Obama...OBAMA..ObAmA!!!!

Obama mania has spread across the country. For those who are not fans of Obama, I am sorry...but I really love this man....and this is why.........

Growing up in a small town of 3500 people, we read about racism...we didn't live it. We didn't experience it. Occasionally growing up, you may go to Walmart and see someone who does not look like you. But to average St. James, MO, citizens everyone looks the same.

When I moved to college, I finally was exposed to other races, cultures, and ethnic groups. One of the most painful memories was my families reaction to me dating inter-racial. I don't see color. I don't know why color matters to people. We are taught as children that it is the inside of a person that counts not the outside, yet most of my family shunned me and outcasted me for dating out of my race. I stood my ground and dated who I wanted to, but I knew deep down that my family did not approve.

And now as an adult, I am surrounded by minorities. I bought a house in a predomiatly African American and Hispanic population. My neighbors who are Hispanic mean the world to me. It is so hard to see their daily struggles as they are constantly discriminated against for being Mexican.... How can this be in a world full of color, diversity, and uniqueness? How can people think one race is better than any other?

The historic event that unfolded in this Country on Tuesday January 21st, 2009, brings tears to my eyes. I am so proud of our Country. I can't even explain how I feel. I sometimes think that I maybe I should have been born in the 1950's and 1960's so I could have taken a stand for Civil Rights. Obama's presidency doesn't cure the race issue in America, but it is so wonderful to have a man of color in the highest office of the United States. To see pictures of American's hugging in all colors....to see the Inaugration completly full of millions of people.

Next, why I voted for Obama.... Although there are some views that I do not totally agree with. I am for the people and so is Obama. He is for immigration and so am I. Again refer back to the Hispanic neighbors that I have who wonder daily what life in America would be if their entire family were citizens. It's hard to think that one day my sister could be shipped back/deported and for what? The land of the free.... the land of opportunity... these people are only looking for the same things that we look for in life. I do like Obama's health plans, economy stimulation checks, pulling the troops out of a war that Bush made millions off of, and many other views.

With Obama there is hope. Out of all the Presidents in the United States that I have seen in my lifetime, Obama is just like you and me. He is real...not fithly rich like Bush. And his speeches are amazing. I have never turned the channel or turned off the tv while listening to Obama. He has such amazing public speaking skills.

It is so wonderful to hear kids say that they want to grow up and be the next President. I know Obama will be tested and the next four years will show exactly what type of effect his Presidency has on America.

As for today, I am proud to be an American. I am proud to display my flag outside. I believe fully in Obama's presidency and not just because of his color, but for the type of man that he has shown to be.

God Bless America!

Road Trip to Dallas

Dallas, Texas, how I love thee! Dallas is such a great city! With 6 days notice, I took off a half day work, and Elisha and I went to Dallas for the weekend. I do love living spur of the moment! And I know that one day if I have a family, that I will have to be more grounded, so I live for the moment now.




While in Dallas, I stayed with my former roommate Cody! He is such an amazing person. He is most definatly my closest male friend. Out of all the people that I have met at SBU, Cody and I created the strongest connection. He sets huge goals, and attempts to achieve them, and most of the time is successful at that. He doesn't settle for less. He is like a brother to me and also a role model. He is very level headed, and I am happy to have him in my life! He has all the great qualities that I look for in a future husband... ( I am sure he will enjoy that comment...)



Elisha was my roadtrip buddy! Together Elisha and I have traveled all over the place. We studied overseas in London, England. We have been to Paris, Chicago, STL, Tulsa, Dallas, Las Vegas, and who knows where we will go next. Elisha is my most grown up friend. She is level headed, independent, intelligent, and beautiful. She is the one friend that I met at SMSU that I have formed the deepest connection with. Elisha has taught me alot about life and being myself.

As you can see, today I am tributing my friends and those who influence me on a daily basis. You never know when you may make a difference in someone's life. I am so grateful to be blessed with so many fabulous friends.

New Years

This New Years was spent with one of my best friends. Ms. Renee drove up from Bolivar, MO, to ring in the New Year with me. Although Renee and I met in 2005, it seems like we have known each other forever. The world works in mysterious ways. Ms. Renee was Jaden's nanny in Virginia from 2005-2007. Renee and I were both in Bolivar, MO, at the same time and never met, wayyyy back in 1999 - 2000. Then I moved to Springfield and transferred schools, where she was friends with my upstairs neighbor from 2000 - 2003, and yet we still never met. Although we live miles, hours, and often states away. I am so glad she is in my life!




Above Renee and I are cheesin' for the camera. We always act crazy together and always create a scene where ever we travel!

Christmas in the Ozarks

What a great title?!? Actually Christmas, was spent in good ole St. James, MO... but it sounded great! I was fortunate this year to have 5 days off work! That was such a blessing. Those days went by super fast, but it was all worth it, spending time with my family and friends. When I made it back to Olathe, KS, I was exhausted! Bouncing back and forth between all the houses.... here is my journey!



Here is a pic of three out of four grandchildren on the Kaufman side of the family... Brandy, Ashley, and Jessica... along with Ashley's dog Tucker. We are missing my sister, Michelle, who lives in Hawaii. This is the first year, that all of the cousin's were not together on Christmas Eve.



