My Life in Heels

Amy's blog has been ambushed

2011-07-08T20:02:00.001-05:00

This post is brought to you by Matt Johns.

I hate blogs. I don't want to read what any of you had for breakfast or what you just bought off Etsy. Trust me, no one does either.

Just kidding....but actually not at all. LOVE YOU AMY!

For your weekend enjoyment...

2011-05-27T17:06:00.001-05:00

While I am packing, unpacking, and trying to figure out why I need this many shoes.....

You can spend your day watching me try to stump my nephew on his animal knowledge

I love Liam! .

When you miss your niece and nephews....

2011-05-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

Buy furniture.

This is from Junk Yard Painting

She is out of McCloud and has some great pieces.

Enjoy.

I thought I would blog.

2011-05-20T06:57:00.002-05:00

But I am just really busy!

Aunt Mimi

List of Dreams.

2011-05-18T10:00:00.006-05:00

Oh the dreams have started. For the longest time I wouldn't let myself think about what I wanted to do with my house but that has now changed my friends. I have searched every blog that has the word "cottage" or "shabby chic" in its title.

Here is my current list of dreams.

I have always loved chalkboards..... But that gold frame around it! Be still my heart.

Love the gathered skirt.

There is not a place I could put this door but I still want it. And it yellow.

If anyone finds this table, can make this table, knows a friend of your aunt's cousin that can make it, let me know. I will sell my shoes for this table.

The lights over the kitchen bar...... Yes, I will take two.

This room is everything. Everything I want my house to be.

Happy. Warm. Friendly. Inviting. Colorful. Peaceful.

As you read this I am currently either in the air or landing in Wilmington, NC.

Yes, the home of Dawson's Creek.

As I land I will be singing the theme song.... in my head and dreaming of Pacey. sigh.

The day the bushes came down.

2011-05-17T15:41:00.002-05:00

These are ugly. These block the view to my red door and future very cute porch.

This was no job for just any man. There is my sweet Dad as he started to hack at these things.

Just a little closer look

My mom left the bushes to my dad and started on the back yard.

How cute does she look pruning that tree?

There is where the big dogs were called in.... Neil Arter. The bushes didn't know what happened!

Here is Paige. Who makes me feel really cool because she is in 8th grade and likes to hang out with me.

This is the amazing Arter family who brought over an entire Rover full of neat gadgets that made sprucing up my yard super easy..... And has supplied me with endless ideas for my Dad for Fathers Day.

Gina we missed you in the picture but I knew my house was cool when you said

"I love your house. I cannot wait to hang out here with you!"

Look at us standing on red dirt where those bushes stood. I discovered my Dad is very good with an axe. Its always a good thing to know.

I just realized I don't have an after shot of the house. Oops!

But this is better than a picture of a bush-less house..... Here is Leyton who I get to meet tomorrow!

It was a red nail polish day.

2011-05-15T17:04:00.005-05:00

It was also a 4'' heel day. I really wanted new shoes that I would call my "New House" shoes....

Do you name your shoes after the occasions that you bought them for? I do. I thought this was normal...... its not. Its also not normal to be rambling on about shoes, when I could be rambling about buying a house. Which some feel is bigger than buying shoes. I haven't decided yet, both are pretty big occasions.

But yes I bought a house....... And the whole time I was signing the papers, I just kept thinking gosh I hate my signature. ADVICE: If you are a person who loves details, who is all about the details, who's favorite things in life are details....... Practice your signature before going to a house closing. It will just make you feel better.

Here is my house.......

Oh, wait no its not. LJP went to NYC and sent me this picture of Carrie Bradshaw's front steps.

Think of the fashion these steps have seen??

Ok here is my real house... With really ugly bushes!

This picture probably would have been better if my house was in the background.......

But man look how great that street looks.

Look forward to many updates on my little house.

Five

2011-05-13T14:47:00.007-05:00

Doesn't having a total of 5 nieces and nephews sound perfect?

Let me tell you a story....
Today around 8:45, I logged onto facebook...... Yes, it is one of the first things I do every morning. Its right up there with checking the stock markets...... Oh wait, I don't care about the stock markets. What I meant to say was, right up there with checking Etsy.
As I log on, the first status update I see is from my sister. Now I know that when I went to bed last night she was having contractions and that she wasn't far enough along to be committed....... I mean admitted. :) I also woke up to text that said they were moving her to a private room. I thought ok, some time today I will have my #5. So you can imagine how very very shocked I was when my sister's status read

"We added sweet Leyton Thomas to our family this morning"

What???? And yes, I did find out through facebook that my nephew had been born. I was the 14th person to comment and I was about 4 hours past his delivery time.

Now this is 100% nobody's fault! My sister did text but for some reason it didn't go through. My mom and other sister thought I knew, so they didn't call. Now was I upset.... Yes! Did I think they purposefully left me out...... for a few seconds, till I realized they would never do that.
Then I started feeling guilty for being mad, for not knowing my nephew existed for 4 hours, and for my sister thinking I didn't care about her having a baby (which you know she thought because I didn't text her back).

But all was forgotten when I saw this...

When I saw this, I just felt blessed.

Leyton Thomas, I may not have known about you for your first 4 hours in this world but I promise, you will be on my heart for as long as the good Lord gives me life.

Aunt Mimi

2011-05-06T17:58:00.006-05:00

"Smile! It increases your face value"

I can't really think of a better way to honor you, my mother, than to give you this quote from our favorite movie, Steel Magnolias.

I might not look like her but my actions, my thoughts, & my mannerisms are all hers.

Including how we both close our eyes when we laugh.....

My dream house.

2011-05-04T08:55:00.000-05:00

Its a barn and a house in one. What more could a girl ask for?

Go HERE for more pictures... and be prepared to covet this house.

AK

Pancakes

2011-05-03T12:47:00.000-05:00

Every Saturday morning my mother would make pancakes for the family. If we got up late, which we usually did, she would just leave the batter out, waiting for us. She knew there was something special about warm butter and sugary syrup.

I have taken my mother's lead, added a few chocolate chips, and found that her little recipe has been the foundation for some life long friendships.

Like with these ladies....

(Sorry your eyes look like satan and sorry that there is a handful of girls missing)

Over pancakes we have discussed/debated

boys,

breakups,

engagements,

diets,

peanut butter on pancakes,

mission trips,

summer plans,

growing up,

single ladies & cats,

and much more.

The topics are endless and laughter contagious.

I have watched these girls grow as they drink orange juice and pour syrup on their chocolate chip pancakes, around my cramped little kitchen island, listening to each others hilarious stories. The group has changed, some girls have moved back home, some have gotten married, and I am blessed to have some still here. I have one more year till this group graduates. I am already dreading it.

I raise my orange juice glass and give a toast to one more year of calorie intake while discussing all that is important in our little world.

AK

The impact of the Royal Wedding.

2011-05-01T20:18:00.004-05:00

1. It helped me rediscover my dislike of Barbara Walters. She says some of the most ridiculous things.... I finally couldn't handle Barabara talking about suicide repeated times during the wedding. I went to Katie on CBS, which wasn't much better considering what her hair looked like.
2. I set up straighter all day. Royals have the best posture
3. I stopped eating for 5 minutes to be as skinny as Kate.... Then I remembered I wont be in the tabloids any time soon, so I have time before I need to become the size of my thigh.
4. I am looking for reasons to wear a hat. A big hat.... with feathers.

Here is a picture of me in front of Westminster, well the side of Wesminster.

I know its amazing the resemblance between Kate and I.... It could of been me getting married there.... hahhahahhahahhahahahhahahah.

No pictures in this post.....

2011-04-29T05:46:00.002-05:00

Because I look awful at 4:30 am.....

I do have a feather headband on,
a champagne glass in hand and drinking Sparkling grape juice,
which will be quickly followed by a huge cup of coffee,
and sitting in my living room with some of my favorite gal pals.

