Makes me want to Cry

It makes me want to cry the EVILNESS of people. I have been very open about the fact that I truly love and enjoy watching Jon & Kate Plus 8 on TLC. The Gosselins are a beautiful chiristian family, and they ARE despite recent nah-sayers, a very normal and extremely down to earth family. It broke my heart last night watching the openning season episode of the sextuplets 5th birthday party. Yes it was awful to see Jon & Kate's marriage struggling, but with my background in child psychology it was even more upseting to watch how their problems are 100% affecting the lives of ALL EIGHT of their children.

The twins are 9 going on 10 years old, and are showing signs of typical children in burdened families. For anyone who has watched the show you know that Mady has always struggled with having so many siblings, but it was very clear that she and Cara have become their mother's confidant and protecter. They have taken on the role of helping do anything they can to make their mommy happier not out of fear or force, but because they are acutely aware of what is happening with their parents.



At one point Alexis, 5yrs old, told her daddy last night, "Daddy, I don't want you to go away again, okay? Okay daddy?" She's always been the sweet loving cuddler of the girls, but you can tell her heart is confused and knows that things just aren't in place.

At 5 years old a struggle between parents is harder to understand than at 10 even. They are able to sense the tension and disconnect of the family, yet they are unable to determine what is causing it. This is why so many children with divorced parents feel that it is their fault that their parents got a divorce. It isn't because a parents has said, "This is because of YOU", but rather the fact out not saying it. It is important to explain to children WHY their parents are getting divorced-- and for the record, simple is never better. Never. Leaving out information will make it more complicated. And if parents don't give answers, children will create answers incorrectly for themselves.



This family is amazing-- they are a loving family. I'm not saying that because I want it to be, I'm saying it because they are. Kate is without a single doubt in my mind a loving wonderful mother, and John is a sweet, loving father. They haven't forgot how to be parents--- They have forgotten how to be partners. And that's understandable because for the last 5yrs, 365 days a year their lives have been about their kids, not their marriage, and even in Christian families Satan will make us all feel weak.

I pray to Jon and Kate that they both turn to God for guidance. They they put aside their wants, and what they feel is what their family needs, and that they surrender it all to Him. I pray that they realign their life so that God is number one again.



I know that she feels that she is doing this already, but without doing it WITH her husband they will get no where. The blame game is fruitless-- the only person that can fix their marriage is HIM, and I pray they realize this sooner rather than later.


I pray for every family struggling at this moment to make it "all" work. To survive these hard times, however little or a lot they are affected. I pray that the children that are in every single struggling family feel the presense of God in their lives and that they learn at a young age that God is always on THEIR side, and will be their to hold their hands through the bad stuff that gets really confusing.


If you're a nah-sayer. Stop. Just stop tearing other people down. What in the world is the point you're trying to make???? That people aren't perfect? Ok... I'm pretty sure we know that. That even tv families have big faults?? Yep, we get that too. If you're spending your time worrying about the well being of this family, or other people as well, I hope you're stopping to think how it would be if 1000s of people were blogging and gossiping about you and your children... and instead Start Praying.

Love Always,
KK

fPhoto Friday: Lost

Camera: Nikon CoolPix S60
Setting: Auto
Date: 4-30-09

Taken in the afternoon-- I'm starting to try and figure out what time of day I enjoy shooting the most. I like afternoon,shaded light but I can't wait to take some early morning photos soon.

Introducing the New 'Do!!!

I am excited to show off my brand new hair cut and color!!!!!!

I've had my hair some where from medium to super long pretty much Always. I've been lucky enough to have healthy hair that grows very fast, so I love playing with it, but just never knew if I'd be okay with it short!

Call it a mental block if you will, but I've had in my head that long hair is more beautiful..... I still think that, but NOW I think short is gorgeous too! Plus I'm no longer a blonde!

Introducing the Shorter much Darker hair of Miss KK:

What do y'all think??

Sorry the pics a a teeny bit fuzzy! Had to use the web cam on the laptop, but I'm sure I'll have some new pictures after this weekend!

Love y'all!

Kay

P.S. This is the length it was before it all went away yesterday! Only about 6 inches missing... not that much :)

Writer's Workshop: Beachy Attire

Mama Kat's always entertaining Writer's Workshop! Thank You Kat for giving me something to look forward to on Thursdays!!!

This week's Prompts:

1.) Share a love letter.

2.) Memorial Day Weekend plans?? Do share!

3.) List ten things you are currently sick of.

