I am sick today. I woke up with my head stopped up, along with my ears, itchy throat, watery, burning eys and the list goes on. AND it's like 76 degrees today!
Haven had trouble sleeping last night complaining of her head and ears hurting, so I'm sure she passed it along to me. As a result, I didn't feel like getting out to go to Bible Study this morning, but we did go to the park for a little while. Haven needed to go to the restroom, and at our local park here, they built some restrooms, but they were locked. I had turned me head to get Gage's attention, and when I turned back around, Haven had pulled her pants down and squatted to go to the bathroom. There were at least 6 kids running around. That was definitely a first!
I ran to WM today to get some medicine for me and Haven, hopefully to help us out with our coughs/sinus/allergy issues. Oh, the joys of it being nice outside and then not so nice. I am praying we can both get naps today. My Benadryl is kicking in.......
Kara

Friends

So, it's been awhile. I did get to have lunch with a dear friend of mine yesterday. We went to the Tropical Smoothie Cafe. It's a new little place here in Fayetteville and was so yummy!! We had a great time chatting and laughing. God is so good to provide dear friends for us. If you are in the Fayetteville area, you should go! It's on the corner of Crossover and Joyce.......
We had a pretty laid back day today--found some great shirts for Haven for this next fall/winter at Dillard's for 3.00 each!! That's always nice! I might even go back this next week and see if there is anything else I can find for a bit cheaper.
Other than that, nothing much happenin'. OH, my sweet mother in law got me my birthday present early. (my birthday is June 21st:)) There was a 1/2 off sale at Hobby Lobby on trunks, and she got me this really cute black one that goes great in our living room. I will try and take a picture of it and post on here sometime. It's pretty much awesome! We are using as a type of coffee table-ish thing.
Oh yeah, and the guy at Sonic just confirmed my order as a large cherry diet coke, which is what I ordered, and then when I got home and took a sip, it was just regular!! I was bummed....they did get Micah's vanilla DR. Pepper correct, so that was good. Oh well, it's still the best diet coke I've had in awhile. Every drink tastes so much better at Sonic for some reason. The ice maybe??
Later,
-K-

It does my heart good... 

Majesty

I was listening to this song this morning on my computer and thought I would
share it with you. What an awesome reminder,that although we may be empty
handed in whatever situation, that we are alive in Him! We are covered by Him,
standing in Him, knowing we are His greatest desire. WOW. Lord, may whoever
reads this find their rest and hope in You.


Here I am humbled by your Majesty
Covered by your grace so free
Here I am, knowing I'm a sinful man
Covered by the blood of the Lamb

Now I've found the greatest love of all is mine
Since you laid down your life
The greatest sacrifice

Majesty, Majesty
Your grace has found me just as I am
Empty handed, but alive in your hands
Majesty, Majesty
Forever I am changed by your love
In the presence of your Majesty

Here I am humbled by the love that you give
Forgiven so that I can forgive
Here I stand, knowing that I'm your desire
Sanctified by glory and fire

Now I've found the greatest love of all is mine
Since you laid down your life
The greatest sacrifice

Majesty, Majesty
Your grace has found me just as I am
Empty handed, but alive in your hands
Majesty, Majesty
Forever I am changed by your love
In the presence of your Majesty

Haven is a pooping machine these days. Praise the Lord I think she has mastered going in the potty, however, she does it ALL the time now, since she gets a treat. But it's not just a little, it's a ton, and I'm not quite sure where she put it before, becuase she never went that much, even in her pull ups. And she wants us to view the poo poo as well, so she announces she has to go and then does the deed and then wants us to come see it before flushing. It's been fun.
Today was our Bible Study day and she had gotten my workbook for me so I could look something up once we were here at home. She saw the cross on it and she said 'Mommy, this cross means church'. I tried to explain to her exactly what it meant and she said 'Uh huh'.
My birthday is a bit of a time away, but I went ahead and started a wish list on amazon.com, as there are always things I think about that would be nice to have, but don't have the extra to get it and a lot of it might be something I wouldn't necessarily think to buy. It's been fun. Kind of like Christmas all over again.:)
Well, off to hopefully watch a movie (Just Like Heaven) if Haven naps....we'll see.
K