The girl who look fabulous in this hat...

Also looked fabulous in this dress!

I am living for this.....

2011-04-28T20:25:00.000-05:00

I will blog at 4:30 am tomorrow and tell you all my thoughts on this wonderful event.

I seriously can't wait!

Yes its cold....

2011-03-29T11:36:00.000-05:00

But I just look at it as an opportunity to wear all my winter boots one more time!

I have a great love for the church and....

2011-03-23T22:10:00.002-05:00

for church pews.

And maybe the two go hand and hand. I grew up sitting on straight back pews that were a light colored wood. They had red cushions to sit on and with the green stain-glass windows, it always reminded me of Christmas.
In those pew I learned...
how to read shape notes (ok I tried),
to give graciously,
to love unconditionally,
and how to write notes and not get caught.
I saw....
my grandparents hold hands,
men cry with emotion,
my brother being baptized,
and my nephew lead "Jesus Loves Me".

They tell stories. They hold memories. They warm my heart.

I search craigslist once a week just to see what pews are for sale...... someday.... someday!

ak

Face Time

2011-03-20T15:05:00.000-05:00

Doesn't get much cuter than fish kisses through an i-phone.

I blurred my face out.... no one needed to see that. Only children look cute on face time.

Marathon Saturday!

2011-03-19T15:31:00.001-05:00

Look at all the options to entertain me this Saturday....

1. Mr. Big Marathon on E!

2. Gibbs & Tony Marathon on USA-Characters Welcome

3. The adorably cute Harry Potter at age 2 on ABC Family (even though we all know, they aren't really a family station)

Ohhh and I made this to go with my marathon Saturday....

Hope you enjoy your Saturday!

ak

Emily.....

2011-03-15T13:49:00.000-05:00

There is no need to say anything else....

7 Days of straight blogging....

2011-03-13T19:24:00.002-05:00

You think it can't be done.... Well, you don't have a practically empty phase, every evening free for the next week (gasp), and most of your closest friends out of town. My mind is beautifully calm and there is nothing pressing on the horizon.... I will take the uncommon calm in my life and share with you how I waste time.

Today I will spend it.... READING.

I got these three magazines in the mail this week... Thank you!

Mary Janes Farms is my new favorite magazine.... Sorry for the small cleavage!

And I found these at the 2nd hand bookstore..... The American doll books are for when my niece comes to stay.... I may crack one just to feel a little nostalgic.

I will read Much Ado About Nothing for this line.....

"And there was a start dance, and under that I was born"

I love that line.
In high school this beautifully talented girl, named Jennifer, played Beatrice and she had the most graceful delivery of this line.

I was also borrowed the Bush memoirs.

Let the quietness begin.

AK

The show was a disappointment.....

2011-02-28T00:01:00.002-06:00

But the fashion was not. Fashion of the Oscars, thank you for being the only thing that kept my interest in a 3 1/2 hour show and for making the awkward cheerleader moments from Anne Hathaway less painful.

My thoughts..... (and please share yours)

Natalie- The thing that killed this dress for me was the hem line in the front and those awful shoes. If you can wear those 4 inch heels when you are prego, make it worth it. Those shoes weren't.

I really hate to say this Reese, I didn't love this look. Yes, you are beautiful but I felt like you were "Academy Awards" Barbie and I needed you to be "Post break up with your husband and you wear a killer yellow dress" Barbie.

I still love you and yes I want my hair to be blond now!

No.

Now my top 6.

6. I have never seen light purple look so good since Julia Roberts in My Best Friends Wedding.

5. I want this dress in adult size

4. In the words of Bailey Huntsman "Sparkles and Feathers.... Yes!"

3. If I can't have the dress, I would settle for the body. :)

2. I know this dress was up for debate last night but i loved it. The more I watched the show the more I fell head over heals for it. Classic and beautiful... minus that bad picture of her back. Yikes!

1. My favorite part is the 2 inches of hem that is a different color. Its all in the details.

My last comment is to Colin Firth, who will forever me my Mr. Darcy. I love you and if you are in a movie I will see it. Congrats!

Dear Brad Womack,

2011-02-16T13:39:00.000-06:00

I would like to thank you for the best Valentines gift EVER. It trumped the homemade card left on my desk, the chocolates given to me in a cute little box, and the phone call from my Dad (and it is hard to top that). You redeemed the entire Bachelor project by sending "satan" home before the hometown dates. Thank you for finally catching onto her games. When you didn't call her name I scream and did a fist pump. I am not super proud of this action but it just came with being in the moment.

Love a big time Bachelor fan & even bigger fan of Chris Harrison,
AK

P.S. Bailey thanks for hosting Gal-entines. It was super fun!

Also..... Look what I did with a paint swatch

New Holiday!

2011-02-13T12:00:00.010-06:00

Its official. LJP & I are brilliant!
Let me explain. :)
Fashion Week in NYC. This wonderful week is taking place as you read.... Congrats are in order for all of us because we will reap the cheap knock off benefits as a result of this beautiful event. The question is, why aren't the fashion shows being streamed live on television? They show everything else.... Why can't I have fashion week? Think of the great times that could be had. Vacation time off work, wearing heals and pearls while lounging on my couch, drinking vitamin water (because they drank that on fashion week in SATC) and just some good quality girl time.

**Side note, I did find out that there is some type of live stream on the internet. This could be an urban myth. I got this information from a closet reader. Thanks for the info.**

So this is where Lindsay and I become brilliant.... legends if you will.
We were talking at dinner about what a great week this is and how it should be a holiday.... oh my word, IT SHOULD BE A HOLIDAY. Before I say this next statement, I need to say that I am not one of those bitter single girls, that hate the day covered in hearts. I actually like the holiday. I think its a cute holiday, with pink and sparkles and hearts. But with that being said LJP and I are going to for go Valentines and celebrate Fashion Week.
How would one go about celebrating this you ask? You first must get dressed up.... great shoes, great hair, and great accessories. You get a group of BF's together, a stack of fashion magazines, and a great restaurant. This is going to be BIG.... and hallmark will be forced to make cards.

Now what you are really waiting for..... My favorites.

Calvin Klein

Marc Jacobs

DKNY

Michael Kors

Jason Wu

Oscar de la Renta

ak

Just a few things I do in the snow...

2011-02-12T13:43:00.002-06:00

I make valentines because I like to buy the love of my nieces and nephews.

Heart gloves..... because who doesn't need gloves to go with the coordinating holidays.

I planted something.... yes, it will die... yes, it only cost a dollar.... and yes, I have it in my window anyway.

I added a little something to these ballerina shoes for my favorite 2 year old cause every birthday princess needs satin slippers. I was able see her open these (facetime is fantastic!) and in the same breath as when she pulled them out, she put them on.
This is another example that a girl's love for shoes may simply be genetic!

The Bachelor has gone to a whole new level.

2011-02-01T20:04:00.000-06:00

It started as a simple eliminator board. You move the Bachelorettes down that make it through the rose ceremony. Simple. Then my friend Ginny showed up (So glad she did, I felt like we were all in Phase 4 apartments again, playing pranks on guys we put on a "Black List") and the simple board turned into a Burn Book.

Take a look...

Once the bachelorette is eliminated, you are free to write your thoughts about that girl on the board. It is quite hilarious. Some comments are nice, some are true, and some just make you laugh. You can only imagine the comments that will go next to Michelle.... if she ever gets kicked off.

Good luck to the ladies.... and keep doing really ridiculous stuff on national television.

AK

Oh the card industry.

2011-01-27T19:11:00.000-06:00

Have you ever found yourself in Hallmark....
Reading through a few cards....
Trying to find the perfect one....
You pick up that one card that you think is going to fulfill all your hopes and dreams...

