Snow--a RaRe occurance!

Can you believe San Angelo's CrAzY weather?? One day its 75 degrees...the next, SNOW! Unfortunately, we don't get snow too often in our little west Texas town...so folks here tend to treasure these little snowy moments! You will have to forgive my "just-woke-up-NO-makeup-I-can't-believe-it-actually-snowed-face" in my pictures. Its bad I know...but what can I say...snow days are exceptions. We had fun!

Oh...and might I say that Paisley did NOT enjoy her first snow encounter. She proceeded to plop herself on the staircase and REFUSE to go downstairs from our apartment to potty while snow was on the ground. When we finally put her in the snow she zipped back to dry land ASAP. It was quite comical. I wish I had a video/pictures of it :0( Next time for sure!

Hope you guys had a great snow day! Talk to you soon...

-Makensie

December already?!

I cannot believe Christmas is almost here! Thanksgiving sure did fly by! For some unknown reason I have not been taking ANY pictures at all lately. I have no idea why...its like ive forgotten that my camera even existed! (poor camera) ...So no fun pictures to show, sorry :0( I will definitely be working on that! Well... Thanksgiving at my house and Zach's house was quite an event. I felt like I never stopped eating! (although this does happen quite often-not just on thanksgiving day) It was great to see all my friends and family! What a wonderful holiday.
Finals are on Monday and I am cramming all I can into my little brain before that dreadful day. I cannot wait until it is over! I have an enormous christmas shopping list to accomplish once I am free from testing. I LOVE christmas!
Zach and I went and saw The Blindside last night and it was such an amazing and inspiring movie! Messages like those make me realize how much more I should be giving to those in need... I encourage everyone to see go and see it! Speaking of inspiring, my sweet Caden Lane has been doing very well in school. I am so proud of you little man! Caden and I have kind of reached a new level in our relationship--not only am I his nanny/babysitter/caretaker...but I have now become his nurse! Caden has always has major allergy problems that tend to cause him some major congestion. He usually gets infections around this time of year because he cannot physically clear his own congestion due to his disorder. THANKFULLY we have switched him over to a more reliable form of allergy medication--allergy shots. Even though this sounds more painful...giving him shots almost always ensures that he will receive the right amount of medication to protect him from getting sick (his parent's and my ultimate goal). Since I am almost an official nurse, his parents have allowed me to give him his shots twice a week instead of having to go to the doctor's 24/7 (I am honored!). Even though I usually get a frowny face from him after I give him his shot...he always smiles when I tell him how indestructively tough he is..and how much I love him. Oh how I love that crazy boy!!!

Well...more to come soon! ....and pictures next time for sure!

-Kens

Hey guys...

Well there's nothing much to say but school, school, school! Good news though..I am halfway done with the semester! Only a semester and a half until I graduate with my RN.. woohoo! Lately homework and papers are the only thing occupying my time besides Caden and ASU football. Zach is a starting receiver for ASU now so every Saturday I drive and drive and drive with his parents to either New Mexico or Oklahoma to watch him play (we are just so dedicated! ;0) ) In other news...Caden just turned SIX years old!!! I can't believe my little man is getting so big! He was about to turn four when I started watching him. What an adventure it has been!!! Im so privileged to have the job that I do...He is just a wonderful child! So far..NO FLU--thank goodness...for me or Caden. I swear I purel his hands about three times in the 3-4 hour span I watch him on a daily basis. I wish I could just keep him in a bubble so that no germs could enter his precious little body! My little bro. Evan just came down with the flu though...and we are all sad because he wont get to play in his game this friday. He is such a precious boy too...jeez what I would give to be able to protect these people of mine from harm!!!

Anyway, one of the most honorable and sweet man I have ever known, Rodney Dunlap, died today from bone cancer. He was in so much pain all the time, so I know it is a blessing, but I am devastated for his family. We all loved him so very much. If you dont mind, say a little prayer for him and his family as the journey of life continues. Thanks!

*The pics are from the Texas vs. Tech game, my brother's homecoming football (I am holding baby Ali), and one of Zach's football games.

More to come soon! Hope everyone is having a good Fall so far!

-Peace and Love,

Kens

School's Cool--NOT!

Well...the fall semester is off to a busy start! My semester is crammed with never-ending homework, projects, and assignments...not to mention impossible tests. How much longer 'till christmas again??? Only 8 more months until I get my RN (whew..dont know if I can take much more!)

