Seriously? What are they thinking?

I'm 22 and in a pretty long-term relationship so I would say, hopefully, most of y'all would agree that after dating 3 years its not that illogical for me to think about the future, right? I like thinking about whether we would make good parents together, how our personalities would show through in our parenting styles, and what it would be like to raise children together. I try to be realistic and think ahead b/c those things are important, and I truly can't wait to have a family way down the road. I'm pretty sure there is nothing wrong with that. Anyways, I like to watch how other people parent-- friends, family, total strangers-- and take in the things that I find useful to do or not do one day.

I don't know if any of y'all are familar with the new TLC show Toddlers & Tiaras, but it's interesting. Most of the time its like a horrible accident that you just can't turn your eyes away from, but sometimes I have seen a flip side to the fake eyelashes, orange spray tans, bad 80s hair and over done make-up that these infant-12 yr olds are doning. Some parents want there girls to just have fun, and they skip the fake stuff and just stick with hair curled at the ends and a pretty dress up gown. (I commend the parents that don't look at their daughters as Barbies) I have at times thought, "Aww- that's cute!" when they show a 6 month old fast asleep in her huge, frilly, pink pagent dress and a big flower hairband on being judged- seems pretty harmless. But an article I read today kind of has changed my opinion once again.

**Places just one foot on the soap box..And Begins..-- I'm intrigued not infuriated :) **

An article from Newsweek is titled "Generation Diva: How our obsession with beauty is changing our kids." I hit panic mode as I read this article, y'all. [I realize I've been focusing a lot on kids this week, and I know some people may say, " Why would I read something you suggest? You don't have kids. You are still a kid. You don't have a clue what it's like." And that's all true. But what I know is what I see.. so I keep sharing :)] Here is a few snipets of the article:

But this, my friends, is the new normal: a generation that primps and dyes
and pulls and shapes, younger and with more vigor. Girls today are salon vets
before they enter elementary school.--- And instead of shaving their legs the
old-fashioned way—with a 99-cent drugstore razor—teens get laser hair removal,
the most common cosmetic procedure of that age group.

Four years ago, a survey by the NPD
Group showed that, on average, women began using beauty products at 17.
Today, the average is 13—and that's got to be an overstatement. According to
market-research firm Experian, 43 percent of 6- to 9-year-olds are already using
lipstick or lip gloss; 38 percent use hairstyling products; and 12 percent use
other cosmetics.

"My daughter is 8, and she's like, so into this stuff it's unbelievable,"
says Anna
Solomon, a Brooklyn social worker. "From the clothes to the hair to the
nails, school is like No. 10 on the list of priorities."(Is she seriously OK
with this?!- Here's an IdEa.. dont buy it for her!)

It's been estimated that girls 11 to 14 are subjected to some 500 advertisements a day—the majority of them nipped, tucked and airbrushed to perfection. And, according to a University of Minnesota study, staring at those airbrushed images from just one to three minutes can have a negative impact on girls' self-esteem.

If tweens can be convinced they need to spend to perfect their already
youthful skin, it's hard to imagine what they'll believe at 40. And with all the
time they'll spend thinking about it, it's even harder to imagine all they're
missing along the way.

If these things are true.. I think I need to think a little longer about how to be a Christian parent in this type of culture. I seriously applaude every single one of y'all who have daughters, and sons, who you are trying to teach Who is important in this world, and that they are important just the way He created them... While going up against a very large battle out there in the world.

I can't wait to have girls (Ankoo claims I'm doomed to have 4 boys because I want girls and boys so bad) to play dress up with, but not so they can be glamorous and "sexy"! Why would a parent want their 5yr old to look sexy?! OMG! Seriously? *Sigh* It seems like a useless battle, but we all have to teach kids that this is far from normal... and just pray that one day things will flip back to normal!

Who knows, when I was 10 yrs old bellbottoms and peasant shirts came back in to style for a good 5 yrs.. so maybe all this beauty obsession will be a passing phase! It's in his hands, but I did just want to pass along the article to anyone interested. Go to Newsweek: Genereation Diva to have a quick read for yourselves!

*removes foot from soap box, & smiles*

Back to the grind!
Love x Infinity-- KK

Magical Fairy Princess Dust

Is this really happening? I couldn't believe my eyes this morning when I check my email from my phone and saw that Jen at Tutu's Bliss had left me a comment letting me know I had won her giveaway!!! WHAT?!?! How is that possible!? I screamed my head of in excitement and called Ankoo to tell him IMMEDIATELY, "I WON!!!!"

This pic is from Tutu's Bliss-- The dress is one of many that she creates.

He didn't understand because oddly enough just like back at Christmas when I had thought about buying an ornament from Blu Creations, then won one from Natalie.. the same thing happend with this, well sort of! I spent all yesterday at work checking on the Ebay auction for the Tutu's Bliss tutu dress. I kid you not, I stalked it like a cheetah because enough though I've been staring at the dresses for weeks on Etsy I couldn't make up my mind, so I knew that the auction was a "sign" that I just had to buy the dress, especially since the money was going to The Children's Tumor Foundation. Well, 53min were left at it was right past 4:30 so I had to leave work... I decided to go ahead and bid.. I mean, no one had bid for HOURS and although someone had skyrocketed the bids from $20 to $45 in under 4 minutes it still seemed awesome. So I put in my $46.00bid, and automatically was told "You were out bid! Bid again?" I refused to give up! So I bid again. I think I bid 48.05 that time... "You were out bid!Bid again?" Nope! Game over... I gave up. I was happy for the person who was crazily using an automated machine to outbid me.

Even though I really wanted it, I prayed in my car as I drove home, "I'm not anger God. Don't let me be spiteful of someone elses joy. I hope with all my heart that the little girl who gets it loves it for years and years, and loves twirling in circles in it!"