And then you start crying.

Yes, crying. In the store. Because of a card.

Here is the type of card i was looking for. My dear dear friend, Frank, (who is husband of My Rita), is going through Chemo and recently had to shave his head. I was looking for a card with a picture of Sean Connery and then the message reading "Here is to good looking bald men" Ok, thats not funny but I am not in the card business! Is it a crime to have a funny, humorous, make you feel a little better card..... No I get cards that make me cry in Hobby Lobby. Thats right... I wasn't even in Hallmark.... I was in Hobby Lobby. My sacred ground. Crying. Once I pulled it together and apologized to the woman who's child pointed at me, I did find one that made me smile. And hopefully it will make Frank smile too.

I love Frank. And he looks better than Sean Connery.

AK

Ummm.... Happy New Year.

2011-01-20T21:01:00.002-06:00

Yeah, I guess I missed that post.

I will not bore you with an apology for not updating. I didn't. I failed. I have not been crafty. I need some Martha in my life and she just is not here.

So the issue at hand is when are you too old to wear sparkle boots.... particularly these boots.

I wore these today to work. I take advantage of days when it snows or is icy as an excuse to expand my wardrobe. What other justification do you have for buying $10 boots from Old Navy's kid section???? Can't think of any, can you. The only reason is to add a little sass to cold boring days.
Back to the issue.
I think I can still wear these..... because I am still in my 20's.... heheh, barely... but still very much there. Am I going to have to start maturing my style??? Beth Moore say "Everyone woman gets the same allotted time to be young" (I am reading her first time..... many references may come in the next 7 weeks) Does that mean a big no to dressing a bit weird, mismatching, and wearing more than one pattern? I don't want to become that teacher I made fun of in high school..... And you totally know which teacher that is! But then I go back to my theory that in regards to fashion, "Anything can look good, you just have to wear it with confidence" This theory does exclude any type of swimsuit and any type of mini skirt on women over 50. Well lawsy, I am just talking in a big round circle and took you with me. Sorry.

I like these boots. I think I will wear the boots. And I may even do it when I am 30.

AK

**This is what I think about while my sisters are busy making sure their kids aren't coughing, aren't running a temperature, and aren't dying from anything else that the crazy sicknesses of January 2011 has to offer. Use this post as a 2 second escape.

What we girls go through.

2010-12-30T12:49:00.000-06:00

Today I had to get the brows waxed. It was needed. Now, please don't get mad at me when I say this.... Promise?? I only get my brows waxed, about every three months AND I don't pluck in-between. The genes of my childhood still run through my eyebrows and they are blonde and thus do not require much maintenance.
But today I couldn't handle them anymore.... they needed some work. So I went to Bello Nails because they are great!
And here is the diary of a brow wax.

I walk in and they are super sweet and say things like "Oh come sit" & "You need nails too?" and then escort me to a pedicure chair.
Then they look at my eyebrows and give a questioning look, like they don't think they need to be wax.
I say "I know, look close, they are blonde, they need this"
She laughs and say "Ahh, I see"
I close my eyes and right on que she says "You need lip waxed?"
***At this moment everyone women in America thinks "Crap, is she trying to tell me something". Even when you go in having checked out your upper lip, you still question it.
I say "No, but thanks."
Then she rips the first strip off and my eyes start watering.
She says, "Ah, I so sorry" and I say, "Happen every time"
Then she says "ohhh, lots of hair" Like I was lying that I didn't need this done.
AND THEN.... I am not kidding... when she finishes she looks at me and says...
"These brows will get you kissed at midnight"
HAHAHHA.....I had no idea that was all I needed.

Since I am on the topic of beauty. Look what only a Beautician could give her daughters for Christmas...

Route 44 used to dramatize how freak'n big these these things are.

Sonic

2010-12-24T10:30:00.000-06:00

How many Sonic drinks does it take for the Kelly's to make it through the holidays?

2010-12-20T17:33:00.002-06:00

What did I do on my first day off....

8:15 Alarm goes off and I am mad because its my morning to sleep.
8:30 Realize I set my alarm so I could get to the mall by 9:00 because I don't like shopping with people. (yes I might be the Grinch)
8:42 Call sister #2. She doesn't answer.
8:50 After brushing my teeth and looking at my hair :), I hopped in the car.
8:51 Call Mom- tell her to have Nathan to call me.
8:58 Already yell at a stupid driver who cut me off.... Umm hello big blue car you can't miss me.
9:05 Sephora to pick up ***** (Can't say, cause my friends & family read my blog. Didn't buy... I needed to see all my options.
9:06 Sister #2 calls. Tell her also to have Nathan call me.
9:10 Call sister #1.
9:15 Bath and Body to get *****.
9:16 Take a moment and enjoy the quietness of the Mall.
9:17 Go to Forever 21.... I just couldn't say no!!! I had to go but I didn't buy anything. I know, I was shocked too!
9:22 Attacked my a very peppy mall vendor man. I don't care if you like my earrings, I am not buying anything from you, you creepy, creepy man.
9:24 Contemplate reporting overly happy mall vendor man.
9:25 Decided I am over shopping and head to Sephora.
9:30 Back at Sephora to get ******.
9:32 Realized I miss 2 calls from Nathan.
9:35 Done with the mall..... Boo ya to all you people who slept in.... oh wait, you did get to sleep in. Ok, its a win-win situation.

AK

My 20's are coming to an end.

2010-12-17T23:48:00.003-06:00

I turned 29 this week. Its true. I am one year away from my 30's and that means 11 years away from being 40, aka my 40th Birthday Prom. I have been planning it since I was in the college.

Ok, truth. I do not love my birthday. I carry with me a little birthday baggage. Most dealing with guilt because people feel the need to buy me something and the scars of some really bad birthdays. The worst being in 7th grade when I invited my girlfriends to come to a party, which included us going to the movies, and they each said they couldn't come. Then that I night I saw them at the movies. I actually had to walk by them when I walked out of the main doors. It was horrible. The close second would be my best friend moving away on my 16th birthday.

I say this not so that you feel sorry for me but so that you understand what I learned this year. Yes, I had some bad b.days in my teens but I have been holding it against the birthdays of my 20's. Because the truth is, my birthdays the past few years have been really great.
--I got to see the third Lord of the Rings on my 22nd birthday at a midnight showing.
--I spent my 25th in London.... granted I was sick with an African parasite but I wont hold it against London
--My best friends took me ice skating and I love ice skating.
--My brother threw me my first surprise party at age 28.

So this year, I decided, with the help of some close friends, that I would embrace my birthday. I would not cringe every time someone said happy birthday, or try to act like they weren't talking to me. I graciously say thank you and smile. I even put my birthday on facebook. And it wasn't bad and I survived. I mean you can't hate a day where you are given flowers, you have coffee with your Dad at Panera, spend time with some of your best friends, and your niece sings Happy Birthday to you via FaceTime.

But my friends, one of my favorite things about my birthday, is not only having the blessing of having a best friend who knows you oh so well, but this.....

A Harry Potter Glitter Wand.

LJP, I love it and that little red rhinestone you added! Cause you know I love red & rhinestones.

AK-29

He made me an Aunt.

2010-11-27T12:53:00.002-06:00

I will forever remember this snapshot...

In those few seconds he was 2 again and he loved my hugs...

And he loved my kisses...

Now he wipes them off or doesn't stop long enough for hugs.

But don't worry I am strong and can wrestle him to the ground...

I can't wait to do it in front of his friends.

Lets give it up for Thanksgiving.

2010-11-25T22:55:00.000-06:00

Lets give a big ol' thanks for this....

At this point you are probably wondering why you even bother reading my blog. Yes, I did just post a picture of a tree and for very good reason. Everything under the sun is inspired by something. Every design, every color, and every article of clothing.

