In the LiFe of...

i'll huff, i'll puff...

2011-02-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

i'll blow your house down.

Tyler is king of huffing and puffing...

(it is well past Valentine's Day)

not that he will blow our house down (ha. funny) but to send me his message of annoyance. Bless his heart, he just doesn't know better and he sure as heck doesn't get away with it!

Tyler gets called out and he still has to help me... so it is a lose, lose for him (suckaaa). I'll be honest, I am PARTIAL to blame for his huff and puffs because I MAY, SOMETIMES put him to work the minute he walks in from a long day of work but still...

I had to have my mirrors hung, right then, and I needed a man to do it, a strong man ;)

(oh-boy)

Well, this morning we were both a little on edge and as much as I hate to admit it, I might have huffed and puffed as I had to pick up after Tyler once again. It wasn't necessary and I am sure I will get called out tonight when he gets home but that is besides the point...

What is it with men and their inability to put things where they belong???

I couldn't have more labeled containers, boxes and baskets for every little thing and it still doesn't happen.

Ohhhh, Tyler dear, what am I going to do with you!?

Dinner on him...

2011-02-14T14:09:00.000-08:00

dessert on me.

well to my much disappointment of last night I was happy to wake up to this!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

My Valentine
Inbox
X
Reply
Tyler Rose
to me
show details 7:34 AM (9 hours ago)
Good Morning my Sweet Beauty!!

Would you join me for dinner tonight??

Love you see you soon!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Happy Valentine's Day...

2011-02-13T09:18:00.000-08:00

the day before.

Tyler has been in Dallas this weekend for work and he will be coming home late tonight and I am sooo excited! I always like to do something special for him because traveling for work can be mentally and physically exhausting. With Valentine's Day being tomorrow this gives me the perfect opportunity to show him my love the day before!

What can I say...

LOVE

US.

We don't necessarily do gifts, unless Tyler is feeling extra sweet (hopeful thinking), we just... do special things; I bake. You can honestly win Tyler over with anything chocolate and this year I plan on doing that with sugar cookies and chocolate angel food cake with baileys whip cream!

The candles are lit, the table is decorated and the treats are out...

He will no doubt love me FOREVER!!

Must I say that this is a much better surprise than when I came home last week to the laundry basket overflowing and the dishwasher stuffed with every pot and pan ;)

Happy Valentine's Day

(the day before).

*Just my luck, Tyler missed his connecting flight so he will be spending the night it Atlanta. I hate it for him and I hate it for myself... just another day at home without my car and my phone on my only busy day, Monday.

I am totally bummed.

The Little RED Dress...

2011-02-04T07:18:00.000-08:00

National Wear Red Day.

02.04.2011

TODAY - millions will help spread the critical message that "Heart Disease Doesn't Care What You Wear—It's the #1 Killer of Women." The Red Dress, the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness, was created by The Heart Truth in 2002 to deliver an urgent wakeup call to American women. Everyone can participate in the national movement by wearing their favorite red dress, shirt, tie, or Red Dress Pin

Did you know....

2011-02-03T08:07:00.000-08:00

FEBRUARY

NATIONAL HEART DISEASE AWARENESS

MONTH FOR WOMEN.

Did you know that heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases make up the No. 1 cause of death in American women, claiming about 455,000 lives each year, or nearly one death each minute?
Cardiovascular disease is largely preventable.

One study found that if women adhere to five lifestyle choices involving diet,
exercise and non-smoking, 82 percent of coronary events can be prevented.

HeartCaring utilizes a three-pronged approach that engages hospitals, clinicians and consumers in the early diagnosis and intervention of cardiovascular disease in women.

HeartCaring Heart Risk Assessment

HeartCaring Heart Attack Signs and Symptons

Be Aware Women and Take Action!

what I'm loving...

2011-01-27T13:24:00.000-08:00

wednesday.

Kelli at The Kegley Family, is queen of linking and posting so to see her participate in "what i'm loving wednesday" is no surprise to me :) She has much to love and to love on (have you seen her baby boy?)

Not sure what I am to do here but I guess a good start would be to list what I'm loving on this sunny (no snow) Wednesday :P

(What I am NOT loving is my husband playing his guitar and making up songs while I am trying to focus)

LOVING...

the stripes I just painted in our living room!

I had a vision. Text Tyler that if he helped me with a project when he got home I would feed him (food always works)!

Well he got fed but he must have got lost on his way to helping me.

"Don't you want to think about it for a few days Kayla?...

next day the walls were measured, taped and painted! :)

No thinking needed!

LOVING...

My Droidx

Can't text for the life of me but I am a "sliding" machine ;)

Apps that I LOVE Urbanspoon and Point Inside!

LOVING...

The Tudors!!

JB sends us movies that are a must see. They mostly do with our country and faith since those topics seem to be the biggest debate and controversy and which he has the greatest passion for. First we were given John Adams and now we are onto The Tudors! We are addicted to this series. It's brilliant!

"To get to the heart of a story you have to go back to the beginning"

LOVING...

bubble baths

I seriously take one everyday :D

LOVING...

my new birth control Depo Provera!!

3-month shot, insurance covered, baby proof to it's fullest...what's not to LOVE?

LOVING...

the agenda my sister-in-law just sent me for my trip to Dallas!!!

Next Tuesday I fly to Dallas for a week! We have so much baby planning to do; decorating the room, shopping, organizing, making curtains, bumpers and more!! The rest of the family arrives Friday evening. Mandy has a baby shower Saturday at my Aunts house. Then Sunday it is a SUPER BOWL PARTY!!!!!!

LOVING...

My Meals on Wheels seniors!

Every Monday morning I delivery food to about 11 seniors throughout the Greenwood area.

I LOVE my route, I LOVE my seniors,

I LOVE to give back and volunteer as much as possible!!

(whoops, I should probably include Tyler in this list of LOVES. haha)

LOVE YOU!!

Happy Wednesday.

Hung with..

2011-01-27T11:17:00.000-08:00

LoVe.

I love getting cards with updated information and pictures of everyones family!!! Please don't ever remove our names from your mailing list- we appreciate them. This year people blew me away with their cards and creativity. I may just keep them up all year round :) During our holiday party, everyone commented on how many we had. I was surprised but felt even more blessed! Thank you friends and family for sending your love.

Tyler and I didn't get our cards out earlier enough for Christmas or the New Year but we will be sending out Valentine's Day cards! What better way then to spread our love than on the official

LOVE DAY!!!

kiss. kiss.

Christmas Post...

2011-01-27T09:53:00.000-08:00

in January.

Super late! However, I couldn't blog about one family and not the other (especially my own)!!

I can't get enough of Christmas spent with my family... it is far from ever being relaxing and quiet. From ping pong tournaments, late night movies and games, mothers breakfast for champs, annual family Christmas dinner at Eddie Merlots, shopping, and decorating the Christmas tree together... we would have it no other way!! We are all busy and traveling can be difficult but we always make the effort to meet up in Indiana and it never seems to disappoint!

Here is the FAMILY; baby J-rod Jr. (coming in March) and all!!

Mother always out does herself when it comes to gift giving. Ever since we were little she has come up with some pretty creative ideas on keeping our gifts separate from each other.

This year Mandy made it "easier" on her by sewing bags that can be stuffed and tied at the top. We each got out own fabric and I was fair warned that I had one less bag than everyone else... tisk, tisk-NOT acceptable in the Seaman family! Mother made it up by pulling a little extra out of the back room for me :D

Zeus had a great time with cousin Libby although he was not on his best behavior.

Sorry pup, but if Grandma Jo doesn't board you first next year than we may just have too.

Stockings are my absolute favorite!! I am crossing my fingers that next year I will atleast get a stocking seeing that the little babers will be getting everything else ;)

Proud Resident of...

2011-01-25T08:59:00.000-08:00

South Carolina.

it's official...

I'm a South Carolinian and I'm a Rose!

