Thursday, July 30, 2015

*2015* Fall Jamberry's Retiring Wraps List: Going, Going, Gone!













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Sign up for an email subscription to The Published Parent and get two amazing freebies: 10 Parenting Markets That Pay $100+ and 10 Markets That Pay Writers to Write About Writing! And join my Facebook group called Parenting Magazine Writers ... it's FREE and full of tips and tricks and markets and like-minded writer friends!

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

OMG My Mother Was Right About Everything


My mom gave me this and I had to get a shot of my own daughter holding it!

Monday, July 27, 2015

Runs/Walks in Kansas City: Monster Dash October 24, 2015


Before I was the homeschooling writer mom of 5, I used to love to walk all the time as a stress reliever and to stay in shape. Walking is something you can do as a parent anytime, but now that my youngest is 5 and my oldest is 14, it's a lot easier for me to fit in time for my own fitness. Over the winter I walked some at the gym on the treadmill and track. Now I can walk the neighborhood or the field at the school by my house. I'm not a jogger or a runner yet ... special equipment needed for my upper lady parts ... but might be someday! For now I walk in my OOFOS sandals because they are the most comfy thing I have ever worn and work perfectly for summertime.

Because I love walking so much, I'll be posting upcoming walk/runs in Kansas City as I find them. This does not mean I'll be participating in all of them, so don't show up expecting me to sign autographs or anything. I MIGHT or MIGHT NOT be there, depending on household funds at the time, Mr. Kerrie's travel situation, my sanity level, etc. Enjoy the race info, and go out and find some in your town!

What: Monster Dash 5K and Lil Monsters Fun Run

When: Saturday, October 24, 2015 at 7 a.m.

Where: City Market

The Monster Dash 5K is proud to have Newhouse as the charity partner for the event. The mission of Newhouse is to break the cycle of domestic violence by providing the tools which allow women to make positive choices and lead self-sufficient lives. The organization provides shelter and therapy, children's services, community education, legal advocacy, and a 24-hour hotline.


Fun facts: my uncle used to coach track at a high school in Lee's Summit for many years and my dad has taken up jogging ... it's in my blood! (Happy birthday to my grandma today, mother of both of these cool guys!)


Check the link (above after WHAT) for more info!

P.S. I get my info from the fabulous KC Running Company website.


On a personal note, here's my walking story for National Walking Day a couple of years ago with an update.


When you're all done, you'll be hungry! Grab a copy of my Tater Tot Casserole Cookbook and whip up a batch of happiness for dinner!

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Take Your Kids Ice Skating This Winter #winterbucketlist


*originally published December 20, 2013

I have to admit I did not brave ice skating with the kids until last spring when Mr. Kerrie was off work one Friday. There's a twice a month homeschool skate at KC Ice Center and it's only $3 per kid (adults are free) and it includes skate rental!

There's also a roller skate that's monthly at Skate City but I haven't braved that yet. The problem is that it's more expensive, jam-packed with people (I hear) and you pay to rent those walker thingies and I also might never leave the skating rink if my butt got out on roller skates. I do love skating in circles to Blondie and Queen, friends.

Both times Mr. Kerrie went/is going, but I am ready to take it on myself if Samuel continues to skate around like BOSS OF THE RINK! We went on Eva's birthday for something fun to do but Eva, it turns out, HATES skating! Callie loves it, though, so we keep going. And it's good exercise.




Viter Energy Mints Review: Boosts Energy & Freshens Breath #goviter


I received these Viter Energy Wintergreen mints to review and I super love them! At first I was like, "There is no way I would spend that much on mints" ...

but then I actually tried them and I have to say they are a real pick-me-up for those afternoons when I have all the kids at the pool and I just want to fall asleep but I CAN'T fall asleep because I am responsible for many lives so what can I do?

So I gave them a try. And they have caffeine AND vitamins AND they freshen my breath so they are a triple whammy of awesomeness. There are 20 in a flip-top tin and I really only need one a day six days a week (Sunday Mr. Kerrie is always home so I can take a nap if I am truly dying of exhaustion). This means a tin will last me a month.

