Rest, Relaxation, and Total Seclusion

Dale and I just returned from a weekend of rest, relaxation, and total seclusion!

Since we both had the weekend off, we decided to use it to our advantage. We wanted a vacation where we could stay close to home, yet get as far away as possible! We found the perfect place to stay on Beaver Lake near Eureka Springs. The individual cottages were nestled in the Ozark Mountains and had an amazing view of the lake. When we got there on Friday, we soon realized that we were in total seclusion. No cell phone service, no one around, and no town within 15miles.

While we were there, we spent a good portion of our time sleeping and sitting outside enjoying the weather and nature. We also spent a day on the water, on a jet ski. Dale is NOT a reliable driver, but for some reason it was more fun sitting on the back. We also got to experience some new places to eat. Some better than others, but ALL with an amazing view!

 Here are just a few of the photos from our vacation! 

Our Cottage

Our view from the deck.

 

 

 

 

On our way to dinner.

Our hiking trail! It was steep!

The end point of the hike.

This is a map of Eureka Springs.  When the streets look like this, then you know it's going to be a dizzy ride! The streets were uneven, curbless, and constantly winding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And this is what happens when the roads are so winding!

"Caution: Road Slide"

We went out to eat for dinner on our last night. While we waited for our table, the restaurant offered drinks and games. We were thoroughly entertained!

This was our view from dinner. No complaints!

We're home! Fully rested, and ready to return to normal life. 

We can't wait to go back!

Tornado Sirens

Today was a stressful day.

When I woke up this morning, I did not anticipate the days events going the way they did.

Work this morning went as usual, and then it took a very quick turn for the worst! When I arrived back to the gym for our meeting at 11AM, the rain started.

As the rain got heavier, none of us really seemed to notice. Until the sirens went off. Natalie made a good point today about tornado sirens...If you grew up in Kansas, you are probably de-sensitized to the threat of a tornado siren. They go off, and we usually don't think much of it. We usually disregard it. Today was much different. Once the five of us at the gym realized we were actually in the path of one of many storms, we decided it was time to go to our "safe place". That is, until we realized we didn't have one! Our next idea was to drive to my house. It was north, and we have a basement. This seemed perfectly practical! Once the decision was made that we needed to LEAVE the studio in an attempt to find a safer spot, we frantically piled into my car and were off!  Let me add that I was obviously driving and there were 3 (possibly 4) very scared WOMEN in the car. This not only freaked me out, it also severely impaired my driving abilities.

We headed north. This was a good idea...until Mr. Busby announced that the storm was heading straight in the direction of my house. Yikes! So--our only option was to flip around in the middle of 95th street, and drive WEST! So to visualize what was going on, imagine 5 freaked out girls in a car driving in what seemed like a monsoon. Angie had the idea that we should stop at the library. So we did. When we got there, they informed us that they didn't have a basement, but they did have a tv and a stairwell we could sit in. Luckily, at that point, we were far enough west of the storm that we were out of danger. So we sat and waited it out...Waited and continue to worry about our families.

 Mom- be proud!

No place safer than a library to be during a storm.

Once the sun came out and the sky finally cleared, we decided it was time to go home. I drove everyone back to the studio and we went our separate ways. We decided that we it was a very productive meeting. The five of us went back home and finally got a chance to talk to our loved ones, thankfully. I had not had the chance to really talk to Dale. When I did, he let me know that he was STILL in his office on the 34th floor of the high rise. Yep, the storm was moving right in his direction. Apparently they didn't seem to care, as they all sat and looked panoramic window, staring right into the storm's face. Yes, they did eventually go to the first floor, but I think that it was just for lunch, not safety! Luckily, no storm ended up hitting (this area), and everyone is safe and sound.

 An amazing and threatening shot of downtown KC around Noon today.

Dale's building is the center silver highrise on the right. They had a great show!

Last but certainly not least, Marrin definitely knew something was going on. I came home to give her a big hug and here's what I came home to. Who needs a guard dog when you have this to ward off the storm?

Unfortunately, other cities and towns were not as fortunate. We are thankful that we are safe, but we keep those that are the victims of the recent tornadoes in our thoughts and prayers.

