summer, summer, summertime.

What a great weekend! I'm hoping someone is still reading my blogs because it's been so long since I've gotten comments...it looks like I fell off the face of the Earth! So, for those of you still interested... :)

I'm really starting to feel a little sad about this whole moving thing. I'm so excited, especially after the good news from Dad last night that (YAY!) I will have a house when I get there!! I'm trying to spend all my waking hours with my loved ones here and this weekend REALLY made me realize how much I'm gonna miss those guys. Friday, me, Misty and Carly went to the Bogata Rodeo and then met up with Carly's Dad at the VFW. I sure will miss that guy...he's so fun!On the way to the rodeo!

Yes, we're THIS special. We have a sign. :)

Saturday was Dean's going away party. They boiled crawfish and there were TONS of people there just to show how much we'll all miss him! This was definitely bittersweet for me because it's so hard to get us all together at one time, anyway...and I know it won't happen again before I leave. But, it was great to spend time with my best friends! (And the kids, of course.) :)

This is our official "redneck" picture. :)The cutest kids ever.Me, Carly, Tracy & Dorcas

Sunday was a blast. Lake time!! SO MUCH FUN. Thanks to Levi and his amazing boat...we stayed on the water allllllll dayyyyyy. I'm a bit sunburned but I definitely plan on making that trip again...it was so fun!Emily & Jess

Levi's way of staying afloat. :)
So much fun!

So, I'm back to the grindstone today after a fantabulous weekend. These weeks sure are passing by fast. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing...I guess we'll see and find out. :)

♥k

down for the count: my first injury.

Uh-oh. My first injury. :( According to my pharmacist, I have a stress fracture in my right foot. Are you kidding me? Ugh. I have a HUGE, and when I say huge...I mean massive, blister on the bottom of my right foot. So, because of this blister, I've been favoring this foot and not walking correctly...this is how the stress fracture happened. Luckily, there's minimal swelling and no discoloration, so I'm HOPING I'll be back in the gym by Monday. :) Ordered to sit on the couch, I took full advantage last night and watched Forrest Gump, gotta love the classics!! And spectacularly, I'm a pound lighter this morning! I could get used to this.

I have a pretty fun weekend planned. Rodeo tonight, crawfish boil tomorrow and lake on Sunday. Expect lots of pictures. :) I haven't been doing well on my picture taking lately...I usually photograph everything but I just haven't felt like it. But, that will all change this weekend!

Yesterday was a sad day for the media. When I found out about Farrah Fawcet, I was pretty sad. Poor thing, but she had been suffering for years and she's in a far better place now...I'm just sorry she didn't get to marry Ryan O'Neal before she took her place in Heaven. I'm not even going to comment on the Michael Jackson thing. It is sad...but he stole Farrah's thunder big time yesterday. I don't appreciate how every channel was taken over by Michael Jackson videos and tributes and Farrah was just completely forgotten. In the words of Forrest Gump, "That's all I have to say about that."
So, I'm getting more and more anxious to get back home. This is going to be the longest month leading up to my big move. :) I'm super excited and CANNOT wait!

♥k

thank you, texas.

I honestly thought I would be in Texas forever. I thought this is where I'd meet my husband, raise my kids and work, forever. I fell in love with Texas the minute I stepped foot on her soil...and I still love her. I sure hate to leave her. I have to say that Texas is responsible for me being a grown up. When I crossed her state line, I was a broken mess. I had just left my fiance, job and home to start a new life away from everyone and everything I knew in Arkansas. Thank goodness for my best friend, Carly, who took me in right away. She gave me a place to live, helped me look for jobs...gosh, she even fed me when the need arose! Now, two years later, I feel complete again...finally. I have confidence again and I know I'm worthy of certain things in life. During my time in Texas, I have acquired a great job that's given me lots of experience, made some of the best friends, returned to school, regained my confidence through weight loss, bought a car and became a real adult. I'm not at all scared about moving back to Arkansas because I'm prepared. Because all that I've learned in Texas, I will be taking back with me to my hometown and putting to use.