I tried one as I was going to the pool on a hot, nap-inducing day. And I felt picked up within about 10 minutes. The next day was church and I was super tired and popped a Viter Energy mint and, again, within about 10 minutes I was not dreaming of napping on the floor during the homily. SCORE!

Oh, and they are sugar-free so they fit into my Weight Watchers plan just perfectly. Usually when I am tired I would consume sugar for a small, short-lived boost of energy but lately I am trying to get healthy and just can't do that anymore. I have to find healthier ways to boost my energy, and these Viter Energy mints do the trick. Give them a try!

Update April 24, 2016: I was DYING for a nap today and looking forward to it but we went to a park instead. I ate one of these mints instead and I was good to go in no time!

Here's how to follow them on Twitter

Here they are on Instagram

Here's how to order on Amazon!







Saturday, July 25, 2015

Runs/Walks in Kansas City: Get Your Rear in Gear September 20, 2015


Before I was the homeschooling writer mom of 5, I used to love to walk all the time as a stress reliever and to stay in shape. Walking is something you can do as a parent anytime, but now that my youngest is 5 and my oldest is 14, it's a lot easier for me to fit in time for my own fitness. Over the winter I walked some at the gym on the treadmill and track. Now I can walk the neighborhood or the field at the school by my house. I'm not a jogger or a runner yet ... special equipment needed for my upper lady parts ... but might be someday! For now I walk in my OOFOS sandals because they are the most comfy thing I have ever worn and work perfectly for summertime.

Because I love walking so much, I'll be posting upcoming walk/runs in Kansas City as I find them. This does not mean I'll be participating in all of them, so don't show up expecting me to sign autographs or anything. I MIGHT or MIGHT NOT be there, depending on household funds at the time, Mr. Kerrie's travel situation, my sanity level, etc. Enjoy the race info, and go out and find some in your town!

What: Get Your Rear in Gear

When: Sunday, September 20, 2015
Registration and packet pick: 7:00 AM
Kids Fun Run: 8:30 AM

5K Timed Run: 9:00 AM 

5K Walk: 9:05 AM
Awards Ceremony: 10:00 AM


Where: Zona Rosa, Kansas City, MO

Fun facts: my uncle used to coach track at a high school in Lee's Summit for many years and my dad has taken up jogging ... it's in my blood!


Check the link (above after WHAT) for more info!

P.S. I get my info from the fabulous KC Running Company website.


On a personal note, here's my walking story for National Walking Day a couple of years ago with an update.


When you're all done, you'll be hungry! Grab a copy of my Tater Tot Casserole Cookbook and whip up a batch of happiness for dinner!

Friday, July 24, 2015

Your Body Isn't Going to Make Sense #WW #DoItAnyway


The longer I do Weight Watchers the more I notice when people say depressing and wrong and damaging things about their bodies. Why do we punish ourselves like that?

Recently someone said to me that they like to do Weight Watchers also but they like to go hungry (meaning maybe only use their daily points and nothing extra) so they lose the weight fast and get out. I personally have tried that and it's not sustainable. It doesn't build good habits for a lifetime. What's your rush? To look good in a dress for a wedding for one night? To look good in a swimsuit for one summer? Then after the event or when fall hits you go back to your regular eating habits.

Nope, I'm in this for the long haul. I'm not going to lie to you. Sometimes it sucks. Sometimes I want to give up like I always have. Sometimes I don't want to go for a walk outside in July. Sometimes I want to eat an entire cake and don't really want a salad. Instead, I keep on making better choices and they are becoming ingrained in my brain and lifestyle.

Sometimes when I go to weigh in (weekly) I have worked hard all week and the scale shows a 2-pound gain.

Yes, I get a little depressed. It doesn't make sense. Am I gaining muscle even though I'm in my 40s and that's hard to do? Or is it that when you work out a lot your muscle holds water (as a WW leader told me once when I was working out and kept gaining even though I stuck with my points)? Who knows?