Family, Graduation, and Baseball

We had one of the busiest and best weekends we have had in a long time! Family, graduation, and baseball just to sum it up.

On Saturday morning we woke up, got around, and headed out of town to our familiar old stomping grounds. Sometimes when we drive to Lawrence, we actually feel like we're driving home from a very long vacation. It always feels good to come back and step onto campus. Dale's oldest sister, Julia, was graduating from KU with her Bachelors in Music. Dale and I were excited to watch her cross the stage and receive all of her awards.

After everything was said and done, Julia was a KU graduate we headed back to KC to enjoy a yummy barbeque lunch at Jack Stack on the plaza. After eating, the men went to the golf store, Mom and Lizzie went to the hotel, and Julia and I came back home. Not long after...we found the couch. We relaxed lazily and ended up napping for a few hours under a snuggly blanket. I think I see this as a form of sister-in-law bonding! Later on, the family re-joined us at our house. We (I mean they) were ready for a game of badminton in the back yard. The Snell's are a very competitive family, so it's always fun to get a game going between parents and siblings. Sometimes I will join in, but I usually just sit back and enjoy the show. (The truth is, I just don't want to show Dale up.) The game went on for an hour or so, and then it was time to fire up the grill. We ended the night with hamburgers from on the patio. Couldn't have asked for a better evening!

 Congrats to Julia!

As the Snell's went to the hotel for the night, the Sawyer's rolled in. Katie and Derek called Friday night to see if they could stay over for the night, and invite us to the Royals game on Saturday. Since Dale had already planned to golf with his dad, I was very excited to get to spend some time with my big sis and Derek.

After waking on Sunday, Dale was off to golf, and the three of us got ready for the Royals game. Since we had some time to kill, Katie convinced me to go running with her. Well, let me get this completely straight. "I'll run slow for you" were her actual words. Derek confirmed that this was not an uplifting and encouraging way to convince me, but somehow she did it. We ran in what felt like 120% humidity and continued to sweat for the rest of the day.

A little note about Katie and me. We ALWAYS seem to get ourselves into some sort of trouble. We were on our way to the Royals game, so I used my phone navigation to get us there. (Derek decided to go early to watch batting practice.) Instead of going on the interstate all the way to the stadium, the navigation had us stay on "local" roads the entire way. I'm still not sure why, but let's just say, we're glad it was daytime! We ended up driving straight through the city. Just to be clear, there are parts of KC that you may choose to not visit. Well, Katie and I managed to visit what seemed like ALL of these places en route to the ballpark. Don't worry, after driving around the entire NW portion of MO, we eventually found gas, coffee, a diet coke, an ATM, and eventually Kauffman Stadium. I think Derek was relieved that we got there in one piece and with time to spare!

The game was great. A little warm, but great! I have a nice left sided sun burn, but it was nice to sit in the sunshine and enjoy the game. Although the Royals didn't end up winning, it was a great day. I came home later, and Dale and I relaxed all evening.

What a great weekend! We are both so fortunate to have such amazing families.

Perfect Purse for a Perfect Mom!

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

Yesterday was Mother's Day. To many, Mother's Day is a day to tell Mom just how important and special she is. Although I believe this is true, I also believe that there shouldn't be just one day to celebrate Mom and everything she has done. Let's be honest, for all of the work that any one Mother has done, we should dedicate much more than ONE day to them!

My Mom has never asked for anything special for this holiday. Simple and easy has always been her mantra.  This year, I called to ask what their plans were and she blankly said, "Nothing, I don't want to do anything! No cooking, cleaning, or working for me!". And that's how it was. Dale and I weren't able to come home, so we had to send our love via cards and phone calls. The only thing that is different about this year is that I realized that I want my Mother to know is that I appreciate and love her for everything she does EVERY day, not just on this holiday. Mother's Day is a good reminder, but Mom is way too important to just be told one time a year!
 
This year, I decided to make my Mom something special. Since the sewing gene has been passed down to me (maybe Katie too, we aren't sure yet)...I thought it would be appropriate to make her something she could use with the sewing machine she gave me. (See "Sewing Like Mom" tab to the right!)

