Kaycee's Kogitations

I have a dream...

2012-01-18T20:38:00.000-06:00

to be a Jeopardy! champion. And so, I included my online contestant test in my 30 by 30 list. I put reminders in my calendar and phone and kept seeing it on my reminders lists all day. I was pumped!

This is the screen you see while you wait.

So I was signed in and got ready to go. 30 seconds before the test opened, the Jeopardy! music began and my blood pressure went up. There were 50 questions with only 15 seconds to enter your answer; needless to say the experience ended before I knew what happened. While I didn't know all the answers, I did ok. And as usual I had few come to mind from my TV watching.

Here are some of the questions I can remember so you can test yourself! (You only get 15 seconds to type an answer in the test so there's no way to ~~cheat~~ Google the answers!)

35th state author of “A Room of One’s Own"
Husband of Beyoncé and rap mogul (Also, who knew that Beyoncé was in the Microsoft dictionary?)
This Shakespearean title character said "Is this a dagger which I see before me..."
Yerevan is the capital city of this country in the Caucasus Mountains
2012 TV show based on a John Grisham novel (See...TV!)
Rimsky one-act opera from 1897 entitled Mozart and this Italian Composer (I knew this one thanks to the Simpsons)
In this Stravinsky ballet, the prince uses a red feather to summon the title character
Group of three born under the sign of the lion
Strong metal named after the child of Uranus and Gaia
Palmetto State
This organization with a clover as its symbol is more prevalent in agricultural areas
Hephaestus’ Roman equivalent – the god of fire

(I'll post the answers later for those who might be interested.)

Alex thanked me for taking the test.

In the end, I probably didn't make the cut this time around, but I won't stop trying! Apparently most folks who get on the show take the test multiple times and may have multiple auditions before ever making it on the show.

30 by 30

2012-01-16T16:28:00.001-06:00

Well 2012 has arrived. I knew this year would come...the year I turn 30. (Yeah, you should be jealous!) I know it's just a number, but it has me thinking.

I'm going to be 30 in 221 days, no matter what, so why not meet that day with a pocket full of confidence? I don't want to do "Extreme Makeover: Kaycee Edition", but I do want to accomplish a few things.
Here goes....

I will update this post as I accomplish any of these "goals".

Read the Book of Mormon (again).
Go down 2 sizes.
Visit a friend in another state.
Create (and not touch) an emergency fund.
Make a list of things I want to accomplish in my 30s (40 by 40?).
Finish the New Testament.
Complete a 5K.
Delete MySpace and Xanga (transfer info to Facebook?).
Create a budget and live by it.
Buy a camera.
Perform ordinances in the Mesa, Oklahoma City and San Antonio temples.
Be a vegetarian for a week.
Learn "Single Ladies", "Shuffle" and "Thriller" dances.
Pay off consumer debt.
Get a passport.
Make dinner and bring lunch 3 times/week.
Trace family tree back 2 more generations on Mom's side.
Read 12 books for fun (Here's the list so far: A Lucky Child, The Darcy Connection, Goodnight Maman). 3/12 = 25%
Read the Conference Ensign before Conference.
Mail a card to someone every month.
Post to Pinnovations blog at least 30 times.
(Re)Memorize all the Seminary Scripture Mastery scriptures.
Go to 2 Mid-Singles activities.
Decide what I want to be when I "grow up".
Memorize the Family Proclamation.
~~Take the Jeopardy audition test.~~ (Completed 1/18/12)
Memorize 1 quote from each of the members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Memorize a piano piece.
Scan my old photos.
Readers’ choice! Leave a comment with a goal for me to accomplish - something exciting, attainable and awesome.

So it's been a while...get over it!

2011-11-14T13:25:00.001-06:00

I just wanted to say "HI" to the blogosphere and offer my promises that the blog will soon have some fun stuff posted. Without a camera, I've felt my posts are boring. So, I vow to you - my blog lurkers - that I will post what I've been up to and some fun ideas of what you can do with your time too! See you real soon!

Pick your poison....hurricanes or zombies?

2011-05-18T13:55:00.006-05:00

With hurricane season on the horizon and flooding along the Mississippi River, emergency preparedness is at the forefront once again. I was impressed with the CDC's cleverness in trying to share the same information in a new way...ZOMBIES!

On another note, who knew it was Zombie Awareness month?

Friends and co-workers will support weight loss - latimes.com

2011-01-26T13:32:00.000-06:00

Friends and co-workers will support weight loss - latimes.com

Let's see if this really works...

Crazy, Sexy Tiger...

2010-09-28T22:26:00.003-05:00

I was reading my scriptures tonight and saw the phrase that the sons of Mosiah were desirous to "go up to the land of Nephi." Now for normal people this would mean nothing...but for me...it brought back memories...ENJOY!

Go Up to the Mountain

Sobe Fuel sound bite

Latin Guy wit a Ponytail (and maybe play some guitar)

Sobe Green Tea: Monkey Cat sound bite

I'm not acting, baby!

Sobe Dragon sound bite

Chubby Little Love Handles

Sobe Lean sound bite

The Fat Got Scared

Sobe Lean: Promoting FatLoss sound bite

Crazy, Sexy Tiger

Sobe Energy sound bite

What have I been up to?

2009-05-31T06:21:00.007-05:00

Well....not much to be honest. I am still unemployed - but looking ever more for a job. I have applied with a few school districts in the area and I'm hoping to be getting calls soon for interviews. I know someone needs a High School Biology Teacher with my skills!

I finally hung some of my bedroom decor that I got for Christmas in 2007! Wow! It's been that long! It looks pretty good if you ask me. I used Modge Podge on the mirrors to put the words that I wanted up - Dream and Love. Then I hung the shelf, pics, and put up some empty votive holders. I'm not really a candle person, but the colors went well in my room of black and white, so they were included on a whim.

I've also been a crochet machine. My bud MaryAnn asked for my help to make some end-of-school presents for her 3rd graders. I said Sure since I have the time. She created a monster! I have now started making crochet animals and can't stop! They're so cute and fun. I love it! I thought I would share some of my creations. The crocheting continues... I started a baby afghan, some cute bookmarks, and next up....who knows, but I'm sure it will be fun!

I have also resumed my summer exercise of choice - swimming in the lake! I'm so excited that it's warming up. I love swimming. The buoys have moved since last year due to all of the rain and the higher water levels. I can't see swimming safely to the peninsula now without have a large bright pink flag or something so the crazy people driving boats in Lake Lewisville can see me! Ideas?

The Adventures of Kiki and Miss Belle

2009-01-26T08:39:00.011-06:00

During church last Sunday (1/25/09), I got a text from Dad that said "Can you pick up Adee for Mom?" My first thought was - Oh no! I hope something's not wrong! But then, I called Emilee and said I was on my way home from church and I could come pick up Adee and she told me that Adee had just wanted to come over and play with Tia (my mom) and Kiki (me). So, even though I was looking and feeling like I was on death's doorstep, I hopped over the Em's house and picked up my little look-a-like.

As soon as I got there, she was ready to go. Her outfit was perfect - a skirt and t-shirt that didn't match with a pink hoodie with rainbows all over it and jeans. The jeans were apparently an addition required by Mom since it was cold. I wish I had a camera! Too cute! Em told me she wanted to come play at my house. Who doesn't feel special when someone wants to come play with you? It doesn't matter if you're 5 or 25, it's nice to feel wanted and cool enough to hang out with!

So, we drove the mile and a half to my house. The whole way she would ask what song was playing on the radio and what the name of the street was. We didn't really go that far or make too many turns, so the answers were often - "Still the same as the last time you asked."

We got to my house and she asked - "Where's Tia?" Ah man - she didn't want to just play with me! Oh well! But, since Mom was busy trying to get stuff together for her calling, Adee got to be my little shadow. We picked out nail polish and painted her fingernails and toenails. She insisted on "rainbow" but I was able to convince her that we could have rainbow toes, but not fingers. She always likes to play with Kiki because that means she gets her fingernails painted AND she gets to watch a movie on my iPod (it's the only way I can keep her still enough to paint and then let it dry!).

After painting, we decided to have dinner. I went all out and scrambled up some eggs. She was loving that! She also got to enjoy some Chex Mix and cheese and apples with caramel dip! Balanced meal, right? I think I'm her favorite because I let her eat salty snacks as part of dinner. Heck - I like salty snacks as part of my dinner, so why deny her the joy too?