Grandma Jackie always makes Christmas sooo rememberable with all her stories, jokes, and laughter. Here she is with the Christmas tree. This year I bought a mini-camcorder to record Christmas greeting for Michelle in Hawaii. Grandma is talking in this picture, explaining the tree to Michelle via video.



Here are Grandma and Grandpa Hodge outside their home. It is also fun visiting with them as they tell stories of the good ole' days. Grandma and I stay up late at night chatting. This year, Aunt Sandy and I were also able to visit and stay up late talking and catching up.



And here is a picture of my mama...I gave her an 8x10 picture of me for Christmas! I always complain that her house is covered in pictures of her grandchildren, so this year, I made sure that she got a new picture of me to display.

Christmas is a time for family. A time to come together as one. Although my family celebrates Christmas in many houses, I do enjoy getting to see everyone. In a perfect world with no hate, we all could come together as one....but I am beginning to see that for my family celebrating in at least three houses may be the reality. Even so, I am grateful for my family, as divided as it may be. I do love each and everyone one of them. I am so thankful that I was able to go home and celebrate Christmas with everyone.

I am looking forward to 2009! What a great year! New President...go OBAMA! and a world of endless possibilities! Can't wait to see what 2009 brings!

Lake of the Ozarks

Relaxing at the Lake, Weekend with Friends, a Vacation for $100, and Creating Memories that Last a Lifetime... That pretty much sums up my 4 days at Lake of the Ozarks.

I moved to Olathe, Kansas in October of 2003. One of my first friends in Olathe, was Abby Norvell. I met her while wokring at Zio's Italian Kitchen. Abby is one of those people who gets along with 99% of the population. She is very outgoing, non-judgemental, funny, and has a huge heart. Over the past 5 years, she has become one of my best friends in Kansas City. Abby's grandparents own a lake house at Lake of the Ozarks, and for the past 5 years she has invited me to go to the lake. I have always wiggled out of the trips, by making excuses, basically because of a fear of the water, but this year I gave in. (Now, a little background... I am not scared of water. But I know bad things happen at Lake of the Ozarks, and did not want anything to happen to me or my friends. And I almost drowned when I was 7 years old at White Water in Branson, MO..so now you get my drift!)

Anyways, I planned the trip, took a couple days off work, and went to the Lake. It came at the perfect time too. I was able to go before starting my new job! It was so peaceful and relaxing there. It was also great to spend so much time with my friends. Life is so busy that we often run out of time for those we love and care about!


Abby and I on the Lake during our boat ride at sunset!


Getting over my fears, here I am tubbing on the lake. Mike, Abby's fiance, drove very slow and safe!


Again here I am on my FIRST JET SKI EVER! I did eventually get it up to 50 MPH. However I was not crazy on the jet ski like the others. I was safe!


And Becca and I! Becca is my "sister-in-law." Yeah I am not married... But Becca's brother, Eric, is married to my sister Michelle! I met Becca at Michelle and Eric's Courthouse Wedding in Bolivar, MO, in March of 2003. Becca and I re-connected in 2004, when she moved back to Kansas City. She got a job at Zio's. Abby, Becca, and I were the fabulous three and hung out all the time. Of course, we all drifted away from Zio's and the restaurant industry. However, due to being family Becca and I have always remained close. In the past year, we have become even closer. She is one of my best friends in Kansas City also!

~ Praise GOD! ~

Two fabulous PRAISES....

#1 My lovly sister Michelle moved to Hawaii in June. First, they found out that they would be staying in temporary housing until a house on base was available. They looked off base at homes, and they were out of their budget. The Army offered housing, but they did not like the location. When all hope was lost, AMAZINGLY, they are offered Brand Spankin' New Military Housing! Next, she was worried about getting a job, but have no fear, as she just found out that not only did she get a job teaching Kindergarden BUT the school is the across the street. The Third fear is now, who will be their sitter, and not only did she possibly find a sitter, but hopefully will be making some new friends and possiable sitters during FRG meetings. YEAH Michelle!

#2 To much of my suprise, I was offered one of my dream jobs with Johnson County! I am so excited to take on more responsibility and contribute ideas to better the Department as a whole. I thank everyone for their prayers! My life is FABULOUS!

Becky and Steve's Wedding

On June 7, 2008, I had the honor and pleasure of joining one of my good friends Becky's wedding. Becky and I met in 2004 during Training at the Juvenile Detention Center. We became the best of pals almost immediatly. Even though she has moved on past JDC, she is still a good friend. Above is my favorite pic that I took... You can see in their faces how much they truly love each other! Awww.........

In the workplace, you hope and pray to make good friends especially when you did not go to high school or college in Kansas City. Above is a picture of Scott Dellaert, Becky Gray Rolf, yours truly, and Mistie Roberts. We were fortunate to all work together and form a great friendship!

This picture almost brings tears to my eyes... Becky and her father have the type of relationship that I wished I would have if my father was still alive. Their father/daughter dance was to the Hawain version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. FYI: Becky grew up in Hawaii.

Becky's Cake was amazing. It makes me hungry just looking at it! They are such a cute pair!

Lastly a picture of Becky and I. I am truly fortunate to have her in my life. She was so beautiful on her special day!