A Saturday with the BFF and Thankfulness

Saturdays with the best friend might just be one of the greatest things two can do. Kirsten and I met up about 11 yesterday and tried out the new cupcake place on the square. Our expectations of this place were different than it actually was. I think we had in mind cupcakes galore, any and every kind of cupcake combination. Nope. There were about 7 to choose from. Still great though. And their size was a little smaller than other cupcake places we have been to. Don't get me wrong they were still very yummy. And gourmet also. Second on the list was to go to all these little stores that we have been hearing so much about, but have both been a little too busy to visit. Of course our adventures made their way to our favorite antique shops and we found some new ones too! A love for vintage jewelry was found yesterday. You should see all these fabulous finds we found. We got all kinds of neat things and did not pay over $10 for anything! A new obsession for sure.

In addition to all this, Kirsten has been eyeing the side of this liquor store for quite some time now. It has a great saying, "Some things never change, And shouldn't.." painted on the side of it. So she pulled over and we took a few snapshots in front of it. It was a great day yesterday, so why not?

We finished the day off with a fiesta party at my parents house to watch the Hogs play LSU. Poor little piggies.

Yesterday was a great day! I'm so excited about my vintage finds!

Lastly, I don't even know where to begin with my Thankful list. I have attempted it a few times and deleted it. Because honestly, I truly don't know where to start. This year has over flowed with life changing events and in return has totally been conquered with blessing and happiness. I know without a doubt I am thankful for safety through the fire, for a wonderful and close family, for friends and a support group I couldn't go without, for God's grace and the power of prayer, and for the realization that life's "traumatic times" are unexpectedly followed by the most wonderful and unimaginable situations. I am thankful that with time the "traumatic times" eventually end up on the Thankful list.

I hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving and a wonderful weekend.

A promised White Christmas

One month from today my bags will be packed and the family and I will be on our way to Telluride CO. Being away from Fayetteville on Christmas is something I have done one time in my life. Have lived in the same town for 23 years now, you grow quite custom to holiday traditions especially when your extended family is as small as mine is. I have attended 22 candle light Christmas Eve services and it is the one thing that really puts me in the spirit of the next 24 hours to follow. But this year will be a little different. Different is good, right?

This year our typical Christmas traditions will be put on hold while we venture off to Telluride with my Mom's extended family. My second oldest cousin got married in April, so it will be fun to go on family vacation with a new family member. Clare moved to Dallas to go to grad school and I feel like I haven't seen her in 3000 days! My oldest cousin just moved back to Little Rock, so we need to celebrate his new change. And the most important reason of all, my Dad and two sisters haven't been on the ski slopes in almost 2 years. If you only knew the last experience with the 3 of them, you would understand that our whole family is in much need of the stomach aching, tears rolling down your face, can't breathe kind of laugh!!

Christmas in Telluride will be a blessing. Our family is beyond excited to spend a week together, under the same roof, laughing until we cry, having a promised white Christmas, and being together around the most special time of the year.

I personally can't believe 2009 is almost over and Christmas is just peeking around the corner. But THANK GOODNESS 2010 is right behind it!!!

LIFE

Have a great weekend!

Pet peeve

With Jack Frost in the area lately I can't help but think of the Christmas season. Which brings up my point.

A pet peeve of mine, for as long as I can remember, is when people go to label decoration boxes, make lists, title items, text message, write a note.. do anything and everything that might relate to writing the word "Christmas" and instead write "XMas." I realize that C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S is 9 letters long. Some surfaces just don't have room for all those letters. Some people are just lazy to write all 9 letters. So on, and so forth.. Whatever the case may be, I just find it disrespectful. What is XMas anyway? The only thing I understand about this is the last 3 letters.. and why an X? Why not a "c" at least? Maybe I am just uneducated about this shortening because I dislike it and have never used it.

I don't know. Maybe that is just my OCDness being out of control. But really??? If a surface is too small why not write "Dec25" or "D25" or color it red and green? Better yet, buy those crates that are already red and green? I don't know. I personally think there is a way around it.

Oh Jack Frost, you gave us cold weather and brought out a random thought. How I do love this time of year though!!!

Stay warm!

Have a wonderful day! Talk to you soon!

I stand corrected!

I got an email from my blog this morning not too long after I posted it. With a comment from my sister reading:

"Thanks for leaving me out on the shout out for Luke and Kirsten... I sat with ya'll too! Rude!"

1. I did not realize I was making a shout out. I thought I was telling a story.

2. She is correct. Blake did sit with us during the Razorback game on Saturday. Right next to me in fact. How I forgot to include her? I have no idea!! I think it is safe to say Kirsten,Luke and I had a great time with Blaker P there!!!

3. Blake, I am truly sorry for the hurt feelings. I do sense your humor in the "Rude!" comment and can just hear you saying it, and it makes me laugh. It will never happen again. Please forgive me.

