good read

I have a very small attention span sometimes when it comes to reading. It's become a problem. I'm one of those girls who like page turners...you know, the ones where you read until 2:00am when you can barely keep your eyes open, or can't wait to get home so you bring it in your purse and read it at the stop light (don't judge me.) So, yes,  there have been many books that I haven't really given a chance. Our bookshelf is housing about 15 books that I've opened, read a few chapters, and decided it wasn't worth it...at the moment. It's my loss, I know.

By a loving nudge from my husband, I picked up For One More Day, by Mitch Albom for the second time, and haven't been able to put it down. I'm sure many of you have already read this, and I'm sad that it's taken me so long to pick it up and appreciate it. He writes so simply and with such vivid detail. I enjoy books that make me emotional. I also enjoy books that whisper a reminder to what is important in life....this book is both of those things, and so much more.

There are many lessons between this hardcover, but one that sticks out the most, is how much my mom always stood up for me. (if you've read the book, you know what I mean...) My mom encouraged me, she was strong for me, and she loved me the best everyday. I only hope that one day my little girl will feel the same way about me (insert awww here!)

What would you do....if you had one more day to spend with someone you loved?

Real Simple, how I love thee...

One of the best gifts I received for Christmas was a subscription to Real Simple (Thank you Mom & Dad Kingma!) I impatiently waited for the first one to arrive and what a joyous day it was! I read it from cover to cover and fell in love with every article. It's full of recipes, how to's, fashion, home remedies, and much more.

Jason and I made a pact that we'd be better to our bodies in 2011! We want to make a sincere effort to eat healthier, and we want to be much more active! So, instead of unhealthy late night snacks we thought we'd try something different...so I dug into my new friend, Real Simple, and pulled out some smoothie ideas! We decided on the Strawberry-Flax smoothie (minus the Flax, as we had none in the house) and it was delicious!

You can find the recipe here on Real Simple's website!

You are welcome:)

Love,
CK

puppy talk

Jason and I have been talking about adding to our family! Whoa, whoa....slow down, I'm talking about puppies here!! :) I think we're getting closer and closer to a decision! We're both very excited about the possibility of have our own lil'ball of fur, but we want to make sure we're ready! We've been reading books, and blogs, and searching for puppies for sale in the area, and we have our first appointment this coming Saturday! We'll be meeting a 10 week old black lab and I feel like a kid on Christmas morning....the anticipation is killing me!

So, for all of you dog owners out there ...what's your advice on getting a new puppy? What successes have you had in training?? Any and all information would be helpful!

This website that Jason found is very helpful with tips and information
it's called the Dog Star Daily

sunday thoughts

Amazing messages at church fill me up. Lunch with good friends keeps the smile on my face. Chatting with friends long distance helps me feel connected. Cuddling with my husband makes me feel safe. 

Leftovers are the perfect halftime treat, and Tom Brady is still amazing no matter if he wins or loses! 

wise words from a new old friend

This morning I was sitting at my desk trying to get my tasks in order when an older gentleman came into the office. He walked in very quietly, pulled up a chair, and introduced himself to me. We shook hands, exchanged pleasantries, and got down to business. Like most business conversations the personal part of our lives often invades and he started talking about his family and his wife....come to find out my new friend was 92 years old, and let me tell you, he's still kickin'! 


His wife is 94, and she was at home getting ready for their everyday Russ' lunch time adventure. (He was quite proud of himself in telling me that they split the big breakfast dish and he only ends up spending $6.39 with a tip! haha) He told me about his children, and his grandchildren, and amazingly his 23 great grandchildren...I was in awe. He continued on to tell me that he and his bride had just recently celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary and I was amazed and had to ask the question, "what keeps you and your wife so young and happy?" He looked at me with a sincere side mouthed smile and said, "Oh Darlin', stay close to God, everyday." Such simple words, with such beautiful meaning.


He thanked me for the help I'd offered him, put on his very stylish fedora, and slowly headed for the door. What an encounter it was, and how happy I had been to meet him. God really does show himself in the most random ways, but I think chance meetings such as these have to be my most favorite. 


