Joy on the Journey.....

My first Coupon Haul

2011-09-15T16:14:00.001-07:00

I finally did it. I took the time to clip a few coupons, look at the flyers, then I made an organized list and headed off to Wal-Mart.

I price matched a few items which is where you use the sales add from another store's price that is cheaper. Say for instance, today, Betty Crocker cake mixes that are normally priced 1.28 at Wal-Mart, were in a sales flyer for .77!! So I got 4 of them!!!!!!!!!!!!

Another great deal was Gain detergent. It was normally 6.68 at Wal-Mart but was on sale at another store for 4.55. I also had a 2.00 off coupon which I used and SCORE.....I paid 2.55 for Gain detergent!

I also got some Dr. Scholl's massaging gels with a 3.00 of coupon that I paid around 5.00. And a buy one get one free Lady's Speed Stick deodorant.

Lastly, was a money making deal on KY Jelly. Don't laugh. There are alot of uses for this stuff!! Anyways, I had a 3.00 off coupon and it was 2.18 regular price at Wal-Mart! That's a money making deal of .82 which was applied to my bill. Every little bit helps!!!

With price matching AND coupons, I saved just over 20 bucks. Not too shabby for a first haul in my opinion!!! :)

I want to thank Collin at Hip2Save for taking the time to share these deals and inspire me to start trying to find ways to save money on items we need anyway for my family!

I think I could get addicted to this saving money thing!

Helpful Blogs I LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!

2011-09-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

I found a few new blogs I LOVE and ADORE!!!

Due to the economy and time crunches of being a momma, nurse, teacher, financial planner, dog trainer, professional gymnast, and lover of life, I have begun trying to find ways to make life easier. I have decided coupons and crock pots are the answer. :)

Hip2Save is a sweet little gal named Collin that keeps me up to date with all kinds of coupons and savings in my area. I have become a SERIOUS couponer now because of this site. Check it out!

Skinny Crock pot is another great blog. I actually get most of the recipes I make from them from Facebook. Just like their page and you will get to access all their recipes. If you have a "clean" recipe, you can even submit yours. They only accept "clean" and healthy recipes. They will explain that too. I have 2 of them in two crock pots as I type and my house smells A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!

Then there are the Crockpot Girls on Facebook too. I have yet to try their recipes, but I know a couple of friends who have and have been very pleased.

Hope you check them out and let me know what you think!

Girl's WEEKEND!!!! NO KIDS< NO MEN!!!

2010-10-14T08:33:00.001-07:00

Shannon flew down for a getaway weekend with Lisa and me. It was really fun and kind of neat being that it was Lisa's half way point on being finished with Chemo.

We didn't waste any time starting in on the fun! We began our trip at Tortuga's on the Island. Of course a trip to Galveston would never be complete without their warm salsa and homemade guacamole table-side....yummo!!

Next, we went shopping all over the island until our room at the San Luis Resort and Spa was ready. We wanted so bad to get to that pool!!!

We were fine sitting in the rocking chairs at Murdoch's enjoying the wonderful weather. It couldn't have been ANY better. Blessed by God above for our wonderful weekend, for sure and for certain!!!!

We had a blast! We played Phase 10, which I'm pretty sure I lost every time, layed out by the pool, shopped, napped, played more phase 10 and ate out....ALOT!! It was a fun time and I can't wait for us all to get together again.

We even taught a parrot how to say, "HAWAII"!!!!! and we sang "We are the Champions" to a lady who beat the snot out of her man in tennis!! :)

My Surfer Girl

2010-10-14T08:17:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday, I took Kasey to surfing lessons. She LOVED it!! She and her friend Lacy got up on the little waves SEVERAL times in the 2 hour lesson. Brian, from C-Sick Surfing was amazing! He's been surfing over 50 years and could even speak "surfer speak". You know, like narly dude, and balooie bra... Anyways, so now my girl wants to be a surfer. I am searching high and low for a board I can afford! Those things are EXPENSIVE!! The one they learned on was a soft-top board and they are more economically affordable. All in all, it was a beautiful day. The waves were "beginner" waves, per Brian. I was just amazed they were able to surf them at all!!!!!

BOOT CAMP!!!!

2010-08-26T15:01:00.000-07:00

Hey all!

I'm super pumped because it is almost that time of year again!!! My Boot Camp will start September 7th through November 18th. That is 11 weeks to get your bootay in shape for the holidays!! (....and mine too....)

I have a ton of information to share from what I learned this summer. I am down 18 pounds and 4 sizes and several inches. So, what I am doing WORKS!!! I am looking forward to sharing this information with my Boot Camp ladies. Should be a great time!!

So, if you are wanting to join, just show up on the 7th. It is only 1.00 per workout so 2.00 per week. Yep! We will be at First Baptist Galena Park Gym at 6.00 p.m. Be there or be square!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Passport to Purity...An Amazing Mother/Daughter's Weekend

2010-07-08T22:29:00.000-07:00

I just returned from an amazing weekend with Kasey. We went on a mother/daughter trip to Beaumont, Texas.

Now, you may be saying, "Why Beaumont, and not somewhere like Padre?" Well, I will get to that in a second.

First of all, Beaumont has an excellent hotel called the Elegante!! We've stayed there with the basketball team and we knew it would be the place to stay. The first night there, I took Kasey to get her first facial. (Well, it is kind of a coming of age weekend...) You know what she told her dad on the phone? "I think I could get used to this!" I laughed out loud on that one!!

The premise of Passport to Purity, is to get away with your daughter to have "the talk." Yes, that's THE talk. I have been planning this trip for about a year I guess. I listened to all the cds, had all the little projects ready, etc., etc. AND, I was scared to death!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Little did I know, what an amazing time together we would have. The cds do alot of the "tough" work for you. They give you much of the "talking points" that are so important to cover. She worked through a little journal and has it to look back upon now. We laughed....ALOT! Kasey asked alot of GREAT questions that I was glad to answer. And, we made great memories. And, you know what? It ended up not being scary at all!!

On one of the days, you have a whole afternoon do something very special with your kiddo to make it memorable. So, since Kasey wants to be a cake decorator when she grows up, I was blessed to be able to get in touch with Dena Bryngelson. She is a fabulous cake decorator that won the Ultimate Cake Off. (Which Kasey saw and decided then and there she needed to go to her bakery.)

Well, I emailed Dena just to see if I could swing by with Kasey to take a few pictures and maybe get an autograph. And you know what she did? She asked if it'd be okay for her to play "cake" with Kasey on the Saturday we would be there!!!

I was in SHOCK! It was amazing how it all worked out. Dena is a very busy lady and flies around doing cake demos all over. She just happened to be in town for 4th of July weekend because she was celebrating her 20th wedding anniversary!!!

So, I took her up on it and took Kasey to meet her. It was definitely a highlight of the weekend! She helped Kasey decorate a beautiful cake with all of Kasey's favorite colors and she gave her tons of insider tips! It was SO fun watching the two of them together.

She gave Kasey an autographed apron from her shop and even gave her some cake decorating tools to help her get started. The time with her was priceless!!!

To watch Kasey soaking up everything she was saying, and to see my little girl seemingly all grown up was really wonderful!

I thank the Lord that he orchestrated it all! Dena is Christian lady and I highly recommend her if you can order a cake from her!! The one she and Kasey made is incredible!!!