4.) Put an outfit together using pictures you found online and show us what you'd LIKE to be wearing today.

5.) What have you been too busy to pay attention to?

Well..... to answer #2 I'm headed to the BEACH for Memorial Day!!!!!! Wanna know more? Hop on over to this post and find out!

So #4. Put an outfit together using pictures you found online and show us what you'd LIKE to be wearing today.

I would LIKE to be wearing this Cotton Bonbon Dress from J Crew.

Isn't the description from the site cute:

"A sweet, summery confection in our signature soft cotton piqué, featuring a tiered ruffle skirt in cotton lawn and delicate picot-edged cotton-lawn trim around the neckline and arm opening."

I'm even in love with these Nutmeg Elodie vachetta flat sandals!

"Introducing Elodie—the season's "It" sandal in Italian vachetta leather (it develops a beautiful, honeyed patina over time), with a flattering crisscross design. We'll be wearing ours with everything. 5/8 harness buckle. Vachetta-leather footbed. Man-made sole. Made in Italy. Half sizes order up."

I'm in love with this sandals.... Darn Mama Kat! If it wasn't for you I wouldn't have known about them! lol Just kidding! I'm glad I do :)

And IF I had to only pick an accessory I'd love to be wearing instead of a whole outfit.... I would have to go with a Southern Proper Belle Headband!

Too Cute!!!

That's enough shopping for me for tonight! Go by Mama Kat's Mama's Losin It blog and find out what prompt everyone else chose!

Sweeeet Dreams & Sweet Shoppin!

KK

I Love Them!!!

I can't wait to see these sweet kids' faces again! Happy Birthday Alexis, Hannah, Aaden, Collin, Leah and Joel!

Soap Box Wednesday: Under Construstion

Welcome to SoaP BoX WednesdaY! If this happens to be your first time to SoaP BoX WednesdaY and you want to know what it's all about , click over to this blog and find out more! Get on up on your perverbial Soap Box and let me know what is on YOUR mind this week! What is it that's got your blood boiling, and drivin' ya crazy? Fear not, now is the time to speak out!!

<a href="http://kakeeter.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="BeingTransformed" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f305/KayK312/whitesoapbox-2.jpg" /></a>

To be honest... Soap Box Wednesday isn't under construction... My life is!

I've been running around like a crazy person all day due to an unbelievable amount of problems and issues and just things that have to be done "right now", and I doubt at this point I'm going to make it to looking at even one news article, let alone 100s to find a reason to soap-box it today ladies and gents!

Sorry to disappoint!! If you're dissapointed..well tough cookies :) Just kidding!!! I wish I had the time too, Trust ME, but it's just not happening :(

INSTEAD... Why don't yall leave me some links to either:

A. An article you saw that you found interesting-- even if it's not soap box material-- and what your thoughts are on it

OR

B. A website- be it someone's blog or just a site that you like to spend time on-- that you think I or others that read this blog should really go to! I don't mind one bit being a sound board.

If any one leaves links or sites I'll post them in a blog for everyone tomorrow.... otherwise I'll have to actually work on writing something of my own! (Oh No!!!)

Post. Script. : Please say a little pray for the girls in my wed. night small group. They're all young like me and each going through their own "Under Construction" stuff in their lives! Awesome girls and I love them all, so thanks for the prayers!

American Idol at 8pm eastern on FOX!

GO Kris Allen Nation!!!!!!

Vote For Kris Allen!!!! Right Now!! Please!!??

I can't WAIT to hear Kris Allen's name announced as the WINNER of American Idol tomorrow!!!

I get that a bunch of people "think" he's the underdog, but man-o-man he has God on his side!!

PLEASE GO VOTE FOR KRIS ALLEN!!!!!

CALL 1-866-436-5702
1-866-436-5704
1-866-436-5706
If you have AT&T text the word "VOTE" to 5702!!!!!

Vote and Vote and Vote until the voting period has ended!!!!!!!!

He has a beautiful voice and is sooo talented-- He plays the piano and the guitar with such ease! It's all gift given to him by God! And the big thing, HE KNOWS THAT!!!
VOTE VOTE VOTE!!!!!

A little background on Kris:

Kris is a devout Christian. Before trying out for American Idol, he was a worship leader at New Life Church in Maumelle, Arkansas, and in college he was a leader in Chi Alpha campus ministry of the University of Central Arkansas, where he was a business major. He has done missionary work around the world, including in Burma, Morocco, Mozambique, South Africa, Spain and Thailand. On September 26, 2008, he married longtime girlfriend Katy O'Connell Allen. She is adorable and his biggest fan!