I know took forever, 243 days to be exact with 153 days over the recommended time frame. Whoops! Lets see here, I've been married for almost 3 months and my license is the only thing I have changed so far. Just handling one "pain in the rear" duty at a time! :D

I started thinking about it and in the past 4 years I have lived in 4 different States;

Indiana, Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee and now South Carolina!

Tyler and I absolutely LOVE living here; not only do we have beautiful weather year round but we can enjoy the mountains, city life and the beach within a few hours!! Never taking for granted the blessing of our home being on Lake Greenwood, 212 miles of shoreline, giving us plenty of room to fish, swim and boat around.

Please, please, please my Lord, if it is your will let us stay

here for ATLEAST 2 years!!!

Amen.

Please turn to page 72...

2011-01-16T10:50:00.000-08:00

in your Nordstrom January 2011 issue.

"If ever a shoe said spring, it's the new striped espadrille"

My heart skipped a beat when I flipped to this very exact page, I instantly fell in love and that is a true confession of a shoe addict! Bravo Tory Burch you just created my new must-have :)

Now for a real confession...

On our drive to dinner I called the Galleria Dallas and spoke with a shoe consultant on exact arrival date, I kind of have an app for that. Now I just hope my size is in stock when I arrive the first week of February!!!

Mandy, were going shopping!

Happy Birthday...

2011-01-13T14:24:00.000-08:00

to US!!!!

Tyler born on January 11, 1984

Kayla born on January 12, 1984

(seriously)

Thank you friends and family for sending us each our own individual cards, gifts and love on our birthdays :D

BUT the card winner for 2011 would be YOURS TRULY... actually, I smoked his fine self!!

I watched Jared and mom battle it out each year over who had received the most cards so if I can't technically claim to be older than him I can sure as heck claim a victory in a friendly birthday competition ;)

It's that time of year...

2010-12-18T13:44:00.000-08:00

to spread good cheer.
First Stop Arkansas
Tyler and I started our holiday travels last night and made it to Arkansas around 2am (we even made good timing). It does help to gain an hour even though it is technically the same. ha. These past few months have seem like a never ending road trip. Last weekend we just got back from Indiana celebrating the life of my Grandma Margaret Burke...

Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd,
I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
AMEN.
(tear)

And now here I am sitting in the Rose home; so peaceful and quiet, so relaxing it is, so...WEIRD. It's me a Zeus all alone, WE LOVE IT? Yes, yes we do. This is one of the many reasons why I savor my time at the Roses because it is in fact just a little bit quieter than say the Seaman household ;)
Well, how much I enjoyed my 5 minutes of serenity our week of family fun has officially begun!
Frosting cookies, movies, games, festival of lights, ice skating, shopping, dinners out and more.
It's that time of year to spread good cheer!!

Sunday afternoon Bev, Tyler and I headed to Little Rock to start our Christmas shopping! T and I purposely shopping is really never good. Add a time restraint, list, the general public and a budget - expect major altercations ;) You see, T knows my limits and like any husband he feels as if it's his duty to help me overcome them (thank you dear for caring).
Patience... Love is patient, love is kind.
Love is patient, love is kind.
I have patience with kids, pets and cooking but when I am on a mission and a list to check off twice, you can be sure I am begging the Lord for a little more. So it began, I stepped into the mall and was immediately in "Kayla-mode" (as T likes to call it). All-in-all, despite the occasional separation leaving T up to finding his own way, little annoyances, and maybe a few comments on when advise is helpful and not helpful... we did pretty good! :D Didn't get all our shopping completed but we left under budget with all smiling faces and that is something to cheer about!

That evening the Rose family surprised our sweet niece Stephanie as she played Mary in her church Christmas program! We all piled into the front row and gave her a standing ovation on a spectacular performance; she has an amazing voice!! I was so proud!

Our nephew, JB, in green as a disciple.

Monday came and it was treat making time!!! Lindsey and I have been anticipating this day for weeks now. We just envisioned plates & platters piled high of cookies, chocolate and candies, OH MY :D We baked for atleast 6 hours; ugly sweaters, Christmas music, cards and all!

Snowball Cupcakes
These were mini chocolate based cupcakes stuffed with cream cheese and topped with marshmallow fluff icing!!

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Haaaalleeelujah!

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

I am still in search for the perfect sugar cookie recipe but this for now is an easy and better than ever go-to recipe that I love more and more each year. We got so busy baking and cooking chili (which Chels, your White Chicken Chili was a huge hit!!!! Thanks FRIEND) we never had time to frost them. haha. WORTH IT!

Chocolate Covered EVERYTHING...

cherries

peanut butter & ritz sandwiches

pretzel rods

(stay tuned for updates on our family fun and holiday travels)

Gobble, Gobble

2010-11-24T11:11:00.001-08:00

THANKSGIVING. I LOVE.
I have been looking forward to Thanksgiving since the minute we got home from our honeymoon! During our 12 hour drive I planned out our whole menu & weekend plans :) Tyler is on call this year so we will be giving thanks in South Carolina. However, we will not be spending it alone; we will be with family!! Tyler's cousin Lindsey & husband Brandon are driving up from Florida for the weekend and I couldn't be more thankful.
Preparing for the holiday has been crazy but enjoyable never the less. This past weekend Tyler and I did some major post-wedding shopping with all our gift cards and extra cash! The Boston team gave us a Best Buy gift card and we bought ourselves GUITAR HERO (i love.) & an xbox. His xbox broke a while back and you obviously need one to play so there we were
"happy shopping".
Besides, we were just at BB&B buying our pots and at Dillard's buying the rest of our pans & dinnerware;)
It's called balance. We both win. I love.

Last night Linds & I finalized our first Thanksgiving menu -
this should be interesting and entertaining...
a miracle really if we pull this off :)

Appetizers
Sun-Dried Tomato - Chevre Cheese with veggies
(recipe from Pesto, Tapenade's & spread cookbook; love you Mandy)
Pigs-in-Blanket
Meatballs

Dinner
Cream of Spinach Soup
(kitchenaid food processor; love my mother-in-law.
Le Creuset Stock Pot; love the Hatzog family)
Burke Platter Special Salad
(Armetale salad set; thanks Albrecht family)
Butter Basted 8lb Turkey
(courtesy of Lindsey's employer)
Sweet Potato Casserole
(kitchenaid mixer; love to Aunt Janine & Uncle Dave)
(Ceramic baking dishes; special thanks to the Searcy Hostesses)
Momma's Corn Casserole
(fabulous Crate & Barrel baker's ware; thank you Mrs. Smith)
Green Bean Bundles
Cranberry Sauce
Sister Schubert Rolls

Dessert
Pecan Chocolate-Chip Pie
(hand held kitchenaid blender; thank you my bestest Chels & Mrs. Luthy)
Apple Caramel Crisp
(baker dish; love you Kelli)
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Espresso,Cappuccino, Latte
(Breville Cafe Modena; love to the Burke family)

Flatware; our sweet Mamaw
"R" Wine Glasses; love, love, love my Momma
Dinnerware & Table Setting; thanks to the Maloney, Andrews, Bolinger & Henderson family
Utensils; special thanks to my Little Rock ladies
Pots & Pans; all my love to cash & gift card givers

Blessings to all.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING - GOBBLE, GOBBLE.

It is good to be...

2010-11-19T07:24:00.000-08:00

HOME.

This morning was the first time I have felt like my life is back to some what of my normal routine. A 2 week vacation with a wedding the first week and a honeymoon the second can really throw things off a bit! ;) I will blog about both of those soon but as of right now it is good to be home and that is what today is about!
Tyler and I drove home Wednesday and as he started back into work yesterday I got to work on our house. I knew I only needed a day since I can't stand the house being out of order, cluttered, not cleaned and disorganized. haha. Plus, I was very excited to see our home transform into something wonderful with all our gifts from friends and family; I had a special place for each & every piece!! I got cleaned up, poured myself a cup off coffee, turned on a recorded show (after 2 weeks you have a lot of catching up to do) and began to unbox; BEST DAY EVER!!!! :D
Yes, I am crazy...you can ask my husband.