Thank you Texas:
-for teaching me how to shoot a shotgun, now one of my favorite hobbies.
-for introducing me to the wonderful world of Texas Country Music.
-for making it possible for me to return to college.
-for introducing me to Riley Dean Sands, my love. :)
-for making me responsible for my own actions.
-for making me love a cookout more than a club night.
-for showing me the importance of family.
-for convincing me that sometimes girls nights are far better than dates.
-for showing me that you actually can love your job.
-for making me realize that marriage can wait, there's no rush.
-for showing me the importance of "friends like family."
-for giving me an entire summer to be irresponsible with my best friends.
-for introducing me to the beautiful sounds of Bleu Edmondson.
-for your sunny days and blue skies that kept me going.
-for making me feel the true pride that Texans have.
-for making me realize, again, that I do love a good pickup truck.
-for giving me my first pair of real cowboy boots.
-for making me more tom-boyish and not so dainty.

I could definitely go on and on about my love for Texas, but I do love Arkansas too! I'm extremely excited about being closer to my family, the prospect of a new job and new school, meeting new people and re-connecting with old ones...oh, and there's a boy. :) But, we won't talk about him for fear of jinxing it!! Let's just say, it's a good thing and I seem to be listening to "Boy Like Me" by Jessica Harp pretty often these days. :) You guys should definitely download that song, you'll love it!

As much as I'll miss my life in Texas, I am ecstatic about my move home! I always thought I'd end up in Texas, but my Papa said he always knew I'd come back home. He said, "Kasey, you always come back where you start." I guess he knows me all too well.

♥k

edit: just to let you know...

I finished My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Picoult tonight.

Pleasseee go out and get it.

Oh, and see the movie.

You won't regret it. :)

♥k

i love this week.

Can we all say AWESOME week? I love it! I'm so glad it's Friday! :) So, once again, this morning, the scale was good to me!! Thank you scale Gods! I have lost 4 pounds this week! That's so great to me because I went an ENTIRE MONTH at the same weight, finally some pay off! Misty and I have started switching days at the gym...we go one day and walk the next. We've made a nice 4.5 mile path to walk on the days we don't workout at the gym. :) I'm really loving being out in the sunshine and getting some fresh air.

This weekend, I've vowed to take it easy. I need to be saving money anyway for my big move home. :) So, tonight I'm going to rent Madea Goes to Jail and enjoy the rest of Lonesome Dove, which I have absolutely fallen in love with! I totally recommend this to all you gals, even if you don't like westerns...can you believe it's taken me THIS long to finally watch it? Hehe. :) I also have to grab some groceries after work, boo...I sure hate doing that! I'm getting kind of tired of my same ole' snacks...any ideas, girls? I could sure use the input!!

Update on My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult: FANTASTIC. I can hardly put it down...and it's an easy read so I'm already over halfway done. HUGE difference between this book and The Thorn Birds. I'm definitely going to look in to reading some more of Picoult's books. She seems great. :)

I'm treating myself to some Subway tonight for good behavior. :) A veggie sandwich sounds mighty delicious right now.

♥k

screw the thornbirds.

I sure hate to do this...
but I'm taking your advice and

I'm putting down The Thorn Birds.
Bleh, I swear...that book.
I just cannot get interested in it...and I'm only about
100 pages shy of finishing it...but I'm taking a break.
And while I'm taking my break I can start on my new books!
Starting with My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Picoult.

I have been seeing Picoult's books out forever and thought some looked interesting but I just wasn't sure...so I decided to take Annie's
advice and start reading her!
So, I'll give you guys the verdict in a little while when I finish. I actually haven't even cracked the book yet, that's on my list for this afternoon. :)
Maybe it won't take me a freakin' month to finish this one!
Damn Thorn Birds.
♥k

it's about freakin' time.

