No title required ;)

Today is Veteran's day. I'm so thankful to live in a country where we celebrate the ones who have stepped out in service, risking their lives and sacrificed so much to keep our country what it is. So if you are a Veteran, I thank you for what you do!

It's a little odd having a day off in the middle of the week but my girls sure weren't disappointed when I picked them up from school yesterday. ;) I had high hopes for the day to include sleeping in and lot's of closet cleaning but I guess the Kennyboo missed the memo on no waking up before 7am. {she happens to miss a lot}

So we shall attempt the closet cleaning here shortly. And I'm sure it will not be without drama.

I've been trucking along with my re-vamped book proposal and two chapters for submission over the past few weeks. But I have to be honest, it's been a little overwhelming. No, I don't have a time crunch or anything like that but I also don't want time to get past me, as it has been.

I have to admit that I feel way in over my head and never knew what a treacherous task writing a good book proposal was. The one I put together for She Speaks, it wasn't very good. And I worked hard on it, but this is a learning process and I am thankful for the agent I spoke to that is willing to guide me through it.

But I love to write. It's becoming a pure addiction! When my fingers get flowing with my words it's like I'm dancing on a keyboard and the thrill is unbelievable. I lay my head down at night and think of quotes, titles of chapters and unique ways to describe something. Throughout the day I feel like I'm constantly trying to put thoughts into real practical words.

And there is nothing more awesome than to be up until the wee hours of the night when all is quiet and getting lost in those words for hours.

I think the biggest battle as a new writer is discovering my own style. In this market, there are hundred's of books out there, possibly even thousands of women who can write, good writing isn't what it's even about anymore.

Even though perfection is not attainable, it's good to know that and put your strength into the God who is perfect! I have also gleaned from other's that much of this process is about discipline and time management. I cannot just write when I feel like it, because if I did that, it would be once a week when I get "inspired". But I also cannot neglect the rest of my life through this process either.

The affair with the laptop is a REAL battle. ;)

So I am thankful for this blog, that gives me permission to write as I please. It doesn't have to all make perfect sense and I don't have to spend hours on one sentence. :)I don't have to have a clever title and I can ..... as much as I want and :) :) :) as much as my heart pleases and I can !!!! or ???? and not think twice about it.

Ok, thank you blog-land for the break but well closet drama awaits. And I know you are so excited for me. {wink}

Much Love,
Nicki

And then she turned....7.

I heart this girly very much. I mean, I heart all of my girly's and I know there is like some secret mommy law that you cannot have favorites....and I DO NOT...BUT...if I had to have a favorite personality of all of the people in my crew, it would be this one's....HopeAnn.

Yesterday she dawned on a new era of her life, that of a 7-year-old. Time is flying by, and I try to treasure each and every day with these girls...but sometimes I just wish they could freeze and be this sweet...forever.

Hope is just one of those people who make life better for everyone. She is such a great helper and a super thoughtful person. She sees a need before it arises and steps up to see what she can do to help. She has a tender heart and will melt at the drop of one mean look but she is a warrior for her God.

Hope is a worshiper. She is constantly singing and bringing life into this home of ours. I wouldn't be surprised to see Hope on a stage one day singing for Jesus....she loves Him and shows it through her songs.

Popularity comes easy to her because of her kindness to everyone. She always has a funny story to tell me of who is the new BFF this week. But if you ask her who her BFF is, she will say everyone.

Being the middle child is rough, especially in world that seems to never stop revolving around one certain said child in our home. {Ahem...} But she does her best to speak her mind and stand up for what is right.

So Hopie, you keep shinning like a star and rock out this world for Jesus. You are an amazing girl and we love you so much! Happy 7th Birthday Sweet HopeAnn!

Love,

Your Crew

Krakatau

Did that title make you do a double take? Maybe?

Krakatau.

That is the word that changed my direction this week. You see, in the midst of everything that has been going on, I have felt a little less than adequate for much lately.

Teaching a bible study this week on geting rid of the noise and clutter in life was the last place I had any business being. In fact, I should have been locked up in my room with some M&M's and a Lifetime movie. Truly.

