easter, but I don't care... ;).

I did NOT have to use a bigger suite case to fit all her gifts in the airplane... I also did not have to STILL carry one gift on the plane.

I also did not try to take said bag onto the airplane, realized it was to big but still shove it in the overhead compartment... nope, I follow ALL rules. ALWAYS!

I did not only see my dad for a little bit of time while I was there, this did not upset me, I'm strong.

I also did not try to convince him to come to Texas to see me, nope, I'm fine with only seeing him once a year. It doesn't make me sad at all, not.one.bit!

On the way back to Texas, I was not stuck in airports or airplanes for 12 hours. Nope, things run on time when I'm around... always, nothing ever brakes

Oh yeah, the airplane did not have a fuel leak... nope, not at all

I was not annoyed, not one bit, I took it with stride and was able to not have a mental break down in the Kansas City Airport! I do not have break downs, I'm collected at all times!

I also did not FINALLY get back to Texas to yell at the boyfriend when he picked me up, due of course, to not being stressed out from sitting in airplanes and airports for 12 hours (I could have drove from KC to SA in that amount of time... at least I would have been making progress!).

Life is crazy, I know this but sometimes I just can't help it, and I didn't do... because you know... it's NOT ME!! :)

Happy Monday,
KJ

Finger Print Friday...

2009-07-24T08:00:00.001-05:00

Ruby Red Shoes...

2009-07-23T09:54:00.007-05:00

So, I'm going to Kansas today... I'm soooo excited to be going. I usually only go about once a year and that is for Christmas but because of this little girl, her Mama, and her Dad I'm going twice this year...

I wasn't planning on going up twice so I planned another trip this year and used most of my PTO from work. So with the ONE day I have off and just missing some hours I am going because of this little girl and I love her so much. Clare is a great friend has made me part of Fiona's life even when I live so far away, I couldn't ask for a better "sister" (she is the reason I made it up twice last year, due to that baby girl being born).

So, this afternoon, I'm getting on an airplane and will go to KC where my dad will pick me up. I'm so happy that I'm going to get to see him, I wasn't sure that it was going to happen since this is such a fast trip (today - Sunday) and since I'm going for Fiona's birthday. He understands though, Clare and I have been friends since 1st grade, we have been through so much together and he knows how much I love her family. I'm trying to convince him to come and see me over labor day, I will keep you updated on that one ;). Anyway, after my dad picks me we will drive about an hour and a half to this place (Topeka, the capital, in case you didn't know). It's my home town, I used to hate it with a passion, along with the whole state of Kansas. Since then I've changed my mind. It's amazing how much your mind changes as you grow up. I love the green grass and trees, the hills, the flat plains, everything about it is so much more now that I don't have it everyday.

Friday, I'm going to get a phone call from Clare when she is on her way back to Topeka (Clare, JR, and Fiona have all moved to KC) to finish cleaning up the house here and to move some last minute things with the help of my dad's truck. So, I will meet her at the house, do what I can to help (or sit there and entertain her, sometimes that is all you need... but I'm willing to do my part), move the boxes, and *cross your fingers* we can go and grab a quick lunch at Old Chicago
(it is by far the best place to eat when I am home, at least in my opinion that is... and there isn't one here so, you get the point). After that she will follow me back to my dad's house so we can drop off his truck and then I will go to KC with her to hang out with Fiona, Mom, Dad, Clare and JR...

Saturday I will hang out with the Snyder's and Lonergan's and on Sunday they will take me back to the airport, where I will get back on a plane, say goodbye to my loves and come back to San Antonio. As I sit here and write this I'm already upset. I hate leaving them, I hate that I won't see anyone again until Christmas (maybe my dad if he comes in September). It breaks my heart they are so far away, it breaks my heart that I won't be able to see my dad for more then one short night but at the same time I'm so happy that I'm even able to go up for the weekend, that I was invited to celebrate Fiona's birthday with her. It's such a mix of emotions but what do you do? Well, I'm off for now, I need to finish my work up at the office so I can leave early and make sure I'm on the plane! Have a great weekend and Fingerprint Friday's will be up tomorrow!

Love,
KJ

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FIONA

2009-07-23T07:00:00.001-05:00

Happy birthday Fiona...

You're such a speical little girl, to me and to so many others. In your little life you have showen me so much joy throuh you, your parents, and through thouse who love you. You can make me smile so much just by looking at a picture or hearing you "talk" on the phone when you're supposed to be sleeping.

I can't belive that I've only gotten to hold you a hand full of time since you've been born but that doens't mean I don't love you more then you will ever know! I have told your mommmy a million time that I don't want you to grow up, that I don't want to miss out on this part of your life just because I live so far away BUT I'm so excited for you to grow up. For you to see life, to see how God leads you down your path and what that path will do for you! I can't wait until your old enough for us to convice your mommy that you can come down to see me, all by yourslef... we will do so many thing together but for now, I'm still in shock that you are 1 year old today.

You are an amazing little girl Fiona, I can not wait to see this next year of your life and how much more joy you will bring to those around you.

I love you little girl!

Love,
Aunt Kari

Happy Birthday 07/23/08

Fiona - 11 months old (I think... Clare might change this for me... I love you)!

I WON!!!

2009-07-22T10:03:00.004-05:00

So... I just HAD to post about this!! I never win ANYTHING, EVER!! I always tell people that I don't even bother due to the fact it's not worth my time. Well, Beki from PapmeringBeki posted this blog one day and I thought why not! I LOVE these reusable snack/sandwich bags and I have a feeling when I get back from Mexico I will be buying more. I take my lunch to work every other week with me, so it would be nice to use this instead of baggies and causing even more trash in the landfills! WELL, when she posted this contest, I thought what the heck... I might as well TRY, I wouldn't be surprised if I didn't win... if I did win it would make.my.day. Well this morning I went to her blog and read this awesome recipes for lettuce wraps and at the bottom she posted the winner, and there was MY NAME!!!! I had to actually click the link to make sure it was ME... remember I never win anything and when I saw MY blog come up it was AWESOME!!! So, I just had to let everyone know that it is worth the effort to try to win because sometimes, you actually win! I can't wait to get my bag in the mail and when I do I will for sure tell you how it is!

Thanks again Beki, you have restored my faith in contests and I'm sooo stoked to get my prize!

Love,
KJ

Wish List Wednesday!

2009-07-22T09:01:00.001-05:00

If you want to join in on the fun head over to The Foster's Family blog!

This week I'm going to wish for:

A boat! I think I would be in Heaven every weekend if I had a boat that I could be on, relaxing in the sun and being with friends. Plus, the bf is an avid Sailboat person... he was on racing teams and everything as a kid, this would make him sooo happy as well, always a plus!! :)

Rain.. yup, I'm going to keep on wishing for this until we finally get some!

More Stella and Dot jewelery... not only do I want that necklace I also am thinking that I would like this as well...

oh, and this (can you tell that this is my new favorite jewelery people, ever)!!

Fingerprint Friday...

2009-07-17T09:28:00.003-05:00

Fingerprint Friday

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of god
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of god
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of god
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 join in.
**********************************************************************

It breaks my heart to see any child sick... even it's just the flu but even more when it's cancer. I know that God doesn't want his children (big or small) to hurt and I don't know why people do hurt but I do know that no matter what is going on God is walking with us. Holding our hands when we need it most, carrying us when we can not walk a step farther. It might not always seem like he is not there but he is, always.

Prayers are needed for this little girl, Kate McRae, she is so young and so very sick from the kind of cancer that has attacked her little body. It makes me so sad to read the updates and to see that she just wants to go home. She has such a long, long road ahead of her. BUT I know that God has a plan for her life and he will be with her. So Blog friends, I'm calling on you once again... please pray for little Kate, for her mom and dad, for her siblings, so they win this fight with cancer.

Love,
KJ

Just Another Manic Monday...

2009-07-14T10:35:00.004-05:00

Wow, yesterday was crazy, I didn't even get to do my "Not Me! Monday!". It all really started Sunday night. Here is the back story to the craziness of Monday: Alan and I went down to Corpus Christi for a day/night to hang out and just get away from San Antonio. It was a blast, we went to the USS Lexington, had drinks at a local restaurant right down the street, then headed back to the hotel to hang out/cool off before dinner time. We finally headed down to the hotel bar, got some recommendations, and went on our way. We ended up finding an Irish Pub, we stopped, of course, hung out with the fun people there, then moved on (finally) to a place called "Crawdaddies" right down the road. The food was awesome, there is no way I could complain. After a late dinner, we headed back to the hotel, watched some TV and called it a night. The next morning we slept in, get read for check out, then wondered down the Marina for some Joe's. This was the start of my problems leading up to Monday! We ate lunch then decided to head back to SA, we needed to do laundry, and still go to the store for the week. It was an amazing trip and I can't wait until our next one together!

Well, Sunday as we are getting back into SA we decide to stop at Wal*Mart right down the road from me instead of going to my house, getting comfy then having to leave again. As we are shopping, my stomach decided it is going to tie it's self in a knot and pull from both ends, feeling like the knot is getting tighter and tighter!!!! It was horrible and I thought I was going to fall over in pain, I guess it showed because Alan could tell right away something was wrong. Being the best boyfriend ever, he unloaded the car, took care of my dog, and let me go right to bed and lay down. I tried to eat but that just made life 30000 times worse. Finlay feel asleep and woke up a million times but did get sleep! *This is also to come home and find that my AC had gone out at some point over the weekend... this doesn't help ANYTHING!!*

So, Monday comes... get up for work, still feel like crap but gotta pay the bills, right? Get to work and the first thing I notice is that one of the windows at the front of the office is broken. Come into the office (it's usually sooo cold in here, so remember my AC at home is broken so I'm looking forward to the nice cool office...) and it's 80 something degrees inside!!! THE AC AT WORK MANAGED TO BREAK AGAIN!!!! So, come to find out, sometime between Saturday and Sunday afternoon someone took a pretty good sized and heavy rock and threw it at our window. It broke through the outside glass (which was ordered thicker so people couldn't break in), a gap, another window, and then few across the room, hit the filing cabinet and dented it big time. My boss thought at first that it was some kids, with nothing better to do, breaking shit. I told him I thought someone did it, didn't realize these windows DON'T open and just took off instead of making more work for themselves. I had to file a police report (they did it over the phone, so much faster then waiting for someone to come over and it means I'm not taking an officer off the street where they could be doing something important), get the window people out here, and figure out what to do until the new widows come in and get fixed. As all of this is going on the "wonderful" AC dude comes by, looks at the AC unit, says what broke, and of course has to leave to go and get a part to fix it. I quote "I'm going to get the part, I will be right back...", in my mind I'm sooooo sure you will "be right back". Of course he takes over an hour to get back (by now it's 85+ in the office) to fix the damn thing. Fixes it leaves... now the AC has to cool down the whole office... it finally gets nice and cool around 4pm! Thankfully once I was able to get out of the office, I got to go home, hang out and just do a lot of nothing (besides a load or two of laundry), and try to make my stomach feel better (it was feeling a little better yesterday and a lot better today, I'm pretty sure it was the food I ate).

