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!

Leave of Absence

~WOWSER~ Sorry to my loyal advid BLOG readers... I forgot my password and have not blogged in over a month. I promise that I will try to be more responsible and not forgot my password again! To make it up to you, I will post a few BLOGS tonight!