After dinner, we got ready for bed. She didn't want to sleep in one of the boys' t-shirts, so I went on a search for pajamas. I found a pair of size 8 SpongeBob pj pants in the bottom of Gavin's dresser (um....Gavin wears an 18.....pack rat!). She was tickled that she could wear them. They were a little long, but she was happy not to sleep in her jeans. We CLIMBED into my bed - it's almost taller than Adee - and snuggled up under the covers - about 3 blankets! We read 3 stories and then turned out the lights. She was worried that she might have a bad dream, so I told her to make sure that she woke me up if she got scared. Not 5 minutes later, she was telling me she had a bad dream (lie - she didn't even fall asleep!). I gave her a big hug and we closed our eyes and tried to sleep. It took her a while to fall asleep, but once she did, she was out for the night. I had to get up early to take Dad to work and go to work myself, so at 6 am, I sent her to climb in bed with Tia and our sleepover fun ended. Tia got to get her dressed for school and have breakfast with her.

I had a blast! I love that little girl. She was the one who gave me the title of "Mama Kiki" almost 4 years ago when I went to stay with her and her big brother while her little brother was born. Since she called all girls "Mama" and added their name, I would be "Mama Kaycee," but Kaycee is a difficult name for a 2 year old to say. When she said my name, Logan said it sounded like Kiki, so he started referring to me as Mama Kiki and the name stuck. It has since been shortened to just Kiki (although Brigham added a Tiki to it randomly today - Kiki Tiki).

Adee has quite the personality and spunk - and she has deep, dark chocolate brown eyes like me!

I love Miss Belle!

"I dunno why you always have to be judging me because I believe in science."

2009-01-23T11:12:00.012-06:00

The past couple of months I've had this conversation with a few different people -

Why do leaves change color in the fall?

Most say because it gets colder. Some say it is due the decreasing food supply. One person said it's because when the frost comes, it chokes the nutrients to the leaves. It is at that point that I try to keep the I must always be right-Kaycee take over, but I admit - sometimes it wins and you get - No, you see...leaves change color because of the length of time they are exposed to sunlight daily. Yes, temperature, food supply, and moisture affect it too, but the main reason is the sunlight.

Anyways....Last night in Institute our teacher had a branch with red and yellow leaves and asked us to share our experiences of "enjoying" the Autumn foliage. People shared their awe and appreciation for times in Boston, New Jersey, Missouri, and even California I think. I couldn't help but remember my time in Cache Valley and the beautiful reds, oranges, yellows, browns, and greens that would surround us -

the Wellsville Mountains

Sardine (Wellsville) Canyon

and especially for me Logan Canyon,

going up to Temple Fork

where the lumber for the Logan Temple was milled.

I kept all of these thoughts to myself though.

Our teacher then asked us what makes the leaves change colors...uh oh...and the most common response was temperature, with frost being thrown in (which I think is the same...)...but I let it be - mainly because I wasn't feeling well and was looking forward to what the direction of the lesson might be. She asked us to keep the leaves in mind as we talked about October 2008 General Conference and how optimistic, yet cautionary the talks seemed to be. We individually read a talk that focused on what we needed to do to find peace in times of trouble and then shared main points with the whole class.

At the end of our discussion, she asked - so what do you think the leaves have to do with this.

Some of the thoughts that I had:

1. YAY! My turn to share and in a non-confrontational way!

2. I don't really know anyone who doesn't like the beauty of the fall foliage.

3. Leaves appear green because of the presence of the pigment chlorophyll - which absorb blue and red light and reflect green. The chlorophyll absorbs the light needed for the plant to convert carbon dioxide into sugar (fuel for the plant) and OXYGEN (for us - Thanks!). In the Autumn, the decreasing daylight causes the production of chlorophyll to slow down and stop. Eventually all the chlorophyll is broken down. With the absence of cholorphyll, carotenoids (yellow, orange, and brown) and anthocyanins (red/purple) - other pigments in the leaf - are left to absorb the sunlight in different areas of the light spectrum. Because the chlorophyll isn't hogging all the time, the other pigments are unmasked and the color reflected changes.

4. CHLOROPHYLL? BORE-O-PHYLL!

5. What is she getting at?

6. Hmm...there are changes all around us.

7. Changes can be signs that have been prophesied to precede the Savior's Second Coming.

8. Why is that word CHANGE everywhere these days?

9. We are living in the Last Days.

10. So....inside that leaf there is actually something happening that results in the ultimate death of the leaf (the end of this mortal/telestial earth). The sign of the change is the color changing (all of the trials and troubles going on around us). New leaves come back in the Spring (Resurrection). Ultimately, this all depends on the amount of LIGHT the leaves get daily due to the longer nights (the powers of darkness are increasing in their influence - to a point where it has been said that our times are actually worse than Sodom and Gomorrah).

11. Wow! I really love how science and faith are interconnected!

12. I'm a nerd.

13. Does this even make sense?

14. I should share this.

So, here's kinda what I shared:

There is breaking down and destruction going on in that little leaf, just like we see the signs of the times around us. It has all started with the increase of dark times - or the influence of the adversary becoming more prevalent. We can sit and focus on that and become fearful - or - we can appreciate the beauty we see now and look forward to the Savior returning, just like we hope for the green of Spring.

Yep, I'm a nerd and I don't know if that particularly made any sense to anyone but me, but I was grateful for the lesson I learned from the Spirit. We all will have trials (seems to be what I've focused on lately) but there is beauty all around and there's so much to look forward to - and it's not just the Savior returning, but also the promised blessings that will come by living the covenants I have made.

Here are a couple of the talks that we discussed:

Let Him Do It with Simplicity - Elder L. Tom Perry
There are cycles of good and bad times, ups and downs, periods of joy and sadness, and times of plenty as well as scarcity. When our lives turn in an unanticipated and undesirable direction, sometimes we experience stress and anxiety. One of the challenges of this mortal experience is to not allow the stresses and strains of life to get the better of us—to endure the varied seasons of life while remaining positive, even optimistic. Perhaps when difficulties and challenges strike, we should have these hopeful words of Robert Browning etched in our minds: “The best is yet to be...” The Lord has given us a beautiful plan about how we can return to Him, but the completion of our mortal journey requires spiritual fuel. We want to emulate the five wise virgins, who had stored sufficient fuel to accompany the bridegroom when he came. What is required to maintain a sufficient store of spiritual fuel? We must acquire knowledge of God’s eternal plan and our role in it, and then by living righteously, surrendering our will to the will of the Lord, we receive the promised blessings.
The Infinite Power of Hope - President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Hope is one leg of a three-legged stool, together with faith and charity. These three stabilize our lives regardless of the rough or uneven surfaces we might encounter at the time...Hope has the power to fill our lives with happiness...The scriptures say that there must be “an opposition in all things.” So it is with faith, hope, and charity. Doubt, despair, and failure to care for our fellowmen lead us into temptation, which can cause us to forfeit choice and precious blessings. The adversary uses despair to bind hearts and minds in suffocating darkness. Despair drains from us all that is vibrant and joyful and leaves behind the empty remnants of what life was meant to be...Hope...is like the beam of sunlight rising up and above the horizon of our present circumstances. It pierces the darkness with a brilliant dawn. It encourages and inspires us to place our trust in the loving care of an eternal Heavenly Father, who has prepared a way for those who seek for eternal truth in a world of relativism, confusion, and of fear....No matter how bleak the chapter of our lives may look today, because of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we may hope and be assured that the ending of the book of our lives will exceed our grandest expectations...The things we hope in sustain us during our daily walk. They uphold us through trials, temptations, and sorrow...there are times when the darkness may seem unbearable. It is in these times that the divine principles of the restored gospel we hope in can uphold us and carry us until, once again, we walk in the light. We hope in Jesus the Christ, in the goodness of God, in the manifestations of the Holy Spirit, in the knowledge that prayers are heard and answered. Because God has been faithful and kept His promises in the past, we can hope with confidence that God will keep His promises to us in the present and in the future. In times of distress, we can hold tightly to the hope that things will “work together for [our] good” as we follow the counsel of God’s prophets. This type of hope in God, His goodness, and His power refreshes us with courage during difficult challenges and gives strength to those who feel threatened by enclosing walls of fear, doubt, and despair...Hope sustains us through despair. Hope teaches that there is reason to rejoice even when all seems dark around us....never give in. Never surrender. Never allow despair to overcome your spirit. Embrace and rely upon the Hope of Israel, for the love of the Son of God pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow, and gladdens every heart.
Come What May, and Love It - Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin
If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness...The first thing we can do is learn to laugh....The next time you’re tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable....The second thing we can do is seek for the eternal. You may feel singled out when adversity enters your life. You shake your head and wonder, “Why me?” But the dial on the wheel of sorrow eventually points to each of us. At one time or another, everyone must experience sorrow. No one is exempt...Learning to endure times of disappointment, suffering, and sorrow is part of our on-the-job training. These experiences, while often difficult to bear at the time, are precisely the kinds of experiences that stretch our understanding, build our character, and increase our compassion for others. Because Jesus Christ suffered greatly, He understands our suffering. He understands our grief. We experience hard things so that we too may have increased compassion and understanding for others. Remember the sublime words of the Savior to the Prophet Joseph Smith when he suffered with his companions in the smothering darkness of Liberty Jail: “My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.” With that eternal perspective, Joseph took comfort from these words, and so can we. Sometimes the very moments that seem to overcome us with suffering are those that will ultimately suffer us to overcome...The third thing we can do is understand the principle of compensation. The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude. One of the blessings of the gospel is the knowledge that when the curtain of death signals the end of our mortal lives, life will continue on the other side of the veil. There we will be given new opportunities. Not even death can take from us the eternal blessings promised by a loving Heavenly Father...The fourth thing we can do is put our trust in our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ...The Lord Jesus Christ is our partner, helper, and advocate. He wants us to be happy. He wants us to be successful. If we do our part, He will step in. He who descended below all things will come to our aid. He will comfort and uphold us. He will strengthen us in our weakness and fortify us in our distress. He will make weak things become strong...“The simple secret is this: put your trust in the Lord, do your best, then leave the rest to Him...” I know why there must be opposition in all things. Adversity, if handled correctly, can be a blessing in our lives. We can learn to love it. As we look for humor, seek for the eternal perspective, understand the principle of compensation, and draw near to our Heavenly Father, we can endure hardship and trial. We can say...“Come what may, and love it.”
The Ministry of Angels - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
In the course of life all of us spend time in “dark and dreary” places, wildernesses, circumstances of sorrow or fear or discouragement. Our present day is filled with global distress over financial crises, energy problems, terrorist attacks, and natural calamities. These translate into individual and family concerns not only about homes in which to live and food available to eat but also about the ultimate safety and well-being of our children and the latter-day prophecies about our planet. More serious than these—and sometimes related to them—are matters of ethical, moral, and spiritual decay seen in populations large and small, at home and abroad...be filled with faith, and remember the Lord has said He “would fight [our] battles, [our] children’s battles, and [the battles of our] children’s children.” And what do we do to merit such a defense? We are to “search diligently, pray always, and be believing[. Then] all things shall work together for [our] good, if [we] walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith [we] have covenanted.” The latter days are not a time to fear and tremble. They are a time to be believing and remember our covenants.
"Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time" - Elder Quentin L. Cook
[T]here must be opposition in all things for righteousness to be brought to pass. This life is not always easy, nor was it meant to be; it is a time of testing and proving. The challenges we face today are in their own way comparable to challenges of the past. The recent economic crisis has caused significant concern throughout the world. Employment and financial problems are not unusual. Many people have physical and mental health challenges. Others deal with marital problems or wayward children. Some have lost loved ones. Addictions and inappropriate or harmful propensities cause heartache. Whatever the source of the trials, they cause significant pain and suffering for individuals and those who love them.Regardless of the challenges, trials, and hardships we endure, the reassuring doctrine of the Atonement wrought by Jesus Christ includes Alma’s teaching that the Savior would take upon Him our infirmities and “succor his people according to their infirmities.”
Finding Joy in the Journey - President Thomas S. Monson
[O]ne of the most inevitable aspects of our lives here upon the earth...is change. At one time or another we’ve all heard some form of the familiar adage: “Nothing is as constant as change.” Throughout our lives, we must deal with change. Some changes are welcome; some are not. There are changes in our lives which are sudden, such as the unexpected passing of a loved one, an unforeseen illness, the loss of a possession we treasure. But most of the changes take place subtly and slowly...Day by day, minute by minute, second by second we went from where we were to where we are now. The lives of all of us, of course, go through similar alterations and changes. The difference between the changes in my life and the changes in yours is only in the details. Time never stands still; it must steadily march on, and with the marching come the changes. This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—NOW...“You pile up enough tomorrows, and you’ll find you’ve collected a lot of empty yesterdays.” My brothers and sisters, there is no tomorrow to remember if we don’t do something today....Rather than dwelling on the past, we should make the most of today, of the here and now, doing all we can to provide pleasant memories for the future...Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important—and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. Wrote William Shakespeare, “They do not love that do not show their love.” We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us. Send that note to the friend you’ve been neglecting; give your child a hug; give your parents a hug; say “I love you” more; always express your thanks. Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved. Friends move away, children grow up, loved ones pass on. It’s so easy to take others for granted, until that day when they’re gone from our lives and we are left with feelings of “what if” and “if only.”...Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family. One day each of us will run out of tomorrows...Despite the changes which come into our lives and with gratitude in our hearts, may we fill our days—as much as we can—with those things which matter most. May we cherish those we hold dear and express our love to them in word and in deed.

If you actually spent the time to read this entire post, then I feel you must be rewarded! Yes, it was reward enough to be "nourished by the good word of God"...but let me know how I can serve you - write your next sacrament meeting talk, play the piano for your kid's baptism, a sink of dishes, a hug? - comment me up and I'll see what I can do!

Change?

2009-01-21T13:57:00.008-06:00

Yes, it seems to be the buzzword...but the only thing so far that I can see that has changed is the disappearance of that little voice inside people's heads saying - "Maybe I shouldn't wear this out in public..."

For Kati B- your favorite hat of the Rock Star Event that was the Inauguration.

(Aretha Franklin performs "My Country 'tis of Thee" at the Inauguration - really you think that looks good? You might have 21 Grammy's and multiple hits, but I think you belong in the "Chain of Fools" with their ridiculous hats of Inauguration 2009!)

And for me - Supreme Court Justices and their attempts to be cool...well actually...stay warm

(That's John Paul Stevens in the classy fur number and Antonin Scalia in the super-sized yarmulke. Thank you Chief Justice Roberts and Clarence Thomas for braving the cold and going hatless so as not to further embarass the High Court)

And for all you Tigers fans out there....

(Bush-41 rockin the furry hunter hat.. reminiscent of Gavin's hat on Christmas Eve...)

Also, another change - the time of the rambling, rhyming, and borderline-racist prayers. I just couldn't resist posting the last portion of the text of the benediction from the Inauguration, given by Rev. Lowery.

"Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when BLACK will not be asked to get in back, when BROWN can stick around ---- when YELLOW will be mellow ---- when the RED man can get ahead, man ---- and when WHITE will embrace what is right.
Let all those who do justice and love mercy say amen.
AUDIENCE: Amen!
REV. LOWERY: Say amen --
AUDIENCE: Amen!
REV. LOWERY: -- and amen.
AUDIENCE: Amen!"

Really? I didn't know that I had shunned right all of my life. Gee thanks Rev. Lowery for pointing that out to me!

I could choose to be offended, but instead, I'm choosing to laugh. That was hilarious!

Christmas traditions

2009-01-16T10:05:00.004-06:00

So I finally took the time to load the pictures from Christmas time. I realized in looking through all of them that my family has some pretty fun Christmas traditions that I thought I might share...

First, we go to this really cool thing down in Waxahachie with our friends the Burgesses (or as I like to call them the Burgers!). It's called Bethlehem Revisited. They set up a city block in the style of what Bethlehem might have been like at the time of Savior's birth. There are shops and homes, people selling chickens, tax collectors, and even Roman centurions (The boys like to taunt the centurions so they will get thrown in jail). Mary & Joseph come through the town every half hour or so and look for a place to stay. They go to a stable in the back corner and then shepherds come looking for the Baby Jesus, as well as wisemen (with real camels!). I always enjoy our time there. This year though, it was warmer than usual, so there were more people there. I tend to be bothered by crowds, so it wasn't quite as fun until...Seth stole a centurion's spear! There was a resting place for the centurions and Seth stole the spear that was just resting against the fence. Then he went for the gold and grabbed a shield!!! It was greatness. We snapped a photo for Logan since he was the one who started the centurion taunting tradition. Erik then tried to join the picture and steal his own, but a centurion caught him. Boo! It was pretty funny when he got fussed at.

