So much!

Just a short little update...(as Amy noted these are the top 5)...1)New Job including more responsibility 2)Quitting a job a loved and saying bye to a great support system 3) Planning a wedding (need I say more) 4) Selling the house we lived for 25+ years and 5) Looking for a reasonably priced place to be my new home w/ Jeff. I have to say that I am trying not to avoid items that need attention and stay focused. And oh, I am about to be another year closer to 30…30! I’ll get pictures posted at some point. Happy Saturday friends!

See...

...I'm not the only "big kid" who still enjoys Easter. This is my dearest friend Luke and his findings. See how happy he is??? It's the basket...it really just completes the Easter happiness. Latta! 

It's begun

Yesterday my mother was in town so we began to shop for my wedding dress. The morning started with Julie, showing up on time, followed by Amy (along with my Jamba Juice) and Dwan climbed in the car with myself and mom heading to David's Bridal. After trying on several dresses and were about to leave, someone spotted these hats and I felt the need for a pic; from left to right Krista, Julie, me, Amy, Dwan and Shayna (my wedding consultant...she was GREAT!!!!). After David's, a quick trip to mall proved profitable as Julie got her bridal party dress (Several of us were MOST worried about her lack of style so this is a HUGE blessing). Julie's mother (who is like my 2nd mother) joined us for lunch, followed by a trip to another mall then we headed to Alfred Angelo's for more dresses. While one has not been purchased, we are making progress on that and other wedding plans as well. OHHH, the date is October 21st...6:00 p.m. at the Will Rogers Theater in OKC...Mark the calenders ya'll. 

Peter Cotton Tail...

So last weekend, Gram and I went to Dallas allowing us to spend Easter with my parents. My mother surprised me with my easter basket (since like 1979) filled with great easter fun. Oh and do not think that my 89 year old grandmother was left out, she too awoke to find an easter basket for her.
I remember many an easter that included a new dress, sometimes a hat, lots of pictures, time at Nana and Papa's house where we would eat then little pastel colored aluminum chocolate eggs would be hid by Papa, Uncle Wayne and Daddy. The adults would then allow the "hunting" of eggs by Robert, Philip, my cousins Leatha and Micheal and me of course. My first Easter at school was SO sad to miss the day. After graduation I almost cried when mom told me we were too old to have the hunt...we hunted that year. Last year, mom and dad had just moved to Texas but Jeff and I were invited to spend the afternoon with the Nate, Leah, Desmond and Leah Native American family with several little kids. It was super to watch little D run around the yard gathering eggs and being SO proud for each addition to his basket. I love Easter and the time allotted for family, both as a little and big girl.

Sparkle

Here it is friends. My finger is no longer naked.

It's OFFICIAL

First of all, I am apologizing to all of you that have not yet heard by phone or in person (as life has been a bit crazy!!)
Last Tuesday night I becam officially engaged!!! I know, I know, most people are more surprised it took this long...the wait is over. Tuesday afternoon Jeffey picked up the ring and attempted to propose early in the evening. Due to my need to clean the kitchen, he was unable to "pop the question" until later that night. I have to say it was simple and completly perfect (much like my super great emerald cut diamond in a solitaire setting). As for the entire story and plans, you all will have to wait (as I am attempting to complete closing paperwork for North Care, going to see my parents for Easter, and starting a new job on Monday). Attempting to juggle lots of changes like a big girl...

7 days...

...and counting! 7, S-E-V-E-N days until I begin my new job. To be perfectly honest, I have NO idea what to expect. Due to some "personal"/spacing obstacles, I do not have an office (that's okay for a short time). Also I am not 100% sure what my job will look like. In light of all that, I am not really sure how I feel...excited, nervous, unsure, worried, anxious, sad and happy. I have to again note that my current boss is AMAZING and has made this transistion super easy. I am again calmed and amazed about how good things can be when you follow what you think God wants you to do. Truly blessed!
Oh and 3 weeks until my Philip graduates! I am SO VERY proud of him and WAY excited! We really are growing up! (I was talking w/ a friend who I met at my very 1st mental health related job on Friday and she got this misty look in her eye and said "Katie, you have really grown up. It's like you are a whole nother person. I can't believe how much older you feel." While the gesture warms my heart, I am still not sure I'm okay with the whole "grown up" thing. Looks like there is not much of a choice. At least I'm blessed!)