Thank you Mr. Tree for giving someone the inspiration to design this...

and thanks to Target for letting me find it on a sale rack for $7.

Happy Thanksgiving!

AK

Can I say no????

2010-11-09T11:18:00.000-06:00

I found this and have no idea what I was even searching for....
but I am in love.

I have looked at this everyday for the past week.... I think it has turned into an obsession.

My perfect day in this jacket would be:

I would first wear a pair of holy jeans with a simple white tee. Shoes would either be heels or a pair of flat tenni's. I would go to Panera and order a medium coffee in an actual mug. I would drink it black and read Jane Austen. Then I would head to Quail Mall, not to shop, but to watch a movie. I would look awesome going to a movie by myself in that jacket.

Readers, please tell me reasons why I can justify buying this jacket????

Reasons my new phone should judge me.

2010-11-08T18:52:00.001-06:00

Reason #1- I dropped a phone in water.

Reason #2- I shattered a phone by dropping it on a tiled kitchen floor.

Reason #3- I washed a phone during an ice storm.... do you know hard it is to replace a phone in an ice storm?

Reason #4- I used a phone so much that the screen started going blank after only one year.

Reason #5- I flushed a phone down the toilet.

No one in their right mind should let me have this.

But they did.

Heaven help me.

You know the world is right when...

2010-10-29T12:16:00.008-05:00

One of your favorite freshmen is in a Whoopi-cushion costume,
Your nephew has expandable batman wings,
And your 5 year old niece is wearing fake eyelashes and says "Twick or Tweat"

God bless kids who can't say their "r's"

AK

Watch and Smile!

2010-10-26T09:43:00.000-05:00

All good things must end....

2010-10-24T21:55:00.002-05:00

I woke up this morning to complete silence.

There were no little feet walking up creaky stairs,
Or little hands closing cabinet doors, over and over,
Or hearing "Good morning Aunt Mimi" really loud, while some crazy PBS show is playing in the background.

Sometimes silence is good... sometimes its even needed. But this morning it just made me sad.

I had the most wonderful 5 days in Jacksonville, North Carolina. So much, that I didn't want to leave.

Reasons I love me some Jacksonville!

Blue eyes

Shopping and Liam posing for pictures

Little footprints in the sand

The ocean

Sisters in matching scarfs

Sweet Tea... and I mean real sweet tea.

Front Porches

Coffee and talking

And I love Jacksonville because it gave the three of us a reason to be together!

"So are you leaving tomorrow"

2010-10-19T19:39:00.002-05:00

This is the sweet sweet thing my nephew asked me after only being here for a few hours..... Awesome.

He loves me, I promise.

Wake up at 3:45 and head to OKC airport.

Arriving at my sisters, Liam took to me to my bed where he had drawn me a picture.

Tara is the best hostess ever and left KC and I welcome signs on sea shells and Victoria Secret lotion.

Oh and she has a fan by my bed... she knows me so well.

And I rode on 3 planes all for this!

Eliana Marie

& Liam Everett

& of course my sweet sister Tara!

The best part of the day, beside my nephew asking me to leave 4 days early, was when he got his fake hamster stuck in KC's hair. And then kept saying "Aunt Kasey just give it back".... We did have to cut some hair.

Welcome to NC!

All my bags are packed....

2010-10-18T23:12:00.000-05:00

And holy hannah, am I ready to go!!!

My alarm will be going off at 3:45 am and I will be getting up to head to North Carolina.

To see this....

And kiss on this...

Oh and 5 days of sister bliss!

AK

Garage Sales....

2010-10-17T13:30:00.000-05:00

I really do love a good Garage sale.
It gives you the rush of a bargain and sometime it only cost you 25 cents.

Here are some recent finds:

Shawnee T-shirt..... It has glitter lettering and I love it.

25 cents

Pumpkin... I added the Christmas lights.

$2

Cowboy Belt... Only on certain days will I wear the B-Buckle. You know what days I am talking about.

$1

Books... Its the first items I look for at any garage sale.

25 cents

Go forth and find a good deal!

The gasp heard around Hobby Lobby....

2010-10-08T22:50:00.000-05:00

Yes, it could have been from people finding out that I forgot to call my sister on her birthday. AND yes it is the sister who lives 22 hours away from any family. I feel horrible and I did start to call but got side tracked with a student... Crap, that makes it sound worse. TARA I LOVE YOU!!!!

No, the real gasp was from when I discovered that they put out the Christmas wrapping paper.
I seriously made the loudest sound, that had women's heads turning. The gasp that I let out could have been that of a mother watching her child run out in front of a car, or maybe watching someone knock over your grandmother's antique punch bowl, or hearing that Justin Timberlake is madly in love with you. These are all acceptable reason's to make a huge scene in HL...... But mine was because of a 75 feet roll of paper.
I immediately called my sister and let her know the good news. She was equally as thrilled.

Tara I would have called you too but you don't have a Hobby Lobby and that would just be rude to rub it in your face, especially since I won the worst sister award yesterday.

The only thing better to them putting out the Christmas wrapping paper, is when they put it 50% off!!!

AK

I love Ziplock baggies.

2010-09-20T19:45:00.001-05:00

Its true. I absolutely love them.

I buy a box of every size before I go to camp. I will go to the store immediately to buy more if I run out. And if I am traveling anywhere I have a handful of empty ones, just in case.

And when I am preparing to spend 37+ hours in Hardeman auditorium this week, I use them to store pre-made snacks. Or to store grilled chicken, that I can put on a salad.

Take a look at this fridge.

This says I have 10 minutes to run home change clothes and grab a sack of carrots, sack of grapes & orange, breakfast drink, water, salad w/ pre grilled chicken and low in sugar salad dressing, orange juice, or a glass of Earl Grey tea.

What lead me to this crazy organization.... Fear. Straight up fear that I would have zero time to eat.

And I love to eat!

Before/After

2010-09-16T20:31:00.000-05:00

Before:

After:

After searching for the perfect turquoise spray paint.... I gave up.

I then bought a small bottle of craft paint and found perfection in $1.19.

Guess what happened when I stayed inside ALL weekend.....

2010-09-13T17:50:00.001-05:00

I rediscovered my love for Joshua Jackson.

I loved him in Mighty Ducks, especially the third one, when he cried. You know that part where Emilio Estevez says "I told him you were the heart of the team" LOVE THAT.

And I LOVE him in Dawson's Creek. Now I never got to watch DC because like every good CofC girl, I was at church on Wednesday night at 7:00..... (that also meant I didn't watch 90210).

But there was one glorious semester at Harding, where my roommate and I would go to early worship at 5:30 pm on Wednesday and then run to the student center to grab dinner and then run back to our dorms, so that we could enjoy what we had been deprived of for so many years, Dawson's Creek.

Now I did end up transferring to OC :) and thus my semester of deviant behavior was over. But lucky for me by the time I was a senior, TBS was showing the re-runs and thanks to a my trusty VHS timed recorder, I finally found out if Joey and Pacey were at long last together.

And now due to the SICKNESS THAT WILL NOT GO AWAY.... I have watched seasons 1, 2, & working on 3. I know its disturbing that anyone would spend that much time watching anything.
BUT, If I am going to be sick, at least I am sick with Joshua Jackson.

AK

*PS. In season 3, episode 15, Pacey wears a jacket from American Eagle and I totally bought that jacket my senior year in high school. We are soul mates.

My Friday night is spent with....

2010-09-10T19:46:00.001-05:00

200 freshmen, and a cold.

Just in case you didn't know what 200 freshmen look liked on Hardeman stage.

Since I am sick, I had yesterday off and started the first season of Dawson's Creek.

Joey and Dawson just hooked up.... I will keep you updated on the 1998 drama.

This is how I welcome Fall....