On Christmas Eve, we always build a fire to roast marshmallows and have s'mores and hot chocolate. The firewood is the Christmas tree from the previous year that has been drying in the backyard (Mom doesn't like this part of the tradition. She thinks it's very PWT of us). We all cuddle up with blankets and our treats around the fire and Dad reads The Cajun Night Before Christmas (De Chirren been nezzle Good snug on de flo' An' Mama pass de pepper T'ru de crack on de do'). Then Dad reads Luke 2 and we watch the Nativity (Luke 2) set to Amy Grant's "Breath of Heaven," followed by Joy to the World. Then we all kneel for family prayer and head to bed. The kids all pile into one bedroom and the parents are off to wrap.

On Christmas morning, the kids stay in the room until it's a decent time to get up. This year we didn't start opening presents until 9am! Usually, it's around 7:30, but I played games with the boys to let Mom and Dad sleep a little longer. Then, we can't go in the living room until everyone goes together. We empty our stockings first and then open our Santa presents. Santa always leaves us 3 presents - just like the 3 presents that the wisemen brought to Jesus. This year my 3 presents were - The Office DVD game, a pretty green sweater, and a jewelry box (that's a giant picture frame too). While opening presents, we have breakfast (monkey bread) in the oven. Inevitably, it is forgotten and ends up a little crispy, but still delicious!

This year we added a new tradition - talking to the missionary. We were able to talk to Logan for about 90 minutes or so (I only know the amount of time because international calling is expensive and I just got my cell phone bill!). We each had about 10 minutes to talk to him and then we put him on speakerphone and listened while he opened his Christmas package (thanks Darlene for helping send it!). He was so cute to tell us about everything he opened (see the pics). The most exciting gifts for him were his Saints tie and tuna fish.

I wanted to start my own tradition this year and decided that I would make everyone homemade gifts. I really enjoyed it. I made hats for Gavin and Burke, slippers for Chance, and a framed Nativity for Mom (I bought an old calendar and cut out the picture and framed it). Dad got a machine that will make homemade ice cream...that was the best I could come up with! I was excited for "Christmas with the Cousins" (that's Christmas with Mimi, Emilee's fam, and Loree's fam). I made gifts for everyone that I thought were awesome. I made a new pattern for a girl's hat that I made for Emilee, Adee (& her Samantha doll), and Darbee (Loree and Posee's are almost done). I made a scarf for Mimi. I made slippers for Mack and Brooks and a hat for Brig (which was too small). It wasn't a complete success, but I really enjoyed making everything and the things that fit looked really cute on everyone.

This isn't a tradition, but I have to mention it. Em and her kids gave me an awesome new wallet for Christmas. It's like an old cigarette case. It's red with white polka dots and I love it! Inside, there was an Ikea gift card too. How fun! It was a great present.

I hope y'all had fun with family and friends this Christmas. I'm glad that we have these traditions that help us to stay close as a family and remember the Savior. I am planning to continue these and add some more I'm sure.

Just found out....

2009-01-12T13:53:00.002-06:00

As of 31 January I will be unemployed.

Wow! It's one of those torrential downpour kind of days....and yet it's so beautiful outside!

I needed something to spice up my life...

2008-12-12T12:21:00.001-06:00

So I got bangs!

On Tuesday, I was driving home from work and caught a glance at myself in the rearview and thought - I haven't done anything crazy with my hair in a long time. Maybe I'll get some bangs. Lo and behold, one of the girls from my branch posted in her facebook status that we should call if we wanted our hair did. So, I did and this is the result....

I have gotten tons of compliments on the bangs, but Mom is still adjusting. I definitely like the bangs! Dad says I look completely different and it's such a small thing. I'm excited because now I figure people will stop with the "you and your mom look like twins." We really don't, so this should help! Not that I'm offended to look like Mom, just that I like to be me!

A little bit of Random

2008-12-08T11:09:00.005-06:00

Some pics from my cell phone that just couldn't be kept to my self...

Enjoy!

Also, I have finally posted all of the pics from the New Orleans Thanksgiving Adventure...Check them out here and remember to turn on the captions by clicking on the little thought bubble in the bottom left corner of the slideshow

New Orleans Trip (Part 2)

2008-12-02T09:40:00.008-06:00

To continue....

On Thursday I awoke to the sounds of one Elijah Garcia. Oh my goodness - a built in alarm clock with personality! Who could ask for more? :) The feasting began for us with a trip to Danny & Clyde's (a gas station) for Shrimp Po-boys. Mmmm! Delicious! Then, we feasted with the fam. I think that Thanksgiving should be called the Feast of Butter - because everything has butter. We enjoyed vegetable casserole, mirliton dressing (my favorite), cornbread dressing, fried turkey, carrot souffle, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, coconut pie, cheesecake, and I'm sure more but that's what I can remember. I was stuffed! We had planned to hit up some of the other places on our New Orleans eating list, but there was no way! I talked with Brandon (the best man) for a good while about watches and cars - his 2 loves. We were then sent on a run for more butter! (The salad needs more butter Mother!) I fell asleep on the couch watching "Clue." Good times.

On Friday, I was woken up by my alarm clock and to the lingering smell of deliciousness. I had some for breakfast - more mirliton dressing please! We then headed over to Covington to visit Pops and Nana for another Thanksgiving feast. Nana made turkey, dressing (my 2nd favorite), green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, smoked beef tenderloin, and cheesy cauliflower. Oh the joy of food! We ate and then walked over to see the status of construction on the new house. The house is awesome! It has a wonderful wrap-around porch, a huge family room, open kitchen, dining room and a master suite on the main floor that will eventually be surrounded by large windows and french doors. The upstairs has 2 large bedrooms and attached bathrooms for guests (um - me?). The property is all woodsy. Pops had the trees removed by crane to leave the smaller trees and brush. We took a walk through the woods to the Bayou. That was neat. We saw a snake. And I remember why I should never try to fix my hair in New Orleans because the humidity is my ever-triumphant foe! We went to Meg's Bridal Shower and I won the match game (matching French words to English - it wasn't really fair). Then, Em and I joined Meg and Helen, Cristina, Kate, and Ashley for a bachelorette party. Um, can we say uncomfortable? Yeah - Mormons don't really do these for a reason...Em and I then went on a quest for a new camera since her's was broken and met a nice man at Wal-Mart who let us have the doorbusters at 10pm!!! Holler! Mom stayed up late and made pralines and fell asleep while Aunt Rite working on Megan's dress. She awoke to the smell of Jambalaya and Aunt Rite still going. She didn't sleep! Crazy!

Well Saturday was a hurry hurry morning with everyone trying to get showered and ready for the wedding. We hurried, but somehow we were still the last ones out of the house. Part of the reason might have been the repeated calls for things forgotten. Anywho, we got on the road and then Mom remembered that she had promised Brandon a 1/4 of a pumpkin pie. He had asked for it because then it would mean that he had eaten a whole pie. He hugged her for it the night before and said - "Because your son would hug you for pumpkin pie." He knew how to get in her good graces! Well, because we had forgotten the pie, we hurried and turned around. We grabbed the pie and off we went, praying the whole time that we would make it. Well, they were running a little late and prayers were answered. We made it to Baton Rouge with time to spare and I didn't even go 100mph once!

Megan and Justin's wedding was awesome! It was so neat to see the entire Garcia family in the sealing room with them as they celebrated this happy occasion. Meg and Justin were so sweet and I'm so glad that we were able to be there for their special day. We then had a lunch catered by Aunt Becky and Uncle Kevin on last minute notice. It was good - there were cajun style hors d'oeuvres - mini meat and crawfish pies - and also the standards - quiche, roast beef sandwiches, veggie & fruit tray, and some chips. We took some pictures and then it was back to NOLA.

We stopped by Taco Tico on the way back. Why Taco Tico? Well because Mom had consumed numerous Chili Cheese Burritos whilst pregnant with me, so to this day I crave them! That and Taco Burgers. Are these really anything to gush about? Well, no, it's cheap Mexican food, but man I love me some Taco Tico.

After Taco Tico, Mom and I went to visit Grandma and Grandpa Sorensen. Uncle Faren and Aunt Cindy were also there. We kidded with Uncle Faren that we have to come to New Orleans to see him, even though they live less than 10 miles away from us! We talked and showed pics of Logan. Then it was off to the reception.