I told Ankoo before bed I was bummed, but that I'd still enjoy eventually getting one once I could pick want I wanted..... Then I won her photo prop giveaway this morning! Oh gracious, how I don't know, BUT I just wanted to say THANK YOU so much to Jen! Your tutus and props are beyond gorgeous and I can't wait to have all your beautiful creations to use in photo shoots, and for my friends' little girls to play with! The package includes over fifty dollars of boutique hats, portrait pacifiers, floral clips and other goodies. After winning this, I promise y'all there is a tutu purchase in my future! lol

All of y'all with little girls, I am not exagerating! I've done the leg work to find all sorts of tutus online, and Jen's beat all of them by leaps and bounds. She even does special orders to make them the perfect colors and sizes that you'll love. So go check them out please! When you fall in love with them I promise not to say I told you so! :) Hehe

Have a Magical Tuesday!

~KK~

Oh My!

I won something!!! Whoa, I can't believe it! But I can't tell y'all what I won yet! Sorry to be so criptic, but y'all will understand eventually!

Thanks El! So so much! So glad the Fundraising went so well!

~Love~

KK

The Red Envelope Project

Please join me to help protect the unborn.
Red Envelope Day is March 31st. (Tomorrow!)

Get a red envelope. You can buy them at Kinkos, or at party supply stores. On the front, address it to:

President Barack Obama

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.

Washington , D.C. 20500

On the back, write the following message:This envelope represents one child who died in abortion. It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world. Responsibility begins with conception.

Put it in the mail on March 31st, and send it.Then send this website to every one of your friends who you think would send one too. I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died before having a a chance to live. Maybe it will change the heart of the president.

In the last few years I've become much more ProLife than I was as a teenager. When I was younger I had no clue what abortion was all about, and luckily today I still do not know any women who have had one as far as I know. It is a personal decision, and I'm not judging anyone who makes that difficult choice, however I just do not believe in it. I don't see the logic in a person saying, " I'm just not ready to handle that yet."--- For me, personally, if a person finds themselves "ready" to be in a physical relationship, then they need, and must be ready to be having a child, because sry y'all but that is the main purpose of having a physical relationship. I'm beginning to think they don't conver that part in sex education anymore... which is leading to younger and younger children making adult decisions.

I don't want to be gimmicky but PARENTS, TALK TO YOUR KIDS. DON'T ASSUME THEY AREN'T DOING IT. Be a proactive parent. It's not just "bad kids," its all kids, and the ONLY way they'll know you want them to wait is to tell them. I get wanting to save their innocents, but no matter if they are in a public, private, christian, all boys, or all girls school there will be that one kid who tells your child "Everyone's doing it." Don't wait. Please. Talk now. Pre-teen is too young to be watching girls lose their childhood. Be their biggest advocate.

LOVE LOVE LOVE

KK

P.S. If they act annoyed or tell you they don't want to talk about it, do not just let it go. It means they are scared to talk about it, and weren't you when/if you were talked w/ your parents about serious things like this?

Tutu's Bliss & The Childrens Tumor Charity

Go to Tutu's Bliss Blog right now! Don't wait!--- Seriously! What are you waiting for??

Okay..fine. I give in. I'll TELL you why you have to go over there RIGHT NOW:

Tutu's Bliss is not only having a HUGEEEE GIVEAWAY, but she is also apart of a charity auction that is going on right now for The Children's Tumor Foundation. ALL proceeds raised in the ebay auctions go to helping find new treatment for Children with Tumors such as children living with Neurofibrosis, a disease where tumors appear at random all over a child's body.

Go over to Tutu's Bliss and Click on the link to the Charity, and while your at it... if you go back to her blog and leave comment just telling her which charity item is your favorite you'll be entered to WIN her HUGE Giveaway which includes sooo many awesome items! Especially if you have a little girl, or granddaughter, or even just know a little girl who loves to dress up and be a fairy princess head over now!!

Okay-- That's all... I've tried to inform y'all, so I hope somebody will go check it to! :) As always, What Do You have to Lose???

~LOVE LOVE~

KK

Be Still Sunday

Happy Birthday Eli

Happy 2nd Birthday Eli!

Robert Elias McCall

Birth & Death: March 28th, 2007

***This pic is directly from Profoundly Seth! Go to the site***

For anyone who follows the stories of Ellyn's beautiful youngest sons, you already know who Eli is. Eli is a little boy whose parents, Ellyn and John, were so excited to have a 3rd child, their second son, be born on March 28th, 2007. But they had know way of knowing before that day that their beautiful son would die just hours before his birth.

Today the McCall family is in New York city with Eli's big sister, big brother, and little brother, all celebrating Eli's life and the impact that he is still making on this Earth.

I just wanted to take a moment to say Happy Birthday to him, because even though he's up in heaven with God, it's still important to remember him and his family that are still grieving his loss. The loss of not knowing the person he would have grown up to be.

Ellyn's family is beautiful, and they are firmly based in their faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. They challenge my faith daily-- and in learning about them, my faith has grown.

I wanted to share this video with you all today. It is mostly about Eli's little brother Seth, who is profoundly deaf and awaiting Cochlear Implants soon, but it is about the journey and the struggles that they have gone through and survived. *Turn off the music at the bottom of the page first :)*

Love y'all! ~KK

P.S. Anyone who went over and contributed to the Profound Pictures... You Are Awesome!! They raised over $3000 for Seth and two amazing charities! Thanks for helping!

fPhoto Friday

Camera: Nikon D60

Setting: Auto

Date: 3/8/09

Just a little "Coke Float" made out of flowers and sugar-free candy for my Grandma from my Aunt Kris. Thought it was too cute to pass up photographing. Have a wonderful fPhoto Friday! Hope the weather clears up a bit down here in the south.... could be a good weekend for some INDOOR photography!

~Love Love~

KK

Writers Workshop: Riding in the Rain

The Prompts:
1.) Somebody I'm praying for....
2.) I don't believe in prayer because...
3.) What are you putting off right now?
4.) You can go back to your childhood for one day. What day and age do you choose?
5.) Your friend tells you he can pick up any girl at the bar, no matter what he says. You bet him $100 he can't. Create the world's worst pick up line and send your friend off into the crowd. What happens?