Okay, more posts. I'm sorry I can't help it.:) So for the past year or so, I have really wanted a hobby. I enjoy basketball and softball, but at this season of my life right now, it's not something I can pursue as much as I would like. So, I was thinking a lot about scrapbooking. I have always wanted to try it and I feel like I am a bit creative in that area and use my gifts in that way. Although, I don't know when I would have time to actually do the scrap booking thing. I haven't been good with Haven's. I have from birth to 2 years old, but beyond that, I haven't done a whole lot. We'll see. Just a thought. Any suggestions on how to get started???????
Also, anyone see Grey's Anatomy last night? I know I talked about it in my previous post, but just a poll if you did see it..........McDreamy or McSteamy??? I already have my pick.:) It's my hubby of course.
-K-

Randomness Part 2

Okay, so today I don't know if it's me, the weather, or the fact that I am REALLY bored here at work, but I have that feeling again in my heart, it just hurts. I don't even know how to explain it, but I know that want is SO there today. Like I said in earlier posts, it is a daily process and there are days when things are great, but other days like this, where it is so much harder. Something is said or we walk by somewhere or something reminds me and there is that prick in my heart, in my very being. It's so amazing how the Lord made us, for the most part, sensitive in that way. Especially things that are close to our hearts, desires for ourselves, for others, our passions, ect.
A dear mentor of mine said that I should start writing these things down in order to get ready for when the Lord reveals when He wants me to speak to others and encourage them through these circumstances. I have felt led for some time and now am just waiting. Oh, the story of my life it seems during this season.....waiting. But it is in the waiting, that hope comes.
-K-

Amateurs

Okay, so I drove on the snow/ice this morning to work. The one thing about the lovely snow is that Arkansas only has like three snow plows in the whole state (that's not really an accurate number, but it might as well be) and there was snow and ice still on the bypass, and it stated snowing late Friday night!
Anywhoo, Micah and I both made it to work and the Lord protected us from the crazy driver that was on my tail FOREVER and the ones that fly by at 70 MPH instead of like 30. I for one, am not the best on the snow and ice either, but I did go about 30 the whole way to work, instead of the speed limit. I tend to get real tense, so I am so grateful Haven was still sleepy when we left. I am not sure I could do it with many crazy, screaming children.:)
Grey's Anatomy was AWESOME as always last night. My sweet hubby endured the hour with me. It's not his favorite, but since he knows it's mine, he watched it with me. Awwhh, how sweet.:)
It's President's Day today, and since the banks are closed, it might be a slow day here for us mortgage broker types.
Later.

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes

Can we say Franco Sarto??

If I had a saying to live to live by, I'm sure it would go something like this:

'For every breath that we take, there should be a shoe to go along with it'.

It's not really my saying, but pretty close.:) I do so enjoy shoes, but with a new budget and other responsibilities and expenses, these purchases are few and far between. This was definitely a splurge and blessing. We usually do the Target/Payless thing these days, so it was nice to be blessed with these babies. I got these new Franco Sarto boots this weekend on sale at Mason's. My hubby paid for half of them, so it was quite nice. They are a bit lighter color than this, but otherwise, exactly the same!! I have never had cowboy boots in my life, even when I grew up in 'Chickendale' (Springdale) home of the 4th of July Rodeo. Anyway, it was fun and I am excited to get to wear them. I am glad they are in style now (they ARE in style now, right??) and not just for those who wear Wrangler jeans and listen to country music. (although I must say Carrie Underwood, Martina, Rascal Flatts, and so on ROCK!)
Okay, so you can tell that I have been literally stuck inside all weekend. We did go on our date night Friday night before it got yucky. But stayed in all day Saturday and I got out this afternoon only to run up to our Sonic here in town and get a large cherry diet coke. Other than that, it's been inside! Praise the Lord Haven took a nap today, or it might have gotten interesting.:) She didn't take one yesterday and it was such a long day with everyone in the house. But it's been fun since it hasn't snowed in forever here in NW Arkansas.
AND the HOGS beat Florida yesterday in OT 85-81. Florida is ranked 10, so it was great!!
Okay, I guess I'm through gabbing. That has been about the extent of our weekend thus far. Hopefully Micah and I will be able to go to work tomorrow and Haven will be able to go to Ms. Katherine's, as I am sure she is wanting a different change of pace as well.