I also highly recommend Passport to Purity! It's for boys (dad's take them) or girls!

Thanks Dena for blessing us in such a mighty way!!!

Fitness Ridge Results

2010-06-29T21:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been very busy since I've been home working hard to apply what I learned at the Biggest Loser Resort and Spa.

First of all, the experience was amazing. Shannon and I had an excellent time. It was HARD work. We hiked every day for 3 hours then we came back and worked out another 4 hours a day at the resort. The trainers were amazing as were all the wait staff and hiking guides.

The best information I learned was something I've heard all of my life. Calories in, calories out. That is the basics and the truth that works.

At the resort, you test out on Sunday after your week there. My results were that I lost 6 pounds and 8 inches. The trainers told us that the weight loss usually continued for most people the week they got home. It happened for me as well. I lost another 4 pounds the next week. Since then, I have lost 5 more pounds.

I have wrestled with gaining and losing the same 5 to 7 pounds FOREVER! But this time, I feel like I have the tools to get fit and stay fit and healthy!

How wonderful that I now have this information!! I love it!!! I'm so excited and grateful that I got this opportunity through my best friend Shannon to go to such a place. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!

Fitness Ridge Count Down!! 18 days.....

2010-05-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

I have 18 days before I head off on a jet plane to Vegas and then drive over to Utah. I am really beginning to feel the nerves! I haven't flown in soooooo long! I will just have to take some Drammamine and knock my butt out so I don't get sick from nervousness. I have such a finicky stomach!

I am looking forward to the trip though! It will be so much fun going with Shannon. We compliment each other so well. We are alike in many ways, but different enough that we don't get on each others nerves. Does that make sense??

I think we are going to spend our first night in Vegas cuz I've never been. She has though and knows just where to take me. I'm excited!! She said she won 1800.00 in penny slots last year! Is that really possible?? I guess so! Haha. I am not a gambler, but are slots really gambling?? I guess you can justify anything if you try hard enough. Haha.

I am more about the photo opportunities than the gambling aspect. They'd see me coming anyways, and I'd lose everything!

Ok....I plan on running intervals at the track tonight. I am trying to maintain my fitness to a point where I do not die in Utah!

Paws in the Park 1K Fun Run...Kasey took 1st place!

2010-03-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

I am so pumped!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This morning we jumped out of bed and hauled over to the Paws in the Park Fun Run in Pearland, TX.

My daughter who is 11, BEGGED me to let her run with her dog in the 1k there today.

Well, she took first place!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She won the girl's division with a time of 6:40. She beat everyone else by 4 minutes!!!!!!!!!

SHE DID SO AWESOME! I am so so so so so proud of her! This is a little one that "hated" running, but for some reason, it has suddenly "clicked". And she's loving it!

She was really proud of me for completing the 1/2 in Dallas and even text me while I was running that "Carr's aren't quitters!". I've always told her that. :)

My husband too has gotten on board with getting healthy and has been lifting weights and wants us to enter some 5K's as a family.

Not to toot my own horn or anything, but all this has come about after me completing the half. I think they are both so jazzed that I finished it even with a bum knee and all. I am so happy that my family wants to be healthy and I didn't nag them to get there. Just me being me! :) :) :)

Still on cloud nine for that sweet thing!

Dallas Rock n' Roll Half Marathon.....my journey

2010-03-21T19:49:00.000-07:00

Shannon and me after the 1/2 marathon!!

Well, it is finished. On a cold Sunday morning in March, I loaded a crowded bus to shuttle over to the starting line with my best friend Shannon by my side. The adrenaline was pulsing, but the nerves were too. So...of course I popped my favorite drug of choice....IMMODIUM!!!

When we got there, we grabbed a banana and some trail mix for the road and started stretching. I was way nervous!!! I watched as the sun came over the buildings of Dallas and saw that it was going to be a glorious day. As the corralls were started, we were left waiting and waiting as we were the last group to go out. We were with the Transformation group, and Bill Phillips was shooting footage for his T.V. show and wanted us all coming out together. I looked around and was amazed at all the wonderful people I would be running this race with! Champions in life and in their transformations. People who were there "Being the Change" to the world around them. It was very inspiring!

The plan from Bill Phillips was to run the first mile in a group with Transformation, so they could get footage, then everyone was let loose to run their own races. My little group consisted of Me, Shannon, Josie, and Katrina. We all had decided way before racing day that our goal was to finish the race and make some memories along the way. And that is just what we did.

Our first stop was the first set of port o' potties that had lines out the kazoo. (Amazing how the nerves hit you....) So....we trucked on over to the McDonald's where there was NO line. Of course, I have pictures of that. :) Little did I know, these girls would have to pee at just about EVERY port o' potty they came across. Amazing.....

Anyways, off we would go again. Something I found funny was all the clothing that riddled the grass along the route. People were shedding clothing as they warmed up on their run. I wondered if some would have any clothing on there was soooo much on the grass for the first 5 miles or so!

By around mile marker 5, we decided it was time to start documenting this run. We stopped at every mile marker through mile 9 I think, to take a group picture. They are hilarious to look back upon now and I am so glad that we did it. By the way, the time shown was not our actual time, but the time started by the first corral. Remember, we were the LAST corral so our time started when we crossed the start line.

At the half way point, the little cheerleaders were yelling that we were half way. It just so happened it was also a watering hole, so I pulled out my phone and called Dan. He wanted to be there, but had just returned from Austin and the state bball tourney. Anyways, as I called him the emotions began to rise. I did not understand the emotions. I think it was the sense of accomplishment that I could almost taste. Anyways, I told him I really just needed to hear his voice. He didn't let me down. He told me the half way point was huge and we were going to be so happy when we crossed that finish line. He was ready to drive up if I needed him. That was all I needed to hear. He doesn't know how much his words of encouragement helped me motor on to the end. It was hard to explain, but I did my best when I got home. *evil grin*

At mile 9, my bestie hit a wall. I don't mean litterally, but figuatively. She was ready to throw in the towel and say forget the whole thing. Her shins were giving her fits and at mile 6 she had tripped and rolled her ankle and hurt her foot. That she hopped back up at mile 6 and kept going, amazed me. Anyways, I didn't even want to begin thinking of all the things that were hurting on me, so I asked her if we walked to a certain point then tried to run again if she thought she could. Of course, she said she would try it. Once we got to the point to start running again, she still thought she couldn't go on. I told her we were finishing this dang thing together come Hedes or High water!!! She kept wanting me to leave her behind. She was really feeling rough. Before we knew it though, we had hit the 11 mile marker and caught back up with our friend Josie. Katrina was way behind us. Anyways, we fell into a rythym of walking for a few minutes then running for a few minutes. Each time, Josie and I would run way ahead of Shannon who was doing everything she could to keep moving forward. At this point, we were all starting to feel really gimpy. It never crossed my mind to quit. Ever. But I was in pain and alot of it. My hips, my knees, my feet....I even had a headache. But I refused to focus on any of it. I just focused on finishing. Period.

Well, we finally passed mile marker 12 and started hearing people that had already finished the race telling us we were almost there. At this point, my friend Shannon shouted, "Who the heck moved mile marker 13??????" LOL! We all died laughing at that and just kept on trucking. Finally, we rounded the turn and saw the finish line about 200 yards away. I never felt so excited to see the end of anything in my whole life. So, Josie and I took off to the finish line with Shannon right beside me. I was pumped and running on the adrenaline of the Transformation team shouting for us to bring it home. Just as I was about 4 steps from the finish line, I turned to look at Shannon to tell her we did it, and she wasn't there! I looked over my shoulder and she was still about 150 yards back, limping and walking. I could tell she was crying. He shoulders were slumped forward and she was just hobbling one foot infront of the other.