I woke today at 8:45 feeling refreshed and excited to start my day off with my morning walk at 9. It's personally my favorite way to "get away" and more so start my day. I feel at peace when walking amongst God's glory! The sun is just perfect enough to give me heat, the trees are still holding the most gorgeous warm colored leaves and the streets are quiet (everyone around here walks at 8). I think and talk amongst myself about of my life, my expectations, my goals, accomplishments, doubts & fears. It's my time to reflect on the past few days and anticipate on what's to come. It's my time to relax with no phone, no computer, no one else but me and my God.
On today's walk I asked myself "do I feel different"? The answer, YES. It's not that romantic, mushy gushy, butterfly feeling of marriage or love but it is that deep completeness of this is OUR LIFE and what an undescribable feeling that is!! I sense as if our home is the start of it all. As I sit here at our kitchen table I see our weding wreaths hanging from the window and our ROSE sign above the door, this is our home. We purchased it together, we painted it together, we decorated it together... I don't feel like a "guest" in his condo nor does he feel like one in my apartment. The only memories that lie within these walls are those that we create. We will pray here, we will fight here, we will make love, we will have visitors and throw parties- this home will comfort us and protect us and this home will be with us forever.
Now that is a beautiful feeling to start off with this beautiful marriage!

Better than apple pie

2010-10-11T05:22:00.000-07:00

cake.

I baked an apple cake last night and I have been anxiously waiting to blog the recipe . Tyler's affirmation of "Kayla, this is my absolute favorite" wasn't good enough but my slice of cake this morning with my coffee confirmed that it is truly worthy for my readers! You can tell how the recipe is going to turn out by tasting it along the way; looking at what the recipe called for was my first indication for possible perfection, tasting the batter (a few times) before baking was my second realization that we were off to a really good start and then pulling it out of the oven and smelling the deep scent of cinnamon and nutmeg paired with the apple aroma was practically the icing on top. There was no way my "Better than apple pie cake" was going to fail me now!! So here it is... I call it it "Better than apple pie cake" because it is half the time, half the effort but twice the goodness! ENJOY!

Prep: 20 min Bake: 40 min Temp: 350 Dish: 13 x 9 x 2

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter; softened

2 cups sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2 eggs

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

5 cups chopped peeled tart apples

Butterscotch (or for me Butter-rum) Sauce

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup butter, cubed

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream or a few splashes of Rum (yum)

*Having a warm sauce on top is a perfect compliment to the cake. I hardly ever have hwc on hand so in my case I used rum. Trust me though you really don't have to add anything to the sugar & butter, it will be plenty good! Caramel wouldn't be all that bad I bet.

1. In large mixing bowl, cream the butter, sugar and vanilla. Add, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

2. Combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and baking soda; gradually add to creamed butter mix until well combined.

3. Spread into a greased 13 x 9 x 2 baking dish. Bake at 350 for 40-45 min or until top is lightly browned and springs back when lightly touched. Cool for 30 min.

4. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine brown sugar and butter. Cook over medium heat until butter is melted. Gradually add cream or rum. With cream, bring to a slow boil stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Serve with cake!

Fall Food Favorites...

2010-10-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

yummy-yummy in my tummy.

Allow me to share with you two of my favorite fall recipes so far!!! They are easy, full of flavor and comforting on any chilly day.

Remember when cooking make it your own by using what you have and what you love!!

Penne with Almond Sauce

Ingredients:

1 lb penne pasta

2 cups silvered almonds

2 1/2 cups chicken stock

1/4 cup evoo

3 cloves garlic, peeled & smashed (I shake some minced garlic if I have no cloves)

2 cooked chicken breasts (cut into cubes)

1 cup frozen peas

1 can diced tomatoes, drained

3/4 cup of cream

1 large lemon, zested (if not on hand, I omit)

salt & pepper (to taste)

2 cups grated parmesan

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (I shake the basil if no fresh on hand)

1. Cook pasta as directed into salted water. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water)

2. In blender: Combine almonds, stock, olive oil & garlic. Blend until smooth

3. Transfer sauce into large skillet, cook on medium heat. Bring to a boil & cook, stir constantly until thickens.

4. Add cooked chicken, frozen peas, can of tomatoes, cream & zest. Season with salt & pepper.

5. Toss pasta & 1/2 cup parmesan cheese. Add chicken mixture & remaining parmesan cheese & basil. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen almond sauce.

*ENJOY*

Peach & Strawberry Crumble

(or use berries in season; blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cherries)

Ingredients:

Butter for pan

Filling:

2 TBS lemon juice (1/2 large lemon)

1 1/2 TBS arrowroot flour*

1 lb strawberries, halved*

1 lb peaches, peeled, pitted, sliced*

1/2 cup light brown sugar

Topping:

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

2/3 cup old fashioned style oats (not quick oats)

1/2 sliced almonds

1/4 cup light brown sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

1 stick unsalted butter, chilled & cut into 1/2 cubes

1. Preheat oven 350 degrees. Butter 8x8 baking dish.

2. Filling: Whisk together lemon juice & arrowoot flour until smooth. Add strawberries, peaches & brown sugar. Pour fruit mixture into prepared dish.

3. Topping: In food processor combine flour, oats, almonds, brown sugar, cinnamon & salt. Pulse until mixed. Add chilled butter. Pulse until butter is size of peas.

4. Sprinkle mixture over fruit filling. Bake on center rack for 40-45 minutes; filling bubbling & lightly golden. Cool for 5 minutes.

*ENJOY* with whip cream or my favorite, vanilla bean ice cream!!!

* Cook's Notes:

-Arrowroot flour is similar to cornstarch although it is a natural thickener grown from the root of the plant. It is a wheat free, gluten free, tasteless flour. The fine powder becomes clear when it is cooked which is ideal for fruit fillings, glazes & puddings. It is however sometimes hard to find so replace the arrowroot flour with cornstarch. The sauce will just be more white than clear!

-Replace fresh fruit with 1 lb frozen & thawed fruit. Reduce arrowroot flour to 1 TBS and cook as above.

blah, blah, blah...

2010-09-28T21:33:00.000-07:00

Here is the following conversation I had with Tyler today via bbm. I wanted to share it with you because he being such a nerd when it comes to the heart is one of the many reasons why I LOVE HIM! This boy of mine is just something else!!

Tyler: I love trashing the house when ur gone

Kayla Janelle: (insert angry face)

Tyler: Dirty dishes under the couch

>Bellybutton lent on ur side of the bed

Kayla Janelle: Better be careful I am out shopping with your money!

Tyler: hehe

>That's ur leverage

>I've got your cardiac plan worked out. Starts after kids...

>And you need to make sure both of ur brothers are getting their calcium scores.. That is the important one for them

>Urs is coming about 35

>Is Jared getting blood tests yet?

Kayla Janelle: I don't know. Ha

Tyler: Bc he needs to now that he's 30

>Well tell ur mom. I know she'll tell him!

Kayla Janelle: Get a life!!

Tyler: Biggest heart risk for women is after menopause

>The average heart beats 1.5 million times a month

>I gave my social life up so that others may live

Kayla Janelle: We both agree that you have too much time on your hands

Tyler: Too much healing on them u mean

Kayla Janelle: hahaha. You're ridiculous

Tyler: Sydinhams chorea is the same bug that cause rheumatic fever

>And it does not increase nates chance of MI

Kayla Janelle: That's what Nate had

Tyler: Exactly

>Itd be real funny if I had just mentioned that randomly

Kayla Janelle: What's MI

Tyler: "Myocardial infarction"

>Whoops. Heart attack

Kayla Janelle: Oh right since this is a normal topic of conversation for us!

Tyler: Is he taking a statin?

>I know isn't it fun?