First though, we got a few emergency calls for music and food. We hurried and picked up some stuff that would be delicious covered in chocolate and I made a playlist for dancing. It was fun! There was wonderful food and it was great to see family and friends. Mom told Brandon that he owed me a dance for the pumpkin pie, but since he was off removing and replacing tires, the dance didn't happen....until after we had everything up and Brian played on his guitar while we danced. Wow! I'm that cool! We headed home and then Brandon, Kate and I went to see the new James Bond movie. I was very tired, but I managed to stay awake through the whole thing - barely. I went home and crashed and didn't wake up until the time we were supposed to leave on Sunday - hence, the leaving at 9:30am (see New Orleans Trip Part 1)

As you can tell, this trip was filled with food and fun, but mainly food! I would like to say that I was able to avoid gaining any weight, but with Butter Day and Grape Jelly's New Orleans-style buffet, I put on at least 5 lbs. No worries though - it's coming off this week in preparation for speaking in Stake Conference. I'm so nervous that food is the last thing I'm thinking of...well and nothing tastes quite as good as everything did last week.....

New Orleans trip (Part 1)

2008-12-01T15:04:00.014-06:00

Oh girl....let me tell you what....

That trip was crazy! Lots of driving and lots of food!

We drove down Wednesday a little later than planned since we had to drop Mom's van at the dealership. While there, I visited with a girl from the Branch I hadn't seen at church in a while. It was fun. I miss her. The trip commenced at 1:30pm and we were off. The first stop - Natchitoches French Market Express for a potty and some meat pies and crawfish pies. Yum!

Then we hit a gas station in Breaux Bridge and I got a Hubig's Chocolate pie and a Barq's Red Creme Soda. Rejoice! These are such easy things, so I can't understand why Dallas is missing out! We got to Aunt Rite's around 9pm and started working. We got stuff together for Thanksgiving and started planning some reception items.

Yesterday was insane! We got in the car around 9:30 to head out. We stopped for food and realized that we left purses and wallets at Aunt Rite's so back I went. Then, we had to fill the Grape Jelly New Orleans-style Buffet. What is that you ask? Well, it's my car filled with all sorts of deliciousness from our favorite New Orleans places - we had shrimp po-boys, Bud's Broiler, Hubig's pies, Cafe du Monde, crawfish balls, and of course some Barq's Red Creme Soda! Holler! I love me some food. It was a good thing the buffet was well stocked because we didn't get home until 11pm. Yes, you're scratching your head going 9:30 - 11 that's over 13 hours...what happened?

TxDoT! That's what happened! They have a personal vendetta against me since the whole TxTag business (which still is NOT fixed by the way). Outside of Tyler, the traffic slowed to a halt and then down to one lane for construction. Really folks - one lane on perhaps one of the busiest travel days of the year? HELLO??!?! They weren't even constructing or anything. The lane was completely drivable - they just were storing some orange barrels (a theory once proposed by one Natalie Summers entitled "Orange Barrel Storage" has really come to be fact in my life). So we spent over an hour going less than 10mph and went a total of 7.8 miles in 1 hour. Fun! I was extremely bummed because it was Gavin's birthday and we had a party all planned with a "Sons of Provo" viewing that was cancelled. TxDoT - you shall know my wrath!

More to come....a Thanksgiving Feast, Shrimp Po-boys, Taco Tico and of course the whole reason we went - Megan and Justin's wedding!!

A good reminder...

2008-12-01T13:00:00.011-06:00

Yesterday, as we were driving back from New Orleans, Mom read me a couple articles from the December Ensign. In the First Presidency Message, Pres. Monson quoted David O. McKay "True happiness comes only by making others happy..."

So, with that reminder, I'm off! Christmas has been a worry for me this year because I'm really trying to be more finacially self-reliant and get out of debt and I know that I tend to be a big spender for gifts. I am a small-gifts person after all! I decided that I was going to make presents this year and try to keep my budget at a reasonable amount so that I can pay for everything with cash. Hopefully I'll be able to pull it off! Wish me luck!

The Five Love Languages

My Primary Love Language is Receiving Gifts

My Detailed Results:
Receiving Gifts:	12
Physical Touch:	7
Acts of Service:	7
Words of Affirmation:	2
Quality Time:	2

Take the Quiz!

A Media Fast

2008-11-21T11:20:00.016-06:00

UPDATE (25 Nov 08):

I have No Doubt, Ingrid Michaelson, A Fine Frenzy, Brooke Fraser, and Styx in my CD player...didn't want y'all to think I'm close to being translated or something! Just wanted to share some thoughts on some simple changes I've been trying out....

ORIGINAL (21 Nov 08):
So I didn't voluntarily give up TV, movies, and radio, but I am grateful for the change that it's been for me. Back in May when Michael was preparing to put in his mission papers, the Stake President asked that he start living like a missionary - no TV or radio, only G-rated movies, limited internet, and other things....

Since I spent a majority of my time with him over the past 6 months, I haven't been listening to the radio, I only watch 1 or 2 tv shows each night (JEOPARDY and Dancing with the Stars tend to be the favs) and the only movies I saw in the theater were Wall-E and the Emma Smith movie. On Tuesday, I went with Dad and the monkeys to see Dark Knight. DISTURBING! Oh my goodness! Other people told me they didn't like it either for the violence and it's "dark" feeling, but I have to admit that it really pushed me to reconsider my "media fast." I've been turning off the TV more and trying to listen to uplifting music (but I do need some Styx to rock out every now and then!). I didn't think that it made that much of a difference, but now that I realize that I haven't had that static in my life, I recognize an increased measure of the Spirit and I'm able to recognize promptings far more often than before. Neat!

I was just reading some articles getting ready for my talk in Stake Conference and I found this neat quote from Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin in a conference talk...

"Parents must know what their children are watching on television and must protect them from its evil influence. They should set a proper example by watching only those programs that are uplifting and worthwhile and opposing those that are corrupt and degrading. Many people decry television shows that portray sin and evil as being normal and acceptable, and even preferable to righteous living. However, viewers set the standards for television broadcasting. The networks and stations broadcast the types of programs that most of the people want to see. Mr. Frank Stanton, CBS president emeritus, told a Brigham Young University audience that network television standards will continue to decline because they are based onsociety's standards. He said, 'Standards come from the audience; the audience determines the programming and program content.' Further, he said, 'I believe there will be more infractions with respect to [immorality] and violence and it will get a lot worse before it gets better because of the changing standards of our society.' "

When was this said?

1989

when "The Cosby Show" and "Golden Girls" were the top shows

not "Desperate Housewives" and "Grey's Anatomy"

I'm just saying...

So I'm coming around on the whole photoshop thing...

2008-11-17T15:56:00.005-06:00

Recently when looking at a couple of different pictures I thought - I really just like the original better. Then, I went all crazy and started messing with some photoshop express business and had some fun. I started with some pictures I took of Jill, Michael's little sister who happens to be one of the Drum Majors of the Hebron Marching Band. Now keep it straight - all of these pictures haven't been altered, but some have. Can you tell which ones have? And how? That's the trick! Have fun!

I've lost the will to blog....

2008-11-12T11:27:00.005-06:00

Yes, and I've only been at such a little time....Of course, I've lost the will to do most things. I do enjoy crafting it up these days though. I made a recipe box and a beautiful picture frame for "The Living Christ" for my new beautiful bedroom. Maybe one day I'll buy a camera and take pictures and post what I made, but for now, that whole lackofmotivation thing kinda gets in the way.

I thoroughly enjoyed my long weekend off work so much so that I asked my mom - do you think I could be a stay-at-home sister? Really? I could only dream!

In writing this post, I realized I hadn't yet shared the joy of my new door. Yes that's right folks - I have a door (and a bedroom to go along with it!). I'm super excited to have my own space with the luxury of a DOOR! Can you believe it? Last week, while at work, Dad sent me a text playing a fun game which we often do of "guess where I'm at." I guessed work, but actually he was laying my bed, which instantly struck me as odd because my bed has been buried since before they left to take Logan to the MTC (See the Family Blog for more info on that). He cleared it up when he sent me a poor quality cell phone picture of a magnificent site - my bed cleaned off and in a new location! Yay! For those unaware of the past 3 years of my life - I have been the migrant in the house. When I first came home after graduation, I slept on the couch. Back from NOLA and FEMA work, I shared with Logan - interesting to say the least. Then it was off to the laundry room - which was great for the personal space, except that there was no door from the kitchen and a door leading from the garage that my little brothers and their friends never managed to knock on before entering. Now finally, I am back to living like a full citizen! To say that I'm excited is perhaps the understatement of the year. I am thrilled! I love my comfy bed and pretty curtains and most of all - the door. Wonder of wonders! Thanks Dad! I'm glad you had the day off and that you spent it creating the place that I never want to leave. Hmmmm maybe this is the root of the lost will....I will have to investigate. Or maybe I should just buy a laptop so that I can blog from the comfort of my cave....