4. Because of my "rudeness" this is the least I can do..

(I owe you a shrine of photos, my uploading isn't working)

So sorry again! I love you B!

(This post is sincere, with a twist of sarcasm for those of you that are unaware of our relationship)

When you least expect them

Where to begin? The last I posted something on here I had no idea what was about to happen in my life. The blessings that would continue to overflow. Let's just say this, the saying we have all heard "Things happen when you least expect them" should be the title for Thursday. My family and I went to dinner for Alex's 18th birthday and afterwards I met Rachel at Theos. Because of my 1 hour of sleep the night before I was planning on saying hello and vetoing it out of there to my bed. But ya know, God's surprises us at times like this. Things happen when you least expect them. I can't quit smiling.

Friday wasn't anything to brag about. I subbed. Great day it was though.

Saturday was the last Razorback home game. Because of this being the third game in Fayetteville in a row, my Hog spirit has kind of dwindled. Yes, I said it. Kirsten and I have been talking all season about going to a game together. So why not the last one? (Of which, we showed up in the same vintage Hog tee and similar articles to go along with it. Ha, surprised? Not us.) We were accompanied by her sweet boyfriend Luke. So fun! After the game Kirsten and I had a little date out while Luke met up with the guys. Whole and behold. More blessings. More wonderful things. More smiles.

Sunday was my day to recover. To spend the day doing just as it is meant to be. N-O-T-H-I-N-G! Not to mention my week ahead of me.

As of yesterday I have become a Mom for 3 days. The parents of the family of 4 decided to make a made dash for St. Louis and called yours truly into run the fort. Not a problem. We got this. Staying over night with them is something I have certainly done before. But not since they have upgraded to attending 3 different schools and now take showers and baths in the morning. Makes for one early morning when you have 4 lunches to pack, 5 beds to make (including my own), breakfast on the table, Monday folders signed and tucked away, uniforms for after school cleaned and ready, 4 dressed for this winter weather, and out the door and off to 3 different schools all before 8:10. But we did it. Not to mention managing the crazy hair with the flips because the boys would rather not brush their hair exiting the shower. They'll thank me one day.

And hey, next time you talk to your Mom. Tell her Thanks, you really have no idea what she has done/does for you!!

And yes.. You fancy pants bloggers out there, I have now, four months later, learned how to link blogs together. I know you are proud.

Have a good day! Stay warm.

Pedicure by a 4 YR old

Of all the things I love in life, spending time with 6 particular little kids ranks very high on my list. Unfortunately for the parents, these kids can do just about anything (yes, within limits. But you'll see) and get away with it in my book. I clam them as my own. Love them to the stars and back. And can't get enough of their sweet little smiles and telling the funny things they do. They are beyond perfect in my eyes and I'm truly thankful to help raise each one of them. They are cousins, 4 in one immediate family and 2 in the other, and living about 100 yards from each other. They are my life. I'm totally in love.

For example, this is Libby giving me a pedicure this past August. Not too long after I went and got a "real" one, but she waned to. So what the heck, what's it going to hurt, right???

Getting a little more serious about it..

Notice in the picture above, the paint on the driveway. Ooops, we spilt it, but she insisted on finishing the last few toes before she cleaned it up. Solution: Bath and Body Works hand soup, a toothbrush, and water in a cup.

and LOTS of scrubbing..

And yes, my toes were NEON pink for quite awhile. And we have started something ever since. Lucky for me, my toes are usually always painted. Gotta look on the bright side!

Hope your week is wonderful.

Talk to you soon!

Dear Jillian

Jill,

You make me sweat. You bring my self esteem down. I run six miles several times a week and after doing stage 1, I suddenly feel out of shape. Muscles I didn't even know existed are beyond sore. Sore isn't even the correct word. I sure hope this gets easier. I wont give up on you if you don't give up on me.

Thanks,

Kenlie

Monday's Mush-pot

I feel like here lately I have done nothing but ramble on this thing. So I come to you tonight continuing with the pattern.

This weekend was yet again, wonderful. Friday night Rachel and I had a lovely dinner for 2 at Bordinos and then went went to meet up with a few special someone's. Saturday sweet Rachel had an extra ticket and I joined her for the Razorback festivities. Come to think of it, I do believe this is the first time in almost 4 football seasons I haven't used my parents tickets. Oh Kenlie, just steppin out! Post game we hung out with Rachel's older brother and several of his friends. Now that was a funny time! Later that evening we met up at Powerhouse with some very special college friends of mine.

See what I mean? What more if there to be thankful for? Great friends all weekend long. What more could a girl ask for? Exactly. Nothing.

Today I had to laugh at my precious little bestie and I. So I pull up to Target (love that place, could walk the isles for hours upon end) and I noticed a pretty familiar car.. oh wait.. who is that being a good citizen and putting her cart where it belongs... oh.. yep!.. there she is, dear ol Kirsten in the flesh. Never fails for the two of us to be in the same place. Had no idea she was there. So of course we did our usual chit-chat, which lead to her question of "so what ya doin here?" I laughed and told her I came seeking the Jillian Michaels "Shred" DVD.. she took a few steps back and threw her head back and said "No way, that is exactly why I came here!" I wasn't shocked. Of course we came to Target the same day, for the same item, and without any previous conversation. Not surprised a bit.