To be completely honest, I tried to use a pattern for this project. Everything else I've made without a pattern. Actually, I have been using newspaper as my cut-outs for the size and shape of the purses/bags. SO, this time I thought I should use a real store-bought pattern so I could do it right. Well, turns out, I don't really do well with patterns. Maybe it's the direction following that I'm not good at. Or, maybe it's the fact that last time Mom and I tried to use a pattern she said, "Oh, let's just do it this way instead". I guess that mentality rubbed off, because that's exactly what happened. I managed to use it for the size and shape, and that's about it. I ended up throwing the pattern out the window once I decided I was going to do it "my way". And that's how it was! I still think it turned out great. It is by no means perfect, and please don't look at the stitching on the inside of the bag. But hey, the first project on a new sewing machine will always be remembered. Hopefully Mom will enjoy it as much as I did making it.

Here's a picture of the bag...Unfortunately I'm not a speedy sewer, so it got put in the mail a little late. Oops.  The important thing is that it is on it's way to Katie's for her to fill it with goodies and eventually deliver to Mom! Sorry for the tardiness, Katie- it will be there tomorrow!

The bag is floral on the outside with a cute pocket, and green polka-dots on the inside. It was sewn to stand up on it's own once it's filled. And it's finished with scrunched handles and a cute yellow ruffle on the top. I'm hoping mom can send me some pictures of her with the new bag!!


Here's to wishing Mom's everywhere enjoyed their day. Whether it was a Quiznos lunch on the patio, or a large family outing, I hope everyone had the opportunity to tell their Mom just how much they mean to them.

Tell your Mom you love her EVERY day, she deserves it!!

Well Worth the Wait!

It has been a very grueling few months- but we made it! Tax day has come and gone, and Dale is officially a free man!

After Dale did his happy dance when he came home from work on Friday (yes, there was a dance!), we decided to relax and enjoy the weekend. We kicked things off with a celebratory dinner at Houlihans in Fairway, and then went home to enjoy a movie.

On Saturday, Katie drove up to spend the weekend with us! Since Derek was busy with the farm for the weekend, she decided it was a good chance to come up and spend some quality time with her little sister, and run in the Lawrence 10k on Sunday.

Saturday, we decided to do a little shopping. We spent our afternoon at Suburban Lawn and Garden. It was quite an adventure. Read all about it in the Gardening tab of the blog (to the right). 

On Sunday, Katie and I woke up and drove to Lawrence at 7AM for the race. I was too late to register to run, so, I was on dog patrol. Plus, I make a great cheerleader! Roxie the dog and I watched the race and cheered Katie on. She did fantastic- like always! If our calculations are correct, she placed 3rd out of the women in the 10k. She is on the Kansas Beef Racing Team and ran in her beef jersey to support her team. Last but not least, before leaving Lawrence, we grabbed some breakfast at Einsteins and brought it home to eat.

What about Dale!? Well he decided to take it easy on Saturday. He spent the morning getting as much sleep as he possibly could, got a much needed haircut and enjoyed the rest of his day at the gym and on the driving range. It was so nice to see him relaxed...finally! Oh, and i almost forgot. Dale got to do OUR  taxes this weekend. It never ends!

On Sunday after the race, Katie drove back home to McPherson, and Dale and I spent some long overdue quality time together.  All in all, it was an AMAZING weekend. I got to spend my time with my big sis and my hubby (who didn't have to work for the first time in 2 months!).

Couldn't get any better! Looking forward to spending next weekend with our families in McPherson for Easter!

Foxy Roxie in the back seat on our way to the race! She still looks a little sleepy.

Katie and Roxie. You gotta love lean beef!

Pre-Race.

Goooooo Beef!! I mean- Goooooo Katie!

Roxie and Me waiting on big Sister. We kept each other well entertained.

Here she comes down the homestretch!

Winner!!!

Reunited at last!

Roxie was jealous she couldn't run in the race too.

Enjoying our picnic breakfast in the back yard. 

The last one is for you, Dad!

