A recap of 2013...
There were quite a few weddings in 2013: my little cousin Kelsey, Keane's friend,Greg, and friend of ours Angie, and my friend Kacie (which I was unable to attend her wedding). Two younger cousins of mine got engaged, one planning to wed in October of next year. One of Keane's nephew's got married and they are expecting a baby in January. Another one of Keane's nephews very recently got engaged and is expecting a baby. Keane's step-niece had a baby, and his step-nephew is expecting one as well!
Kaden played his first year of kid pitch baseball, and Kylie played her very first year of basketball. Kaden shot a huge 15-point buck on opening day of youth season, and Kylie sang a solo in her first talent show. The kids got to experience Oceans of Fun, Worlds of Fun, and the zoo. They also learned how to play poker.
My brother became a teenager and he grew taller than both of his older sisters! McCoy turned twooooo (so did Lenox) and he had an airplane party (Lenox did not). He says "aa-hooole" for apple. He copies everything you say, speaks in sentences, and is always coming up with something entertaining to do or say.
I ran a 5K and the Color Run and I hosted my family's Thanksgiving dinner at our house. I made my first two sales with RusticCo. Keane built our back deck and he also doubled up with Kaden bow hunting, each getting a doe. My cocker spaniel, Tanner, unfortunately jumped out of the back of Keane's pickup, partially dislocating his back leg in three spots.
Keane and I hosted our first annual mid-day deer camp opening weekend of gun season. Keane had an allergic reaction to seafood on my birthday trip to the Cardinals game. He and I also took our second trip to Nashville, and we had our 5-year dating anniversary. Also, my car just rolled over 100,000 miles.
My 2013 resolutions were (first mentioned here):
To be in line with my five-year-plan - So far, so good.
Save money! - I did very well this year (until Christmastime), but so much better than before
Make income from a source other than my 8-5:30 job. - I did a little, so check.
To have a clear vision of where I want to be in 2015 in terms of a personal job. - I'm a little confused as to what in particular I need to be focusing on at this point to be where I want to be in 2015.
Clean the large dishes after use. - Check.
Laugh more, take life less seriously, and take more pictures. - Check.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 30, 2013
The No-Offense Group
The Sunday before Christmas, a group of us headed out in the freezing cold weather to a Chief's game against the Indianapolis Colts. Keane and his friend left early in the morning to set up the tailgate. My sister, friends Katie and Jamie, and myself left an hour or two after the boys and made our way to the tailgate, where we enjoyed brats, chicken wings, and chips.
We made our way to the stadium to sing along to the National Anthem and watch the Chiefs score their only touchdown while standing in the entrance line. Our seats were covered in ice, but we were able to survive the cold temps due to layers, layers, blankets, hand warmers, and toe warmers.
We left partway through the fourth quarter and found a nice bar area to warm up in -- except that it was only for members. However, Katie and Jamie wandered off to find a restroom and went in unnoticed. Keane conjured up a brilliant plan and slipped in with a group of actual members, wearing a strip of paper around his wrist that resembled the a wristband. The others (me, Kimberly, and Andrew) were under the radar and got kicked out for not being members. After about 20 minutes of waiting outside, we finally talked the three lucky ones to leave the lovely bar, and join us for a trip back to our tailgate, where we finished our food and packed the vehicles.
From there we went to a bar where we met a millionaire from New York who owns a summer camp and where my parents and brother met us with McCoy so he could go home with my sister. I said goodbye to them with McCoy saying, "Nooooo, Kristi go bye bye in Mommy's car." Which still breaks my heart -- that little guy and I love each other so much.
The five remaining decided to go into the city to try to find some fun, only we found a small group of Canadians, and a very empty pizza bar. After a few burnt pizzas and games of pool, we headed back home after a long, cold day of fun.
We made our way to the stadium to sing along to the National Anthem and watch the Chiefs score their only touchdown while standing in the entrance line. Our seats were covered in ice, but we were able to survive the cold temps due to layers, layers, blankets, hand warmers, and toe warmers.
We left partway through the fourth quarter and found a nice bar area to warm up in -- except that it was only for members. However, Katie and Jamie wandered off to find a restroom and went in unnoticed. Keane conjured up a brilliant plan and slipped in with a group of actual members, wearing a strip of paper around his wrist that resembled the a wristband. The others (me, Kimberly, and Andrew) were under the radar and got kicked out for not being members. After about 20 minutes of waiting outside, we finally talked the three lucky ones to leave the lovely bar, and join us for a trip back to our tailgate, where we finished our food and packed the vehicles.
