The Red Door!

Driving in The Stake!

2012-02-12T22:40:00.005-06:00

Church was FABULOUS today!! Seriously, there really aren't enough words to describe how amazing it was. I love worshipping with TLC! There is so much hunger to get more of God and people ministering to each other. Pastor always preaches with passion but today was OUT of the park!! His message was so passionate. You could see it. You could feel it. It was like you could reach out and grab it and get a tight hold on it. He was preaching on making our stakes deeper. People are watching us and you never know who is holding onto the truth that we have. We need to make sure that our stakes are grounded. If we leave a bad legacy, you never know who it may damage. We've got to make sure that we drive the stake in, deeper and deeper. Pastor used a visual of having a board with several stakes in it and people hammering the stake in deeper. It hit home. The presence of God was thick. It was life changing. A service we will be talking about for years to come! I'm driving my stake in!! Pastor Gleason gave each family a stake as a reminder to keep driving it in. I feel so blessed to be a part of such an amazing church. We're so blessed!

Valentine's Banquet

2012-02-11T11:34:00.007-06:00

My niece and nephew had their Valentine's banquet at church last night! Ashlyn looks absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!! I love you baby girl!!! I can't believe that you are 16. The time has literally flown by! You have grown up to be such a beautiful, sweet, godly young lady. I love you more than words can say! I will never forget the day you were born. You hold a very special place in my heart. I love spoiling you---just wish you lived closer!! I am so proud of you honey!!

I love her gorgeous dress!!!

Todd had his first "date" last night with Jaycee! I'm pretty sure my sister made it clear that it was just a "friend"! HAHA!! So sweet!!
Aren't they so cute?!
They are so adorable!! My nephew looks so HANDSOME!!! Bubba, I am so proud of you!!! I can't believe you are 14 already!! Where has the time gone?! I'll never forget our little Christmas present....YOU! You always make us laugh and smile. I love your humor and your confidence! You are such a handsome young man! I love you so much Bubba!!! Words can't describe it enough!!
Ashlyn and her date.......her Daddy!!! I love this picture!! I love the fact that she is such a Daddy's girl! She said her friends kind of laughed a little bit when they found out, but I thought it was SO sweet! She asked her Dad to be her date, so he ran home and changed and brought her flowers!! It's moments like this that she will ALWAYS cherish.....and NEVER forget!!! Ash said, "I have the best date here!" Soo sweet!!

I ADORE this picture!!!! So proud of my sweethearts!!

Thanks for letting me have a sappy Auntie moment! :) There is NOTHING like being an Auntie!! They make me PROUD!!

Butter + Muffins

2012-02-10T23:22:00.003-06:00

HAHAHAHAHA!!!! Ok, this is kind of an inside joke with my sister and I. But seriously, WHO SAYS THIS?!!?!?! hahaha Love it!!!

Forgiveness

2012-02-10T22:07:00.003-06:00

Forgiveness.

We say we forgive...but we never forget.

Is that really forgiveness???

During my Bible reading time this week, I was reading about forgiveness. Thinking about different things and situations in my life. I believe it was in Matthew where it was talking about forgiving someone 70 x 70. Do you realize how many times that is in one day?

A LOT!!

Profound huh? lol It doesn't matter how many times someone hurts you, whether it be over the course of a day or throughout a period of time. It doesn't matter what people say or the things that they do....we must forgive.

In the end, it will make us a much better person, especially knowing that we have forgiven those that hurt us or situations that have occurred in this life. It's life....things will happen, but we must forgive. We can't hold bitterness inside our hearts. If we do, it will take you places that you can't even imagine....that you don't want to go. I've seen it happen so many times.

Just a little thought that has been on my heart this week. :) I don't know if this was just me thinking or if it was meant to help someone. But nonetheless, here it is. :) I pray that God will always help us to forgive, no matter what.

Holiday Corner: Valentine's Day

2012-02-10T20:53:00.006-06:00

This year I'm determined to celebrate all the holidays--even the fun ones! I've made a little 'holiday corner' in my room! So here it is for Valentine's Day!! I love it!

Life...It's a Treasure!!

2012-02-10T20:36:00.002-06:00

One of my sweet friend's Mom passed away about a week ago, and it has made me do a lot of thinking about life. The things we do, the places we go, and the people that are placed in it. It's such a precious gift that we often take for granted. We don't know when God will call us Home...so why not make the best of every day?! Live life to its fullest and have no regrets! One of my favorite quotes.........

"Life isn't always tied with a bow, but it's still a gift!"

Dwight's Visit to Kansas City!

2012-02-02T18:50:00.030-06:00

This past weekend was a lot of fun! My friend Dwight came all the way from Mississippi to visit Kansas City....Okay, well maybe...just maybe there was another reason. ;)

The first night we headed to Bass Pro, showed him around all the historical spots in Independence and around the Independence Square, Truman's home and around the town. I love old and vintage-y areas like this! It was dark so we didn't end up getting any pictures. Dinner was....you guessed it! Bandana's BBQ! You can never go wrong with Kansas City BBQ!

The next day we ended up having lunch at Chipotle. Dwight had never been so we had to get a picture of his gigantic burrito! haha

Then we headed to tour the Chiefs Stadium! Oh my word...SUCH a blast! Seriously, I live here and have never been. But now, I'll recommend it to anyone. Of course, if you know me and my recent love for football. Yep, you guessed it...this only made me love it more! :)

While we were waiting for the tour to start, we were looking around the team store. So is he a #1 fan now?! Maybe I'll convert him yet!! :)

Our first view of the field!
The Founder's Club...the first of many lounges to tour...

LOVED this wall!!

I can just hear them saying this now........"TOUCHDOWN!!! KAN-SASSS CIITTTYY!!" :)
This is another lounge that we got to go in. This lounge costs $350,000.00 per Season!! Yikes! They said it was more for Corporate offices.......I'd say! :)

Okay, yes it has been a LONG time since we won the Super Bowl....but that's okay. I'll still be a fan, forever! :) We're proud of it! haha
Now, we are in the Chief's locker room! How cool is that?! Dwight found a player that was from Ole Miss!
Schedule...
Love this...

#67's jersey and helmet hanging in his locker!
Up close and personal with the helmet....looovvee!
haha Too funny! Those helmets are heavy!
Me holding the helmet....you know us girls can't mess up our hair! :)
Our tour guide was kind enough to take a picture of us!
Love this sign! This was as we were coming from the locker room to walk onto the field!
Right before you walk out onto the field...."CHIEFS WILL!"
Our view as we walked out onto the field!! It was cold and rainy but LOVED it!! I'm not gonna lie, I smiled as I was standing out there taking it all in. :)

We were right at the 50 yard line. :)
LOVE this picture!!
"Touchdown Kansas City!"
Touring the Broadcast Lounge....gallery of pictures.
So cool...

First view of the Hall of Fame
So we went up to the 9th level of the stadium, which is 12 levels from the field! I LOVE this picture!! Seeing this view made my love for football grow even more!! I give credit to my sweet friend Jen for getting me into football. I thought of her this very moment and I knew she would LOVE to have been there! Ok so yeah we both are still learning all about football...she knows more than I...but you can still love it just the same right?! LOL

Ha! I didn't know Dwight took this picture!

About to tour the Hall of Honor!
Dwight with the Super Bowl Trophy!
Me with the Super Bowl Trophy!
Continuing in the Hall of Honor...

Super Bowl Trophy up close!

Back in the team store....I think he's becoming a fan! :)
Dwight with Lamar Hunt

After we went to the Stadium, we headed Downtown Kansas City! You gotta love Liberty Memorial!! It was under a lot of construction but I love going up there!
My most FAVORITE view of Kansas City!!! It was cold and windy, but he loved it!
Love watching this flag blow in the wind in front of Union Station! :)
I love this picture!! :)

Crown Center fountains...

haha! Sporting his Cubs hat just for my Sister!

Walking The Link over the Union Station! :) I love this view of the city too!!

He finally got to see Union Station! He loved it! They have a new coffee shop in there now....LOVE!!! The best coffee we've ever had!
We went to the Plaza the next day and had dinner with my family...no pictures there though, but had a great time walking around!