This is what you see when you drive up to my office now, a nice big hole in the window! This is also the first pane of glass the rock went through.

This is the second pane of glass that the rock went through

The rock that went through the window... we have a lot of rock (and stone) at the office but this is not one of ours, so who ever did this brought their own rock along.

My now dented filling cabinet... thankfully it still opens and closes!!

Now that Monday is over I'm crossing my fingers that the rest of this weeks is calm and flies by! There is a lot going on but I'm ready for a fun filled couple of weeks!! I hope that everyone had a nice calm Monday and it was nothing like mine!

Love,
KJ

Fingerprint Friday

2009-07-10T09:10:00.004-05:00

Not Me, Monday!!

2009-07-06T09:29:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I've not missed you Not Me! Monday!, becuase if I've missed you that would mean that I have not done a Not Me! Monday in awhile (or a week) and that is NOT ME!! I'm always on top of my blogging and keeping up with everything, on time of course!

This week was a nice but crazy one, it really started LAST week at work!

The AC unit did NOT break one day, nope, things around this office always work like clock work, never breaking!

The temp in the office did not reach of 90 degrees before the boss came back to see how bad it really was. He did not then say "I thought you liked being hot...." I actually love the hot weather but we ALL have a breaking point and I've found mine is anything above 102 (not including heat index) so take 102 degree weather outside with 90 degrees inside... nope, not digging the hot at that moment at all!

I of course called the AC dude to come fix it, I of course did not HAVE to leave the office to go pick up plants (in 102 weather) so I would of course be at the office all afternoon, sweating to death. He of course couldn't make it out... I had to suffer until the next day... made the appointment for 8:30am

He of course showed up right on time: 9:45 am, I did not call with a major attitude at hand. Nope not me, I don't yell at people, ever. Especially when it comes to work people... I must always be professional!! Poor, poor people who make me mad :)

He fixed the problem, but NOT after he told us that there was a leak somewhere and to fix said leak we would have to TEAR DOWN A WALL to fix it... Nope, because remember things run like clock work around here!!

Oh... the plants thing.. my boss did not tell me to go to one place, I did not get to said place, call him and find out that I was at the WRONG place (he also did not tell me a name to ask for, I did not go to the wrong place, ask for said person... I did not get the most confused looks in the world.) I did not make these poor people take me around to look at the plants that I needed from them.... to then find out that I was of course at the right place.

Get the actually plant place, ask for guy, guy did not have a major attitude (remember it's hot... no ac at work, I was of course in the best mood ever)... I of course did not want to punch him in the face, nope, I'm not violent at all... I would NEVER THINK OF HITTING SOMEONE, EVER!! :) Of course on a real note... I just thought of hitting the guy, gave me major attitude back, got my plants, blasted the ac and went back the the hot, hot office.

The boss did end up letting me go home early that day, I of course did not go right home to relax in the cool, cool air of my house. I decided it would be great to run errands... Nope, I'm smarter then that, I would never put my bad, hot attitude on others!!

Now, skip forward to this past weekend!! :)

Friday I did not have the day off of work, I did not clean the bf's apartment for him in return that he did not get my well over due oil changed in my car. Nope not me! I wouldn't have to make that deal because I'm the best at getting my oil changed!!

I also did not go to lunch or a movie with my friend Jen. I also did not cry for almost 2 hours at said movie. I also did not suggest to people that if they didn't want to cry then they should not go see "My Sister's Keeper".

I did not get in another fight with the boyfriend, nope, we get along soooo well allll the time that it's just not me to be in a fight with him!!

Saturday:
I did not have the best time ever on the 4th of July celebrating a 4 year long tradition with another one of my friends. Nope, I'm not into traditions at all!

I did not sit in the heat (103) at 6:00 at night with her, people watching, talking, taking fun pictures, just hanging out until the sun went down and we could start to cool off.

We did not get upset at the family sitting across from us. We did not get annoyed to hear a parent encourage their child to squirt people with a squirt gun. We were not at an AFB, she was not squirting men and women in their uniforms!! I would never get annoyed at a child having fun, nope not me!

I did not have the best time ever though, celebrating this tradition with my friend. It was not well worth every second :)

Sunday:
I did not get into another fight with my bf, remember, it's Not me to fight!

I did not go to dinner with my another friend, then have ice cream. She of course did not pull me out of my funk.

Monday:
Oh how I love to talk about the AC at work! This morning I did not get into work, find it muggy and then of course be told that the AC until had broken once again. Nope, this wouldn't happen to me because the AC unit that wouldn't break wasn't just fixed the other day!

I was not told that the light flickered, buzzed, and then liquid shot out of the AC unit. I was not secretly happy that I was not at work when this happened.

I was then not forced to call the wonderful AC man that is always on time! I did not call at 8:30 this morning asking for him to come as soon as possible. He of course has gotten here... it's not 9:50am.

He also did not tell (with an attitude of course) I guess I will cancel the plans I had this morning to fix the problem... I of course didn't think to myself... fine, keep your plans, I will call someone else who will fix the problem right, the first time. Nope, not me... I would NEVER think something like that.

I also was not informed that the office had a broken water main down the street. I did not have to call SAWS to have them come out. I of course was not told I was not the fist call of the day, they will get there when they get there!

I of course am soooo happy to be at work this wonderful morning. I am not tired and a little grumpy, nope not me! I always go to bed at a smart time to be well rested for the week and what is ahead. :)

Happy Monday!

I ♥ ....

2009-06-30T13:41:00.009-05:00

So finally here is the second installment of things that I ♥

This is one of those things that if you want to participate you're more then welcome to join along... I love to share with people things that I ♥ and figured this is a great way to share!! If you want to join, just blog about something you love... it can be ANYTHING... your children, a site, a store, an animal, your love:your choice, then link it back to my blog (make sure you mention my blog somewhere in your ♥ post)!!

Today I ♥ a good, working AC unit! It's summer time here in the great state of Texas (as well as the rest of the country) and man oh man is it getting hot this year! I'm usually one to run around, year round, in jeans and be sooo happy but this summer is KILLING ME!! I had to give in and buy some shorts (yikes)!! I'm not a happy person with the heat this year (104+ for most days and the nights are getting much cooler then 80).

Well, at work yesterday the AC unit decided that it isn't very fond of the Texas summer either. It just stopped blowing cold air, it was gross! I was out and about getting plants for work (I work for a Landscape Architect) and was already hot to begin with. When you get back to the office you expect it to be nice and chilly (my boss really hates the heat.. he's from Wisconsin) so I'm usually freezing when I'm inside. Well, the heat that came out the door when I got back was horrible! I called the AC man, he said he couldn't be here until tomorrow morning (I very clearly stated that I will be in the office at 8:30 am) and he would be here first thing! So, thankfully my boss came back from meetings, felt how hot it was, and let me go home... still paying for my hours (I'm hourly so leaving early hurts my pay).

So, today I get into the office and it's cooler then when I left yesterday but still at 82 degrees. 8:30 comes and goes, so does 9, finally at 9:30 I call the AC man and he tells me he is on his way. I very nicely state to him "I thought our appointment was at 8:30 this morning" he very rudely tells me... "I got caught up and busy... be there in 20 minutes". This made me mad, I get that things happen and people get busy and appointments need to be delayed BUT as an owner of a business I do expect that if you're going to be over AN HOUR late to an appointment, call and let the client know you're running behind and a new time you will be there! Finally he gets here, puts 4 pounds of Freon (not sure what this means, minus the fact it fixes broken AC units) and leaves.

Now, it's a little cooler today and we have a 30% chance that it will rain later on tonight (crossing finger, toes, and anything else I can cross) BUT I will say that I really do ♥ a working AC unit. I don't know how people can work outside, live with out an AC or anything, I know I've become spoiled with the great things that people have come up with but man, after yesterday I hope I don't have deal with that again, ever!!

Love,
KJ

I'm trying to figure out how to make a link... but for now comment away and add your link afterwards so everyone can read your I ♥ !!

10 things.... I've been tagged

2009-06-30T10:56:00.006-05:00

I was tagged by Clare

10 things you might not know about me:

1. I LOVE THE HEAT!!! But that is coming to a very fast end in the love department. I used to be able to wear jeans all year long (yes even during South Texas summers) but this summer is making it clear that it's going to be 104+ most of the time and that is pushing it, even in my book, that's just WAY to HOT!!!

2. I Love to travel. Even if it's just up the road for a nature hike, spending time at a local lake, or some kind of cheesy historical thing. Anything works for me as long as it's out of town and I can "escape" from the things that will still be waiting when I come back but at least it's a little time away.

3. I miss Kansas! Yes, I said it...I MISS KANSAS. I didn't EVER think that I would say that, I mean EVER!! The longer I'm away I see how much more I miss it, my family, my friends, seeing little babies grow up that I want to love on everyday but can't because I live in Texas... I love Texas but I really do MISS KANSAS!

4. I love to cook... I just hate the clean up (yes Clare, I know I have a dishwasher so I shouldn't complain) so if someone where to clean up after I cook then my life would be great.