SICK and TIRED

I have been sick for over a week now. What does one do when they have tried all over the counter medications? Go to the doctor? Well that is what I thought, only the meds given to me by the doctor made me SICKER! That's right, I was not only battling sinus crap but then had to battle MAJOR NAUSEA. So here I sit, head still stopped up and B-A-D sinus pressure and now my stomach is all jacked too...thanks doctor. (oh and when I called today and they FINALLY called back almost 3 hours later, they said if I'm not better in 2 days to either call again or just make another appointment...yes, b/c I have time for that??? Nope!) I really am not a fan of this whole being a big girl, having a job and stinkin' responsibilities (hints the blog title).

Birthday Celebration

This has been the week of birthdays. First my little friend Emma turned 5, Dwan is another year older, followed by my mother who self proclaimed she is a year younger. Today, being April Fool's day is Mark's birthday and tomorrow we will celebrate Megan's day of birth. For those of you who really know me, know that remembering dates is NOT what I do best. So the fact that SEVERAL people are close together insures I will either forget them all OR (like this year) remember each person. (It also helps that Jeff knows and loves each of these people and is WAY better at remembering important dates (including anniversaries)). Do you remember dates well?

My Space

I did it. I caved! I now have a myspace account. To be TOTALLY honest I logged on to prove my dear Luke wrong, let's just say he was absolutely proved him right. I found a few fellow Yorkies and said hello. So this is my confession, Luke-you were right. I've enjoyed reconnecting w/ some old college friends.

Jobie Job

Well since it is official I will now post about it. In about 3-4 weeks I will no longer be a full time employee of North Care. I have accepted a position with a drug/alcohol treatment facility for woman and their children called Jordan's Crossing. I will basicly be the coordinator/supervisor/director/contact person for children services. Meaning I will be overseeing the daycare, contact person for the school, as well as the therapist for the children (at least that is my current understanding). I will also be able to start working to gain my license to become a drug and alcohol counselor. Professionaly this is a super great oppertunity and it is a spiritual based facility, which I am SUPER pumped about.
Today I told the entire staff at North Care, I cried. I am at peace with the change, feel like God really wants me to head in this direction but I really enjoy my current co-workers and (for the most part) feel supported by the entire staff. While change is hard, it's stinkin hard to leave a good thing. (However I have to say that Sarah Rahhal has got to be the GREATEST boss ever!!)

Family Blessings

So today my car needed to have a little tire check at the shop so I needed assistnace. I called my friend Terra and was reminded of the blessing that God's family/chosen family is on my daily life. I then got in Philip's (my youngest brother) car to had to work. For at least 4 years Philip has kept a picture of Robert, himself and me (at my college graduation) on his dash. I have seen the faded and discolored picture numerous times but today I was overcome with pride, love, warmth and admiration (don't forget tears for a moment). I thought about the highs and lows of each realtionship represented in that picture and through it all I have never questioned the love or faithfulness of my brothers. Yeah we fight, disagree and wonder how we were raised in the SAME home and all be SO stinkin different but we are family; not only by blood but by choice. For that I am lucky, loved, blessed and so very thankful.

Postings

Like I have said numerous times, I am horrible at posting on a regular bases. I will be sitting at my desk, driving down the road or chatting with friends and think "oh, that would be good to blog" and (as you can see) I never quite get around to posting. I have to say there are about 3 posted saved as drafts that I need to finish and post. However, after a long day at the computer, I am not much for wanting to post. Many changes are upcoming so there will be lots to post. I'll work on it...

Forwards

Typically I am not a fan of forwards; However this one was sent to me a few days ago and there are thoughts within this commentary I found thought provoking. What do you think?
The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary, Sunday, 12/18/05 .

Herewith at this happy time of year, a few confessions from my beating heart: I have no freaking clue who Nick and Jessica are. I see them on the cover of People and Us constantly when I am buying my dog biscuits and kitty litter. I often ask the checkers at the grocery stores. They never know who Nick and Jessica are either. Who are they? Will it change my life if I know who they are and why they have broken up? Why are they so important? I don't know who Lindsay Lohan is either, and I do not care at all about Tom Cruise's wife.

Am I going to be called before a Senate committee and asked if I am a subversive? Maybe, but I just have no clue who Nick and Jessica are. If this is what it means to be no longer young. It's not so bad.

Next confession: I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that
we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a crèche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution, and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke, it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this Happen?" (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?"

In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK. Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing? Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they WILL think of you for sending it. Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.

Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.

Desmond

Ladies and Gentlemen: I would like to introdue to one of my cutest friends, Desmond Thomas. He is 2 1/2 and has got to be one of the coolest kids I know. His taste in music, entertainment and woman is FAR beyond his years and he makes me smile. D and I run errands, hang out and generally just have a good time. For now, this is your introduction to D...you will meet him again.