I love fried almost as much as I love free....

2008-10-24T09:23:00.011-05:00

And that's why I had to go to the Texas State Fair!!!! What an adventure in fried foods and fun! There's fried everything - including Pralines, Corny Dogs, Funnel Cakes, Grilled Cheese, S'mores, Oreos, Snickers, Banana Split, Chololate-Covered Strawberry Waffle Balls, Pineapple Ice Cream, Espresso, Chocolate Truffle, Bacon (Chicken Fried to be exact!) and Jelly Belly Beans! And that's not even a complete list, just what I could remember!!! MaryAnn had to have a fried s'more. Michael had funnel cake. I enjoyed the greatness of Fried Pralines with Bluebell Ice Cream and Chocolate syrup on top. Oh the joy of fried! We also went for the traditional turkey leg (which Michael and Emilee shared) and I had some sausage - y'all know how much I love smoked sausage!

Of course there was more to the fair than the food - a car show, a light show, a blonde ditz show (Jessica Simpson performed - "I gotta pee y'all!"), and pig racing. We rode the Texas Star - the giant Ferris Wheel - and just had a grand time with a C4 Krewe - MaryAnn, Emilee, Alicia, Ben, Robert, Angelar, Chris, Suzanne, Michael, and myself.

Enjoy the pics....

Eight things in six topics...

2008-10-15T08:50:00.003-05:00

So Erin tagged me...how can I resist this fun little interview...

8 Favorite TV shows:

LOST
Dancing with the Stars
Jeopardy
What Not to Wear
So You Think You Can Dance
The Colbert Report
The Office
Heroes

8 Things I did Yesterday:

Went to work
Went to 3 DSW Stores on the way home
Called 5 DSW Stores
A wonderful evening with the Stake President, his wife, and the fam
Saw my brother set apart as a Missionary - Yay Elder Sorensen!
Went to Penney's with B & G and thoroughly enjoyed their budding styles
Watched some Dancing with the Stars & Jeopardy - see above!!
Slept in the recliner while Elder Sorensen kept asking me how to copy pictures to the computer, where the family names to do baptims at Winter Quarters Temple were, can I take a picture with you, and my favorite - have you seen the Ipod?

8 Things I look forward to:

October 2010
the weekend - every week
My weight loss goal acheived
A Master's degree
Debt paid off
Home ownership
A Piano Studio
Mardi Gras - Erin, save that vacation time!!!!

8 Favorite Restaurants:

Semolina's - Crawfish Alfredo - yes please!!!
Deanie's - New Orleans Seafood - hello?
Maggiano's - especially if I can see Katileigh Nell Burger!!!
Prairie House - mmmm Sausage!
Rockfish Grill - the closest thing to #2 in DFW
Dodie's - a great pleace to visit when I'm feeling a trip to NOLA coming on, but don't have the cash!
Bennigan's - the home of the Monte Cristo
Applebee's - the home of the Shrimp and Spinach Salad!

8 Things on my Wish List:

A new back
A job closer to home
Elders Sorensen and Starks to be great missionaries!
Tax breaks all around!!!
Price of oil per barrell - $50!
A fun time at the State Fair on Friday
Jill to do great on Saturday at Regionals
move back to NOLA

8 People I tag:

Mom
Kati B.
April H.
Christy D.
Amee S.
Kerrie C.
Suzanne L.
YOU!

(If you have been tagged, post your answers to these six categories of 8, then tag 8 more people.)

Service is a life-saver....Literally!

2008-10-01T10:50:00.005-05:00

Yesterday at the Sorensen house was an interesting one to say the least -

I left work a few minutes late and realized that I needed to stop and get gas. While getting off the highway, my brother calls. The conversation went something like this:

Me: "Hello?"

Burke: "Hi Kaycee."

Me: "What's up? Did you need something?"

Burke: "Mom wants to know what time you'll be home."

Me: "In about an hour or so...I have to get gas and traffic is pretty bad."

Burke: "Ok, she says can you please hurry because she needs your help. We forgot we're feeding the missionaries today and Brigham pooped on the wall."

Me: "I'll hurry...wait did you say on the wall?"

Burke: "Yeah, he pooped and then played. See you soon."

So, with that in mind, I hurried to fill up, but there were these 2 teenage girls who came up to the guy pumping gas next to me. They asked if he had any money because they ran out of gas and had to get home to Cleburne (We were in Hurst). He said he didn't have any cash, but he would give them all the change in his ashtray. They gladly took it and headed over to their car. I watched and stood there and thought about how much I hate to just give money to people, but then remembered my running out of gas experience and tried to think of what I could do. They never asked me, so did they really need it? Well, I decided to go use my card and let them pump $5 worth of gas. When I offered, they were immediately thankful and keep thanking me the whole time the gas was a-pumpin. When I realized they were in an old Jeep, I knew $5 wouldn't get them very far, so I said $10. Yes, I should have been on the road to help clean-up the poop portrait, but it felt like I should help the girls out.

So, after they were done getting gas, I left and got back on the road. I got to Grapevine near DFW and the traffic was completely stopped. I took one of my secret back-ways and while passing the line of traffic, I saw that the highway was shut down with 2 fire engines and a couple of ambulances. The thought instantly came to my mind, if I hadn't spent the 5 or 10 extra minutes to help the girls, I would have been right there. Wow! Sometimes the Spirit is so awesome. I was so grateful for the prayers of my brothers who always ask Heavenly Father to help me be safe and have a good day at work. I definitely saw that prayer answered yesterday.

By the time I got home, the poop portrait was gone, dinner was ready to be put on the table, and the kids were playing happily in the backyard. My mom never ceases to amaze me! Yes, she has had a busy and rough time lately with everything she has to do, but how she does it, I don't know!

My dad is pretty awesome too! The day before my birthday, we were headed to Pancho's for a "Quantity not Quality: Mexican Feast and I stopped to pick up Mom and the Boys. We were waiting for a while, so I went in to see what was up and Mom was scurrying around the kitchen. Apparently the burner on the stove had started sparking and caught fire and put a hole in the pot. The stove would not turn off, and we couldn't unplug it, so I pulled the element out and we went on our merry way. Well, it was the largest burner, so it's been tricky to cook since then. Yesterday, my dad fixed the stove. He bought a new element and switched the wires so we can use the stove again. He's pretty handy and definitely a hard worker! Even after a full day of work (12 hours as a nurse!), he came home and installed a toilet seat, fixed the stove, and much more on the "honey do" list. It's another way that I amazed! He rocks!

I on the other hand feel like a dork. I only slept 1 hour the night before last and last night still didn't sleep over 6 hours or so. I feel like I am dragging constantly and I am not getting much done. I think I need to go be creative like Pres. Uchtdorf said at the General Relief Society Broadcast on Saturday....

Ahoy....me name be Kaycee....

2008-09-19T14:27:00.006-05:00

Ahoy, me swashbucklers and wenches....today be International Talk Like a Pirate Day. If ye aren't using the talk of a pirate, ye are riling the Krewe and asking to walk the plank.....Arrrrr...

My pirate name is:

Red Grace Flint

Passion is a big part of your life, which makes sense for a pirate. Like the rock flint, you're hard and sharp. But, also like flint, you're easily chipped, and sparky. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

Sorry I haven`t updated th' blog in a while. `Tis been a wee crazy around here wi' voyage calls an' temple appointments an' open house plannin' an' such. Nay only be me laddie leavin' on a voyage on Octobree 22, but so be me boyfriend - Michael. He reports on th' 29th tho an' he`s nay goin' t' India, but t' Portland, OR. Needless t' say, plenty o' stuff t' do! Enjoy th' swashbuckler talk....an' be havin' some fun! My aft be messed up some more. I had another MRI done last tides an' I sailed' aft t' th' spinal surgeon t' get th' results. Th' disc t'ain't lookin' so great an' th' vertebrae be showin' some signs o' injury as well. I be goin' t' start steroid injections an' get some o' th' scar tissue clisted ou'. Hopefully, 't will hold me o'er fer a while. Disc replacement be loomin'....

And now for some pirate humor....

Q: How do pirates know that they’re pirates?
A: They think; therefore they arrrr.

Q: How much was the pirate charged to get his ear pierced?
A: Buccaneer

Some great links about this special day:

Even Google got in on the Pirate Fun!