Kayla Janelle: I'm trying to enjoy my dinner and you're ruining my life

>(insert sweet love face)

Tyler: Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Kayla Janelle: Yes he is taking a statin. They cut it in half bc he was tired

>Oh boy...

Tyler: That was the beta blocker they cut in half

>And if u wanted to know the actual brand was carvedilol

>I mean generic

Kayla Janelle: love you.

Tyler: Love you too...

>I'm just lonely

>My cardiology never leaves me.

and so it beings...

2010-09-15T06:57:00.001-07:00

2 months and counting.

Alright, less then 2 months but it is just easier on the "bridezilla" that lies within me to trick the mind into thinking that it is September 6, 2010 and we have exactly 2 months to go :) A few things that I learned early on in this wedding process is that I can see why people are engaged for years in order to plan a wedding. But then again does any bride ever feel calm and in control whether she weds in 9 months or 2 years? Probably not. A wedding planner...GENIUS! I am my own but I would not turn away anyone that was wanting to take this task on. I have secretly hired Carrie Gee to be mine even though she is strictly the event coordinator for the resort, whatever ;) Last realization or more so advice to anyone getting married is take a leave of absence... crazy-no, extreme- maybe, worth it- yes!! The only true and honest relaxation I have is every morning when I wake up and know that all I have is time on my hands in order to make this wedding and my life just a little more enjoyable. I am flexible which works well with everyone else who opens their business doors at 8 and closes at 5.

A few updates and breathable moments...
The invitations have been sealed, stamped and sent. I love them... to know just how many people came together in order to make these special blows my mind! Couldn't be happier!!

Mom and I came up with the overall look and idea. We stole the life of sweet Alexandra Seminaro, art graduate from Taylor, who managed the project and most importantly made the paper wrap by hand with all natural elements. FABULOUS!! The woodgrain was a photo taken by Beverly of a tree that Roger had cut down. I did the text and color and had a company print them. And to tie it all together the envelopes were coffee stained since I seem to have nothing but time on my hands and for the main fact that we can't have white envelopes with ivory paper! Come on people...details, deatils.

I was a little worried seeing that the bulkiness of them weren't really mail friendly. I figured if all fails they would be returned to my mother who would have to deal with the 200 beautiful inviations laying on her front door step! Luckily for her I have been receiving response cards everyday... but wait, no names on them?! Did I and 6 other editors actually miss the part where you put a line for people to write their names! haha. OH BOY, time to decode the zipcodes!!
and so it begins...

Beauty...

2010-06-23T15:05:00.000-07:00

in a box.

I did my usual Walmart run the other day... the one where you go in with the intent to stick to your list but then you find yourself quickly off track. I am telling you, Walmart is rolling back their prices and I am right there enjoying every bit of it!! I have yet to find anything better than an awesome deal on FOOD! We all have a grocery budget and I am the one to spend every last penny (if not more). When I can buy more to save less, I do. Enough about food... here I am getting off track again. I'll save this for another day because cooking deserves a blog all to itself! Yes, it is that worthy, plus I haven't had dinner yet and I am watching Julie & Julia so thank you for understanding.

The beauty aisle. About a year ago I have resorted to boxed hair dye. Gosh, even saying it hurts...not because I am BETTER than that by any means but who doesn't enjoy their salon day? You run in with no makeup on and your hair not washed for the second day, vent knowing that your lady is in total understanding, get your hair washed, scalp massaged, blow dried and then curled to perfection; always leaving feeling like a new you!! Awwww...it's a beautiful thing :)

Today, when I entered the walmart world of hair dye three women joined me. One older, possibly looking to freshen up her platinum white hair and another woman maybe hoping to hide her first spotted grey strand. I am pretty sure I spent more time in that aisle then I did with the bread. Do you KNOW how many options there are for bread, of course you do! Ridiculous?? YES!

I am naturally a brunette and will always be one, however I am far from being natural. It's true... I think it was 7th grade I colored my hair with the box for the first time and came to the realization that I do not do blonde! Once you color you can't stop, it's a bad, expensive cycle... BUT we all do it. It's the one thing we have the power to change that gives a woman an instant gratification without long term effects.

Totally worth it!

As I was trying to find my next "natural" hair color I started laughing inside when I started to pick apart my thoughts about what is it about these boxed face models that I am looking for? I have to admit that before I even turn over the box to see exactly the color transformations I look at the models. I picture their life, maybe what they do, where they've gone or what they have seen; maybe just something more. Lets be serious though, is that box model really a deep auburn? Probably not... she could easily be a blonde but she definitely has me fooled. Just a funny process really because 30 min later I left the box aisle with L'oreal dark brown for not just a "Whatever, I don't care" but for an exact rhyme and reason.

Back to being...

2010-02-25T12:13:00.000-08:00

ME.

I should be blog banned for waiting so long to write. It's not like nothing has been going on, actually it seems to be the complete opposite which probably has everything to do with me being absent. I won't bore you with details but I will summarize and briefly get you up to date in the life of Miss Kayla Janelle!

PAST

Christmas was FABULOUS this year! The whole Seaman clan(& our dogs) spent a week in the Valhalla home which was bitter sweet. I got to sleep in my original room; twin bed, purple bedspread, doll wallpaper border, wicker furniture and all!! OH-MY! Brought back a lot of memories...memories that will never be forgotten & forever be a part of me! I am excited for my mom and her new chapter that she is starting in Fort Wayne. One thing is true that there will never be a place quite like Upland, experiences that continue to make me laugh so hard, and friends that will always have a place in my heart.

After a week home, I drove Heathers car and her dog Haley to Colorado Springs!

Longest drive of my life...

spent a good few weeks with her which was greatly needed!! As you know, Heather has been fighting the battle of the undiagnosed. It's one thing to talk and read about it on her blog but to watch her struggle to just get motivated to get out of bed is a whole other story and sadness. She continues to have a great spirit about it and focuses her energy on teaching her kids which she loves and is amazing at! I enjoyed going with her to the doctors, sit with her, watch movies, do dinner, shop, SNOWBOARD, birthday celebrate, and nap ALL day! :)

I don't think God ever meant for life to be spent alone. So many people in this world and I can honestly say that if I were to do ANYTHING I would love & prefer to do it with ANYONE!!

PRESENT

I am no longer nannying...no longer working... and bored out of my mind! I miss that whole family, occasionally I call miss Merritt and just hearing her voice brightens my day. Nothing like hearing the life of a 6 year old to put your own in perspective.

With all this free time I have been helping Tyler get his house in order to sell, sew, take walks with my boy Zeus & travel to Fort Wayne which is my new favorite part-time job! :) Come April I am looking forward to getting involved & doing something that I truly love; make a difference in some way but till then I will just be enjoying my travels home & visiting the people I love!!!

(I love how the PRESENT paragraph is the shortest.HA)

FUTURE

This girl is getting married to Kenneth Tyler Rose...the love of my life!!! As of now we don't have anything set as in where & when but hoping come the end of this month things will start to come together...were making progress though! ;) Time has definitely given me the opportunity to plan this wedding but it's not the same when you don't have friends or family nearby to help out....hint my travels home :P

Tyler was recently promoted to Sales Rep for Boston Scientific and will be moving to Greenwood, SC come the 1st of April to take on that whole territory! I am SOOOO proud of him! He has worked very hard to get to this point and it will be a challenge but together I know we can do it. Greenwood is a smaller city 45 min south of Greenville, a few hours from the beach, Atlanta & Charleston so I say were in a pretty good location. Looking forward to starting our new life together there and seeing what God has in store for us.

Continually seeking, praising, and loving our Lord in a new and profound way!

Make Yourself Happy...

2010-01-05T10:43:00.000-08:00

RIGHT NOW!!!

I found these "Happy Tips" in a magazine I picked up at the Dr's office and thought these top 10 inspiring do's should be adopted in everyone's New Year's resolutions instead of the banishment of chocolate, forced gym visits and vetoed trips to your favorite boutique!!