Like Mama Kat, i too have been praying for Stellan. I've prayed for this sweet little boy to be healed my God all week, & every time I get on up date from MckMama on my cell via Twitter my heart stops for a few seconds while I quickly read her updates and pray for the "..." to be continues with something good. Small update- Stellan is going in to surgery to have a line put in. His heart has stopped pumping blood efficiently to the rest of his body, so they are uncertain whether they will put in a PICC line, central line, or a J line. Please continue you praying! Pray works-- whether its hard to understand why "all prayers aren't answered," God hears ever single one and will continue to give us the thigns in our lives that we need as long as we turn to Him.

Okay... So.... since I've already been prayin for Stellan... I pick...
4.) You can go back to your childhood for one day. What day and age do you choose?

I know exactly what day I would pick. I was around 7 years old I would say, and it was the middle of November. I was up in the Ozarks with my family on vacation for Thanksgiving, and everything was perfect. Growing up there was no other place as magically as my families ranch. Nothing in the world could compare to the smell of the mequite wood burning in the fire place, the sweetness coming from the fresh chocolate chip cookies that were cooling in the kitchen, and the crispness in the air when I would run out side to meet my brothers and dad as they came in from hunting. I loved it. I was at ease in the woods. I was home to me. A safe place for all the other things that were going on back in Atlanta.

I had grown up learning everything I know about the woods from my Dad, who learned everything he knows from his Dad, who had learned everything he knew from His Dad... we had a lot of woods-savy men in our family! :) Anyways...

On this one specific afternoon that will always stay in my mind vividly til the day I die, my Dad and I decided to go on a horseback ride, just the two of us. I loved riding! My dad was never afraid to let me try things, and had me riding horses since I was 6 months old, and could barely sit up. I'd beg and beg to ride because it was "Our Thing" to do together. My mom rides, and some do my brothers, and nephews, and cousins and all.... but they just don't get it they way my daddy and I do.

Well on this cloudy afternoon, I can remember hearing the *clack- clack--clack-clack* noise of my father's boots on the 100 year old wood-plank floor heading toward my bedroom. He ducked his head in and said, "Ready?" and just smiled a big grin at me. I shook my head yes and jumped of the bed to grab my boots and search for my camo jacket. (Side note: I never liked wearing my own jacket-- I always wanted to wear my mom's camo jacket enough though it was too big for me.) I yanked it out of the deep cedar closet and swished my arms quickly into it; taking a deep inhale of the cedar smell as it escaped from where the door had been holding it captive. I ran out the door skinny, black front door trying to catch up to my dad as he was already making his way down the flat rock path to wear Blue, my dad's beautiful majestic horse stood. He was without a doubt the most gorgeous horse you'll ever see-- and he was truly blue! Well.. okay, he was a daple grey, but his coloring had a blue tint. He was so gentle and sweet and could always go whatever distance we wanted to ride.

My dad hopped on- he was always very quick; as if it was effortless-- and put his left hand out for me to grab on. I slid my left foot into the stirup, and pushed off the slick grass below me. I flipped my right leg on over and settled in on the warm blanket that lay behind my fathers sattle. The older I got the less often I rode with him. I had my own horses by now, Nancy and Sparkles, but on this day we rode together. -- We waved to my mom then took off toward the South. I hadn't remember every detail, because it felt like a fairytale.

I remember the mist that starting floating down from the tops of the trees and the fog that was on the ground. I can remember putting my hands in my dad's jacket pockets to keep them warm while we rode along through the treees, creating our on paths as we went. He's always had a sense of direction that I wish I had even an ounce of, and could take us roaming through the woods to run up deer, and turkeys and still get us back to the main road without a sweat. As we rode we talking about the ranch and how some day it could all be mine if I loved it enough, and understood how much it takes to be responsible for all the animals that live there. We talked about my Grandpa and the thigns he had taught my dad, and even talked about how we wished mom had come with us, but we were glad we didn't actually have to worry about anyone keeping up with us because Blue was ofcourse better than any of the other horses.

All of asudden the light mist that tickled my face as it hit, turned to a drizzle.. and then to a heavy stram of rain! it was too late... we were way too far from the house to even care how drenched we were. We both just died laughing. It was beautiful out there. It was coming down hard, but as I peered out from under the hood of my jacket i could see everything in the woods clearly. It was like a painting that could never be duplicated. I knew it was a momently to be thankful for. A moment that I was sharing with just him, and I could tell he was proud I was riding with him, not any of the boys.

He ran Blue the rest of the way home. He was a little worried in might start lightening, but I wasn't scared. I remember being so drenched that my jeans were so stiff and heavy from the rain weighing them down. It was awesome though.---- To this day I love riding in the rain. There is something magical about it that you only know if you've been there.

That's the memory and day that I would pick. That day of being daddy's little girl, spending time together... riding in the rain.

-----------

Sorry for such a long story, but I couldn't leave out details! Go on over to MamaKat's to see what prompts others choose this week!

~lots of love~

KK

Re: Praying For Stellan

Poor, sweet little Stellan is still not doing well. He's in the Children's Hospital still and his precious little heart will not come out of SVT for longer than half a minute. They have tried many different treatments, and so far his body is not responding to any of them. They had him on "Esmolol (beta blocker)" but are now taking him off of it because his body stopped responding to it, and he's now on "Amiodorone", and " also on a steroid (for his breathing/ retracting/ wheezing since he can't be on nebs obviously) and oral Flecainide." I'm quoting directly from MckMama's twitters because I know very little about the medical world. Please continue to pray for God to heal Stellan. He is God Almighty, the Great Physician, and he is the One with the power to heal sweet Stellan's tired and weak body if it is in his plan. He is a beautiful children, born into a Godly and loving family, and I pray that they would no longer have to endure this helplessness while the physicians continue to test new possibilities of flipping Stellan's heart beat back into a slow and even rhythm. It's all in His Hands

Wordful Wednes: 8 Gosselins and a Sparkly Vampire

Welcome to Wordful Wednesday hosted by Angie at SeVen CLowN CiRcUs!

This past weekend was AMAZING!!!!!

I've been waiting til today to share my photos because well, they are nothing fancy but I'm quite proud of them so I thought Wordful Wednesday was the perfect time to display them!!

THIS IS KATE GOSSELIN!

This is me watching her sing my book AND my program!! (She didn't sign most people's programs-- looked at Sara and I and asked, "Want me to sign these too!?" with a big smile! So sweet!)