Love Dwight's new hat!
This was taken in between church services on Sunday, at Angela and Danny's KC wedding reception!

So, there you have it! Our weekend in some sort of a 'nut shell'. lol Had a wonderful time!

One Day...

2012-01-18T20:54:00.002-06:00

I've always loved this quote! Seriously, this pretty much sums it up! Sounds like a pretty good guy to me!! *sigh* One day........{in God's perfect timing}. :)

Life...such a beautiful adventure!

2012-01-12T22:29:00.004-06:00

It seems like there is so much going on in life right now. Life is an adventure isn't it? You never know what it might bring you from day to day...but...that's just the beauty of it! Someone at church gave me a word from the Lord over New Years and it's been such a comfort to me. I'm holding onto that and knowing that everything is gonna be alright! God's awesome like that!

If you've read any of my earlier posts you know that my office will be closing. I'm not gonna lie, at first it was nerve-wracking knowing that I have to start interviewing again. It's been 10 years since I've had to look for a job. But you know, I've given this to God and trusting Him that He will provide and give me something even better. I've had such a peace and really feel like everything is going to be okay. I went for an interview today and really wasn't nervous at all.

But it's not just searching for a job. It's deeper than that. Obviously I'm not going to completely spill my entire life on the internet (lol) but I really feel like there are going to be many good things happen this year and that God is going to open many doors for me this year. I've been given that promise. I'm holding onto that. Now I just have to walk through those open doors. :)

I've decided that this year might be {full} of change. Now, I'm not one to always adapt well to change but I'm trying my best to {embrace} it. After all, God does have it all under control right?

I'm honestly so excited about Twenty-Twelve! Makes me wonder what all God has in store for this year?! As I was praying today, I just had such peace come over me. I'm so excited to see how this year will unfold!

Turquoise + Red

2012-01-03T22:03:00.005-06:00

Never would I have thought that Turquoise and Red would be one of my favorite colors together when decorating! But...I LOVE IT!!

I was feeling crafty tonight.....so I painted this framed chalkboard, grabbed the hammer and up it went! :) Nothing a little paint, chalk, and a hammer won't fix right? haha! I absolutely LOVE this verse. It's such a great reminder that if we only "Be Still" that God's got it ALL under control!!

New Goals

2012-01-02T16:30:00.006-06:00

Every year around this time, people always make New Years Resolutions.

I've never liked that term.

I'd rather make Goals.

Goals just seem to be more appropriate. Easier to reach. Something to strive towards. Resolutions-not so much. I have a lot of goals on my list for this upcoming year. Some life changing goals. Some spiritual goals. Some personal goals.

Most of all I just what to live life to its fullest. Dream big. Stay positive. Stay thankful. Listen more. And a big one for me this year is to welcome change.

I love the start of a new year. There is just something that makes it feel like you can start fresh. A brand new beginning. Writing another chapter in this thing called Life. :)

There is a frame in my room that I like to put quotes, etc. on. I change it from time to time. But the one I've chosen to start out the year with is this:

I love it. It's a great reminder!

I'm trusting God for many great things this year. Holding onto the Word that has been spoken into my life and trusting Him in ways I never thought.

I pray that each one of you has a very blessed year! May many great things come your way this year!

Happy New Years

2012-01-01T18:22:00.013-06:00

Today was such a fabulous day! There really aren't any other words to describe it. What a way to start out the New Year, but with going to church and worshiping the one true God! Church was fab.u.lous today! Worship was powerful. Communion was incredible. The sermon today was ah-mazing! All I can say is, Wow! I'm so thankful for the
Word that was spoken today! I'm so thankful for the words that were spoken into me and the prayers that were prayed over me today. TLC, you are amazing! Thank you for always being sensitive to the presence of God!

It seems as though everything that was brought forth today was exactly what I needed to hear. His presence was so strong I couldn't help but weep. His love is overwhelming. At the end of service we had foot washing. But not your typical foot washing. *if you know my foot fettish you will understand what I was feeling when Pastor announced that LOL* But it was not your typical. We knelt down with each other and began to pray. It was one of the most powerful things. His presence was overwhelming and amazing!

I know I've said how much I was looking forward to putting 2011 BEHIND me. And I am definitely thankful for yet another year. But you know. No matter what happened in 2011...all the good, bad, and ugly. All the happiness, all the pain, all the tears, the mountain tops, the valleys; if it hadn't of been for each of those seasons-we wouldn't have learned anything. Things happen for a reason. God knows exactly what He is doing. And if we hadn't of gone through what we went through, good or bad, we wouldn't be a better person today. We grow from our seasons. This goes along with what Ken Cantrell said today...and it convicted me. So yes, thankful that 2011 is behind us, but we are still BLESSED!!!

After church, we had to have another last minute photo op before everyone left town again! Never mind the red eyes and puffy cheeks. :)

Venita, Jonathan, and I
With my sister, Ginny
Gin and Ken
Venita with Gin and Ken
Awe, Venita and Reegan

Love my girls, Reegan and Venita!

With all that being said, I hope you all had a wonderful beginning to a New Year! It's time to refresh and start anew! :) Happy New Year, everyone!!!

New Years Eve Celebration

2012-01-01T18:22:00.007-06:00

I had SOOO much fun tonight!!! Kansas City. Saint Louis. Honduras. Africa. We were finally all together again!!!! My friends came home for a visit from Honduras and Africa. Friends that are Family. It's as simple as that. It felt just like old times and I don't even have enough words to describe how amazing it felt that we were finally all together again!!!

These are the cookies I made for our little "party". :)
Since we are hardly together at the same time, we had to take advantage of this photo op! :) I so LOVE all of these pictures!!

Along with me is Jen, Venita, and Ragen. :)
Reegan and I
Awe, Jonathan and I
Me with Jen and Venita
Jen and I
Love love this picture of all of us! We decided to take a short walk around the block even though it was raining a little bit. haha Cold, but so much fun! Reegan and Byron, Jen and Zack, Justin, Jonathan, D'Andre, and I.

hahaha Ken! Love this expression! lol
Jon and I again
My sister Ginny!! Awww! I've so enjoyed spending time with her this week while she's home from Africa! :) Love you Sis!

Here are some pictures of us playing games. Ok, I'm not a big game person, but they did MAKE me play Maffia. haha Between Catch Phrase and Maffia....it was Out.Of.Control. LOL

We decided to ring in the new year with some prayer and worship! There was such a sweet presence of God that swept into that room. Praying the old year out and the new year in. It was such a sweet moment that I will never forget. Priceless.

Here is a short video clip of us singing. *don't forget to pause the music at the bottom of this page first*

New Years Eve

2011-12-31T15:10:00.003-06:00

Happy New Years!!!

I can't believe that another year has come and gone!! I am so excited to put 2011 BEHIND me!!! This year has been full of mountain tops, adventures, and valleys. You name it, it's pretty much happened! I am so ready to refocus, recharge, and bring in a NEW year!! I'm excited to see what God has in store for Twenty-Twelve!

So excited to spend New Years Eve with friends tonight! Friends from Kansas City, St. Louis, Honduras, and Africa! We're all together again!!!

Happy New Year everyone!!! May you all have a BLESSED and HAPPY year!!

Lillian Isabel

2011-12-31T15:01:00.005-06:00

Lillian Isabel is finally here!!! December 29th just after midnight! 6 pounds and 4 ounces! She is absolutely beautiful!!! And she has a ton of hair!!

Love this baby girl! She's so sweet and snug-able!

I stole this picture from Justin and Crystal...I love these kiddos!! Love being their 'adopted' Auntie!!

Christmas Photo Fest

2011-12-31T14:14:00.011-06:00

I LOVE making memories! Especially with family!! There is just nothing like having a complete blast with family during the holidays! I'm so thankful for the time we were able to spend together!

Sisters Christmas socks
Ashlyn and her Momma...haha love your hat Ash!
Sisters!
Awe aren't they adorable?!