1. HAVE THE DOUGHNUT

Stop avoiding that amazing bakery.

Walk in, buy that heavenly treat and enjoy!

One doughnut never killed anyone ;)

2. GO AHEAD: VENT

Shut yourself in your room for 10 minutes and let it all out-

laugh, cry, scream, pound a pillow.

3. JUST SAY NO

No, I don't have time to help you bake cookies for your sister's shower.

No, I can't loan you 20 bucks.

No, no, no, no, no!

Wow, doesn't that feel good?

4. CREATE AN A.M. MANTRA

If your alarm's ring makes you groan, think one upbeat thought.

Now peel back the sheets, and get going!!

5. SPLURGE

Go for that pedicure, massage, or Pilates class you've been eyeing.

Fine, they're not needs, but don't wants count for something?

6. REPEAT AFTER US

Next time you're at the mirror and evil descriptors come to mind, say

"Wow, I have a spectacular ______ (insert favorite body part)" five times.

7. DO UP BREAKFAST

Instead of skipping it (again),

invite friends over for a potluck brunch - with mimosas.

8. SLACK LIKE MAD

You run around like crazy all week.

This weekend, pencil in "absolutely nothing."

Hello, mental-health day :)

9. GO FOR DESSERT

Hit a glam restaurant late, and just split creme brulee:

one-tenth the price and calories of having the whole meal there.

10. SAY HI

Owe like 20 friends a call?

Phone just one; you'll feel better instantly!

More top 10's to come for the year twenty-ten!!!

Tis the Season...

2009-11-23T06:36:00.000-08:00

TO BE CREATIVE!!

So this past weekend I broke all my personal rules of holiday decorating. I try very hard to not even think about Christmas until Thanksgiving has passed. It's hard since towns have started lighting the streets with Santa's sleigh and Marie Carey has already claimed her spot on all speakers across the mall. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas, but I love THANKSGIVING just as much!!

Sorry, I just had a moment which I really should stop typing considering the fact that I just decorated the whole house in red and green!!! BUT hear me out friends, I have a legitimate reason...First, I have had my fall/thanksgiving decorations up for a good while now and Second, with Tyler and I traveling A LOT this time of year I just wanted to be able to enjoy the Christmas spirit in his home! So that is why I gave myself permission to decorate;

TIS THE SEASON :)

Last year, Tyler and I had just started dating so for Christmas I gave him a tote filled with all your Christmas decor essentials. The kid didn't even have a tree!!!! So I had my hands full if you can imagine. The hardest part I have realized when it comes to decorating is your STYLE. Christmas has gone from standard red & green to now practically having your own mini Mardi Gras in your living room. So considering the fact that Tyler is a MAN...I went with red, silver and black for his decorations, couldn't scare him away quite so early ;)

That was then but it has almost been a year so I have officially taken full ownership when it comes to his house decorating!! That's my territory and although I respect his input...lets be serious, I really don't care ;) So I couldn't help but toss out the old tree ornaments and buy all new ones! While I was home, mom and I did the usual shopping day. We went to this new store in Fort Wayne called Gordman's, I would say it's a mix between Stein Mart and T.J. Maxx, pretty much has it all at a very low cost!!! Anyway, fell in love with a red/green country Christmas and basically STOCKED UP (it went perfect with my obsessiveness of berries for Christmas)!! :) That's my style; simple, classic with a hint of chic.

Along with having the fundamentals such as a tree, garland, lights, Christmas table ware, and a few throw pillows I fully believe in being creative with what you have!!

So check out these easy, creative ideas that I use from every day to holiday...

Wreaths

Inspired by Pottery Barn

Discouraged at paying $49.00 EACH, actually absurd, so I made both of mine for $10.00,

thanks Hobby Lobby...I love you :)

POTTERY BARN

MINE.. send cards so I can add them :)

Table Canisters

Clear, tightly sealed canisters

Home Goods between $5-$7.00 each, all different sizes

We love to snack and with people coming in and out of our home I think it adds a nice touch of comfort. So come seasons or holidays I fill each canister with a finger friendly treat! The canisters are great because you can leave them out and not worry about the food getting stale.

I haven't decided what I am going to put in them... but it will be a nice variety. Maybe white chocolate peppermint bark, chocolate covered cherries and fruit infused candy canes :)

These also give me an excuse to cook and not wait for a dinner party of 8!

To add some flare to your canisters you can tie ribbon around the top or get 2 or 3 different sizes & prints and tie them around the back in a knot or bow.

The Great Outdoors...Indoors

better than fresh flowers

One year I took branches and spray painted them white but this year I went with the barks natural color with a touch of greenery. The leaves will not last forever...however, I'll either leave it bare or go back outside and get some more green leaves.

The joy of God's beauty right in your back yard!

Signs, Stars, Baskets, Candles, Vases, Curtains, Ribbon

If you have something PERFECT in your office, guest room, bedroom or bathroom that would work then don't be afraid to use it where everyone can see and enjoy!!

I switched out baskets, changed candles, covered cushions with an extra curtain (can use/buy fabric), brought inside our flower pots, used a few pillows from the guest room and wrapped my everyday decorating balls with Christmas ribbon securing them with pins!

MAKE IT WORK!!

Kayla's Korner...

The $1 store is fabulous for your home holiday shopping!! Perfect for buying your ribbon and decorating candles! When all said and done you can throw it away and start fresh next season. No fuss over storing your candles and stocking up on that specific ribbon fearing that they wont have it next year. Lets be honest there will always be cuter ribbon and better scented candles...always!

Also, while giving to your neighbors, co-workers and those at church is always a sweet gesture you do not need to max out a credit card to do such a thing. Save your money but do consider everyone when it comes to the holidays. Dollar Tree always has festive bags, plastic plates and containers that with ribbon, a friendly note and some home made treats; you and your family will be a blessing to all!!

My life as it is...

2009-10-03T07:49:00.000-07:00

KIDS WILL BE KIDS

This time around I am nannying two precious girls, Merritt & baby Cate. I love kids, something about them just brighten my day and allow me to be child-like but then again something about them can really...well you know ;) I met this family thru some friends that work with Tyler; both Greg & Meg are cardiologists and after having their second child Meg was ready to get back to work a couple days a week.

Cate is about to turn 1 in just a few weeks!!! She and I spend a lot of time together now that Merritt is in school. These past few months have been all about trial-n-error. Cate started walking super early and now I have a hard time keeping up with her! We're still working on solid foods but she has a mouth full of teeth which my fingers and toes feel daily; OUCH! Her favorite snack is of course baby puffs... which I don't blame her; the 3 of us usually have a daily puff party! :) However, any green veggie that goes in comes right back out. I am still pushing her to take 2 naps for she gets cranky real fast... Cate usually goes down around 10, up for lunch then down again around 3. Trust me, she doesn't miss a meal! Thanks to "on demand", Cate is on her way to become a baby genius :) She loves to count animals and numbers. You can just see her little mind working as she watches them jump, skip, and dance across the screen. Somedays you may even catch her dancing and me singing along. She'll play with anything she can reach but she does know the word "no-no" which is helpful. Of course I say it with a smile on my face, followed by "love" :) When she hears it, Cate will stop and look at me as I repeat myself and then moves onto something else...give her 10 minutes and she'll be right back to it!

Heck, Kids will be kids!!!

Merritt is now counting down t0 her 6th birthday in just 12 days!! She is a hoot I tell ya... her mom and I get a kick out of the things she does and says. She just started kindergarten and goes all day, everyday. Not too long ago when I picked her up from school she was excited that she asked this boy to be her friend; Merritt LOVES school! Must I say she is the most fashionable kindergartner I have ever seen!! She dresses herself to perfection from head to toe. Some days when I walk in she, Cate and her mom are dressed alike thanks to Merritt :) She is a smart girl and at her age she is trying to figure it all out. Just the other day she and I were having our mid-day snack and she said "Kayla, I just realized why Cd's skip"... why is that Merritt... "because, they forgot their words". I couldn't contain myself, by far the best answer I have ever heard! This is just one of the many intellectual conversations Merritt and I have ;) We enjoy thinking about the "what ifs" and picking apart every little detail. She is hilarious though when it comes to her little sister. Wrestling with her, dressing her up as a human baby doll, and forcing her to do everything she clearly doesn't want too is, well "good for her" Merritt says! :)

Oh what can I say but that kids will be kids!!

