happy birthday, lex

Alexa Rae came into the world on May, 2, 1990. From the moment she was born, she was a character.

She had a pink spot on her forehead that turned fluorescent when she cried, or got really mad. This made me laugh, which made her even more mad.

She loved to tell stories with such enthusiasm...even when she was just learning to talk. My favorite home video is after one of her first trips to the beach. She was running in circles with her crazy blonde hair plastered to her sweaty pink forehead wearing her lavender carebear night gown, and trying her best to tell us all about the sand, and the waves, and how the salt water burned her eyes. You can't understand a word she's saying, and you hear my Dad in the back ground saying, "Tell me all about it A-Rae."

My Mom use to worry that she would have hideous hair when she was older because she could never seem to fix it right. She called it Barbie hair.

She believed anything I told her.

Once, I had a bad dream, and told her that a monster was hiding under our bunk bed, and he would eat her if she didn't climb up to the top bunk, and sleep with me. She did.

Alexa see's good in everyone. No matter who, she will find a good quality...even if it's hidden.

She has the unique ability to read people. This still amazes me, and humbles me.

She taught me how to tie a scarf, and when I need more eye make-up, or better accessories to really make a statement with an outfit.

She is giving.

She can't cook to save her life, and set off her smoke alarm the first week in her new apartment making fish sticks. Love her.

She is cultured.

She is gracious, kind, and exemplifies compassion, and mercy.

Today she turns 22.

I love you dearly, Alexa Rae. Thank you for being you, and being my friend, and being born, and being lovely, and just having really pretty hair. I hope your day is filled with all things beautiful.

Always,
Your Sista

6 years

6 years ago, on April 29, 2006 I was smooshed in the tiny bridal room at University Church of God in Tampa, FL with photographers, my sweet bridesmaids, my Mama, and a cloud of hairspray, and perfume. I was literally sweating off all my pretty makeup because I was so stinkin' nervous, and trying to quickly swig down a can of Sprite since I couldn't bring myself to eat anything...
Then the wedding coordinator told me... "It's time."

I quietly slipped out of the room trying hard not to step on my huge white cinderella gown...what was I thinking??? My eyes met my Dad's, and I choked back tears.
I heard Canon in D begin to play, looped my arm through my Dad's, and took a deep breath as I began the walk toward my very present future.

Dear Nick,

Six years ago, we anxiously stood in front of our friends and family, and pledged our lives to one another.

"For better or worse. For richer, for poorer. In sickness, and in health. In good times, and in bad. Forever."

Little did we know that those were not just pretty little words to be said. They are a promise. A vow. A covenant. I think we have truly lived out every one of those words since that beautiful day, and look at how far we have come! Who would have thought that the boy I met in highschool at 15 years old, who called me "Kiddo" annoyed the mess out of me, and who was readily available to fix my leaking toilet at midnight when my parents were out of town would be the one I spent the rest of my life with. Man, God certainly had a plan for us!

 I want to thank you for loving, accepting, and just getting me. We've seen eachother at our best, and not so great moments, and I wouldn't change a thing about our life, because it's made us who we are, and what we are today. Happy 6 years to my best friend, my partner, and my soul mate. I love you more than you know, and can't wait to see what unfolds in the upcoming chapters.

In HIS Grip,
Kris

back to reality

We're baaaaack! Relaxed, refreshed, and a little less white from a few days away from civilization. I think people need more of this. Just peace and serenity, with no connection to the outside world. Time to reflect, and just be.

No cars. No actual road's. No street lights. Just sand, golfcarts, hammocks, kayaks, pretty water, dolphins, manatees, sting rays, crazy jumping fish, and beautiful sunshine. This was our first vacation together...just us...ever, and it was perfect!
We had healthy honest to goodness talks, and not just the proverbial everyday mumbo jumbo. Our dreams, personality traits, and goals for our future. The good stuff :) We both gave a little...I went night fishing with him, and he layed on the beach with me. Love it!

We spent our days doing whatever we wanted, and it was simplicity at it's best! Here's a glimpse of the goodies:

This was "our street."

This is our little island casa.

Coconut trees ev-er-y where!

Cowboy wasn't a fan of the boat, as in he almost had a mini-heart attack in the process. Perhaps next time will be better?

However, he is such a sun baby...just like his mama :)

Dinner at Rum Bay.

Incredible sunsets every night. So blessed!

Nick had a super successful fishing trip! Fish tonight!

My cup runneth over.

Happy day back to work bloggsters :) Make it a good one!

Mucho love!
K

a little r & r

Just a little note to say we are checking out of reality for the rest of the week.

Holla!

The next few days will be filled with a boat, sun, sand, a precious little house on a island, bathing suit's (or not) just kidding :) and simplicity.

The hubs headed down early to scope things out.

He also caught dinner. Love him.

I'll be back on Monday feeling refreshed, sporting a fabulous tan, and hopefully have pics to share!