From there we went to a bar where we met a millionaire from New York who owns a summer camp and where my parents and brother met us with McCoy so he could go home with my sister. I said goodbye to them with McCoy saying, "Nooooo, Kristi go bye bye in Mommy's car." Which still breaks my heart -- that little guy and I love each other so much.
The five remaining decided to go into the city to try to find some fun, only we found a small group of Canadians, and a very empty pizza bar. After a few burnt pizzas and games of pool, we headed back home after a long, cold day of fun.
Friday, December 27, 2013
Christmas '13
Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. The one that I love the whole season, the whole meaning. This year was a little different -- I felt like I was lacking something, lacking a bit of the Christmas spirit. I think I focused too much on gifts, making sure the kids had the right gifts and the right number of gifts, making sure I got gifts that would make Keane happy, making sure my parents would be pleased, and that my brother and sister would feel loved with their gifts. I itemized all of my spending in 2013, and I cannot believe what percentage I spend on "gifts" throughout the year. I love giving, love it. So for that reason, I know that I cannot simply get by with less -- but maybe I need to adapt the "less is more" mindset. Maybe I need to create gifts throughout the year.
Also, I may have a Christmas tree allergy. I'm not sure, but I came down with cold-like symptoms two days after putting our Christmas tree up, and they haven't gone away. If I feel better -- all better -- a few days after the tree is down, I'm going to be both happy and sad. Happy that I'm better, and sad that the Christmas tree makes my allergies act up, the whole time it's in the house. I love our tree. I love the lights and the glow. I find myself looking at the tree rather than television shows at times. I love the ornaments on the tree from Keane's parents from all the years past.
The details of my Christmas are below -- because I put much thought and care into the gifts, I want to be able to look back and remember the gifts that were passed around through the years.
My Christmas started out the Saturday before Christmas when our family gathered together for dinner and gifts. Because of ice and snow in the area, my brother-in-law was unable to attend. However, Kimberly's best high school friend, Krissy, was able to join us. On our way to my parents', with much excitement, Kaden exclaimed as we drove by a church, "Dad, did you see what they put up?!" Keane asked, "The nativity scene?" "I don't know...it's that old shed thing with the baby Jesus." I couldn't help but laugh -- that old shed thing. But at the same time, I hope the kids always remember the true meaning of Christmas. I grew up learning about the Christmas story, hearing it over and over, and never being allowed to write Christmas with an "X" in place of Christ, because Christ should never be taken out of Christmas. I remember the light-up ceramic church decoration that my mom always plugged in (that was my favorite decoration of all times), and the feeling I got when I thought about Jesus...about Christmas.
My brother has always been very "techy." Even at a young age he was asking for video controllers, video games, and memory cards. This year he got a couple shirts (which he states he likes receiving now that he's getting older), an MU stocking cap, cologne, a razor keyboard, mouse, and mouse pad (for better gaming). He got a large external hard drive, a new computer chair, a power cell phone charger, cords, and snacks (the latter on Christmas morning rather than our Saturday Christmas).
Kaden and Kylie got some creative gifts such as a shading/drawing kit, a spirograph kit, and a catapult kit for Kaden, and hair chalk, a rainbow loom rubber band bracelet kit, and an animal-bead-keychain set for Kylie, as well as a leopard-print cardigan from Kimberly.
From our parents, Kimberly and I received Christmas Jars books and starter Christmas jars for next year, which I cannot wait to fill up and share next holiday season! We also received gift cards to Bath & Body Works and I got a much-wanted hot glue gun. My sister got me a three-month subscription to Birchbox, which I will share more about in a separate post. She also got for me an infinity scarf and fingernail polish. Kimberly got a North Face jacket and The Little Mermaid DVD. Keane and Lonnie got gift cards to Bass Pro, they got each other Crown Royal Black (for Keane), a Duck Commander hoodie, Zippo hand warmer, and bacon spread (for Lonnie), and McCoy got Zara shoes and a lot of toys (i.e. Mr. Potato Head, doctor set, remote control puppy, cars, and bulldozers)!
My mom got an inversion table, and my dad got a Little Giant ladder! Mom also got a gift card and scarf, as well as pajamas and a mason jar cup, and on Christmas she got a Bluetooth radio. Dad also got his traditional chocolate covered cherries, along with flashlights and gloves.
We all got socks and toothbrushes, and other items here and there. We enjoyed a very delectable meal, and of course we enjoyed the company and time together.
On Christmas Eve, I read the Bible Christmas Story to the kids, and we set out cookies and milk for Santa, and celery for the reindeer. Kaden wrote a note to Santa, and Kylie made a Santa hat and note for Santa as well.
