27 years later

Today I turned 27 years old. I'm not quite sure why this is so huge for me? Maybe because I feel like I have lived a lot of life.

Today, I think back, and my heart is grateful.

I have learned how important prayer is. It's powerful. It reminds us that we are powerless without Him.

I have learned that forgiveness is not an option. We forgive because we are forgiven.

I have learned that love is tough. It's trying, but in the end...it wins. Love always wins.

I have learned how vital friends are. They are a necessity! I would be one useless blob without my precious girlfriends. I am richly blessed!

I have learned how being with family is like breathing. It's nourishing to my soul, and I feel so very grateful to have so much love in my life.

I have learned that school is so important. It's humbling to be 27 years old, and still in college. One day I'll get through nursing school. I will.

I have learned that getting out of debt is so freeing! If you can't pay cash...don't buy it. Period.

I have learned that saying "no" is ok. In fact, it's good sometimes.

I have learned that's it's ok to still not have kids.

I have learned that natural is usually always better.

I have learned that being you is all that you can be, and you are beautiful!

I have learned that seeing your Facebook wall FULL of sweet birthday messages will keep you smiling all day long.


Thank you dear friends for making my day so, so special.

Love,
K

things that make me smile

This past weekend was just wonderful! Friday, my family came down from VA for my little brother's spring break. Well, I suppose they are not so little anymore...

We had a fabulous meal: lasagna, salad, and hot garlic bread. Of coarse...keylime pie and cheesecake brownies for dessert :) My dear friend, Katie was also in town for the weekend. They make my heart so very happy!

Saturday we packed up and headed to Indian Rocks Beach. Sadly, we didn't get a touch of sun...nada, and it was a crazy, beautiful 83 degrees all day! How does this happen? We topped it off with a trip to the Kooky Coconut for some ice cream. Toasted Coconut for me, Superman & Butterfinger for the boys.

Sunday we went to church and had lunch by the pool. Another gorgeous day. I studied for a few hours for my math test the following night, and then Nick and I headed to South Tampa and had dinner outside at Chipotle. Such a lovely evening.

Monday, my math test...that I studied for Sunday...totally got postponed till Wednesday :) And the painters started painting all the trim and new colors for the walls. Mississippi Mud possibly for the dining room? Decisions...

Today we had a little tornado blow through Spring Hill, and it blew two of the letters off the sign at the dealership..so FLAMMER FORD currently reads LAMME FORD

Tomorrow I turn 27.

Have a fabulous Tues, friends

KD

thursday night in

It's a very rainy day, rather it's been a very rainy week. Actually, there was a tornado warning in our neck of the woods today. It's been one nasty day. I don't know about you, but when it's dark, wet, and raining like crazy, I crave some good ol' comfort food! There is nothing like making something wonderful in the kitchen, and curling up on the couch with the person you love and enjoying a nice night in. Tonight, I'm thinking pancakes.

Sweats, hot pancakes with maple syrup and fresh strawberries, a big mug of coffee, clean linen scented candle burning, and Grey's Anatomy (Callie & Arizona's car accident cliffhanger from last wk) w/Cowboy...he's my snuggle buddy when Nick is out of town.

Sounds like a delicious and wonderful night in.

trader joe's

To all you poor Floridians who have never been introduced to Trader Joe's...

Allow me to introduce you to the most amazing, organic, and FUN grocery store ever!

 Meet Trader Joe's!

 This place is wondeful! I volunteer to get the groceries when I am home visiting my parents. Seriously, just going inside puts a smile on your face :) The food is incredible, healthy, and very reasonably priced. I get Trader Joe's care packages every few months from Mom & Dad (They have 2 stores, I know, it's true) and there are always
 * pad thai noodles
 * blueberry preserves
 * honey sesame sticks
 * tea tree face wipes
 *long grain brown rice

 Happiness. Now, for the bed news. There are currently no locations in FL. This has to change! So, I sent an e-mail this morning requesting a store be built in good ol' Brooksville. Thinking positive thoughts here. Check em out http://www.traderjoes.com/

 Have a beautiful Wednesday

runnin' on empty

Hi friends, Well remember my car delima on Friday?

 I was out of gas.

Shameful?
 Embarassing?
 True!!

 In my defense, I did need my fuel lines flushed, and a new fuel filter...so technically my gas needle was reading more than I had.

 FYI: E means empty, not enough. Even if gas does cost you your first born child these days, fill your tanks, promise? Thanks.

Love,
K

car problems suck

Car problems suck...seriously suck! My little 2003 Ford Taurus has had it's fair share of issues since joining the family 3 1/2 years ago. Granted, I know maintenance is key, but this kid has given me a run for my money. I had to put a new transmission in less than a year after I purchased it, and the list continues on. She clunked out on my lunch break today...on my way to get gas...on the side of the road. Of coarse Hubby thinks it's because I ran out of gas. I am hoping not...but could be a possibility (my gas light was on...shhhhh)

Let's just pray this won't wipe me out financially.

Happy Weekend :)

a home

What makes a home? Does it matter where it is?

Does it matter how big it is? Or how small?

Does it matter what you have in it?



I can honestly say, I love my home. It's not fancy, and it's not huge. It's not on a secluded beach, and it's not on a quiet cul de sac. It definitely does not have expensive things, but it's us.

The glass stove top is slightly stained from the many nights of homemade meals being prepared. The master bedroom door creaks slightly from the times I have slammed it out of anger (It's a terrible childlike habit, I know). You can tell the things I have hung on the walls because they are slightly off center, or have numerous nail holes. I refuse to measure. The garage is always cluttered with "junk" (or rather the things my husband refuses to throw away b\c they can be used again.) No matter how many times I clean the slider door to the patio, it's spotted with tiny nose prints from Blue Kitty and Cowboy.



Our fridge is always full of healthy foods, and fresh iced tea or crystal light. You can also typically find at least 3 different flavors of coffee creamer. There is a large ceramic dish on the counter that always has banana's, avacado's, tomato's and a head of garlic. The DVR is usually out of recording space due to my obsession with: Keeping up with the Kardashians, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, Tyler's Ultimate, and Army Wives. The laundry basket is normally half full, no matter what. My flip flops, and Nick's camouflage crocs are usually by the back door. There are pictures everywhere of our families and friends.



I love my home. I enjoy my home, and it's uniquely ours.

Happy Thursday

KD