 

Fire

Today has got to be one of the GREATEST Saturdays I have had in a while. Why? Well, I woke up this morning at 10:30 (can't remember when I slept that late last), looked outside to see it had snowed. Therefore I crawled back into bed where I proceeded to flip channels until deciding I was hungry enough to make pancakes and eggs. I then sat, enjoying my breakfast while watching Olympic drama (by that I mean "behind the scene stories about athletes and the mounting tensions). Next I started a fire and continued channel flipping. The remainder of my afternoon appears to hold some picture editing, playing, movies, friends and not much more. After the long, tough week I had, this was an unwelcome surprise. Also this day of doing nothing has afforded the opportunity to complete some past blog entries with pictures. So next time you are bored, Krista, go back and review.

Tiredness

So now that I have recovered from my adventure to Dallas I am ready to blog about it. Amy and I left the office at 5:20, getting stuck in traffic around the greater OKC area. Our trip down was relaxing and allowed Amy and I to spend time, AWAY from the office together. Upon getting into Dallas I followed directions, made possible by Google, taking us to the heart of Dallas. Directions were GREAT until exiting off the highway; that junction presented with about 6/7 streets going 6/7 different ways, directions were not NEAR clear enough to guide us at this point. Knowing the general direction of our destation I guided Amy and we ended up following several one-way streets. Our favorites were Main and Elm (First picture below); you see located on Elm was our destation and Main was the one-way parael street. Once we arrived it was GREAT! We arrived in time to pee and stand with random people in front of the stage. First we saw Ben Taylor (Second picture below) who was super good (now is "band" was lacking and someday I will have to blog about his base player). During this set, Amy turns to me and says "He sounds just like James Taylor" "No WAY! I was TOTALLY thinking the same thing" And yes, that would be b/c he is the SON of James. Next Tristan Prettyman (Third picture below), and her side kick percussionist, were GREAT. The 2 were able to be personable and the sound was great. Tristan, her percussionist and her road manager have been in a mini van together traveling from New Mexico, with Dallas being their first stop. One could tell the chemistry was real and stories were funny! Leaving the concert Amy and I wanted to McDonald's like NONE other (Amy and I have been "being healthy" meaning we have cut Dr. Pepper, fried foods and chocolate. However we decided to "cheat" to for this trip to help us stay awake) We drove all the way to Norman before finding caffeine, which I drank to stay awake and drive home. After 3 hours of sleep, I drank 2 Dr. Peppers to maintain alertness in sessions. Life as a big girl means much tiredness after little sleep.

Big girl who?

So I have spent the last week working as it felt like 2 weeks (difficult ones) rolled into 1 week; however this weekend was a co-workers wedding, my "official" 1 year anniversary w/ Jeffrey and then a WONDERFULLY relaxing Sunday. I do have to say that tomorrow I am going to grab onto my youth (as I realized I am late 20's, pushing 30). I am throwing caution to the wind and driving to Dallas after work on Tuesday to see Tristan Prettyman. Amy, my friend/co-worker/OU-MSW survivor, and I are hauling to Dallas to be there when the doors open at 8, enjoying the show then driving back to OKC to grab a few hours of sleep. Then Wednesday it is back to the office and back to being a big girl (I am sure my tiredness will remind me ALL day I should of given my big girl body more sleep). I’ll post pictures later…

Avoiding

Alright ya'll, here it is...I was avoiding being a big girl and procrastinating on paper work by checking out dearest Tam's blog. Much to my delight she had little fun tests to take (up time). Here is what I got...if your bored (or need to procrastinate) check it out. Men See You As Playful

Men want a challenge and you are the perfect playmate You know how to push men's buttons and attract a wide range of guys You enjoy living and loving - it's one of your most attractive qualities Men are often consumed with desire for you, and you love that!

How Do Men See You?

Stupid People

Let me tell you about today...My father has been in town for a Boy Scout event so Philip, Jeff and I drove to Moore this morning for church service. In front of us sat a cute boy who looked to be about 4 or 5 with his mother who was about 10. Ok, not really she was probably about my age however she interacted with him more a sibling than a mother. She displayed unreal expectations for his behavior and could not lose the harsh tone or stop twitching. I felt as if I was watching a bad parent/child interaction video that would be utilized to help me, as a therapist, teach a parent how to positively interact with the child; kind of a “watch this and let’s discuss where you would start working w/ this family.” It took all I had to not tell the boy to crawl under the seat to join me for the remaindered of service. Then there was the service…let’s just say it was the quintessential church of Christ experience. Next we took my grandparents out for lunch, as tomorrow is their 60th wedding anniversary; Lunch conversations highlighted differences in family members. Dad, Jeff and I went back to my grandparents to spend time with them. On the drive back to Edmond Jeff and I were processing the day (as it was only 2:30 and there was MUCH to process). As we were driving, still on the south side, we spotted this bumper sticker…”Saw it…Wanted it…Threw a fit…GOT IT!!!” With that we threw up our hands shaking our heads in disbelief; with that mentality, I will never be out of a job.