It snowed!!

We are in the house today. It snowed last night and this morning. All together, it was about 2 1/2 inches! It's been a long day, but it's been fun. Micah didn't have to work today, so we stayed in and I cooked. I made some soup as well as a cookie cake with some home made icing. It was fun! We played a bit in the snow this morning and Micah and I were talking about how this is Haven's first 'official' snow time. It hasn't snowed this much in 3 1/2 years, crazy!
She enjoyed it and was able to play with Cambron a bit this morning as well.
Off to make some hot chocolate/cappucino.
Later.

Only in Arkansas...

Yesterday was Haven and Mommy day again. We seem to have a lot of those lately, but it's been so fun!! We went to WM and got my oil changed and got a few things, and then went to the park here in Farmington and it was so beautiful! She had a great time and enjoyed the swings and climbing on the 'fake' climbing wall they have in the play area.
We then went to 'Old McDonald's' and took her Happy Meal home to eat it, all while watching Little House on the Prairie season 9. We watched it rain pretty hard and then that afternoon, it got pretty cold. It is now supposed to snow this weekend up to 3 inches. You never know though. Just crazy that yesterday it was 72 and today the high is like 37.
Tonight Micah and I are going on a date. Should be fun! We don't get to do it much, so when we do, it is always special. I love him so much! I am finding out more and more the longer we are married how much he means to me and how more in love I am now then when we first met!!
Enjoy the weekend and hopefully it will snow some and we can stay inside and enjoy it and Haven can play outside and run around in it!:)
K

This is what I got for Valentine's Day. Although many of you may think it's not much or not romantic, I LOVED it!! I grew up watching this every morning on TBS. I was almost giddy--I have the first season and now the last. All I need now is the ones in between and 'The Last Farewell' episode. This is my favorite show of all time!! And it helps that Haven enjoys it and I don't have to worry about stuff she shouldn't watch or things that might be said.
We had a low-key evening, we are going to go out this weekend when the whole world hopefully won't be eating out.
I love the fact that we don't 'feel pressured' to go out and do anything. That every day can be Valentine's day, except without the gifts of course.:)
Believing Him,
Kara

Happy Love Day

Happy Love day everyone. I pray that today you realize how loved you are by our Lord and by those closest to you. I think we are going to have a fun night at the house instead of going out with everyone else here in NW Arkansas. We might go out this weekend.
Enjoy the beautiful day-
Kara
PS-speaking of Love Day, my husband took the same quiz from below and he is the EXACT same. Crazy and amazing how the Lord puts people together......I love my husband so much and am so proud!!

First phone pic

Okay, so it's not the greatest quality, or for that matter, the greatest picture (although it is of Haven, so technically it's a good picture:)) . Just thought I'd share. I am still learning how to actually take a picture from a phone..it's harder than it looks.

Color

I really thought these were beautiful--they have become my new favorite flower. So bright and colorful, thought it would make my blog a bit more colorful as well. Bring on the spring, although I think we might have a bit more to go of winter.
-K-

The weekend

Had a great weekend. It ended on a great note, as Grey's Anatomy was so good! WOW, what a great show!
I went to see a dear friend yesterday that I hadn't seen in ages. It's a type of friend, who although you don't see or talk to each other in forever, the Lord just lets you pick up where you left off. She lives in Virginia now with her new husband and her mother passed away Friday morning. I had read the announcement in the paper and my mom had also let me know, so I really felt like I should be there. So Micah, Haven and I went to the viewing yesterday afternoon. It's amazing how the life of a person truly impacts you, and moreso, when they are gone. My friend had such a peace and glow to her, as she always did, but a lot more now, as she knew her mother was in heaven, didn't have anymore pain or suffering, and was able to be with her Lord. She had been sick for a long time---I pray that I can leave that kind of impact on my children and those around me, that fragrance of Christ.
In other news, I did get a cell phone finally. YAY! I had had one, but not recently, so it's been fun, although no one has called me yet.......it does have a camera on it, so I'll try and figure out how to download them and then post a few.....
The weekend ended with, as I said above, Grey's Anatomy. That show is stinkin' awesome and one of my very favorites. The writers are great and it has a good mix of drama and comedy.
Man, I need some chocolate!!!!
-K-