Tennessee Resident

2009-09-28T14:02:00.000-07:00

HOME SWEET HOME

Here I am, officially a "Tennessee Resident"!! After 3 trips to the license branch I finally got it right! Seriously, nothing more annoying I tell ya...soon not only will you need 2 forms of stamped mail with correct address, birth certificate, social security card, drivers license and passport but they will ask for a blood test and a 2 page essay on why you deserve to be a Tennessee Resident :)

So here it is, reasons to why I deserve to live in Tennessee, the Volunteer State

(and no I didn't do this for Arkansas because I had NO reasons)

1) I love Tennessee, who really doesn't

2) I don't HATE the Vols; actually I have already attended one game but honestly the orange can easily give one a migraine and what really IS a Volunteer?

3) I do eat meat BUT I rather throw my fish back after catching them and I only have frozen chicken and turkey meatballs in my freezer so you will not see me dressed in camo hiding quietly in a deer stand...if anything, I will be the one with an apple in my hand just looking for a fuzzy friend

4) I wouldn't say I am a "green" individual but I do own some clothing that are made out of bamboo and I do like to buy organic foods so am I environmentalist? maybe! ;)

5) My heart breaks for those who suffer and are in need so I definitely do what I can to give back

6) I drive the speed limit; give or take 5 mph

7) You will not find my name in any unlawful or criminal files

8) Come spring I do expect to pay taxes, which I should probably start saving now

9) I am a working citizen with a bachelors degree

10) With my new license I did renew my voters registration...GO 2012!!

11) I love, love, love going out so even when the economy is down you will still find me shopping at the mall, sipping on a Starbucks, sitting in the cinemas, or enjoying lunch at my favorite sushi cafe

12) Last but not least, I am generally a very happy person so I promise to bring JOY to all those around me as I claim my residency here in Knoxville, Tennessee!!

Next will be to change my INDIANA license plate! :) baby steps friends, baby steps!!

All letters and boxes filled with my favorite things should be sent to the following...

9611 Eva Marie Way

Knoxville, TN 37931

Colorado Visit...

2009-07-05T14:11:00.000-07:00

In the life of my sister

I had a week off so I took a trip to visit my lovely sister, Heather!! I have never been to Colorado during the summer time so I was really excited about living her life. We had an amazing time... I hated to leave! The weather was cold but by the end of the week it was perfect. It's hard to say which time I liked better; the summer offers a lot more than the winter but skiing/snowboarding is the passion every CO native shares! One thing is for sure...whether you can see the grass or not, walking out your front door to the sight of mountains is a blessed experience and lifestyle! Every morning with my coffee in hand...the Lord took my breath away!!

There are too many pictures to post so I'll do my best to give you my whole experience in a nut shell.

Once I arrived we went to the top of PIKES PEAK!!! I haven't been since dad took our family in an RV..."PIKES PEAK or BUST BABY"!! :)

Sorry, I don't have any pictures; let's just say that it was a blizzard! Freezing cold with massive amount of snowfall! It literally blew my mind but it was just as fun as the first time around...safer too ;)

All week long Heather had a theatre camp! They did the Wizard of Oz and the Lion King... by far the cutest kids acting, singing and dancing!! I got to participate in some impromptu during the week and do the children's face paint for their recital... LOVED IT :)

During the week I was their Tyler and I had our 6 month anniversary; little did I know that for weeks before, Heather and he planned a little something, something for us both since he couldn't be with us! :) That Sunday, Heather took me to a cute town in the valley where we went horseback riding up the mountain to enjoy our steak dinner!! YUM! Were lucky we made it taken that Heather got pulled over on the way which made us miss our tour. haha. It acutally worked out in our favor because we ended up having our own private tour and dinner together at the top!!! Our chefs spoiled us rotten when we arrived :P

Pictures of our drive; green with trees and then white as can be!

One day we went to the ZOO!! I can't tell you enough just how much I love zoo's...it always makes me happy :) Colorado Springs zoo is by far my favorite! Heather and I spent hours there seeing everything...TWICE! hehe. Giraffes are by far my absolute favorite! So you'll see lots of pictures of them; one almost ate my face ;) I was thankful that Heather got to see her moose since she's been on the hunt for one every time we drive.

They had a ski lift where we could see the whole city and Denver!

After the zoo we stopped to hike the 7 falls. It's 7 waterfalls that makes up 1 waterfall; stairs connects them all and well my calves doubled by the time I was finished. We just came across it so it was funny to see everyone in their serious hiking gear while Heather and I supported our summer flip flops ;)

At night each waterfall turns a different color

At night each waterfall turned a different color..it was pretty amazing

Look at what we came across... PRETTY FUN! :)

Praying for...

2009-05-05T18:52:00.000-07:00

Micah Rine Pate

& family

A Harding University graduate and Searcy native goes out for a walk in her Tennessee neighborhood and never came back. That's the story Pate's husband Thomas told police after his wife went missing Thursday.

But Friday night, Thomas Pate confessed to killing his wife and led police to the location of her body found in Shelby County near the Loosahatchie River in Tennessee.

Saturday, Bartlett, Tennessee police charged Thomas Pate with second degree murder in the death of his wife, 26 year-old Micah Pate. He's being held at the Bartlett jail this weekend on no bond. Micah Pate is from Searcy and a graduate of Harding University. Police said earlier that Micah left her home to go running around 8:30 Thursday night. Even though at the time, they didn't suspect foul play, her home was taped off for any evidence.

But with the news of the young woman's death, there's been an outpouring of emotion on Micah's Facebook page.

It begins with friends offering prayers and heartfelt thoughts for her safe return.

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd,

I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

He restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness

for his name's sake.

Even though I walk

through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD

forever.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=92471745070&ref=mf

Meet a special someone...

2009-03-25T16:48:00.000-07:00

Mr. Kenneth 'TYLER' Rose

I know everyone, especially those at home, are all curious so here he is my boyfriend, Tyler! We met thru a mutual friend and if I didn't say her name she would kill me so THANK YOU Mrs. Jill (Kemper) Jones!

Tyler and I actually attended Harding together at the same time and have a lot of the same friends but never crossed paths. I like to say I never gave him the time of day :) Tyler grew up in Searcy, AR where Harding is located but is now living in Knoxville, TN. We're managing the 3 hour difference actually pretty well; we both make an effort to see each other whether it's in Atlanta, Knoxville or off on some random trip Tyler puts together! He is a clinical rep for Boston Scientific covering the Knox territory. Basically, he's a freakin genius when it comes to pacemakers and his profession amazes me! Tyler saves lives everyday and he absolutely loves what he does!! I am very proud of him!

Let me just go ahead and brag about my handsome

southern man...

Most importantly, Tyler is a man of God and continues to encourage me and guide me everyday thru the good times and the bad. He is extremely smart and his brain just blows me away. He's practical and thinks objectively while always staying positive. Tyler is easy to talk too; I can truly tell him anything that is on my mind and a lot of the times he makes us talk about what's on my mind! He is a great listener (when I am not loud. ha) and helps me understand life. We balance each other out; I organize his life and focus on the details while he concentrates on the big picture and makes sure were both heading in the right direction. He helps me relax while I help him focus on the important issues. Tyler is a genuine, caring, loving man that is gentle with his words, touch and feelings towards not just me but others too. He admires his father and loves his mother more than anything!! He makes me laugh, makes me feel special, important, respected and I would trust this boy with my life! He's always on the go, taking on a new adventure and wanting to see the world with me by his side;

lets just say...

