I had NO idea....

This many people liked me.........

I can NOT in any way shape or form Thank my Wonderful Husband Ron and my friend Cindy for the BEST Birthday party in the World. I just don't think THANK YOU says enough. They both worked so hard to keep it a surprise and make sure that everyone was invited.

I had my 40th Birthday Party at the Monroe Tavern in Monroe...and it was a total surprise. A shock and one of those times that I will never ever forget as long as I live.

Then throw in My Mom, my Brother Larry and my Wonderful Sister in law Barb and there was ALOT of work done for little ole me.

I wanted to share just a few photos for now....but I plan to add some more as I go along for those who don't have access to Facebook.....

I am not picking my favs here, just picking some photos to share so PLEASE if you don't see yourself here...I still LOVE YOU!!!

My Nephew/Godson Seth.



Art and Delores Torson, my friends and the folks who have faithfully taken care of my Cat when I was gone....and Linda, the Queen of Jello shots. I love my friend Linda, but DON'T put us together very often, we are girls gone wild..



Lenni...what can I say about Lenni! My dear sweet friend Lenni. One of the KINDESS people on the face of this planet. I believe we truly met by fate, introduced by a mutual friend because of our love for racing. There is NO ONE like Lenni. She was the one that gave me a little elephant I carried all day during my Dad's funeral, if it wouldn't have been for that Elephant......and then she gets me one for my 40th Birthday......



Then there is Ms Rhonda Sue (Who is on the Left) one of my bestest friends in the world. Always always always been there. Listen to be bitch. moan, complain and put up with ALOT of my general BS of life!! Thanks for always holding my hand and cheering me up.......



Then there are THESE people....are Duncan lakes "Family". I am not sure why god directed us here but I sure am glad. These are some of the most generous and fun people in know. They are the best. There are so many things I love about all of them!! I love you all. You have all made us feel so welcome and part of this wonderful family...and "We are family" :)



My Godmother.....I love my Godmother. I really do. People don't understand that, but she has NEVER EVER EVER forgotten me...not once...and for that I am grateful, plus those Santa cookies are still my very favorite. I just wish My Godfather, and Dad and Dwayne could have been there too.....they would have had a great time.



Here are two girls who I must talk about. As much as I love Gary...the girls are the focus here. My friend Molly (the first girl on the left) WHAT can I say about her. She is an awesome friend. Just the best. She and I can shop like mad and she never ever has not made me feel not included in anything.

AND THEN THERE IS CINDY!!!! Yes, one of the masterminds behind this whole party. OMG you my friend are the best of the best. You are a gem, always being so giving and caring to others. I simply can NOT replace you!!! I could NEVER Thank you enough...EVER!!!!!



On that note...I'll be back for more later......

Kristin's New Baby....

Isn't she cute!! I was totally shocked and surprised to find Ron had gotten me a 4-wheeler for my Birthday. He surprised me by having it parked by our cabin. At first, I couldn't really comprehend what was going on till I saw the Big Red Bow but then I got it. I am old....I am slow :)

It was an awesome surprise and the BEST gift!! I LOVE HER!!!!! Isn't she cute.



Now we have to name her.....(I name everything).

Ron is the best! Our Lake Neighbor Lee took good care of her for me while also hiding it at the same time. Even though apparently she was right in front of my nose and my kitchen window I never ever put two and two together. So it must be easy to keep a surprise from me :) Here is Lee giving me some pointers on putting her in Reverse, which I kind of already knew cause it like my other Honda, but that is OK Mike was helping too.




So now she has a new home. For people who really know me, from the time I was a little girl, I loved Three-wheelers and Four-Wheelers. I would race mine through our pasture at home trying to beat the time from my previous run. My brother's wouldn't ride with me and I was a total daredevil. Apparently, after riding the river this summer my Duncan friends have also learned this about me. I am pretty comfortable on one of these.



Of Course, again if you know me at all.........I had to look her over and size her up for a Clint Bowyer Racing Sticker. I found the perfect spot on my new baby. Right here........


I am going to ask Ron to guest blog for me soon and tell you more of this story...but for now here it is.

Kristin loves Friday...

Really I do. I had the BEST day today. It was beautiful! I woke up at the lake, went home spent some time with me cats, came back to the lake. I was awesome.

I got everything on my list done, just watching Nationwide race. Watching Justin Allgaier my new NASCAR crush :) BUT CLINT BOWYER is the guest commentator :) AHHHHHHHHHH the best of both worlds.