Donuts with the family

We are not much on eating out for breakfast, however, this mornning, we went to Rick's once we woke up. We got there about 9:15 and waited in line for our yummy food. Since we don't come on Saturdays, it was a surprise, yet, not, since we know Rick's is the bomb on just about everything. I had their English Toffee coffee with a maple twist and Haven had about 10 donut holes, while Micah had an apple turnover. I was hoping that we would be able to sit at the bar where they make cakes and watch, but the seats were already taken. All in all, a great time with the fam and Haven always enjoys looking at all the cakes, petit fours, and cookies as well as all the yummy donuts.
Micah took some fun pictures with his new camera phone. I have yet to get mine, but hopefully this weekend sometime. Here in a bit, we will be off to Kayleen's birthday party. She is 5, so she picked a 'princess/ballerina' party. We don't have all the princess ballerina stuff, but my aunt did get Haven a dress up outfit that has a butterfly that you strap over her shoulders that goes on her back and a little skirt and some shoes, so we'll do that and it should suffice. Hopefully we'll get some good pictures of her.
I'll catch ya up on the rest of the weekend on Monday.
Peace,
Kara

Random

This is pretty cool....go to this link to find out what you are.

INTROVERT
While you may not be anti-social, you do need (and deserve) your private time and space to retreat from the world. Unlike extroverts, you need to develop a concept of the world or some aspect of it before experiencing it. Too much socializing may sap your energies. Your energies are derived from exploring the inner world of ideas, impressions and pure thought.

SENSORY
You usually gather information with your senses: what you can see, hear, taste, touch and smell in the physical world. The facts gathered from the sensory data you process are the building blocks of your model of our world. You concentrate your energies on what actually exists and do not ponder what might exist too much. You are usually practical and rely on your common sense to guide you through the world. You see things as they are and have little or no need to search for underlying meanings.

JUDGING
You like decisions to be made as soon as possible. You are not comfortable with loose ends and like to see conflicts resolved as soon as possible. You have a preference for a well-structured, orderly lifestyle with few surprises. It may not be all that important who makes the decisions that gets things done as long things do get done. You take commitments very seriously. While you are not inflexible, you do like to stick to a plan once it is set into motion.

FEELING
You make decisions subjectively based upon your values and what is important to you. How people will be affected by your decisions is important to you. You are likely to make decisions based upon what you feel is acceptable and agreeable rather than what is logical. Your truths are founded in your values and those of the society you live in. It is important to remember that we are discussing how you evaluate data and make decisions, and that you rely on your feelings to do so in no way implies you are overly emotional. Your Personality Type

Introvert/Sensing/Feeling/Judging

While quiet and reserved by nature, you are very warm-hearted, considerate, gentle, and trustworthy. You have a very well developed work ethic, which ensures you will complete the task before you in a timely manner. You like to help others and are very comfortable working behind the scenes to do so. Getting the job done is far more important to you than accolades for a job well done. You are detail oriented and meticulous in your work habits. Even small mistakes haunt you. While you are not one to give orders, you are very supportive of those around you.

In relationships you are kind, considerate, and show your affection by fulfilling the needs of those you love. You want a comfortable life for yourself and your loved ones and will do what you can to make your lives so. You like a structured lifestyle with well defined goals. You avoid hurting others. Your need to feel needed can keep you in unhealthy relationships with overly needy people.

Famous People of Your Type:

Louisa May Alcott, Lord Tennyson, Barbara Bush, Charles Dickens, Queen Elizabeth II of England, Robert E. Lee, Queen Mary I.

Occupations Suited to Your Type Include:

Bookkeeper, clerical specialist, computer operator, counselor, curator, dental hygienist, medical assistant, nurse, office manager, optician, paralegal, retailer, secretary, teacher, and veterinarian

Some of the occupations I'm not sure I would enjoy, but most of them suite me and even some of them I am doing right now!!
Have a great weekend! It was snowing this morning.....

He knew what it felt like

My sweet cousin and best friend Erin shared this with me this morning and I wanted to share it as it has already had an impact on me this morning.

Hebrews 5:8-9:
Although He was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered, and once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.