The origins on TLAPD....Dave Berry is awesome!!

There's even a TLAPD song too....

Normal translation:

Hello guys and gals....today is National Talk Like a Pirate Day. If you aren't talking like a pirate, you might upset my family and they'll hurt you.....So......

Sorry I haven't updated the blog in a while. It's been a little crazy around here with mission calls and temple appointments and open house planning and such. Not only is my brother leaving on a mission on October 22, but so is my boyfriend - Michael. He reports on the 29th though and he's not going to India, but to Portland, OR. Needless to say, plenty of stuff to do!

My back is messed up some more. I had another MRI done last week and I went back to the spinal surgeon to get the results. The disc isn't looking so great and the vertebrae are showing some signs of injury as well. I'm going to start steroid injections and get some of the scar tissue cleaned out. Hopefully, it will hold me over for a while. Disc replacement is looming....

Thought this was clever...

2008-09-08T11:54:00.008-05:00

and it applies so well in my family! The whole reason why The Simpsons was banned in the Sorensen home? At the age of 8, I told my mom "Don't have a cow man!"

Sorry - forgot to tell you where it's from: Banksy "the world's foremost art terrorist." Apparently, he hit New Orleans recently on August 28th just before the third anniversary of Katrina. This was one of his works.

http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/popup?id=5708371

Marriage and Family

2008-08-26T09:13:00.014-05:00

So I was being my stalker self and had to go read my friend Kati B's blog since she updated for the first time in months. She posted some info about Prop 8 in California - which is set to reaffirm California voters' vote on Prop 22 in 2000 by amending the state consitution - to define marriage as only between a man and a woman. Why do they have to reiterate what passed with 61% of the vote? Because 4 judges in San Francisco have overturned the people's voice to recognize same-sex marriage and declared sexual orientation to be a protected class giving them civil rights. Rights are important, but with this distinction, anyone who speaks against homosexuality - even in church - could be prosecuted for hate speech.

I hope that I am not coming across the wrong way, and I really believe that the Church’s opposition to same-sex marriage neither constitutes nor condones any kind of hostility towards men and women with same-gender attraction. Protecting marriage between a man and a woman does not affect my Christian obligation of love, kindness and humanity toward all people, but I do know that there is a prophet of God on the Earth today - Thomas S. Monson - and he, along with his counselors, have counseled the members in California to get involved in this issue to help preserve the sacred institution of marriage. If the prophet is giving specific counsel, I want to follow that. Yes, I don't live in California, but I know that when legislation begins in one place, it often follows elsewhere. I figure if anything, I can help get the word out and help support the cause of righteousness. If anything, this is my effort to let people know where I stand and it is unequivocally on the side of marriage between a man and a woman and continuing to support the family as the basic unit of society - both here on Earth and in eternity.

For more information see:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - the Church's official website
Preserving Tradition Marriage and Strengthening Families - a letter from First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Church leaders in California to be read to all congregations on 29 June 2008
Kati's blog - what inspired this post
The Family Proclamation - a proclamation given by Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley, then the prophet, in September 1995 that defines the Church's belief and expectations concerning the Family
The Divine Institution of Marriage - an article from the Church about its involvement with Prop 8
Same-Gender Attraction/Marriage - excerpts from an interview with Elder Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, and Elder Lance B. Wickman, a member of the Seventy.
Same-Sex Attraction - perhaps the most succint and best information on the subject from an Apostle, Elder Oaks
Protect Marriage - a coalition to help support the passing of Prop 8
Poway - one of the stake websites showing the Church's support for this
When Gay Rights and Religious Liberties Clash - NPR article showing how religious groups are being challenged about their provision of services to individuals with same-gender attraction and losing

I had a birthday - shout hooray!

2008-08-25T10:23:00.007-05:00

Lot's of people sang to me yesterday.
I'm one year older and wiser too.
I had a great birthday thanks to you!

Ok, enough with my shameless adaptation of a primary song - onto the good stuff -

My birthday was yesterday. My last couple have been on the lame side, so I was trying not to get excited about this one. I mean come on - 26 - what's so great about that?

Well, on Saturday night, Mom, Dad, Gavin, Chance, Michael, and I ate some Pancho's goodness. Yes, it's a quantity over quality kind of place, but I do love me cheap Mexican food in excess! Sunday morning, I had meetings for church, so I planned to ride with Michael as usual. Michael said he had to be there early, so I got up extra early - i.e. 7 am - and hurried over to pick him up. I got there and he asked me to come in - I was already suspicious. He had a present waiting for me (that his mom helped "wrap") - dental pics that we saw at the store a while back and 26 Snickers Nut N Butter Crunch (well actually there were only 20 because he had enjoyed some). Also, there was my favorite breakfast - French Toast (that his dad had helped cook). It was yummy delicious. Once we were finished, we headed to Branch Council, which was ok and then the 3-hour block. I had offered to play the organ in sacrament meeting, so I was playing prelude and 3 different people came up and shared birthday wishes and presents. Holler! Alicia gave me some watermelon lip smackers; Staci gave me this awesome thing for my wall; and MaryAnn told me my present was in the car. What fun!

After sacrament meeting, Michael walked in with a Sunday School manual and looked a little stressed. I asked - Are you teaching? He said he had forgotten that 3 of the 4 teachers would be out of town, so he was going to teach. I offered to teach and had a good time teaching about the Stripling Warriors. Not too tricky of a lesson to teach since I feel like I live with them. It went well, then it was off to Relief Society. For music enrichment, Amy had everyone sing "Happy Birthday" and we had all of the June, July, and August birthdays come up and get a treat. It was fun! The lesson was great too!

After church, I went over to Michael's to work on this project I've been trying to finish for over a month. I didn't finish, but headed home around 4:30. Got home, cleaned up a bit, started to frost one of my cakes, and then tons of folks came over to celebrate. It was awesome! The Willardsons came from McKinney. Sister Tenney came. Diane and Jared came (all the way from Utah I might add!! :). Emilee and her brood, Mimi, Loree, Brooks, and Darbee, and Amanda and Jonathan Colegrove also came. It was tons of fun and tons of crazy. There were kids running everywhere! I had a great time.

I got some pretty cool presents - a Piano shaped jewelry music box, a Pei Wei gift card, a porcelain figurine, a quilt cover, a new church binder-notebook thingy, M&M paraphernalia, some awesome pictures (thanks Lizzie), cosmetics, this awesome hand crank lantern, these awesome cupcakes on lollipop sticks (which I haven't tried as of yet, but look forward to eating when I get home today!! thanks Kati B!!!) and lots of very sweet cards. I'm a small gifts love language girl, so I was feeling very loved!

After the excitement left, I watched some Olympic action and ate some sausage and then MaryAnn and Suzanne came over to bring me my presents - European chocolates and new swimming gear (awesome tinted goggles and a white Nike swim cap).

What a way to finish out a great day!

So, 26 is starting out magnificently. I'm excited for all of the things that are coming up - Logan going on a mission, Michael getting his mission call and going to serve, applying for a master's degree, training for the sprint tri, paying off some more debt....the list goes on.....

Thanks everyone for helping me have a great day!

Love ya!

Oh What Do You Do in the Summertime?

2008-08-18T09:19:00.014-05:00

When all the world is green.....I work. Boo! Sometimes I really hate that I have to be a grown-up and be all responsible and such. I really enjoy summers and working 40 hours a week and driving to that work for 10 really takes away from that enjoyment. On Saturday however, I was able to go to the lake. I love going to the lake. It's how I exercise these days. Uh oh here comes some math ------ TANGENT ---- See....

I have a good friend (one of my best) MaryAnn. She and I met in the C4 YSA Branch. The first day she came, I introduced myself (not just because I am the RSP, but because she seemed cool) and asked her where she was from. She told me she was moving from Boston. I had just spent time in New Orleans with the Garcia fam and met Erica, Brian's girlfriend (but also fiancee because I know they were talking!), who was living in Boston. My response to MaryAnn "Ohhh my cousin's almost fiancee lives there....Do you know Erica Ruth?" For the life of me I could not remember her last name, but sure enough MaryAnn knew who she was because she said "Erica Egli?" Our bond was sealed! We both were fans of Erica - common ground. Since that day, I have come to truly respect and admire MaryAnn. She is amazing! When I grow up, there are people that I want to be like and MaryAnn is one of them.

Whew....I hope you made it through that....now onto the story.....