Yes, She is on Jon and Kate +8, but she is a real person separate from when she's on the show.

Sara and I with our MULTIPLE BLES8INGS Books!

Goobs and I

We got the DVD! Oh I'm so proud of myself for getting Twilight at about 12:05am! Yay

Last Friday was unbelievable busy and SOOOO much FUN!!!! Here was my schedule

6:30am Leave for Work
7:30am- 4:30 pm Work Work Work
5:15pm Met the Curries and Sara at Relish for dinner
6:29pm Paniced and jumped in the car w/ Sara to head to RUMC to see kate Gosselin
7:31pm Kate Gosselin spoke about family, their life, and MAINLY about their Faith in the Lord
8:34pm Meet and Greet with Kate!!!
10pm M&G finally over :( Left with TWO signatures of Kate's and some..blurry photos :)
10:20pm Stopped for Starbucks frap!
11:31pm Meet Ankoo,Eva, and Goobs at North Point Mall to stake out our place in line at FYE to get a copy of Twilight:The Movie on Dvd at exactly midnight!!
12:05am Was about 9th in line to get a Twilight Dvd!!!
...Some minutes after that.. Drove home and immediately went to bed!

Now go see some more photo's at Angie's! And don't forget to leave comments!!!!

DouBle*MUAH*

Pray For Stellan

Not a good start this morning! As typical for a Monday, I arrived at work checked some weekly updates, got my news for the morning, then decided to click on over to My Charming Kids to see if Mckmama had posted her Not Me! Monday yet. I was shocked to find this in its place:

Stellan in the Hospital with SVT

I couldn't believe this sweet little baby had been rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night! It immediately broke my heart to think of him laying there helpless, while MckMama had no option except to sit in the waiting room praying to God that he take care of her baby and heal his heart.. yet again.

The McKinnon family's faith in the Lord, is unfailing even in moments like this-- I've promised to pray for sweet Stellan all day on the hour until an update comes from MckMama saying Stellan is returning back home! Please say a pray for him as well, and keep this family in your prayers!

Will update when I hear any news!

In his name-- Kaylan

The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2

My 10am prayer:

Dear Lord, Please be with the McKinnon family today as they trust in you, the Great Physican, to heal there sweet Stellan's heart. They know that you are in control and that even that this frightening time that You are the one in control. Please lay your hands upon him and heal his little heart. Please give the doctor's at Children's Hospital the knowledge and strength needed to slow his heart down and return his strength. Please be with his Mommy & Daddy as the fear of the unknown is hard to not become overwhelmed with. And also with his MBS(many big siblings) as they try to understand why Stellan isn't at home with them today. Be with them all in these moments, as you always are. In Jesus Name I Pray- Amen.

fPhoto Friday

Welcome to fPhoto Friday hoested by the wonderful Natalie at Married to the Preacher!

"Conversing at the Center"

I can't take credit for this photo this week, My friend Sara Notestine(soon to be Day) was the photographer and she took this while over in Spain back in 2007. The spot where they are standing is the exact spot where Spain believes is the center of the earth. The point where the tiles meet is the exact spot.

Photographer: Sara Notestine

Camera: Nikon i would assume since she's like me

Editting(done by me): Photoshop E6.0 Hard Mix & Color
Burn

Have a happy Friday!

I Must Be Dreaming: Chase

***Disclaimer-- If you are family, tread lightly on this message! I want y'all to read it, but if u are unsure if you are ready to hear news, that's okay! I love y'all either way, so I wanted u to have fair warning*

To quote him accurately, " Couldn't have been better timing, and this is definitely a God Thing!"

Wondering who I mean by "him"???

I mean Chase.

Yep he has resurfaced again because of me simply being in an irriated and distraught mood last night. Before you get on to me, please let me explain!

For non-family-readers, Chase is a family member who hasn't been in my life since we were children for a variety of complicated reasons. As I've mentioned before, I'm the baby of the fam... but he was the runner up. He's just 4 yrs older than me, and I love him with all my heart. We were able to reconnect 2 years ago almost, when my cousin finally found him on Myspace of all places, and haven't stopped talking since! We can laugh for hours on the phone, and have spent a lot of time catching up on the things in life that we've missed out on. The funny stories, the stories about parents, the missed moments, the devastating moments... and now we've been able to recently share the beautiful current moments as well.

Valentine's day of 2008 I got a call from him saying, " I wanted you to be one of the first to know, She said Yes! We're engaged!" just minutes after he proposed to his now wife. I'd talked to him for weeks while he made the decision out loud that April was the only person in the world for him, and then the the days before he finally proposed. So to have received that call was a blessing, and I was so estatic to be able to be apart of that moment. Moments like that I hope to continue to share-- But my hope is that it will progress to being in person, and that he will have a desire to reconnect with the other members of our family as well..... which leads me up to last night....

I'm rash.. I know it.. I do things because I can't hold myself back.. So last night this is the texting that occurred: K=me, C=Chase

K(9:02pm): Are you afraid to meet me for some reason, Chase?
C(9:34pm)
No I don't think so! Where did that come from? Pretty
big deal for me! but am not scared! I've called when I was around Atlanta and am
excited about it!!!

Let me interject, and explain that he and I made set plans to have dinner right before Thanksgiving. He was suppose to call me the next day and confirm.... And then I heard nothing from him at all til Christmas Day.. so needless to say I didn't not believe his comment at first..

K: I don't really know where it came from. It was just on my
mind today. It's on my mind all the time. i talk to Ankoo and my mom and my
grandma about it a lot, and I've tried to back off bothering u ever since
nov....

Sry to text u out of the blue.. prolly not my best idea!

C: No! I'm glad that you did! I miss you and I miss our fun talks! I really do! I miss my grandma and family! Did you know I lost my mawmaw not too long ago and haven't had a grandfather pretty much my whole life! It has meant so much that you found me and I let everyone know! My mom included! I just wasn't sure what was going on.

So please please give me a call tomorrow! Ill have my phone with
me all day! I love and miss you and the fam!!

