Happy Birthday Bink!

Today is my baby brother Klay's 21st birthday. Happy Birthday, Bink! This song is for you...from me...sung by Doodle.

i am not

Brother...

I was looking through my videos the other day...I had almost forgotten that I recorded this video at Christmas. It's kind of hard to see (it was a little dark in there), but you should be able hear it alright. Kyle actually wrote this song (copyrighted 2007 by Kyle Johnson). You'll hear most of the second verse and the chorus. I'm a little biased, but I think it's awesome. Let me know what you think...

Hope you enjoy!

i am not

For Kara...part two

Here's the video I promised yesterday. Fun stuff.

i am not

For Kara...

This post is purely for Kara...and not just because she's the only one who reads this. Here's the story for anyone else who just may (read it that is). In February of 2007 I headed out to Seattle to attend the wedding of my dear friend Kara. I had never been to the Emerald City but always wanted to, so when Kara called with the news of her engagement, I immediately made plans to attend. The picture to the left was taken from the Space Needle. Very cool place...literally. It was nice down below, but the wind from the top made it pretty chilly. So worth it though. The city is beautiful!

Further proof that Seattle is a beautiful city......:) So after walking around downtown for the better part of the day and passing about a million Starbucks stores, Heidi and I decided to start taking pictures of every Starbucks we passed. I believe I have about 17 pictures taken in the last hour of our downtown excursion...and they're all different stores. Now that's my kind of city...

Now for the real reason for the trip (I don't want you to think that I only went for the coffee)...Greg and Kara's wedding. I believe I actually talked about it in a previous post, but let me reiterate how beautiful it was. Kara, honey, you planned one of the most elegant weddings I've ever been to. It was fun and gorgeous and perfectly you. I am honored that you invited me to attend.

So here's a picture of yours truly with the beautiful bride. I look a little pale, but Kansas and winter don't make for a lot of suntanning.

So Kara...basically I can't tell you how much I miss you. My roommate was laughing at me the other day because I slipped into what I refer to as the "Kara voice." You know which one I'm talking about. I've been thinking about you a lot and so the voice just naturally comes out. I would love to come out and see you and if I had the money I'd buy the plane ticket in a heartbeat. Someday soon...I hope.

So, I leave you with what I think is a pretty cool picture of the Space Needle at night...taken from a moving vehicle. Next time I'll post a video from Pike Place Market!

i am not

"The more the big picture comes into view, the more we realize just how small a piece of the whole canvas we really see." Matt Redman Facedown

During my extra long blogging hiatus I went to the mountains with my family. The reason I tell you this and post these pictures is because yesterday was very springy (today was warm but extremely windy...good ole Kansas) and when it starts to get warm I start to think of mountains. So...I thought I'd share of few of the pictures I took while in the mountains, though not too many because a few are rather incriminating. Mom, I think you probably know which ones I'm talking about, and I'm afraid that you actually have a few of those. Oh well... The picture to your left was taken on the ski lift, or to be more accurate on one of the lift chairs. Looks like we were on the way down. Fun times.

We finally talked Dad into renting a jeep and so we had a great day of bouncing around in the mountains. Better in a jeep than on a 4-wheeler. I was an idiot and let Klay talk me into going 4-wheeling with him. Yeah...don't think I'll ever do that again. Actually the 4-wheeling wouldn't have been so bad if I hadn't had to keep up with our guide who flew down the mountain all the while puffing on a cigarette. Oh and there was the time that the machine tired to take off without me and nearly flipped over on top of me. Yeah...so much fun. I've actually tried to block those particular memories. Guess it hasn't worked out too well. I may need to go to therapy. My roommate would tell you that I need therapy for other reasons, but no one really listens to her. So anyway...the picture that is now above was taken at Cabresto lake which is tucked away in the mountains somewhere and it took up forever to get there, but it was a pretty ride.

And while we were on vacation I turned another year older...or according to my roommate, I turned old. My dad promptly told me that 25 is not old, and I have to say that I agree with him. I really don't feel old. In fact, not too long ago I had someone ask me if I was an adult. My reply was that unfortunately I was and that I had the bills to prove it. Responsibility is so overrated.