LOVE this picture of our Christmas socks!
Love my Sissy!
hahaha! No words to describe this picture. lol
Like Mother. Like Daughter.
Merry Christmas from Me to You!!

We were late doing the kids Christmas pictures this year. Sorry for the quality, maybe we can do better next year. :)

This is my favorite!

Love my kiddos!

We also went out driving around to look at Christmas lights! We were singing at the top of our lungs to the christmas songs on the radio! Our favorite song came on..."All I Want for Christmas is You!" I LOVE the fact that you can hear Kate and Todd singing! HAHA!! LOVE making memories!!!

Here is a video clip, make sure you pause the music at the bottom of the page first.

So, there you have it! Christmas with our family! I hope and pray you all had a wonderful Christmas with the ones you love!!

Christmas 2011: Indiana

2011-12-31T13:10:00.008-06:00

I so missed having Christmas in Kansas City this year. There is absolutely nothing like a Kansas City Christmas! But...I was so excited to spend Christmas in Indiana this year at my sisters house.

We were only missing one thing.

My sister and her family in Turkey.

We didn't get to be with baby Karstan on his first Christmas.

But very thankful for Skype and we did get to watch him open one present! Yay! He loved the paper! Unfortunately our box we sent is late and hopefully they will get it this week!

Our Christmas festivities!

My sister just moved into a new house and doesn't have a fireplace...so the stockings were "laid on the table with care". :)

The kids before they opened their stockings
I love this picture of my parents!! It's a rare thing that you will ever find anything on my Mom's head! lol
Sisters!
Ashlyn and her daddy
My brother Jeff (my sisters husband....I don't like using the word 'in-law')
My sister and her hubby
The kids with their Grandmommy and Granddaddy. Right after this picture, my Mom was acting like she was holding Karstan. She started crying....which made me cry! We miss our family and wish they could be with us!
Me with Momma and Daddio
And Robyn ...
Daddio and I
Christmas dinner.....cooked by....
Yours Truly and my Sissy in our matching Santa aprons. :)

More pics to come...

Skype is a Godsend

2011-12-31T13:02:00.003-06:00

I love Skype! It's a Godsend! Especially with having my sister and her family living in Turkey. Not really sure what we would do without it. At least we get to "see" each other! I love Skyping with Karstan. He makes me smile. Seriously, what is a Auntie's heart suppose to do, but melt. Right?! :)

haha! Look at that little grin! He loves his bumbo seat!

I can't believe my sweet baby boy is 6 months old already! So glad we have skype to watch him grow up! I can't wait to hold him again! Love you boogie boo!

C-Squared Christmas Party

2011-12-31T12:51:00.006-06:00

C-Squared (TLC's College and Career group) had our Elf Christmas party a couple weeks ago. Sissy was way too cute walking around in her Santa hat. It had to be captured. :)

How can you not love her?! :)
Sissy and her "Aunt Da". Love this girl!
My Elf Friend! She won the contest that night! hehe

Whoo's Having a Baby?!

2011-12-31T12:19:00.005-06:00

A couple weeks ago, Michelle threw a baby shower for Crystal! I love my sweet friends! She did an Owl themed party and it was absolutely adorable!! We are so excited the Larmie's (or Larabelle's as I call them) are having another baby! This makes three! I love their kiddos! I love being their adopted Auntie! Caedyn now calls me Aunt Krista, Noelle (Sissy) calls me Aunt Da....I wonder what Lilly will call me?? hehe LOVE IT!

Whooo's Here?

Drinks, brownie pops, and cake
Brownie pops made my Michelle! She did fabulous!
The cake I made with homemade marshmellow fondant!
The owls!
Veggie cups and cheese ball

Playing games!

Christmas 2011: Putting up the Tree

2011-12-31T11:36:00.006-06:00

After we returned home from our trip to Louisiana; my sister, nieces, and nephew decided to put up the Christmas tree! It was so much fun! We don't get to do that together very often since they live so far away! We turned on the Christmas music and was being serenaded by Michael Buble. :) That man could sing to me ANY time he wants! haha!

So we were "fluffing" the tree and turned around to find this! Kate had wrapped Todd up in lights! LOL

Putting ornaments on the tree!
Kate putting the topper on the tree...Ashlyn decorating the tree
The pickle!! We started a new tradition in our family this year. This is a German tradition where you hide the pickle in the tree and whoever finds the pickle first, gets "good luck" the rest of the year. We thought it was something fun to do....the kids LOVED it!

Me with my nieces and nephew, right before my sister hid the pickle
Looking for the pickle...
Todd found it!!
I love this picture! Todd and I were dancing 'around' the Christmas tree! So much fun! So many memories!
Katelyn putting up our African manger scene!
The Christmas tree! *the beads are killing me here. But the kids did it, so I left it for awhile, but then just couldn't take it anymore...I had to fix it! LOL*
The stockings were hung on the chimney with care...

I LOVE Christmas time and everything about it! I LOVE making memories with my family!!!

If Money Wasn't an Issue...

2011-12-31T11:30:00.001-06:00

A friend recently asked me, "If money wasn't an issue, what would you want to do?" Honestly, I didn't really know how to answer that question. There is SO many things that I want to do. My answer was non spiritual....I want to open up a boutique. A boutique with a twist. A boutique not only for the store, but with a cafe and bakery, party planning, and a photography studio. It's a dream that one day I hope will come true. One day. But....if money wasn't an issue, that is not the only thing that I would wish to do. I haven't been able to get away from that question. It challenged me. It made me think.

What DO I want to do?

I would love to go to an African orphanage! To just love on those kids and show them Jesus.
To make a difference. That requires getting out of my comfort zone. It doesn't have to be big. But by simply being a friend to someone in need. Or letting them know that you understand what they are going through and showing them that you care. Making a difference doesn't require anything big. Just make a difference in their life. Show them Jesus.
To help more children, showing them you care. Showing them God's love.
Helping those in need. Whether it be school supplies, giving food, coats, hats, scarves, blankets, clothes, personal needs. There are so many people out there, that seriously need our help.

I will never forget when our C-Squared group adopted a family for Christmas a couple years ago. The joy that I felt going shopping for someone else that didn't have a lot. I want to get to the point where "Money isn't an issue" and I can help more for those in need...those that really need our help.

What is something that you would love to do?

The Simple Life...

2011-12-31T10:32:00.003-06:00

The past few months have been very challenging for me. It seems like everything that could go wrong, has gone wrong. Received news that in just a few short months, I'll be loosing my job, challenges in my family, loved ones have been sick; it's been a battle. Sometimes life is not always a bowl of cherries.

Sometimes life gives you lemons, but you know what?

Make lemonade!

No matter what happens in life, there is always SOMEthing to be thankful for. There is always SOMEthing to be positive about. Yes, it's not always easy, but it will help carry you through. Look around and count your blessings. Try to live "The Simple Life".

This is one thing that I want to be better at this upcoming year. Share a smile. You never know what someone is going through when you pass them. They could have a smile on their face and you'd never know that they might be fighting the greatest battle. "The Simple Life". To be more compassionate. To be more sensitive to people's needs. "The Simple Life". Putting people first before yourself. Give a hug or two. "The Simple Life". When you ask, 'how are you?', mean it. Compliment people. Pray. Share a simple act of kindness. These are simple things, yet can mean so much!

Be positive. Stay positive. Lift people up.

Live..."The Simple Life". :)

Just a Thought...

2011-12-31T00:56:00.002-06:00

What do you want to be remembered by?

I've been thinking a lot lately. Sounds dangerous doesn't it?! We had a lesson on this at church and I just can't get away from it. What DO we want to be remembered as? I know one thing....I DON'T want to be remembered as someone that is lazy, uncaring, ungodly, rude or selfish; the list could go on. But what is it that I want to be remembered as? You know the saying...something like, "People are watching you, how is your life story being written?" I want to be remembered as someone that is compassionate, loving, cares about others before I care for myself, godly, someone that makes you feel welcome when you walk into the room, someone you enjoy being around and not make people run, being positive in every situation, a giver, someone that is consistant, real, honest, truthful, and loyal; the list goes on and on. It makes you think...how is your life story being told?

