Happy Monday!!

It IS a happy Monday! This is my first week to be officially full-time so I am SAVORING my day off!! My last post was kinda dark so I wanted to write something a little lighter, even though I don't have much to say. Last night we had a cookout at our house for some of our close friends and it was super fun. I made turkey burgers and sweet potatoe "fries" and grilled corn on the cob. Yum! We are so very blessed to have these friends, we are all at about the same season in life so it's just nice to share that time with them. The big topic last night was about the kayaks that we all want to get. We LOVE anything outdoors and these guys are super adventurous so the next big thing to tackle is kayaking. We found a cute pink one at Academy Sports too!! :) I'll let you know how that one goes. This morning I went to the mall which is something I NEVER do. I usually only shop out of town...mostly New York when we go but since we didnt go last month Jay told me to go pick out a few things. I found some BEAUTIFUL bcbg heels for about 30 dollars...they were 110!!!!!!!! I am so excited!! I also got Jay some work shirts. Oh and I went to Old navy and I found some cute tops way on sale in the kids department...my little secret place to shop! The I had a lunch date with my dad. We went to a new little cafe and it was so yummy. We always have lunch dates on Mondays! So nice :) I ran to Fresh Market b/c I've been looking for whole wheat pastry flour and sure enough they had it! So then I went to Walmart and got the rest of the groceries. Phew! Now I am at home and have been baking. I made Jay some chocolate chip marshmallow cookie bars. I found the recipe online and I thought Jay would like them. I just took them out of the oven and they smell so sweet that I am getting nauseous...blah. I did use the whole wheat four and all organic ingredients but just the thought of eating them makes me woozy. I used milk chocolate chips and I HATE milk chocolate...I guess thats why. ANYWAY, Jay is going to be working in Tupelo for a couple days this week so I'm really sad about that. I am sooo attached to him and I HATE when he's away. Hopefully he'll finish quick so he can come home! He leaves tomorrow morning. Well, not much else to say. I'm about to go jogging and do Pilates. Oh and on a GREAT note...MY SISTER AND NEPHEWS ARE COMING FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!! I'm soooo excited!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now that I'm full time I wont be able to spend as much time with them as I want to but welcome to the real world. :( Well I hope everyone is having a great Monday!

Trials

Todays been a rough day. My Chiari symptoms have all been in full force and it's just exhausting. I'm not here to complain but to simply be human. So much of me wants to just curl up and cry and beg for it all to go away. People often ask me if I ever say "Why me" and to be honest I do ask that a lot...but not in the way that you think. I ask God "Why are you using me and what are you teaching me?". If I didnt learn and grow from this, I am not living, I am truly just existing. I know that there is a reason for all of this and I know that I have been connecting with people b/c of it and that does make it worth it. I talked to a lady about a year ago who had a son who was severely brain damaged and she was so angry with God but b/c I could relate to having a brain condition and dealing with doctors and all of that, she listened to me and her heart seemed to soften. We had such a powerful but sweet conversation and she had tears in her eyes when it was over. She couldnt argue with my testimony and thats all I could offer her. I dont know how her son is today and I may not ever see her again but I know that in that moment, she had hope. People also ask "how do you go through this every day" and the answer is so simple. The joy of the Lord is my strength. We ALL have our own trials and they are all big to us. My sister has something called Sjograns Disease which affects all the moisture producing glands...eyes, etc. She has also developed arthritis in her hands. She has two precious little boys and one day she may not be able to hold their hands as tight as she can now. I get emotional just thinking about that, but that is her trial and she IS ministering to people because of it. The joy of the Lord is HER strength. There is a lady who I have spoken of on here before from our church who has Lukemia and from her medicine has now developed tinitus...CONSTANT ringing in her ears. This goes on while she is trying to sleep, pray, work, worship...yet every Sunday she is counseling people who walk down front and she always has such a smile on her face. When I see her singing and praying, I can't help but think that while I am hearing pure music and singing, she is hearing the sound of crickets yet she is so full of joy. That is HER trial and she has touched so many people. I could go on and on about people who have been given trials but choose to use them to bring glory to God. He didnt allow this to happen b/c we didnt something wrong, it's because He trusts us to do something right with it. I am commited to doing that. There are also stories we could all share of people throwing their opportunities away but for now, i want to encourage you to use the trials you are given, no matter how small they are "compared to other peoples" and bring honor to His name. If you will, leave a comment or encouragment, we could all use it!