Not too much else to say tonight!!

Our lakehouse project is coming along nicely.....

From OUR awesome new garage looking out to our new cement patio!

If you like Digital Scrapbooking...

you are going to LOVE what is going on at One Single Seed!

We are are having a HUGE digital yard sale...and everything is only $1.oo!!!!!

OSS is having its first yard sale where everything is on sale for $1 and it all has the SAME color scheme. You can now pick the pieces to make your own kit or add to your scrapping stash.

The OSS yard sale is for 3 days only - April 15, 16, 17

Visit www.onesingleseed.com today and take advantage of this awesome deal!!!

People know...

that I really like the Biggest Loser. I really like all the remaining participants but I have always had this wonderful feeling for Helen. I like Helen. For some reason there is a little part of Helen that I see in myself. NOT sure what but she is just such an inspiration to me. I am totally cheering for you!

Go Helen!!

Happy Easter 2009

It was a wonderful wonderful Easter day at our home...

Cassidy and Aunt Kristin

A little smitten with...

this guy!

(Photo Courtesy of Auto Stock)

This is my pick for one of my favorite Drivers this year in the Nationwide Series. His name...Justin Allgaier and he drives the #12 for Penske racing. Since, Clint isn't racing full-time in the series after being the 2008 Nationwide Champion, I needed a driver to connect with and for some reason Justin reminds me of Clint Bowyer. I think it would be super cool if Justin could be the Champion this year :)

As many of you know. I absolutely LOVE NASCAR Driver Clint Bowyer. He is my very very very favorite driver and I am so glad I picked him as my driver. I feel like I am cheating on Clint posting this photo, but I really do like Justin. BUT when Clint races in a Nationwide race, I am sorry to say Justin, but you come second to my MR Bowyer.

Good luck today in the Nationwide race in Nashville, it would be SOOOOOO cool if Justin had one of those awesome Guitar's the winner recieves....cause Clint has one :)

Home and missing....

the lake.

BUT I am not about to pout or whine about not being at the lake. I had the WORST time leaving to come home, but I did it! I have too much to do to get ready for Easter and I have no choice.

I am home and cooking and cleaning and shopping for Sunday! I can NOT believe it is Easter already. Hopefully the weather will straighten itself out forever.

I just love Fridays and this one was no exception. It was a beautiful day!!

I was glad to spent a couple of hours with John and Cindy on their porch...OK sometimes it is nice to be home.

Almost first flight..

with Ron today.

Ron and I went to Genoa to take pictures of the Cessna 172 to put on Trade-a-plane. We taxied on the run way...grass that is and I won't admit this too often but I WANTED HIM to take off. I had this major urge to fly. I want to experience flying with Ron and I had to control myself from not screaming....FLY THIS THING RON.

Don't tell him....he thinks I am still scared to fly with him.......but I am not.

As I sat there is the passenger seat and look out at the wings, I totally got it. I totally understand why Ron loves to fly. I understand why he needs to fly almost every week and understand why he misses it when he doesn't get to fly.

First, he is good at it. Second, he loves it. Third, it relaxes him and I am so in favor of that!

I can't believe this is the ONLY picture I took, but Ron considers this our "first time flying together", and I think it is totally OK and cute......

Cabin cabin and more

...and here is our redneck Water Feature....



To create this lovely water feature yourself.....All you need is:

1. Garden Hose
2. Boat pump
3. A sturdy metal garden flag display
4. One realllllllllyyyyy big desire to get the sand realllly wet!

and when the water feature sinks......and you have other choice!

HERE is our redneck WATERER.....

I MISS YOU Dad...

I really HATE This anniversary. This is the worst day of my year, year after year after year.......IT SUCKS.

Dear lord....

please grant me the control to not go hunting and shoot mother nature. She is really tickin me off. I am tired of this cold. If I have to put up with snow again, I might lose my mind and I will not be responsible for my actions. If it does not warm up soon and keep us warmed up for several days in a row I am going to go balistic and start a rampage. Seriously, don't start with me woman. I can kick you hind end mother nature and I am NOT in the mood to deal with you. I have too much to do outside and too much to enjoy outside to let you bring me down any further.

On that note, we did get a ton of stuff done at the lakehouse today. For the first time in my life.....

I HAVE A GARAGE!!!!!!! Look how happy I am with only PART of the door up. This ROCKS! I love it!