Just how He knew what it felt like to lose a child, knowing it was for the greater good of those coming to salvation. That from our suffering, we can bring others to Him.

I was also reading the other day about how Jesus is the only one that truly understands. In Isaiah 40:28: ....He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.'

We know He understands, but we can't fathom and He never grows tired or weary of us.
Thank you Jesus for your Word and how it is alive and living in me today! Thank you Erin for taking the time to send that and share with me. I love and miss you already!
Kara

Being Held

We all like to be held. I for one enjoy it and need it today. I am here at the office at the moment by myself and decided to go to Natalie Grant's my space page because it as the video for her song 'Held'. This song has been sort of a healing balm so to speak and with this last one, I got excited when I would hear it on the radio b/c I knew that I could listen to it, knowing that this baby would be okay. But, I find myself listening to it again and the video is much more powerful. I thought about getting a flower to plant for each loss, and then maybe a tree or something, but I don't think that's my 'thing' to help me grieve and move on. I'm not sure what is at this point. I have been praying about it for awhile, and the Lord doesn't seem to say much to me on it, so I have been continuing to pray. And maybe I don't do anything, maybe I don't need a physical 'symbol' to help me remember the three lives; maybe I am making too much of a big thing out of this when it shouldn't be so complicated. Who knows. I have yet to really figure out the 'right' formula for the grief process, although, for me, it seems, writing helps a great deal and since I am such a music person (I love to listen to music all the time) this seems to be a great way to do it.
I realized I have posted a lot today. I guess just that kind of a day. I also realized that I am feeling a tad bit sorry for myself as well, and feel like I need to just 'kick myself' and snap out of it, but at the moment, I am being stubborn.
-K-

Blessings

Okay, so it's just a blah day today. It's kind of gloomy here, cloudy, cold, and exactly a month since we lost our baby. So, I am trying to stay busy and keep my mind on things ABOVE. I wish my hubby was with me today. I miss him! It has been such a long month! One of the longest of my life! I guess when you have hope and anticipation of something, it always makes the time go by slower.
I do have a brownie with cream cheese icing and m and m's on top from Rick's here at the office that Noma (a lady here at work) and I didn't finish off yesterday, so that's a plus. I know that food will not help my current state of mind, I'm not eluding to that, just that the brownie will taste oh so yummy with some coffee.:)
I am trying to go through and make a mental list of my blessings that the Lord has given me, especially on a day when I don't feel like it.

*Jesus and Him in my heart
*my best friend Micah
*Haven
*family and friends who cover me with prayer
*friends at work who make me laugh and have become like my family
*Katherine and her family-for allowing Haven to stay and teaching her what it means to be a daughter of Him and for treating her like their family
*that I have hope in Christ-that He sustains me on days like these and allows me to just rest in Him
*for peace that passes ALL understanding
*for the grief process and that it's okay to have a hard day--that sometimes even when you think it's all over and you are 'moving on' that it's okay if you haven't
*God sees our hearts and knows our needs and loves us just the same
*that God is teaching me how to live in Him and bring glory to Him
*for a wise, christian, DR. and nurse that encourage me through this season and make themselves available at any time I need to talk or have questions
*that this journey is nothing without Christ and Him inside of me, the hope of glory.

I will get through this with His help, and I know now, that it's literally a daily process. Some days will be great, others not so great, but isn't it awesome that I have Him to walk with me?? That I have friends and family that are standing in the gap for me.
Thank you Lord for these blessings and I pray that I wouldn't take them for granted. Thank you for the gentle nudging for me to not only make a mental note of these blessings, but to also actually write them down.
Thank you for your hope.
Believing You,
Kara

Forget the Steelers and the Super Bowl-Grey's Anatomy last night was the best one yet!! We'll see what happens on the next episode.
Micah and I had a 'date weekend' it seemed. We met my cousin Erin and my aunt for dinner Saturday night and then they kept Haven Saturday night and then Sunday until about 2:00 in the afternoon. We enjoyed ourselves Saturday and then Sunday we slept in and went around Fayetteville a bit--Best Buy, Arsaga's for some coffee (and smoothie for Micah) and then to Wal-Mart to get a few things, and Haven as well.:) It was wonderful to laugh and be silly and just have fun--there is something different when it's just you and your spouse, verses you, your spouse, and your child.:) We did miss Haven, but it was a much-needed break and time well spent together, as it always is. I am so proud of my husband, for many reasons, but also because he's Micah. I love you!
We are home today. Haven had a bit of a fever in the middle of the night last night and we have all been struggling with sinus/cough, ect. this past week. So, we are staying in today and having a 'movie day'. We might venture out to our local Sonic for a break in the day, but otherwise, hanging at the Laney home.
Believing Him,
Kara