I am a very happy little girl!! :)

First date in Atlanta!

A Knoxville Christmas

New Year's Celebration

We camp together (I KNOW)

and hike together (I KNOW)

but then I make him attend weddings with me!

FAIR ENOUGH ;)

We ask for your prayers as we continue to center our relationship around God!

Can't wait to bring him home to good ole' Upland!! :)

Upland Retreat...

2009-03-23T12:32:00.000-07:00

ATLANTA STYLE

So the ladies of Upland have decided to make an effort every year to get together and have some girl time which is always greatly needed! Let's go ahead and call it the UPLAND RETREAT! :) This year it was the A-T-L; Heather flew in from Colorado, Mom ad Chelsee came in from Indiana and well Tammy, Ann and I all stayed put and planned a week of shopping, nails, movies, late night talks, walks, ice cream, dinner's out, and Cirque du Soleil; which may be the greatest thing ever, def a must see!!

(Yes, a detailed schedule with time, weather forecast and appropriate attire was made and sent out to everyone made by yours truly! hehe.)

To say the least we had an amazing week...just like old times; if not better! It's great how some things never change. We all may be miles apart but the love and closeness we share with each other has always stayed the same and that is what BEST FRIENDS are all about!

We are still the crazy Upland girls that laugh way too much and talk too often!!

Well Family and Friends...

2009-02-09T14:52:00.000-08:00

"That's a Wrap"

So I have started my own little business called "That's a Wrap". I custom design towel wraps for women and children of all ages! It is something that I enjoy doing when I do not have the children. It keeps my creative spirit alive and my fashion drive going!! While I was home over Christmas, Ashley took some photos for my website that is in the process of being made. She did a fabulous job and I couldn't be more pleased or grateful!! Ashley is a very talented young lady and a blessing in my life!!

These are perfect for out of the shower or a trip to the beach. Something so practical turned into something so personal with just some ribbon and bows!! Each towel designed to my customers liking and button holes making it easy to adjust for anyone, any size!

I will keep you posted on when my website is complete but until then feel free to email me if you would be interested in having your very own...

kjs.thatsawrap@gmail.com

To capture the moments...

www.ashleynackephotography.com

thank you.

Happy Birthday Big Sis!!

2009-02-04T07:37:00.000-08:00

MY SISTER

from

SPORTY

SWANK

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

TO THE GIRL WHO...

loves unconditionally

cares effortlessly

lives to life's fullest

encourages whole-heartily

walks faithfully

speaks gently

expects the unexpected

dances gracefully

laughs hysterically

sister by blood

best friend by heart

In Loving Memory...

2008-12-13T15:55:00.000-08:00

Richard Allen Seaman

Loving husband, father, son, brother, teacher and mentor

Kayla's Buddy...Daddy's Little Girl

I have fought the good fight,

I have finished the race,

I have kept the faith.

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness,

which the Lord, the righteous judge,

will award to me on this day.

11 Timothy 4:7-8

What does the Lord require of us?

To do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God.

Micah 6:8

10 years of constant missing, loving and thinking of your heart and soul!!

I love you Daddy.

Lil Baby Kaiya

2008-12-12T07:33:00.001-08:00

Please pray for lil baby Kaiya

Just the other night 2 month old, Kaiya Dekorne, was admitted into the hospital and diagnosed with bacterial meningitis!

Please pray for her and her family during this time of many tests and lots of waiting!

Mark and Heidi, I love you both and will continue to pray for your sweet baby girl as God watches over her and keeps her safe in His hands!

feel free to visit http://www.carepages.com/carepages/Kaiya for updates on baby Kaiya!

I'm Thankful for YOU...

2008-12-07T09:02:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays! I love my family more than ANYTHING and to be with them all in a 3 days spand...

WOW, is all I have to say!!!

THANKSGIVING BURKE STYLE

So this year we changed up the holiday tradition a bit which made it fun and exciting! We didn't have a feast of dinner but a feast of appetizers that we ate Burke style... all day with endless amounts!! :) Throughout the day we mingled, watched movies, made crafts, decorated my grandparents house for Christmas and played a mad game of catch phrase!

It was a day full of THANKFULNESS!!

After 75 years of having a real tree Grampa decided to venture out and get the boxed! It's OK, we had just as much fun putting it up and decorating it for the holiday!

It's beginning to look a lot like a Christmas tree!!!

Mom with Grampa's lil elf

Nicely done ladies...way to follow Gramma's precise placement of every ornament ;)

Left the outdoor lighting to the men and well luckily the lighted tree came with directions :P

Hello Mr. Snowey, Mrs. Snowey and baby Snowey

Paint, glitter and a hot glue gun in the middle of the living room...Grampa was watching us veeeeery closely but with these sweet and innocent faces what can he do ;)

My dear cousin Cassidy

Sugar cookies with sugar icing with sugar toppings with....

SUGAR, SUGAR, SUGAR!!

Cookies that belong to ME...

PRESENT wrapped up with my love-n-care

SNOWEY with earmuffs

FLOWER Power

SNOWFLAKE, that placed 3rd which I'm still very upset about!

You all know it wouldn't be a Burke holiday if their wasn't a competition involved :)

THANKSGIVING SEAMAN STYLE

This year with my dads family we went to my cousin Amber's dance recital at the Fort Wayne Tree of Lights!! It was bitter-sweet being in the audience watching her company dance but it gave me a good feel of what many of you had to go through with my sister and I; Amber's was only an hour so I cant imagine 3+ hours!!

You're a STAR Amber!!!

I'm so proud of you!!

I am so very THANKFUL for each and every one of you!! I am blessed to have such an amazing family that has continually cared, loved and been involved since the beginning!

Cant wait to see you all and the MANY of family members that couldn't make it!

HuGs-N-KiSsEs

O' Christmas Tree

2008-12-01T18:19:00.000-08:00

Here we are, the three amigos, crammed in a 4x4 truck on our way to get our christmas tree!!

Oh yes...it's tradition! We scope out the tree farm for the best looking tree and then we, well Nathan, cuts it down while I tell him what he's doing wrong :) We have a pretty good system!

Ok, well I usually just stand their and look cute...

but apparently I was to help which resulted in the tree falling on top of me! Thanks Natey!

YEAH for Christmas... our home will be pretty in lights awaiting the arrival of our whole family!!

O' Christmas Tree...O' how much I love thee! :)

A Bride-To-Be and City Lights

2008-12-01T15:33:00.000-08:00

The beautiful Bride-To-Be....

Karin Schonbachler; soon to be Karin Henderson!

About 13 girls headed to Chi-town for a weekend of city lights, late nights and some crazy girl time and boy did we accomplish it all and so much more!!!

We had dinner at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba's and then after we ran out everyone in our section with our loud voices, laughs and silly games, we headed to Lincoln Park for some evening entertainment!

Here's...well, part of the crew!!! Not a bad group pic taken that it was jammed pack and I pushed off my camera on some random person telling them to get us all in!

Britt made these awesome personal T's for us to wear while we watched IU get smoothered by Purdue!!! OUCH!

Game day at Jack's Bar and Grill with the ladies in red!!!

The Bride and I... love you so much!

and here we are "last fling before the ring"!!

Can't wait til another fabulous weekend together ladies...

December 20, 2008!

Happy Birthday Best Friend!!!

2008-11-07T02:13:00.000-08:00

This is Chelsee Jones... and today is her SPECIAL day :)

HAPPY 25th BIRTHDAY!!!!

Chelsee is my very best friend! She is living with her studly husband Ryan and teaching the children of the future in Marion, IN. Although were states away we constantly stay in touch and a part of each others lives! We grew up doing EVERYTHING together...

we went to school together...

played sports together...

had sleep overs whenever we could...

were STARS in all the plays...

went to church camp...

clearly we couldn't live a week without each other :)

in Awana together...

yes, we wore the same exact glasses!!

and in all the academic programs together....we were that smart :)

Needless to say...
Chels and I were inseparable then and if we could, we would be inseparable now! I love her with all my BIG heart! You are very special to me and I thank God everyday for bringing you into my life and keeping you here forever!!