Well, enough about me. The important person to remember here is the precious angel I have failed to mention lately in my posts--CADEN! Caden is doing just wonderful! He started full days of school this fall at Reagan elementary...and is loving it. He is pooped by the time I drop by the school to get him...and falls asleep in about 10 seconds once he has his bottle at home. Now that I am getting him a little earlier in the day, he is able to nap before therapy which helps his energy level when we strap him up to walk. His walking is much improved and we even tried something new this week--a TRICYCLE! It is a special tricycle with head support and petals we can strap his feet to so that he can ride the day away! He didn't know what to think of it at first...but after a little help...he realized he was pushing himself around and LOVED the idea! He kept motioning and saying "more, more!"

More good news-- Caden has been approved for a Make-A-Wish trip. Of course, we all know what this means...his condition is fatal. But lets not get too hasty!!! He did jet past his life expectancy at the age of 2...and I have full faith that he will live much much longer than anyone can estimate. He is the most amazing, miraculous, and precious little boy on this planet...and I wouldn't trade watching him for anything in the world! He is the true meaning of a miracle. Jeez, I am so blessed to have him in my life! I don't deserve him!

More to come soon! Hope you guys are having a great week!

Peace and love,

Kens

Lots of Pics!

A WoNdErFuL trip to Washington DC

In effort to savor the last bit of summer...I went to DC with my Dad this past week! It was sooo much fun touring every famous hotspot in our nation's capitol. We left Saturday morning and arrived in DC around 3 PM. From there we walked around and saw a couple monuments, the national mall, and briefly toured a couple of the Smithsonian museums. I've never been a history buff...but those museums were simply AMAZING! I loved seeing the various animals and artifacts that were used/discovered so very long ago. There is just something about seeing historical things in person that really make history come alive! Saturday night we ate at a place called Old Ebbitt's Grill and had crab cake and filet minion (Delicious!!!) Sunday was the official walking day...and I mean NOTHING but walking! We saw every monument and memorial up close and personal (you name it--we saw it!) Some of my favorite things that day were going up to the top of the Washington monument and seeing all the names on the wall of the Vietnam monument. After an exhausting day on our feet, my Dad and I had dinner at a place called Jaleo where they served mini Spanish-inspired entrees called "Tapas." We ordered about four to share and then had a delicious Spanish chocolate torte for dessert! My favorite day was Monday...when we toured the Library of Congress. Sounds dorky, but I don't think I have ever fallen in love with a historical building in my life until I saw that national library. Though the millions of books/papers were amazing to see...the Italian Renaissance style of the building was simply breathtaking. I IMMEDIATELY decided that this was the place I was getting married. Unfortunately, they don't allow weddings, let alone more than around 100 people in the building at a time. I'm a little disappointed but nevertheless...it was an amazing sight to see! We also toured the capitol and the national archive building where we saw the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. That night, we went to a place called Oyamel which was an authentic Mexican restaurant that had entrees similar to that of Jaleo. Our food was amazing and I ordered this authentic passion fruit sorbet dessert with carmel and cake crumbs that was awesome. On Tuesday we made a quick trip to the National Zoo and to Arlington Cemetery... then flew home! Those panda's might just be the coolest animals in the world! It was a quick trip...but i had a blast with my Dad and loved spending time with him. I can't wait to go back and visit! All of the many pictures will be posted very soon! There are some pretty silly one's of my Dad and I (love you Pop!!!)

Peace and Love,
Kens

A Mess of Fun!

(My very fav. pic of Caden! above)

Hello everyone! As always...it has been awhile since I have blogged (my apologies). Nothing that exciting has really been going on lately since my summer classes have ended. I did go on a short Six flags vacation with my dad and siblings (which was a BLAST) but there were no pics because we rode on all the water rides and I didn't want to ruin my camera! We have also been moving Zach into his first house (woohoo!)...which has kept everyone busy. In the meantime...my precious little Caden has mostly been kickin' back with his parents and wonderful family... so I haven't gotten to see him very much! SOOO...I decided it was time for a little fun at the pool for me and the little man :0) We drove over to my parent's house, bathed in some sun screen, and hopped in the cool water! Caden did great in the water and just kicked and splashed around like a little fish! He did scare me to death though when he kicked so hard that his entire body flipped over (face first) into the water!!! He just laughed and laughed though (he tends to enjoy me over-reacting on a day to day basis) Afterwards...we ate some dinner and I suprised him with a special chocolately dessert--squashed up oreos in some milk! His eyes got so big when I put the first spoon full in his mouth...and he couldn't stop licking his lips just waitin' for more!!! The pictures were hilarius...I think he had a chocolate beard at one point (It was messy to say the least!) By dinner-time though, he was EXHAUSTED (as you will see in the pics). We had a blast, regardless of the exhaustion and mess, and I can't wait to do it all over again!