So, I did what any friend would do. I turned around before I crossed the finish line, and I went back to get her. I grabbed her hand and as the tears began to flow freely, I told her she had it in her to finish this thing strong. And that is just what we did. We finished strong.

We weaved around those walking past the finish line and we crossed it running. Together. Then, the real tears came. Tears for accomplishing something I never dreamed I would ever be able to do. Tears for my friend, who was hurting so badly, but finished it strong anyways. Tears for my husband, who I was missing so badly. Tears that my mom couldn't be there....one of my number one fans. Tears, tears, and more tears. It was uncontrollable. I haven't cried that hard in a long, long time. But you know what? I was happy. I was victorious and I finished the race.

That is how I want to finish my life. I want to finish strong. I want to run the race and fight the good fight. I want the Lord to look at me one day as my mom and dad look on and say, "Well done thou good and faithful servant." I know there are somedays I fail at being that. But I think if I can just keep motoring forward and if I can encourage just one person each day, I pray I will reach that goal.

Was it hard? Yes. Was it worth it? Every step. Will I ever run another one? At this point I'm going to say heck no!

I am still crippled (my knee has always given me issues), and I am going to have to be creative with working out this week. But know this, I am glad that I did it. I am glad that I finished strong with my friend Shannon by my side.

Thank you Lord, for bringing me through!!

"Run Forrest, RUN!!!"

2010-03-07T12:55:00.000-08:00

Could it be? One week from today, I will be running a 1/2 marathon. Me. Run. 13.1 miles. Holy Smokes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The butterflies have already begun and I am sure I will be a complete mess at the beginning of the race.

Am I ready? Well, as ready as I will ever be. Am I excited? Um....I guess so. Am I nervous? Definitely.

My stock I bought in Immodium will be paying dividends that day I am sure.

After getting through the start of the race, I expect to settle in and do my thing and just enjoy the run. I just want to finish in the appointed time which is 4 hours. If I come in under time, that will be icing on the cake.

It should be a fun run. Lots of my friends will be there too, and my bff Shannon will be by my side. She will be there to wipe the slobber off my chin when I have no energy to do so. LOL!

I pray I can be an example to others while in Dallas. (I know. I know. I am running on Sunday of all days, but I can still be an example!) An example of what it means to be a loving wife, mother, and a daughter of the King. I pray for openings in which to share these things with other wives and mothers who may be struggling. I am looking at it as an opportunity for the Lord to give me an opening to share Him with others.

So, all in all, yes. I guess I am ready. I am excited. And yes, I am still nervous!!

Being Devinely Favored...

2010-02-23T07:30:00.000-08:00

"God has blessed me to spend time and space with a man He designed Himself, just for me. I've not only been blessed, I've been Devinely favored." ~Madea's Family Reunion~

I heard this quote in Madea's Family Reunion and I played it back until I had it word for word.

So, I began thinking about how I have been Devinely favored. I know it is sappy, but that is how I feel about my marriage. I feel I have been Devinely favored and that the Lord has created me for Dan and Dan for me. What a blessing!!

I just love this quote. I love that the Lord loves me so much that He created someone to love me. Someone for me to care for and to care for me. Someone for me to pray with, worship with, someone to lead me through life. Someone to spend my days and nights with and someone to laugh with and cry with during good and tough times.

But, most of all, I love that God loved me enough to send His Only Son to die on a cross for my sins.

Now THAT is being Devinely favored.

A shocking surprise to say the least.....

2010-02-17T09:36:00.000-08:00

Here's the deal ladies. I went and bought some really cute, colorful bikini undies as I have some others that are less than desirable. (I'm sure you can all say the same. Don't act like you can't either....)

Anyways, I opened those puppies up and began admiring my new, beautiful, colorful bikini briefs, and low and behold there was one pair in there that were not bikini style. They were more like boy shorts. I was perplexed so I looked at the front of the package to see if I had gotten a "bonus" pair I didn't know about, but it said nothing on the package.

I started looking at them and noticed they were a size smaller than the one's I'd bought and found that weird. I started to try them on and to my sudden horror..........

NOTICED THEY HAD ALREADY BEEN WORN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am not joking. I am taking them back to Target and getting my money back. I am still dying over that one.

Can you imagine?? WHO does that kind of thing????????? Oh my gosh....I think I just threw up a little in my mouth.
__________________

Cookies and remembering my Mom....

2010-02-06T22:06:00.000-08:00

Today I had my little great nieces over to make Valentine cut out sugar cookies. We had a ball! I've been doing this with Kasey since she was 2 years old and now she's 11. I decided it was time to bring in the young one's and start the tradition with them.

It was bittersweet as today marks 6 years that my mom went to be with the Lord. I looked around at the off spring that continues on and think how blessed we are. God is good.

I miss my mom, but I am thankful for the time I had with her. She taught me much but I still long to speak with her. I can't tell you how many times after she was gone, that I called her phone just to hear her voice. Then, one day I couldn't reach it anymore and I no longer had it to call and listen to. I was very sad.

But, as I was looking through a drawer one day, I found a tape she had made. It was to Kasey on her 1st birthday. My mom was taking piano lessons, and she played and sang happy birthday to her. The funny thing was....she was a terrible player and singer. She stopped and started and hit the wrong notes all along the way. By the time I finished listening to it, I was laughing so hard I was crying...but tears of joy!! God let me find it at just the right moment when I needed to "hear" from her. God is good. So, so good.

Here are some pics of today's cookie making. I was thinking of my mom the entire time. I love you still.

Lincoln Butler is here!!

2010-02-05T14:39:00.001-08:00

Little Lincoln is here!! Kristina had him on February 3rd and we are all just smitten! He's adorable!!

Kasey is ready to babysit! She's wanting me to check into baby CPR classes for her. She's not messing around!! :)

Dan has a hard time sharing him too.

We are so happy for Chad and Kristina. They were married 2 months when Kristina found out she was pregnant. God's timing is awesome! He is here and already spreading joy into eveyone's lives!

So happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge

2010-01-05T15:20:00.000-08:00

Wow!! I have been researching this place and I think it is going to be fun and VERY challenging!

It looks like the day begins at 6 a.m. (do people really get up that early and function?) and you are busy in some form of working out until 6 p.m. that evening! That's a whole lotta burning of calories!! :)

I am excited and nervous all at the same time. I mean, I still have a good 5 months before I get to go, but I am already beginning the work on my bod to be able to return and not die out there in Southern Utah!

Also, a friend of mine asked me to lead a fitness group at her church 2 days a week. Me?? Lead fitness???? Wowza....Well, at least it will be extra cardio! :)

I am very much looking forward to this trip and I am very grateful to Shannon and to Steve for the opportunity to do something like this. Oh yes, and to Dan too who agreed to let me go for a whole week. It should be a GREAT time away with a GREAT girlfriend!!

VERY MUCH LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS!!! :)

I'm going on a trip....

2009-12-27T19:55:00.000-08:00

Shannon called me on Christmas morning shouting in the receiver about the Christmas present her husband got her this year. An all expenses paid trip to The Biggest Loser Fitness Resort.