How could you not want HIM to be the guy who your kids listen to and look up to???

GO VOTE for KRIS ALLEN!!!

-Love y'all-

Kaylan

I ♥ Faces: Blub Book

This is my FIRST time participating in I ♥ Faces! I love the site, and read every single Friday tip that I can!

'Mesmerizing Blues"

I couldn't think of a more perfect picture to enter for the blurb book. I'm in love with this photo of Miss. Blue Eyes- yep they're all natural, not a single edit to those sparklers!- and I thought maybe it has a shot! Can you see the curl of a smile starting at the edge of her lips? Gah! I love this little girl!!!!

*I am submitting this photo into the http://www.iheartfaces.com/ Blurb Book photo contest. I am granting I ♥ Faces permission to use my photo in a printed version of a book for commercial use and possibly advertising of a photo book on both the Blurb and I ♥ Faces web sites.*

Becoming a Dodo Bird

I have always thought, "Oh, Wouldn't Tiquana, Mexico be a fun place to go to one day!?" I've always heard people talk about it, and just assumed it must be really pretty, or atleast fun to go to....

Exibit A: Raphus cucullatus... Also known as a Dodo Bird! Below is a Self Portrait of ME!

I thought this was the best example of how I feel after watching America's Most Wanted. Gooooood LORD! Do you have any clue how many cartels run through Tiquana?!?!?!!??! Holy Moly, I was shocked to see the warehouses stacked full of drugs down there.

I always have felt so safe living where I am. I mean, I've always had boyfriends who are quite good with guns because of hunting and just a general interest in personal safety, and I've always had an awareness myself.... but I've been a little unnerved watching America's Most Wanted.

The state I live in has a large Mexican and Chinese population that has increased tremendously and it's eerie to think there may easily be cartels out there only miles for where I sleep. I've heard lately that the drug rings are becoming more common in near by counties and are creeping their way into upper-class, luxury neighborhoods. I guess that shouldn't be surprising seeing how much blood money is involved in this.... "industry."

They are the fastest growing crime threat in the United States.

Shelby County, Alabama which is basically Birmingham, AL was hit by the cartels last year when 5 men were found murdered by a Gun-for-hire. The sherriff in Alabama said, "You may think just because you've never been affected by it, that you never will but that's not true. These 6 men that committed the murder drove around on our streets and lived around here. They could have been next to You at the traffic light, and could have easily hit you if you had gotten between them and their target."

How do we fight against ruleless people who find drugs more valuable than life?

God Kept it Simple

God Kept It Simple When He Made Me..

He gave me milk chocolate-carmel brown eyes like my Mom,

Long dark brown hair like my Grams,

And One little dimple that stands out when I smile.

He gave me the gift of gab like.. well.. everyone in my family,

The ability to read whether people are good or bad like my Father,

And to top it all off the complete inability to lie...Ever.

It seems to me God wanted to keep things simple for Him and for me.

He made me just the same as so many others He has created for centuries, but at the same time He has never made a girl exactly like me.

And of those gifts that stands out today that He gave me was the Gift of NOT lying. It sounds kinda funny, but it is a gift. I stutter, I "umm" and I talk even faster than I already talk, but I know as well as anyone who knows me that it's just pointless. Why even give it a try?

You'd think I'd give up wouldn't you? You'd be right... but I always try first... Then I give up and typically turn myself in immediately...

Another gift He gave me... Humility. And a really Large Conscious! I may be the most self-aware person that I know. Maybe that's because of the choices I've made and the lessons I've learned, but I always feel unbearable when I make uneasy decisions, or bad decisions.

This was on my mind today because I realized I was asked if I'd done something last week that I..well.... forgot to do! I felt bad, but I had taken care of getting it down... just not on the day I should have! Nothing big, but I felt guilty. When I was asked about the thing, I pretty much immediately started talkin fast to "try" and cover my guilt. Oh well, I can't be perfect and I just thought I should own up to that on here today. I felt the need. That's Me and That's All.

Happy Monday

&

Keep it Simple--Don't Lie!

~love~

KK

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.

I definitely did not spend my week makes plans to go to Six Flags... and then end up going to an Antique Fair on Saturday instead.... No normal 22 year girl with boyfriend happily in tow would choose shopping for really nifty pie cabinets and antique signs and milk crates over getting dizzy on some of the best roller coasters ever invented! Nope, Not Us!

