Our Adventure called Life

January -Our annual ski trip took 15 friends to Park City, Utah! We had record snowfalls that resulted in a couple great days of skiing. We spent the 3rd day driving snowmobiles in blizzard like conditions and outrunning avalanches! Februar y-A fabulous photographer and even more fabulous person, Nicole Neff, took our engagement photos! What better place to have photos of two snow loving people than on the slopes of Paoli Peaks! After a day of skiing, we changed out of our ski gear and had Nicole snap shot after shot. I have to say rosy cheeks are a good look in photos! Happy Engagement indeed! March -I ran my first race! Years ago, for some reason I told Scott I wanted to run in a race.  He became my trainer as we prepared for my first 7k. I know that isn’t much, but when you’re a girl who has only ran to escape wildlife, running a 7k is a feat! Scott was with me step by step. I felt so great (and exhausted) as we crossed the finish line together! ...

Today I had the opportunity to have my first mammogram.  For those not of the female species, a mammogram is a digital or x-ray picture of the breast to check for breast cancer.  Here's how my mammogram went; Nurse: Hi Kara, go ahead and remove your top and bra.  Please put this gown on leaving your chest area uncovered. Me: Ok Nurse: Do you have small ones? Me: Yes Nurse: How many? Me: Wait, what did you ask me? Nurse: Do you have any kids? Me: Oh!  No I don't.  I thought you were asking about something else. Not kidding. I turned 3 lovely shades of red and didn't say much the rest of the time.

Waking up on Thanksgiving morning, a sleepy smile could be found on my face. We were lucky enough to sleep in a few hours before beginning the festivities. Scott and I had been up until midnight the night before baking and preparing dishes for Thanksgiving lunch and dinner. My pumpkin roll which typically looks less than edible turned out perfectly for the first time ever. As we drove the 45 minutes to my parent’s house in Boonville, Scott and I took the opportunity to reminisce on our past four months of marriage. Our wedding day and week to follow will forever be one of the highest points in our life. In the couple months that followed, we hit the opposite end of the spectrum as we dealt with medical issues and a loss. We weathered the ups and downs and came out more educated on topics we wish we weren’t. We leaned and supported one another and learned that time and love is the best medicine for pain. I am thankful to have this husband that can provide for me in all ways; mentally...

 Peter Peter  Pumpkin Eater Who doesn't love couple costumes?

One by one, I watched as Scotts groomsmen took the bridesmaids outside and across the terrace. With mom and dad on either side of me, I began taking long, deep breaths. I had never been so excited and anxious in my life. I was ready to sprint across the lawn and see Scott. As quickly as the day had flown by, it felt like I hadn’t seen or talked to Scott in days. Everything had come together. I was dressed with hair and make-up exactly the way I had hoped it would be. The groomsmen were all perfectly dressed down to their argyle socks, and my bridesmaids were glowing and looked as though they had stepped out of Brides Magazines. My parents each had an ecstatic expression on their face as our wedding planner told us it was our turn. With a final squeeze by both mom and dad, we walked outside into the beautiful sunshine. I glanced up ahead and saw our wonderful guests turning to watch our entrance. I could see each of my bridesmaids smiling at me from their spot. Scott had his b...

I wasn’t surprised to find my eyes opening before my 8am alarm had a chance to wake me from my slumber. I was surprised at the sense of calm that surrounded me. For a girl getting married in mere hours, I felt incredibly rested and relaxed. As I glanced at two of my sleeping bridesmaids buried beneath the down comforter, I quietly slipped out of the bedroom and onto the back deck. A chilly breeze ruffled my hair and I was instantly glad I had pulled a sweatshirt on. The sun was peeking above the mountains and slowly warming my face as I walked around the deck. I quickly found mom soaking up the atmosphere. She already had a pot of coffee ready and waiting for me. As I graciously took my mug, we walked around the gardens. I think the mountain air had a hand in calming any nerves that may have tried invading my mind. The flowers were glistening from the morning dew and sparkled like the diamond on my left hand. My sister joined us on the walk and asked typical “morning of the weddin...

Waking up, my strategy for today was to relax as much as possible. There isn’t a better way to accomplish this than heading towards the nearest spa. I packed up my bridesmaids and off we went to Snake River Lodge & Spa. The enormous rustic lodge has elegance spilling out of every corner. I felt immense relief and peace rush through my body as we stepped into the Avanyu Spa. After touring the girls through the facilities, we slipped into our fluffy white robes, slippers, and curled up on the couches sipping tea as we waited for our masseuse to retrieve us. As my masseuse took me back to the room, he asked if I was here on vacation. Before I could stop myself, my mouth opened and out burst every detail of our much anticipated mountain top wedding. He was so kind as he acted interested and even asked questions about the big day! As I laid face down on the table, I let the talking end as I drifted into a state of bliss. Occasionally a wedding thought (flowers, photos, menu...