This is how it looked before!


Then this is this afternoon....obviously it is not completely done, but much improved. MAN is this fun!!


This is the West side of the Cabin garage BEFORE......oh the excitement!


The West side in the middle of construction....


Most west side photos to come :)

A recipe to try

LOVE IT!! Love it.........you seriously have to try this....it is yummy!

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Sour Cream Banana Bread

Ingredients
1 cup butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 eggs
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup baking cocoa
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
4 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup sour cream
1 cup milk chocolate chips
Directions
1Cream the butter, sugar and vanilla together.
2Then add the eggs and mix.
3Then put in the dry ingredients and mix well.
4Add the bananas and sour cream and mix.
5Then add in the chocolate chips and pour into 3 greased loaf pans.
6Bake at 350 for 1 hour, or until a toothpick that has been inserted into the center comes out clean.

I am seriously really tired.....

Today has been a whirlwind of a day. We have been working like busy little beavers at our cabin. There was so many things we wanted to do and soooo much that got done. It has been exhausting.

I am ready to go to sleep. I wish I could say I am April Foolin ya all.....but this is all the home improvements I can tolerate today.

Before and After....

Hurricane Stock hit Camp Duncan....






I really don't think I have to say anything more.....except my feet hurt and I am taking the day off today. Don't bother me while I am watching my NASCAR........

New found love....

Thanks to my adorable niece Jessica, I have found a new love.

The collage maker at picnik. I have been looking for a program to make collages for this here blog :) and NOW I have one. Jess pointed me in the direction of my new friend Picnik and now I can't stop making collages. I made this one using some photos I took for the Grand Opening of One Single Seed!!



My gal pal Cass uses collages on her blog and I just love the look of them, so now I have a program I can use to make them too.

Thanks Jessica for helping your ole Aunt out!!!

For what it is worth....

I can't stop giggling about something.

I got this message from my niece Jessica about doing this Mosaic on Facebook. I love a good challenge and thought it looked like fun. SO I started googling photos to add to mine. When I got to the last question "What do you want to be when you grow up" I googled "Clerk to the Auctioneer" You should have seen some of the lame ass clerks I found. I thought to myself "GEEZ UZZZ to I look THAT bored when I clerk" One woman looks like she is attending the funeral of her best friend :)

I have been known to be pretty darn serious about my clerking, but seriously folks.....your the clerk not the "lets bring everyone down party". To protect the innocent I won't post any photos here of those poor folks, but it is pretty comical to me. Probably not to too many others, but seriously.....

Cheer up folks...it's only an auction how BAD can it be?????

I would like to thank my Coonfest...

friends for totally getting me hooked on Twlight.



I am not a big reader. I never imagined that I would like a "vampire" movie at all, but somehow watching the movie made me want to read the book and I just can't put it down. Unlike my friends I don't really think Edward is THAT hot, but nothing compares to Clint Bowyer for me. He's my Edward Cullen :)



OH back to Twlight. Sorry I got sidetracked by Clint, imagine that :) ANYWAY..........the movie makes alot more sense after reading the book and there are parts of the book that make more sense after watching the movie, so I guess it all balances out. SO If I don't post much here I am reading Twlight :)

My Biggest Loser

is Clint Bowyer!! That was freakin cool. My NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer was on the Biggest Loser last night. That was awesome. Clint was there to give the contestants some motivation. Well I can tell you if Clint showed up on my doorstep I would certainly be motivated to shed a few pounds. First, I would be chasing him down the street, so that would certainly burn a few calories there. Before the contestants pulled a race car down the track as their challenge for the night, they were greeted by Clint telling them that the winner would get a special NASCAR weekend.

Here is a cool quote about Clint's appearance on the Biggest Loser:

"Being involved with ‘The Biggest Loser’ was a real eye-opener," said Bowyer, who is the first NASCAR driver to appear on the show. "The show is all about winning. It was amazing to see how hard everyone works and the sacrifices they make. The trainers really get the contestants to believe in themselves and commit to improving their lives for years to come. I can’t wait to see the show on Tuesday night."

Bowyer is no stranger to hard work and dedication. The Emporia, Kan., native was working in a body shop during the week and hitting the local short tracks on the weekends trying to make a name for himself. His efforts were rewarded when team owner Richard Childress took notice of his accomplishments and awarded him with a partial schedule in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. The rest, as they say, is history.