2010-09-08T22:54:00.000-05:00

Another reason why I love Hobby Lobby...
Pumpkins that are fashion forward.

AK

Just a little Christmas Party in a one horse town....

2010-08-31T11:58:00.001-05:00

Here are the 9 women that I fell in love with last week.

Thank you for your selfless attitudes, your servant hearts, and your ability to make all those around you have an enjoyable time.... even when you were tired, tired, and even more tired. :)

Sorry Hannah we missed you!

Its my Christmas Time!

2010-08-24T09:38:00.003-05:00

I love a little thing called EYW. (read here to fully understand)

And truth be told, I probably love it a little too much.

I am surround by sweet friends who are now showering me with Christmas gifts..... I am a little embarrassed cause I have made up my own holiday and now people are giving me gifts.....

This was not my intention but never the less, I am humbled by their generosity.

Laura wrapped my gift in cute paper.... and gave me Emma.

Which I will be watching as soon as this week is over.

Lindsay gave me my favorite candle..... And I mean my favorite candle!!!!

And my sweet, sweet director from last year, Miss Stevie White, left a note on my door.

It was full of pictures from previous years at EYW.

This pic is my fav.... but I love them all.

Any of course she references N'Sync.

Merry Christmas!

Last Rodeo

2010-08-21T08:48:00.001-05:00

FACT: I have LOTS of students to move in this weekend

FACT: I am planning,what is essentially, a camp for 650 people that will take place in 3 days

Those two things should have been enough to keep me locked in my apartment last night with my highlighters and post-it notes making sure that every detail was taken care of BUT that was not the case.

I dressed up like this....

And met up with these friends...

All to see the Last Rodeo....

Who could say no to a little Boot Scootin' Boogie?

And I am going to lose so much sleep this week, that there is no harm is starting a few days early!

Hola.

2010-08-15T21:20:00.002-05:00

It was a early flight and I came back with some nasty bruises and I have one heck of a rash on my face

But I would go again..... in a heartbeat.

Honduras.

Where you can ride in the back of trucks

Where little girls love to smile for pictures.

Where rain doesn't stop the building of a home.

Where children grow up too fast

but carry the hope for the future.

Where the city seems to go on forever.

Where new friends are made.

Where homes are made into shelters for the homeless.

Where the children make you smile.

Where the homeless are fed.

Where you can't get close enough for pictures.

And where this woman showed me what the love of Christ looks likes.

Honduras.

Gifts.

2010-08-04T23:58:00.002-05:00

I leave for Honduras in 4 1/2 hours on a mission trip.... yes, at 4:30 am.

My family, in true Kelly fashion, has showered me with gifts for my week journey. I am extremely blessed and it doesn't hurt that they have good taste. :)

Mom picked this out for me.

Kasey made this, with scriptures given by my family.

This last one is a inside joke between my sisters and I.... I am the not blessed one!

Filled with pictures of people I love

Tara, overnighted, from NC this cute journal with this beautiful quote.

And if you want to know what pretties i am wearing on the plan read here.

See you in a week!!

Bachelorette

2010-08-03T08:23:00.001-05:00

This is the only reaction that could explain what happened last night.

I heart Roberto!

Just a few things.

2010-08-01T14:23:00.001-05:00

#1 It is shark week.
If I am not checking people out, checking people in, or packing for Honduras.... I will be watching Shark week! I am watching it right now..... HEAVEN!!!

#2 I was searching for the perfect fall camel colored boot. I, of course, went to Victoria Secret's website and found these.... Whoa flash back to the 90's but in purple.

Clogs are also back in.... good thing I still have some from American Eagle.

#3 If you only drive in the fast lane on the highway, that is rude.... don't do it.
Love me....
and the other people who are tailing you. :)

#4 Did you know that Westies is going out of business...
and has all North Face jackets 60% off. You can thank me later.

I made jam.

2010-07-28T12:35:00.000-05:00

or maybe jelly..... I don't know the difference.

Start with these fresh strawberries.

Mush them up.... a lot.

Add soooooo much sugar and then don't tell anyone you give the jam to how much you put in there because they might as well just eat sugar out of a sugar bowl.

Add some Sure-Jelly... which doesn't look that good at all.

Get some of these...

And get some of these...

Do you know how hard it is to pour jam & take a picture? Thus the reason the pouring bowl did not make it into the picture.

Then you have...

12 jars of jam.... Just another example of why I should/need live on a farm.

I will miss...

2010-07-23T09:25:00.000-05:00

Her excited face.

His new awkward smile.

Watching them be mothers, together.

Watching her be a mother.

And watching my mom & sisters try to get one picture of the 4 of them.

The good thing about being 22 hours away in the 21st Century is:

Skype

Cell Phones

Sister Blogs

They will be our saving grace!

Let me introduce you.....

2010-07-18T22:56:00.000-05:00

I am going to do the whole, here are pictures from my girl weekend, even though you don't know any of these women (that mean the world to me), and then I am going to give you details like "Then we all went shopping"..... even though you don't need such a condescending description and I should refrain from writing any caption because you are just going to look at the pictures anyway..... I know you so well. :)

Here are the women who got me hooked on SATC, helped me get my first D, who wrote notes to me on our bathroom stalls, who loved me even though I went Gamma, who proved that everything is funnier after midnight, and accepted an out of place transfer who was praying that her second college experience would be better than the first. These are the women I love!

Karli- One of the wisest women I know. When she speaks, I want to writing everything down, and then write a book and pretend like they were my thoughts.

Lily- The truest of all friends. She would drive through Oklahoma and back in the heat of July, if I needed her to.

Melissa- A freak'n hoot. She is always, always, laughing and is that girl who is always the life of the party. She is beautiful and blonde and I 100% want to be her when I grow up

Holly- She is my constant. She is there for all of us and she is there for me with the kindest of words. She is is my hope when I need it and truth when I need it. I would not be who I am without her!

Kari- Loving. She has a heart of gold, that allows her to empathize with anyone and that makes us always want to be around her.

Tara- The ultimate mother. She can do it all and take care of the 7 of us too! She was the first to get married and the first to have a baby.... She has the lead the way for us and set a beautiful example.

Liz- She is the calm in our Suite 8 chaos. She is slow to speak and quick to listen and the women I hope to be. She is never rude or harsh but she is unwavering for what she believe.

Now here are some pictures (with no captions):

Thanks ladies for a wonderful weekend!!!!

AK

Brought to you by the number 8

2010-07-11T21:57:00.003-05:00

I spent the last 48 hours laughing, eating, lizard chasing, shopping, lizard mourning, reminiscing, & remembering how much I loved sophomore year of college.

I belong to a group called The Suite 8.

We call ourselves that because there is 8 of us and 9 years ago we lived in Dorm A, suite 800.

Cleaver.... I know.

I wont write much about the weekend tonight, just give you a sneak peak at these amazing women.

I spent the 4th....

2010-07-08T09:53:00.000-05:00

Gaining Weight.... just like our forefathers.

What would your reaction be to a frog?

2010-06-29T09:02:00.001-05:00

My mother and my sister have taken a little road trip to North Carolina, where my sister will be moving in 3 weeks.... Prepare yourself for a pathetic post from me, when I have to say goodbye to my sister who is moving away from Oklahoma for 5 years.... But before we go there, we must get to the frogs.

My oldest sister is watching Tara's kids and I went down today to give her a hand.... and by hand, I mean watching her make all the kids lunch and then making her run to sonic to get us drinks... Sorry KC! But for reals to the FROGS. My niece and nephews love frogs and they love to to frog hunt. All that is needed for a frog hunt is a big 5 gallon bucket, a little dirt, and quick hands. Enjoy!

FROG HUNTING

There are just some things you should not buy at the Dollar Tree

2010-06-23T13:00:00.001-05:00

You know I love a good deal and because of this desire to save money (and by save I mean spend more because I think I am saving because I got it cheap, so I buy five) you can find me in Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, Hobby Lobby's 99.9% off aisle and of course garage sales but even I have my limits.