I did not make a final decision to never again eat fast food after watching TLC's "World's Largest Dad" followed by "World's Largest Teen"..... and ending with "World's Lasgest Mom"!!! I did not feel completely disgusted with myself that I love McD's quarter pounds, then literally Thank God that I realized a few weeks ago that there are NO McDonalds on my regular routes to any where during the week! ( Little Blessing in disguise, lemme tell ya!)

And during my not so eventful weekend, I certainly did not look at my clock at 7am, 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30am on Sunday morning and decided that skipping the 11am church service and opting for the 12:30 service sounding like the worlds Greatest Plan!!

And upon making that decision we were NOT late to the 12:30 service.... and I definitely did not realize once I got there that the service actually starts at 12:45 making us about 5 minutes early instead of 10 minutes late! Ha! I know I know, you are wondering if I can share how to have such empecable timing aren't you?! :)

And for the fun of it Sweetie and I did not spend the afternoon (Definitely not TWO HOURS...) in Barnes and Nobles scoping out Go Green Books (which i'll certainly not be posting about later this week), Amaetur Photographer books, Photoshop Elements books, and yummy new recipe books! We are soooo not that dorky..... Or maybe were are... or Not.....

So I guess nothing too dramtic and horrible occured this past week, but lots of fun and slightly embarrassing moments went on! And that's O.K. with us!!

So what wonderful Not Me! Monday events happend to YOU???

Don't forget to go to McMama's and check out all the other Not Me!s. I guarentee they'll give you some great belly laughs!!!

LOVE LOVE

Kaylan

Cheater Cheater Brussel Sprout Eater

Don't ya love quick delicious dinners? I know I do! And what better day than Saturday?

We spent the day out at the Antique Fairs around town and wanted something quick, but half healthy for dinner!

Ankoo's Pick: Hot Dogs!
My Pick: Brussel Sprout Hash!

A typical "us" dinner! Ankoo loves "marinating" the hot dogs in Zesty Italian Dressing.. I like mine plain! Then he grills them for us while I take care of the sides.

I just had to pass along the Brussel Sprout Hash recipe to all of yall to try. I've cooked it a lot lately because I've decided out of nowhere to start loving brussel sprouts. Strange considering I use to "hate" brussel sprouts. [It was one of the two things I had in my head that I hated as a kid without ever trying them!... The other was chicken liver and gizzards.. and I've yet to try those] The original recipe uses bacon, but I like to leave it out depending on what dish it is accompanying.

Recipe for Bacon & Brussel Sprout Hash

Ingredients

Extra-virgin olive oil
4 slices of thick-cut bacon
4 sprigs fresh thyme
1 lb of fingerling potatoes, split down the middle
2 cups Brussel sprouts, cut into thick slices
1/2 lb red pearl onions, peeled
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 bunch flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Set a large saute pan over medium heat and add a 2 count of olive oil. Cut the bacon into long strips and add to pan together with thyme. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes to render the fat then strain and set aside. Discard half the fat in the pan then add brussel sprouts, potatoes and pearl onions. Season with salt and pepper and cook until slightly browned. Add chicken stock and steam for 3 to 5 minutes until liquid has evaporated and vegetables are tender. Add balsamic vinegar and toss to coat. Cook until balsamic has reduced then fold in fresh parsley and bacon. Eat Up!

I decided to cheat a little tonight add use BirdsEye Steamed Brussel Sprouts because they were all I could find and they were delicous to add in to the potatoes and onions after I steamed them for 4 mins first. I also substituted half of a vidalia onion for red peral onions. Either way will be delicious! Let me know if your kids try it too :)

Love Always & Hopes for Great Eats!

Kaylan

Get Out Of Town!

That's definitely the plan for memorial day weekend!!! Escaping all the craziness of a big city and drivin' off TO the beautiful sunsets (not to say that they sunsets here aren't beautiful tho!).

I'm so excited to get away for just a few days to few the sticky air of the beach, feel sand on my feet, go bear foot, and leave in my bathing suit for a whole 48 hours! I love that my hair goes naturally wavy the moment the beach air touches it. Its so awesome.

I'm all ready dreaming of pizza at night sitting on the porch laughing with my girls about who knows what! Just having a great time hanging out and enjoying life!

What does everyone have planned to their Memorial Day weekend? Any family traditions that y'all do every year? Or how about a new tradition that you've decided is just so wonderful you're going to start it this year!! I always LOVE new ideas, especial family traditions!