Dad-gum getting older

Have I mentioned that I do not like this whole "being a big girl" thing. Let me tell you about this last week...For some reason my body decided to wake me up at 6:47, 5:22, 5:01, and 6:37. Two nights last week I was in bed before 10! I was even at the office before 8 one morning!! (one morning I MADE myself go back to bed as I mentally could NOT accept that I would be ready to leave before 7:30) I guess the days of sleeping in and staying up late are quickly coming to an end...now that's just sad!

Stinkin Sorry...

...MOM!!! So here is one of the deals...I have tried all month long to update my blog however I can't upload pictures. My mother, who I love dearly (really no sarcasm there) keeps dropping hints (some not so subtle) about me needing to update my blog. So here is my update...A few weeks ago I stopped by to see a friend and she begins telling me about how she is no longer in love w/ the father of her 2 kids and looking at running into another man's arms. WHEN DID THIS BECOME OKAY and WHEN DID THIS BEGIN HAPPENING IN MY PEER GROUP???? This has been on my mind for a while as the other question 'When did I REALLY grow up?' Today my friend Dwan & I were talking and an old high school friend is divorced and dating again. Oh and then there is my younger cousin who had a baby this week. Not sure I like this big girl jazz. (more to follow...)

Christmas pictures

I asked pops (that's my father) to send me pictures from the holiday and here is what he sent.
For years, tradition has been that on Christmas Eve my family joins 6 other families to celebrate Christ, friendship and family. When we were younger, the night would typically include games, the telling of the Christmas story, making and decorating of sugar cookies for Santa as well as a dirty Santa game. These families have been an active part of my spiritual heritage and as I have grown up Christmas Eve has become a memory I cherish. Now Christmas Eve seems to be the only time I connect with this group all year. Every year each family gathers to take a family photo. This photo includes the bio-family as well as extras that joined the nights’ festivities. As you can see the first photo my family is missing 2 bio-members (Robert and Natasha had to stay in KS for church). However there are 2 non-bio-members in the picture; my boyfriend Jeff and Philip's girlfriend Tara. The other picture is of the kids...Most years, the mothers want all kids to gather and take a picture. This picture is the smallest one yet as the "kids" are getting married/engaged and having to split holidays. Again, I am not sure I like this whole being a big girl thing.

How could I forget...

...the other newness of my Christmas holiday; Emma, Garrison and candle lighting service. Emma and G's mother-Erin, aunt-Megan, and grandparents-Greg and Lou, have known Jeff since highschool and have treated him like family. Emma and G have been an important part of the Hayden's life and moved from Edmond to Virgina in August. They returned to Edmond forthe holiday and we spent as much time wit them as possible. On Christmas Eve Jeff and I went to see them, take gifts and hang out. Here are some pictures of some SUPER cute kids!!

On the left Jeff and G are playing with G's new train. On the right is Emma and I are playing with the camera

Holiday review

I know, I know I’m a few hours late…let me tell you why. I have 3 words and 1 conjunction…Scrubs and Gilmore Girls!!! Yesterday I grabbed lappie and started to write however I was totally focused on the witty entertainment.
So let me tell you about things that were different about the holidays…First there was Christmas Eve w/o my brother Robert and best friend Julie then Christmas, aside from it being on a Sunday, Jeff and I shared the day with each of other and our families.
Christmas Eve traditionally is spent with family by choice eating finger foods and playing dirty Santa. This year Robert and Natasha were not in town along with Julie and Chris. However Zane stopped by with his fiancée Carla, Dana’s b-friend was present for a bit and David picked up his g-friend for the dirty Santa. The kids I use to baby-sit and change their diapers are now in high school/college and have significant others. Not spending much time w/ people outside of once a year, you notice lots of changes. It was good and I enjoyed it but was also made aware of age differences and life goals. (Maybe I was just a little too deep for Christmas Eve).
Christmas Day: This was the first year I did not wake up and join my family to investigate what Santa left in our stockings (that’s right Santa still fills our stockings every year). I did wake up and join Jeff’s family in the kitchen for dinner prep and breakfast. Post events with his family, we drove to Moore to attend church with my family then had lunch, opened presents, play games and relax. My younger cousin Leatha, who is Robert’s age, is pregnant, with child, there’s a bun in the oven…it’s just weird (for several reasons).
While the day was different, it was a good day, I am truly blessed to have family and friends with such great intentions and/or quality hearts. When I get pictures, I will post those for your viewing pleasure.