5. I hate to clean the kitchen. I don't know what it is about the kitchen but I hate to clean it. It's usually not THAT bad but when it comes down to it... the dishes will sit for days. Not sure what my problem is!

6. I have an illegal cat :)! I live in an apartment and they know that I have my dog but they have no idea that I have my cat. He's a good cat (85% of the time) and I've already paid a pet deposit on my apartment, soooooo I'm not going to tell them.

7. I am not a runner but I would love to be one... I hate people who are runners, I see them do it and it looks soooo easy. Well, it's not! I want to run! I've tried to "train" myself to be able to run and I just can't do it. I'm not one to give up but in this case I've come to realize that it just might not be for me.

8. I love Elephants. If you know me at all, or have read my blog recently, you know that I have a special place in my heart for Elephants. I'm not sure when this started or why an Elephant but I love them!

9. I read sooo many blogs! I love to read blogs!! Again, Clare, got me started. I follow sooo many and there are only about 2 that I actually know the people. I can't help but read about other people. I started reading sad ones but needed happy ones also, so I would find some... go all the way to the begging and read them. I don't "follow" all of them on my blog because I don't want people to think that I'm crazy!

10. I love to blog... it's just a release of so much that is going on and lets me get out thoughts and feelings. The people that know about my blog were told but others just found me. It was going to be one of those secret things, it sill kind of is but I'm alright with that. If you find this then subscribe and read away... if not, then I'm going to be upset :)

People that I'm tagging:
Tina
Missy
Heather

Finger Print Fridays....

2009-06-26T13:37:00.004-05:00

Lucky the Elephant

2009-06-24T13:42:00.005-05:00

If you read my blog yesterday, I told you I would post something about why I wanted Lucky the Elephant to go to a Elephant sanctuary and why it's sooo upsetting that this poor Elephant is still, to this day, sitting at the San Antonio Zoo (SA ZOO).

If you know me at all you should know that I have an everlasting love for Elephants. I do not remember when I decided to love Elephants or why they would be my favorite animal, ever. I just know that in my heart I love them and I only want is best for them.

Let me say that I'm not the biggest fan of Peta, I think that they can do great things and open peoples eyes to how badly animals are being treated in situations. I do think they go over bored on A LOT of things (um, like killing an innocent fly). They have though, in a positive way, opened my eyes to how badly places treat Elephants. Zoos and circus a like lock these huge animals in cages WAY to small for their needs, most places don't offer running water, friends for them to socialize with (Elephants are some of the most social animals around), and not enough room for them to rome around like they like to do (most Elephants, free ones, walk up to 10 miles a day) causing them to get arthritis in their legs and this causes a premature death.

Lucky in the Elephant that lives at the SA Zoo. She has been in the SA Zoo since she was 4 years old, she was caught while with her mother and put promptly back into captivity. She did have two other Elephants living with her but both have passed away (supposedly from old age for one - died at 50 but Elephants in the wild live to be past 60 and the other they will not release cause of death). the SA Zoo has been rated (by agencies) as the worst zoo in the country due to small, concrete living areas, no fresh water, not enough room to walk around, and less then 3 Elephants. It's not a good situation to be living in for Lucky, I know if I was put in these same conditions I would be miserable all the time. I can't imagine that just because Lucky is an Elephant that she isn't sad, she just doesn't have a voice to state it out loud.

On a happy note, there are two Elephant Sanctuaries in the United States that take circus and zoo Elephants, bring them to their land and let them be free. They are give as close to a "normal" life as they can have... fresh running water, miles and miles for them to walk around, many friends to make a heard with. The sanctuary in Tennessee has offered to take Lucky, bring here to their sanctuary and let her live the rest of her life as she should as NO PRICE to the SA Zoo or the tax payers. They are going to pay for EVERYTHING! The SA Zoo won't let Lucky go, they won't even listen to anyone or have any part of her leaving. They say that they are going to start to redo her part of the zoo in stage 3 of the Africa Live exhibit. Even if they do "redo" her living space they still won't have the room for her to be free like she should, they also want to bring in 2 more Elephants so she can have friends. I'm not sure why they think this will solve the problem, it will only take away from the already to small of exhibit that is there. It's pretty sad when people mistreat animals and even worse when they can fix the problem and choose not too.

The SA Zoo isn't the only one around that has Elephants in bad living conditions but this is the one that is the closest to me. I truly believe that Elephants shouldn't be in Zoos at all, they should be free and living life to the fullest. I know zoos can be a great thing. It teaches kids and adults about things that many would never get to see if it wasn't for the zoo but they need to make sure they are providing this great service not at the expense of an animal. They need to research into giving them the best life they can and this isn't for just zoo's but anywhere that has animals in captivity.

I know this is a crazy rant but before my eyes were opened to it, I didn't realize everything and I really just want people to be aware. I want people to see that these places that are supposed to be taking care of animals are sometimes (not always, I've been to some amazing zoo's who take great care of their animals) not doing the job that they should and people need to speak up about it.

There is a petition going around, that if you would please sign that would be great, to try to help get Lucky to the sanctuary in Tennessee. It's a big deal and I'm afraid that if she is left here much longer, she is going to pass away... sooner then she should if she would have been left in the wild, where she belongs.

If you want some more information on Lucky I've included a link that you can go too (click on Luck's name). Also included are some pictures for the "Free Lucky Rally" that I went to this past weekend with my friend Louise. It was nice, no one yelled at anyone, it really it just to bring awareness and to give Lucky a chance at some freedom. Thanks for reading this today and understanding it holds a very special place in my heart!

Love,
KJ

Wish List Wednesday!

2009-06-24T13:20:00.006-05:00

If you want to join in on the fun head over to The Foster's Family blog!

This week I'm going to wish for some things that I couldn't buy even if I had all the money in the world, it's just things I wish would happen to make everyone (or at least a lot of people ) happier these days!

RAIN!!! - I know a lot of you have gotten more rain this year then you could ever wish for but here in Texas it's needed, big time! We haven't had a good rain shower in longer then I can remember. And we need more then one, we need about a week's worth of rain right now! Cross your fingers God will bring the rain!!

(Picture taken from the Internet from RocBike.com )

That the SA Zoo would let Lucky the Elephant go and live in a Elephant Sanctuary. This is a very close issue at hand, I love elephants... they are just amazing creatures. While I think Zoo's are a great thing and they provide education to children (and Adults) who would never, ever get to see some of these animals in person I've come to realize that Zoo's are not equipped to handle most of the animals that they have in captivity. - I will blog about this tomorrow if you're more interested come back and see what I have to say (this is not to stir up bad feeling or try to get you on "my side" but I didn't realize this until it was pointed out to me... I just want to show you the "other side"

Peace! There are so many bad things going on our World right now and some that are just waiting to be set in motion. I just wish that we could all come to understand each other, respect each other and, like the old saying goes, love one another... I know that's a lot to wish for BUT I can have hope

I know that is just 3 things I wish for this week but to me those are 3 HUGE things that I wish would happen! Have a happy Wednesday and see you back tomorrow and Friday!!

Love,
KJ

Fingerprint Fridays...

2009-06-19T09:41:00.004-05:00

I ♥ Etsy...

2009-06-18T14:45:00.004-05:00

So, I follow a lot of Blogs, some you can see that I follow and some I bookmark so I don't look like some crazy person following all these people blogs! On Mondays I do "Not Me! Mondays" from MckMamma's Blog, Fridays are "Fingerpring Fridays!" From PamperingBeki and as of yesterday I've started doing "Wish List Wednesdays" from The Foster Families Blog... So, after thinking for awhile and all the sad things that seem to be going on I want to pick one day a week... not a specific day, just once a week, where I put down something that I ♥. While these blogs that I read everyday help me see God, show me that the things I DON'T do can be funny, and I can wish for everything in the world I want to show the things that make me happy everyday (or when it comes to my mind and I realize I ♥ it). This week it's Etsy but next week who knows whats going to pop into my head (it could be ice cream or just a friend that wanted to say hi... I won't know until then I guess). So... onto my I ♥ post for the week...

I ♥ *Etsy*. Almost everything I find on the website I fall in love with, I will confess most of my shopping usually falls under "Baby Girl Clothing" or something to do with a small little girl that has my heart. For St. Patrick's Day I ordered her this shirt...

*The cute shirt was made from Potatopatch and she has soooo many more cute things posted now!*

Isn't it the cutest thing you've ever seen? I feel in love right away... Clare said it was cute also (the bad thing is I never get to see them in person, I always ask the maker to ship directly to Fiona so I don't have to pay for shipping twice. Also, I've gotten bad at mailing things these days... Don't ask about Easter, it's a sore subject for me these days) and from the pictures, she looked stinkin' cute! Thankfully the Kansas weather allowed her to wear a long sleeved shirt for part of the morning and she got to show it off! YAY!!

I also got her this cute thing...

*This tutu was made by Simplychicbebe and she also has some awesome thing posted now!*

I loved it also the moment I saw it, I didn't have to look any farther! The colors were awesome and it's so girlie! Again, Clare loved it and Fiona looked awesome in it (again from the pictures I saw). There was a reason why I ordered this, it's a sad one. A little girl named Cora Paige passed away and to keep her memory alive her Mom and Dad decided to build a playground at their Church in her name. They needed help raising money, they didn't even have to ask. Many follower's of their Blog were Etsy sellers (some where not and opened a shop just to help raise money for this play ground), everything you bought the money went right into Cora's playground fund... I wanted to donate money. So, when looking through things that were being sold for this playground, I found the tutu! So, Fiona got her first tutu, I was able to donate money in Cora's name, and her playground raised enough and beyond the funds needed!!