FINALLY! The scale finally moved! It's a freakin' miracle! I'm now officially 7 pounds away from hitting my first big weight loss goal of 52 pounds! Sheesh...it took long enough! Frustrating doesn't even begin to cover what these last 10 pounds are doing to me....ugh! I'm going to the gym today to make sure those 2 pounds it took a freakin' month to lose STAY OFF!! :)

Saturday night was SHENANDOAH! WoOt! They were very good...a little older, but their sound was exactly the same! Carly and I didn't stay for the entire thing but we snapped a few pictures-
The next month and a half is going to be EXTREMELY busy for me. I'm moving back to the homeland, Arkansas, at the beginning of August and while I'm super excited and ready, I'm a bit apprehensive as well. New house. New job. New school. I've sent in 4 resumes so far, but that's about all I can do from 3 hours away. Luckily, my school stuff is pretty much taken care of because I was on the ball about that last week. :) Just waiting for my admittance letter and then I'll follow through with my financial aid. I'm SO excited about my move but it's just a bit stressful because it's happening in such a short time!

So, please go download this...Wide Open by Jason Aldean. You will not regret it! It's been in my CD player for the past 2 weeks...and it's one of those CDs that you don't have to skip songs!! GRRRREAT!!

♥k

sometimes it's the little things.

My blogging buddies are the best. Today I ran across another great blog that inspired me to post my own. :) My sorority sister Sara wrote a wonderful blog about small things in her life that make her happy. I loved it! :) So, I'm stealing her idea and writing my own!! She's right, you know, sometimes you get so stressed about everything going on in life that you forget to appreciate the little things that make your life worthwhile. Here, I'm going to let you in on some of those things in my life and show my appreciation!!

First and foremost, MY FAMILY! They have gotten me through LOTS of hard times. Thank goodness for my daily phone conversations with my Grandma, the advice my Papa gives me and the special bonds between my cousins!I think it's time for a new family picture! lol.

Secondly, my besties! Growing up, I always had more guy friends than girls for the simple reason that it was easier. Less drama. But, as I've gotten older I've realized the importance of great girlfriends. And I would DEFINITELY rather have one great night out with my girls than 10 fabulous dates.The best roomate EVER.

Emily, my partner in crime.
Amber & I plan to wreak havoc on Hot Springs. :)

Thirdly, my brother. I never thought I'd say this!! (haha) My brother has turned into a fine, young man and I couldn't be prouder of him. We used to fight like cats and dogs when we were young, but now that we're both adults, we have a great relationship. I couldn't ask for a finer baby brother.And lastly on my list of little blessings in my Riley Dean. I love that boy to pieces and he sure can turn my frown upside down!! He's so special and literally puts a smile on my face at the thought of him!! I'm so thankful the Lord put this little boy in my life and I can't wait to watch him grow up!! [From afar, since I'm moving. :(]Well, that's all from me today. You should definitely go check out Sara's blog and read her list of little blessings! :)

♥k

take me to the church house!

This is going to be short & sweet because I'm having trouble holding my eyes open....I'm exhausted.

The weekend was great overall! I got to see my aunt and uncle who live in Las Vegas, NV and who I rarely get to see!
Kayla & Cory's wedding = BEAUTIFUL.
Little Big Town Concert = GREAT.
Night out with my besties = THE BEST.
I didn't get much sleep over the weekend and continued that habit into last night.
Got some stressful news as soon as I returned to Texas so I didn't get into bed until around 1 last night! eeeeep!
I'm EXTREMELY tired today but I'm going to be a busy little beaver trying to work some things out.
I'll explain to you guys later when I know the outcome.
For ya'll: my weekend in pictures. :)
♥k

Mr. & Mrs. Cory Kirk!! :)My cousin & lovely bride, Kayla.
Ya'll know I gotta have a picture with Pop!!
Little Big Town!
♪I was born and raised...in the Boondocks♪
♥ them!
Saturday night at Smylys with Amber!Amber, our new friend TJ and Carly

PS: No weight was gained during this trip although there was fast
food and Michelob.
:)
Back in the gym today. Serrrioooussss.

be good to your body for she has been good to you.