Acceptable things to buy at the Dollar Tree:

(This is all the stuff required to entertain 28 little girls at camp)

Pens

Aprons

Pads of paper

Sticky Notes

Compass rings

Stamp Rings

Fun white containers

Cute Hawaiian hair clips bought only because they were cute and $1

#1 NOT acceptable thing to buy at the Dollar Tree:

They give these things away free at the health clinic.... and NO Matt, I don't know from personal experience!

Sorry Dad.... Its late!

2010-06-21T10:28:00.000-05:00

I think this picture sums up my love & adoration for my Dad.

Thank you Dad for

-for always having clippers in your pocket

-taking me fishing at 5:00 am, even when you didn't want to go

-driving 10 hours in one day to pick me up from college

-5 Days games

-teaching me to love and give unselfishly

Love is....

2010-06-13T08:21:00.000-05:00

10 rolls of paper towels
200 paper plates
More lunch meat than we know what to do with
A man putting on a full suit at 11:00pm from the funeral home
The best chocolate sheet cake
Starbucks coffee
Unexpected flowers from friends
Tears
Pink Roses
Potluck meals made by loving hands
Pink Nail polish
Memories of a woman I hold in the highest regards and whom I will always, always hold in my heart.

We were blessed to celebrate my Grandmother's 90th birthday this past October and we were even more blessed to celebrate her going home this past Tuesday. And I will tell you what, I bet she has every bible scholar gathered around and she has not stopped asking questions and probably has enlightened them on a thing or two about their manuscripts. :)

Grandma, your seat will be empty. I Samuel 20:18

AK

KC & Weddings

2010-06-05T00:22:00.000-05:00

I am back in Kansas City but this time no cheerleaders..... But i did listen to the 6 CD's that they burned for our Nationals trip.

When you work with college students, its a guarantee that one or more of your students will fall in love with another fellow student..... Its gonna happen. And what that means is weekends filled with watching these precious students take vowels promising to love each other. I could probably go to a wedding every weekend, if my schedule would allow me. I am not going to lie, sometimes I don't want to share my Saturdays, sometimes I can't, but I do try to go to as many as I can. I am on my 2nd week of a 4 weekend wedding stretch. When I had a Xanga.... you know you had one too.... I posted my 3 favorite things about the weddings I would attend and for your reading pleasure I am going to do that again.
BUT I am at a hotel and can't upload the pictures I planned to but Katy & Brody you will be first!

I am in KC for wedding #2..... It is a wedding that warms my heart but I will explain later!

And until then I will leave you with this...

The shoes I am wearing to Jason & Jordan's Wedding.

Jessica Simpson $20, on sale at Dillards.

I own $90 sandals.

2010-05-30T12:42:00.002-05:00

But I only paid $10 for them!

And I haven't worn them since I bought them in Oct '09, because shoes like that need a debut.... and Friday night they got it.

I went and saw a certain movie and these sandals had the perfect glitz that Carrie Bradshaw would have loved.

Bay had fab shoes too... Nine west and were really sparkly.

I expected to see

-lots of new shoes

-lots of women in packs of 3 or more

-large consumptions of diet coke

-lots of women dressed up for no reason

-women giddy with anticipation of a 2 1/2 hour movie that would in no way challenge their minds or make them think.

But what I didn't expect to see was this....

9 men sitting in a theater full of women.

If anyone has an answer for this, please let me know.

"We were berry picking"

2010-05-28T09:52:00.000-05:00

Can you name that movie?

So this morning I got up early.... and there are very few things I get up extremely early for! There was this one time, when I did a 12 week book camp at 6am.... It was horrible (not you Elizabeth, you were wonderful) but I am not wonderful at that ungodly hour.

I decided through much debate that fresh strawberries are worth getting up early.

LJP's parents went on vacation and left a whole strawberry patch that just needed to be picked/eaten.

Beside the twig that I thought was a snake, which made me use vocal cords that weren't yet ready for the day, it was a good morning! Thanks Lois!
AK

I dare you not to cry!

2010-05-26T10:06:00.001-05:00

If you can look at these pictures and not cry, you are a stronger woman than me!

Coming Home

AK

No, No Rick Mitchell.

2010-05-25T15:37:00.001-05:00

It is officially summer because I heard "The Bluest Eyes in Texas" by Restless Heart and because the Bachelorette will take up the next 8 weeks of my life.

Rick Mitchell did ruin the first 5 minutes of the Bachelorette but no worries, it was just a recap of Alli and how psychotic she got over Jake.... I did not need to see that again.

Last night my girlfriends and i took our Bachy watching to a new level....

We had cheat sheets.

We were ruthless.... It wasn't pretty.... but neither were some of those guys

We all had our own methods of rating the men.... Chelsea boxed her favs

And then she did this... Those are roses by the men who recieved them. :)

I used a skill I mastered in first grade...

Sorry Derrick you didn't make it and your mom is probably embarrassed by you.

If you need a laugh

2010-05-11T22:08:00.004-05:00

Go watch a T-ball game...

This is Kelly, who is apparently past the age of me taking his picture.

So I take them when he is not looking.

Glove on and batting helmet on... the game could go either way.

Here is Madi Mae

I was outfitted with a Perkins hat and we are taking a picture when Madi was supposed to be on the bench

Madi in position....

Kelly playing pitcher and who looks really tall.... and too cool for me.

The biggest fans!

Dad & Daughter up to bat... Precious!

This is what happens when you say "Go get your snacks"

Go two post down

2010-05-10T12:54:00.002-05:00

Remember all that wire.... Well look what LJP did with it

All glass was purchased from either the dollar section of Target or it was half off from Hobby Lobby.

She had an entire pavilion covered in these....

It was the best Phase 4 has looked in a long time. :)

Giving a shout out to the woman who didn't kill me in my teenage years

2010-05-09T18:03:00.006-05:00

Favorite Quote by my mother:

"You don't scare me, I have three daughters"

She also has a son but he has never given her problems.

She taught me to make a pie crust

She made my prom dress with 5 layers of yellow tulle

She worked the band concession stand for 12 years

She is always supportive of me, when I buy a pair of high heels that I don't need

And she can grill as good as any man!

Love you Mama!

What did your Saturday night look like?

2010-04-18T23:25:00.003-05:00

Mine looked something like this....

Apparently Lowe's workers don't often see girls sitting in the middle of the aisle.

Look at all that wire just waiting for us to go Martha Stewart all over it

Then we saw this....

The first thing that popped in my head was a quote from "Win a Date with Tad Hamilton" when Cathy talked about the possibility of watching a movie on the plane...

Let me just say this is brilliant!

Birthday Cobbler

2010-04-05T15:50:00.007-05:00

This past Saturday was LJP's birthday.

Lindsay does not have a birthDAY, she has a birthday MONTH.... because she loves it! Which makes it totally fun to do stuff for her day.

Her husband put me in charge of her birthday cake, which I was pumped about cause its Lindsay's birthday and I just wanted to help! He suggested Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler, and that my friends is what she got!

First, you get two bags of Strawberries (yes, they are better fresh but yes, the frozen kind work).

Put them in a big pot add two cups of sugar (my Granny would have added 3cups) and heat them until they look like mush.

Then take a bag of Rhubarb.

"Of what???" You ask. Rhubarb. Looks like celery and taste awful.

That is exactly what I am talking about! This just proves that if you add enough sugar, anything can taste good. I blend it up so that the sourness of the rhubarb is equally distributed throughout the cobbler. Add that to the strawberry mush and add some flour.

Now I don't have any pictures of the in-between steps because,

I was running late and
The crust was too dry and
Then I burned myself and
Then made a huge mess....