It doesn't matter. They are numbers on a scale and as long as they slowly decrease I know my back won't hurt and my knees can take me further on a walk and in my life. I know when I eat well I am a nicer person to be around and by focusing on my health I focus a little bit less on the drama of other people around me.

Sometimes I weigh in after having a peanut M&M binge of 16 points at a movie and a drive-in binge of Twizzlers (1 point each) and too much food that tasted good. And I lose weight. It doesn't make sense.

I used to look and feel bloated after eating poorly or before my period and it would prompt me to give up on any healthy eating or exercise I had been doing. What was the point?

The point is that you do it anyway. The bloat won't last. The period won't last. Your body might be holding onto whatever it's holding onto for whatever reason and it's not your job to guess at that. It's your job to be consistent, which is harder for some of us than for others!!!!

Your body won't always make sense but you have to keep going anyway. Keep at it. You are worth it.

On a personal note, here's my walking story for National Walking Day a couple of years ago with an update.


Thursday, July 23, 2015

Runs/Walks in Kansas City: Run for Purple Peace September 12, 2015


Before I was the homeschooling writer mom of 5, I used to love to walk all the time as a stress reliever and to stay in shape. Walking is something you can do as a parent anytime, but now that my youngest is 5 and my oldest is 14, it's a lot easier for me to fit in time for my own fitness. Over the winter I walked some at the gym on the treadmill and track. Now I can walk the neighborhood or the field at the school by my house. I'm not a jogger or a runner yet  ... but might be someday! For now I walk in my OOFOS sandals because they are the most comfy thing I have ever worn and work perfectly for summertime.

What: Run for Purple Peace

When: Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 8 a.m.

Where: Unity Village, Lee's Summit, MO

Purple Peace Foundation was founded in March 2012, in memory of Amanda Brady. It is the mission of  our Foundation to raise awareness about epilepsy and provide support to those living with epilepsy. It is our goal to raise funds in order to provide tools which may improve the quality of life for someone living with epilepsy, to support epilepsy research, and to increase awareness and education about epilepsy.

Fun facts: my uncle used to coach track at a high school in Lee's Summit for many years and my dad has taken up jogging ... it's in my blood! 


Check the link (above after WHAT) for more info!

P.S. I get my info from the fabulous KC Running Company website.


On a personal note, here's my walking story for National Walking Day a couple of years ago with an update.


When you're all done, you'll be hungry! Grab a copy of my Tater Tot Casserole Cookbook and whip up a batch of happiness for dinner!

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Food Lessons Learned at #IHOP


I took my five kids plus Jake to International House of Pancakes for their 57th anniversary and 57-cent short stack of pancakes recently (and then our friends the Joneses also came with their dad). Being on Weight Watchers myself, you would think a place like this would be like a landmine field for me. But it was fine. Here's why and some lessons I learned about food I want to pass on to you:


  1. Plan. I had planned for this visit for a few days so I had time to prepare in my mind what I was going to eat. If I had just been dropped into an IHOP by an airplane and had been starving and unprepared, I would have definitely ordered one of everything on the menu. But that wasn't the case, thankfully.
  2. Treat. I didn't deprive myself. I was there for the short stack, after all, so I decided to figure out the Points value of a pancake (4) plus syrup and have one. I took the other two home to Mr. Kerrie.
  3. Know. I got a side of scrambled eggs for some protein and to offset the sugar. I find that when I eat pure carbs/sugary items I can feel my mood change and I get grumpy. I also got some bacon for the kids so they could have some protein.
  4. Stop. When I was done, I stopped eating. I couldn't eat all the eggs so I passed the rest on to one of my kids who wanted them (usually my 14-year-old growing-like-a-weed son!).

Eating out can be a real challenge but if you plan ahead you can handle it!