Christmas Day began around 6:30 a.m. when Keane and I arose from our slumber to see what was the matter -- I mean, to wake the sleeping kids up (they had to go to a breakfast at 8:00, so we had to get the day started early).
Kaden received a bow case for his early Christmas present (his bow). He got basketball shoes, a hunting album created by me, the movie 42, a camo belt and wallet, an IH hoodie, a Bible, a calendar, and long johns (so he doesn't have to borrow mine anymore).
Kylie will be getting an iPod and iPod case very soon (which have not came in and/or are broken at the time being). She received cowgirl boots, a beautiful necklace, a full-length mirror, a light-up pillow, pajamas, and as well as a Bible, calendar, and long johns, too.
Keane got an MU pullover, a North Face jacket, a shop creeper, a "beer" shirt with a photo of a bear with deer antlers, a new quiver for his bow, and some other items such as undies, a metal magnetic bowl, chocolate covered peanuts, and a back massager.
I got a bird feeder with a pole and bird seed, insulated bibs, a bathroom scale, and a new bacon tray. I got yarn from Kylie, and a poinsettia plant from Kaden, and some goodies and snacks in my stocking.
On Christmas afternoon, we visited Keane's parents and gave them their gifts -- a flannel for Donn and the book, Carry On, Warrior, for Karen. They gave Kaden a fishing toolbox and items to go in it, and Kylie a pottery wheel. I got a beautiful Christmas snow globe that changes colors and has a cardinal bird. Keane got an antique stone crock that was his grandmother's. We helped activate Karen's gift from Donn, a smart phone! The day prior, Keane and his brothers helped deliver Karen's gift to Donn, a gun safe.
On Christmas evening, we celebrated Christmas with Keane's family at his sister's house, where we had a delicious meal that included fried oysters, their family tradition. The food and company was good, and we got adorable ornaments from Donn and Karen. Keane and I got a set of two, one that has two sets of boots that says "Like Dad, Like Son," and another with two female sets of boots that says, "Like Mom, Like Daughter."
We had a beautiful, family-filled holiday. Next year, my focus will be on Christmas and the original story with the old shed thing, and hopefully my allergies will stand down, because a real tree it is in our household. Merry Christmas!
Also, I may have a Christmas tree allergy. I'm not sure, but I came down with cold-like symptoms two days after putting our Christmas tree up, and they haven't gone away. If I feel better -- all better -- a few days after the tree is down, I'm going to be both happy and sad. Happy that I'm better, and sad that the Christmas tree makes my allergies act up, the whole time it's in the house. I love our tree. I love the lights and the glow. I find myself looking at the tree rather than television shows at times. I love the ornaments on the tree from Keane's parents from all the years past.
The details of my Christmas are below -- because I put much thought and care into the gifts, I want to be able to look back and remember the gifts that were passed around through the years.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My Christmas started out the Saturday before Christmas when our family gathered together for dinner and gifts. Because of ice and snow in the area, my brother-in-law was unable to attend. However, Kimberly's best high school friend, Krissy, was able to join us. On our way to my parents', with much excitement, Kaden exclaimed as we drove by a church, "Dad, did you see what they put up?!" Keane asked, "The nativity scene?" "I don't know...it's that old shed thing with the baby Jesus." I couldn't help but laugh -- that old shed thing. But at the same time, I hope the kids always remember the true meaning of Christmas. I grew up learning about the Christmas story, hearing it over and over, and never being allowed to write Christmas with an "X" in place of Christ, because Christ should never be taken out of Christmas. I remember the light-up ceramic church decoration that my mom always plugged in (that was my favorite decoration of all times), and the feeling I got when I thought about Jesus...about Christmas.
My brother has always been very "techy." Even at a young age he was asking for video controllers, video games, and memory cards. This year he got a couple shirts (which he states he likes receiving now that he's getting older), an MU stocking cap, cologne, a razor keyboard, mouse, and mouse pad (for better gaming). He got a large external hard drive, a new computer chair, a power cell phone charger, cords, and snacks (the latter on Christmas morning rather than our Saturday Christmas).
Kaden and Kylie got some creative gifts such as a shading/drawing kit, a spirograph kit, and a catapult kit for Kaden, and hair chalk, a rainbow loom rubber band bracelet kit, and an animal-bead-keychain set for Kylie, as well as a leopard-print cardigan from Kimberly.