We did keep talking for aleast another hour, but that was the big part that I wanted to be sure to share. If I could send my phone to each person in the fam I would! Since I can't I copied it word for word! I think it's important that y'all all know how much he loves us. ALL of Us.

A while later I told him, that I needed to know he's serious about moving forward, that its not just words, because I want that part of him and my family to be able to be healed, and he told me:

C:I understand! Just put yourself in my shoes. To know that you have a
whole family who loves you, prays for you and misses you!
C: Yes... It makes me feel good knowing that so many people love me and
haven't forgotten me! Ouh.. just hard to explain I guess

I reassured him that it's ok, that I do completely understand! And he made sure
to tell me before we both went to bed:

C: But I know you will talk to them about it, just understand I'm willing
to take that step forward with you
K:They do all understand- I think sometimes it's hard because they feel
helplessas to what happens next. its hard not to see someone u know is missing
that you love-- but everyoen knows it takes time

He was referring to OUR family! He still considers everyone one of you his cousins, and his aunts and uncles and his grandma. And the step, well that obviously is he and I and April meeting up.
I make no promises about how soon that will be. But God is in this. He's in charge not Me- and that's the way it's suppose to be. I will try to start being more upfront to everyone about what goes on, but I want to respect Chase- and somethings are just between he and I, just like somethings are personal between each one of you and myself, that I don't have a reason to share. I try to keep things to myself because I don't want to get anyones hopes up, but I think it's best to live in the moment and enjoy the daily blessings instead of just "waiting for the bigger picture."

Whether you are my blood relative or not, I'd venture to say that if you are still reading right now, you are my family through God. Please be in prayer for Chase, and myself and my family. We could all really use it. All please give Praise to Him for the hope and the blessings that He is already giving to us!

In His name,

P.S. Chase & April- If y'all ever find this and read this, I want you to know for sure that I love and miss both of you too! I'll always be here for both of y'all! Always and ForEver!

Writer's Workshop:Pipe Dreams

***Disclaimer:If you are family and you aren't in the mood to have a twist to your day that is good/scary then don't read today! I write what I feel--- so I'm atleast tryin to warn u!***

I'm late writing... yeah so? Atleast I'm tryin to blog a little , peeps! I'm so off on my blogtiming lately its a little ridiculous, but hopefully MamaKat will forgive me and still accept my lil' post!

On with it shall we? Time for me to pick.....

The Prompts:
1.) I used to think...
2.) List ten things you can do in three minutes.
3.) Describe a time you allowed your child to do something that you normally would not let slide.
4.) I want to become friends with...
5.) What are you currently fascinated with?

I pick: 1.) I use to think... that I wanted to get married right out of college. Now I realize I was crazy! I've been out a year already, and life still hasn't settled down much yet! I've now changed it to "..in my twenties." :) More feasible! I still am very much ready to start a family, but it doesn't have to be before I turn 23! haha

I use to think... that being the baby of the family was horrible!! Now I realize I can learn from everyone else, and that it's okay that everyone is protective over me. They love me and just want the best for me.

I use to think... I wanted ONLY biological kids when I grew up. Now I have a desire to adopt also. I've learned that my heart has a larger desire than a 17yr old could understand before! ( God shows us things in life when we're ready--- He knows what we can handle pretty well, dosn't he?)

I use to think...(and this is a big one).. That ever seeing Chase again was just a pipe dream. A fantastic hope that was nearly impossible to ever have come true. Now I know I was wrong! One day that will be a dream come true, and maybe soon even! *See next blog to understand more details*

Okay... that's all! What sort of things did y'all use to think???????
Love y'all,

Last Weeks Writer's Workshop

Since I was in NewYork last week I completly missed out on MamaKat's Writer's Workshop, and although I've never tried to play "catch up" on a workshop before I spotted a Prompt that I wanted to write about... It leads in to a prompt for this week actually (kinda underlining, but if you know me... you'll understand)

Here were the prompts:
The Prompts:
1.) Discuss an intense game of Pictionary that you spent most of Saturday night arguing with your family about, only to log in to your email account two days later to find 35 emails between said family regarding aformentioned game and rules.
2.) Tell about a time you hurt somebody that still bothers you to this day.
3.) The one that got away....spill it.
4.) What inspired you? Write about a time when you were impassioned to write.
5.) What happened in the last year? Write about something you can do now that you couldn't do a year ago.

I pick: #5. What happend in the last year? Write about something you can do now that you couldn't do a year ago?

A year ago THIS WEEK, I was on Spring Break in Arizonia with my parents and Ankoo enjoying the warmth and trying to relax before finishing up my final semester in college. We decided to take a ride over to the Red Rock Mountains on Mon or Tues (cant remember for sure) and got a call from one of my mom's siblings informing us that BOTH of my grandparents had been rushed to the hospital in ambulences. My Grams had gone in to a diabetic coma, and my granddaddy was so sick from pnemonia ,unbeknown to all of us, that he was in bed unresponsive as well. It was so scary to be so far away and feel helpless. I hated it. My first response was panic.. that quickly turned to anger. I wanted to go HOME. That very instant. Not in a few days. Not at the end of the week. I wanted to be with them to comfort them right then!............ I didn't get my way... We waited... We got updates constantly, and my Granddaddy was released from the hospital, but the long 9 months that followed were life defining for my Grandma.

I've written about her nearly year-long struggle in and out of the hospital and coming so near to death that our family was called in to say goodbye and to "Let her go peacefully."

So thankful God is in control, NOT doctors! Because She is her today, and well! Beyond well! Being as sick as she was she is physically weaker, but is spiritually stronger. She's an Olguin Women... She's not going dow without a fight! :)

So what can I do now that I couldn't fully do a year ago, you ask??? I can trust the Lord without any doubt at all-- period. It is that simple. Yes indeedy! Anyone that tries to tell me, "It just not that easy to hand things over to Him!" is not really trying to. It is hard, but have faith in the truths that you know- that's the best way I know how to say it. I sat in that hospital room with streams of tears rolling down my cheeks and drenching my shirt, with a smile on my face while I held a breathing mask up for my sweet,beautiful Grandmother so she could breathe even when she had no idea what was going on. I never saw the light go out in her- I heard doctors say, "There is no hope" and speak of no chance of her ever breathing on her own.... while I watched her need for assisted breathing to decrease, and decrease, and decrease!!! She is a fearless- Godly women who I am going to be like. I'm not saying I am already, but I am going to strive to leave the legacy behind me that she will SOMEDAY have to leave behind as well.