Well there you have it. Interesting day today...I got to the McKnight's to find two of them sick, one mostly recovered, and the other doing surprisingly well. I hope I don't end up with what they had. Needless to say I was home pretty early so I cleaned my room. Fun day! Until next time, which probably won't be tomorrow...

i am not

So...

Wow...it's been a really long time since I've updated. I'm not about to apologize because no one reads this. However, I will update now and maybe someone will read this. So...life is good. There really hasn't been anything too interesting happen since my last post. I still don't have a counseling job. Thank goodness I still have a job with Sid and Abbie. I finally found a church home. I've been attending Village Community Church in KC. I'm making some new friends and generally loving the worship with other believers. We're a new church and it's amazing watching what God is doing. He's pretty awesome! Anyway...I'm loving being in this place with these people and am looking forward to what God is going to do.

In other news...well there really is no other news, but my Jayhawks won the Orange Bowl. I don't know when I've had so much fun watching college football. This past fall I remembered just how much I really do love football. It certainly helps to have a decent team to cheer for. The Chiefs were awful this year, but my Hawks more than made up for it. My other Jayhawks are playing really well right now (I'm talking basketball). I've been able to go to several games this year (many, many thanks to the McKnights), and was even able to take my grandma to her first college basketball game. It was priceless. Anyhow...it's been a great ride so far, and I'm looking forward and greatly hoping for a national chapmionship this year. Regardless...it's been fun.

Okay...so this is the part where I say how much I'm going to try to update more often, but I won't be making any promises. I might just start posting random pictures of life here in KC. We'll see. Until whenever...God bless!

i am not

Moving and stuff

The really happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

Yeah so, a lot of life has happened since I last posted. I moved, again. After seven years, I no longer live in Olathe. I moved to Overland Park in May. Not too far down the road, but I've had to find new places to shop. Seriously, it's not been a tough adjustment. I'm enjoying living with my friend Jess. She's got a great sense of humor and it's good to have someone to laugh with.

I'm taking my licensing test in two weeks. I'm not any where near ready for the thing, but I'm not too terribly worried. Hopefully after that I can find a job. I've actually spotted a couple in the Denver and Nashville areas that I'm probably going to apply for. We'll see what happens. I'd rather stay in KC, but hey...you never know.

A couple of weeks ago my church celebrated what God has done in and through us and then closed the doors. Our pastors had resigned early in the year and we were struggling to stay afloat. The board decided it was time to celebrate what God had done and then merge with another church. I sat down the other day to plan out where I'd like to visit for the next few weeks before I find a new church home. I'm excited to see what else is out there...and meet new people a long the way.

So...last weekend I went to Texas with my friend Donna. She and her husband are moving down there, and I went along to ride with Donna and help them move in. It was a crazy weekend. Between getting lost in Oklahoma and taking bad advice and ending up in Arkansas (never listen to preachers trying to give directions; consult a map) I have decided that maybe I really don't want to move after all. Seriously though, all things considered, it was a good trip. The pastor's daughter was an absolute doll...even if I was injured trying to make her laugh (tip: don't play fish face for a long period of time...you will end up with mouth sores). I even managed to get a little bit of studying done. Road trips are good...and really, I didn't mind ending up in Arkansas. It was beautiful, and satisfied my need for mountains...at least for a few days.

Speaking of mountains...the countdown is on. Only 36 days to go. I can't wait. SERIOUSLY! I've actually been dreaming about the mountains. I think it's a summer thing. About the time summer hits, I get homesick for the mountains. So...as it gets hotter here in KC, the more I'm ready to go. Well, my birthday is the day. Have I mentioned that I'm ready to go?

Well...I guess I'll wrap this up. My dad called, so I think I'll go talk to him for a while. It's been a pleasure. And I'll try not to wait so long between posts.

Hope everyone has a GREAT Friday and an awesome weekend.

Much love

K-JO

Almost my life story...

I realize that it's been forever and a day since I have updated this blog. I'm fairly certain that there isn't really anyone who actually reads it anyway. If you do, thank you for waiting patiently for a new blog. A lot of life has happened since I last updated. So...here it is in less than three hours...