Because life just seems to be full of noise and clutter lately. Things, situations and frustrations that keep me from getting to the voice of God. Things get so loud, so chaotic and so crazy that sometimes I wish I could plug my ears, stick out my tongue and say, "NA NA NA NA". Seriously. Much like this six-year old of mine does.

But, have you ever wondered what the loudest sound in the world was?

Was it an airplane taking off? Was it a rocket going into outer space? Some crazy kids on electric guitar blasted on full? Or even the deafening pitch of the Kennyboos screams? {for sure}

Thanks to Mr.Google man, I was able to determine what the loudest noise this earth has ever experienced.

Krakatau. (click to discover the awesomeness yourself)

And through that silly name....God changed my heart through that word in a way that I never expected. For me, Krakatau shaped an image to the lengths that God will go to grab this heart of mine. When He speaks it's loud, it shakes and it moves in a massive way. One that I nor anyone else can argue or say isn't so. It will spread wide and it will be clear that it is Him.

So as I laid in my bathtub the other night in the midst of a melt-down, God said, "Well, are you gonna call out for it?" And I said, "Call out for what?" I'm quite sure He rolled His mighty eyes at me and said, "Your Krakatua."

"My Krakatau?"

"Yes, ask for it."

So I did. My tears shifted to a chuckle as I prayed for God to send me my Krakatau. I needed to hear from Him, I needed Him to rescue me and make me believe that He was still a mighty and powerful God.

10 minutes after I prayed that prayer, God sent me my Krakatau in the form of a phone call. One that gave me a deep breath of relief, fresh air and hope that God was watching and in control.

"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them...." -Psalm 34:13

When the whispers of unbelief start to rise to a shout, when the noise and clutter of life become a tool for the accuser to use, the King will rise and take His place and will send us a Krakatau.

Guest Barista

Hey Friends!

I'm over here today http://www.internetcafedevotions.com/ I'd love for you to check it out. What an awesome website these ladies have put together and there's lot of encouragement so check them out.

Be back tomorrow.

Much love,
Nicki

Confessions of a slacker momma

Truth be told....the camera phone is getting a lot more hits these days than oh say the ACTUAL camera.

Sorry. ;)

I'm a slacker.

So check this super girl out! Whoo hooo! Mommy let her get all wild this year with red hair dye and all. {Oh sweet Jesus only let her want to do such things on un-goldy holidays of the sorts}

And you saw the boo in the previous post.....so this one is old news....but is she ever old news? I mean....really.

And check out that cool girl who's a twister game! And again, the slacker momma who didn't take a picture of just.....her. She sure does have red and green hair!

And look who else decided to join in all the fun? Yup.....didn't you KNOW I was married to a surgeon?? Oh yes....I must've left that tiny detail out. {wink} Ahem.....surgeons...electricians...all the same. Messing with dangerous stuff.

Lest you think I didn't join in all the fun....you are very wrong. There is just no proof. ;) I was a construction worker...hard hat and all. Which happen to come in very handy when the rain came pouring down.

We had a great time trick or treating in our new neighborhood and had a chance to meet lot's of new friends.

It was a lot of fun....even if the boo turned out to be a trick or treater drop-out after about five houses. The rain was just to much for her. Oh well....maybe next year. :)

How was your trick or treats?

Fall Fun/Updates

Ok so check out this boo all decked out in her Halloween gear:

It's a shame she's got so much cuteness mixed in all that sassyness. :)

And do you know what these little yummy balls of gooieness bring?

YUMMY!! We love Carmel Apples! :) One of my favorite things about fall for sure.

So, although this would make just a really fun fall post, I wanted to update you on somethings.

First, my mom had her first round of chemo yesterday. I was really bummed I couldn't go up there to be with her then but the girl's had lot's going on with school and we had parent/teacher conferences today. But they are out of school tomorrow too so we are heading up there to try and get somethings done for her and just be there.

Please continue to pray for her through this journey I know she appreciates it.

Also, I had the nerve-wracking but amazing opportunity to talk with an agent that I was referred to from the She Speaks conference. She was awesome. But, I've got a lot of work to do in which I will do everything she has suggested because she's got a lot of knowledge. She seems so helpful but very straight to the point...which is good. So I've been busy, busy trying to re-work the proposal to a way that fits a better style.