The kicker was, he bought me a ticket too!!!!!

So, on May 30th, to June 6th, the two of us will be in beautiful Southern Utah at The Biggest Loser Fitness Resort!!!!!

I'm still in shock and awe!

I've got TICKETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (...thanks Kareena)

2009-11-11T14:57:00.001-08:00

I am excited to say that I have tickets to the midnight showing of NEW MOON!

Well, I don't have them, but my friend Kareena got some for me when she bought hers!! How nice was that????

We are going next Friday to see Twilight at 9 p.m. and then we will see New Moon at midnight!

We did this last year when Twilight came out and it was such a blast!! I'll be seeing Kareena at bunco this Friday night and I'll pay her back then.

BUT, I'll never REALLY get to pay her back for thinking of me and getting me tickets before they were sold out! Kareena, YOU ROCK!!!

Love you girl!!
Karla

Trip to White Oak

2009-11-08T20:01:00.000-08:00

Kasey and me at Grandma's before trick or treating.

The hayride with the cousins!

Kasey an I went to White Oak for her birthday and also for Halloween. As always, it was a great trip and lots of fun times with family.

Every night we were there, we had some place to be! Tuesday night we watched Tara win another District Volleyball game to become District Champions. Wednesday, we celebrated Kasey's birthday with a Halloween party and pizza. Thursday, Cassidy had a football game that they won. Friday, Caleb had a football game against Harleton that he won. Then Saturday, we had a hay ride for the kids while they went trick or treating for Halloween.

I wanted to rush home on Saturday night to surprise Dan, but my father-in-law nixed it. He thought it was too dangerous to drive home that night. I was glad I stayed though, because Kasey had a really great time that night with all her cousins jumping on the trampoline in the dark and playing hide and go seek. She absolutely loves it there!!

I'm glad to be home. Did I say that already? I'm not sure what next year holds for us....maybe we will be in White Oak full time.

Lots of praying ahead of us for sure.

Love and Hugs to all,
Karla

A surefire way to your man's heart...

2009-10-13T17:59:00.000-07:00

Oh...my....gosh! I made something tonight that was out of this world good. I went to one of my favorite recipe sites, www.allrecipes.com, where I found a recipe for crepes. Vanilla crepes to be precise! Then, I took a recipe from my sister-in-law (thanks Karin) which was raspberry cream pie.

I made the cream for the pie without making the raspberry topping...although, it would be so good on these....and after making the crepes, I filled it with the filling. Then I topped it with strawberries I sliced and also blueberries. After folding them and dusting them with powdered sugar....I served it to my husband.

His exact words were, "I have fallen in love with you all over again....!" LOL!!

Well, I'll take that!

100 Days of holiday cookies

2009-10-11T09:14:00.001-07:00

Bakerella.com

2009-10-01T20:02:00.001-07:00

Oh my gosh!! I love this website!!! I've been cruising this website for a while now. Last week, I made red velvet cakeballs from there for Super Friday. This week, I made the little Pumpkin Cake Bites and they are so yummy and cute! I think the teacher's are going to love them tomorrow!! Thanks Bakerella!!!

Learning from my mistakes....

2009-10-01T18:05:00.000-07:00

Well, I got a call today that Dan needed some help at the school with a bulletin board thing that was mandatory. So, I figured I'd go give him an hour of my day to get it done. Well, once I got there, I realized he was NOT anywhere near ready for me to help him. I didn't understand why I had to be there by 1:45. Anyways, 4 HOURS later, we finished up. I was not a real happy camper, but I was pleasant enough I guess. Really, I was probably acting like a little toot.

Anyways, to make a long story short, that man stopped and bought me roses on the way home!!! Then I felt like pond scum for being so tooty. I do love that man!! So, I made him his favorite dinner and an apple pie is in the oven!! :) Think that will make up for it?? I sure hope so!!

Chocolaty Caramel Thumbprints Recipe

2009-09-29T18:57:00.001-07:00

Chocolaty Caramel Thumbprints Recipe

Shared via AddThis

I'm going to try these yummy looking cookies to take to Super Friday!!! :)

Fall Cleaning??

2009-09-28T17:18:00.000-07:00

Whoever heard of Fall cleaning?? Ugh....well, I am about to tackle it. It seems I have to exchange out all of our summer clothing with fall clothing out of our closet each time the seasons change. I don't think it's cuz we have too much....I think it's just because I have a small closet!

Storage/organizing has always been an issue for me. I am not a very good organizer. I tend to hang on to things in fear that I may need them the minute I throw them away! AND, what a waste of money to have to go buy it again!!!

I have Kasey's room pretty much in order. We went through all of her clothes and bagged up all the one's she no longer wears or has grown too tall to wear. When I get overwhelmed, I go into her room and breathe!

I started in my closet today. I just worked for 15 min. (www.flylady.net), and bagged up clothes I didn't wear this summer and got rid of them. I didn't even think about it. I just put them in the bag! Yay me!!!

Next, I need to tackle the "school room" that is no longer being used. Kasey has moved to the living room or kitchen to do her work so I am going to try to move stuff out to make a guest room. Well, it will be more of a place for Kasey to sleep when we have company. Right now, she sleeps on the couch when someone comes to visit. Anyways there is soooooo much school stuff to go through. I am already phsyching myself out. I wish I could just hire someone to come do it for me, but then I'll never be able to find anything ever again! Ho hum.....

AND, I'm reading a great book which is never a good thing for me when I have other projects that need to be done!! Oh well, I'll do the best I can do and I'll try to post before and after pics to this blog as soon as I take some.

So....anyone else Fall cleaning out there????

Off to clean....or read,
Karla

Bunco...and the recipes!! :)

2009-09-12T11:43:00.001-07:00

"Buncoing is a word...May I be allowed to illustrate? It's root, BUN, originates from the Latin BUN meaning BUNch of wild and crazy chicks who get together every month to laugh their BUNs off!! (Found on the Real Academia Espanola)" Sonia Flores

September Bunco Babes!!

Well, once again, Bunco has come and gone! It was great getting together and letting loose with the girls. Our Biggest Loser was Kareena...most Buncos was Ginger, Most Wins was April, Traveling was Sonia, and the winner of the draw was...I can't remember. Haha...

As promised, I am putting the recipes here for you all to try. Thanks for being my guinea pigs!! :)

Also, I got most of these recipes from www.kellyscornerrecipes.blogspot.com. You should check out her blog! It is AWESOME!!! :) Thanks Kelly!!

Bunco Buns
1 pkg. of 24 party rolls (or 2 pkgs. of 12 Sarah Lee Dinner Rolls-that's what I used)
1/2 stick butter, melted
4TBS. Poppy Seeds
4TBS. Mustard
4TBS. Worcestershire Sauce
Sliced Ham
Swiss Cheese

Melt Butter add mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds. Use a pastry brush and add this to both sides of the bread and line with ham and swiss cheese.
Roll into foil and put in oven on 350 for 5 to 10 min. Serve warm.

Spinach Dip

1 pkg. frozen spinach
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
8 oz. Monterrey Jack cheese
6 oz. Parmesan Cheese
1 can Rotel

Cook spinach according to package. Add cheeses and melt in microwave 3-5 min. until liquid form. Add rotel and mix together.
Serve with crackers or bagel chips or melba toasts.