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Business Cards and Other Great Supplies for My Direct Sales Businesses and for My Life as a Busy Mom

Okay, so it's pretty common knowledge around here that I am a Jamberry consultant and also a Younique independent presenter. I am also an author and a proofreader for hire. And a mom of five. And a wife. And a blogger. That's a lot to fit onto one teeny, weeny, tiny business card. I've been doing it this way but have seen people get out a magnifying glass to read all my tiny text on my card.

Just kidding, but you know what I'm getting at.

I've been seeing this Moo business card all over Facebook and wondered about it so I went to check it out and turns out I can get a biz card of a LARGER size in a cool square ... to fit all my fun on there. Then I can put a cool image or graphic on the back and BAM! I am good to go as far as selling myself and my products. And my big card won't be forgotten, either ...

Oh, and if you want something even more different than their square card, they also have mini options and luxe versions. Lots of options besides the same old, same old. Check it out, no matter what your lifestyle is like!


Runs/Walks in Kansas City: Leawood Labor Day Run September 7, 2015


Before I was the homeschooling writer mom of 5, I used to love to walk all the time as a stress reliever and to stay in shape. Walking is something you can do as a parent anytime, but now that my youngest is 5 and my oldest is 14, it's a lot easier for me to fit in time for my own fitness. Over the winter I walked some at the gym on the treadmill and track. Now I can walk the neighborhood or the field at the school by my house. I'm not a jogger or a runner yet ... but might be someday! For now I walk in my OOFOS sandals because they are the most comfy thing I have ever worn and work perfectly for summertime.

What: Leawood Labor Day Run

When: Monday, September 7, 2015 at 7:30 a.m.

Where: Leawood City Park, Leawood, KS

Fun facts: my uncle used to coach track at a high school in Lee's Summit for many years and my dad has taken up jogging ... it's in my blood! (Happy birthday to my dad today, by the way!)


Check the link (above after WHAT) for more info!

P.S. I get my info from the fabulous KC Running Company website.


On a personal note, here's my walking story for National Walking Day a couple of years ago with an update.


When you're all done, you'll be hungry! Grab a copy of my Tater Tot Casserole Cookbook and whip up a batch of happiness for dinner!

Monday, July 20, 2015

Kerrie Debates a Popular, Viral #Motherhood Graphic


When I first saw this graphic on Facebook I was like YEAH! RIGHT ON! WOO HOO. IN YOUR FACE, people who don't like my messy house!

Then I was like, hmmmmm. Let me think about all that for a moment. So I shall pick it apart for your reading pleasure.


  1. It's not just moms who have messy houses. I was a super pig before I ever had kids, and you can verify that with my parents and my husband.
  2. So my house won't be too spotless. I don't want it that way anyway because then I'll be all anal and mean when the grandkids get a muddy shoe on my rug and I never want to be like that. I never want my grandkids to feel like they are a pain in my ass or that they are intruding on my quiet time.
  3. It probably won't be too quiet because I like to have a radio on and I will also be talking off Mr. Kerrie's ear like I like to do. He loves it.
  4. I hopefully won't be lonely because I will hopefully still have Mr. Kerrie, assuming he puts up with me that long.
  5. I'm an only child so lonely doesn't scare me. Bring it on.
  6. I bet the kids will come around sometimes so I won't be lonely 24/7. I bet they bring girlfriends, boyfriends, friends, spouses and eventually kids.
  7. Even if I live in the country there will be neighbors and friends and townsfolk (like that word?) who will yack my dang ear off most likely.
  8. My parents had me young and I'm their only kid so I bet you 5 bucks I get to help take care of them. They are divorced, so that means double time for me, dammit.
Pretty sure I won't be too lonely or bored when the crazy kids are gone, but I will miss these times with a heartache like no other, that is for sure. You might find me scrapbooking and also looking at old scrapbooks while crying because I am missing my kids being little so badly.

Then I will hop a jet to Italy to take my mind off the sadness.

This ends another episode of Kerrie Dissects a Popular, Viral Graphic. Please join us next time.

Friday, July 17, 2015

This is a Normal #Kansas Weather Day

So here are my girls on a regular Monday in July. One of them is heading to sewing camp, which you can read about here.