KK

Soap Box Wednesday: Monster ReMake

Welcome to SoaP BoX WednesdaY! If this happens to be your first time to SoaP BoX WednesdaY and you want to know what it's all about , click over to this blog and find out more! Get on up on your perverbial Soap Box and let me know what is on YOUR mind this week! What is it that's got your blood boiling, and drivin' ya crazy? Fear not, now is the time to speak out!!

<a href="http://kakeeter.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="BeingTransformed" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f305/KayK312/whitesoapbox-2.jpg" /></a>

Okay soooooo.......... I have nothing to blab on and on about this week that is driving me crazy!!!

SO WEIRD!

I have personally been having a pretty emotional roller coaster week of uncertainty in my life, BUT this post just aint the place to discuss that! This post is all about speakin' from my heart about what is on my mind, so since nothin' too crazy has happend in the media in the last 7 days out of the ordinary that has gotten me all fired up and teary eyed.... I found childhood happiness in the pages of this AJC article instead and just have to share!!!!

I LOVE SIX FLAGS!!!

I can 100% remember the feelings I felt the very first time I went on a REAL roller coaster. By REAL I mean one that actually had loops and didn't just feel like you we're in a station wagon going over bumpy hills at 60mph. (Hehe)

I was with my nephews and 2 babysitters and we ended up at Six Flags because White Water got rained out and our baby sitters figured we may as well go to Six Flags instead... I was scared to death! The Georiga Scorcher had just openned a month before and it was huge! You could see it from the road and it was beautiful...but I was terrified. I didn't want to be a baby in front of my nephews and not go, and to say the least I thought the 2 girls watching us were "so cool" being about 17 and all, and there was NO WAY I was sitting this one out.

So we get in line for the Scorcher after waiting FOREVER to buy a fast pass, and right as we get up to the gate to get on the ride... a girl getting off throws up..

Didn't matter to me! Ten minutes later I was on the ride of my life and I have LOVED roller coasters ever since!!! My first words when we got off were, "That was really short.....Can we go on it again?! PLEASE!"

This weekend Sweetie and I may make our way down there just the two of us to enjoy the day and have a little fun! I'm dying to go on Goliath, the Scorcher and Batman as always (You'll never catch me on the Death Machine, known to most as the Georgia Cyclone).

AND i can thank the AJC for the article on the NEWLY Improved Monster Machine for giving me the idea of taking a Saturday to go to Six Flags!

I'm so happy that they FINALLY revamped the Monster Mansion and have updated those poor monsters! Boy, were they in need of a bath and some new clothes. They have added new fur, new paint, new lights and even new music to the attraction. If you don't have kids, it's the perfect ride to get on a just relax for a few minutes either way.

Anyone else want to meet us at Six Flags this saturday???

Lemme Know!

~Love Always~

KK

Wordful Wednesday: Food from the Experienced

Wordful Wednesday!!!

The perfect day to post a picture and write ALL about it!!!

So wonderfully hosted by Angie at SeVen CloWn CirCuS! Be sure to go check her out, and see all the other Wordful Wednesdays posted today!!!

There are so many sweet surprises in life that just WOW you arne't there? Last night after shopping with my mom she said she was going to run to the grocery store and would see me at home in a bit, so when she arrived about 30 minutes later I was ready to start cookin....but then I received an amazing sweet surprise!!!! My sweet, unbelievably amazing, 83 yr old grandmother had spend teh after noon make US dinner. Why did she do this?
"Just because she wanted to" say the exact answer I received from my mom. :)

My Grams is above and beyond what any granddaught could ever in a million years wish for! I know she knows she's loved by every single member of this family whether they are apart of it by birth or by God's grace!

Soooo, I wanted to show y'all what she made!!! It's called Tamale Pie, and boy was it tasty!

Tamale Pie w/ refried beans, and white rice! Mmm

With a big ice cold glass of Diet Dr. Pepper on the side of course :)

And just in case you we're wondering if I enjoyed it....

Here is what the plate looked like
after it had been in my presence for a few minutes....

What can I say? I love Mexican, and I love my Grams cookin' even more!!!

Did anyone else have somethin' delicious for dinner last night?????

Love Love Love

~KK~

Southern Homes full of Love- Part 2

Have I kept y'all waiting long enough to find out what movie this Beautiful house is from?

A couple of y'all made some really great guesses! I can easily see how y'all thought it would be from Sweet Home Alabama, but that house is a little different!