Quarter Century Celebration

Last night we celebrated Dale's 25th birthday!

Last week, I decided that it was necessary to do something special for his big day.  If you know Dale at all, you know he is not the type of guy that wants a huge over-the-top party.  So we decided to celebrated his birthday with a backyard barbecue. We had our close friends over and spent the evening enjoying food, drinks, and of course a game of washers.

At the end of the night, everyone had a great time, and Dale survived the quarter centruy celebration. Even though he's already back to work today, at least he got  the opportunity to sit back, relax, and enjoy the night with his close friends.

Looking forward to many more birthdays to come!

If Mom Can Do It, So Can I!

Today as I sit in the office at work waiting for my next client, I can't help but look forward to my next few days at work. I suddenly got the overwhelming sense of, "Will I make it to the weekend?". The answer is always yes, but it sometimes takes a little extra motivation to get over these speedbumps.

At times like these, I think it's important to slow down and enjoy the day, and think about what has brought me to this moment. I find that when I rush through my every day, I miss the important things in life. I look back and think- wow- what a crazy day! Or I look back and say- what the heck did I accomplish today?

Since Dale has been working his tail off, I have come to the conclusion that it is important for me to try to do the same. Sure, I may not be working 12 hours a day, but I can do my best to keep up! Work already keeps me plenty busy, but I think it's my down time when I'm at home that I sometimes ask myself- what should I be doing right now? Working a split shift can be tricky becasue I have not 1, but 2 down times that I am at home. People ask me what I do during my breaks, and the honest answer is- I keep as busy as I possibly can! I will drive myself crazy if I'm at home feeling "bored".  It's usually not hard to find something to do. It typically begins with vacuuming, then cooking , then laundry, and so on, and so on.

I had the conversation wtih my dad over the weekend about teaching myself to be more independent. I usually depended on Dale, my parents, or Natalie to be there and keep me company when I need it. This has always worked, until now. The truth is, that's not how life is. Someone is not always going to be right around the corner at the moment you need them! As I look back, I can always remember my Mother being busy with something around the house. She never seemed to sit down, and always had a million things to do. Mom was always busy! If she can do it, why can't I?  My Mother has taught me over the years that there's always something to do- you just have to find it. Don't rely on someone else to keep you entertained- find your own passions and things that you enjoy doing--all by yourself. Thanks Mom!

Although it has taken me about a year to get to this point, I finally feel like I can make it on my own, without depending on someone else to pick up all of my loose ends.  Just to set the record straight, this is not to discount Dale, or any of the love or support that he gives me. But truthfully speaking, it had to happen sooner or later- right!? It makes me proud to say I have found ways to do to keep myself on my toes- always thinking. Whether its a new workout, recipe, sewing project, or something to clean/organize around the house- I can honestly say I'm getting there! Well not quite, but almost.

My Husband- Temporarily Unavailable

 Dale and I were married on December 20, 2008. Since then, we have both graduated, and moved to Kansas City to start our big kid jobs. Currently, we live in Prairie Village in the cutest little cottage you've ever seen.  Dale and I started dating when I was a sophomore in High School. Yes- we were 16 years old. Dale knows me better than anyone, and can actually tell me what I'm thinking before I have to say anything. He makes me laugh, he makes me happy, and he challenges me in many ways. Dale is extremely smart, and excels in literally everything he does. I am still a better singer- and he knows it- he just won't admit it. I love Dale for everything that he is, and for always making me a better person. Dale has been there every step of the way, and has been supportive of everything I have done (even if he didn't always agree). Even though we are married, we're still growing up, we're just doing it together.

Before we were married, I had this image of marriage as a blissful and always happy time. Although this is true in many ways, it may have been a slight misconception. Don't get me wrong, I married the man of my dreams and I will love him till we're old and gray, but man, sometimes grown-up jobs make it hard...