While reading Jenn's blog this morning, I was reminded of my favorite Oprah episode. The Oprah episode that changed my life. Doesn't that sound nutty? Back in January, I was watching an Oprah episode where she was describing her weight gain. (I know all you ladies watched as well!) At one point in time, Oprah was TINY and she has gradually gained all if not more of her weight back...and she decided it was time to shed it all, again, and for the last time. She said a lot of inspirational things in that episode, but one thing really struck a chord with me. She said "This year, I'm going to be good to my body. My body has made it possible for me to hug, kiss, walk...do everything for myself over the years. And, I have NOT treated it with respect. This year, I vow to treat it with respect and take care of it." That really got me. It's true. I have been through a lot throughout the years, as we all have, and my body has gotten me through everything. It gave me the strength to hug my loved ones after my mom's passing in 2005, it made it possible for me to go back to school in 2007 and do well...there are so many things my body has helped me through that I am thankful for.

So, that being said...I am treating my body better. I'm not feeding her junk anymore that just makes her tired and ugly. I'm getting out and exercising so she can be more energetic so I have MORE time to spend with family and friends. I'm removing the extra weight from her frame so she can breathe better. I cannot tell you girls the difference 43 pounds has made in my life. I FEEL GREAT! I'm not finished yet, by far, and there is still a long road ahead, but I'm making it. (And getting fantastic compliments by the way!)

I've hit a plateau in my weight loss...and we all know what that can do to our spirits. It doesn't matter how great I eat or how much I exercise, that scale is stuck. I've been in real need of some inspiration these past 2 weeks and I'm so thankful for Jenn's blog this morning. She helped me remember why I started this journey and reminded me that I'm still traveling. She reminded me that it's not all about weight loss all the time, sometimes it's just about feeling good and being healthy. :) So, thanks Jenn for showing me there's still light at the end of this tunnel!

♥k

be smart. :)

Just a quick post to let you girls in on something spectacular!
Take a nice, breezy walk to your local grocery
store and pick this smartfood up, please!
It's so good, I had to share with everyone.
Smartfood Popcorn Clusters.
My favorite is the Cranberry Almond...

Here's the weirdest thing...I HATE popcorn.
But, this stuff, it reminds me of my childhood favorite Crunch 'N Munch.
But, it's only around 120 calories with LOTS of taste!
It's fabulous.
Just thought I'd share. :)
♥k

chipotle, skeet shoot and new moon.

Whew! What a weekend! Saturday, I had a shopping extravaganza with my girls in Sherman, TX and watched my roommate get a tattoo! And I got my dress for Kayla's wedding! Super excited!! Omg, you guys...if you EVER get the chance to eat at Chipotle...take advantage!! It was 2 thumbs up, most definitely. It's a build-your-own-burrito type place and it's fabulous. See below for the pictures of wonderful goodness:

These are our amazing burritos from Chipotle!

Stuffing my face! :)

Carly ready to get her tattoo!

The finished product!

Sunday, we went over to Jake & Shauna's for a cookout/skeet shoot. FUN! I never thought in a million years that I would look forward to shooting a gun! My Papa's on the lookout for a cheap 20 gauge! :) I don't think they boys knew what they were getting themselves into when they suggested skeet shooting! Us girls dominated and the boys threw the clays! I got to spend time with my precious Riley and Keaton AND get home just in time to see the BRAND NEW New Moon trailer! Woot!! GREAT WEEKEND!!

Skeet Shoot!

Me & Shauna tearin' it up!

My Riley Dean: isn't he stinkin' cute!?

I can't wait for this upcoming weekend either...TONS of fun with my family and friends in Hot Springs!! :) And, for your viewing pleasure, the New Moon trailer!


♥k