SO... today, instead of doing my work like I should, I was looking around on Etsy for things (a little girl named Fiona's birthday is coming up and what better to get her then personalized awesome gifts that are handmade) and found the cutest things ever!! I already ordered something (I had to email Clare for Fiona's size, as soon as I got that I pushed buy) but I'm not going to share today, I want it to be a sup rise for everyone! My problem is that I never want to tell Clare that I have something being shipped to Fiona (I always address it to Fiona, even though it's not a big deal now I want in the habit so when she gets older and is getting gifts it will be that much more fun due to it being send to HER) because I want her to be surprised BUT I can't help it and I always tell (like this post soooo told on me today) BUT I do manage to keep what I have bought a secret... all she know is something is on it's way! I love buying things for Fiona, if I can't be there to give her my love all the time the least I can do is send her love, in the form of presents (yep, I plan on single handily spoiling this child as much as I can from 600 miles away)!!

Anyway, this is the end of my I ♥ post for today! I hope you enjoyed it and see why I ♥ Etsy so much, it really is a great place!! Have a great Thursday!!

Love,
KJ

*In case you don't know... Etsy is an awesome website where people can open "stores" with things they have made and wish to sell to the public. They have everything and anything you could think of and soooo much to pick from once you figure out what you want. If you've never been there... GO and LOOK ASAP! It's a great place to buy presents for people at a great price, plus, it's hand made and I LOVE things that are hand made!!*

Wish List Wednesday!

2009-06-17T10:26:00.003-05:00

I've seen a lot of blogs out there for people who do Wordless Wednesday but I found this, Wish list Wednesday (from this blog that I follow), and it just sounds like fun!

So... Here is my wish list for today in random order!

A very pretty pink Coach purse... in a large size!

Plane tickets to where ever I want, when ever I want (I know a HUGE wish... right?)

A pretty house so I can have more room and Bailey can have a yard to run in

This awesome Stella and Dot necklace that I have been drooling over!

A nice vacation to the Beach... paid for by someone else of course ;)

It's fun to think of the things I would want if money wasn't an issue! Thanks Foster Family for a fun post today!

Not Me, Monday!!

2009-06-15T15:24:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

My boss is not out of town this week... so of course I'm not just sitting here, taking my time on what work I have to do. Nope, not me, I'm always on top of doing my work, getting it down right away of course!!

I did not answer the phone at work wrong, on more then on occasion. Then having to tell the person calling sorry and telling them the right name of the company I work for. Nope, I'm good at answering phones and do not let things I'm listening to interfere with what I'm saying! That would be silly!!

I did not watch/listen to Lost when he was not here. NO WAY because then I wouldn't be doing my work... that I'm NOT taking my time doing!

I did not mess up someones check this past week only putting a small amount of hours instead of a big amount of hours. Nope, I'm good at double checking everything, a million times and CATCHING what is wrong!!

While attempting to eat dinner Monday night, I didn't try to cut my food while the plate was on the edge of the table. Therefore, I did not manage to spill every bit of my dinner on the floor (including salad dressing)!! Nope, not me... I know better then to set things on the edge of the table.

Of course after not cleaning up the mess, not making a new plate, and sitting down to not eat it... I did not manage to miss my mouth every time I took a bite, not spilling dinner number two on the ground. I didn't just stop and forget about dinner!!

I did not find out that Jess has been sick for over a week and had to cancel on me for the night.

I was not upset to learn that I wasn't going to get to see the kids this week.

It for sure didn't break my heart, I don't look forward to my time with them what so ever!

I was not happy to learn that they might call me last this week to make up that time, nope.. I'm not happy at all!!

I did not get up first thing to make throw a roast into the crock pot for dinner. Nope, I'm not a planner at all. I hate to plan things out like that, so I would not do something, anything like that!!

The roast that I didn't cook wasn't amazing! I couldn't smell it outside the door before even going into the house! I didn't feel sorry for the dog and cat who had to be home alllll day long and not smell it while it was cooking.

Friday was not the craziest day ever at work... the Sheriff's department did not come by looking for one of the guys that works for us! Nope, no one ever gets in trouble around these parts... not one bit!

The bosses and I didn't have to set it up so the Sheriff could find the guy he was looking for. I didn't have one part of this so it didn't scare me half to death knowing crazy things were going to go down! I was not relieved that when the Sheriff showed up, the guy was taken and that was all. Nope, not around my work... everything is always CALM!!!

I did not get to see WICKED with my friend Louise this past weekend... nope, not me. I'm not into going to the theater! It was not amazing, the singing did not have me in awe the whole entire time!

We did not dress up what so ever. We might have not been the nicest dressed people at the show. I definitely don't understand how people wear jeans to the theater!!

We did not decide that to sit out traffic we would go down to the river to have some drinks... we did not stay until close. We did not get hit on by 21 year old Army boys!! It was not a lot of fun and I did not laugh one bit. I do not think it's fun to have drinks with my friend and have a great night out!

What a week I didn't have... I'm not glad to move on to another one. I'm not ready to go home to Kansas next month and I'm for sure not ready for some time away from Texas... even it's just a fast weekend get away to Kansas.

I didn't order my tickets today (finally) for said trip to Kansas... it's so not official that I will be there!!

I think that's all I DIDN'T do this past week. I hope you have a great Monday!!

Love,
KJ

Finger Print Fridays....

2009-06-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

On a random note before I get going... I started this post on May 19th but with everything that has happened with friends it got put on hold. Not because my family doesn't mean so much to be but because I felt that my friends need some prayers... and seeing the kind of support I have received I know they got these prayers. I wanted to thank each one of you for doing this for me, it means so much to me and I'm sure if the people who you are praying for knew the kind of prayers they are getting they would be overwhelmed... Thank You Blogging Friends, you are amazing people!

Finger Print Fridays, I would have to say is at a very close first with my Not Me! Mondays! I look forward to finding God's finger print in my life, it makes me stop and look around and reexamine my life, in a good way of course. So far, I have seen God in my Church, my friends, a 4th of July rainbow, Owen, and the March of Dimes... this week I have seen the Finger Print of God in my family.

If I didn't have them I wouldn't be in the world, I would have never been made, I wouldn't be me. I wouldn't have my dad's patience or work ethic, I wouldn't have my ever changing blue eyes, and light hair! I wouldn't be getting ready to celebrate another year of my life, happily. I love my family, sometimes they let me down and they aren't always as close as I wish they were but truthfully, I wouldn't trade them for anything... I love them more then anything, I would give my life for my family.

I did choose to live over 700 miles away from them (those are the closest ones to me) because I'm not a fan of the cold weather (yes, my main trip home is at Christmas when it's snowing and ever so cold) and I just needed to get away. I was 18, I didn't realize what I was giving up. I didn't know how much it would hurt every time I had to get back onto that plane and leave them once again... I was 18, I knew better then anyone, I wanted a life away from Kansas and no one was going to stop me from that. Don't get me wrong, I do not regret moving to Texas... I love it here, I have made great friends, I have a wonderful boyfriend, and I have my friends families that have taken me in over holidays when it was just to far to go home. BUT, that is NOT my family, my hugs and kisses from my nephew, my dad taking care of me if I'm sick. I have gotten better at calling, saying I miss them, trying to visit at least twice a year, and trying to convince everyone to come visit me. I have grown up and realized a lot of things that I did wrong over the years and how I have hurt my family, but the best part about it... is they are my family, not matter what I do, say, or how much I hurt them they will always be there for me. They will not ever turn their back on me in a time of need, they will hold my hand when they can, and listen to me cry over the phone instead of in person... I love them and I am truly blessed to have them, no matter how close or how far away we are from each other!

I love you guys, I hope you know how much you mean to me (not because I have to love you but because I choose to love you, unconditionally)!!

Love,
Your Daughter, Your Sister, Your Aunt - Kari

PS- Included in the pictures are the Lonergan's (and Snyder's)... they took care of me when there were some very hard things going on for a very long time in my life, they are my "second parents" but were more like first parents most of the time... I call them Mom and Dad... Clare is my sister, not my friend. Fiona is my niece not my friends daughter... I love them like they are family and to me that is just as true as the blood that runs through your veins! Just in case you were wondering. :)

I've also come to realize that I do not have very many pictures of my family (even at home)... I did steal some from people so if they are blurry, I'm sorry.

------------------------------------------

From Beci's Blog:
There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of god
When I look at you I can see the fingerprints of god
And I know it’s true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God
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 join in - Go to Becki's Blog!
-----------------------------------------------------

Not me, Monday!!

2009-06-08T10:24:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

This past week:

I did not have the busiest week ever! It never stopped... right when you thought things were going to calm down... NOPE!!

OH, I did not allow a 3 year old little girl to go for a 2 mile walk at the coolest park ever. There were not trails that went all around in the trees, down hills, past baseball fields.

We did not also have her 13 month old brother along for the walk, with out a stroller. I didn't have to carry him over a mile because his little legs were not tired. I did not on more then one occasion try to put him down and have him walk a little more.

I of course had my camera... because I do not forget it at the best times!!

O did not stop every 2 min to plan in the dirt, pick up sticks, or try to eat the rocks.

E did not say hi to every single person that passed us on the path. Nope, she is to shy to want to say hi to everyone.

We also did not pretend we were on a Dora the Explorer walk, running away from trolls and other things she could think of. Nope, we would look silly doing something like that.

E did not FINALLY get tried at the very last of the walk, telling me to go and get the car and come back for her. I did not have to tell her she needed to get up out of the walk way because I couldn't come back for her, she was not upset... nope, not one bit!

She also did not get scared to death of a bike that had to pass her on the walk... because she was not sitting in the middle of the path because who would let a 3 year old sit in the middle of a busy walking path? NOT ME, that is for sure!
I did not have jeans and flip-flops on.

I did not have a huge blister that popped on my toe before the walk that didn't happened was over.

I did not find out that my friend father passed away from cancer on Thursday, less then a week after he was given two weeks to live.

I did not go to a funeral on Saturday.

I did not hurt for her since the moment I found out that he had gone to be with Jesus.

I did not worry every moment if she was alright, fully knowing she has an amazing boyfriend that will make sure she is at least eating, staying strong in that kind of way.

Nope, these things did not happen, they would be too sad to blog about 3 times in one week

Yeah, I didn't blog about this 3 not 4 times this week because it didn't help to get my thoughts out there. To not say what my heart felt. I did not put all my feelings, thoughts in God's hands... for he will not show me the path I need to take. Nope... not me, again that would be way to many sad blogs in one week if you ask me.