Goldfish

1 Gallon Pepperidge Farms Goldfish
1 pkg. dry Ranch dressing mix
1 tsp. seasoning salt
1 tsp. cayenne pepper (I used about 1 and half)
1 tsp. dill weed
1 tsp. lemon pepper
1/3 cup salad oil

Mix oil with goldfish in a BIG bowl. Stir in spices and mix to coat well. Store in plastic bag or Tupperware!! (Thanks Shelly for this recipe!)

Cherry Limeade Punch

(Tastes like Sonic Cherry Limeades to me!)
1 can frozen limeade concentrate
1 bottle Sprite (Chilled)
1 jar maraschino cherries with juice
1 lime (to cut up for garnish)

Cake balls
These are fantastic!

Any kind of cake mix and frosting.
( I used Choc. and choc. last night. Will make Red Velvet with cream cheese frosting next time!)
1 pkg. White or Chocolate Almond Bark

Make cake according to directions. After its baked, crumble in a bowl and cool. Add frosting and mix it all together. Roll into balls and heat up almond bark. Dip balls into Almond bark and let harden on wax paper! Yummo!!!

I <3 Fall!!!!!

2009-09-08T13:50:00.000-07:00

I love summer with all my heart. I know, I know...this is about fall. Well, I just had to get that in there so no one misunderstands this post. Everyone that knows me knows that I LIVE FOR SUMMERTIME and time off with my family to go to the beach. That being said, I do enjoy the cooler months of fall and lower electricity bills!

Kasey and I just finished decorating for fall. I did it a little early this year just because I am having that Bunco party this Friday. It is a fall theme and that means super cool fall gift bags for the winners! But, I digress....

The things I love about fall are:

The changing colors of the leaves.

The cooler weather (which really never hits good til the end of November and then sometimes we are still wearing shorts).

The time change....I love long walks on a cool evening after dinner with the family. I think we are going to start riding our bikes too.

Watching cool football games at the North Shore stadium.

Decorating and baking!! :)

I am sure there are many other things I love about fall, but these were the one's on my mind.

Here's a great fall recipe that's a family favorite and super, duper easy.

Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

1 Pillsbury Pie Crust
4 Chicken Breasts (I buy bone in and roast it, debone, and skin it myself)
1 Large Cream of Chicken soup
Potatoes (to your liking)
1 can carrots
Sliced almonds (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Just roast the chicken for about 25 minutes on 400. Let it cool and debone and skin it. Then pull it apart into bite sized chunks. In a pot, cut up and boil your potatoes then drain. In a large bowl, mix drained potatoes, chicken, cream of chicken soup, drained carrots. Line a pie plate with one of the crusts and pour mixture into it. Top it with the other crust. Poke holes in the top crust to vent. Place pie plate on foil lined cookie sheet to catch the drippings. Bake on 400 for 40 min. or until browned on top. Add almonds when you serve it. YUMMO!!!!!
(Note: My family doesn't like green beans in it, but I sure do! Add what you like for veggies)!

I hope you get a chance to try this! It is really easy and is great for left overs!!!

Happy Fall Everybody....well, early happy anyways!
Karla

Bunco...and the way we roll....:)

2009-09-04T21:26:00.001-07:00

Kasey's First Creation at Super Friday

Taking it to Dad to eat at work!
Next Friday my hubby is heading to Waco to go quail hunting with his brother's, cousin's, and other family members. So.....that means.....GIRL"S NIGHT OUT FOR ME!!!!!

First off, I will be hosting Bunco at my place! I can't wait to get the tables set up and the food made so I can visit with all my friends and play bunco. It's sooooo fun!!! I am making "Bunco Buns" and other finger foods for the get together.

After that, Kasey and I will have the rest of the weekend to spend together. I forsee a home spa day in order. Mani's and Pedi's will probably be at the top of the list! Then we will probably make a home made pizza and rent a movie. Fun!! Kasey is taking cake decorating and already said she has some "skills" to teach me so we may do a little cupcake decorating too! It should be a fun and relaxing weekend.

Anywho....I'm looking forward to next Friday!!!

How do y'all dress up your blog page?

2009-09-04T20:59:00.000-07:00

How do all you bloggers have such cute pages? Fill me in....

Waiting patiently,
Karla

Kasey is off to White Oak...

2009-05-29T19:35:00.000-07:00

Just look at that smile.

We took Kasey up to White Oak for the Memorial Day Weekend and some how she talked her dad into letting her stay with Aunt Karin and Uncle Scotty for a while.

We've talked to her every day and she's riding horses, swimming, going to parties, playing baseball, and spending tons of time with her cousins by spending the night.

I called today to ask if she wanted me to come get her. She said, "No mom. I'm having fun."

Hmmmm....so it must not be fun with two old foggies that sit around and watch Fox News all the time and take naps. I'm thinking she made the right choice.

Life and where is the Lord leading??

2009-05-07T18:50:00.000-07:00

Well, Dan and I were praying the other night and it seems as if the Lord is trying to move us. To where? Good question. Usually when Dan starts seeming disgruntled in his job, I know it is time to start looking for what the Lord is trying to tell us and where He wants us to go. I am keeping my eyes and heart open to His leading.

We have been in Houston for 7 years now. We came for only one year. We have made great friends and I know that we were here for a purpose. One of them I think was for Kristina. I fully feel that may have been the major reason we were moved to Houston in the first place. But, she is married to a great guy and now we are feeling like maybe it is time to move on.

Kasey is 10 and still being homeschooled. Dan really would like for her to be in White Oak by the time she hits middle school. She will be a 5th grader next year so we better get moving.

But is White Oak where we are supposed to be going? According to Kasey, it is the ONLY place. I am not so sure. So, I will be diligently praying for clear direction.

Sorry to ramble....its heavy on my mind.

God is good....

2009-04-06T19:48:00.000-07:00

I was just reflecting on my life and God is good.

When I go to weddings, it makes me think about my own marriage. I am thankful that God landed Dan in my life. AND, that he finally got up the courage to ask me to marry him!! He's such a solid Christian man. He learned that honestly from his Dad.

Dan is a guy I think any woman would love. Now, my sister-in-laws would beg to differ, but he rarely lets people see the side of him that I love. Although, he pretty much showed the world at Kristina's wedding!! He got a bit emotional when we were presenting the Bible to Chad and Kris. When we sat down, he said it was "like giving my own dadgum daughter away." She is that special to us.

He just really, really wanted people to understand how much Kristina loved the Lord and trusted Him in the area of her relationships. She was faithful to draw close to Him and He was faithful to her in bringing Chad into her life. He worked all day on what he was going to say at the wedding and was still fixing it up on the drive over. I'm glad I didn't have to do anything but read scripture cuz with Kristina blubbering and Dan too, I'd of been a squeeking mess!! I held it together until we were done and on our way to our seats!!!

Dan is a man that truly seeks the Lord in every aspect of his life. He prays with his family and with me alone. He reads the Word daily and is a really great guy to be around. He's almost always happy, unless you catch him right after a nap, then, well, he's a bear. But I love him anyways!!

He's a great father too. If I have one regret, it is that I haven't been able to give the man a son. I know how badly he wants one and believe me, it wasn't for lack of trying!! I am trusting that God knows best and if we only have Kasey then I will be content with her because she's everything I never knew I wanted and more!!

So, just a little reflecting and putting it out there about how thankful I am for Dan the Man!! I thank the Lord for him!!!!

