Just a little update..

Well.. Hello!! 

So this weekend. What a blessed and wonderful weekend catching up with great friends in my life. My weekend started off Thursday with dinner with Lauren. Whom of which, asked me over our favorite meal, to be apart of her wedding in May. I'm very thankful to have such a wonderful friend in my life that truly is a blessing.  Friday I kept the boys as usual.. Spider man himself..

Followed by dinner and drinks with a bunch of girls from college.. the only picture taken of the night (I have got to get better about taking pictures of other things other then the kids I play with--Someone hold me accountable!)

Then there was Saturday.. which consisted of running around Fayetteville and enjoying NWA with Annie and Katelyn. Which in addition, was when my purchase of my beloved poncho that I have been looking for high and low for, was made. That evening was topped off with sushi with Rachel.

Sunday.. oh Sunday.. lazy PJ reading Sunday. I heart thee. I have started a new book series. The Hungry Games. Highly recommended by a close friend and her husband in Little Rock. I understand why. There are 3 books in the series, about 200ish pages each. Delightful is what they are!! If you need a good read.. there ya go! 

And today.. 

 it was a snow day today. Sort of. I got a text at 6AM saying "No work!!"-- followed by a text at 8:30 that says "See ya at 10".. it was nice to have a few extra hours. Working at a kids clinic we generally flow with the school schedules. Well.. this time, we kind of did : ) But I did complete my day with a lazy Bachelor watch party with Lauren and some girls.. Oh Drama... Drama, drama that show is!!

Lastly, I leave you with this simple little message. 

Listen to your heart. Listen to the Holy Spirit and what is being spoken to you. My lesson right now that I am learning is so crystal clear. So obvious of what I need to focus on.. the areas where I need to improve.. the weaknesses that need to be strengthened. Not to mention, how this is all being revealed. Is simply amazing! I encourage you to just focus. Its not hard when you are just simply still. Just having faith. 

Jesus tells us in Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:3

"Blessed are those who have realized their own utter helplessness, and have put their whole trust in God." 

I hope you have a wonderful week!! 

Have a blessed day,

Kenlie

my life in a Top10 list

10. My youngest sister graduated from high school. (makes me so sad, totally weird)

9. I saw Sex and the City 2 with a group of close friends at midnight on the day it came out. (quickly realized I'm too old to do that, or maybe I was just really disappointed)

8. I could put a straw in a whole bottle of Simply Raspberry lemonade. And drink it all in one sitting. (summer obsession. You must try.)

7. I am back on my running kick. (with new shoes too!)

6. I jumped on the Words with Friends train. (yes, I get the obsession)

5. I am still watching all the kids on a regular basis. (That will never change)

4. The week before Memorial weekend, and also Memorial weekend, was the best week and weekend I have had in I can't even tell you how long. (You may smile from ear to ear)

3. This past weekend I went to Dallas to see my cousin. Had an awesome time. (great food and shopping)

2. Summer hours started today at work. 6:45AM-3 everyday until August. Yes, even Fridays. (hello coffee)

NUMBER ONE:

 God listens. He answers prayers. He is faithful and true. He changes hearts. He loves us. His plan is most perfect. I promise promise promise He is listening. Do not give up. Pray. Hold your head high. He is in control. Trust that. Smile.

See why I haven't been around for the past two months? There isn't much to blog about. Boring, I know.  I still love being entertained with all of your posts though!

#1 is very true and holds a whole whole lot of meaning and change going on in my life. I do not mean it vague like the others. Its been my focus. My eye open. My love and my motivation. 

Hang in there! : )

Happy June!! 

(ARE YOU KIDDING! We are 1/2 way through 2010!)

frogs

If you know me at all, you know one thing.

I HATE frogs.

I hate everything about them. They hop. They make annoying sounds. They are slimy. They are ugly. They hide. They come out of no where. Their unpredictable. Their pointless. They creep me out. Make me scream. Run far far away. They make me walk outside in the summer with a light (usually my phone) to the ground so I can see if one is in my way.

Sick. Sick. Sick.

All I have to say is why in the WORLD would my most favorite store in the entire world carry this? Why would they think this is cute? Why would someone buy this?

Sorry Anthro, but you just totally creeped me out. Completely. I think this marks the very first time we have ever disagreed on an article of clothing.

I hope you have had a wonderful weekend! Today has been the first day in 3 weeks that I have not had to be somewhere or had anything to do. Its been wonderful. So very thankful!

Thank you Mrs. Jones for helping me with my pictures, you are a true lifesaver!

just short of a month

I'm 10 short days away from it being a month since you last heard from me. I'm sorry.

I'm sorry that really all I have to report to you is a bunch of rambles. Life lately has consisted of very very few things, but a lot, a lot of it on repeat.