On a happy note, she is not doing alright, she was not smiling this weekend, enjoying her friends, loving and thanking each and everyone of us for showing up to be there for her. I was not glad we went after hearing this.

Yeah, I still have not forgotten to bring my camera cord to work so I can post pictures, nope... again, I'm ALWAYS on top of that kind of thing. I wouldn't forget something that was so important to me!! Nope, not me!!

Well, that's it for this week! I hope to have some more fun and exciting things that I sure didn't do this week ready to go for next week!! HAPPY MONDAY!!!

Fingerprint Fridays...

2009-06-05T08:00:00.002-05:00

This week has been a hard one for me. I have decided that today, Figerprint Fridays, is a perfect place to reflect on the one major thing that has been eating at my heart.

I found out that my friend's dads cancer had returned - he was give at most two weeks to live or to try to fight it with chemo (a 10% chance). He chose to fight it because 10% is better then 0%, he passed away less then a week later.

Shannon and her dad, Mike, had a relation ship so much like the one with me and my dad. She talked to him all the time, he was there for her when ever she needed something, she was his life. The cancer brought them even closer together, knowing that God might decide that he wants Mike with him made them both realize that the time they had together was precious. They needed to talk, laugh, love like it could be the last day they had but hoping, praying that God wouldn't want Mike in Heaven, that he would let him stay and live the life that he had started here on earth.

I think it hurts my heart so much because Shannon is such a great person. She is loving, kind, will drop anything for you, and even let you have a party at her house. She is amazing. My heart hurts knowing that her dad will not be there to walk her down the aisle when she gets married, hold his first grandchild from her, see her grow in Gods light even more.

After this I've realized that cancer can affect anyone. No matter you age, height, weight, color of your skin, etc... Mike is about the same age as my dad. Thankfully Shannon lived about 20 min away from her dad, and when he was sick she could go after work everyday and see him, soak up the time she had with him. I'm so scared that something will happen to my dad now. He is over 600 miles away from me. I can't just pop in and see him when I want. It takes months of planning for me to see him. What if this was him, what would I have done? Would I have dropped everything in my life and gone to be with him? I really don't even have to ask that question... I know the answer, of course I would. My dad is my life, I don't know what I would do if I lost him - this is why I hurt for Shannon, they have the same relationship I do with my dad.

So, after all of this I'm feeling I should share how I've seen God's Fingerprints in all of this sadness. I have been pretty bummed this week and last night it hit me pretty hard. But I see God, helping me through all of this... holding out his hand for me to grab so I don't fall down. Helping me be strong for my friend, no matter if it's just saying prayers for her or if it's just sitting with her while she cries. He reminds me that when I start to get angry, sad, frustrated at things around me to put it into his hands and he will show me the way he had planned.

I'm sorry for the rambling and sad story. But that God's Fingerprints to me this week. I hope next week will be filled with laughter and happiness but it's in God's hands now and only time will tell.

Love,
KJ

------------------------------------------

From Beci's Blog:
There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of god
When I look at you I can see the fingerprints of god
And I know it’s true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God
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 join in - Go to Becki's Blog!
-----------------------------------------------------

Update....

2009-06-04T09:31:00.003-05:00

A couple days ago I asked for some prayers for my friend Shannon and her dad Mike. Well, I'm sad to say that Mike lost his battle with cancer last night (06/03/09) and went to be with Jesus. I have not heard anything from Shannon (I found out due to our boyfriends being friends kind of thing) and I'm not sure when I will hear from her again. I can't even start to imagine what she is going through, she is a daddy's girl, and now he has been take to God. I could keep going on all the things he is going to miss out on with her but I'm pretty sure all of you can think of those on your own.

I know that when someone goes to Heaven you are supposed to rejoice and be happy that they have gone to live with God and in Mikes case,he is no longer suffering. It's just so hard. He was about the same age as my dad, he lived a healthy, happy life. Only getting sick once in awhile, and that wasn't anything major... just like my dad. It's a scary thought that it could happen to anyone. That people who are healthy, fit people can get cancer. That it doesn't just pick that people that don't take care of themselves. It's such a scary things, not knowing what it to come next. How Shannon is going to be in the next few years, she lost her daddy... I can't even start to imagine.

Please keep Shannon, her family, and ever her dad in your prayers for awhile. They are going to need to feel that support that only God can give them as they face this very long road that is ahead of them still.

Love,
KJ

Prayers are needed...

2009-06-01T14:14:00.004-05:00

Once again friends, I'm calling on you for some big time prayers that are needed. This time it's for my friend Shannon and her dad, Mike. Below I have posted what Shannon has written about her fathers struggles with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, I took this off her Team in Training page, her boyfriend, Blake, Shannon, and our friend Jenny all trained to hike the Grand Canyon to support the research and hopefully someday soon the cure for Leukemia.

Well, as you read her posts you will see that her dad went into remission, unfortunately she got news on Thursday that the Leukemia has returned. The doctors told Mike he could go home and maybe have 2 weeks or he could stay in the hospital, get another round of chemo and have a 10% chance that the chemo will help. He choose to do another round of chemo, he is a fighter and he isn't ready for this horrible thing to take his life from him. He needs your prayers, your thoughts, you kinds words. Shannon is strong but she is hurting... even if she won't let anyone see it, she needs your prayers just as much! If you think about it would you please add them to your prayer list... pray that Mike is in the 10% and the chemo will stop the Leukemia. Pray that Shannon can see God in all of this, that she knows she is not walking this road alone, and that it will all be alright, even when it hurts the most.

Thanks for everything,
KJ

2/8/09
As you may know on September 14, 2008 my father was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. After a couple Chemotherapy attempts to cure him we were unsuccessful because his Leukemia was refractory (won't respond to traditional Chemotherapy methods). From that point my father was sent over to the Bone Marrow Transplant specialists at Main Methodist. We had very little time to find him a Marrow match and before we knew it, he didn't have a match or have time to keep looking. From there he moved forward with a double Umbilical cord blood transplant. He is currently 80 days post transplant. Right now he is experiencing some Graft v. Host problems but hopefully this is just part of the process and he will go on to live a wonderful full life. We should find out in the next few weeks if he has reached remission so please continue to keep him in your prayers!

My dad calls his cancer a divine gift from God. He feels like if he had to go through this in order to positively impact at least one persons life, then it was worth it. Having a personal connection to blood cancers has provided me the opportunity to connect with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) and raise money with thousands of other people to find cures. My dad is my hero, he always has been, please join me in the fight to cure blood cancers by making a donation of any size. It means the world to me, my father and thousands of others.

3/8/09
Can anyone say REMISSION? I know I can! That's right, six months, three intense Chemo treatments and a double cord blood transplant later, we received the preliminary news that my dad has reached remission. I couldn't be more happy for him. This whole experience has been overwhelming.

Even though we have gotten rid of the Leukemia we still have a road ahead of us. He is currently experiencing some Graft v. Host complications. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a common complication of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in which functional immune cells in the transplanted marrow recognize the recipient as "foreign" and mount an immunologic attack.

Not Me Mondays!!

2009-06-01T13:00:00.000-05:00

Once again my favorite part of Mondays is here!!

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I did not forget everything I wanted to say last week so I'm so not going I put things from last week this week!! ;)

I have not been working on this post for 2 weeks now, nope, I'm great at blogging and I do not have work that I should actually be doing instead of this! Nope, not me!!

I did not walk into my boyfriends apartment two Sunday to find out that he has decided to shave his head for the summer (not bald but short) and since he did not do this I was so not upset to see his hair gone!! * I'm used to it now, but I'm still not that big of a fan... at least it's just hair*

I also did not go to awesome jewelry part that same day and get an awesome yellow ring that I couldn't keep my hands off (to see what I am saving for and what I bought go to this post)!!

I am not disappointed to STILL not have that jewelry!! It is not back ordered and I DO NOT have to wait another TWO weeks until I get it!! Nope, it's NOT killing me at all!!

I for sure didn't go back to the boyfriends house to then show him that catalogue and point out the MANY things that I want out of it.

I have not gotten my crazy dog used to the car by taking him back and forth between the boyfriends and my house, that would be a mean mommy, right?

I absolutely did not have a blow up, I'm going to be mad at you for days fight with the boyfriend on Monday!! No way, we get along like pb&j (if that is what you like, I'm not a fan) always in sync, happy all the time!! There will never be any fighting, ever!

I also did not start to celebrate my birthday a week early (remember from last week, that would be crazy to enjoy getting another year older) due to a friend wanting to give me a birthday gift early... nope, not me because I'm not 5 years old and I don't need to count down the days (as of the post day for this... it's tomorrow)!!

I did not have a great time celebrating my birthday with some not great friends a week ago. Nope, I did not eat more then my tummy could hold and then manage to eat cake! OH!! This cake was not the most amazing cake EVER and it was also not the best tasting thing!!

I also have not manged to forget to post pictures from the entire month of May. Nope, I'm good at keeping on that kind of thing.. I would never, never slack in that department!!

I have also not started my Not Me! Mondays! on Monday, right after I posted my other one since I forgot over half of the things I DID NOT do last week... nope, not me at all!!

For now... this is all, I actually have a lot on my mind and need to do another post in just a few min!

Love,
KJ

Finger Print Fridays

2009-05-22T11:52:00.001-05:00

This week I was going to honor my family with my Finger Print Friday post but yesterday I received an email about a friend and her family and I feel they should have the spot light today...

The Lundgren's have become my family in Texas, in more ways then they will ever know. I'm sure you've seen my posts or heard about Ella and Owen on a million different occasions. They have welcomed me into their lives on many occasions and supported me in everything that I have chosen in my life! They are amazing and I couldn't have wished for better people in my life!! I really do see the Finger Prints of God in them, after everything they have learned is the past couple of months they still have a positive outlook and they still walk side by side with God, putting their trust in him!