I'll keep ya posted on this progress. I love me some good running, but lets be honest. I have to be outside and be making moving progress in order to get a good run in. Getting this kid to the gym is like pulling teeth. Its just depressing there. So with the unfortunate cold weather approaching it is time to start looking for back up plans. I mean, I am willing to freeze a few days.. ok, maybe one day a week in the negative degree weather, but not everyday. Back up suggestions I am seeking if you have any ideas.

Back to Target. So incase anyone was concerned. Target is now ready to help you decorate your home for Christmas. One would think it is next week by the looks of that place. But I'm not complaining. Reason being? I'm not much of a candy fan. I really can do without. But not when two seasons come around. Christmas and Easter. Why you ask? "Cadberry solid milk chocolates with a crisp sugar shell" assorted in red, green and white balls for Christmas and egg shaped pastel colors for Easter. I could eat the whole bag. No joke. Total weakness. Total love. Make my mouth water. THEY ARE THERE!!!! I about did a back flip when I saw them. Stalked up. Don't fret.

Got a busy week approaching, and I'm excited! This Wednesday is Wine Night. So fun. Little Alex (ok, she's 18) her birthday is Saturday and we are going to eat dinner on Thursday. And this weekend sounds like yet again another great one! And yes, don't worry I will be working too. Oh the joys of being an adult.

I hope you have had just as wonderful days. Life is great and I couldn't be more blessed.

Talk to you soon!

Happy Monday

Life

Don't ever get so busy making a living, that you forget to make a life

Something to Smile about..

Ha!!

Happy Tuesday!!

I mean.. really??

Ever have those mornings when you wake up for no reason? Going back to sleep is nearly impossible. Wide awake. Ready to take on the world. Yep-- that was this girl this morning. 5:19AM. I mean.. really?? Grabbed my book thinking that might work. Nope just made me more into it. More awake. Frustrated at about 7 I got up and put my tennis shoes on. Forget it! Off to run I went.

Funny story, about mile 6 a lady pasted me and her words to me were, "Honey, your face is red!" I answered with a "Yes ma'am!!" and went on my way. I mean.. really??

My dear little cousin has been wanting a Mr. Pig, so what did I do today? Painted the child one! OUTSIDE! Who ever thought I could go outside with a canvas, paint, brushes, sunglasses, tank top, and shorts IN NOVEMBER!! I mean.. really?? I got a tan in November from the sun? Yes sir!! 2 weeks ago I thought I was going to be living in my snow suit from then on out. That's Arkansas weather for ya!

Rachel texted me while she was at school today and we agreed that today would be the perfect day to go walk up by the cross to enjoy the fall on such a gorgeous day. 3 miles later, lots of laughs, and good heart to hearts. I think my exercise for the day is complete! 9 miles later. I mean.. really??

Today marked day 5 of wonderful things. Life doesn't have one complaint! And things continue to surprise me and make me smile.

Certainly excited about this week and it makes it even better that it isn't suppose to rain!!!

This kid woke up at 5:19 this morning and was fairly active. Time to count sheep!

Goodnight friends! Sorry for the rambling!

Get outside and do something fun tomorrow!!

Libby this summer on the monkey bars

Only 2 Months

Dear 2010,

I can't wait for you to get here!! I can't believe you are only 2 months away. 2009 was a rough one, and by that, I mean TERRIBLE! Needless to say, I'm glad to see it come and go. I was just thinking about this weekend and I thought you might like to know what was so great. Figure you could brainstorm over these next TWO months.

1. I got a very special phone call. Followed by several texts throughout the weekend.

2. I got to spend a lot of time with friends and family.

3. The HOGS won!!

4. Saturday I had the greatest night. Still smiling ear to ear. And no, it wasn't because I was dressed up for Halloween and running around crazy.

5. The weather Saturday and today was absolutely gorgeous!

6. Plans of going to Telluride CO for Christmas for a week or two is in the works!!!

7. I ran my miles very successfully.

8. I caught up with friends I haven't seen in a good while. Love when that happens!

9. We got to set our clocks back a whole hour.

10. Today was another successful day of playing with the Clark boys and getting caught up on my reading.

Just trying to help you out. I don't expect life changing events, 2009 already took care of that for you. That is.. unless, they are just wonderful! But these simple things sure do make me a happy girl! I just thought I would write you a simple note, because this weekend got me excited! I'm sensing you have great plans over your 365 days. Can't wait to see you!

'Preciate it,

Kenlie

And PS: Its is NOVEMBER 1st! GOODNESS!!!

Hope your weekend was just as wonderful!! Have a happy week!

God is good!