"Clint is the real deal," said Mark Koops, Executive Producer of the "Biggest Loser." "Any racer could have come to the show, but Clint's ‘regular guy’ story is really something special. He was given an opportunity and made the most of it. He worked hard to get to where he is today. It’s really quite an inspirational story."

Cool huh?

Just when you think...

it is FINALLY spring! It is a blustery, cold and snowy 23 degrees outside! BLAHHHHHHAAAA. I am so mad about that. I am tired tired tired of winter like conditions. I wish it was just stay nice. I really am not asking for much, just a nice couple of weeks so I can get some stuff done.

It seems strange that yesterday we were talking Tornadoes and today we are watching snowflakes!!! People wonder why I still have my snowflakes in my Windows :) this is why. I am certainly hoping for nicer next week!

On to nicer topics......

Last night one of my cats McCook insisted on playing. Apparently, Ron must not play with her like I do when I am gone, but then again Ron is GONE ALL THE TIME and me not too often leaving him at home.

We played for about 10 minutes with her Christmas present from Ron and I.

For my Casshole....

I just wanted you to see what Lori P accidentally put on my bed Tonight while Myself and Heather burst into laughter......



BBBBBBBAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

To the greatest man I have ever....

known and loved..........

Happy Birthday to my Dad.




I miss you each day. I miss you more than words can say. You are the best Dad ever, I love and miss you so much. Each time I sit on my deck at our cabin, I think of you. I HATE that you left us, but I know that you are with me all the time. You are the one thing that inspires me.

I love you soooooo much Dad and I miss you terribly!!!!!! My Daddy the best man ever!

Picked up our....

Cass!

.....and little does she know that I am going to come visit her soon!! I am totally smitten with Ms. Cassandra. I loved her instantly. What is it about the first time you meet an online friend in person. You have this moment where you are unsure and then a moment of complete happiness. I love her to pieces.........I had this moment of complete happiness.



Today we played more guitar hero. OK I didn't cause that whole thing about me buying it.....ummm no.

We went to the Isle of Debris............OR the Isle of Capri Casino. Then we ended up in Cancun......

CANCUN Laughing my ass off about Cassandra's post: "Kristin does NOT need her passport to get to Cancun from Lake Charles"

OK NOT Cancun...but the Cancun Restaraunt.

And then our Lori..Got a Tat.......

An awesome Tatoo with Lauren's Birthtime. I know it hurt like hell Lori, but I was honored to be the one that brought you a refreshing Coca Cola.

Louisiana...

Here I come..........

and to my amazement Continental Airlines has quite the little snack tray on their Omaha, Nebraska to Houston, Texas flight. It was quite the tasty little treat, but then again my plane left over the noon hour. The little tray had a little meat snack, pretzel mix, crackers, parmesan cream cheese dip, and a cute little bag of M&M's. It hit the spot for me :) Well that and the Diet Coke I so desperately needed.

I had absolutely no problems getting to Lake Charles, my only delay was having LoriJ find me outside the airport. Now ...and to think I joked with a guy on the airplane about it. I think it is the first time that I ever really flew into an airport that was a tent, but in defense of Lake Charles........the main terminal was severely damaged in Hurrican Rita.



To my utter surprise what I did enjoy was Crawfish Etouffe (I have NO idea if I spelled that right) that Lori's husband Fred made for us. OMG....I never in 1 billion years thought I would like it but I LOVED IT! OH my gosh it was yummy!!! I know that picture doesn't look that appetizing, but trust me when I tell you....if I loved it, it was delicious. Not only did I eat it once but I ate it again on Saturday night :)



I was certainly glad to be safe and sound in Lake Charles and ready for three days with my pals.

I am leaving on a Jet Plane....

Tomorrow.

I am headed for Louisiana to see some of my online pals. I am so excited that this all worked out for me. I love you all that convinced me that I needed to go. My wonderful wonderful husband Ron is always full of something. This time it was wisdom. I missed meeting Janice and you are right. I won't regret this!

I am soooooo grateful to so many of these and other wonderful woman that I have met scrapbooking online. I love you all to pieces. My life is much better because of each of you.



This is what happend the LAST time the lord put Lori and I together.......if you never hear from me again...I was going to Lori's house in Iowa Louisiana :) THANK GOD we didn't drink those bottles. It is all about the staging.........hehehehe.