From our parents, Kimberly and I received Christmas Jars books and starter Christmas jars for next year, which I cannot wait to fill up and share next holiday season! We also received gift cards to Bath & Body Works and I got a much-wanted hot glue gun. My sister got me a three-month subscription to Birchbox, which I will share more about in a separate post. She also got for me an infinity scarf and fingernail polish. Kimberly got a North Face jacket and The Little Mermaid DVD. Keane and Lonnie got gift cards to Bass Pro, they got each other Crown Royal Black (for Keane), a Duck Commander hoodie, Zippo hand warmer, and bacon spread (for Lonnie), and McCoy got Zara shoes and a lot of toys (i.e. Mr. Potato Head, doctor set, remote control puppy, cars, and bulldozers)!
My mom got an inversion table, and my dad got a Little Giant ladder! Mom also got a gift card and scarf, as well as pajamas and a mason jar cup, and on Christmas she got a Bluetooth radio. Dad also got his traditional chocolate covered cherries, along with flashlights and gloves.
We all got socks and toothbrushes, and other items here and there. We enjoyed a very delectable meal, and of course we enjoyed the company and time together.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On Christmas Eve, I read the Bible Christmas Story to the kids, and we set out cookies and milk for Santa, and celery for the reindeer. Kaden wrote a note to Santa, and Kylie made a Santa hat and note for Santa as well.
Christmas Day began around 6:30 a.m. when Keane and I arose from our slumber to see what was the matter -- I mean, to wake the sleeping kids up (they had to go to a breakfast at 8:00, so we had to get the day started early).
Kaden received a bow case for his early Christmas present (his bow). He got basketball shoes, a hunting album created by me, the movie 42, a camo belt and wallet, an IH hoodie, a Bible, a calendar, and long johns (so he doesn't have to borrow mine anymore).
Kylie will be getting an iPod and iPod case very soon (which have not came in and/or are broken at the time being). She received cowgirl boots, a beautiful necklace, a full-length mirror, a light-up pillow, pajamas, and as well as a Bible, calendar, and long johns, too.
Keane got an MU pullover, a North Face jacket, a shop creeper, a "beer" shirt with a photo of a bear with deer antlers, a new quiver for his bow, and some other items such as undies, a metal magnetic bowl, chocolate covered peanuts, and a back massager.
I got a bird feeder with a pole and bird seed, insulated bibs, a bathroom scale, and a new bacon tray. I got yarn from Kylie, and a poinsettia plant from Kaden, and some goodies and snacks in my stocking.
On Christmas afternoon, we visited Keane's parents and gave them their gifts -- a flannel for Donn and the book, Carry On, Warrior, for Karen. They gave Kaden a fishing toolbox and items to go in it, and Kylie a pottery wheel. I got a beautiful Christmas snow globe that changes colors and has a cardinal bird. Keane got an antique stone crock that was his grandmother's. We helped activate Karen's gift from Donn, a smart phone! The day prior, Keane and his brothers helped deliver Karen's gift to Donn, a gun safe.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On Christmas evening, we celebrated Christmas with Keane's family at his sister's house, where we had a delicious meal that included fried oysters, their family tradition. The food and company was good, and we got adorable ornaments from Donn and Karen. Keane and I got a set of two, one that has two sets of boots that says "Like Dad, Like Son," and another with two female sets of boots that says, "Like Mom, Like Daughter."
We had a beautiful, family-filled holiday. Next year, my focus will be on Christmas and the original story with the old shed thing, and hopefully my allergies will stand down, because a real tree it is in our household. Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Christmas Concert
The kids' school Christmas concert was the week before Christmas. Kollin's band concert was also that night, which was unfortunately missed by me. My dad said it was really good, though! It may be his last one if he doesn't play in band again next year.
(Kylie is the third from the right, second row from the top)
(Kaden is on the top row, fifth from the right)
Both Kaden and Kylie's classes sang three Christmas songs each. The concert ended with a little kindergartener singing a solo, and with the lights dimmed, all of the students help up a little battery-powered tea light candles, which made for a very sweet ending.
Friday, December 20, 2013
Kylie's First Talent Show
I took a half day vacation yesterday because my sister was coming to town, and I wanted to spend some time with her. It just so happened that Kylie was going to be singing a solo along with her second grade class in a talent show in the afternoon. Keane had to break the news to Kylie that he wouldn't be able to ask off work in such short notice, but since it worked out in my timeline, I told Kylie that my sister, nephew, and I would be able to go and watch her sing, and I would record it so that her dad could see it, too.