What about you? What do you want to be remembered by?

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-12-31T00:10:00.006-06:00

We always have a "photo fest" every time we go down to Louisiana! I'm so glad my cousin Alysia and her family got to come over!! We don't get to see them very often, but we had fun! Just felt bad that she didn't feel good. Love you cuz! Can't wait to see you again!
The birthday girl, Sherri, Robyn, Alysia, and I
Ashlyn and Jessica
Bella and Ashlyn
Bella and I....love this girl. Love the fact that she calls me "Kwista" :)
Bella and Jessica with Granddaddy
Bella and Granddaddy
Cousins with Granddaddy
Jess, Ash, and Bella
Love my cousin!
Granddaddy and his great grand kids
Alysia and her favorite Uncle Bubba
Alysia and her husband Shane
Aunt Virginia and Alysia
Alysia with my Mom
Cousins!!!

I also got to go out with my friend Gus while I was there...for some reason I didn't take a picture. But we had a great time! Laughing, talking, hanging out! Had a lot of fun! I was also able to go to church with him as well, his church family is awesome! It was so great meeting yall!

Before we left Louisiana, we had to have one last photo op with Granddaddy! I was so sad to leave! Sad to leave my family. Sad to leave the South. I miss it.

Thanksgiving: Surprise 40th!

2011-12-30T23:43:00.006-06:00

So, while we were in Louisiana, my sister and I threw a surprise 40th birthday party for our cousin Sherri! Robyn and I love doing parties and love doing parties together, so it was the perfect opportunity! Happy Birthday Sherri! Hope you had a wonderful day!

Full view of the table

creme puff tower
fruit for the chocolate fountain

Love this picture of my sweet cousin Bella
chocolate fountain

Thanksgiving: Fun at Granddaddy's!

2011-12-30T23:03:00.008-06:00

We always have the greatest times at Granddaddy's house! I love hearing him walk around the house saying, "I love all my babies", "You know what? You're one of my favorites!", "I love all these pretty women in my house!", "Good night sweethearts.", "I love having all my babies here!" He's such a sweet Granddaddy! Oh how I wish we lived closer to him!!

This is such a typical picture of him. Working in the shed.
Classic
My sister Robyn and I with our cousin Cindy!
Auntie JoAnn and Todd
My niece Ashlyn and I matched, boots and all! :)

Love my sweet girl!
Sissy and I hugging on our sweet Granddaddy!
Good-Night kisses for Granddaddy
He was loving all the attention lol
haha way too cute!
So sweet!

Thanksgiving Day!! Mom and Dad! ha! Love Dad's expression!
Dad and I talking to baby Karstan in Turkey!
Dad and I enjoying Thanksgiving dinner.......southern goodness.
Mom and Dad and some of my aunts looking at pictures! Aunt Gloria, Aunt Cathy, Aunt Virginia, and Aunt Joyce.

That's pretty much it...we just hung out all day. Spent time with family, looked through the shopping ads, watched football.....lots of football, watched Christmas movies, and ate....lots of food! :) Love spending time with my family!

Thanksgiving: Fun on the Boardwalk

2011-12-30T22:29:00.009-06:00

A week in Louisiana was way too much fun, but not near long enough! One night we spent with my cousins and uncle from Mom's side of the family! We had a BLAST! We went to the Louisiana Boardwalk...and it may not have been the same by the time we left! LOL

I love walking around down here!
Katelyn taking a picture of the bridge
My love for lamp posts comes out again. lol

I absolutely LOVE this picture! My uncle surprised my mom and picked her up off the ground! HAHA!! LOVE her expression!! Priceless!

Cousins! Victoria, Charlene, Me, MaLinda, and Robyn
Love my cousins!! Victoria, Charlene, Me, MaLinda, Robyn, Madeline, and Katelyn

Christmas on the Boardwalk
Ash and Kate
Dad/Daughter: Uncle Wayne and MaLinda
Cousins! Ashlyn, Madeline, and Victoria
Fun times with cousins
Uncle Wayne dancing with Ashlyn in the street! haha FUN times!
Lots of shopping...

haha love these expressions!

Seriously, this was one of the best nights! We had so much fun with our family! Laughed until we couldn't laugh anymore!

Thanksgiving Week 2011

2011-12-30T22:04:00.006-06:00

I love Thanksgiving time! Every day is and should be a day of Thanks. But there is something about this holiday that makes you really think, and makes you grateful for everything in life. We really do have so much to be thankful for. No matter what is going on in our life, there is ALWAYS, without a doubt, SOMEthing to be thankful for! I love going to Granddaddy's house! Although I miss my Mammaw horribly, I still love going there.

Sunday morning we got to go to church with Granddaddy. It's been a very long time since we've been to church with him. Every time we were there, we were always traveling to go back on the days they had church. It was great! Loved getting to worship beside my Granddaddy and hearing him pray!
I love his grins!
Sunday night, we went to church with some of my cousins and my uncle from Mom's side of the family!

Charlene and Mike
Madeline, Victoria, and Ashlyn
Uncle Wayne and Marlene

MaLinda and Colin
Cousins! Me and MaLinda
Uncle Wayne and I
Sisters!!
My sister and Dad

Thanksgiving 2011-traveling

2011-12-28T22:16:00.012-06:00

Every year we go to Louisiana to visit family over the Thanksgiving holiday! I may be a Kansas City girl but I LOVE the South!! I think I may even have a Southern heart! :) If you know me at all, you will know that I LOVE my Southern roots!!

My sister and her kids drove from Indiana to Kansas City to drive to Louisiana with me! It was such a fun ride, but let me tell you....we were crammed like sardines. No lie. We spent the night in Arkansas, the next morning I was able to spend a couple hours, and have coffee with one of my besties! Thanks Mel for spending time with us!

Surprised the kids when we got to the Texas/Arkansas border. :)

Me and my Sissy
My niece and I! It's a tradition now...this is "our" pose. :)

Yep! I chose the Texas side! :)

Had a great trip down there! Now, let the fun begin!

Weekend of Weddings: Recap

2011-12-28T22:15:00.054-06:00

I'm very late at posting this. But about a month ago, my friend Sarah and I were so blessed to be apart of 2 of our dear friends weddings! What a fun weekend! Since it was going to be such a busy weekend, we decided to go up a couple days early for a little vacay!

A little recap for the weekend... flew to South Carolina, side trip to Ashville, NC to see the Biltmore Estate, back to SC, flew to Chicago, drove to Indiana, came back through Michigan, and back to Chicago. All this in 5 days. We're adventurers. :)

It was such a fabulous weekend! The first night we decided to drive around Downtown Greenville, South Carolina. What a fabulous city! It was easy to get around, lots of cool places, the architecture was amazing, and we just had an awesome time!

This was while we were driving around the square, Downtown.

Saw this old church with fabulous architecture! I just "happen" to LOVE old looking doors...especially red ones! And look what we found!

We ate at "Sticky Fingers BBQ". It was good, but I'm hard to please on bbq. You know, since we ARE from Kansas City! :)

After the Borkenhagen/Hunt wedding we made a little stop through...

...since we were just a few miles away! Yeah, we're crazy like that! haha

We were also very excited to stop and have dinner with one of our friends, Beth, that lived close by! It had been a couple years since we had seen her, so it was great to catch up!

We made our way back to Chicago and hung out for awhile before going back to the hotel! I LOVE Chicago! First stop, Navy Pier!

There is just something that I absolutely LOVE about walking through here!

Love the Ferris Wheel!

My friend Sarah that made this crazy weekend journey with me! haha This is on the ferris wheel.
On the ferris wheel taking in all the lights in a city that I love so much!
*sigh* I love this city! But I bet you couldn't tell that by now, huh? :)

Leaving Navy Pier...
Driving around town...if you've been following this blog for any amount of time, you will know why we went to the Hershey store! LOL Why, yes, I had to go see if the Cupcake Man was there. Sad news: it was too late and he had already left! haha!!
Inside story on this so I had to take a picture!
Glimpse of Christmas!