This beautiful house is from The Notebook!! My all-time favorite movie in the world! What in the world is more romantic than a man building a HOUSE for you?! Okay, I know the house was already built, BUT he redid the entire interior and exterior of the house, made her a painting studio over looking the lake and painted teh house white with blue shutters just like she asked! It's just so sweet, and I love this house. It's... Perfect!

I've had my eyes wide open for a little beaut just like this all over the South and I've had the luck of finding a few.. nothing bought yet though.

I'm such a country girl with a slightly city girl exterior! :) I love being in the woods, and could live without shoes from now until the day I die if only it was socially acceptable. I love barn wood used in houses and really old furniture that you can just tell has a story of its very own. I want a house that fits those things. The things that say, "This is definitely a house built for Kaylan," and not a "Oh...well.. I guess this is nice... A little hoity though." I'm not glitzy or uber preppy... I just can't have a perfectly formal house. I need my lace and my boots, hehe. So hopefully that PERFECT Home will come along really soon!!!

Til then I'll be dreaming of my Notebook house and Love story happy ending!

Keep reachin' for your dreams! I know I am!

~KK~

What Happens on a Friday Night...

So I spent 2 hours stomping through the woods tonight, had my right leg go straight down into a hidden hole all the way up to my knee, and scraped up my dad's hand on thorns when he was helpin me over some trees... Interesting, but so much fun!!! And as always the iphone camera came in handy for some unplanned photos!!!

So now I'm home and spotted this cute little ABC's of Me that my cousin April had up on her facebook so I thought I'd fill it out too!!

You've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with the ABC's of YOU. At the end, choose 26 people to be tagged. You have to tag me so really you just need 25 more people.

If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you - but not in a creepy stalker kind of way. Pick 6 people and tag them then be sure to let them know!!

A - Age: 22
B - Bed Size: Queen
C - Chore you hate: dishes after dinner
D - Dog's name: Shadow
E - Essential start you day: brush teeth and wash face
F - Favorite color: pink and orange and green
G - Gold or Silver: White Gold
H - Height: 5'9
I - Instruments you play(ed): piano &tried to play guitar in 6th grade
J - Job title: wouldn't u like to know :)
K - Kid(s): none at the moment ---> many in the future
L - Living arrangements: currently lookin for a lovely home of my own!
M - Mom's name: Julie
N - Nicknames: KAY
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: very very bad food poisoning my freshman year, it was AWFUL
P - Pet Peeve: ignorance, ahhhhh! Drives me crazy when people act as know-it-alls but are very misled
Q - Quote: When God shuts a door, He opens a bunch of windows!!!!
R - Right or left handed: Right
S - Siblings: 3 half brothers
T - Time you wake up: 5:30am
U- Underwear: yes I wear them! Geeeez! Can we say personal? lol
V - Vegetable you dislike: love 'em all! no joke!
W - Ways you run late: They call it "Kaylan time" for a reason....
X - X-rays you've had: teeth and right foot
Y - Yummy food you make: umm... carmel turle cheesecake
Z - Zoo favorite: Monkies and Tigers

Writers Workshop: Oh Baby

I looooove having Mama Kat's prompts to give me a boost at the end of the week when I'm starting to run low on energy and my brain stops coming up with blog worthy material! So this week we have a big variety of questions, but ofcourse there are always certain ones that JUMP right off the page at me! Here's Kat's prompts from mama's losin' it for this week:

The Prompts:
1.) Create a video for your blog (vlog) and participate in Tim's "vlogemotions" by talking about an emotion you've felt this week. You can link up here AND link up at Tim's place at Fort Thompson on Thursday. That's right...you have my permission to double dip.
2.) Do you want a baby?
3.) Who got in big trouble this week?
4.) Write a poem for your mother.
5.) Time for a trip? Where are you headed this summer?...Or where would you go if you COULD.

I'm certainly not a video blogger... me doing public speaking? Yeah... we'll work on that! Maybe some time soon I'll guts up and make that happen, but not today!

No one got in trouble this week and though I love my mother my creativity is on hiatus... therefore #2 win this time.

Do I want a baby? Did you say do I want to wake up every morning to crying that seems unmanagable, to sticky hands and crayon murals on the walls? Do I want to have to change smelly, stinky diapers, make time to puree carrots only to have it all flung at my head? Do I want to wake up at 3am to little knocks on the bedroom door begging to let she and puppy sleep with mommy and daddy? Do I want to kiss booboos and cut the crust off of every sandwich I make until I'm 45? Do I want the feeling of wanting to deck a 5 yr old little kid when they are the cause of the hurt feelings that I hear about on the ride home? Do i want to fall asleep in a chair waiting on their friends to drop them off 2 hrs after curfew? Do I want to have to take pictures the day they go to junior prom and look way too grown up to even bare?