Work. I wake up at 6:15, take a shower, throw on scrubs, grab my water bottle, drive to work, work, lunch break, back to work, home, dinner, shower, and bed. Repeat. Monday through Thursday. That is my life. I honestly love doing what I am doing. Working with kids and working with their teeth. Its the best of both my worlds. Finding life outside of work has been alittle rough just because I feel like a 82 year old lady when I get home and I really don't want to do anything but crawl in my big fluffy bed. Boring, I know. But its getting better. The sleep schedule is adjusting. My after work activities consist of more kids (duh), my bestest of friend, sometimes a Target trip, a boy.. yes, a boy, and anything else that I might need to do, get, or see.

Life is wonderful and I have nothing to be negative about. I do think about my blog through out some days in wonder of what I could share with you guys.. as you can tell.. you aren't missing out on much. And to be really honest, there are some days that my computer doesn't get turned on. Whoever would have thought I would say such a thing?

Other exciting things to share....

I am leaving for Canada in 4 days..

Easter time.. AKA Cadbury egg season, Mini Eggs.. the ones like M&Ms.. not those big things.. (best time of the year!!!)

I really really want a Nook

I am thankful for this extra hour we started today, so it wont get so dark so fast!

Two of my most favorite people from Little Rock came up last weekend.

I am ready for summer.

Kirsten and I have been walking A LOT and I love that special little time together.

I saw my cousin tonight for the first time since Christmas (SO SAD!)

God continues to be too good to me.

There is a boy in my life..

Goodnight friends! Sorry for being a stranger! I miss doing this, I really do.

fingers crossed

What an exciting weekend!!

Friday night was nothing short of wonderful!!! I can promise you that.

Saturday I watched the olympics and had delightful dinner with Kirsten. It has become quite the weekend tradition to eat mexican food while sharing latest developments and laughs. I love my dearest friend.

Today I watched the kids. We watched UP and went to get ice cream at Maggie Moos. All in the dreary/lazy rainy weather.

Life is wonderful.. and I can't wait to share more about it! Keep your fingers crossed.

God is faithful. Have a wonderful week!

your today

If you trust God for your eternity, you can trust Him for your today.

I rest in that trust today.

Happy weekend!!

yes!

Today is my Friday!!!! 

Work/ today was great! 

BUT best of all, its 55 degrees outside and so sunny!! 

Thank you, Thursday!!

Don't mind me while I brag.. Part 2

As I mentioned last week, my youngest sister was on Fayetteville High School's Colors Day court last Friday night. Here are a few pictures Kirsten took of my gorgeous sister Alex and my family..

We are so proud of you AlPal and love you so much!!!

 As for this weekend.. I had a great one! I spent the weekend with great friends, my family, lots of little kids, and had a the best Valentines Day I have had in about 4 years!! 

I hope you had a wonderful weekend and a very special Valentines Day! 

God is good.. all the time!

02.05.10

YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!!!!!!!

Dear John, THE MOVIE, comes out tomorrow!

And you better believe it that the bestie and I WILL be having lunch and we WILL be feasting our eyes on this motion picture ASAP.

I assume the book is better, but I'm not going in with a closed mind because those previews.. oh man those previews.. they just look delightful!

And... tomorrow is Friday!!

beginning to get restless

Above was my entertainment for the day. Lazy? I would think so too if my car didn't have about a foot of snow on it and was frozen shut. Awesome, I know. So needless to say the most productive part of my day was taking a shower and finding a clean pair of new sweatpants to put on.

Last night was an exciting night.. about 6:30 my parents decided to get us all out of the house and go grab a pizza. I felt like this was such a treat, having been stuck inside all day. And it was a special outing, it isn't often we all get to go out to dinner together with everyone's different schedules, so it was lovely. The roads were covered in ice and snow and my Dad's huge truck slid quite a bit, but it was so nice to have a change of scenery.

This snow storm has been very relaxing. It is nice to not hear trees snapping and falling every five minutes. I'm very thankful the firemen didn't have to come rescue our home like last year. Very fortunate to have the power on the whole time. And it is very peaceful feeling to look out the windows to tons and tons of snow. Even the ugliest things are always so pretty covered in snow; at least I think so!

I do believe the chance for more snow is unlikely, and that is pretty much fine with me. I'm beginning to get pretty restless around here.

Hallie Mae's day was just as hard as mine..

I hope you've had a blessed weekend yourself!

Mr and Mrs Schaefer (To Be)

Yes, I have blogged twice today. I'm bored. I thought I would share with you my Saturday evening.