Mr. and Mrs. Butler...Kristina and Chad's wedding

2009-03-26T09:40:00.000-07:00

Friday, March 20, 2009, was a beautiful day. Not only because of the weather, but because a very sweet and dear friend of mine got married. Kristina is a jewel. Chad is rich beyond measure now that he has found her. We are blessed to call them friends.

Life in general...

2009-02-07T10:43:00.001-08:00

This is a pic of the dress Kasey made from a Hibiscus flower for her Polly Pocket doll. Pretty creative and a great job!! :)

I got busy. What can I say?? I need to update this blog once a week because I catch flack from the family when I don't stay up to date!

We are the only one's not living in White Oak anymore, so it seems a nice thing to do to stay in touch.

All is well. We are almost through another basketball season...Praise the Lord! Then, our lives can move forward!! :)

Kasey and I have volunteered at a shelter downtown on Saturdays and we will definitely be going back. She absolutely loved it and they loved her. Hmmm...maybe a future Missionary on the horizon...

Well, whatever she becomes and wherever she goes, I pray the Lord uses her in a mighty way. (Oh and that she stuffs me and Dan in her bag to take along with her.)

Mugsey and Kasey playing outside....

2008-12-14T19:14:00.000-08:00

Mugsey and Kasey....fast friends!

2008-12-14T19:11:00.001-08:00

Mugsey and Kasey posing for Christmas pics!

Welcome to your furrever home Mugsey!!

2008-12-14T19:07:00.000-08:00

Everyone...meet Mugsey! He's a 10 week old Pekingese and Kasey's new best friend. He is so adorable and smart!! Her dad and I got him for Kasey for Christmas and couldn't wait until the 25th!

Welcome home Mugsey!!

Trip home to surprise Grandma and Grandpa

2008-11-03T08:51:00.000-08:00

THE best Grandparents EVER!!

We had a great trip to White Oak this last weekend. We didn't tell a soul we were coming and when we showed up on Halloween, everyone was surprised.

Kasey's Grandma and Grandpa were sooooo happy to see another of their little munchkins it made my heart swell.

Grandma Carr just kept saying she couldn't believe Kasey was there. Grandpa got a bit choked up when he saw her for the first time and gave us both long lasting hugs.

I'm not sure any grandparents could love their grandbabies more. We are blessed.

While there, Grandma Carr came up with the idea to have a surprise birthday party for Kasey. I immediately thought it was just a ploy to keep us there longer on Sunday as I was planning on heading home that morning. But, it was the best decision ever.

When Kasey walked in Aunt Debbie's kitchen and everyone yelled "SURPRISE", she was shocked, then started shaking, laughing, then crying all in one fell swoop. There was not one dry eye in the bunch. I couldn't believe her reaction. I hugged her with my own tears in my eyes, and pointed her toward her cake and she blew out the candles. Then she told everyone thank you.

It is a day that she and none of us will ever forget. The thankfulness and love for her family was radiating from her.

I asked her later on the drive home, why she started crying and she told me that she just couldn't believe that her family went to all that trouble just for her.

Oh my gosh. Rip my heart out.

I WILL be better about making the trip home. SHE needs it. It isn't about me as I was shown on this visit....IT MATTERS AND MEANS THE WORLD TO HER AND TO HER FAMILY THERE.

Lord, thank You for Kasey and for the bright light she is to us and to her family back home. I don't know why you chose me to raise her, but I'm grateful you did. I love You now and forever. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen

Wish Upon a Star Hotel and Spa Birthday Summary...

2008-10-27T06:12:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a great weekend! We had a super time with Shelly and Taylor for the girl's birthday weekend.

We created a "hotel" room for them in our spare bedroom and even had room service. On Thursaday night, we took the girls to Incredible Pizza and then home for room service.

On Friday, we had a special guest. Ellie Roque, from Bravo Talent Agency, came at 11 for a model make-over and photo shoot. The girls had so much fun as Ellie pampered them and styled them for the pictures.

After that, we went to the Galleria to eat at the Cheesecake Factory and the girls went ice skating. Shelly and I enjoyed Starbucks and got in some good chat time while the girls were skating.

On Saturday, we went to the Movie Tavern to watch Beverly Hills Chihuahua and eat lunch. Then off to the mall for some shopping. Upon returning home, the girls were able to make a photo frame and then they had the spa treatment of manicures and pedicures.

Shelly and I had all our pictures developed and gave the girls each a scrapbook full of the activities over the weekend.

It was a packed few days, but we made such great memories. I am sure it is a birthday the girls will never forget.

All of my pictures from the weekend are posted on my facebook page.

The Wish Upon A Star Hotel and Spa...is a major success....Day 1

2008-10-23T21:17:00.000-07:00

Judging by the smiles....I'd say it's a hit. Here are some pics from Day 1!!

LOL! DH just called.....

2008-10-23T07:23:00.000-07:00

He asked to reserve the King Suite with a HOT WOMAN to sleep with!

Gotta love him.........

The Girl's Birthday weekend is here!!! Yay!!!

2008-10-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

I can not believe it has finally arrived. Tomorrow at 4:00, I'm really hoping it will be 4 and not 8, my bf from college will travel to my house and we are going to have a great weekend with our daughters!

We have put together a "hotel" in my school room. I wish like crazy I'd of taken a before picture, because it sure doesn't look like a school room now! It looks like Room #317 (Kasey and Taylor chose the number), the Birthday Suite of the Wish Upon A Star Hotel and Spa!!!!!

We have room service with a full menu, continental breakfast, manicures, pedicures, facials, hair and make-up, movies, a limo service, aka my Altima, and so much more!!!

It is going to be a blast!!

We also have a df coming to do a model make-over and photo shoot that the girls do not even have a clue about. She's going to make them each a dvd of the photo shoot too!

How Coooool???

I don't know who is happier about getting to spend the weekend together, Kasey and Taylor, or Shelly and me!!! Oh, you know there will be shopping..............:)

I'll post pics on here after we are all wrapped up. I'll be making the girls a scrapbook to take home as part of their gift!!

Okay, got to go add some finishing touches!

Making Memories,
K

Just me and my girl....

2008-10-09T16:09:00.001-07:00

Saw this beautiful hybiscus flower outside of our house and took a moment to snap a pic of me and my girl. I love spending time with this little one!

And the Winner is..........

2008-10-07T19:44:00.000-07:00

Kasey went to Schlitterbaun in New Braunsfels with her Aunt Karin and Uncle Scotty in early July of this summer. They have 4 great kiddos whom are some of Kasey's cousins. Cade (10), Stone (8), Payton (5), and Lexi (3). Well, Kasey is 9 and she has always ran with the boys, Cade and Stone every time they are together. As a matter of fact, they are locked at the hip during the summer time when we visit back home.

Anyways, this summer when they went to the water park, the 3 of them decided to make a bet on who could keep their wristbands on the longest. Wanna know what they bet? Get ready....sit down so you don't miss this....

They bet a quarter. Well, Sunday, Kasey called home and everyone had finally taken theirs off so she won! So, on Monday, October 6, 2008...Kasey removed her band. She said her arm felt naked! LOL!

I tell ya, she's got some stick-to-it-ness in her that's for sure!

Just thot it was too cute not to post!

Kasey's 10th bday is rapidly approaching....