Nah.. Not really.
...
What?
...
Expected a different answer?
...
Wait... YES! I want a baby. Are you crazy?! Better yet do you think I'm crazy??? Ofcourse I want kids. I want four and I want to adopt or foster or whatever God sees fit and knows I can take on! I love children. I want babies for all the joy that they bring into this world. I do want my own babies, and one day hopefully that dream will come true.

All in good time! I'm not rushing my life. Life is great! I'm happy, we're happy, life is moving smoothly as planned :) *Knock on Wood!!!!!*

So even though I want a baby today.. don't mean it's going to be happening today! Or even this year just so were clear! :)

To all the mommies reading this I hope you're enjoying your sweet little blessings every day. The ones that I've had the opportunity of meeting thru your photos and stories are soooo beyond sweet and precious! Keep them safe and very well loved! Luckly children you have to have such beautiful amazing moms! Happy Early Mothers day girls!

Soap Box Wednesday: Be Fearless

Welcome to Soap Box Wednesday! If this happens to be your first time to Soap Box Wednesday and you want to know what it's all about , click over to this blog and find out more! Get on up on your perverbial Soap Box and let me know what is on YOUR mind this week! What is it that's got your blood boiling, and drivin' ya crazy? Fear not, now is the time to speak out!!

<a href="http://kakeeter.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="BeingTransformed" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f305/KayK312/whitesoapbox-2.jpg" /></a>

I'm holding back tears right now because of frustration. I'll never understand how Satan can have such a strong hold on people that they take their families lives and then take their own. HOW? I want to yell, " HOW GOD CAN THIS KEEP HAPPENING?". It isn't fair.

An article today on MSNBC's Crime & Courts-Top Headers is what broke me. I welled up tears began to build because of my lack of understand of all the pain that leads to... more pain that is just passed along to more unsucpecting people. And An article today on MSNBC's Crime & Courts-Top Headers is what broke me. I welled up tears began to build because of my lack of understand of all the pain that leads to... more pain that is just passed along to more unsucpecting people. And why?

Life just snuffed out as if it's a melting candle that was burning too hot on a table and as quickly as it was lit... a gust from the night air blows it out. 5seconds. Gone. WHY.

Why is it happening?

Why does it keep happening?

Why do people act without thinking?

Why don't people realize the finality of their decisions?

Why are people so broken on the inside that they feel as if ever cold breath of air is burning in the throats making them miserable and unable to fight for the fire that was once in their world?

Just.... Why?

I can't say honestly that I even know how to turn to other people when I'm hurting. I'm just now at 22 learning how to rely on God to hear me when I'm in pain, let a lone feel safe that telling someone else, someone here on Earth, that I need help in a big bad way some times. But fear is the desire of Satan. He wants us to fear trusting one another, fear rejection, fear being wrong, or even being right. Our fear of openning up no matter what occurs is what allows Satan to consume us.

And for some that consumption rules over me.

I went to college to find a way- to learn a way- to safe children. To save them from their parents, adults, other children and sometimes even themselves from that consumption. I want to help them see that their hearts can be filled with something so much greater, so much strong if only they are willing.

I feel like I'm falling short of what I'm meant for. I feel a weakness that I haven't felt in a long time. I just feel weak. I feel that the task that I have mentally taken on is so far out of reach. It angers me because I'm a go getter, and I can go get every child about to fall victim to stupidity, or sadness, even to hate.

I wrap my arms tigher around every child who is in my life because that ability to atleast protect them IS in reach.

I've seen sadness in children in my life lately, but how do you tell their parents that you're a little worried? It isn't actual all a parents fault sometimes. Life happens. Life gives us twists and turns so we can learn and grow, but some are hard. And as a child well... it can be harder, because you're just starting to learn how to trust and how to communicate.

Whoever you are, however old you are, do not allow fear to keep you from speaking up. If you try and the person you need to talk to just doesn't seem to be listening, try this:

Go to them when no one else is around, and gently take their face in your hands and move their faces slowly so that their eyes are looking at yours and tell them,

"I need to talk to you. And I really need you to hear me because to ME
this is important. I need you to listen to me first before you say anything,
because this is what I'm needing right now, Please?"

