Just RK

Enjoying a cool evening by a huge bonfire with friends... Props to Hillsboro, MO!  That's M and his two tiny helpers stoking the monster.

The party Friday night was really nice.  Trendy location, yummy food, great music playlist, family and friends to laugh with.  There was a little karaoke (my fave…livin’ on a prayer…totally took me back), and as my kids were the only kids there (and they left early) they enjoyed getting lots of attention and dancing with anyone willing.   It was a bit sad that many couples were out of town or ended up with sick kids at the last minute.  No fun that they weren’t there… some were appropriately bummed. But for the crowd who came and celebrated with me, thanks!!!  It was a great time! We should do it regularly, I say!

Great Homecoming photo session tonight with these two!  Hope the dance was a blast!   

Two pretty little 4-year-olds.  I cannot wait to see these girls in 10 years, hopefully still close friends! Somewhere there may exist a pic of Ella’s mom and I, from 25 years ago when we were teens…  or maybe not since there weren’t digital cameras back in the old days.  But it’s fun to see our kids hang out together now.  What a neat life circle to bring our families to the same neighborhood, church, and life group.

Over 20 years ago,  we began doing Christmas shows together. I now have to d o it every year. It is the real beginning of the season for me each year.  Can NOT miss it. The show is different each year, depending on who happens to be on town. Me and Mel are in our seats and ready. I got the tickets as a Christmas gift. It was for the 12 Gifts of Christmas Tour. That tour was cancelled yesterday afternoon. Day before the show. Out of nowhere. By the promoter. Just like that. But in a matter of a couple short hours, three of the artists, who happen to be my fave three, had been contacted by our radio station here that was hosting the event. And they were gracious and equally disappointed. The artists and JoyFM. Disappointed and stunned. So tonight was born. Steven Curtis Chapman, his wife and author Mary Beth Chapman, and singer songwriter Laura Story are here. Just of themselves and those they could get on a plane in 24 hours. Our tickets are being honored for entry, and th...

Today's speaking engagement went well. I think. They seemed to be tuned in,  the six groups of like 40+ 6th graders. That's something. I had too much material to cover (shock...  me? Wordy?) but I managed. I've got some work to do before I hit the speaking circuit, but I enjoyed it. B clammed up and wouldn't even look at the kids. Good thing I had plenty of pictures in my presentation. Overall it was good. Really nice group of kids. And the perk of seeing my "old"  roomie was the best.

Today at the Y they hosted a weight lifting event.  Most of the participants were staff, and when I stopped by “the concrete room” to peek  in while Kinlee was at swim class, I saw some of my buds lifting. Adam is one of my fave coworkers, one of our personal trainers, and is our Physical Director at the Y. (For only the next 3 days. Boo.)  Kinlee calls him The Silly Mr. Adam. He organized the event with Kyle, behind him in the black/white jacket.   And this is Kyle, who finished 4th in nationals of Olympic Weightlifting, competing for Lindenwood University. He’s also a personal trainer at the Y.  (That’s almost 600 lbs, folks.) But more importantly, Kyle is also MY personal trainer.  And he kicks. my. rear. when it comes to workouts.  Just had to give props to my pal and fitness guru.  We’ve got a long way to go, but I’ve got a pretty good pro on my team.  The event was a hit, and it really ended up feeling a lo...

We have been planning for almost two months.  And by we,  I mostly mean me. Because I wanted everyone to get to experience the trivia event we are throwing tonight for M's belated birthday party,  I ended up doing most everything myself. I'm flat worn out. And I am the MC,  so I need energy! In just over 3 hours,  about 50 people will be arriving at our venue to enjoy this night with us. Work friends,  lots of family,  friends through DS,  friends from C-U,  and  friends we like because they are cool. Not that everyone there isn't cool,  mind you! So here's hoping that everyone has a good time. If you are in South County and want to join us...  Drop me a note and you can come on by!

A circle of friends. Ready for the Madison Zoo!

Do you know this area?? If you happen to live on or near that map, or plan to be there in about 10-12 days, drop me a line and let’s get together!  We’ll be doing a family trip north for a new friend’s new baby celebration and a few popcorn-style visits to see buddies “in the neighborhood.”  My girls are SO excited…  if only they had any idea how long they’ll be sitting…

My friend, known in the blogosphere as “krlr,” is being a catalyst for good things.  She’s helping to put together a group of people who would like to do a fun run during the NDSC convention weekend in DC.  My guess is that this is going to be a hit! She explains it way much better, so go read her post .  But if you are into those things, or if you want motivation to BE into those things, get on the list!  It’s a super cool idea.  Kudos!

Tomorrow my daughter will attend her first memorial service for a friend. It is so wrong that , before her 5th birthday, she will know what it is like, in her limited understanding, to be a part of a celebration of a life that is no more on this earth. Tonight before bed we prayed, as we always do, for friends and family, for our sweet friends who need mommies and daddies, and as we have for 8 days now, we prayed for Maddy's mommy and her brothers. I know the girls don't understand fully, but we have talked about how sad Maddy's mommy is that she can't hold her anymore. And they understand sadness. It is just no fun that this is part of their childhood. But that is life here and now. I'm thankful that we have more than this life to bank on. We are just passing thru, as the old song says. Please be in prayer for Madison's family and friends tomorrow, specifically at 1 pm when her service will begin.

This precious beauty’s mother is hurting tonight. Hurting doesn’t even begin to describe it, I’m guessing. Little Madison passed away today after a very tragic accident. Please pray for her family. There are a couple more pictures of her sweetness on Braska’s blog . <a href="http://braskabear.blogspot.com/2011/10/mommy-life-madison-angel-too-soon.html"><img src="http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x198/wish4rk/madisonbutton.png" /></a> (Please feel free to post this button and please pray for this family.