I LOVE Millennium Park!!

Such a fun night! So glad I was able to spend this weekend with great friends!

Borkenhagen/Hunt Wedding

2011-12-28T22:15:00.052-06:00

The next day we flew to Chicago....

...and we rented a car to drive a couple hours to Indiana! Are we crazy? Yes, but it was worth it!
Sarah and Sara!
Me and Sara, she was such a beautiful bride!
Forever Friends!
Her brother walking her down the aisle! I'm so very happy for her! I had to hold back the tears as she walked down the aisle to meet her groom!
Such a beautiful wedding!
Saying their vows...

Prayer over the couple
The KISS!
Love this picture of them!!! The happy couple!

The beautiful cake! Yummo too!

I'm so thankful we got to share with Sara in her special day! So thankful for her friendship! So happy for her and Jamie to find true love!

Torres/Hamley Wedding

2011-12-28T22:15:00.044-06:00

I am so glad that I got to be apart of my sweet friends special day! It was such a beautiful wedding!
Angela looking beautiful as ever!
The Loom was a FABulous place to have a wedding! I mean seriously, how awesome is this?!
Pre-Wedding...
Awesome cake! And it tasted amazing too!
Loved their glasses!
Tables before they were set up for the reception

Walking down the aisle to meet her groom!

Danny surprised Angela by singing to her during the reception!
I love this picture of them! Their expressions are priceless!
The happy couple!
During the reception
My sweet friend Mikelle
Friends!! Jen, Lagene, myself and Sarah! It had been a couple years since we've all seen each other!
love love love sparkling grape juice!
This isn't a good picture, but these are the flowers I did for the wedding.
Jamie and DeVonna
Ella and Pete
Outside view looking in

Great end to a wonderful evening! The bride and groom came through a line of sparklers! It was so romantical!

Biltmore Estate

2011-12-28T22:15:00.034-06:00

The next morning, we got up and drove through the BEAUTIFUL mountains to Asheville, North Carolina!

The drive through the mountains were absolutely fantabulous! It was BEAUTIFUL!

These pictures don't even do it justice. :)

This is the first view we saw of the Biltmore...the entrance. I've already fallen in love with this place!
After driving through the winding roads through the beautiful fall trees...

We finally parked our car, and the next view was this...FAB-U-LOUS!!!! It was so breath-taking!

It was TOTALLY decked out for Christmas!! LOVED it!

Up close and personal to see some of the detail :)

Loved their signs all over the place in the court yard saying what was what.
I absolutely LOVED this candy store!!

Then we drove to Antler Hill Village

The view of the mountains were breathtaking!

I was so blessed to be able to spend this day with one of my besties, who is more like a sister! Her and lil man, Bradyn, drove a couple hours just to spend the day with us!! I LOVE the fact that we got to spend the day together. Even though it wasn't near long enough, I'll take what I can get! :)

We had lunch at this fabulous restaurant! After lunch, little man climbed up in my lap to have a photo op! :) I love this little kiddo...and I love the fact he calls me "Auntie K"!
I adore his smile!

Walking around the Village...

Awe love this! Sweet little Bubs was getting so tired....but he was so good all day long!
I love it when friends feel like family!

Love this little guy!

As we were leaving the Biltmore Estate.....I gasped as I saw this all lit up in Christmas lights! So beautiful!

There you have it......Christmas at the Biltmore! What a fabulous day!

2 Year Old Cuteness

2011-11-03T17:29:00.014-05:00

I love taking pictures of Sissy-girl! Little Noelle is such an adorable little girl with a GREAT personality! She wasn't too sure what was going on at first...

...But she started warming up....
...until she had the cutest little smile!!

How can you not love this little sweet face?!

I love her "silly faces"! :)

She did this on her own! So glad I was quick at the camera on that moment! :)

Love this sweet little girl! I love the fact that she calls me "Aunt Da"! I can't help but adore her! :)

Corporate World

2011-11-01T22:37:00.002-05:00

So as many of you know already, I got some news that one never wants to hear...

My.Office.Is.Closing.

There were so many questions, and so many "why's". They closed 14 offices...all in one day. It affected over 700 employees. But as I've always said...

"It is, what it is. Everything happens for a reason."

I had already been talking about the fact that I needed to change and get something better, yet I had great benefits that I didn't want to leave. I liked what I did. Yes, it has its days, but I like doing what I'm doing.

The good news is that our office isn't closing until August 3rd. So I've got plenty of time to pray and find something. I'm trusting and praying that God is using this to open doors and give me something even better!

So, if you hear of any openings, please let me know! I'm open to almost anything! :)

Missing my family...

2011-10-20T00:06:00.012-05:00

So today was the big day that my sister and her family moved overseas. I miss them so much already!
He looks a little sad in this picture...he wasn't feeling good and he knew that they were leaving. You know you gotta get those last minute pictures in the airport, saying your "goodbyes" (or as we like to say 'see you laters')...It's definitely not easy.

Kar and his Grandmommy
This was at the airport...I was missing Karstan so bad and he hadn't even left yet! And yes, I was fighting the tears big time...
My sister and I....nevermind the teary eyes. :)
Kar with his Grandmommy and Granddaddy!
I don't do feet. But I like baby's feet. I love this picture of Kar's foot! :)

With my brother in law, Jonathan

Talking to baby Karstan through the window after they went through security!

Oh how I miss them! I know they are moving overseas for a great reason! To be missionaries! But, I still miss them!

B-i-g Brother

2011-10-20T00:06:00.006-05:00

This is a painting of my big brother. You see, I've never met him. This picture is as close as I've ever been to Robert Bryan. You see, he was born October 17, 1968. He was born 2 months premature and his lungs weren't fully developed. At that time, the Doctor's didn't have anything to help him like they do today. You see, he passed away when he was only 3 days old.

Bryan turned 43 years old a couple weeks ago. I've always wondered what life would have been like, if there was a brother around. I'm sure there would be those moments where he 'tortured' me, where he took care of his 'little sister', and where we have those heart-to-heart talks.

I know Bryan is up in Heaven dancing around on the streets of pure gold, right along with others whom I love so much. I know he is looking down and smiling. I miss him, yet I've never met him. But I can't wait to meet him in Heaven one day and give him a big ole hug!!!

Family Pictures

2011-10-03T20:37:00.014-05:00

We finally got some updated family pictures!! This was VERY important to me! You see, It's rare that my entire family is at the same place...at the same time. My oldest sister lives several states away and my other sister, who recently had a baby, was moving overseas. We finally got some new family pictures taken not long before my sister moved overseas. I absolutely love these pictures and will cherish them forever! I can't wait until everyone is together again....and we get new ones taken. hehehe If you know me well, you will know that pictures are VERY important to me. I guess I get it honestly from growing up in a professional photographer's home. :)

So here we go! This is my family! I absolutely ADORE this picture!

Live in the City

2011-10-03T20:37:00.011-05:00

Our church hosts "Live in the City" every year! One reason is because we want to go beyond the walls of our church and reach out to our community! We had such a wonderful turn out at this event!

Pastor Gleason welcoming everyone!

Bro McDaniel being the M.C.

We had a car show too!! Those cars were FAB-U-LOUS!!!!
I LOVED this teal one!!! I want to take a snazzy ride in it! I know the owner....I might just have to make a deal.....LOL

TLC Men's Quartet

TLC Choir

Part of the ensemble singing

Worship in the City!

We had a Cardboard Testimony which was absolutely amazing! I took pictures of every testimony before and after but its way to many to post! But here is a picture of everyone's testimony showing what GOD has done in their lives!! This is the kind of awesome God that we serve!!

Ending the day with handing out prizes!

What a wonderful day this was and to be able to reach out to our community!

Featured!!

2011-09-20T12:33:00.002-05:00

So I'm just a little excited that my boutique has been...

...featured!!

House Honcho is an amazing blog that has great household tips!

Their mission: "While you are busy being the head honcho of the one million tasks in your life, Househoncho.com would like to be your go-to guru for all things home management."