2008-10-02T17:24:00.000-07:00

Well, on the 27th, my little baby girl (this is arguable) will turn 10! I can not believe she's growing up so quickly. She's adorable and lovable and smart and.....well you get the picture.

Kasey and her best friend Taylor both have birthday's this month, so her mom and I (also best friends), decided about 6 months ago that we were going to have a girl's weekend for them. Our original plans were to rent a hotel room for the weekend at the Galleria and take the girls to do some things they wanted to do for fun.

Then, Ike hit us, and money got squeezed kind of tight. Shelly and I decided we needed to nix the hotel stay and just stay at my place.

So, the other night, as Kasey was talking about the hotel stay for the 100th time, I had to break it to her that those plans were out. BUT, that we'd decided to make our guest room into a hotel room. I told her that she and Taylor could have room service too...

Well, she seemed fine with this...excited actually. I was shocked but relieved. Then Shelly sent me this email that Kasey had sent to Taylor. It makes me LOL when I read it.

Dear Taylor
i have the awsomist news ever!!! were not going to a hotel instead were gonna stay at my house! its awsom because moms remodeling the school room to look like a hotel room!. Me and you get to sleep in it! My mom and your mom is gonna be room service! we can get any thing we want! Desert, lunch, any thing you can think of!!!!!! and their even gonna make our bed! we might go to the store as if its the gift shop! But I cant see it untill you get hear! So im gonna have to do school in the kitchen for a week! shes gonna start remodaling a week before you get here!!!!!! I can not wait i mean im shivering and bouncing whith exsitement in my chair right now! call me tonight with the number ---------- cant wait to talk with you!
love
Kasey

p.s. we even get to make smores on the grill!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!! best b-day ever!!!!

Ok, I know she's homeschooled and her spelling is a disaster here, normally she's a great speller, but you can almost see her little fingers flying on the keyboard as she is writing this email!!!

I love that little girl...now...off to work on the Hotel room.........

Littleport Lane...Neighbors helping neighbors...

2008-09-19T10:10:00.002-07:00

We had alot of help cleaning up our street. These are just some snapshots of a few of those folks.

Also, our street had a meeting on Wednesday night about all of our concerns. We'd been told personally by Centerpoint Energy that work would not even be started until the next Monday and service would not resume until Saturday. That would have been another week and a half!! After our meeting, one of our HOA representatives met with Sylvia Garcia...a County official, and our power was resumed late afternoon Friday!!!!

It's great to be Americans!!

More pics of after Ike....

2008-09-19T10:10:00.001-07:00

Here are some more pictures I took in our neighborhood after Ike hit. Some are of neighbors helping each other out. Our street was amazing in helping one another out. I can't tell you the number of times the Lord blessed us through them. They'd knock on the door with ice and food just when ours was running low.

Kasey and I are out and about today delivering ice to those in our neighborhood who are still without power.

After effects of Ike.......

2008-09-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

So, we just got power back on after 8 days....I am happy because they were predicting 3 weeks for our area. I've got lots to do, but wanted to post a few pics to show the after effects of hurricane Ike. We were very blessed the neighbor's tree went the other way!! Thank you Lord!!!

Ike.....and a Proverbs 31 Woman

2008-09-11T15:05:00.001-07:00

Well, another hurricane has found it's way to us. This one is named Ike and it is heading for a pretty direct hit on Galveston. We are an hour from Galveston inland, and they are predicting 90 mph winds coming our way.

Now, my dh and I have had a difference of opinions. I think he should be boarding up the windows as I type....He is of the mind to be taking a nap while I scurry around getting food prepared, the camping gear out, and all the batteries in the flashlights.

This got me to thinking about the Proverbs 31 Woman. The Bible says in Proverbs 31, that "The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her..." I think Dan trusts I have things under control a bit too much!! LOL!! But seriously, it's an honor that he does trust me to take care of many things that make our family run smoothly.

Dan has had a rough week at work and I'm glad he can come home knowing he can find rest without me nagging him to death. I know good and well, he will make sure the windows are secure and all the stuff is put in the garage that needs to be there. He will make sure his family is safe.

I'm including some before pics of our place before the hurricane and I plan on posting some afters...that I pray won't show much difference!

Off to prepare!
Karla

Thankful heart.....

2008-09-09T11:01:00.000-07:00

When I moved to Houston, six and a half years ago, it was a shock to my system. For all my life, I lived in a little East Texas community where if your neighbor sneezed, you knew who it was. Upon moving, I prayed earnestly for a God fearing friend. God answered my prayers.

Her name is Kristina. She is a shining example of what a Woman of God is all about. She amazes me with her strength and love for the Lord. She is a loving servant of God, and serves faithfully in her little church. She humbles me to no end when it comes to loving others. I am so blessed to count her as a friend.

I see the Lord using her and working in her life and it is exciting to behold. I am so glad that my daughter has her to look up to kind of like a big sister. Kristina is going to be a wonderful wife and mother someday.

She is the kind of friend you hold on to for all of your life and never let go. She is a sweetheart.

Last week, as I was giving her cooking lessons, she surprised me and my family with dinner. How nice it was to have a day off from cooking and cleaning up!

She blesses me numerous times that I can't even begin to count. My heart is full and thankful to the Lord for landing her in my life.

Thanks Kristina for being my friend!

Kasey's First Day Mowing the Lawn

2008-09-06T21:12:00.001-07:00

Kasey's dad thought today would be a great day to teach Kasey how to mow the lawn. She actually did a great job! BUT, I almost had a heart attack when I saw that she was in flip flops!!! Geez Dan....She informed me that her dad told her just not to pull the lawnmower backward at all. Oh...Ok, now I feel better. LOL!

My Father's World....

2008-09-06T19:51:00.000-07:00

My Father's World is the curriculum I am using with Kasey for the 2nd year in a row. This year it is Exploring Countries and Cultures and we will be taking a "trip" around the world with her newly made passport.

On Friday, she had to make a continents and ocean cake. She did it beautifully from start to finish. It was so much fun and the cake was great too! Did you know there are actually 5 oceans now? The fifth, the Southern Ocean was named in 2000....that was new to me and my dh is still arguing that I don't know what I'm talking about. LOL!!

I managed to snap a few pictures when I finally thought about it and I am going to try to post them here in a bit.

(By the way....the apron is an original from China that Kasey's dad brought back for her this summer.)

Building a relationship with my daughter...

2008-09-03T20:43:00.000-07:00

Most of you know that Kasey is almost a 10 year old. She laughs because she knows when she turns 10, a few months later, I turn 40. EEEEEKKKK!! I'm seriously struggling with that one....but as my friend Kareena says, "I digress."

Because I homeschool Kasey, we spend a whole lot of time together. Today after school, I took her to this really cool park that has a zip line. We were the only ones there and we had the best time. After we ate lunch, we gathered our stuff and headed to the zip line where we proceeded to ride and laugh our heads off. We laughed till we almost tinkled in our pants! It was that kind of funny!!

Now, I am not that fun loving kind of parent everyday (sad to say), but today was one for the books. I am praying that the Lord opens up many more doors and opportunities like today....because.....as we were walking out to the car hand in hand, Kasey began asking me some rather grown up kind of questions that little girls should ask their moms and not their friends.

It made me so happy because this has been my goal since having that little girl 10 years ago. I have prayed for the kind of relationship that has a bond that is unbreakable so when the tough times come in the teen years, that she will know and understand that her dad and I are not crazy, but we love her and are only looking out for her.