Awhile back, I asked for prayers for Owen, I didn't really say why or even say anything at all. I needed time, I needed to process what I was told and realize that everything was going to be just fine... that God had a plan for Owen and no one would realize what exact that was until this week....
Owen went to his 1 year check up and his doctor heard a very distinct mummer in his chest, it was highly suggested they go to a pediatric cardiologist to have it looked at in depth. Well, after the appointment they found out Owen has a hole in his heart (between the chambers so the "good" blood is mixing with the "bad" blood), they were told this is not life threatening to him right now... but later down the road (maybe in his 30's) there is a good chance he would be walking down the road and he would just pass away. Of course knowing this is fixable and that don't want to put him in any kind of danger later on they have decided to get the hole patched. As of right now he will not have anything done until he is at least 3 years old and it's then when they will decide weather or not it will have to be open heart surgery or if they will be able to go through his vain and patch it that way (it all depends on how big the hole is... right now it's pretty big BUT it could get smaller or it could get bigger... this is why they will not decide until right before the procedure is closer). If you looked at Owen you would never know that he has a problem, he is such a little boy... playing with cars, eating all the time, running around with his sister and now loving to play in the pool. BUT as much as this stinks to know that a wonderful little boy will have to have something so major done is not even the beginning of the story... He is an Angel is disguise!!

Owen is Scott's Angel that is for sure!! After Jess found out about Owen's heart and what could become of him later in life she had a talk with Scott. For awhile she has known that he had a mummer but it was never looked at more in depth. Of course she got worried after hearing about O and what could happen when he hits his 30's... around the age Scott is. Well, Scott decided that it was a great idea to have his heart checked out, to be on the safe side. It was found that he has the same condition as Owen and he is going to need surgery also!! But they will do Scott's in the 3 - 5 month time frame, it's a 50/50 shot right now on weather it will be open heart or through a vain... again, it depends on how big the hole is once the date gets closer. So, just like Owen, Scott needs some prayers as well! To me this is a perfect example on how God has a plan for everything, why you should never question what he does or why. If it wasn't for Owen and his condition then they would have never had Scott check out his heart and who knows what would have happened down the road. This is where God's Finger Print isn't always the happiest but it's his and he really does have a plan for every.single.thing he puts in front of us!

If you think about this wonderful family could use your prayers for awhile, I will for sure keep you updated on everyone and they are doing as the time comes and goes... if you have any questions just ask, I will let you know as much as I can or know myself! I hope you have a very wonderful Memorial Day weekend, see you back on Tuesday (for Not Me!! Mondays!!... just a day late)!!

Love,
KJ

------------------------------------------

From Beci's Blog:
There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of god
When I look at you I can see the fingerprints of god
And I know it’s true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God
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 join in - Go to Becki's Blog!
-----------------------------------------------------

"Stella & Dot"

2009-05-19T15:57:00.006-05:00

This past Sunday my friend Heidi hosted a jewelry with a sales rep from "Stella & Dot" (who is her friend), I'm usually not one for the make-up parties (yes, I've hosted them and been to them... doesn't mean I really WANT to go them), trunk parties, ect... BUT being the good friend that I am, I went. The reason behind not liking these things is because you always feel obligated to buy SOMETHING and they are usually NOT the cheapest things around. So, knowing I was going to get something and spend money I shouldn't, I put a smile on my face, and walked into the door....

OMG, it was LOVE at first site!!! I couldn't keep my hands off of every.single.piece of jewelry she had sitting out on the dinning room table. The color, the shapes, the way EVERYTHING matched or could be taken off and then put onto a different chain, bracelet, or ear rings... it was LOVE and I couldn't help it!! Of course I wore a cute brown top and jeans, everything that I tried on matched and went so well and made jeans and a cute brown top even cuter and it just worked!!

Of course, everything was still on the expensive side (the thing I was the most is a pretty, pretty necklace that is over $250.00 with tax) but I think it might be something I save for... I love it that much!!

I ended up buying something, I couldn't leave with out something to show off, it was just that cute, and as soon as I saw it I really couldn't put it down... I kept going back, to the point everyone asked if that is what I was going to buy because I kept putting it on, taking it off, putting it on, taking it off... you get the idea!! WELL, the picture is right there.. what do you think? I'm in love with it, even if it's not much but for some reason I have a passion for this ring!!

If you get a chance you should check out the website and see if there is something that you might want to buy... you don't even have to have a party, you can just order right off of the website, but I'm telling you, if you have a party people will buy, it's to cute not too!!! If your on my Christmas list you can pretty much assume you're getting some form of jewelry this year and you can bet it's going to be a "Stella & Dot" piece!! Happy Shopping and I hope you love it as much as I do!!

-KJ

PS- The catalogue does nothing for the jewelry, you really do have to see it in person to know how super cute everything really is!!

Not Me, Monday!!

2009-05-18T09:34:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Not me Mondays... one of the few things I like about this day...

So, this past week has been a crazy one for me that is for sure, so lets see if I can remember every things that I did NOT do ;)

I did not get up this past Saturday at 4:30 am to help with the March for Babies, who would ever get up at an hour like that?! Not me, that is for sure... I do not function before 7 am any day of the week!!

I also did not take 2 benadryl the night before at 8 pm so I would pass out and have some good sleep!! Nope, because I would never, ever take any kind of medicine to make me to go sleep!!

I did not ask my boyfriend (though text message) if he would bring me home a Red Bull drink for the next morning because I knew that I would not be able to function... I would NEVER drink energy drinks, because I know how they do not make me bounce off walls at alarming rates!!

I did not forget to eat the morning of the walk (with no Red Bull in my system) and then make so many people laugh because they all thought I was crazy to have that much energy so early in the morning.

I also did not challenge the weather Friday, saying that I was not worried about rain due to it only being a 30% chance of rain... it doesn't rain when it's only 30% I only care when it's 50% or higher....

I also do not think that it was my fault that it rained on Saturday (thankfully after the March for Babies was said and done) since I did not challenge the rain what so ever!!

It also was not a crazy Summer Rain where you could not get out of it!! It was not a soak you to the bone, make you want to cry because EVERYTHING was wet and falling apart and you don't know how you're going to get things put away so you can get yourself in a car... out of the rain.

Oh yeah, I was NOT in a white t-shirt either.

I also didn't have the time of my life, knowing that this walk raises sooo much money to help babies out all over the country, that every headache, rain storm, meeting, etc... was worth it!!

I did not skip Church this Sunday (my second Sunday back) because I was still so tried from Saturday to even function that early in the morning. I did say my prayers through out the day and I feel God has forgive me and knows that it was all for a good cause!

I am not worried about so much in my life right now... there have not been huge talks about life changing decisions. BUT I have also not let it go to God, if this is something that is supposed to be in my life plan then I will not leave it in his hands to show me what is right or wrong... :)

I also have NOT been counting down the days until my birthday (8 and counting) since last week!! Also, I do not have the best Friends ever helping me plan an awesome party also! NO swimming, bbq-ing, or just hanging out... Nope, because I'm WAY to old to be sooo excited about my birthday still!!

Anyway, that is all I have for today, have a great Monday and until next time!

-KJ

Fingerprint Fridays....

2009-05-15T09:25:00.000-05:00

My Ella...

2009-05-13T13:25:00.000-05:00

As many of you know I have a special spot in my heart for Owen and Ella, they are my loves and sometimes I think people would assume they are mine due to the unconditional love that I have for these two little children. I love that Jess and Scott allowed me to come into their family and make myself comfortable. I know that I can turn to either one of them when ever I need them! They allow me to take their children for hours at a time, not really knowing what we are doing, and trusting me 100% that I wouldn't put them in harm, which I would never ever do!!

Well, again, as many of you know I got so very sad news about my Owen. At his one year check up his doctor found a very distinct heart murmur and highly suggested they go see a pediatric cardiologist, the sooner the better. Well, Jess and Scott followed the doctors suggestions and saw the cardiologist, unfortunately it was not the best news you could ask for. They found out Owen has a very large hole in his heart (why the doctor heard the murmur in the fist place). It is located in between the two areas (sorry for not being very technical)and it is mixing his "good" blood with his "bad" blood. The happy part is that he will not have surgery until he is at least 3 years old, the doctors told Jess and Scott that if they choose to not address this problem he would live a very happy and full life until he is in his early 30's (give or take a few years) and then he could just drop dead due to the hole. After hearing all this they talked to each other, friend and family but never really addressed it to their 3 year old daughter, Ella. How do you tell a 3 year old your brother is sick, but you can't really tell, and he is going to have to have surgery to fix this by the time he is your age? They just didn't think it was something she needed to know right now (please understand Ella is a VERY literal child).

Well, our Children's Ministry Director let Ella borrow a bible from her office and Ella is all into reading this. Lately she has said many things about God being with her and helping her out. For example: Last night she slipped in the bath tub but caught herself, she was not hurt and didn't really even flinch. I asked if she was alright and she told me "I'm fine because God saved me". Well, Jess, Scott and I were talking last night after they got home and they were telling me the fun things that Owen and Ella have been doing and some storied to go along with them. This one story Jess told me is what inspired me to write this today:

Jess said Ella and her were laying down, reading books and just talking about the day and Ella looked up and asked if Owen had a whole in his heart. Now, remember that they have been talking about his condition since they found out but never to Ella. Jess told her yes and that they would get it fixed when he was a little older. Ella then asked if God put the whole in Owen's heart... they are not ones to lie to their children... Jess told her yes and Ella then asks "If God put the hole in Owen's heart then why are we going to fix it"... I'm sure they came up with a reason Ella could understand but after Jess told me this it got me thinking.

If God puts things into our lives the way he wants them then why do we think it is alright to change or fix them. If he didn't want them right where they were, then do you think he would have put them there to being with? I love how that little girl can get me thinking about some the deepest thoughts with the simplest questions... I love her so much and I can't wait to see her again next week!!

Not Me Mondays...

2009-05-11T16:13:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Once again, here is what I did NOT do this week... it wouldn't be me at all if I did any of it!!

I did not manage to bruise my finger so bad in a crazy accident with a ceiling fan that a doctor did not say "By the way it looks, I would have lost good money on guessing that you broke it". Nope, he did not say that because you would think if I got in a fight with a ceiling fan I would win... not the fan!