More to come soon-

Peace and Love,

-Kens

YES--I am alive!

Okay so I know it's been forever and a day since Ive blogged...but this summer has been crazy from the get-go! I have been taking summer classes that started in the beginning of june, and they have had my undivided attention ever since the very first day! My nursing class is one of the most packed and stressful classes ever...but thank goodness I just took my final and actually ended up making an A in the class (after hours upon hours of studying!!!) I am so happy that all that reading and studying finally paid off! It is my first A in nursing thus far...and i couldn't be more thrilled! In the meantime, i am still taking my last government and i take that final next week. All my cousins from Tennessee and Austin have been here visiting for a couple of weeks now...and even though it is a chaotic household...it has been a blast with them here! At the moment...I am actually in Ruidoso New Mexico with Zachary's family vacationing in the mountains. It is weird actually having a break and not studying contstantly (well, minus the government stuff)....but don't get me wrong--there has not been a moment to rest since we are at the horse races practically 24/7. I am still waiting to have my big break and actually win some money...but these past two days were definitely NOT it! I hate losin' money like that! If you have any tips that would help me win big (besides "just bet on every horse and then you won't have to lose!"---thanks pop), don't hesitate to tell!!! I can use all the help I can get! On a good note...I saw the most spectacular fireworks show the other night at the Inn of the Mountain Gods here in Ruidoso. It was the most amazing thing i have ever seen! I think EVERYONE should experience something as amazing as those fireworks at least sometime in their lives...it was breathtaking. Well...there is so much more to tell but this is getting pretty long so I will save the rest for later! Hopefully good news to come of me winning the big one! (ha like that's gonna happen)
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY EVERYONE!!!

I know, I know....Im a terrible blogger right now. But ever since school started on the 2nd I have literally had my head in the books (well really just one big yucky mental health textbook)!!! Since we have a whole week of clinicals, our lecture time is cut back a week...so my midterm is tomorrow!! There are 13 textbook chapters and 20 videos I have been trying to cram in my head in less than a week...and needless to say, I am EXHAUSTED. Please say a prayer that I do okay tomorrow morning during my test...I have no idea how it is going to go. Im WAY nervous. Well..more to come soon after the midterm. Hope everyone is having a great summer! I cant wait for mine to start haha...

Peace and Love,
-Kens

So very VERY tired!

I wish I could say that my break has been relaxing and uneventful...but the exact opposite has occured ever since school has been done. I am still watching Caden since he and his parents are still in school...and this entire week I have been watching two little boys (Garrison- 9 months, and Sutton- 19 months) all day, EVERYDAY...not to mention going to get Caden right after i finish watching the two little tots. The week-long event has taken every ounce of my time and energy...and I am truly exhausted. This is why I have not blogged in forever...I am so sorry!

I have officially decided that I am not ready to be a mother for another 20 years (okay maybe not that long but you know what I mean) Let me give you a run down of the CRAZY day I had today.

The plumbers came to the house I am babysitting at this morning...so the morning nap Garrison was supposed to take obviously did not happen with all the banging and commotion going on. By lunch time...the screaming teething tot was so tired and unhappy that he refused everything...he did not want to be held or let down or given food or his bottle or toys (you get the idea). In the meantime...Sutton is eating his baby ravioli and wiping the sauce all over his body and hair while I was not looking. As I was about to wipe down Sutton in the sink, I happend to notice that Garrison had exploded in his diaper, and that he needed to be changed PRONTO. I ran to the other side of the house to change Garrison's diaper..and as soon as I got there I heard Sutton screaming accross the house back in the kitchen. Since I didnt know if he was hurt or not i had to grab Garr. in his poopy diaper..run accross the house..and arrive to see Sutton standing straight up in his highchair covered in marinara pointing at the juice cup he threw on the floor. Almost in tears I strapped Sutton in his chair...quickly changed Garr.'s diaper despite the screaming from both kids...run back at wipe Sutton down while Garrison cried on the floor..picked Garrison up and attempt to give him his bottle which he did not want...and an hour later I FIANLLY rocked the teething 9 month old tot to sleep. Then I scooped Sutton up and sat with him until he fell asleep...and cleaned up the crazy dirty kitchen...