Love ya guys. Can't wait till I see you all. CAN NOT WAIT TO meet our CASSHOLE!!!!!! I am counting the hours to meeting my friend Cass for the very first time. You haven't lived until you have connected with those in person that you only know by a small little avatar.

To those who can't make it. YOU know who you are. I miss you. I treasure each of you and I love you all very much. I thank the lord for each of you each day.

All my best and watch for updates from the Cornhusker gone Coonass!

AHHHH Crap.....

It gets harder and harder for me each week to watch the Biggest Loser. For some reason this season has had the biggest impact on me more than any. I am sooo smitten with each of these people. Dang...I need one big ole Kleenex tonight. I swear it is best for me to watch it by myself. I am soo smitten with this show. There are lots folks that wonder about this show, but I really do like it. You give me that, Clean House or anything NASCAR and I am happy......or TVland :) BUT not that darn TVLand High School reunion BS! HATE that show.........I don't need to see bickering High Schoolers from 1987 or 1988......

Sione, Flipie, Aubrey, Mike, Helen, Kathy (now eliminated), Kristin.......some of my favs, but I really do love them all. The only person I ever wanted off was Joelle..........



AND Next week the coolest thing. MY NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer is going to be on the Biggest Loser. Isn't that just the coolest thing. I can't WAIT!!! I am looking forward to seeing my driver in something else beside a racing uniform. To me it makes him real. He is such a great dude and I won't miss it!!

LOOK what I got out today....

YES!! It is my FAVORITE Summer shoes. I said "I am putting these things on" Who cares if it is March, it is 73 degrees out and I missed my shoes!

I am having a HUGE

case of the Non-NASCAR blues. Even though it is sooooo nice out I am dying for some NASCAR. Did they have to take a weekend off so soon? OH well....I guess I understand, maybe......see ya next weekend Clint.



What I really want to do today is sit around in the sun and do nothing. SO far so good. I haven't done too much today at all and I really don't feel a bit guilty about it either. I am pretty envious of the neighbors who put their boat in. MAN did they have a boat load of folks. Seems alot of us needed time in a boat in some water.

We got the golf cart out and had a great time touring around Duncan Lakes. It is so nice to at least have some sort of hope that winter could be over soon!

Happy Sunday all. As much as I dislike Monday's I am looking forward to the 70 degrees tomorrow. 70 degrees makes ANY day just a little better.

Happy holidays....

one and all. I hope you all enjoy my beautiful Christmas lights.....






Upon arriving home on Saturday night we discovered that our neighbors at the Lake had so generously decorated our tree in front of our cabin for the Holiday Season. Keep in mind it is 10 months away but it sure looked pretttttyyyyyyyy.

Attention Glad Corporation

Dear Product Development and Marketing:

I am happy to inform you that my dear husband Ron has found another use for your product Press and Seal Food saver wrap. I think you will agree that he has found another use for which you can now market for your Press and Seal. How fantastic the product is for keeping foods fresh and preserved it has yet another untapped use that Mr Stock has discovered.

First take one small bathroom window (see below)



and one box of Glad Press and Seal wrap (see below)



and you get a Winter Weatherization kit. Apparently, Press and Seal will also stick to wood window frames and wallpaper.

Congratulations on creating a truly unique product that MR Stock can utilize for other uses around the home.

This discovery will undoubtabley make him very happy, for now he can patch tires with it, stop unwanted leaks in the boat, fix holes in upholstery. Unsightly hole in the airplane wing.....it's OK Kristin has a Roll of Press and Seal in the Drawer.....

Let's just sit back and see where else our boy genius will use Press and Seal next. I'll keep you posted.

Sincerely,
Kristin

Mr Ron...

is in the Dog house with me.

We arrived home late last night to find that we were out of propane! What happened to the auto delivery??? OMG......I am outside the last two days in the freezing cold and come home to a house that is 50 degrees. You know it's bad when the cat wants outside to warm up :)

Thank gosh for the little heater in our bedroom, but my toes are numb and I have my head band on. Pretty sad when you have to wear a hat, gloves and hooded sweatshirt to bed. I did take the gloves off, but slept in my hoodie all night.

The propane has JUST arrived so I am hoping for heat soon. BUT now everything in this house is cold including the floors! It is amazing how fast this place can cool down. I was thinking about going and standing in the warm shower, but I will just be patient and wait for the heat.

I wonder if we had a wood burner if Ron would EVER fill the tank. Probably not. (hehehehehe)

I am off to figure out how to get warm!