To explain my temporarily unavailable husband, I must explain my point of view first. There are about 3 months a year that I am "on my own". Cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, laundry, etc. etc. etc... yes, I do it all, all on my own. It's kind of like I live alone, but with a stranger coming in and out at odd hours of the night. Every afternoon as I get home from work, I discover what the stranger has left for me in the wee night hours that he is roaming around the house. Most days I find dirty socks on the floor, cereal bowls in the sink, and toothpaste goo on the bathroom counter. On lucky days, I even find a set of clothes hanging on the designated "dry-clean me please" door handle. On bad mornings, the stranger leaves the kitty unfed. On really good mornings, I come home to find her bowl so over-filled that I am afraid she may just explode if she tried to eat it all. Each afternoon, I get to clean up after the stranger that comes into the house at night, sleeps, eats, and is gone by the time I get home.

This stranger is my husband- the accountant. More specifically, a tax accountant. He received his CPA in May of 2010 after graduating from KU with his Masters in Accounting.  Soon after graduating, he started working at Deloitte in Kansas City, and has been working his hiney off ever since. Luckily, this allowed me/us/him to skip right over busy season for 2010. Although last September did bring a "busy" season, it was nothing in comparison to the busy season that is happening now.  Now that I think about it- I think it should be re-named "say goodbye to your family and friends, and possibly consider just moving into your office" season. This name would be more fitting, and it would also give wives like me different expectations. I wouldn't call in the middle of the day leisurely asking how his day was going and what time he will be home for dinner. I would know better than to think an actual conversation is possible! As Dale once described to me, "Getting my work done is like being chased by a cheetah. I'm always on the clock, and always trying to beat the cheetah. When you call, he catches me. If we talk too long, I get eaten by the cheetah".  Now I stick to the 3 sentence rule. Hi! How are you? Home tonight?

This was a very hard concept for me to learn. When I say hard, I mean- I tried to cheat the system many times. Things like whining, pouting, pathetic voicemails and emails...and even shopping. None of these things worked. Not even a little. As it turns out, no one at the office really cares if I am waiting at home for Dale to get there. Taxes and deadlines will always be more important.

This brings me to the very important, highlighted, circled, starred, and very much anticipated day of the year...April 15. Taxes are done, mailed in, turned in...whatever. It all comes down to this day. I think I may look forward to it just as much, if not more, than the accountants actually doing the tax returns. As April 15th approaches, I know that the end is near, and that this means I get my husband back.

This being said, I love my husband very much. He works extremely hard at his job, and I admire him so much for that. (I could never pull off an 80 hour week!) Much more on Dale to come. Most likely, after April 15th when he is...Available.


xoxo

Meet Katie Joy- The Farmer's Wife

My sister, Katie Joy, let me know last night that I have left out a very important person in this blog. I responded with, "Don't worry, you're next"!

My sister is someone in my life that has done (and will continue to do) everything I haven't. She's driven and accomplished in every way that I'm not. We couldn't be more different, and it doesn't help that we look nothing alike!

It all began when Katie started running. I don't mean running on the treadmill for fun. I mean running for a passion. And she is a good runner- a very good runner. Once Katie took to running and quickly won her first cross country meet, she was deemed "that Stockstill girl I always see running down the street".  Me? I hate running. I mean, I really, REALLY hate running. Katie will tell you it clears her head and allows her to get her frustrations out...I have never experienced this. There may have been one point in my life when I thought "man, what a great run". Those feelings did not last long- I think at that point in my life I was a little crazy for thinking such silly thoughts. In fact, the last time I went for a run (by choice), it was to prepare myself for when I come home to McPherson-- to run with Katie! Yes, I'm a personal trainer. No, I don't keep up. It's unfortunate, but that's life.

Not only is Katie an accomplished runner, but she's also brilliant. When I say brilliant I mean- if you put a book in front of her- she will immediately understand it. Math, History, English, you name it. She has always been the brains of the family. Definitely something I am not. I will admit, there have been times when she has made us question if she is actually the genius we all thought she was...but in the end, she'll end up proving to us that she is a smarty pants. You have a question about anything politics, history, world news? Ask Katie- she'll answer it. And if you disagree with her, she'll explain to you why you are wrong. Gotta love her!