But here is the end product!

Happy Birthday LJP!!!!!

How To.....

2010-04-02T15:50:00.011-05:00

Plan a Bridal Brunch.

I have been to a ton of these but only planned one. So I started this entry like I am a pro, when in reality I don't really know much, except that it is pretty easy to please a bride who is 24 hours from getting married.... They can't help it, they are just giddy.

These were the invites. I found the ribbon and based everything off of that cute spool of fabric.

Sorry its blurry. Its hard to work a point & shoot.

From there I came up with this...

The milk glass china is my mothers. She has so much that it takes up 10 shelves in her living room and a cabinet in her hall. And yes, I made fun of her for years for collecting this but I will no longer poke fun because it made this brunch beautiful.

The table clothes were antique linens from a good friend. If you have some and are throwing them away or selling them, give me a call.

And now a few details... because friends, its all in the details.

Fresh Flowers because you just should.... Its the nice thing to do.

Candles.... not just any candles. Tyler Candles. That room smelled so good.

These are cheap glass salt and pepper that you can find at TJ Maxx for $5. Spray paint and stencil on the letters.

Silver flatware and if you're lucky, both your Grandma's will have the same pattern and will have given those sets to your mama, so that you could have service for 15.

I will also say that I love this flatware and I will someday own my own.

Placemats added a little extra color and tie back to the original invite. I love when things come together. These are just the square scrapbooking sheets from hobby lobby. I rounded the edges and added a bow.

Here are all the ladies, enjoying their lunch and there, circled in pink, is the lovely bride. It was such a pleasant time spent with friends and I was honored to be apart of Leslie's special weekend.

Menu:

Strawberry Almond Salad

Fresh Fruit

Broccoli and Cheese Soup

Chicken Salad on Homemade Sourdough Bread

Brownie Tort

Bargain

2010-03-31T13:57:00.005-05:00

I collect handkerchiefs. Yes, I am sure only me and your grandma own hankies. I have one in my purse at all times.

And I added these to my very large collection. I found them at the bottom of a pile of linens at Serendipity Market.

I think it was $2 well spent!

Mini Quiches

2010-03-29T15:58:00.004-05:00

I was asked to help with my first shower at Memorial Road, for one of my good college/co-worker friend, Amanda Watson.

I volunteered for Mini Quiches.... Yes, I could have bought them from Sam's but I can't do anything easy. So I got this recipe off of Tasty Kitchen (this is just another example of the Pioneer Woman changing my life).

They were super easy..... but I did cheat and use pre-bought pie crust.

Do not tell my Granny!

If you use enough crisco spray those things just fall out.

I meant to take a picture before I wrapped them up... but I forgot. So this is what you get.

All for cute baby Knox..... but since he didn't even eat one, I had to make sure that all these women popped at least 4 in their mouths. I did not need to left alone in an apartment with a a tray of carbs.

Through his eyes

2010-03-23T18:53:00.012-05:00

My brother has a way of capturing life through a lens.

When I saw his pictures from his spring break mission trip and I had to share.

(and what if he got discovered on my blog, by one of my two readers)

This last one is my favorite.... oh, and miss blue tongue is pretty cute too!

Boys will be boys

2010-03-22T23:58:00.004-05:00

So I came home to this...

Hhhhummm.... where is my fabulous patio furniture with somewhat cute pillows?

(Insert laughter from the boys up stairs)

Slowly walk up to the second floor to see this....

Just 4 senior boys enjoying a lovely evening on their terrace.

If this is the worst they do.... I'll take it.

Heaven on 13th Street.

2010-03-20T15:37:00.010-05:00

We are home. Our boys did great and I couldn't be prouder of them!

But all good things must end and we got home before the snow storm.

Ok not that I have that covered.... I must tell you about something....

AND I AM GOING TO NEED YOUR FULL ATTENTION.

I have found my utopia in the form of a grocery store. 13th and Main Street in Kansas City is where you will find it. Walking distance from our hotel and was visited everyday we were in KC.

It could try to verbalize how perfect this place is but I will let 8 pictures do it justice.

Day 2 in KC

2010-03-18T22:43:00.006-05:00

We are still in KC and staying one more day!

Here is a picture of the 32 teams at the Parade of Champions.

Lindsay and I like to call it the Parade of Men... heheh.

And yes, somehow I got teary eyed at seeing all the boys stand at attention for the National Anthem.

Well some of the teams went home but our boys fought hard and got us one more day.

Cheerleaders were happy.

Fans were pumped.

The team was moved to embracing each other.

(I love this picture!)

And the four #1 fans,

who were nervous as all get out for 2 hours,

were thrilled for the boys.

P.S. My jaw hurts from chomping so hard on my watermelon gum. Lets hope I can get my nerves in check.... you know cause it is really hard to sit in the stands. :)

Lindsay and I in 40 years

2010-03-17T23:04:00.004-05:00

Can't you see it....

LJP and I just sitting at the NAIA tournament

Still sponsors for OC cheer

Just wearing our matching turtle necks

HAHHAHAHAHH

Happy Green Day

2010-03-17T19:14:00.004-05:00

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I made cookies.

Side note: Don't try to color sugar cookie dough... color the sugar.

I thought that might be enjoyable for the 5 slash 6 hour drive to Kansas City.

(LJP and I took these lovely OC cheerleaders to the NAIA Tournament)

Though they didn't eat the entire bag but our Hotel Hospitality, Jay, loved them!

Welcome to Kansas City!

Happy

2010-03-12T10:33:00.005-06:00

Mandy's contest this week is pictures that make you Happy.

This is my nephew, Liam, and this is what he needed to get ready for a snowball fight.

Just the essentials.

How can you not look at this and smile?

If I were to tell the truth then I would say....

2010-03-11T09:25:00.004-06:00

There was point when I thought this kid ruined my life....

Then I realized, life is just better with a brother!

Happy Birthday Nathan!

I don't have a before but here is the after.

2010-03-01T09:01:00.003-06:00

I got this chair/love-seat thing in 2004 for $35. It was turquoise and it was the scratchy 70's material. But now it is a lovely alligator print. Now I need pillows.

It runs in the family.

2010-02-27T18:06:00.003-06:00

The creative/crafting gene will not be wasted on this one.

Dear Nathan Thomas,

I do not judge you for having craft time.

The reason I haven't been posting...

2010-02-25T22:45:00.005-06:00

50 yards of blue fabric

100 yards of blue tulle

45 blue t-shirts

All for the glory of spring sing.

It is my pleasure to introduce you to the Lucy's of the Freshman Class.

If you can't grow them.....

2010-02-08T22:29:00.003-06:00

You color them....

Check out those itty bitty bangs AND apparently the coloring makes them lay down. I went bobby-pin free for 2 whole days.

Its a perfect day.....

2010-01-30T12:11:00.005-06:00

This is a picture I took yesterday during the snow storm.

I know you all took pictures of the actual snow and people playing in the snow

but in my warm comfy pants, I took this picture and let me show you with cute arrows why I took this picture.

#1 DIET COKE..... You stalked up on water and I stalked up on DC

#2 My favorite playlist.... I stayed warm with Harry, Michael, and oh yes, Frank.

#3 Snow.... Everything is better with snow.

#4 Project Runway Marathon.... You ask how I can listen to Frank and watch this? I had it on mute. I just like to see the clothes.

#5 Everything to make a cobbler..... One of my favorite things to do.

Now go download the song "Perfect Day" and dance around and make up a few choreographed moves and pour a glass of diet coke.

Bargain

2010-01-29T10:40:00.003-06:00

As I awoke yesterday, I was super excited because it was going snow and because I was going to wear a bargain that I purchased. But you see I planned for the snow to come in late afternoon because is what ever weatherman said..... late afternoon. (Gary I actually never heard you say that, so we are not in a fight)

So I get up. We have been told to wear warm clothes to work..... I interpret that as, wear casual clothes with warm fashionable boots.