Then I took the other kids plus some friends to the pool. Sunny and gorgeous.


After the pool the sky got darker and tornado sirens were going off, which is rare in our part of the city. So I got all the kids to the basement. Look at how they are smiling! That was BEFORE the power went out.


Then I got their butts under heavy things like tables and shelves and away from windows.


The sky was creepy and it was super windy.


Runs/Walks in Kansas City: Head for the Cure August 23, 2015


Before I was the homeschooling writer mom of 5, I used to love to walk all the time as a stress reliever and to stay in shape. Walking is something you can do as a parent anytime, but now that my youngest is 5 and my oldest is 14, it's a lot easier for me to fit in time for my own fitness. Over the winter I walked some at the gym on the treadmill and track. Now I can walk the neighborhood or the field at the school by my house. I'm not a jogger or a runner yet ... special equipment needed for my upper lady parts ... but might be someday! For now I walk in my OOFOS sandals because they are the most comfy thing I have ever worn and work perfectly for summertime.

Because I love walking so much, I'll be posting upcoming walk/runs in Kansas City as I find them. This does not mean I'll be participating in all of them, so don't show up expecting me to sign autographs or anything. I MIGHT or MIGHT NOT be there, depending on household funds at the time, Mr. Kerrie's travel situation, my sanity level, etc. Enjoy the race info, and go out and find some in your town!

What: Head for the Cure

When: Sunday, August 23, 2015 at 8 a.m.

Where: Corporate Woods, Overland Park, KS
The Head for the Cure Foundation mission is to raise awareness and funding to inspire hope for the community of brain cancer patients, their families, friends, caregivers and other supporters, while celebrating their courage, spirit and energy.
Fun facts: my uncle Kris used to coach track at a high school in Lee's Summit for many years!


Check the link (above after WHAT) for more info!

P.S. I get my info from the fabulous KC Running Company website.


On a personal note, here's my walking story for National Walking Day a couple of years ago with an update.


When you're all done, you'll be hungry! Grab a copy of my Tater Tot Casserole Cookbook and whip up a batch of happiness for dinner!

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

My #Summer Reading List 2015


Yeah, who am I kidding? With only roughly 5 weeks left of summer, I have taken on something huge here. I don't get a lot of time to read in general. I get antsy at the pool and can't read more than a page at a time, whereas my mother could read an entire book during one pool session during my childhood (okay, maybe I exaggerate). But I have a varied list of books I want to read and then pass on to someone who can use them. I used to be a Book Hoarder but not anymore. I don't need Intelligent Clutter ... I like to take the lessons from the books and pass them on or sell them! Here are the 7 I am tackling this summer and I'll check back in with a post about each one later on.
  1. Gratitude and Trust (Six Affirmations That Will Change Your Life) by Paul Williams and Tracey Jackson. My Aunt Cathy read this and loved it and passed it to my mom and I took it over before she could read it. So far I like the "shopping list of bad behavior" and basic principles of those in recovery from addictions like making amends.
  2. Ask. by Ryan Levesque. I got this free from some online offer. I want to skim it for business advice. If you don't ask anyone to buy your product or sign up with your company because you are scared they will shun you or think you are a jerk, then you are in the wrong business. You have to ASK. I have lost business and potential team members because I assumed someone didn't want to join my company or buy my product ... and then another consultant grabbed them!
  3. The Art of Significance by Dan Clark. I started reading this last summer and liked it so much I had a zillion sticky notes in it. It applies to business and life ... the level beyond success. So you get rich and successful ... then what? What do you do with that? Do you give back, do you maintain integrity or do you turn into a narcissistic, stingy wiener?
  4. Homeschooling: Take a Deep Breath -- You Can Do This! by Terrie Lynn Bittner. This is a 28-chapter wonder that seems like it's going to cover a LOT of homeschool ground. It's also full of resources.
  5. Help for the Harried Homeschooler by Christine M. Field. This says it's a "practical guide to balancing your child's education with the rest of your life." Enough said.
  6. The Three Big Questions for a Frantic Family by Patrick Lencioni. This is a quick read and I'm really into it so far but it's going to require a lot of homework. It applies business principles to running your family and makes a lot of sense so far!
  7. Dream Lovers by Darin Dodd. This is the kind of book that I could read in a day back before I had kids running around distracting my brain. After we watched the movie Beyond the Sea about Bobby Darin's life, I had to seek out this book. I ordered it that night and checked my email hourly for shipping updates. So far I am not disappointed, but it's definitely a little bit depressing.
  8. (not pictured) Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline, which came in from the library after this post. I think I'll return it since I got a free trial of Audible and that's the book I chose to listen to while I go on my walks. It'll make me walk longer, is the idea!
If you are a writer looking for something to add to your summer reading list, consider MY books, here, two of which are available as print books and all four in Kindle format ... AND YOU DON'T HAVE TO OWN A KINDLE TO GET THEM!