My big sister and I have not always been the best of friends like we are today. In fact, there were many times in our child-hood/teen-hood, etc. that I can vividly remember us screaming, yelling, fighting and throwing a fit over a disagreement. Usually it's because Katie thought it was okay to come into my closet (without my knowing) to steal my clothes..okay...this could have been me. She DID have all the cool clothes though. Or, if you really want to start an argument between us, ask Katie about the Truck. If you ask her- she had to drive the truck ALL through high school. The truth is, she did have to drive the ol' Sooner Schooner in high school, but we actually shared the truck when I learned to drive. Hey, I had to drive something! Then we got the civic. Katie's story: Abbey got the civic. The real story: we shared the civic. She did not appreciate having to share the new car with her little sister. Who could blame her? I was most likely very annoying- yes, I'll admit it. In my defense, I didn't appreciate my big sister bossing me around. And around and around we went.  That's love, isn't it?

Where is she now? Well, after going to school in Pittsburg, Kansas (yes, of course with a few scholarships under her belt...cross country, swimming, academics), she moved to Springdale, Arkansas. To Katie, it was a new job and an adventure. She was always the child that wanted to get as far away from home as possible. The rest of the family did not care for this move, as it put her too far away from the family. Me? I would rather just live at home. As recently stated, I don't like change. The farther away I am, the harder time I have. That is how I have always been, and will always be (Thanks Dad!). This is "Sew" Not like my Mother!! My parents reeled Katie back home to McPherson and she got herself a fantastic job as the Managing Editor of the McPherson Sentinel. Have a question about the paper? Ask Katie- she's in charge!

Lastly, my sister has recently married Mr. Derek Sawyer, the farmer. As the story goes, my Mother told Katie, "If you move home, you will meet the man of your dreams". And that's exactly what happened. They were set up on a blind date and the rest is history. Married in December 2010, they have been a happy farming family ever since. Katie has had more new experiences on the farm front that she will be happy to share with you (newtothefarm.wordpress.com). Along with a new husband, she now has more animals than any of us can count, and is still learning how to live with a boy. Nope, it's not easy- and it never will be.

I admire my sister for so many reasons. We are very different, but that gives us the bond we have now. Oh, did I mention she's now a K-State fan? Let's not go there. We love you Derek, but accepting your purple will take some time. Like I said before, she excels and appreciates things in life that I don't, and that gives us balance.

Need to know who to vote for in the election? Ask Katie. Need to know how to lift weights? Ask me. And that sums it up. I love my big sis like crazy. She's a great sister, an accomplished runner, a brilliant businesswoman, and she's my best friend.

Love you, Sister!

My Mother & My Father

I excitedly texted my parents last night to tell them I had finally created my very own blog. The idea of starting one had always lingered in the back of my mind, but the only reason I didn't was because I couldn't find a name fitting enough to really get my point across.

I told Dale I needed some help thinking of creative names . He came up with...well none. As I thought about my everyday life, I realized the people who has inspired everything I  have done and become are my parents.

Don't get me wrong, the blog is titled after my mother, but my father is actually the person I am more like. For example, we may have at one time both had brown hair, although that is still questionable. Neither of us like change, and we would both prefer to pile everything together on our plate as one sloppy concoction, rather than eating things separately.  We are both very superstitious, and most of all, we're both short and athletic. My dad was my coach all the way throughout my athletic career/life. Gymnastics, pole vault, triple jump, and yes, even cheerleading. You name it they were there. You could usually find my mom in the stands with her pom poms, and my dad right down there on the sideline just coaching away. My parents were my #1 fans that led me to every ounce of the success I have ever had.

Last but not least, my dad and I both love my Mother.

Looking back at my childhood and into adulthood, my Mother always seemed to know what to say, what to do, where we were going, and how to get there.  How to cook it, how to make it, and how to put it together. Even to this day, she always seems to know just the right answers, especially to that never ending question of "why".

As I have grown up, I can see myself in her- as a wife and someday as a mother. I aspire to be more like her, and to be able to do things just as she has done. She's an amazing influence, and has taught me more about life than I could even explain. This is why I decided to dedicate this blog to my beautiful mother. For everything she has given me, this is my attempt to show her I have learned a few things along the way!

Love you Mom & Dad!