Today, My grandparents live 2.5 minutes from my house, all on their own and in the best health possible for their age. They have daily struggles, but they are living, and loving. And I'm continuing to learn more about my own personal strength to be a strong rock and a godly, supportive women in my walk with Him.

Jon and Kate + 8-- Finally!!!

I can't believe it's finally here! In just a few days I'm going to get to do something that I've actually been hoping for starting 4 years ago... Let me explain...

There was this little show on TLC that started as a one-time documentary of this family's life that went from being your typical Mom & Dad with 4yr old twin girls... to being a family built up of a Mom & Dad with 4 yr old twin girls AND 6 new baby brothers and sisters. If you ever turn on the TV, I'm pretty sure y'all have heard of Jon & Kate Gosselin and their beautiful 8 kids, also known as Jon & Kate + 8! I have been watching their show on TLC ever since the first airing of the documentary of their struggle with getting married young, having trouble getting pregnant, and the beautiful 8 children that God has blessed them with.

(L to R: Collin, Joel, Leah, Cara, Mady, Alexis, Hannah and Aiden-- Jon and Kate in back)

I fell in love with them from the moment I started watching for many, many reasons. I'm an only child/ youngest of 4kids and the only girl, so needless to say if we just start from that I'm part of a big family that keeps growing with many many many cousins, and second cousins, and I myself have always wanted to have a huge family. I still can't ever imagine myself having only 1 or 2 children, unless that ends up being all that God blesses me with.. and in that case, I'm definitely not going to argue the issue!

Point being.. The love that I could see in the Gosselin family gave me such hope and joy watching them struggle through parenting 8 children, and still making sure that God stayed number one in their lives. Which was the second reason I love them. They have a close relationship with God (which unfotunately for "entertainment" purposes TLC does NOT choose to show enough) which is evident in scripture that is written on ever single cabinet in their home, and words that they choose to teach to their children.

I've always wanted the opportunity to get to meet Jon, Kate, Cara, Mady, Alexis, Hannah, Aiden, Collin, Leah, and Joel and Yes my loves... the opportunity has presented itself!!! Although I will not be getting to meet them all, I will be getting to meet Kate this Friday!!!!!!!!!

She is coming to Roswell United Methodist Church (my Gram's church) as part of the RUMC Family Counciling Program that brings in speakers to the church. I can not wait to get to hear her talk, and get her book signed, Multiple Blessings, that I read back in the fall.

To be clear... YES, I have heard all of the horrible rumors that are flying around about their family, and all I have to say is 2 things: #1 Are you so into gossip that you are willing to trash people who you don't even know? (By "you" in mean the unverisal you- i'm not speaking to anyone specifically! :) ) They are human- They have 8 children- And live real lives just like we do. Back off of them!!!

#2 Whether or not the rumors are true, please pray for them. We aren't perfect and neither are they. It's not our right nor place to hold them to higher standards than we hold ourselves. Pray for them that whatever is going on that it strengthens their family instead of breaking it, and that they continue to know that they are safe in God's hands. As Christians when we make mistakes, they are held to higher standards by the outside world which is why they need the support of the people like you and I who know that He is the only one to turn to in good times and bad.

I can't wait to write to y'all on Saturday and share my experience with you all. I'm intersted to hear what she speaks about and to just tell her thanks for sharing her life even though there are those out there who want to tear them down.

Love y'all ton and tons,

P.S. Go visit their website, SixGosselins, they share devotions and prayer requests that have been sent to them that they want to share with others! I promise y'all will love it :)

In the words of a Child

I couldn't even begin to have the courage at that age to stand up for the things we know even as children are UNexceptable, and that can not continue to just be over looked. God Bless her.

Not Me! Monday

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.

Monday Monday Monday!

I have a case of the Mondays! That's for sure! I've always thought that was such a strange saying but it fits! I woke up this morning, read by clock that said "5:15", and thought to myself, " No Way! I couldn't have been asleep longer than 5 minutes! Ugh!" Oh well! I'm at work and trying to reflect on last week now!

So as usual came the Good, the Bad and the Ugly....

I did not get to spend 3 days up in New York/ New Jersey last week for work, and enjoy every moment of it immensely. I hate going up North. So many beautiful buildings to be forced to take pictures of, amazingly diverse cultures, and scrumtious foods to eat! Who in the world would like those things?! ICK! ....really? I hope yall know me better than that by now! lol

I did not get to go to a PORTUGUESE Grocery store while in Jersey and I did not get a Portuguese Nestle Easter Egg while I was there!!!! Oh no, not me! I'm certainly not slick enough to have gotten one for free just by being my wonderful self :) I would also never be adventurous enough to pick out a strawberry egg instead of a plain chocolate egg either! ( Seriously.. I can not WAIT to eat this thing yall! I promise to take pictures-- it is almost a foot tall!)

I also did not get giddy when I realized I get to cross another state of My List: Conneticutt!!!!

And because I am a rule abidder, I would never convince my mom to bring Shadow to my work... and up to my office... on her way out of town on Friday. No no no. No puppies in my building :)

I would never in a million years have gone to see Larry the Cable Guy on Saturday night either.. and if or when I did not commit this crime I would have laughed my head off at his jokes for two hours straight! I did not think it was pretty nifty that we had front row seats, nope, nuh-uh, and I would never love teh fact that I was able to shake his hand! (Pictures to follow)

Oh the Bad side............ I would never yell at my b.f. on the way to the show because I was starving and grouchy and we had no time to eat before we left. I would never doubt his ability to drive through atl without wrecking, and even if I doubted him I would not scream at him for not reading my mind and not knowing which lane to be in....... I did not feel extreme guilt for "knocking him down" instead of building him up... And it is not still on my mind this morning that I need to work on being supportive even when I'm stressed out.