"Welcome to Wyoming" was a phrase Scott and I repeated over and over as our friends and family began arriving in Wyoming for our mountain-filled wedding.  As the guests arrived, we greeted them with a "Welcome" basket.  Let's face it, baskets aren't very fun so Scott and I took cowboy hats, turned them upside down, and filled them with loot.  What exactly was the loot you ask?  For starters, we printed off a number of limited edition Gazettes.  The Gazette told our guests what activities were planned for the week and some interesting tidbits about our families.  The Gazette is posted in the links below; Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 The basket also included a Boot Mug, Western Ornament, Derr's Soda (both Pineapple and Strawberry), Snacks, Bottled Water, and a Deck of Cards. 

We finished loading up our truck and enjoyed what would be our last shower for the next four days. It was roughly 9pm as we headed south, anxious to arrive at the plot of land that would become our home over the long weekend. As thunder roared overhead and the sky opened up, we held our breath hoping the gates to Bonnaroo would be open and we could get set up that night. Sure they said not to show up until Thursday morning, “…or you will be turned away at the gate…” but I learned with my dad years ago, if you get there late enough in the night, they will let you in. As we approached our exit off the interstate, we were mildly disheartened to see cop cars blocking the ramp and signs instructing us to go to the next ramp. We could see cars backed up in the northbound lane for a good 3-5 miles. They sat there with their lights off, not moving. We knew we didn’t want to get in that mess. As we approached an open off ramp, we asked a cop if he could tell us how to get into the festival...

Many years ago, probably back in the day when my sister thought I’d never settle down and marry, she promised to take me to Vegas before I said “I Do,” for a girl’s getaway. As the wedding date got closer, Rhea realized the wedding was really going to happen and the promise she made all those years ago needed to be fulfilled. She set a date, bought plane tickets, and booked a room at the Bellagio. Mom, Rhea and I started making plans of fun things to do in “Sin City.” We excitedly packed our bags the night before. Sparkly shirts, high heels, and party dresses filled our suitcase. Funny how getting up at 4:30am to fly to Vegas is easier than getting up at 7am to go to work. With iced coffee in hand, we boarded our plane. Dad later admitted to mom that he wished he would have been invited. While I love traveling with my poppa and he’s usually invited to every event I attend, sometimes a girl just needs some “girl time.” This was one of those time!! The flight over the Grand Ca...

Today was one of those days I probably should have stayed in bed... 1. I got a speeding ticket for going 23mph over on my way to work. While I was sitting there, I got a text from my boss that said, "I understand if you arrive late."  Apparently she just drove by. 2. I’ve been walking around the office for an unknown amount of time with the tag on my thong sticking up above my pants, clear for the world to see. The cleaning lady told me when I walked by. 3. I received a voicemail from a “concerned neighbor” that I had interviewed someone that is “dangerous.” 4. I received the following cover letter attached to a resume. (it’s not a joke) - To Whom It May Concern: I can do this job and do it well if given a chance. I do not want to work in a factory or in health care. Unfortunately there are no jobs or any major opportunities in Evansville . For people that have never lived anywhere else besides the Evansville area, they don't know any better. The city of Evansvill...

As I get older, the relationships I have with those around me become more powerful and deeper than those of my younger years. I’ll start with my family. Growing up there were times I figured I knew what was best for me and didn’t appreciate the guidance that was given to me. I sometimes felt the decisions made by my parents were purely selfish or in an attempt to keep me from experiencing life. Now looking back, I smile, shake my head a little bit, and feel so grateful for the “guidance” they bestowed upon me. Like the time they forbid me from bringing over the guy that was once featured on America’s Most Wanted, or when they nailed my window shut so I couldn’t sneak out…yes, now I understand the restrictions they put before me. These days, my parents don’t put restrictions on the people I see or have to remind me that I’ll be grouchy if I stay up past 10:30. I’ve learned from them. I’ve learned that it’s possible to do anything you want to do, if you set your mind to it. I’ve learn...

As of today, we are 99 days from celebrating one of the biggest days in our lives! As exciting as it is, it is also a tiny bit bittersweet. Scott and I are coming upon the 1 year anniversary of being engaged. From our congratulatory dinner with my parents in Florida, to the gift of matching rocking chairs from his parents, the engagement photos, planning this amazing party to celebrate our life together, the anticipation …it has been amazing. Photo by the fabulous Nicole Neff The planning has been easier than I’d dreamt possible. To see how Scott has helped with ideas, logistics and cutting all those wine bottles…it’s only a glimpse at how he will help me with all of life’s decisions. It’s funny because people will ask, “Are you getting nervous?” My response, "Not in the slightest." As bad as I want July 16th to get here so I can say my vows and become his wife, I want time to stop. I want to soak up this excitement and energy and remember how it feels at this exact mome...