On another note, I've also been talking with a lady locally about doing a teen retreat for some girls in the area. I never thought the Lord would lead me to this avenue but I am walking through this door with Him leading every step of the way. I'm excited though, it's all very new and so interesting but I've been calling out to some other's for some help.

Since we are dawning on the pre-teen years but not quite there yet, I've been asking for some mom's of teen girls to fill out a survey for me if they are willing and interested. I've gotten a huge response so far but would love more so if you are willing and able and have a teen girl please leave me a comment with your e-mail and I will get the survey to you. I would appreciate it it sooo much!

Bible study is going really good! We've had a great crowd each week and the Lord has been moving in hearts big time. I've loved listening to these awesome women share their journey with me and enjoy our time together sooo much. I care deeply for them and I hope they are having as much fun as I am! :)

We are still looking and praying for our feet to land in a church home. I think the Lord is leading us closer but we are being very patient and listening very closely. I have become a professional church visitor in the process and probably could write a book just about that. {wink} But I have seen that so much of this isn't about me right now....it's more about my kids and my husband. I have found that I could really go anywhere, I mean that, I could.

Ok so this is the longest post ever, and I'm sorry. I just don't want you to think I'm neglecting this blog....which I am but.....well you know. :)

I'll try to do better. Come back for pics from trick or treats and the sorts. ;)

But I'd love to know what your favorite fall activity is? And don't forget if your a teen mom and can help a sista out I'd appreciate it.

Much love,
Nicki

When the Flu met the Boo.

A few days ago a certain someone came a knocking on the door of our home.

Mr. Flu.

And it just so happened that the first person to greet the unwanted guest was the Boo. Of course.

At first she was whiny with a cough and then she was whiny and sleepy. And then when she was whiny with a fever, we had to make a visit her most favorite person, The Doctor.


Do you know what drama comes with such person in the boo's life?


Sweet Mercy.


But thankfully we were in and out of that appointment as quickly as she said, "Just a spoon full of sugar with some Motrin and extra love is all you need Ms.Boo."

The doctor left her with some very specific instructions to wash her hands good and to not sneeze or cough on anyone. Because these were some FIERCE germs she had and we wouldn't want anyone else to get sick would we? We all shook our heads in total agreement.

Because three-year-olds fully comprehend the concept of little tiny germ bugs flying through the air and making a new home on someone else's immune system. {wink}


So for most of the day she was heart-breaking....she was...really. I mean, I just hate having complete silence and a child who will do nothing but lay on the couch all-day-long. {wink}

But around 2pm that day, which just so happens to be the time of day when it's time to pick the sissy's up from school, Mr.Flu started to leave this boo of mine. Her color came back, her fever left and she was willing to eat Popsicles again, so we were quite pleased with the progress.

But, Mr.Flu left quite an impression on this here Kennedy. In fact so much so that she convinced herself that the flu had not left her yet. Or she began to realize that the only productivity involved with the flu included watching Noggin and slurping Popsicles and that just seemed awfully nice to her. {grin}

However, nothing could have prepared me for the greatest effect that the flu had on this child.

Nothing.

The fact was, she began to realize that with her strict instructions from the doctor to not cough or sneeze on anyone because she could spread the germs...she could in fact become like...a weapon.

Oh yes, and a fierce one at that.

In her itty-bitty-reduced-fever mind, she quickly conceived the fact that if her sisters did not give her the purple crayon the second she wanted it....she could ..."a-choo" on them. And if her mommy did not give her a chocolate Popsicle, even if there was none to be found in the entire freezer....she could cough on her. And possibly, if you looked at her the wrong way....she could lick you.

Because she......had the.....flu.

The dangerous, fast-spreading and watchful.....flu. And she was QUITE aware of how to pass that sucker onto someone else. Don't cha know?

And for an entire 24 hours she attempted to summon us all with her threats. Until this here momma had quite enough. In which I then shooed her little-sneaky-sassy-hiney outside and engulfed her head with the knowledge of fresh air.....which kills all germs. AHEM.

So....Dear Mr.Flu Bug, I beg you to not return to this home of mine. And if you do, please stop by and visit the other people's in this house. Because they will not abuse the authority in which you greatly pass along. They will simply do their time on the couch with soup and sleep and go about their business.

Thank.You.Very.Much.

Sincerely,
Your latest victim's momma