Anyway, I am MaryAnn's visiting teacher (it was inspiration - I promise!) and one day when I went to visit I mentioned how my family likes to go swimming in Lake Lewisville. She was so excited. We arranged to go swimming during the week and then went again for Memorial Day. We have been swimming in the lake at least twice a week all summer, except for when MaryAnn went to Yankee land to visit her brother and sister (and was her totally awesome self and got some family history pics for me!). We have a usual route to "the peninsula" that is about 1/4 mile.
Two weeks ago, we started swimming further. We swam to "the island" which is about a 1/2 mile round trip.

Saturday, since it was a little choppy and cloudy, we swam past "the peninsula" but not quite as far as our island trip of the previous week. We are getting pretty good if I do say so myself and it's definitely good exercise because I'm always hungry after swimming and I sleep really well.

So why swim in nasty Lake Lewisville? Well, I have this goal. I am going to complete a sprint triathlon (500m or 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run) before I turn 30. I would say when I'm 26, but because of the back surgery this year, I don't think I'll be able to train like I'd prefer so I'm giving myself a few years. Since swimming is my forte, I'm starting there and then when I have the money saved, I'm going to buy a good bike and start that training. I can't run (Dr. Guess, my back surgeon, would not be a happy camper or maybe he would be because he could make some more money...), so I plan to start back on the Elliptical when the feeling comes back completely in my left foot. I don't want to do it before then because it's risky. When I complete the sprint I plan to speed walk the 5km. So, there you go - the sprint triathlon is now officially one of my goals (since "A goal that isn’t written down is just a wish.").

My brother is going to India

2008-08-13T14:34:00.004-05:00

Yes, that's right - India! Logan received a call to serve in the India Bangalore mission. We're still in shock, but we all know he'll do great. He has a fun list of immunizations he has to get that's for sure. One series (Japanese Encephalitis) is $100 per shot!!! It will be interesting to have him literally on the opposite side of the world. He'll be in India for Christmas. (Wow, just typing that I got a little choked up. The vapors....)

So onto other topics - I'm tired. Is that the usual post for me? Because I think I feel tired a lot! The nice thing is that my tired is just my eyes. My body feels energized - thanks for the drugs Dr. Johnson! I went to see my friend Dr. Johnson Monday for my check-up. Since the last time I was in I had lost 10lbs! But on an even more exciting note, I am down 30lbs since April. Holler! I'm hoping to be down another 15lbs before Logan and Michael leave on their missions. It will take some effot, but I think it can be done! For now, I'll keep downing the H20 and trying to avoid the Burger King fries and Taco Bell (my weight loss nemeses).

It's Monday....

2008-08-11T12:12:00.003-05:00

Yes, it's Monday. Oh how I wish that it was still Saturday! This weekend was not long enough considering everything that I've been dealing with lately. I'm definitely exhausted to say the least! I can barely keep my eyes open this morning. My body needs a week off, but I don't think I have enough vacation time saved, especially since I'll need it for when we take Logan to the MTC.

So, the funeral went well. It was well attended and Heather looked beautiful. I was proud of Staci. She did quite well with everything. The slideshow we worked on turned out great and now we're working on a book for Tyla (Heather's little girl). We are gathering letters from people who knew Heather to help Tyla know more about her mom as she gets older. If you want to help, check out the site.

Why a blog now....

2008-08-05T12:18:00.009-05:00

Erin and Suzanne - thanks for the comments about the color scheme. It looks just fine on my computer, but I hadn't been able to check it on others. Let me know if this is any better. Much like me, this blog is a work in progress!

So, I thought I would write a little about what really helped me decide to start writing in a blog again. Yes, Erin's "whatever happened to" email put the thought in my mind, but ultimately, I decided to blog as a result of death of another member of my YSA Branch.

Heather Davis and I have known each other for 10 years. When I moved to Texas from Louisiana, Heather was in The Colony 1st Ward with me and we attended and graduated from The Colony High School together as well. We weren't in the same crowd, but we had our times together in Laurels and at other church activities. I didn't keep in touch and to be honest, when she first came to C4, I was a little concerned. I hadn't realized how much animosity I had harbored since 16 for her and the group of girls that I felt had left me out. I talked to my mom and wondered how I had let that eat away at me for so long. I decided to let the past be just that and go on and try again. We didn't ever become close or even really hang out, but for me, I felt like I had been able to let go and that made all the difference in my ability to serve her as the Relief Society President.

On Friday, while at lunch with her little girl Tyla and Tyla's dad Teddy, Heather collapsed. She never regained consciousness. On Saturday, Staci Poss told me all about it and I hurried to the hospital to be there with her and her family. Apparently, Heather had an aneurysm in her brain which bled out. Saturday, the doctors told her family that she was already gone - the machines were keeping her mortal body functioning. Her family decided to wait to turn off life support until her sister could come from California. In that time, they also decided to donate her organs. What a wonderful gift in a tragic circumstance!

Staci and I left Saturday to go take care of Tyla. We picked her up and brought lots of treats. Tyla instantly won my heart. We sang songs all the way home and she even gave me hug before I left. What a sweetheart! On Sunday morning, Staci called me because Tyla had cut her foot pretty bad and probably needed stitches. I threw on church clothes in the hope that I would be able to at least partake of the sacrament in all of the goings and comings of the day (which I did), and headed over to Urgent Care. I was the human papoose! I got to hold Tyla down while the doctor gave her shots to numb her foot and put 5 stitches in. What fun! I almost got a needle in my eye. The highlight of the morning for everyone was when Tyla was crying and screaming "Kaycee get off of me!" I'm a big meanie, but she forgave me when the doctor told me she was done and I gave her some lip gloss. Who knew lip gloss was the cure-all? Tyla also cleaned out Target with Staci and Kirby while Susie picked up her antibiotic. That little girl is so loved.

On Sunday, we went back to the hospital. While there, I noticed that one of Teddy's family members was reading the Ensign I had left the day before. What article? "Families Can Be Together Forever" from June 2008! That was neat for me. I had felt prompted to leave it by the lunch we had brought the day before and to see a tender mercy extended in such a time was a testimony builder for me of Heavenly Father's love for each of us.

Heather was declared deceased at 10:27 a.m. Sunday, August 3, 2008 in Fort Worth, TX. The machines were left on until Monday though while all the required testing could be completed to find recipients. Currently, the date for the funeral has not been set, but the C4 Branch will be responsible. When I first met with Sister Hennefer for my training as the Relief Society President, I remember her saying that the RS is responsible for certain things following the death of a ward member. She said if that were to ever happen, I could call, but we didn't need to go into depth with that because "it's the singles." Two weeks and two deaths in the RS and I'm becoming far too familiar with what the responsibilities are. It's been very different from the other things I do day-to-day, but it has helped me recognize the importance of those daily happenings, in my personal life, with my family, at work, and serving in my calling.

In all of this, I keep thinking how important it is to live today because we never know what will happen tomorrow. I know that with death everything is not lost, but that there is hope in Christ for even more glorious blessings. Because the Savior lived and died and was resurrected, I know that Heather, and everyone who has lived, will be resurrected too someday. We can be with our families forever and live with God again. Heather will be missed, but I know that I will see her again.

Kaycee's back to blogging

2008-08-04T13:21:00.000-05:00

So, I had a blog a while ago on Xanga. I think the last post was in Spring 2006. With all the stuff that's been happening in my life, I figure it's time to begin again.

If you think that this blog will have tons of deep, thought-provoking ideas, guess again. Really, I just wanted a place to keep people up-to-date with the goings and comings of one Kaycee Renee. I think I stopped blogging because I'm a very personal person (that's funny) - personal in that I don't necessarily like to share my business with the world. I realize the benefit of having a place to keep everything organized though, so I'm back to blogging.

What this blog is:

A place for me to tell everyone what's going on
A journal that won't get lost in my church bag or behind my bed
My attempt to follow Elder Ballard's counsel to share my testimony with the world through the electronic media
Erin misses my craziness posted in electronic form where she can read it on her snazzy IPhone.

What this blog is not:

A place for you to tell everyone what's going on (get your own blog!!! :)
A place for me to share ALL of my thoughts and feelings (sorry folks- that's for that journal lost behind the bed or the bottom of the bottomless church bag)
A diatribe about religions of the world (see the 11th Article of Faith)
My personal correspondence with my Erin-friend - all are welcome to enjoy my craziness!

I don't know how well I'll do with keeping this current, but I'm putting my best foot forward.

Enjoy!

Much Love,
Kaycee