Runs/Walks in Kansas City: Run by the River August 22, 2015


Before I was the homeschooling writer mom of 5, I used to love to walk all the time as a stress reliever and to stay in shape. Walking is something you can do as a parent anytime, but now that my youngest is 5 and my oldest is 14, it's a lot easier for me to fit in time for my own fitness. Over the winter I walked some at the gym on the treadmill and track. Now I can walk the neighborhood or the field at the school by my house. I'm not a jogger or a runner yet ... special equipment needed for my upper lady parts ... but might be someday! For now I walk in my OOFOS sandals because they are the most comfy thing I have ever worn and work perfectly for summertime.

Because I love walking so much, I'll be posting upcoming walk/runs in Kansas City as I find them. This does not mean I'll be participating in all of them, so don't show up expecting me to sign autographs or anything. I MIGHT or MIGHT NOT be there, depending on household funds at the time, Mr. Kerrie's travel situation, my sanity level, etc. Enjoy the race info, and go out and find some in your town!

What: Run by the River 5K/10K

When: Saturday, August 22, 2015 at 7 a.m.

Where: English Landing Park and Platte Landing Park in Parkville, MO
Join us as we kick off Parkville Days Parade with our 5k/10k River Run.  This walk/run will take place in English Landing Park and Platte Landing Park.  Finish in time to watch the Parkville Days Parade!  One of Parkville’s biggest festivals, the annual Parkville Days offers great family entertainment and fun in historic Downtown Parkville.  Visit ParkvilleMo.org for more information about Parkville Days.  First 200 registered guaranteed goodie bag and t-shirt.
Fun facts: my uncle used to coach track at a high school in Lee's Summit for many years and my dad has taken up jogging ... it's in my blood!


Check the link (above after WHAT) for more info!

P.S. I get my info from the fabulous KC Running Company website.


On a personal note, here's my walking story for National Walking Day a couple of years ago with an update.


When you're all done, you'll be hungry! Grab a copy of my Tater Tot Casserole Cookbook and whip up a batch of happiness for dinner!

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

My Daughter Went to #SewingCamp


As always, there is a story behind this! One day our lovely neighbor Ana told my 10-year-old daughter Callie she had to go to sewing camp. Callie told me and I was interested. You see, Callie is a little fashion maven and if she could sew she would be UNSTOPPABLE! So I texted my neighbor to find out what this was all about and it turns out a friend of mine was doing the camp at her house for 3 days and I missed the memo because I am not in any of the groups she posted in. Note to self: get in these groups.

So I contacted my friend Suzanne and she said she would offer another the following week. SCORE! Oops, except for we were leaving town Friday and we needed all the supplies ASAP so we could wash and dry the fabric before the class and we don't shop on Sundays normally.