House Honcho has so kindly featured Trendy Bliss on their blog! You should go check it out! There is a contest going.....you could be a winner! :)

50th Wedding Anniversary

2011-09-20T12:31:00.002-05:00

My aunt and uncle celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary! What an accomplishment! I hope that one day when I get married that I can live long enough to celebrate 50+ years to the one I love! Congratulations!!

This is the cake at their reception! It was duplicated to look like the wedding cake they had on the day there were married! :)

This is my aunt's wedding dress display!

My aunt and uncle as they were about to cut the cake. :)

Fall is Here!

2011-09-14T20:51:00.006-05:00

(Disclaimer: I did not take this picture, but got it off of the internet)

Can you believe that September is half way over?! Time is flying by way too fast! But, I absolutely LOVE this time of year!

My favorite!

There is nothing like having the windows open and letting the cool breeze blow in. Some of my favorite things:

the season starts to change
it gets darker earlier (although I am not a huge fan of this)
the nights seem longer
leaves start to change color
dew on the windows
anything pumpkin or spice
baking goodies
candles burning
relaxing to some soft music
leaves crunching under your feet as you walk
football
coffee.....Pumpkin Spice Lattes :)
fall colors
sweaters
boots
light jackets...

.......oh I could go on and on about how I love this time of year...but I'll spare you. :)

Would love to hear from you! What are some of your favorite things about this time of year?

Karstan's Dedication

2011-08-28T22:42:00.006-05:00

My little nephew was dedicated at church, during Missions Conference! Seriously, he is so adorable! These few pictures were taken before church!

My sister Darla, her hubby Jonathan and baby Karstan
He looked like such a little man in his little suit! hehe Don't you just want to pinch those cheeks? :)
Oh yeah, I'm a happy Auntie!! He's even grinning in this pic! hehe
Grandmommy is happy too!
Pastor Gleason speaking...
Dedicating Karstan to the Lord
Bro Bernard and Pastor praying over Karstan
Love love love this pic!
With Bro (Grandpa) Markham. :)
Pastor and Sis Gleason with the family!
The family with Bro Markham, Pastor and Sis Gleason, and Bro/Sis Bernard
One last picture with his Auntie. :)

He Holds our World!

2011-08-27T22:09:00.002-05:00

If you know me well...you know I am totally into music. I. Love. Music! There is something about it that is so calming. I am very involved in the music department at my church and I absolutely love every single minute of it!

I am so in love with this song right now. So very thankful that God holds our world in His hands!! He never ever fails us! Even if things don't always go the way we think they should go, He is always on time! He knows exactly where we are and where we need to go. He holds OUR world in HIS hands!! He loves us so much! He will never let us go but always hold us right where we ought to be!

Sunday Sunset

2011-08-21T22:08:00.003-05:00

I was coming home this night and couldn't help but notice God's beautiful creation! This lake is absolutely gorgeous...but even more so with God's handiwork! :)

Ethnic Enrichment Festival

2011-08-20T22:04:00.006-05:00

We went to Kansas City's annual Ethnic Festival today and had a blast as usual! I love watching all the Ethnic dances and seeing what other's cultures are all about! There is over 50 different countries that are represented at this festival! I love living in a city that is so multi-cultured! :)

Every year they have a flag ceremony of every country that is represented. Here are just a few pictures of it, for you to enjoy. :)

Never Give Up!

2011-08-20T18:03:00.002-05:00

Never, Never, Ever Give Up!

A friend of mine that I'm connected with on facebook, shared this video today. I found myself watching it and next thing I knew tears were rolling down my face. It talks of a young man who was running a race (and should have won) but because of an injury he fell to the ground, his father running to his side telling him that he didn't have to finish. The young man was determined to complete the race, so the father finished it with him.

It goes on to say that God's love is just like this. I couldn't agree more! When we are struggling, and having a hard time hanging in there, when life hits hard and things don't always go the way we want them to, don't give up! He always comes to pick us up! Never ever give up, but lean to the One that has everlasting love!! I'm so thankful that He is there not only in the rough times but in the good as well! He is our Joy!

Please take 5 minutes out of your day to watch this. If you know of someone that is struggling, please share with them and encourage someone in your path today!

Just thinking...

2011-08-20T17:34:00.003-05:00

That title sounds dangerous doesn't it? :)

Seriously though, I've had a lot of time to myself lately and have just been thinking about how blessed I really am. A midst when life 'happens' and things don't go quite the way we would like them to, when everything isn't blissful and cheerful...we're still blessed.

Just want to take a moment and say that I am so thankful for my family. I have a wonderful heritage, a godly background, two wonderful parents, 2 amazing sisters that are married to great guys!...I love my brothers! 1 brother who I can't wait to meet in Heaven one day! Beautiful nieces and nephews (*including all the ones I've *adopted along the way) who love Jesus with all their hearts. It makes my heart smile.

I'm so thankful for my friends! You can't make it in this life without friends. I have so many friends all over this country and out. God has placed so many wonderful and talented people in my path...and so thankful to call all of YOU a friend!

My church family. I can not tell you how thankful I am that God has placed me at TLC. Pastor Gleason is the most amazing! So thankful for a Pastor and church family that is continually seeking after Him!

It's even the little things that we often take for granted. It makes me think of when I went to Honduras earlier this year. It really makes you think about things that we have every single day, that others may not have. Such as; hot water, real dish soap, real showers with great water pressure, a normal running car, air conditioning, a safe place to live, a roof over our heads, toilet paper, soap to wash our hands with, a job.....the list could go on and on. So thankful for even the smallest of things.

One thing is for sure....

We are definitely....

B l e s s e d !

Under Construction

2011-08-19T23:43:00.002-05:00

Yep, that's right!!

Since I've kind of {for the lack of a better term} 'avoided' blogging as much lately, I've decided that it is way past time to do some......

major. updating.

Please hang in there with me as I make some changes! :)

Thank You!

Got the Football Fever...

2011-08-19T22:09:00.005-05:00

Wow, what a summer it has been! It's been really busy, yet not busy enough. That doesn't really make sense....but ya know what I mean? :)

Speaking of summer....what was up with all the excessive heat all summer? It's never gotten THAT hot THAT soon here! Here in good ole Missouri we get some crazy heat (even as hot as it got) but it's never lasted for a good portion of the summer like it did this year. I like the hot sunny weather, but not where you can't breathe. lol Needless to say, I'm glad its cooling down a bit. The weather has been super NICE here the past couple weeks!!

It's getting closer to FALL!

I LOVE Fall!! It's one of my favorites!

The smell in the area. Goodies baking in the oven. Change of seasons.

I love everything about Fall!

Speaking of Fall...I'm really super excited that Football is now here and its slowly getting into full swing! Yippie! Yep, I'm a Chief's and Mizzou fan (and Big Orange fan! {that's for you Jen!}) and I can't wait to sport my Red and Gold/Black! The Chiefs had their first pre-season game last week and I'm sad to report that they lost! :( More like....they got skunked. 25-0! How in the world? But that's okay....I'm still a fan! :) Always will be. :) I've definitely got the fever....I'm ready for some football!!

Nothing else real exciting is going on...I'll blog again soon. :)

Until next time...

Honoring the Smalleys!

2011-08-13T18:20:00.005-05:00

This was a very special night! The Smalley's Life Group honored them for their years of service. It was precious. Although I am not apart of their Life Group, these two people hold a very special place in my heart. I've adopted them as part of my family. Love you very much Mom and Pop Smalley! So thankful that God placed you in my life!

She was very surprised as she walked in the door! :)

Our awesome Pastor!
This was precious! I love the family of God!

He was leading worship! :) Videos to come!

Awe!! Aren't they precious!

Videos will be coming of worship service!

Starlight Theatre!