I also would never have tried to guilt trip him into staying in Atl a few more days with me instead of leaving to go turkey hunting by saying, "Why are you even going? You didn't kill even ONE last year."......(Low blow..I know)... I did not regret having said it, and begin to encourage him immediately that this year would be different.....

So I did not wake up this morning and send him a text bright and early saying I hope he brings home a HUGE bird, and that he has a great time hunting today! Nope Not Me!!! I'm totally guilt free!!

*SIGH* Feels good to clear the air! Love ya guys and gals~ Hope you're having a great monday!

For more Not Me! Monday's go over to see MckMama! She'll be glad to have ya!

Six Word Saturday

Ummmmmm....... What should I say? Lets see if these 6 words will cover it:

Froggy Food, Larry the Cable Guy

Yep that about covers my plans for today!!!! Explain more next week!!! Love y'all!!

fPhoto Friday 2.0

After having so much fun with my photo yesterday, I decided to go back to Natalie's very first fPhoto Friday and review peoples photos from back in Oct. 08. I happend upon Ree's The Pioneer Woman Photography and was DELIGHTED to find that she has tutorials on HOW TO Use Photoshop! I've been digging all over google and hitting dead ends trying to find tutorials on how to use layers step-by-step or new ways to edit my photos instead of running over to picnik.com all the time. Don't get me wrong, I still picnik! I'm a Picnikin' fool, but I want to Leeaaarn how to be... good? atleast at editting my own photos. SO here is my photo of Kimber "my adopted son" back in January at Kiesel Park. We went to take pics.... and ended up layin on the ground and being slobbered on instead :) This was the only non-blurred (ie. Kimber didn't attack me with.."love" in this pic!) photo I took that day. So here is how I tried to switch it up a bit:

Original:

Fixed:

What do you think? If y'all use photoshops I'd love for suggestions! I'm learning so I know it's a little too red, but I'm trying to get a grasp on layers, hue/saturations, etc.

Love y'all! And thanks for stoppin' by! have a wonderful weekend!

fPhoto Friday

I spent a couple days up in the northeast this past week and took this photo of the Washington Bridge as we passed through the Upper Level. I had no clue there were bridges with an "Upper Level" and a "Lower Level", but I was lucky enough to get to go on both. :) The bridge was beautiful, and I'm so glad I got this shot. It may be one of favorites I've taken in a long while!

Camera: Nikon S60

Go over to Natalie's now to see more fPhoto Friday Photography!

USA Today paper

I'm in Northern Country for the next few days on work and didn't want y'all to feel I just didn't care about writing! It's really late here, but I wanted to leave a QUICK blog!

While on the plane today I was skimming through the USA Today trying to find something to keep my interest before dozing off. My eye caught an article on the FRONT PAGE that was about Owners and companies that are Giving Back during hard times. The people/companies are from all over, and I was happy as I saw that one of the Companies was in Brewton, AL... For those who have never heard of Brewton, that's not surprising. It's teeny-tiny and in South-west Alabama, sorta nearing Mobile. I kept reading and the Pharmacy company is also in ATMORE, AL!!!!!! This is exciting because my Sweetie is from Atmore, and that HAD to be the first and Only time Atmore has ever ever EVER been in the USA TODAY!! Woohoo!!!!!!!!

Maybe they'll actually be put on maps now! The man who owned the business was giving $16,000 to his employees- $700 to full time employees and $300 to part time-- and encouraging each of them to give 15% of the money to charity or organizations in the area. The idea is to continue the process of giving back and continuing to help others, keeping the economy going. Pretty neat to see- Just thought I would share that happy moment with y'all.

Have any of y'all ever been in the news paper or had a friend appear in one???

God Bless-- KK

Eli and Seth

He Who has Ears Let Him hear. ~ Matthew 11:15

These two little boys, Eli & Seth, have blessed my soul in so many ways in the last few months I can't even explain. I have been visiting their mommy's blog Profoundly Seth since November when I first started blogging, and I love this woman to death, and I don't even really know her. She has a beautiful heart and is a beautiful woman/mother/blog friend/ daughter of God which shows inside and out!

Ellyn is doing a wonderful fundraiser called Profound Pictures Prize Package on her blog that I wanted to be sure to let EVERYONE know about! The fundraiser is to help out two non-profit organizations, Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep and Rhyan's Hope, and a portion will also go toward helping Ellyn and John pay for cochlear implants that Seth needs. The fundraiser ends on what would have been Eli's 2nd birthday, March 28th, and is a way of continuing to remember the beuatiful little boy who is up in heaven with His Father today.

Please hurry on over to Ellyn's blog and find out more about the awesome fundraiser and all the AMAZING things you could win just for giving of yourself in whatever way possible! Even if you can't give, I understand, but just drop by and give El an enouraging word, and be in prayer for this fantastic fundraiser that will bless many,many families going through difficult times of loss or panic. And let her know I sent you to see her today as well!

God Bless Everyone of you that head over to Profoundly Seth and THANK U!

Not Me! Monday

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 is gunna be short because although it was a busy week, not to many crazy,wild, and slightly embarrassing things happend, but there were certainly not any fun things either!

I did not start out my week in Florida then return home and think all day Tuesday that it was Thursday... I think I was pushing my luck a little much, and wanted the weekend to magically start early! Not me!

I would never spend 3hrs pedaling around on a bike with My lovey just for the fun of it-- Oh no! I would never admit to loving the outdoors WAY more than being cooped up-- I am ofcourse an indoor girl instead (lol). Yep, no way! Not Me!

I did not entertain the idea of jumping a plan to the North in a few weeks to go to Nikon school so I can actually learn more about photography-- No no, I would never want to improve on my genius and learn from life long professional photographers! Not Me.......

I also did not decide that living life in a blurry world was no fun, and given in to buying these:

I would never purposely mess with a photo of my new glasses out of being ashamed of them... No not me!

And to end on a positive note.. I certainly did not almost hit a very nice police man who was directing traffic at my church yesterday day all because he assumed I was turning right, when I was clearly going straight (headin fo rthe main entrance,duh), and he did not yell, "HEY HEY HEY!!!!!!!!" As I rolled by and Sweetheart died laughing at the incident! Oh me oh my, so glad that was NOT me! (Hehe... it happens to everyone right???)