I was also not asked on more then one account "How did you stick your finger in a fan"? I am not a 2 year old and I WAS taught to not stick my fingers in fans... thank you very much!

I did not get mad at the boyfriend for "yelling" at me on the computer most of the day because he was worried about me. I wouldn't ever do something like that, it wouldn't be nice!!

I wasn't not excited when I went to the pharmacy to get pain pills (for the finger I do not bruise all the way to the bone - FYI) and find out I can get the good stuff for only $10.00... that would make me look like a big time pill popper (which is so not my style, for real)

I did not go to dinner Wednesday night to meet the boyfriends mom, freaking out because I was so nervous to meet her. Only to not find out she is the sweetest, cutest person I have ever meet! I wouldn't freak out, everyone loves me... right? :)

I have NOT put off cleaning my house for over a week, that would just be wrong in so many different ways. AND on the nights I have a little time to maybe catch up before moving on to babysit I did not see if a friend wanted to go to dinner... nope, that would not be me, not one bit!

I am for sure not counting down the days until my birthday party... because if I was having a birthday party it would mean I'm getting older and who wants to get older? NOT ME!

I for sure have not had Fiona's Easter gifts in the trunk of my car for a month, just waiting to get shipped. Nope, not me, I'm always on top of everything and I always make sure things are sent in time for the holiday!

I also have not been waiting on shipping Fiona's gifts because her mommy had a birthday and I could just put both in one box... that would be silly since it was a good two weeks between the events... I also have not had her gifts at my house just waiting for me to wrap and move them to my car. That would make me a bad "sister" and Aunt to people I love, so I wouldn't do that at all!!

I did not have a great Sunday (Mother's Day) going to chruch and lunch with Alan and his mom... no, I wouldn't have enjoyed that one bit!

I did not have an exciting weekend full of parties, playing with kids I love, and hanging out with my boyfriend... why I would never pack a weekend so full that I am running from one thing to the next. Nope, not me... all I do on the weekends is relax all.the.time! HA!

*Have a great Monday!*

What a week...

2009-05-07T08:55:00.001-05:00

This has been one crazy week for sure and I'm ready to get it over and done with before anything else can happen!

On Sunday I came home to a very sick dogie (I will spare you the details), thinking the bad part was over I walked him and we went to bed. Well, I was wrong! At about 4:30 Monday morning I woke up to my dog getting sick all over again. I'm thinking he did it before I woke up also, but this lasted until about 7 am. After a call * around 5:30 * to the ER Vet and being told I could come in and how much it was (they told me it was my choice) I called my Vet, left a message and just kept an eye on Bailey. Well, he finally stopped being sick but I'm pretty sure he didn't sleep (by this point he was in his kennel... that is a lot easier to clean then my apartment floor) and I can tell you I didn't sleep anymore either. Well, the vet called me and I took him as soon as they opened, dropped him off, and went to work. I got a call at about 9 am telling me the only thing they could find wrong with him was that there was a high amount of bacteria that is only found when dogs are stressed out!!! I was very happy to hear that he was alright but so very mad that my dog was SO flippin' sick because he is stressed!!! Who knows what is stressing him out but I am very happy that is the only thing that is wrong with him and it can be fixed by some pills, special food for a few days, and some love from me!!

So... after a fun filled Sunday night, everything was back to normal Monday night and I was able to get a great nights sleep. On Tuesdays I watch my friends Jess and Scott's two kids, Ella and Owen. This really is the highlight of my week... I have been with Ella since she was a tiny baby and I was so lucky to meet Owen the day he was born! I love these kids more then anything and we have been though everything together (I'm pretty sure they are preparing me to be a mom one day), but anyway... I go over on Tuesday and we have a great night, Owen went to bed a little early and that gave Ella and I some time to read book with just the two of us. After I put her to bed, I was cleaning up and decided that I didn't want the ceiling fan on but I still wanted the light. Well, when I was pulling the string to turn the fan off, it put pressure on the glass dome over the light, pulled it off and sent it flying downward. Me, trying to get out of the way but save it at the same time, tried to grab it, missed, hit my little finger. After that is hit a chair, smashed on the floor and some how managed to slice my big toe!! My finger started swelling, hurting and stinging right away, my toe hurt and I didn't know it was bleeding until I looked down.... so,I fist cleaned my toe then proceeded to clean up the millions and millions pieces of glass all over their floor. Remember - I had just put Ella to bed and Owen had been in bed for awhile so they were not around to see or get hurt, but I'm 100% sure that in the 2 seconds this happened Ella heard a very nice choice of words! Anyway, the next day my finger is swollen and black/blue (my friend Louise told me it looked like I had taken some string and cut off circulation to my finger) so after many people yelling at me to go and have it x-rayed I went in after work to have it looked at. After being asked many time "how did you stick your finger in a fan" (I'm not 2... I do know better and did not do that)? I had it x-rayed and found out that I did not break it but seriously bruised it up and it needs some major time to heal (the doc told me if he would have guessed before he had seen the x-rays he would have bet good money that it was broken just by looking at it). He ended up giving me some awesome pain killers, a splint, and some crazy bright yellow tape (I get to wear that for at least 5 days and up to a week depending on how it's doing) and instructions to let it rest. I then went to dinner and had some beers that made it feel better right away ;).

I wish you could see how bad it really is... I took this this morning, almost 48 hours after it happened!
*Please ignore the MOD paper I used... this was right before my con call today*

The yellow tape is killing me, I know people want to know what happened! :)

So... that was my Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday today is Thursday and I'm thinking after the week I've had so far things should be back on the rise, if it's not I'm really worried to know what might happen next! I hope you enjoyed my great week so far and I will see you back tomorrow for Fingerprint Fridays!!

*KJ*

Fingerprint Fridays

2009-05-04T13:13:00.000-05:00

------------------------------------------

From Beci's Blog:
There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of god
When I look at you I can see the fingerprints of god
And I know it’s true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God
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 join in - Go to Becki's Blog!
-----------------------------------------------------

This week for Fingerprint Friday I have seen the finger print of God not in nature, or in a child but in famous R&B (I think that is the kind of music she preforms) singer Beyonce Knowles. I was listing to Pandora hoping another one of her songs would come on but this song did instead and it couldn't have been more perfect.

*I'm sorry that this ended up being so long but I had to explain the story*

The song Halo was the song that came on and it's perfect. I will put the words and link the video for it was well, the video is pretty amazing live if you ask me but I just like to listen to the words as I sit here writing about how it has managed to change my day today.

This past Sunday was my last Sunday working in my Church nursery. I have decided that it was long past due for myself to get back into actually going to Church (or big Church as all the kids call it). I have been working at my church (yes, I'm actually a member of this church as well as a worker) since 2004 and have gone through many ups and downs along the way, but I always knew that I could walk into any of the rooms, look at any of the children in that room and know that I could over come anything. That is what the unconditional love of a child does for me, they show me that anything is possible, that it's alright to question anything if you don't understand, and the simplest answers might actually make the most sense for the hardest questions. I have grown to love every child I have meet, even if it was only for a minute, they touched my heart in ways they will never know. It was so hard to turn in that letter telling my bosses that I need to move on, away from something that made me so comfortable away from something that always brought me joy. I loved that the parents trusted me with the children even it was for just a very short hour but to leave a child with someone you do not know except for a short time once a week can not be a easy task. BUT I grew relationships with these parents as well as the kids, I could see that they knew me, that they knew I would love their child for the very short hour I had them in my care and I would answer all their questions as much as I could, with those simple answers to those hard questions.

On Sunday as the hour drew closer to an end and I knew this is the last time I would hold these children I felt a comfort at the same time. I know that I'm not leaving the Church forever, I will actually be back next Sunday, right down the hall in the big Church. I will be listening to God tell me my next path in life, I will be looking for God to show me the unconditional love that he has for me (the same kind of love I have for all the kids), I will be reintroducing God into my life. Now, please don't get me wrong, I KNOW God loves me unconditional, I KNOW he only shows me the right path... but I NEED to see these things and that is what I am planning on doing starting that past Sunday when I said good-bye to one chapter of my life. I have always been a Christian, I grew up in the Catholic Church, went to Catholic schools my whole life and when I moved to San Antonio I decided to be reconfirmed as an Episcopalian. I love my church, I love the people in my Church and I love that God in there, I can feel him around me when I'm there. I have always prayed, I read the bible in school (Catholic school for 15 years), and I always know he is by my side. BUT I also believe that if your relationship with God is great then everything else will fall into his hands, if they are in his hands then you are following his will and things will happen the way they are supposed to happen (not always the way you see fit or how you want but how he sees fit and what he wants). ANYWAY, to make this a little longer (sorry), I have been dreading this next Sunday but also looking forward to it. It's going to be my first Sunday going to find my way with God and Jesus the way they see fit but to make it a little bit sweeter my boyfriend and his mom will be there with me, I couldn't have asked for a better Sunday to re find myself with God and Jesus.

I don't know if you will hear the same thing that I did in this song but isn't that the joy of music. Everyone can listen to a song and it can mean so many different things to each and every one of them. So, finally the end of this post :) Have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend!!