What I learned today was something so many of my friends already knew. Through having fun with your kids, you bond in a way like no other time. It opens the doors to forge that relationship that I've been earnestly praying for.

I am so thankful that my Heavenly Father opened the door for me today.
K

Hurricane....

2008-08-31T15:46:00.000-07:00

Well, I hear there's a big hurricane heading our way again. Such is the life of one living near the coast. I don't know about you but after our first experience with evacuating for Rita, I feel I shall never leave again.

I am not a good traveler...IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) doesn't like sitting in a car for hours on end not near a bathroom! LOL! Too much info? Oh well, that's life.

I have my water, my canned tuna, my batteries for flashlights so that should get us by for a while if the lights go out.

Oh yah, and I have Farkle to play by candlelight if the lights go out too!! :) (Thanks Gala)

Okay, well, I guess I should go make the man some dinner. He's starting to rumble in the other room!! :)

Later Peeps!
Karla

Homeschooling 101....

2008-08-27T12:55:00.000-07:00

Well, we are in our first week of school and it is going really well. Kasey is a 4th grader!! We are using My Father's World Exploring Countries and Cultures and it is going to be a thorough study of Geography. That was something I wasn't the best at in school, so Kasey and I will be learning together.

If I can ever figure out how to upload pics, I've taken some great ones and will continue to do so during the year.

Kasey is the best little student. She was able to take 4 tests in math and practically ace them all, thereby skipping the first 40 lessons!!! That was SWEET!!!! It is so nice not wasting time repeating stuff she already knows. So, we are all set to finish up the book early and get to do some fun math stuff in the final months of school. But, that is getting a bit ahead since we are only on the first week.

Today we took a nature walk to a beautiful spot in our town. We also have gotten involved in letterboxing and we placed a letterbox in honor of Kasey's Grandma Shirley. My mom would have really enjoyed watching Kasey find the perfect spot for the letterbox and also would have enjoyed watching Kasey do school outside while we had a picnic.

All in all, it was a great day.

Next week, we get to bake a cake of the world!! Fun! Fun!! Fun!!!
Later,
Karla

The Olympics....and the DVR

2008-08-10T22:29:00.000-07:00

Man, I love the DVR we have with our Dishnet. It's awesome!!!! We are DVRing the Olympics and it allows us to fast forward all of the stuff we don't want to see and we get right down to the nitty gritty of what we really want to watch.

Tonight we watched the swimming relays! I won't spoil it for anyone, but let me tell you it was AWESOME!!

I wonder if anyone else out there is a sappy person like me. Each time I see one of our folks win and stand on the winner's stand to receive their medals, when the National Anthem begins, I cry. Not once, but every time. I love America.

Dan went to China this summer and he has stories that are wonderful and heartbreaking about the people of China. They are such sweet, sweet people....at least those that he dealt with. But, it really made me happy to have him safely home where we are free.

It's fun though having him watch the Olympics and showing us all of the places he's been, in HD on our TV! LOL! He pauses the TV and tells us a story to go along with whatever scene is on the screen....so, if we get finished watching the Olympics before it's actually over with, it'll be a miracle!!

Anyways, just more ramblings for tonight! I'm out!
K

Ramblings......

2008-08-08T20:14:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm really trying hard to figure out how to use these dang computers for adding stuff on this blog. It drives me nuts sometimes that I'm so computer ignorant. Geez...I think Kasey can figure out more than me on this thing!

Life will soon be back to normal as soon as Dan is back at work and Kasey and I start school again. I'm really looking forward to this year. Fourth grade is what I taught in public school many years ago, and now Kasey is a fourth grader. It blows my mind that in 2 months she will be 10 and in 7 months I will be *gulp* 40!!!

I'm not sure I am going to handle this birthday as gracefully as I handled turning 30. I mean at 30, I had this beautiful new baby that God placed in my life after many years of trying and finally deciding I was never going to have one of my own. But, He did give me one of my own to raise and now she's turning 10! It seems like just yesterday I held that little baby in my hands....

So, the other day I said to her, "Kasey, I know that God loves me very much." She said, "I know He loves me too." I told her I knew He loved me because He placed her in my life. She was just what I always wanted and I didn't even know it until she came along. She just beamed from ear to ear.

Sometimes, I get busy being a wife and mother and I forget to be thankful. Thankful to my Heavenly Father for the blessings of health, and for my sweet, sweet family. Thankful to Him for my wonderfully, understanding, and loving husband. Thankful for the beautiful daughter....not just beautiful on the outside, but truly a beautiful person on the inside. I have only Him to thank for molding her into what He wants her to be. I am just given the opportunity to guide her in finding the way He has for her.

Enough rambling for tonight. Have a blessed and thankful day!
Karla

A single wife and mom...

2008-07-21T21:53:00.000-07:00

Before anyone goes into hysterics, no I'm not getting a "D-i-v-o-r-c-e." The hub and dd went to KY for a little trip and I am here basking in singleness.....or some such.

So, while they are gone, this is what I do: Get up, workout, layout, read, shower, eat, read, computer time, read, watch tv, read, eat some more, computer again, read, go to bed. Next day, start it all over again.

I enjoy being alone a bit, but I'm ready for them to come home. Don't get me wrong, it's nice to have a clean house for once and no dishes (I'm not cooking AT ALL!), but I miss my loving husband to cuddle with at night and my dd that snuggles with me in the morning.

BUT, a dear friend dropped off 3 books...(thanks Jessica!!!) The first I read in 2 days....TWILIGHT by Stephanie Meyers. OMGosh!! It was really great. I just started book 2 today and I'm heading to get in bed to read some more tonight. I am planning on being done with all 3 by the time the family gets home. They are really good.

Okay, well, I should really start heading that way. It's really hard to get up to workout when its already hot outside....and when I read it takes a while to be able to put the book down!!

Later all!
K

"Summertime, summertime, oh oh oh summertime"

2008-07-13T12:19:00.000-07:00

Sung in my best voice which isn't saying much.....Well, it is summertime and I've spent the majority of it with the in-laws in White Oak. My dd loves being there because there is neverending cousins to play with; me...not so much. Don't get me wrong, I like visiting, but for some reason a week turns into a month and a half. I never know quite how that happens. Needless to say, we just got home at 2 am in the morning and I'm pumped to be home. I've missed the last two Bunco nights and I'm not planning on missing the next one!!

My inlaws live right infront of the school, so I've been to the track everyday. I've put in many miles and ran many bleachers. I love sundays because they are my rest day. Woo Hoo!!

I'm on a journey the Lord has placed me on. Right now, I'm trying to figure out just what He has planned for me. I'm a wife and mom....a teacher....but what else? I love being a wife and a mom. I don't want to go back to teaching. So, I'll just focus on being the best wife and mom He wants me to be.

Dan returned safely from his trip in China. He thinks we should go over there and teach English next year. Hmmmmm......I havent' heard that from the Lord yet. I'll keep praying about it and we will see. He really has a heart for the Chinese people. It will be interesting to see where the Lord leads us. Since I homeschool it would be easy to go and live anywhere.

By the way, I got Kasey's scores back from the SAT and she did outstanding. My hubby (the principal) says its because he gets to have "conferences" witht he teacher...(me). LOL!

Men.....

Later peeps!
Karla...the wife and mom

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