I was reminded that everyone has a story. I believe that it should be told because somewhere, sometime, someone is meant to listen. 

pleasures...both simple and guilty

In the midst of our sometimes chaotic lives, I think it's the simple and sometimes guilty little pleasures that help us through. There are some big changes going on (which I'll address in a later post, don't worry, all good changes...) and while I'm impatiently waiting, I've had time to pin point what my little pleasures are...

Simple vs. guilty, you be the judge!

Us Weekly, I can't go through a checkout line anywhere without grabbing one. Wandering around Target aimlessly not looking for anything in particular, but coming home with things I probably don't need (Sorry Jay!) Franks Buffalo Sauce, I put this on just about anything. Victoria's Secret, I've been spoiled and will never shop anywhere else for these girly requirements. A fresh lime in my water. Movie Previews, I love being a critic for 10 minutes. Candles, any size, shape, color, if I see I will buy one. Etsy, for all of the adorable one of a kind treasures you could ever want. Bubble baths. Express jeans, the hug me just the way I like. Morning Devotionals. Scarves, scarves. scarves. Getting a card in the mail from a friend, this can brighten any day. The fan in our bedroom, I have to have this on at night or I just can't sleep. Fuzzy blankets, we have too many and I could still buy one more. Clean sheets. Shelac, this new wonderful manicure that is unbelievable. Cleaning, I love to do it, I think I'd vacuum everyday if time allowed. Free beer & Hot wings in the morning on 97.9FM, they make my drive to work enjoyable. Music mash ups, thank you Glee. The Real Housewives of any city except Atlanta, enough said. Walgreen's or CVS make up isle, I can never walk down you without grabbing at least one mascara and eyeshadow. Watching our wedding video. Starbucks Grande Iced Coffee, I love the way you make me buzz. A simple hug and kiss when I get home from my husband:)

That's my list...what's yours?

volunteer

One of the things I decided to focus on in 2011 was giving back, and getting involved in things that I'd been putting off for way too long. So starting in a couple of weeks I'll be volunteering at the new Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in downtown Grand Rapids.

I'm so excited!


I applied about a month ago, and have begun the interview process, getting flu shots, TB testing, and my training will begin in late January. I will be starting out in the NCIU. I know some days it might be very trying, but I hope to provide a positive attitude, and comforting presence for those I'll be assisting.


The new hospital is amazing, and we got a full tour of the building that will be opening on the  1/11/11 when we went with Jason's mom a couple of weeks ago. She is the bereavement coordinator at the hospital and will be doing some amazing things with her program.


The architecture is incredible, and the technology is unbelievable. Check it out here. As great of a place as it will be for the children that will be treated there...I hope that Jason and I never have to go there again. 


They can always use extra support! Click here for an application.


I'll report back after the opening!

little must haves

Just thought I'd share a couple of my lil'must haves...they make getting ready in the morning that much more enjoyable, and they help me out when I'm feelin' like I look a bit vague!

1. You can never have enough Cherry Chap Stick! this old friend keeps me kissable for Jason:)

2. Aveda Shampure shampoo and conditioner, tames my wild tresses

3. Bare Escentuals Prime Time keeps my make up on all day long, and makes my skin extra smooth 

4. Marrakesh Oil, keeps my hair strong and ridiculously soft. It helps cut down my dry time by 15 min!

5. Well Rested touch up from Bare Escentuals is a huge help in the morning so I don't scare people before I've had my cup of coffee! 

6. Bath & Body Works Hand Sanitizer, I don't go anywhere without it, keeps the germs away

7. Falsies by Maybelline...I'll never use another mascara again, its lash lengthening extraordinaire 

8. Cover Girl Onyx Eyeliner lasts all day, and commits through the night like a champ

9. CO Bigelow Mentha Organics lip tint gives you that tingly feeling with a pouty look

10. W8less by Rusk is my favorite hairspray, it isn't thick and sticky, and holds strong all day long ( I used this on my wedding day and it was amazing!)

Just a few simple pleasures of mine...what about you?