So Friday morning I headed out with Callie and the sewing camp list. We headed to Harper's Fabrics in Downtown Overland Park. I fell in love with the idea of sewing when I saw all the cool things I could  make but I know in reality I probably don't have the patience for it. I did find some fabric I fell in love with to make *something* out of. Forty-five dollars later and we left the shop in a rush to head out of town. Yes, $45 later. Sewing camp only cost $20, which is a steal and I owe her a sheet of Jamberry nail wraps as even more of a payment because it was really cool of her to do it and she went over on time by 2 hours to make sure most of the girls got their skirts done!


The day of sewing camp. Callie with her friends Ciara and Sadie and her sister Eva.


Suzanne with Callie showing off her skirt! And Eva photobombs.


Ciara with her skirt! Once Sadie's is all done I'd love to post a pic here! Most of the girls got done in about 8 hours.


Bottom line: sewing camp was awesome. Seek out a super patient person you know who might offer something like this and pay her handsomely!

Monday, July 13, 2015

Runs/Walks in Kansas City: Race for Recovery August 16, 2015




Before I was the homeschooling writer mom of 5, I used to love to walk all the time as a stress reliever and to stay in shape. Walking is something you can do as a parent anytime, but now that my youngest is 5 and my oldest is 14, it's a lot easier for me to fit in time for my own fitness. Over the winter I walked some at the gym on the treadmill and track. Now I can walk the neighborhood or the field at the school by my house. I'm not a jogger or a runner yet ... special equipment needed for my upper lady parts ... but might be someday! For now I walk in my OOFOS sandals because they are the most comfy thing I have ever worn and work perfectly for summertime.

Because I love walking so much, I'll be posting upcoming walk/runs in Kansas City as I find them. This does not mean I'll be participating in all of them, so don't show up expecting me to sign autographs or anything. I MIGHT or MIGHT NOT be there, depending on household funds at the time, Mr. Kerrie's travel situation, my sanity level, etc. Enjoy the race info, and go out and find some in your town!

What: Race for Recovery

When: Sunday, August 16, 2015 at 8 a.m.

Where: Heritage Park, Shelter #1, Olathe, KS
Friends of Recovery advocates for Oxford Houses of Kansas. Oxford Houses are transitional living houses for people in recovery. Your support will ensure the success of this event and will help us continue our valuable programs.
Mike Johnson was just a regular guy who loved a good story, appreciated a good meal, and treasured his family and friends. A regular guy in every respect except he had the disease of alcoholism. Mike's story ended on February 5, 2011 when this vital, handsome, funny, intelligent, tormented young man chose to end his life. Mike is not unique. There are an estimated 18 million Americans with the disease of alcoholism and only 7 percent seek treatment. We honor Mike and all those who struggle with this horrible disease by bringing public awareness through this memorial walk for recovery. Thank you for joining us!
Fun facts: my uncle used to coach track at a high school in Lee's Summit for many years and my dad has taken up jogging ... it's in my blood!


Check the link (above after WHAT) for more info!

P.S. I get my info from the fabulous KC Running Company website.


On a personal note, here's my walking story for National Walking Day a couple of years ago with an update.


When you're all done, you'll be hungry! Grab a copy of my Tater Tot Casserole Cookbook and whip up a batch of happiness for dinner!

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Eva's 5-Year-Old Words of Wisdom

Hey, people. Here are some funny things I have been known to say:

Who can say "no" to a helpless pickle?

When I pray, I like to say, "Thank you for Mommy, Daddy, Joel, Michael, Callie, Sam and me, my name is Eva."

I don't care what my siblings say. I came up with the idea to name Samuel "Samwich" when he was in Mommy's belly.

Kerrie Pics From Forever Ago

*This post has been pre-scheduled since I try to stay offline on Sundays

Found these in my basement and, hot dang, they are vintage awesomeness.

This was taken probably around 1994 and I think it's around the time I learned I would get to travel to Hawaii with my parents since I had shed my crappy, abusive husband.

1994 later ... with my lovely cousins ... why don't we get this picture taken annually anymore?

1988?? I know you are jealous of my crimp job and the curled/teased/sprayed bangs.

1986?? L-Bar-C Youth for Christ camp with Jane Foster Hammond

1995 maybe? More mandatory cousin shots.