NOW I MUST SING...

Happy Birthday to YOU,

Happy Birthday to my bestest of best frieeend....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!! :)

Love you, Miss you, Celebrating with you...HOT-LANTA STYLE!!

Happy Halloween...

2008-11-04T06:50:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

FALL FESTIVITIES...

2008-11-03T13:20:00.000-08:00

NEELY MEADOWS FALL BLOCK PARTY!!!

FOOD

FACE PAINTING

ARTS & CRAFTS

WAGON RIDES

PUMPKIN CARVING

FALL at its FINEST...

2008-10-30T19:49:00.000-07:00

YEAH!! The leaves are starting to change and the air is getting cooler...FALL at its FINEST!! :) Even though in Georgia fall comes a little later than say Indiana, it's finally here to stay and that makes me excited! I don't know what it is, maybe all the memories our family shared during this time of year that I love so much. Brown County being my favorite. Every year we would load up in our ugly old van all bundled up and head there for the day. We would sit at the picnic table, next to the wooden play ground, eat our lunch and enjoy some delicious caramel apples... sharing of course with the deer we would see! :)

When seasons change it's a friendly reminder of God's GREAT work!

His touch, His love, His heart and soul that was used to create Fall and it's perfect color palette!

One day, Brooke took me and the kids to Stone Mountain to enjoy all that Fall had to offer us and boy was it more than I could say! Stone Mountain is unbelievably huge and a very small portion of it was converted it into a land of fun for people of all ages with a train that takes you around the mountain, putt-putt course, gift shops, restaurants and a 3 level high ropes course!

They change it for every season/holiday and so for Fall they added tons of pumpkins, haystacks, a corn maze with a bubble machine, and arts & crafts! We spent the whole day there;

the fun never ended!! :)

A glimpse of Stone Mountain, land of freakin FUN!

Pumpkin painting that was a liiittle messy :)

I think Drew found his pumpkin :P

brotherly, sisterly love!

Em and I on the ropes course!

She was AWESOME and so BRAVE!!!

Mom was feeling extra festive and treated the kids to dippin' dots! WHOO-HOO!!! :)

Putt-Putt at Pirate's Cove...

2008-10-25T11:59:00.000-07:00

Here we are at PIRATE'S COVE PUTT-PUTT! Andy and Brooke had a date night so I had a date night with the kids :) A little putt-putt with 2 tho was not all that little... Drew has a mad swing and so balls were flying everywhere. Then we had to stop half way through for a bathroom break but returned to have Emrie take the win! On our way home we went through Chick-fil-a for a very late dinner and then off to Blockbuster to rent a movie that I had promised..what a mess that was! Emrie tried to convince Drew that High School Musical was his favorite but he insisted that his favorite were the 5 movies he had pulled off the shelf. There was no easy way for a 7 and 3 year old to compromise on a movie, actually there was no way!!! So...I DID :) Barnyard it was!!

I must add that Andy and Brooke had text me on their way home giving me permission to go to bed since it was late, but little did they know that their children were still up with me! For a moment... I was fired!! What?...it was the weekend and I was off duty the next day! :P

Emrie dominated...2 hole-in-ones!!!

I think Drew felt restricted...this boy needed a driving range!

The Harbour Hotel...

2008-10-25T10:54:00.001-07:00

Thank you all who have continued to pray for me during this time of transition. Many of you knew of my situation and I am proud to say that I have moved and settled into Norcross, Georgia! I live with the Harbour family...aka..."THE HARBOUR HOTEL", who through my blogging I'm sure you will learn to love just as much as I do.
Let's meet my family...

This is Andy and Brooke; my parental guardians. Andy went to Taylor and was a student of my dads. He and I have enjoyed sharing memories of life with Professor Rick/my dad which you all know can be rather interesting! Brooke is a mom first, a fitness trainer 3 days a week and now has taken on her second job as my full time nutritionist... apparently, I have bad eating habits! :P They are both young, energetic and constantly on the go! We all have some great laughs together which are mostly about their 2 crazy kids! :)

Here is lil miss Emrie who just turned 7 and is in the 1st grade!! She is simply amazing and like a little sister to me! She is extremely smart and very creative. We enjoy being girly together; coloring, talking, doing hair and playing games! Emrie plays soccer and takes ballet. She has been very helpful to me as I have learned the ways of the Harbour family!

Oh and here is Drew-man who is 3 years old and attending pre-school! He makes me laugh and scream all at the same time! This kid is full of energy and keeps me on my toes! Drew loves doing everything and anything..."O-Tay" he says with a smile on his face that's to die for :) He loves dressing up as a firefighter like his Grandpa Harbour! Every morning I get the priveledge of waking up to his voice that is carried throughout the house! He and I enjoy coloring with one marker, playing on the playground, making puzzles and going to Barne's and Noble to play with trains!!!

I am a suburban mom in the making; lunches, car-pool, homework and play...OH-MY!!!

However, I like to be viewed as there best friend because that's how I really feel! The Harbour's have opened their hearts and home to me and just within weeks I feel like one of their own. What's a typical day/week for me...good question! Most of you know with kids their is no typical day but once I get a better idea I will surely let you know! Lets just say that this family keeps me greatly entertained! :)

Moving Forward...

2008-10-24T22:42:00.000-07:00

Here is my pretty 26ft u-haul where one may find the following items...

15 large totes

10 small totes

10 boxes ranging in all sizes

1 dresser

2 beds

6 bags of pillows

4 shelving units

1 patio furniture set

1 coffee table

2 side tables

1 sofa

1 love seat

& just a few other misc. things :)

Moving is tough on anyone and I respect those who have found the love and joy in it! From beginning to end it is a constant struggle; sorting, organizing, finding the help and time, preparing your mind, saying goodbye and literally driving away, trying to find the good in "starting over"! But whether it is a physical or mental... at some point in our life don't we all have to MOVE FORWARD and trust God that his plan is bigger than our own!

Between the movers standing me up, putting our u-haul insurance to good use within not even 2 minutes of our adventure, driving 7 hours in the middle of the night, napping 3 hours in the parking lot of a ran-down gas station in the middle of "who knows where", and then hitting the big city while everyone else was hitting it at the same time!!! Needless to say, mom and I made it safely and I thank you, thank you, thank you again for being their when I needed you the most! What a blessing you were to me mom, through it all!!

And even more thanks to those in Georgia who were awaiting my arrival...

Billy, Ann & Lil Baby Clark

Jay & Tammy Tropf

Mr & Mrs. E

What a JOY you are in my life!!! :)

In the LiFe of...

i'll huff, i'll puff...

Dinner on him...

My ValentineInboxX

Tyler Rose

Happy Valentine's Day...

The Little RED Dress...

Did you know....

what I'm loving...

Hung with..

Christmas Post...

Proud Resident of...

Please turn to page 72...

Happy Birthday...

It's that time of year...

Gobble, Gobble

It is good to be...

Better than apple pie

Fall Food Favorites...

blah, blah, blah...

and so it beings...

Beauty...

Back to being...

Make Yourself Happy...

Tis the Season...

My life as it is...

Tennessee Resident

Colorado Visit...

Praying for...

Meet a special someone...

Upland Retreat...

Well Family and Friends...

Happy Birthday Big Sis!!

In Loving Memory...

Lil Baby Kaiya

I'm Thankful for YOU...

O' Christmas Tree

A Bride-To-Be and City Lights

Happy Birthday Best Friend!!!

Happy Halloween...

FALL FESTIVITIES...

FALL at its FINEST...

Putt-Putt at Pirate's Cove...

The Harbour Hotel...

Moving Forward...

My Valentine
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