...when I finally sat down..after the dirty looks were flashed at me from the plumbers who had to witness this craziness...I hear Garrison start crying as he was awakening from his nap. Shortly after...I was puked on, slobered on, and scratched up (by the cat).

So..needless to say it was a very crazy, busy, and hard day...but even after all of the chaos, those little boys are the most precious kids ever!

More to come soon...hope yalls summer is more relaxed than mine!!!
Peace and Love,
Kens

SOO much to do...so LiTtLe time!

Finals finally ended last week...and summer break started with a BANG! I'm not gonna lie, I was a little nervous that i'de be bored and not know what to do with all this time on my hands..but baby have I been busy or what!?! After my tests and stress was done with, I started shopping and cleaning to spruce up the apartment. I also started working on my jewelry making abilities (not the prettiest stuff--but hey i'm working on it (0: ) I also started a new book called The Host by the author who wrote the Twilight series. As I tell EVERYONE...if you haven't read the Twilight series...i HIGHLY recommend it. It is definitely worth your time! Anyway..this book is a little different, but as always, Stephanie M. always grabs my attention. On Friday Kambri left for Arizona to see Cody...and I was soooo sad saying goodbye to her for 2 months :0( I miss her so much already. (Oh and Kambri...I ate 3 fruit roll-ups today. You not being here makes me eat more! so much for eating healthier. AHH!)
Watching Rachel Alexandra win the Preakness on Saturday was AMAZING! My family always participates in our little horse betting game, where we each pick one or two horses out of a hat and put a couple bucks in a pot--and whoever wins (by lucky chance) gets all the money!!! Lucky for me I picked Rachel...but this year no one put in anything... so there was no money to be found (Darn it!) Anyway..I am so proud of you Rachel! GO GIRL!
Yesterday I went to Mason, Texas, with Zach and Chase to catch some fishies...but just as I suspected, there were no fishies to be found. We did eat some really good food though...so to me the trip was worth it!
Allison and her precious Zoey FINALLY came home and I got to see them today! Unfortunately, Allison and my much anticipated puppy play date did not work out so well. It seems as if my drama queen dog doesn't know what to do when there is another puppy actually willing to play with her. Usually, she is the one going up to other dogs wanting some attention...but today she was surprised when little Zoey bounced right up to her just sniffin' away. As is her nature.. Paisley became the drama queen that she is and ran away from poor Zoey all night long. My apologies to Allison and Zoey for such rude behavior!!! I hope Miss Priss will learn some manners and play next time.
More to come soon! Sorry this was such a jumble of a message....Have a wonderful week!

Peace and Love
-Kens

Finals finals finals!

Gosh...here we go again! Finals are underway...and I am NOT looking forward to this week! Luckily, I only have one final, which some people would say is awesome...but now that I know I have one HUGE test to study for...it CONSUMES my every thought! I cannot wait until Tuesday at 5PM (when my final will be OVER) ugh...what a relief it will be when I am done. If you have time...say a little prayer that all of us college kids do well on our finals. Some people say college is the best time of one's life--I say its the most stressful time of my life. Nursing school is the absolute hardest thing I've ever done! I'de take those miserable workout days and exhausting gymnastics competitions over this any day! (Can you tell I'm not a huge fan of school? haha) Anyway...Hopefully good news to come after im through! Have a great week!

-Kens

Swine Flu Info.

Hey guys and gals...
Well, LOTS of things have been happening with the new Swine Flu outbreak...and ever since, I have been skeptical of the rumors and truths of what is really going on. Of course diseases like this interest me like nobody's business...and I want to help keep people as healthy as possible--SO...here is a website I've found that has *mucho* information about the Swine Flu and what you can do to avoid/prevent getting the disease.