Then tell them how you're feeling, and what you're worrying about and fearing. I promise it will help whether it's your mom, dad, wife, husband, friend, family member. Some times we all need some redirecting to realize how much someone may need to be heard.

So what's have you seen this week that has you on gritting your teeth and angered to tears?? I wanna know!!

Love always and forever,

Kaylan

OhhhOH! Livin' on A Praaayeeerr!!

Take my HAND, We'll make it I SWEAR! OHHH-OH! Livin' on A PRRAAAAYYEERRR!!!

I wish I could say we could breath easy no that Ankoo has gone through his testing for the police department, but that just isn't the case yet! Boy was Saturday a crazy day though!

Ankoo had to be at the rec center by 8am... so ofcourse he decided he needed to be early, and he got there around 7:35am. Gooood think he did too! When he arrived, around 100 people were already inline to fill out the release form saying they were willingly about to throw themselves at a 6 foot wall and hoist themselves over it. :)

After signing the needed papers he was broken into a group alphabetically and Phase 1 began....

Two groups went before him (about 10ppl per group) and he said it was quite the thing to watch men of all ages try their hardest to finish out the obstacle course in under 3 minutes. The course began with the 6ft wall, straight into dirt....which after every person became muddier and muddier due to the flood we had just hours before the tryouts. Next was a sprint, stairs, sprint, 4ft jump sprint, and then a 160lb dumbie pull. THE END... i.e. Paint for water and listen intently for someone to tell you your time.... Then turn to see how the next people did.

THANK YOU GOD FOR PULLING ANKOO UP AND OVER THAT SILLY WALL OF DESTRUCTION!!

Man oh man, You don't know how proud of him I am for what an amazing time he got! I'm so proud of him. He's been practicing and getting back in shape, and no matter what comes of this I am so pproud of him for sticking with it even when he's been bruised up, scratched up, and tuckered out!

He and exactly 130 people (only 2 women) moved on to Phase 2: the 90min written test! I refuse to jinx him so I'll just say we think it helped him that he was a Crim. major and was in Jr. Police Academy Camp every year since...8th grade.

*Sigh* Now the waiting period begins! Ugh... Oh, I am horrible at waiting. It makes me CRAZY!!!! No joke, i hate waiting on anything. Whether its 5 minutes or 5 weeks, I can't stand to sit idle!! But... we're praying, and hoping, and praying, and wishing, and praying a whole whole lot more about the WHOLE situation!!

I told him the other night, " Ya know what? Don't even sweat it. You did amazing. You did everything you possibly could do to show them that you're right for the job and that you actually want this job. You can't worry about it now. If it doesn't work out we can't be mad about it okay? I know I want you to get it, and I know you do to, but if you don't well... then... it's just part of the path, not the end of it. God has a plan. His plan is going to work out, and we can't get mad if what we think is the plan turns out not to be the plan. Lets just pray about it, and whatever happens we'll be able to be happy with it either way, right?"--- He agreed, and to be honest we've had nearly no anxiety about what the future holds.

There are currently 3 open positions, 3 people will be given those jobs immediately. Another 30 people or so will be placed on a ranked list that will start first of July, and as jobs come available they will fill the positions starting at the top of that list.

Letters will be sent out in a week or 2 letting only the people who have received a job, or who are on the list know that they have been requested to come to a formal interview. So our prayers are as follows:
1. That we follow the path that God is leading us to.
2. That he receives a letter.
3. That the wonderful, very wanted letter will arrive with news that a job awaits him immediately!!!

I know all this are already planned out in His blueprints for our lives, but we have no way of knowing what those are. I just pray he gets this job. He's in the process of packing away his college life and headin' it all out to storage until that day comes when a job arrives and our lives can start together here in GA. I pray that day comes soon!

Love you all oodlez!

KAYLAN

Alien Skin Software Giveaway!

Who doesn't love a great giveaway?! I know I do! Over at I ♥ Faces they are doing a giveaway that ends TODAY for a $199 worth package that includes the full Alien Skin Software Bokeh! Y'all this thing is amazing!! I downloaded the 30day trial version and love it! I unfortunately haven't had much time to figure it all out so I would love to win today, BUT I'd love for one of y'all to win if I can't!!! They have a bunch of other software you can try out too. It can be used with a number of programs, I'm using it on Photoshop Elements 6.0 and it's working great!!



Head over to I ♥ Faces and leave a comment about which bokeh element you like best and **VOilA!** You'll be entered to win!!

GOOD LUCK!

Kaylan