It sure is something to see a child's eye light up to see you. See, I know that parents already know this. I used to work at a daycare, and every day when parents would arrive to pick up their child, they would always (well, usually) greet them with huge smiles and hugs. I see Kaden and Kylie's eyes light up all the time when Keane arrives somewhere. So, when it's me that shows up to a function, I get that smile, that hug, and that "I'm so happy you're here" attitude. And I loved that.
Unfortunately, I had a video camera malfunction -- as in I wasn't familiar enough with my new camera to realize that I wasn't recording until halfway through the song...after Kylie's solo. Luckily, a friend of mine, Nicky, was recording on her cell phone, and the school was videotaping as well, and Nicky and her husband (the principal) assured me that I would be able to get a copy to show Keane. I was horrified when I realized that I didn't capture Kylie's beautiful solo on film, because I knew Keane was wanting to see/hear her sing, and I was sure that Kylie would be upset about my mess-up, too.
But I honestly felt a lot better when Kylie and Kaden both came over to see us again after the talent show, and I, again, received happy hugs and conversation from them. (They honestly may have been mostly excited to see McCoy and Kimberly, ha.)
Back to the focus on hand, Kylie did amazing. She started the whole song off, and braved through it, and she was flawless. It's no doubt that she loves to sing. She sings to every song on the radio, she sings with her karaoke machine, and she sings solely for her enjoyment. And she sings so beautifully -- a talent that she got from her father.
It sure is something to see a child's eye light up to see you. See, I know that parents already know this. I used to work at a daycare, and every day when parents would arrive to pick up their child, they would always (well, usually) greet them with huge smiles and hugs. I see Kaden and Kylie's eyes light up all the time when Keane arrives somewhere. So, when it's me that shows up to a function, I get that smile, that hug, and that "I'm so happy you're here" attitude. And I loved that.
Unfortunately, I had a video camera malfunction -- as in I wasn't familiar enough with my new camera to realize that I wasn't recording until halfway through the song...after Kylie's solo. Luckily, a friend of mine, Nicky, was recording on her cell phone, and the school was videotaping as well, and Nicky and her husband (the principal) assured me that I would be able to get a copy to show Keane. I was horrified when I realized that I didn't capture Kylie's beautiful solo on film, because I knew Keane was wanting to see/hear her sing, and I was sure that Kylie would be upset about my mess-up, too.
But I honestly felt a lot better when Kylie and Kaden both came over to see us again after the talent show, and I, again, received happy hugs and conversation from them. (They honestly may have been mostly excited to see McCoy and Kimberly, ha.)
Back to the focus on hand, Kylie did amazing. She started the whole song off, and braved through it, and she was flawless. It's no doubt that she loves to sing. She sings to every song on the radio, she sings with her karaoke machine, and she sings solely for her enjoyment. And she sings so beautifully -- a talent that she got from her father.
"Daddy, do you like Christmas? Did you when you were a kid?
Did you believe in Santa Claus? You know Mommy said she did."
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
The Beauty of Snow
Our second snow this season (the first wasn't as full, and didn't last very long) occurred over the weekend. It started snowing Friday afternoon, and snowed all through the night and into Saturday morning. When we finally arose from our slumber, we looked outside to beautiful scenery.
We spent the evening with our friends, Jared and Melissa, enjoying pizza and the company. The kids all played together, Keane and Jared played their guitars, and they even surprised us with a Christmas gift which was a metal statue of a Cardinals player holding a "bat" which holds a wine glass, or a wine glass shaped holder for wine utensils.
The kids couldn't wait to go sledding! I lucked out and got to stay inside this time, and I snapped a few photos and video clips while they were sledding around in the front yard. They fell into the snow countless times, and wanted to go again and again. Keane finally had to end their sled ride when he got too cold to continue, and then the kids still played in the snow building forts and sledding on their own down a few small hills in the yard.
Sledding is something that I just can't appreciate. I used to play in the snow as a kid, building forts and such, and when I returned inside, my mom would warm me up by the heater and serve me hot chocolate, which was my favorite part of it all.
And then Dad would take us sledding. Mom and Dad would bundle us up in winter overalls, boots, coats, gloves, facemasks...the whole works. She would even cover our hands with plastic bags underneath our gloves, to protect our hands from the moisture. Dad pulled us on a homemade sled built from a car hood and I remember it being fun. But for some reason, I don't like sledding. Maybe I enjoyed it more then, but the memory of the snow blowing in my face, and up my coat sleeves, and in my eyes...the cold, bitter, bites of frozenness landing on my skin...it all sounds terrible to me.
But I'll be there to warm the kids up, dry their clothes, and serve them hot chocolate after their sledding with their dad, just like my parents did for me. And I will always appreciate the beauty the snow brings.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
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