Thought you'd wanna know....:)

Who were you with last night: Jay and I were being lazy together after a fun day on the boat

What woke you up this morning: Jay kissing me goodbye

Is tonight going to be a good night: Yes, it's meet the parents on the Bachelor tonight..lol

What's on your mind RIGHT now: my tummy hurts from eating that humungous cinnamon roll i made jay

Would you take a bullet for anyone: several people

Do you listen 2 music everyday: yep

What is your favorite kind of soda: i haven't had a soda in years..yuck
How long til your b-day: 7 1/2 months

Does a kiss make you feel better: always

Do you start the water before you get in the shower: yes, i know it's wasteful
Have you ever had stitches: yup, i'm a zipperhead

What are you doing tomorrow: working, working out, making dinner :)

What is your favorite cereal: kashi go lean with light vanilla soymilk..i could eat it every meal

Have you ever been skinny dipping: we had a pool in our hotel room on our honeymoon so technically yes

Funniest thing you heard all day: ???

Do you snore: nope

What are you wearing: workout clothes

What was the last thing you had to drink: unsweet tea...surprise surprise

What is your favorite kind of soup: butternut squash

Taco sauce- Hot, Medium, or Mild: none

Do you remember your first kiss: yes, gross

Have you ever used someone else's toothbrush: i dont think i have

Would you rather get up early or sleep in: get up early, i can never sleep in

Tell me about the shirt your wearing: it's just a workout top, not very exciting, i just did pilates

Do you trust people: very carefully

How much do looks matter: as much as they need to..lol

Do you tell your parents everything: no, they dont want to know everything, i'm married..haha

What color are the walls in your room: plain new house color...soon to be grey
What do you order at IHOP: an aids test, it's in the ghetto

Do you want to tell someone something: my nephews that i love them...in person

Who would you want to be stuck in a cave with: i wouldnt wanna be stuck in a cave, thats spooky
Look to your left, what do you see: daisey zooming past me

What is the weather like: perfect

Have you ever glued your fingers together: yeah, when i was younger and tried to put on fake nails by myself

What time do you go to bed: after kimmel

When is the last time you had butterflies: today thinking about work

What are you going to do this weekend: working :)

Do you like to swim: love it

Favorite kind of cookie: mooshy chocolate chip

What is one thing you say WAY too much: that's so funny

The Good Shepherd

So, this has been another busy week. Jay started a new job that we are both very excited about. There is a lot he can do with this company so he can really take it where he wants to go. This has been an earnest prayer of ours for quite a while now and the answer came at just the right time...as always. It's so hard to ever doubt God's goodness because He proves Himself faithful over and over again. We are so very blessed. My work has been busy this week also. One of these days soon my brain will explode from everything I'm trying to retain so that should be an exciting event. I'm working extra b/c the time is fast approaching when i will be taking over the new position. I'm so nervous about all the responsibility but I feel confident that I'm being trained thoroughly. This week I am working every day and trying to prepare for a wedding shower at our home on Saturday. I have sooo much to do and Jay's working on his check list! At the end of the work day, I am so tired that I just want to dive into a hot bubblebath and not do anything! :) But we make a good team!

Just wanted to share something else. My hearts been feeling heavy recently. I don't know exactly what has brought this on, but I have been extra burdened for the people close to me who aren't Christians and also for the ones who have strayed so far. My heart physically hurts when I think of someone who I care about so much not going to Heaven when they die. But not only that, they could be living such a richly blessed life here on earth. Why don't they understand? I know they can see the joy in my life so what is it that doesn't click with them? Jay's parents aren't Christians and his dad recently made a comment to Jay about not caring about dying because he has nothing to live for. Can you imagine waking up every day with those thoughts? I can't. I think what makes me even sadder (is this a word?) is those that grew up as strong Christians, in a great family and now in adulthood have decided that they just don't need Jesus. It's sooo exciting when a child gets saved (I was 6 when I was) but at the same time, I feel like we have more of an opportunity to take salvation for granted b/c we don't actually remember our lives any other way. Of COURSE we need Jesus. I'm so sad thinking about how that makes our Father feel. My mom was reminding me about how the Bible describes it in Psalms though. When He talks about being the Shepherd with a staff and He gently pulls us back to Him when we stray. Thats so comforting. Anyway, I will be praying specifically for these people in my life and I encourage you to do the same in your own life. Never write someone off, I have seen too many people come to know Christ to ever doubt that it can happen. God is good!

Questions!!