So I put on my skinny black jeans on, a cute screen printed black shirt, mustard yellow sweater, black winter boots, and this....

Purchased for $6, from American Eagle.

So i walk outside with my ski jacket in hand and see that my car has an inch of ice and it is raining.......

Do I change? Do I actually put on clothes that if I get stranded or have to walk will keep me warm and alive....

I thought about it but then I put on my jacket and made sure you could still see the sparkle from my necklace.

Only giving Reese what she deserves.

2010-01-27T23:02:00.011-06:00

So remember this lovely post...

Well, Reese deserves a place of honor and my $5 desk that I spray painted wasn't cutting it...

So I went to IKEA and all my dreams came true... or at least my spare bedroom became one step closer to being done

(side note: i have lived here for a year and a half)

BEFORE:

What I see wrong with this picture:

White walls, old pillows, lots of empty space, very white walls, I actually don't think those leopard pillows are mine.... oops.

So I took these...

And bought this..

And used this...

Yes, I have a pink cordless drill.

And ended up with this!

Oh wait let me take my Mrs. Clause costume out of the picture

That is better!

Bachelor update soon!

My Bachelor

2010-01-26T12:00:00.001-06:00

Ok friends..... because the Bachelor has cheesy Jake, and says crap like "Love is more powerful than flying", I decided we need a new one.

This is Matt.

He is one of my best friends and he has asked me to find him a date. We talked it through and my job is to give him 5 options. I told him that I wouldn't give him bad options so he would have to give every girl a chance.

First, let me give you a sneak peak of this guy:

He is 27

He as a bachelor degree in Communications.

Masters in Higher education.

Enjoys running

Loves Thunder Basketball

Was on the food network.... without his shirt on.

Why a girl should date Matt:

Has a full time job & a home owner.

He will make you laugh till your sides hurt.

He makes great mixed CD's.

He can sing and can rock some cowboy boots.

I am not really sure who all reads my blog but if you know a lady who you think might like to date this guy, email me at amy.kelly@oc.edu

Ohh and I just decided that LJP gets to help me. Take that Matt.

Here is one last look.

P.S. I have just crossed some line that is past appropriate for the blogging world????? Or all you all just laughing with me.... ;)

Water

2010-01-24T11:34:00.002-06:00

Mandy is having a picture contest and here is my entry.....

I think I am late but that is ok, I just still wanted to play.

This picture is of the junior campers at Burnt Cabin this past summer. We always take them on a hike and then let them swim in the lake.

How cute are they?

And how small is this picture... Maybe I shouldn't enter a photo contest if I can't figure out how to make a picture bigger. hahhhah

When you don't know what to get your sister for her b.day...

2010-01-21T22:07:00.005-06:00

You take her to Ikea!

And that is just what my sweet sisters did.

This past weekend, I spent 24 hours surround by amazing women who showered me with laughter, love, and lots of shopping.

My Mom and I started by loading up the car and heading strait to sonic

We picked up my mom's best friend Rita and the sisters and headed to Dallas.

We had a huge hotel room, which we did not leave until we had to.

We laughed.... oh yes we laughed.

The three sisters shared a bed.... for like a minute.

We were the first to arrive at Sam Moon and they did let us in early.

And then Ikea....

We bought a lot!

I quit crafting.... in protest for 24 hours.

2010-01-19T23:42:00.002-06:00

I had a great post today but then my "oh no" bangs stuck up twice in public.....

And thus my crafting spirit was crushed. I will update tomorrow.

Rita

2010-01-10T12:05:00.007-06:00

Everyone needs a Rita. She is the woman who is your Mom's best friend and loves you like you were her own. She always send cards and never forgets a birthday. She constantly gives and gives and gives. She might even fight your own mother for spot as number one fan. She is the first to arrive to help and the last to leave. She only thinks the best of you.

She is family by love which I think is sometimes stronger than blood.

This is my Rita.

And just when I thought she couldn't get any better, she did..... by giving me Martha.

Martha Stewart Encyclopedia of Crafts

Look at these cute letters..... I will be trying me some of these.

I have flagged a few pages

Martha Stewart Beginning Cookbook

Everything I need for baking.... which I love.

What you need for cooking.... I barely use the pot I own.

And a Martha Stewart Magazine Subscription

This is my Rita and she knows me VERY well!

After- Playhouse Part 2

2010-01-07T00:01:00.000-06:00

Drum roll please....

AFTER:

Crates and stuff inside.... Dollar Tree.

Don't forget to look at the floors!!

Curtains and Paper supplied from Hobby Lobby.

AND YES IT WORKS! Thank you Target clearance aisle.

Dollar section at Target... and their favorite thing in the playhouse.

Chalkboard wall

I am still looking for a round rug, light for the ceiling, and a mailbox.

THE REVEAL:

Up the stairs

Waiting till all cameras were ready...

Swords in hand and I think (and hoping) that they like it.

Oh and the first generation gals had to get in on the fun too!

May those who play here

always have

little bitty feet....

Look at those steps, those are hazardous for anyone with a shoe size over 3.

Before/After- Playhouse Part 1

2010-01-05T11:34:00.001-06:00

This is one of favorite Christmas projects.

My Dad, around 1984, built a sweet little playhouse for his daughters (and future son).

Being that it is around 26 years old, my Dad knew it needed a little work. And 4 years ago when his granddaughter was born, he was inspired to yet again have the next generation of Kelly girls playing and day dreaming in the playhouse..... oh, and let me not forget, the Kelly boys!

So this past year my Dad finished the playhouse.... It has stairs again and is painted red.... and in this little girls memory, it is perfect.

So since it was finished, I decided I would take on the inside.

So my gift for nieces and nephews was to make the inside match the beauty of the outside.

BEFORE:

This is the cute door... that has a door handle that really works

Those are real glass windows ladies....

The kitchen came with the place and my niece loved it so much that it had to stay.

SUPPLIES:

Chalk Board Paint

Fake Cheap Flooring

Peel and Stick.... who knew it was this easy.

And when my Dad was at work I stole his power tools.... muahhaha

Curtain Rods up and yes I did chip some paint off the wall

Tomorrow...... the after!!!

Random Thoughts on New Years Day

2010-01-01T11:01:00.005-06:00

I think it is going to be a good year because my gums look really good today. I do love a good gum day.

P.S. If you have bad gums... don't date me.

I was driving to the mall last night and went past the dollar tree and it said "Wireless" really big under their sign... What does that mean? Do people hang out at the Dollar Tree for Wi-Fi??? I really need to figure this out in 2010.

There are three great movies coming out in 2010. Eclipse, SATC 2, and Harry Potter 7, part 1. I am most excited about the last one.

OHHH and I am buying the shoes for the SATC 2 tomorrow because they are on sale and because I have been looking for a reason to buy these shoes.

And my one resolution is to be ambidextrous when putting on mascara.... Mary Kay Black Waterproof Mascara!

Happy New Year.... and hopeful this year will bring better post than this one.

Dinner & Dessert. Step by Step

2009-12-29T23:20:00.006-06:00

1. Make friends with a really good cook. Mine is Debbie... aka "My Martha Stewart"

She can do anything!

2. Steal that cooks recipes

3. Screw up dinner because you couldn't find Rhodes frozen loafs of bread and used rolls instead.

** This calzone rose a little too much**

4. Make decadent dessert.... That Debbie invented in her beautifully creative mind.

5. Make sure you have cute platter

6. Ice 2nd layer and hope that it doesn't lean

7. Accept the leaning and think of it as your personal signature mark.

8. Eat.... and gain those wonderful holiday pounds!

Thank you Debbie for being the every graceful hostess and for showing me you can never have too many white platters.