Have a blessed week, friends!

xo!
Castaway

birthday weekend!

Turning 28 was a doozy for me this year!

For real.

I don't know why? Maybe because I still battle with feeling I'm not where society says I "should" be. Still no career, kids, or college degree. Will I be enough?

I know most of you are probably rolling your eyes, and thinking, "Calm the heck down! Your 28, not 58. You have time!" I know, I know. I think we all can dwell on the past, and fear the future, all the while forgetting to be thankful for the present. This is the place I sometimes find myself in.

This year, and this birthday really made me grateful to be in this awesome, and ever changing season in my life. God has such a way of doing that! Here's a sneak peak at the festivities :)

Cookbook signed by Giada De Laurentiis from my longtime friend, Shannon. She know I'm such a food geek! Love! Love!

Hello beautiful red velvet cupper cake!

Target just brings people together. True story! Sweet blessings to my heart.

Island day! So happy to spend the day with great friends!

So blessed!

Easter with my man. Love him!

Cowboy buddy wanted to hunt Easter eggs...or just birds, and squirrel's.

Mike and I celebrated our birthday's together this year! Yummy Publix cake = yum in da tum!

My love tank is full.
My soul is content.
My heart is happy.
My life is blessed.

Thank you all for making my day weekend so full of wonderful things!

Grateful,
K

the greatest gift

Today is Good Friday, and today is also my 28th Birthday.

As I was driving to pick up my FREE Starbucks Venti Caramel Macchiato (with extra caramel) in my new flippin' cute spring time dress, I was listening to the JOY FM. This is what I heard...

"It started with a debt. A debt that was ours. A debt that we could not pay. We needed a substitute. A sacrifice so valuable that our debt would be paid, and we would be free.

God, out of His sovereign mercy and love sent His only son, Jesus to pay that debt.

The night before He died, Jesus spent a last meal with His disciples...His best friends, knowing that one of them would betray Him. He used the bread, and wine to show them that His own body would pay the debt. He would be the Lamb of God taking on the ugly and cruel sin of the world.

Later that evening Jesus was in the garden praying. He was in agony. Sweat falling from His forehead like great drops of blood crying out, 'Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me, nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done.'

You know the rest of the story...

Arrested, tried, and falsely convicted, Jesus was sentenced to be crucified to pay a debt He did not owe. He was willing to be our sacrifice. Beaten beyond human recognition, mocked, and ridiculed. Wounded for our transgressions. Crushed for our iniquities.

He hung naked on the cross until He died. Until the debt was paid. His body was taken down, and burried in a rich man's tomb, and stayed there bound all the next day.

Crucified on Friday.
In the tomb on Saturday.
But on the third day...

HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!

Jesus not only paid the debt, He rose from the dead, and broke the bonds of death for all mankind. Sacrificed like a Lamb. He rose like a Lion! A conquering King! The grave could not hold Him!!

John 14 tells us, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God^[; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Once and for all, He satisfied justice so that we can be free. His death is our life. His wounding is our healing.

It started with a debt that was ours. A debt we could not pay, yet, ends with a gift that we recieve by faith!"

This sweet, sweet truth just brought tears to my eyes, y'all. Such love I cannot understand.
So today, may we ALL be reminded of what Jesus did for us on Calvary, and rejoice that HE IS RISEN!

Thank you Lord for giving me the greatest gift of all. I am so very grateful. Happy Easter dear friends!

Love,
K

happy weekend

Peeps!

What a fanTASTIC weekend! Ahhh-mazing!

Let's re-cap, k? K.

Friday evening after the long work week, the hubs and I went to dinner. This is our typical Friday dealio. He had been fighting a migraine, but swallowed the pain, and took me out anyways. Such a gem!

Saturday afternoon...

..."and may the odds be ever in your favor."

so good, so good. so good. so good. so good. so good. soooo. darn. goooood!! Although, if you want my honest oppinion...I think they cut out too many parts, and majorly skimped on the good stuff. But all in all, well done!

Saturday night, I got the best news ever! My best friend/sister from another mother, Katie, got engaged!!!

Aren't they just lovely?? YAAAAAAAAY! Soon to be Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Taylor! Holla!

Sunday, the good news just keeps on comin'. My dear cousin, Eden got engaged too!

Ah, love is in the air! Happiness!!!

But wait...there's more...

Sunday afternoon...Hunger Games Round 2: Cinnabistro style with two of my dears: Aunt Pat, and Mandy :)

We got our drink on. Cheers!

And yes...it was just as good the second time :)

Then onward to din-din, and to meet some new friends!

Great food (not so great service) great conversation, and great company!

Oh...I almost forgot...

Ooooooey gooooooey sizzling yumminess!

My heart is full, and my soul is blessed! Hope your weekend was full of beautiful things too, sweet friends!

Happy Monday,
K