Question #1 How did you get your name? my parents "argue" over who really named me but I know my mom saw a gameshow contestant with my name and liked it

Question #2 A memory you won't forget: there are so many but a very vivid memory that actually has to do with memory is waking up from my first brain surgery and for the first time in months, my mind was clear and i could remember things that I couldn't before, its was such a good feeling

Question #3 Favorite color: it just depends on what we're talking about...wall color? nailpolish? car?
Question #4 Favorite foods: i love natural, whole foods of all kinds...i love all fruits and vegetables, fish, nuts..
Question #5 Favorite drink: lets all say it together....unsweet iced tea with splenda :)
Question #6 Favorite brand of shoes: i love bcbg heels

Question #7 Favorite brand of clothes: for everyday clothes, forever 21...jeans, i love citizens and david khans and for dresses i love dolce :)

Question #8 Favorite icecreams : i think my favorite is cookies and cream...but i love tasti-delite and pinkberry yogurt in nyc

Question #9 Your best friend: i know its boring but jay truly is my bff
Question #10 Favorite animal: anything but cats....but i loooooove doggies
Question #11 Future career: owning my own studio soon :)

Question #12 Favorite restaurant: Walkers in fondren and Muro Cafe in NYC

Question #13 Favorite tv shows: Big Brother...haha, we're addicted
Question #14 A country you like to visit: Brazil

Question #15 Favorite book: cant get enough of the Bible, and i just got a really cute book called "everything you pretend to know and are afraid someone will ask"...its very educational

Question #16 Ever thought about being gay? oh there have been times back in the day when i thought it would be MUCH easier to become a lesbian than to deal with boys...lol

Question #17 Favorite cell phone company: att

Question #18 whats your personality: grouchy and mean ;)

Question #19 Favorite old movie: we grew up on shirley temple, thats about all we were aloud to watch
Question #20 Favorite old song: does Hanson count as old yet?? LOVE them
Question #21 Lucky number(s) 3 and 13

Question #22 Latest you have ever stayed up: ive had my share of all nighters
Question #23 What kind of friend are you: i tend to take on a motherly role, i like to take care of my friends

Question #24 Favorite car: i like the smaller lexus suvs

Question #25 A friend you left hanging: ive never left one hanging on purpose
Question #26 Something you'll never do: say never :)

I got home from Florida late Thursday night and I had the best time! I went to Ft. Myers to spend time with my sister and brother-in-law and 2 precious nephews. Jonathan is almost 4 and I have had a special bond with him since the second he was born (I actually got to see him being born!) and I am so enjoying seeing him grow up. When Jonathan was just a few months old, my sister got really sick and spent a lot of time in the hospital and the rest of us as a family took care of Jonathan. I guess thats why I feel responsible for him even today, b/c of how much he "needed" me (us) to take care of him then. Tyler is almost 1 and he takes a bigger piece of my heart every time I see him. I remember worrying that I wouldnt bond with him like I had Jonathan b/c I wasnt going to be there for his birth but I was so wrong. He is the spitting image of my sister and is a very loyal little boy.
Being with them for a few days and seeing how hard my sister works is so humbling. I know that I work very hard in my job, but it's a completely different part of the brain that is exersized. It's constant and it's unpredictable. But no matter how tired I got from being such a rookie, seeing their little smiles in the morning made it all worth it. I feel so blessed to have them in my life and I will always claim to be the proudest aunt ever. I'm going to treasure those last few hours with them when Jonathan wanted to be held and he put his cheek against mine and said "I'm gonna miss you Aunt Kimmie" and "do you feel sad?" and "Can I pretty please get a ticket to come with you??". But I am counting down the days until they come for a visit in May. Here is a pic of me and the boys that we managed to get in a split second. :)

i got tagged

Thanks Morg!
The rules of the game get posted at the beginning. Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people, posts their names, and then leaves a comment on their blogs, letting them know they've been tagged.



What was I doing 10 years ago?

1. I was 14 and thinking life couldnt be anymore complex..haha, little did I know!

2. I was very into my figure skating competitions and dreaming of the Olympics :)

3. Spent every free minute with the Purple Hippos or my hilarious friend Jamie

4. I was going on any trip that CHBC offered, mission trips, camps...

5. This was the age when you always wrote notes to your friends so I did a lot of that!


5 Things On My To-Do List Today:

1. Work at Amy Head

2. Go by The Club for a tour

3. Mail invitations to a shower

4. Go by the bank and the market

5. Do laundry from Florida



5 Things I Would Do If I Were a Billionaire:

1. same things I do now just more of it...tithe

2. pay off house

3. open an Amy Head Studio

4. give money and show people how to manage it

5. travel, travel, travel



5 Bad Habits:

1. caffeine

2. not taking out my contacts

3. being too scheduled

4. obsessively working out

5. not changing the oil in my car often enough


5 Places I Have Lived:

1. Amory, Ms

2. Madison, Ms

3. Jackson, Ms

4. DeLand, FL

5. Madison, Ms


5 Jobs I Have Had

1. serving iced tea to addicts like me at McAlisters

2. EVERYTHING at The Courthouse Gym for 8 years

3. teller at Bank Plus....sooo boring

4. Clinique...awful experience..I actually prayed for Jesus to return

5. my AMAZING job at Amy Head Studio



5 Tags:

1. Lindsey

2. Brycie

3. Olivia

4. Steven

5. Emily