Mr. Mouse disappeared. I moved out of my apartment and in with my brother. While some would argue that I merely traded one rodent for another, I actually have enjoyed living with Kyle. It's nice having someone home whenever I so happen to return to the apartment. So...I'd take my brother over a rodent any day. Thank you, Kyle for letting me move in with you.

You may be wondering why I moved in with my brother. Well it's simple...my landlady informed me that she was moving, and therefore by default that meant that I was moving too. In a couple of months, after Kyle moves back to Elkhart, I will be moving in with my friend Jess. Her current roommate will be getting married in May. Congratulations Gina! You're going to make a great wife.

In February, I was able to head out west for a couple of days. I first flew to Phoenix to catch up with my friend Linz from my freshman year at MNU. I hadn't seen Linz since Kristin and Jeremiah got married four years ago. It was great seeing her. Sometimes you don't realize just how much you miss a person until you see them again. Linz is one of those friends that no matter how much time seems to pass we pick up right where we left off. My friend Kara is the same way. I actually headed west to attend her wedding in Seattle. I just took a little bit of a detour to go see Linz. Seattle was beautiful. Seriously...I loved it out there. Kara and Greg's wedding was gorgeous. So unique and absolutely, perfectly Kara. I'm not using my own computer at the moment, but next time I'll be sure to post some pictures from the wedding and Seattle. Plans are in the works for heading back out there as soon as possible. I'm thinking of maybe even going out there to get my doctorate. We'll see what God thinks of my plan...:) I'll keep everyone posted as to whether it's in His plan too.

About a month ago our Pastors, Mike and Kellie resigned from our church. Man, they are missed. I'm on the Church board, so we've been meeting with the District Superintendent to get the ball rolling on finding a new pastor. As much as I love and miss Mike and Kellie, I'm excited about the possibilities for the future. If we as a church are willing...I believe that God can do great things in and through us.

Last weekend, I was able to con a couple of friends from Church (Jenn, Donna, and Denise) into going St. Louis with me for a couple of days. I didn't have to twist their arms too hard. They actually agreed quite readily. Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, and Louie Giglio were in town, and since I hadn't seen them in quite some time I had decided months ago that I would make the four hour trek across Misery to St. Louis to see them (can you say run-on sentence?). It was a great time away...and the worship concert was amazing too. The Spirit was definitely in the building. How Great is Our God!

There are so many other things that I could, and probably should update you all on. Like for instance my job status and test preparation. But...I've already written a book, and while I hope you've enjoyed it, I think I'll sign off for the time being. Seriously...I'll try not to wait so long between posts.

Much love,

kayla

He's Back...

Well....he's back. Or maybe it's a she this time. Many of you will most likely remember my "critter" incident several months ago. I don't know how or why, but Mickey or Minnie has a junior and he or she is currently somewhere in my house. I'm just hoping that there's only one of them. Seriously...I'm going to be sleeping with lots of noise. I'm going to try to be a bigger person than I was the last time and actually sleep here. It may prove to be rather difficult this weekend though, becuase the weather is supposed to be nasty. I'm not sure that I can sit around waiting and wondering if I'll see him/her or not. Well...I'm praying that he'll go away soon. There's poison out and I think he's already been into it. So...it's just a matter of time right? I guess I'll be getting to bed...or trying to. Pray for me.

I'll update later...keeping everyone apprised of the status of the situation.

It's already over

Well...Christmas has come and gone. I absolutely love the Christmas season for so many reasons. This year was very nice. It seemed to go by so quickly though. It seems like Thanksgiving was just last week, and now Christmas is already over. Craziness. 2007 is only a couple of days away. It's been a good year.

Anyway...Christmas with the family was a lot of fun. We laughed a lot and generally just enjoyed one another. I got a new camera, so I'll be posting more pictures on here. I need to mess around with my photo software though. It's going to be so much fun having it (the camera). Be prepared to see lots of Sam, Duncan, and other random stuff. I like pictures...if you didn't know.

Well...I'm in the middle of Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Good movie. I'll update more later...with more pictures of our family Christmas. Hope everyone had a Happy Christmas!