A very good friend I have grown up with since elementary school got engaged just before Christmas, Lindley. Her bridesmaids got together and threw her and her husband to be, Brett, an engagement party to celebrate the fabulous news. We have all been so lucky to have grown up together, and to still keep in touch after all these years. It was so fun to see everyone and talk about all the past times. It is a very exciting time for Lindley and Bret and I'm so thankful that I can be apart of special events like this one.

The future Mr and Mrs

Friends after all these years..

More juicy details are here.

I hope your day has been wonderful!

Come to me 2010..

TA DA!!!!! It's TWENTY TEN!

I am SO excited about this year! I feel wonderful blessings and awesome new adventures; and I can't wait! I began this year out with wonderful high school friends last night. And finished it off with reminiscing about the night with Kirsten over our typical Mexican food meal today.

Life doesn't get much better than where it is right now.

Kirsten and I when the clock struck 12AM!

Here are a few little ways I am looking at 2010... and of course other ways too..

I hope you all had a very safe and wonderful New Year! I look forward to sharing this year and excitement with you!

God is TRUELY amazing.

You only live once, right?

So why not make it memorable?

Why not go all out and laugh at yourself?

Why can't you take a bunch of pictures?

Why don't you get a group of close friends together for a Birthday, dress 80s, and have fun?

That's what we sure did!

Happy 23rd Birthday Kirsten!!!

Some of my most favorite people..

.. 2 Nights in a row!!

Nights like these really make me miss High School!

I hope you had a fabulous weekend as well!

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.

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.

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

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!

All the above

What's better than to use a rainy Monday evening for a good weekend reflection? I can't think of anything, so here goes nothing.

Thursday was Tyler's first birthday, as I informed you yesterday.

Friday I watched the Lindsey kids while LB and Lyndy went to a Halloween party dressed as Skipper and Ginger from Gilligan's Island.. HILARIOUS, I wish I had a picture to show you! And then I met my dearest friend Rachel out for a little while.

Saturday I ran about 6 miles and watched the poor little piggies against Ole Miss (I think that can go without explanation) And I wrapped that evening up with a much needed sushi dinner date and night out with my great friend Kirsten.

Sunday, oh how I love Sundays, I didn't do a thing. Not a thing. I worked on my Bible study lesson and couldn't put Nicholas Sparks new book "The Last Song" down! Not to mention I read cover to cover the new REAL Simple November issue, oh man, I am ready for fall and brainstorming some great ideas thanks to that issue. So wait, I guess I did do stuff Sunday, I was a complete book worm. What a dork.

Late Sunday night I got a text from Sarah to check my email and I to my surprise I had this in my Inbox:

Cooper and his OCDness coming out. No worries, I texted Sarah and told her she can probably thank me for this issue. He learned this lovely trait from his lovely babysitter. OOPS! (I secretly love this, and love even more that Sarah caught this in action)

A heavy thought on my heart:

Peter. One of the twelve disciples of Jesus. He was the rock that God built His church on and also probably one of the weaker disciples. I have seen myself in Peter a lot this year. In Matthew I am reminded of the time that Jesus told his disciples that it was in God's will that He was going to be arrested. Jesus went willingly when the soldiers came for Him, but eager, loving Peter tried to take the matter in his own hands by raising his sword and cutting off the ear of one solider. Jesus looked at Peter and said "Put your sword away."

Later, in John, sometime after Jesus had risen, He greeted His disciples while they were fishing. The disciples were out in the middle of the sea in a boat. Precious Peter was so excited to see that Jesus was standing on the shore that he jumped into the water. He began swimming to the shore to see his King. Needless to say, the boat probably reached the shore long before Peter made it.

I am Peter. I have my own time frame, my own plans. When I don't see things happening, I try to make them happen and Jesus says "Kenlie, put your sword away. Put away your plans. Do you not want to do what your Father has asked?" So like Peter, I put my plans away. I put my defenses away. And I wait. Patiently. Watching everything happen perfectly, in God's own timing.

I am Peter. Excitedly jumping into things, and then standing, sopping wet, at the feet of the Lord as He is smiling at my stupidity. I get excited, forget to think things through, and end up doing them the long way. Every time, though, just as with Peter, Jesus welcomes my soaking wet self into His arms and is simply happy to see me.

I mess up. I try too hard. I jump to quick and think I can do this on my own. I am not always patient. I am far from perfect, and God will still use me. God will establish great things through me. He knows I will make a big mess and I will do things the long and hard way. But He has a plan for me, and has the most perfect timing.

These stories of Peter enlighten me. Although our actions aren't ideal in Jesus' eyes, I know I'm not alone. I know I am taken care of. And for whatever happens will happen at the most perfect time. My sword is put away. I will not jump until the time is right and without God's hand.

Goodnight friends.

Have a wonderful week!

Acts 5: 38,39