Have I told you...

about the new Carrie Underwood CD? I think I did yesterday, but it is AWESOME! I finished listening to the rest of the CD on my way home yesterday. I would say it's better than the first half. Anyway, I would suggest you go out and buy it. My hubby isn't much into country, but he likes this album! Anyway, it's stinkin' the bomb! I will now have to listen to it on road trips to the Okie state while visiting my cousin or brother and sister in law.
So, if you don't have it yet, I'd encourage you to go buy it, especially now that A.I. is back on, it's a nice combination of the two.
Okay, enough about the big 'C'. My cousin is coming to town this weekend. YAY! I miss her so much! I wish she wasn't in Oklahoma, but I know she needs to be there. Needless to say, I am very excited to get to spend a little time with my girl.
Believing Him,
Kara

My Haven

I think this might have been a title I have used before, but it seemed very appropriate for this post. When I am driving without Haven in the car, it seems the best time for the Lord to really speak to my heart and have no other distractions. (besides the traffic of course)
On Monday of this week, the Lord spoke to me while I was driving. I was just thinking about Haven and how big she is getting and how she is getting ready to go to school this fall. And I was praying that she would be a haven for her friends that she meets. I have noticed that, when she is around people, and someone cries, she just really is intrigued. She will stop what she is doing and really look at that person, and at times, if she knows the person, will go over and ask if they are okay. Not just ask, but will put her hand on them, or her arm around them. She did that last week while I was helping watch her class at our Tuesday morning Bible Study. I just watched her. So, I have been praying that over her. We prayed that as we were picking out names when I was pregnant with her and felt that the Lord wanted us to name her Haven if it was a girl. We now know why.
So, back to driving, I was driving Monday thinking all the above, when the Lord clearly said 'Kara, Haven has also been your haven these past few weeks.' I almost had to pull over. It was so true. It hasn't come with a perfect angel, but she has definitly sensed that I have been struggling. Like when she said 'Mommy, I'll take care of you'. And just giving me random hugs and kisses. She truly has been a safe place for me where I can be myself, and I pray that she is that for her friends in her class at school and that others will come to know Him as a result of our Haven. I pray that as I sense that in our daughter, I would be able to speak that over her and help her realize what a true asset to the Kingdom she is!! She is a daughter of the King, a Princess, and I pray that one day soon, she will come to know her King as her Lord and Savior!
Believing Him for His daughter,
Kara

Haven and Mommy Day

Yesterday, we had a 'Haven and Mommy Day'. Since Haven has been sick, we slept in and didn't go to Bible Study yesterday. We got dressed and went to a store in Fayetteville called 'Once Upon A Child'. We got some great clothes for her for this summer and some for the winter. We then went to Rick's and got her a 'monster' cookie and a cookie for myself. Yummy stuff! Then we had Old McDonald's for lunch, her choice and went home and ate it. We played a bit outside, but since it was windy, we stayed inside mostly due to her cold. We attempted nap time, and that didn't work, so she stayed in her room for a bit and then we got out and got some ice cream for a snack. Then we got to go to dinner with Cambron and Kelley, since Micah was working out with his buddies from the office. A little friend of Haven's and Cambron's had a birthday party at Lewis and Clark Outfitters, where they climbed the wall. Haven did great. She wasn't afraid at all, just got right up there and had them put her harness on and away she went. She got only a little ways, but she did great and I was so proud!!!
Then it was home to see daddy and she got to stay up late and watch 'The Incredibles' with her daddy and have some time with him before she went to bed. It was a LONG day, but it was fun! We should have a monthly 'Haven and Mommy Day'. :)
Believing Him,
Kara
PS-I purchased the new Carrie Underwood CD yesterday too! AWESOME!! Erin, #8 is a good one, but I like 'Some Hearts' too!