Much love,

kj
i am not

Merry... uhh

Thanksgiving was fun. We had 67 at dinner. That's just crazy. It was fun though. The photo above is of my cousin Matt and his baby Weston. My family and Wayne's all went out to Nana and Papa's last night to watch the KU game. Dennis and Darla's family are in the mountains skiing so they didn't come. I guess they didn't think the commute would be worth it. And they don't like KU like the rest of us. Anyway...Weston is getting so big and did I mention that he's entirely too cute! Well he is.

Home has been nice. It's a completely different pace...and there are people around. That's a big change. It's nice though. Mom put the Christmas tree up yesterday. I just love Christmas. I'm thinking that maybe I need to put a tree up in my apartment. Otherwise...the only "Christmas" I get is at Sid and Abbie's. Hhhmmm....seriously considering it now.

Here's a picture Mom took of me in front of the Christmas tree. I really needed a new pic for my myspace page. So...there it is. Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. I've had trouble keeping my holiday's straight. I don't know how many times I went to say "Happy Thanksgiving" and started to say "Merry...uhh" instead. So...now I can say it "Merry Christmas" everybody!

Kentucky

Quote: Everyone has a photographic memory. Some just don't have film.

Well...it has been forever. I've not been very motivated to post on here. Probably because I don't really think that anybody actually reads this. Oh well... So last weekend I went to Kentucky to see Brian, Kelly, and the kids. It was a whirlwind weekend but it was great. I was able to see a couple of the kids from Ashland and to my suprise and great delight, was able to see Harold and Karen Berrian. It was great to see them... It was just a great weekend all around. The picture above is me with pretty Briley. Isn't she cute. I have a better picture of her...she's kinda making a funny face in that picture, but I don't have it on my computer yet. Here's a picture of me and Cody though. He's getting so big.

He looks so much like his daddy. Crazy, but he's a sweetheart. I was standing on the porch with Kelly when he got off the bus on Friday and he ran straight to me for a big hug. What a special kid! We went to his Bible quiz on Saturday and he did great. Scored a perfect round but missed a few in the second round. He didn't finish in the top 10 but was so cute when he told his daddy how he did. He told Brian that he did better than the last quiz when he got a trophy...this time he went straight past the trophies to the toys (they get a small toy for each perfect round). So cute!

I lied...I have another picture of Pretty Briley. I just didn't take it. She's being cute and pretty here. I wish I lived closer...

Well....I better go. My Jayhawks are back from halftime. They are playing MUCH better tonight. Fun stuff...I'll try not to wait so long between posts. I've got some big decisions coming in the next few weeks/months. I'll keep everyone up to date. Got to go...

much love

i am not

"I'm no angel"

"I'd love to make up my mind, but I can't remember where I left it."

Well...it's been almost two weeks since we finished up classes. I still have no idea what I'm going to do with the rest of my life. It's hard to believe that I'm finally done with school...not that I'm complaining.

The two monsters in the picture are the boys I take care of...Sammy and Duncan. Dunc was so funny today. When I picked him up from school the teacher gave me his school pictures. Way too cute. The camera certainly captured the orneriness in his eyes. Anyway...Sid came home for lunch and was looking at the pics. He said something about Duncan looking like an angel and D says..."I'm no angel." Sid and I just about died laughing. It was probably one of those...you had to be there moments but it was too cute. He's right, he is no angel, but he is my little buddy.

Well...I'd better wrap it up here. I'm meeting a friend to go walking here in a few minutes.

Much love

i am not

It is Finished!

I have finished my school work. It will actually be a couple of weeks before it's all "official" and I have the diploma, but I'm done! Unbelievable. God's been so faithful through it all.

i am not

A Little Life Humor

Reality is the leading cause of stress among those in touch with it.
- Lily Tomlin


Well...interesting few days. Had quite the adventure yesterday. Well...not really an adventure. I did manage to make quite a few people laugh. Someone even told me that it brightened their day listening to my woes. It started out great though...the day that is. I woke up in a good mood mainly because I didn't have to get up at 5:00 a.m. I decided to watch a couple of episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond...funny show. I was planning on finishing Raymond, going to take a shower, and then heading to Borders to get some of my paper written. Well...it didn't exactly go as I had planned.