Just some little tips (which are also found on the website):
1. ALWAYS wash your hands...especially after being out where lots of other ppl have been (malls,schools,stores, ect)
2. Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing..and avoid being around those who you see sneezing and coughing as well.
3. If you feel ill..try and stay at home to avoid getting others sick or yourself "more sick" (even if you don't have the swine flu, your immune system is not functioning as well as it could when you are feeling ill, and your chances of getting the swine flu heavily increase!!!)
4. This disease is spread like any other flu...by touching objects others have sneezed or touched that have the flu, or if you come in direct contact with someone who has the flu, ect.. IT IS NOT SPREAD BY EATING PORK OR PORK PRODUCTS (so don't be afraid to chow down on sausage :-) )

I can't think of anything else to tell ya right now...but the main thing is to keep washing your hands, dont touch your eyes or mouth with unwashed hands, and load up on your vitamin C to keep your immune system in tip-top shape! Needless to say, I am terrified that my precious Caden is going to get the Swine Flu (just like every other parent--although I am not a parent yet hehe) so I declared to his teacher that NO ONE is to touch him until the virus has subsided. (...and I was just kidding but not really...HA)
Here is the website:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm
Have a wonderful week and stay healthy! (let me know if you have any questions..if I can't answer them I will find someone who can!)
-Kens

Just so much to say!

Ok so I apologize for not posting in what seems like FOREVER...and MUCH has gone on within the past week! First of all, let me just say that I am sooo happy that school is almost out! Only one more week of classes and then finals are underway (my most stressful week for sure though--yuck!) however....I did get to spend this past weekend in College Station with some of my bestest friends :0) Kambri, Marissa, Allison and I had a WONDERFUL girls weekend just shopping around and hangin' out. Now dont tell my dad, but aggie land was beautiful (and huge!!!) and I really enjoyed getting to see what the campus is like. We almost got to see a "ring dunk" but we went to the wrong park thanks to some very vague directions given by the one and only Josh :0) Ha! Im just joking... but i had so much fun this past weekend and im so very lucky that I have the friends that I do. Plus Kambri and Marissa are getting married, so we talked wedding pretty much the whole trip which was a lot of fun! Too bad Allison and I don't have sparkly rings to show off :0( (haha--but seriously..no rush fellas)

Right when I got home from C.S. I was bombarded with homework and assignments which was a hard reality check from the amazing weekend I just had. It stinks having to go back to school after having so much fun! Allison is getting her new puppy soon though..and I cant wait to see her (little Zoey!) Oh and just for all of yall that have had to listen to me complain about how I cant find a groomer to cut Paisley's hair...well lets just say I took matters into my own hands...and I now I one messily shaven pup! She does look cute though--even if her hair isn't all the same length :0)

Usually about this time I am saying something about Caden's therapy session for the week...but he didn't do any treadmill walking b/c the therepist saw that his leg braces were giving him blisters...so they took those darn braces to the fixer-upper lady for some adjustments. So for now Caden is on a "weight-bearing" excercise break!

I hope everyone had a good week last week and has a great rest of the week!

-Kens

Fun Weekend

Hey guys! Well this weekend was relaxing and fun for me...my tests are finally over! (at least for awhile). I got to spend a lot of my time with my family on Saturday and celebrate Grant's 22nd birthday with him. I also got to hang out with one of my reeeally good friends, Kambri, and talk all about her wedding! How exciting! This week will be hectic...although no tests are planned, thank goodness!!! Yesterday Caden had another GREAT day at therapy. He took a bunch of reciprocal steps over and over...which usually never happens! Lindsey (Caden's therapist) and I always talk and joke with Caden when he's walking...so this week I was teasing Caden that he sure was walking like he was on a mission. As soon as I said "are you walking to the ice cream parlor" he went CRAZY and took about 30 steps! I asked him if he was going to either Baskin Robbins, Marble Slab, or Sonic...and Sonic seemed to be the winner! He sure does love his chocolate milkshakes from there...and if it wouldn't have been about an hour past his nap time--we would have swiped ourselves some chocolately goodness :0)

Today I had clinicals at the school to do simulation lab and one of my classmates, who just had a baby, brought her precious 3 week daughter to school! She was so tiny! What a doll :0) I can't wait until the fall when I have pediatrics/OB clinicals! I will post some pics of the weekend festivities--so enjoy! More to come soon!

Have a wonderful week!

-Kens