Halo lyrics
Songwriters: Bogart, Evan Kidd; Knowles, Beyonce Gisselle; Tedder, Ryan Benjamin;

Remember those walls I built
Well, baby they're tumbling down
And they didn't even put up a fight
They didn't even make up a sound

I found a way to let you in
But I never really had a doubt
Standing in the light of your halo
I got my angel now

It's like I've been awakened
Every rule I had you breakin'
It's the risk that I'm takin'
I ain't never gonna shut you out

Everywhere I'm looking now
I'm surrounded by your embrace
Baby I can see your halo
You know you're my saving grace

You're everything I need and more
It's written all over your face
Baby I can feel your halo
Pray it won't fade away

I can feel your halo halo halo
I can see your halo halo halo
I can feel your halo halo halo
I can see your halo halo halo

Hit me like a ray of sun
Burning through my darkest night
You're the only one that I want
Think I'm addicted to your light

I swore I'd never fall again
But this don't even feel like falling
Gravity can't forget
To pull me back to the ground again

Feels like I've been awakened
Every rule I had you breakin'
The risk that I'm takin'
I'm never gonna shut you out

Everywhere I'm looking now
I'm surrounded by your embrace
Baby I can see your halo
You know you're my saving grace

You're everything I need and more
It's written all over your face
Baby I can feel your halo
Pray it won't fade away

I can feel your halo halo halo
I can see your halo halo halo
I can feel your halo halo halo
I can see your halo halo halo

I can feel your halo halo halo
I can see your halo halo halo
I can feel your halo halo halo
I can see your halo halo halo
Halo, halo

Everywhere I'm looking now
I'm surrounded by your embrace
Baby I can see your halo
You know you're my saving grace

You're everything I need and more
It's written all over your face
Baby I can feel your halo
Pray it won't fade away

I can feel your halo halo halo
I can see your halo halo halo
I can feel your halo halo halo
I can see your halo halo halo

I can feel your halo halo halo
I can see your halo halo halo
I can feel your halo halo halo
I can see your halo halo halo

© B-DAY PUBLISHING; EMI APRIL MUSIC INC.;

------------------------------------------
From Beci's Blog:
There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of god
When I look at you I can see the fingerprints of god
And I know it’s true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God
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 join in - Go to Becki's Blog!
-----------------------------------------------------

Not me Mondays!

2009-05-04T09:57:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to the blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I love MckMama's not me Mondays... so I figured I can start to this one also! By the time everything is said and done I think I might have some crazy thing for ever day of the week! :)

I did not stay up Friday night until 5 am drinking and hanging out with new friends....

Not me!

I did not then wake up on my own on Saturday morning at 9 am ready to go.

Nope, not me!

I did not wake up so hungry I got mad enough to almost start a fight between the most Wonderful guy ever.

Nope, not me!

I did not almost forget all about my awesome dog at my apartment Saturday morning because food had over taken every thought I had in my head!

Not me!!

I did not talk/laugh in my sleep Saturday night due to being overly tired and worn out because of 4 hours of sleep the night before.

Not me!

I did not have a two day hangover from said drinking that didn't happen Friday night.

Nope, not me!

I did not almost take back my decision to "retire" for working at my church nursery and start actually going to church due to the amazing memory book that I was given.

No way, not me!

I did not stay awake almost all night because my awesome dog was sick, worried that if I did go to sleep I would wake up to something very, very bad!

Not me!

I did not get mad that my vet called me and told me that the only thing wrong with said dog is that he is stressed out and it can be fixed with water and bland food!

Not me at all!

I did not get happy this morning to go to work because I didn't want to deal with my house and the mess, even if there was no sleep involved last night and I'm not sure if I will make it until lunch time.

Nope not!

I did not just get upset because in my pictures I couldn't find a picture of a Miller Lite bottle!

Not me at all

Fingerprint Fridays

2009-04-30T08:36:00.001-05:00

I almost forgot that I needed to post this today! Good think I remembered (because I have found I actually DO love doing this)!!
Today the Fingerprints I see are in an organization my friend Louise and I volunteer for... The March for Babies (March of Dimes). We got involved last year when I called up the MOD office and asked if I could help out with the walk that year. After a nice phone call with Shawne, the director, I had been put to work finding other volunteers for the walk and I would in charge of them... know this was not going to be happening with just me, I asked Louise if she would help me out and she agreed! After some crazy days, meetings, phone calls and emails we managed to pull it off (with many, many bumps in the road)! This year they asked if we would take over the logistics part of the walk (for some reason they like us) and we agreed... so this year we are actually putting the back ground things together for the walk (with a lot of help from Kristine, KJ, and the other amazing MOD staff). Well, I have seen Fingerprints in all of these people... workers and volunteers... giving their time, money, legs, and effort to help make people more educated about premature birth, helping families who are at risk for having a premature baby, and then helping those who are born premature! If you have time, or the money, you should look into the organization... they are amazing and truly need all the support and help that anyone is willing to give them!
I do have to admit that I am lucky enough not to know any babies personally have been born prematurely for any reason... BUT I am going to support this organization for those I don't know and for some reason I do end up knowing someone, or even myself someday, having a premature baby... so that they can have the extra support and love that they will need!
Kristine, me and Louise having a "meeting", dinner and some drinks... I swear we did get a little accomplished that night! :) I will blog about the actually walk after it happens (May 16, 2009... cross your fingers it goes according to plan)!! If you live in San Antonio and want to donate your time for the walk, we are still looking for volunteers for the day before the walk, May 15th, for set-up and for the day of the walk... all day, many positions... e-mail us at VolunteerMODSATX@hotmail.com and we will give you all the details! And even if you don't live in SA look up your local chapter and go volunteer... I promise you they always need help!!
------------------------------------------
From Beci's Blog:
There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of god
When I look at you I can see the fingerprints of god
And I know it’s true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God
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 join in - Go to Becki's Blog!
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLARE!!!

2009-04-27T10:23:00.000-05:00

Today is my best friends brithday! I wish I could say I'm going to her house tonight, stealing her, and treating her to a wonderful dinner!! BUT I can't so today... this is for her!

Clare-

I still remeber all the great times we used to have... riding bikes, playing "town", going to the park, staying out 'till dark, just haning out and so much more!! Now, you're a year older, married to a wonderful husband, and have the most beautiful daughter ever!

I hate that we have to talk on the phone once a week... not make time to meet at the park to play with Fiona to catch up with each other. That I only get to see you once or if I'm lucky twice a year. I hate that Texas is so very far from Kasnas! It's just not fair, but being the friends we are we make it happen and charish every moment we can talk!!

Truthfully we have been saying it for years, you are not my best friend, you're my sister. I couldn't have asked for a better one and I'm thankfull that after 21 years of being friends we still can count on each other for anything, no matter the distence!

Today is your day, I hope it is amazing! You're amazing, sweet and kind! Enjoy your day, you deserive it more then anyone!

I love you and miss you so much! Again, Happy Birthday to YOU!!

Love always,

Kari

Fingerprint Fridays

2009-04-21T11:43:00.000-05:00

Well, this is Fingerprint Friday post 2! After my last two post I'm finding that I kind of like to do this. I have no idea if anyone is reading my blog or not but it makes me feel better and that's really what matters right? Anyway... on with the show!

So, I've been thinking about this post since last Friday and I wasn't sure where I was going to see God's fingerprints this week but I knew that he was all around me and all I had to do was open my eyes to the world around me!

This was taken last 4th of July last year. As many of you know I love, love, love this holiday and San Antonio makes it awesome (at least to me it's awesome). If you were not aware of it San Antonio has a TON of military bases around the city and every 4th of July they open up the bases to civilians. Once you get onto the base there are games for the kids, food, drinks, and bands playing, once it gets dark they light off TONS of fireworks! WELLLLLLL, for the past I don't know how many years it has RAINED on the 4th of July BUT thanks to my great friend Louise we still take our happy selves out to Lackland AFB to watch the fireworks! This past year was no exception to the rule... it had rained off and on allll day... even when we were pulling into our parking spot it as still sprinkling! So... we walked around in the mud, water and wonderful Texas humidity and finally decided to go listen to the bands play and claim a spot for the show... while we were waiting, wondering what was going to happen if the rain picked up again (I don't know why we wonder this... years past have proved they will still light fireworks IN THE RAIN.)! I looked up and saw this rainbow!! It truly made my day and every time I look at it I do think of God and how anything is possible with him in my life.

Happy Friday and I hope you enjoy your weekend!

I'm a little grossed out...

2009-04-21T11:27:00.000-05:00

So, I said I was only going to post once a week but I found this website and it has seriously grossed me out! It's called "This is why you're fat" and it has pictures of the most disgusting foods I have ever seen (I'm sorry if you like these foods but I can't even handle looking at the pictures)! The worst part is people have made these dishes and probably ate it after that! YUCK!!

Thanks to Jennifer McCann she has made a blog called "This Is Why You're Thin" and it has some of the best foods I have ever seen! I can't wait to try to make some of these foods and I have only been on a couple pages of her blog so far! Okay, some of it doesn't look that great to me either but NOT like the foods on the other web page.

I'm not saying that I eat the best foods around or that I'm even "thin" for that matter BUT I can see why we have a problem... if people really eat that stuff then DUH they are going to be "fat" (I'm sorry if this word offends you but it's the truth, why hide it). I know that something every once in awhile and in moderation is great BUT get with the picture people!!! If you eat that ALL the time then what do you think you're doing to your body?!!?

As a disclaimer, I'm an average person that suffers everyday trying to make the right choices with what to eat. In no way am I a professional that should tell anyone what and what not to eat at any point. BUT I will tell you that I have a brain in my head (though it might not always work the way I wished it did) and I'm smart enough to know that foods full of grease and fat will only hurt you in the long run! Again, I don't want to hurt any ones feelings or make anyone think that I'm judging people. I'M NOT! I just wanted to share a couple websites and how one has grossed me out and how the other soooo make up for it!

Fingerprint Friday

2009-04-17T15:55:00.000-05:00

So, I don't blog... I don't think people really care what I have to say but I have started reading a blog called PamperingBeki (thanks Clare)and I love her Fingerprint Fridays! So, if this is all I ever do it is well worth it!

This is what I see on my first Fingerprint Friday... A very happy go lucky Owen. Owen needs some special prayers right now but as you can see he is one crazy little boy!

I love you Owen! * Sorry it's blurry, I took it from my phone... it sucks! *

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From Beci's Blog:

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:

I can see the fingerprints of god

When I look at you

I can see the fingerprints of god

And I know its true

Youre a masterpiece

That all creation quietly applauds

And you're covered with the fingerprints of god

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 join in. 1. Blog with your interpretation of God's fingerprints. Be sure to link back here so others can find the entire list of participants! 2. After you've posted your blog, sign the Mr. Linky below. Have fun exploring the other links as well! Please only sign in if you're participating. Hopefully this will make us look at things through fresh eyes throughout the week!

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