I was in the middle of Raymond when I heard a scratching sound. Not too long after that a critter ran across my floor. A critter of the four legg-ed, tailed variety. Yes that's right...I've got a mouse in my house. After it had run across the room it tried to run back across the other way. I yelled at it to go away and it turned around and went back behind the stove. So...I went back in the bedroom and put some shoes on...and picked up some of the clothes that were laying around. Good thing I did. When I went back in the living room Mickey had run behind the TV and decided to head back to the stove. I was standing in the middle of the room hollering at him to go away when he decides to run over the the fridge. I'm still standing there yelling at him to get lost when he runs back in my bedroom. By now I'm freaking out. The stupid critter ran into my bedroom. Not good.

So I finally gathered up enough courage to go back there and put some different clothes on. I also put my hair in a pony tail and put a smidge of make-up on. When I walked out of the bathroom, I once again saw Mickey...run under my bed. Seriously freaking out by now. So I went to Walmart and bought a decon mouse trap. I also called my Mom, Grandma, Brother, and Landlady. Everybody laughed at me. That's okay, 'cause I was laughing too. Except when I went back into my apartment to set the stupid trap. Definitely not laughing then. Thankfully I didn't see Mickey again; I talked to him the whole time I was setting the traps though. Basically I just told him that he needed to stay away until I left then he could go get caught in the trap. I then gathered up some clothes and went to stay the night at my brothers house. I didn't get any of my paper done. Not good.

It's pretty funny except when I walk back into my apartment. My brothers also laugh becuase all day yesterday and today I've been super jumpy. I'm talking seriously traumatized here. I bout jumped out of my skin when a fly flew by when Kyle and I went to check the trap this afternoon...no Mickey. I'm hoping he's gone...although we did see some "evidence" on the couch that he had been there. Disgusting. My apartment will never be the same.

Well...if you've stayed with me I hope you've had a good laugh. I'm really hoping and praying that Mickey is caught by tomorrow so I can sleep at home in peace. I'm sure I'll still be jumpy for a while, but at least I'll know that Mickey is gone. I've definitely taken measures to make sure Mickey doesn't have a Minnie or little Mickey's running around too. Hopefully it'll work...or I might have to move out.

Okay...getting the chills typing about it. Better go before I throw up. Mickey's been good for the diet this weekend. Not so good for the homework though. Oh well...

Much love,
i am not

See the Morning

How can I keep from singing your praise/ How can I ever say enough/ How amazing is your love! How can I keep from shouting your name/ I know I am loved by the King/ And it makes my heart want to sing!
How Can I Keep From Singing by Chris Tomlin

What a beautiful day! Fall is upon us my friends. Although it's supposed to be around 80 today. I love the cool mornings and evenings. This morning when I got to work, I stepped out of my car and took a deep breath. It smelled like Red River. Seriously... I love the smell of fall (especially when it smells like the mountains).

The new Chris Tomlin CD is out today. I'm hoping that my copy will be in the mail when I go this afternoon afterwork. I'm actually listening to the album streamlined on MSN. They put it on there a couple of days ago and I've been listening to it for the last couple of days. It's beautiful. I've been listening to Tomlin for three or four years and have all of his albums. There is something about this one that just hits the heart. Purely Chris Tomlin. Anyway...go check it out. There's a "new" version of Amazing Grace on there that is beautiful. I also love the first track How Can I Keep From Singing. Beautiful. Just go get the CD already.

Well..I'd better go. My little Doodle is at school and I've got to go get him in just a little while. Be encouraged today...and Keep Singing.

Much love,

i am not

Long time coming

Quote of the day: "If things get any worse, I'll have to ask you to stop helping me."

Okay....so it's been a while. A really long while. I think I have a pretty good excuse. I've been crazy busy. Over labor day weekend I took care of Sid and Abbie's boys. Eleven straight days of Sam and Duncan. I love those boys, really, but I've come to realize how much I appreciate Friday through Sunday when I'm away and can actually sleep past five a.m. I'm so glad I don't have children right now.