Because my daughter has Down syndrome, I’ve met a lot of great people. Because my daughter has Down syndrome, I’ve come to this city. Because my daughter has Down syndrome, we are a part of a great school. Because my daughter has Down syndrome, I’ve been given reason to be on a superb team of support in our community. Today all these elements came together.  Today I sat with two groups of ladies whose lives connect through my tiny little girl and enjoyed fellowship in the midst of hundreds of women.  But none of these special ladies would be in my circles at all if it were not for my daughter, who has Down syndrome. How blessed I am to have this phenomenal group of women around me.  How blessed I am to have Braska’s team at school be full of those who are also excited to praise God alongside me, learn about how to be more faithful and in tune with His plan, and determined to allow that faith to make them better parents, teachers, therapists, and friends. How...

As I said the other day , I feel helpless when it comes to what to do or say for those who hurt for their pretty girl today.  Thankfully, I pray for them a lot, and that’s the best thing I can do. But tonight, after a day of plumbing issues ending in big money leaving my bank account and a variety of other concerns that seemed *purposeful* in attempting to steal my focus on what this day means to me, I felt that I wanted to bring it back around, in the quiet before bed, to remember this little beauty and celebrate some of her favorite things.  The best way I am able to do that is through playing with my digiscrap kits and such, frivolous as it may seem.  So I spent a little time tonight putting together a little siggy for Miss Jalayne Grace , the hee-hee loving princess.  She was such a pretty little bug, full of energy and loved by SO many.  Never forgotten. Always missed. You are forever loved, little Laynee.

It’s been a very tiring 5 days for me. I’ve worked far too much for my liking. I’ve been more rushed and tense than I’d prefer.  I have had some wonderful moments within those days, don’t misunderstand.  But I’m exhausted. And tonight, after my girls collapsed into their beds, having been transferred in from their car seats where they fell asleep, I had the opportunity to go to bed. Early. Before 9 pm.  But I couldn’t.  I feel like I need to communicate something intangible. I have this urge to say something. And yet all words are empty and unimportant.  I’ve been sitting here with my laptop open, on, and my hands on the keyboard for almost an hour. And yet the words just won’t form any cohesive thoughts worth sharing. It’s not about my busy weekend. It’s not about my world at all.  I’m left sitting here in bed, uncomfortable. Wanting to speak words of comfort and having none.  I so desperately want to share just the right note of encouragement, ...

The overstuffed recliner is between their little beds.  When I sit there, I can reach each of them as they lay in their beds, holding one of each of their little hands as we say their prayers each night.  The room is only 9 feet wide. Tonight we prayed for their sweet dreams, restful sleep, thanking God for a good day, all four of us healthy.  We thanked God for our friends and that our sweet friend Jamee had a good day after a few tough ones.  We prayed for my friend Jennifer far away.  We asked for extra doses of comfort and peace of heart for our dear, precious friends who will walk painfully through the next 9 days, though all their days are harder without their prettiest little one.  We asked for lots of extra angels to be sent to those little ones who are mistreated or alone in places without mommies and daddies to love them.  We never forget these precious ones.  We prayed for the “tummy babies” whose mommies are scared of what the doctor...

A week ago, on Sunday, after working the afternoon shift, I met up with a new friend.  I had a rough and weird day at work, and with the crazy heat that has been hanging around here, I was not at my best social self.  The girls also showed some of their less attractive features here and there.  But regardless, it was a nice visit with some very lovely new friends.  I’m so looking forward to the next time. This has been the strangest week, really very odd. I’ve worked more than I’d prefer in the last few days. Since I’m worn out and clearly not having any great wit tonight, I’ll refrain from giving my version of last Sunday evening as I’d thought I’d do. When the words of another say what should be said even more eloquently, let them alone.  Right? Please visit Trial Run for the great post that shares of our playdate.  And the pictures… you will not be disappointed with the cuteness quotient!  It was hot, but there was water.

Last year I was blessed by a string of events that led me to connect with Kim and Jodie at Fresh Art Photography to assist with a special day of photo shoots. I've been following their blogs ever since and loving to see the great photos and cute stories and real lives of these super cool ladies. Today they posted an AMAZING chance to get to experience their art for a VERY reasonable rate and all the money goes to benefit an adopting family! Win/Win/Win! Oh wouldn't I love to get my girls in front of their cameras, especially the one who just refuses to cooperate with cameras and loves to strike unflattering poses quite frequently when the camera shows up. (Yeah, that's Braska .) Kim and Jodie shoot together, and I'm betting they might could catch Braska off her game and sneak in some nice shots. But right now this probably isn't in the cards for us... someday, though! BUT--YOU can take advantage of it and get a little mini-session scheduled, and you will NOT b...

This was a crazy busy week. The good part is that it seems to have flown by. The bad part is that it seems to have flown by!  I wonder why…. ************ My sister and her husband moved into a new house last Sunday. As they both have very busy jobs, and I’m largely more flexible (as long as I can juggle the girls) I have been helping with unpacking and receiving deliveries (though not with 100% success…thanks Home Depot).  I managed to get the kitchen somewhat usable and looking like it should, which is important, I think, because they are doing renovations in much of the rest of the house.  So chaos is king over there.  I thought if the kitchen felt a little more like a home, it might be nice.  Of course, they’re going to be ripping out the whole kitchen and re-doing it next year, but for now, it’s doing it’s job. I’m glad they got to enjoy the Bears win last night in some semblance of comfort, even lit their first fire.  (The living room is ...