2011-08-08T23:25:00.007-05:00

The beautiful Starlight Theatre!! *This picture downloaded from Google images*

Last weekend I had such a fun evening with friends! It's been awhile since we've done anything together or really gotten out and done much of anything. So we decided to go to Starlight Theatre here in Kansas City! We of course picked the hottest night to go! ;) It was a humid 100 degrees out, but we endured and had a blast anyways! I didn't get a lot of pictures and we weren't allowed to take any during the play. We saw Mamma Mia, which I totally loved!!!....minus the inappropriate parts of course. :) We laughed, we talked, and just had a wonderful time! It was my first time at Starlight.....I know....shame-shame on me...living here most of my life and just now going to Starlight. :) But no worries....I'm hooked now. :)

Starlight has some of the most beautiful fountains!! Kansas City is known for their fountains...and Starlight represents well! I love the City of Fountains! :)

As we were leaving, the fountains were all lit up! It was so beautiful!!

What's Been Going On....

2011-07-30T00:46:00.003-05:00

Not. A. Whole. Lot.

Wow, I seriously have not been very good with blogging these past several months! Not sure why it has been so hard to keep this up to date...But really, nothing exciting has happened....whatsoever. It's been busy, yet, not busy enough to do anything exciting. lol

The weather has been insanely H.O.T. It's been over the 100s for several weeks now. It's crazy!

I've so been enjoying my new nephew, Karstan! He's so adorable! I can't believe he is a month old already! And he has already grown 4 inches! He is apparently eating enough, because his cheeks and thighs are starting to get 'chubby'. teehee! He's SUCH a little cuddle bug!!! I call him my "schnuggle bugs" or my "booger boo"!

Oh! Almost forgot! At the end of September, a local church is having a Ladies Night of Worship, and a place for those selling things to set up a booth! Sooo....I'm setting up a booth for my store, Trendy Bliss! So very excited about this opportunity!

So, with that being said, there really isn't anything else going on. Just wanted to pop in here and let you know I was still alive!

Hope everyone is having a great summer so far! I'm really going to TRY and do better about blogging!

Until next time.....

Trendy Bliss: New Blog

2011-07-14T22:23:00.002-05:00

Trendy Bliss Update!

For those of you that are following my shoppe, I finally started a new blog just for Trendy Bliss!

I will still post updates on here from time to time but thought it would be a little better for my customers to follow updates, promotions, sales, and giveaways.

You can get to the new blog here.

Don't forget that any of our items can be made to your liking (colors and style). If you have any questions (or concerns) please feel free to contact me via the blog, by email, or by the shop messenger!

Happy Shopping!

Trendy Bliss: New Items!

2011-07-09T14:19:00.004-05:00

New items are now released in the store!!

Vintage Red lace shoe clips!
Price- $13.50

Vintage style brooch! Goes perfect with the red lace shoe clips!

Price- $13.50

Vintage Teal Shoe Clips with black

Price- $13.50

Vintage teal shoe clips with silver

Price- $13.50

Vintage style brooch! Goes perfect with the teal shoe clips!

Price- $13.50

Large dark brown lace vintage style brooch

Price- $14.00

Dark brown "bow" shoe clips! Goes perfect with the brown lace vintage style brooch

Price- $10.50

Or you may purchase them as a set for a discounted price!

Vintage teal set: $25.00
Vintage red set: $25.00
Brown lace set: $25.00

Happy Shopping!

The 4th!!

2011-07-04T14:57:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone! I'm just now getting to catch up on my blog! It has been a crazy few weeks with my niece here, my nephew being born, family outings, church, going to the gym, working full time and with my store....but....I haven't forgotten about all you in blog-land!

I trust you all had a wonderful 4th!! I absolutely love the 4th of July!! One of my favorite holidays! I didn't get to do as much as I wanted to this year with all the fun stuff...maybe next year! :) So thankful for all the men and women that fight for this country and the freedoms that we have! I'm Proud to be an AMERICAN!!!

We had a busy day with family and friends, cuddling with my new nephew, grilling out, and then later went and watched the fireworks!

Hope yall had a very happy 4th!!

It's a BOY!!!!!!!

2011-06-28T09:45:00.009-05:00

If you follow me on facebook then you've already found out! I'm just now getting a chance to get my blog updated (so sorry!)

But we are happy to announce that....

IT'S A BOY!!!!!

Karstan Anders Robert Lee Sherry was born June 28 at 5:27am! 7 pounds, 12 ounces, and 19 3/4 inches long!! The picture above was when he was less than an hour old! He smiled right before I took the picture!! I'm such a happy AUNTIE!!

Their first family picture! My sister Darla, her hubby Jonathan and baby Karstan!
Proud Grandmommy and Granddaddy!
Such a proud and happy Auntie I am!!!
My oldest niece Ashlyn! She loves her new baby cousin!!

Sooo sweet!
He has tons of hair! Long feet and fingers!
About to go home from the hospital...almost a week later!
I love how Karstan is looking up at his Mommy and Daddy!

Trendy Bliss: "Black Tie" Collection

2011-06-27T22:48:00.005-05:00

Trendy Bliss has now opened up a "Black Tie" Collection! I'm so excited about this new Collection! Can't wait to get more items added!

Black Satin Pearl Trio brooch

Price- $15.00

May be purchased on our website, here.
Black Satin Pearl Shoe Clips

Price- $13.50...to purchase, go here.

Or you may purchase the set for a discounted price of $26.50 here!

Friends visit from Cali!

2011-06-27T20:41:00.024-05:00

So as I mentioned in the previous post, a couple of weeks ago a couple of close friends came in town from California! It had been almost a year and a half since we had seen each other and I am SO very glad that they came to Kansas City!! We had a blast!! Although I'm pretty sure that every time it rains from now on they will be thankful they don't get bad thunderstorms in Cali like we do here! LOL

We went to Crown Center and had to have a photo op by the famous fountain!

Walking across The Link to Union Station...

Checking out Union Station...

Then we went on to Watts Mills! This was so cool! We climbed a little bit and they had a huge rock out in the middle of the 'falls' so we decided to go explore and see what it was all about. :) It was so pretty and peaceful even if it was in the middle of the city!

Kris and Chelle
Chelle scared me on this one! This dropped FAR....thank God she didn't slip and fall!

We drove on over to the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum...and saw this in front of the Contemporary Art building. ha! love it! We've all had days like that right? :)
The back side of the Art Museum

Is this where all the mens are? haha

At The Liberty Memorial....WWI Monument
About to walk the "Walk of Honor"

My MOST favorite view of Kansas City!

I LOVE lamp posts!

Photo Op at church!

Love this picture!

Harvey's: Union Station

2011-06-27T20:41:00.012-05:00

My niece Ashlyn was here with us for just over a month!! One Saturday I took her to Union Station and we ate lunch at Harvey's!

My beautiful neiece!

We love going to Union Station!

Our food was amazing!! And fairly cheap too! Can't beat that...

After we ate we decided to walk across to Crown Center...
...on The Link!
Love Kansas City!

Theatre in the Park: The Sound of Music

2011-06-27T20:40:00.006-05:00

A couple weeks ago I had friends come in from California! I'll post more about their visit in the next post, but we went to Theatre in the Park one night to see 'The Sound of Music'! It was awesome!! We love going to the Park because it's so family oriented and you just sit out on the lawn, bring food, and just hang out and enjoy the show! My niece has been here visiting for a month and she decided to go with us as well!
Kristi and Sarah
Me and Michelle
My niece, Ashlyn, and I
Starting....."The Sound of Music"

This is a short video clip...don't forget to pause the sound at the end of the page.

Ashlyn and Ayanna's Photo Shoot

2011-06-27T20:39:00.005-05:00

There is just something about doing a photo shoot with your best friends! My niece Ashlyn and her friend Ayanna (Ok, so I've adopted her as my niece too lol) had a blast during these pictures! Best Friends are a precious gift!

Milk & Cookies Baby Shower

2011-06-22T20:26:00.011-05:00

A couple of weeks ago my sister Robyn and I threw a baby shower for our sister Darla! Baby Sherry is due any day now and we are so excited to find out if its a boy or a girl!