School is back in full swing. The countdown is on and it is less than thirty days. I really can't remember what we're down to now. Check my myspace page. That'll tell you. So...that's been keeping me pretty busy too. I also had a houseguest for a couple of weeks. My dear brother crashed on an air mattress on my living room floor for nearly two weeks. I love my brother a lot but a one bedroom apartment is kind of pushing it a little. Actually we got a long really well. It was pretty nice to have someone at home...not that I was here much. Last weekend we started watching the first season of Prison Break. Wow! Awesome show! Not for people with high blood pressure. It raises it. Worse that college basketball. :)

Have I mentioned yet that my computer is in the computer Hospital in ICU. Yes...we nearly had a meltdown a week ago Wednesday. Not good. The puppy is pretty sick. I'm hoping that computer doctors will call me tomorrow and tell me that the thing is okay and ready to come home. I've managed to survive quite well without it. Right now I'm on my dad's computer. He's in town for the next couple of days and was gracious enough to allow me to use his 'puter. My only problem has been with class...two papers due this week and no computer does not equal a good outcome. It'll be fine though. I'm getting ready to email them to my professor.

Well...if you've managed to hang with me this long...bless you. My life is not really very interesting. That's okay...I won't complain too loudly.

Until next time...

Much love
i am not

p.s. the art at the top of my post is my cousin Jerrod's. He's pretty stinkin' talented.

So it is...

The question is not can God bring peace on earth, but will we.

If you've been reading this blog then you know that I love the mountains. If you know me at all, you know I love the mountains. The above picture was taken from the Ski life in Red River. I promised more vacation pictures, so here they are...This is my brother Kyle and cousin Weston. Isn't he cute...Weston that is! Actually, it's not a bad shot of Brother either. Weston loved the pool. What a doll!

So...here's a pictue of me and the parentals. Not too shabby. Okay...the above picture was taken last year. That's 2005. My hair was really short. The picture was not really great but you can't be perfect for the camera all the time. Below is a pic from pretty close to the same spot...this year. That's 2006. Do I look any older yet? Because someone asked me earlier in the year if I was a high school student. Seriously...? In a few years I'll love that. It's just that it's not so good when you're trying to be a "professional."



Well...if you read this then I have satisfied the vacation pictures promise. Truth be told, I'll probably add more. Mainly because I like to see pictures and figure others do as well. Anyhow...hope you all have a happy Friday and a GREAT weekend.

much love,

i am not

Home Sweet Home

Some pursue happiness- others create it.

Well...I just got home from the mountains and Elkhart. Mountains= beautiful. It was such a refreshing week there. It rained, was cool, smells great...so many wonderful things. I went out with Bink and the girls a couple of nights on a "bear hunt." We only saw two when I went. Bink saw nine or ten the entire week. Oh well...did I mention that it was cool? I'm pretty sure I didn't do anything besides sit by the pool, read a little (yet somehow I didn't finish a book), swim, walk downtown, watch a few movies. I guess we did go up on the ski lift once. It was really great to have the time off.

Elkhart was Elkhart. It was good to see people and to have another week off. I finally finished the book I started in Red River. It was Angels and Demons by Dan Brown. He wrote the DiVinci Code. I actually liked it better than the DVC. Thursday I went down to Amarillo to see Kayla and beautiful Regan. I saw Eric too for about ten minutes. Kayla...if you are reading this, it was really great to see you and spend time with you. That doesn't happen enough. Regan is beautiful, of course.

Well...now it is Saturday and I have a ton of things to do. Top priority is a shower then go get the mail. Somehow I think my box might be overflowing. Well...we'll talk more later. I'll also add more pictures from vacation.

Much love
i am not

Mountains!!!

Well...it's Wednesday and I've done a whole lot of nothing. It's been great. Today I swam and sat out by the pool for a couple of hours. It was nice. Right now I'm watching Harry Potter...the first one and reading an article on the internet. I think I might go take a walk here in a little while...or maybe a nap. I still need to dry my hair though. Maybe I'll do that first. Whatever...it's nice to have no responsibilities. And the mountains are beautiful. I could stay here forever I think. Maybe I should find a job somewhere in the mountains. No way that it'll be in Red River though. Maybe somewhere in Colorado. Although...I was talking to Kara the other night and she's moving to Seattle. There are mountains not too far from there. That sounds good too. Maybe someday...we'll see.

At any rate. The mountains are beautiful as always. We went "bear hunting" the other night and saw a big one. Pretty cool... I'd better go. Talk later.

Much love,
i am not