HAPPY MONDAY EVERYONE!!!

Sleepiness

Dear Brain,

Why are you doing this to me? I try my very best to treat you well-- I feed you nutrition multiple times a day, and make sure to water you with oxygen regularly, and yet you still refuse to work for me! Have you joined a union that I'm unaware of and have decided to go on strike? Are you mad with me for something I made you do yesterday? I even went so far as to buy glasses so that you and The Eyes won't have to be strained and stressed out anymore! I so hate to see you all fighting. So why? Why won't you work just enough to keep me awake til lunch.. then a teensy bit longer to help me make it to FOOD!? It's in you best interest too! Incase I don't tell you often enough, You are one of a kind! I could never replace you-- No..seriously.. I couldn't even if I wanted to.. (unfotunately) *grin* How about we make a deal? You work today..and..umm.. you can take tomorrow morning off, how's that sound? Deal? Great! Have your people call my people.

Sincerely- Your Protection

*written and sleepily proof read my K.K. who currently is living like a zombie :/

Who am I? A Twilighter!

Oh I so wish there were MORE than just FOUR books! I have dragged out Breaking Down for months now... and mainly because, well.. to be honest, I'm not ready for it to end!! I love falling so deep in to the books that I feel as if I'm living it, not just reading it. It's just so wonderfully written ( I do NOT care in the least what Steven King's opinion is) and a fantastic love story. I took this little quiz tonight and was happy with the answer!

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

You are thoughtful and care very deeply for your family. A loving home is of great
importance to you and you always try to make people feel welcome. Although you have a great capacity to love, you also have a great capacity to hurt, so at times you can be
sensitive. You're firm when you need to be, but people trust your judgment and
appreciate the kind way you always handle things.

I hope that that description fits me-- It's so sweet! Thought there just might be a few more Twilighters out there who may want to take the quiz too! If you do let me know which female character YOU are! I'd love to know! Have a fun Friday y'all!

~*~Twilight on DvD March 21~*~

Yes I accept my assignment :)

Yay for Mama Kat! Her assignments always bring up such wonderful... and sometimes repressed memories! *grin*

Prompts this week:
1.) Write a limerick.
2.) Normal is...
3.) Describe a memorable camping experience.
4.) What's the best thing that has happened this week?
5.) Did you have a childhood hideout? Where? Describe it.
6.) Words that hurt me.

In the words of one of my best friends, " I am NOT NORMAL!!!!..... I'm regular! :) " I love her dearly for her oddness and regularness of course!

Moving on- I pick.....

1.) Write a Limerick:

A.

There once girl name Kaylan.

She chose to vote for Palin.

Sorry to say, she certainly didn't get her way.

So they both ran off a wailin'.

B.

There once was a girl name Boo.

She loved to yodel, "Youu Whooo!"

A boy she did spot; Oh no they got caught,

Playin in mud at the Zoo!

C.

Why don't I try to be Normal.

Or Maybe Even just Formal?

Oh No, that's not Me! You get what you See!

A beaut who has no signs of a mormal!

It's fun being goofy in the morning--Definitely has brightened up my day!

Definition of mormal -for those who know i searched long and hard for a word to go w/formal!

6.) Words that hurt me.

"Yeah, you look fine.. I guess. (Without glancing my direction)"

I realize the absurdity of caring about looks, so let me first say these words don't bother me because I care sooooooo much about my looks, I'm a pretty low-maintenance person when it comes to my daily routine. I'm not a blow dryer type of girl. I let my hair air-dry in the car on the way to work, pull a brush through it as I pull into a parking space and put on my makeup as I try not to glide through too many almost-red-lights. I get hurt by the words "Yeah, you look fine I guess," because it feels like someone is saying I don't care- you look just the same as usual, blah. No worse than usual I guess. It's a "i dont wanna take the time to look- who cares!" respsonse. I don't want a WOW response, all I want from a responder to my question is a teensy clear moving of eyeballs in my general eyeball direction, a 5 second pause to look at me, then a little smiling with the eyes as I love to call it that says ,"Yes, of course you look great!" Hmm... I hope I'm getting my point across-lol- I hope other women have been there before and actually understand me! It's that loving way a person looks at you and says I'm glad your mine ever time I look at u- sans actual words!
I'm in for a life time of heartache boys and girls-- I have way to high of romantic standards and I don't even know where they came from! I told y'all I loved Beauty and the Beast too much as a young child! Cursed for life!..... So be it! :)

Keep havin' a pleasant Thursday!

Surfacing

I'm trying to resurface from the depths of the busy pool and get back to bloggin daily! Boy would I do awful at "having" to blog every day for a month! Things have been so busy lately, but I love this time of year!

I took a mini holiday which I'm sure y'all could tell by the pictures from last week, to visit my parents who I hadn't seen in months. It was so nice to relax a little and just spend some quality time with them. Do y'all ever return from a holiday and the sec you're back in town you can't remember what it was like being gone?? I'm definitely feeling that way!

This weekend is coming up fast and it's going to be a busy one! It's that wonderful time of year where I get to celebrate the birth of the most AMAZING Woman God has ever created!

MY GRAMS!!

She is so sweet and so wonderful, and her birth is coming up in just a few days! Growing up during the depression she has always been a very humble person. She loves buying sweet gifts for every person in our family for bdays and holidays, but always say, "Ohhhh... Honey, don't get me anything. Really. I really don't need a thing." And she means it too...until this year! She had such a horrible rough year (starting RIGHT after her birthday last year) and is so happy and delighted to be celebrating her birthday this year. It's as if there is a renewed spirit inside of her, and she wants to celebrate the days that God has given her on Earth.

The fam is having a little get together Sunday and I can't wait to take photos to have forever to remember her 84th bday! Wait..errr I mean 37! (You're welcome Grams :) ) My Grandaddy said last night that she looks like she's 38, but that she acts like a 24yr old! Haha! Oh I love them so so much!

Hope y'all have been having blessed days in my absencse! I've been stalking u all like a mad woman last night and this morning tryin to see what all I've missed out on!