The main table! Since we weren't sure the gender of the baby we decided to go neutral with browns, tans, and white with splashes of green, yellow, and turquoise. The main banner reads, "Got Cravings?" hehe

The food table. Chicken salad sandwiches, veggie cups, tea and lemonade to drink.
My amazing sister created this from her shoppe, Chocolate Polkadots! I adore this!
chicken salad croissants
Veggie cups!
wrapped plasticware
Tea and Lemonade
Milk! Chocolate, Strawberry, and 2%
Love this!
Our bottles that we had everyone drink out of instead of cups.
Can you guess how many cookies are in all 4 jars? :)
My amazing sister painted this piece of art from her shoppe Chocolate Polkadots!
The cake I made

Me, Darla & Baby Sherry, Mom, and Robyn
Our family that was there
Darla and Mom
Sisters!
The Party Planners! My sister Robyn and I!
Us with Ash! She did alot of the baking!

Trendy Bliss: 350 Fan Giveaway!

2011-06-13T14:43:00.002-05:00

Hello! Just wanted to give a quick SHOUT OUT to all my lovely fans out there!!

We have been a part of a couple different giveaways lately....and now it is time to give our OWN Giveaway!!!

Our next goal is to reach or surpass 350 fans! Will you help us get there?!

The Giveaway Requirements are simple. :) All you have to do is...
1. Share Trendy Bliss with your friends!
2. Have your friends "like" our fan page and tell us who sent them!!
3. Whoever refers the MOST amount of people will WIN!

The WINNER will receive one of our flowers!

Who is going to be the WINNER??!!? :)

Memorial Day Weekend: Louisiana

2011-06-01T19:23:00.011-05:00

This past weekend was so much fun! So much driving...but had a blast! It felt like we were in the car ALL weekend long....oh wait...we WERE! haha!! 12 hours there, 12 hours back (without our little accidental detour hehe), 45 minutes each way while we were there to get into town. But...I wouldn't have traded it for anything! So much fun and saw lots of family!! Not to mention the fact that we got to each at Aunt Nellie and Aunt Wanda's restaurant!! Got to see Aunt Nellie and Aunt Cathy but I forgot to get a pic with them. LOVED every moment of this weekend! There is nothing like spending time with the ones you love! Cherish those moments!

Shopping at the Boardwalk!

Time for a photo op! Marlene, Uncle Wayne, and Mom!
Cousins Paulette and Charlene with Uncle Wayne!
Me and Uncle Wayne

Sunset on the Boardwalk

Siblings! ha!! Mom and Uncle Wayne...they are always acting silly when they're around each other!
haha love him!

Cool Bridge!
Uncle Wayne and his lady friend Marlene
Sibling
Cousins!!! Paulette, Charlene, and I
Marlene and Uncle
Cousins!! Love them!
LOVE this picture!!
Cousin, MaLinda and Uncle W
MaLinda and Paulette
Charlene and MaLinda
MaLinda and I
Uncle and Paulette
Me and Uncle!
Granddaddy, Dad, Paulette, and Uncle Don playing 'moon'.
Me and Aunt Virginia!
Granddaddy and Paulette
So sweet! He had just given her a kiss on the forehead.
Me and Aunt Joyce
Siblings! Dad and Aunt Joyce!
Me and sweet Granddaddy!!! LOVE him!!

Coming home, we got to stop for a few minutes to see my awesome bestie, Mel!! Wish the plans hadn't of changed so we could have hung out more....but....it was awesome to get to see you even if it was only for a few minutes. :) Love ya girl!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

Trendy Bliss: Newest Handbag is now Released!!!

2011-06-01T18:33:00.001-05:00

The newest handbag design......A Clutch purse!! This is a black clutch bag with a duo set of Red bloom flowers!! Super adorable!! The flowers are detachable so you can mix and match bloom flowers that we offer (in any color...can be custom ordered)!!

Price- $15.00

"Duck and Cover"

2011-05-26T20:21:00.003-05:00

Yesterday we had quite the crazy storm in Kansas City! The tornado sirens went off for well over an hour. There were 4 tornadoes that were in Kansas City an they were circling all over the city. I've never been in a tornado warning THAT bad before and I've lived here 'most' of my life. It was the craziest thing. I was at work when it happened and we all grabbed our bags and headed for the basement. Scary! But, I was praying and had my faith level on high and was certain that God was going to protect us! And He did just that! The tornadoes passed and we were all fine! Thank God!!

This picture was taken by a guy that works in downtown Kansas City and it has gone all over the internet. Just wanted to share what kind of storms we had...and this pretty much says it all. This guy fully captured it! They titled this picture,
"Duck and Cover"

Our hearts go out to Joplin (a couple hours from here), Sedalia, Alabama, and any other area that has been devastated by the tornadoes. Our prayers are with you. May GOD give you peace and comfort during this difficult time!

Trendy Bliss: Welcome Fans!

2011-05-25T23:33:00.004-05:00

Hi fans!! I just wanted to give you a quick shout out! Welcome!! Feel free to browse around! There is a lot of good stuff in there...and a lot of good stuff to come!

I just finished another handbag design tonight!! Super excited about this one!! Hoping to get it released within the next couple of days!

Don't forget that if you see something that you want, but you would like it in a different color, please feel free to contact me!!

Contact Info:

Shoppe
Email: trendy.bliss.kc@gmail.com

Also wanted to give a special shout out to Ruby Loop, Cristi Hoefer Photography, and Sweet Sarenity Boutique for sending so many new fans our way!! Yall are awesome!!

Have a wonderful day and Happy Shopping!!

Krista

Owner and Designer

Trendy Bliss

Trendy Bliss: Vintage Collection

2011-05-25T20:48:00.005-05:00

I am so excited to announce that Trendy Bliss has just launched a....

{VINTAGE COLLECTION}!!!

There are two listings apart of the collection that have just launched!!!

Are. You. Ready?!?

These dazzling black lace shoe clips are just $13.50!! They are {perfect} for that amazing outfit!!

**shoes not included**
**all orders are made upon completion of payment**

And....get this....

You can get this dazzling lace brooch to match!! For only $13.50!

Or you can get them as a {SPECIAL} set!!!

For just $25.00!!

To purchase any of these items, or to check out what other items Trendy Bliss has to offer....click here!

My Bestie came to visit!!

2011-05-25T20:41:00.004-05:00

My dearest and sweet friend came to visit!! It's been awhile since she's been to Kansas City! And although it was a super short trip for her....so glad we got to spend some time together!! Her brother in law graduated high school...but I was able to steal her away for a few minutes!!

And...not to mention the fact that she has the most adorable lil man...that I've adopted as my nephew! I ADORE this lil guy so much!! I love it when you can call friends family!! Family isn't always blood related...its the ones that care about you through everything!!
Love this lil guy!! He's growing up so fast!! But I love getting to talk to him on the phone since we can't be together very often! He melts my heart. Seriously.

Christina got to come hang out with us too! So glad we all got to hang out!

Theresa and Stephanie....if you are reading this...it was awesome getting to see you too! Hope to see you again soon!

Mothers Day 2011

2011-05-25T20:07:00.005-05:00

So this is better late than never right?! Sorry this is so late. Things have been crazy around here and finally getting a chance to get caught up a little bit. Hope all you Mamas out there had a wonderful day with your family!

We had a great time here! Spent the day with Mom and Dad, my preggo sister and her hubby! We grilled out and then played games and hung out. :) Love days like that!

Mom and Dad!
Me with Mom and Dad
Dad, Mom, Darla, Jonathan, and Beebie Sherry
Mom and Darla

My preggo sister! This was taken at 7.5 months...she's right at 8 months now! Can't wait for the beebie to get here!
Sisters!!
Mom's favorite flower...orchid!
The basket us kids got her so Dad could take her on a picnic!

Headed Home...to the good ole USA!!!

2011-05-25T19:59:00.004-05:00

By this time...we were ready to come home. Sad to leave Venita, but ready to get home. These pictures were taken at the airport as we were getting ready to leave. Taken from the plane...and also taken up in the air.

Loved the view of the mountains!

Teguc is known for the TOP 2 in the WORLD for the shortest runways! Yikes! Here it is folks!
The rest of these are pics from the air as we kept getting higher...

Riding first class style home......thanks to Continental....

Welcome back to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!! Where I nearly kissed the ground when we landed! LOL So good to be back home!