Remembering a month ago when summer was full of hot dogs, fireworks, and parades....



.....time with friends and family......






.....and taking a moment to remember those who weren't there...:-(

Study Break

Just thought I'd let everyone know that I am alive! I have endured my first 5 weeks of PA school and it has been crazy to say the least. I have 15 voicemails on my phone that I have not yet checked (so text me if you need me), I never see my husband (enter sad face), Emersyn has had quite the time with daycare, early mornings, and we have redefined 'separation anxiety'. There is no food in my fridge, the laundry is OUT OF CONTROL, I no longer sleep and my day starts when most are calling it a night. I spend countless hours with cadavers, specimen jars, metal probes, dirty smelly lab coats, and sticky, sweaty latex gloves. I wreak of formalin when I get home and dream about sodium/potassium pumps, the importance of Calcium, and P waves, QRS complexes and T waves (which I will not allow to be the death of me!). I google acronyms constantly to help me remember everything, spend more time with my classmates than my family, my Mac is my new bff, I still have not gotten my privacy screen (needed the first week), and have missed numerous important days including birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings I was hoping to attend. Although this may sound like I am complaining, I am not. I love this adventure and know that this experience will make me a great provider and allow me to help so many people when I am done with my training. I see the 'second years' about to head out on their rotations and get so excited thinking I will be in their shoes this time next year. And, I have been reminded there is more to life than a clean house, and laundry (although I look forward to the next couple of weeks when I don't have to smell my jeans to see if they are clean!)

Brian and Emersyn headed up to the lake today. I have 7 days, 6 tests, & one more lab test. Then I will head up to Brain's parents to pick up Emersyn. I have had so much help during the last month. Brian's Mom and Dad have been great, they spent a weekend here with Emersyn and Kristen came this last weekend. Hopefully I'll get to 'backtrack' a little bit and post some pictures form the 4th of July (which seems like an eternity ago!)

....okay, back to my QRS complex....damn you!

XOXO
~Kelly

Catching Up...

Seattle...the Emerald City and a place where I took a vacation for my soul. It was where I basically kicked off my summer and met up with a great friend of mine from Houston for a weekend full of old memories, new friendships, lots of wine and too much cheese and tears behind the scenes of the pink door! Amanda and I laughed until our insides hurt and were surrounded by the gracious company and hospitality of Linda who showed us around the NE part of the city, took us on a tour of a very cool winery, took us to fantastic restaurants, and opened her home and her hearts to us. It was truly a great weekend! I am glad I was able to show Amanda what little I know of this beautiful city and we explored it to the depth of the time we had there....the weather was fantastic, the wine and cheese festival exceeded ALL expectations, and the pink door is a hidden jewel above the market that is a MUST see for all visitors....a true diamond in the rough!


Me & Amanda




Stumbled across the winery...Chateau St. Michelle....yummmmyyyy!!! Love this wine!


Snoqualmie Falls

Long Lost Blog.....

Really, the last time I 'blogged' was March 29th...wow, that makes me seem like I'm really busy. But what have I been doing????? Well, I have lots to catch up on, which will NOT all fit on this post, but here's a re-cap of what I promise to catch up on over the next few posts:

*Why I'm not a Splogger
*Random weekends in Seattle
*My love for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Team in Training and my campaign to get everyone I know to run one of these races.....so awesome!
*Running 13.1 Miles and the craziness that happens to your body when you do!
*Celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary
*The Beauty of Yellowstone
*My excitement to enter a new decade of life...bring on my 30's!!!!
*The joys of Potty Training a 2 1/2 year old who says "But, Why?" to everything.

First off, it hasn't totally been my pure laziness about not taking better care of my precious little blog. One day, not long ago, I clicked on the keys of my mac to get to my familiar blog and all I received was a notice that my blog has been shut down and that my blogger account was closed. I frantically checked my GMAIL, which confirmed that my blog had been canned...I was devastated. With my lacking knowledge not so much of computers, but of this thing called the 'world wide web' I couldn't understand where it would have gone and why it was taken from me. Then, I read my next email in my inbox which provided me with an explanation of sorts as to what has happened. Basically I was labeled as a SPLOGGER. I had never heard such a horrible word in my life and worse yet, I had absolutely NO idea what it meant. Me, a Splogger??? I write about kids, trips to the zoo, and weekends at 'home' with friends...I'm hardly slinging ads for cialis or any other risque products...

So, for those of you unfamiliar to Splogs or Sploggers, here you go:


*A splog (spam blog) is a fake blog created solely to promote affiliated Web sites, with the intent of skewing search results and artificially boosting traffic. Some splogs are written like long-winded ads for the Web sites they promote; others have no original content, featuring either nonsense or content stolen from authentic Web sites. Splogs include huge numbers of links to the Web sites in question to fool Web crawler s (programs that search the Web for sites to index). The sploggers associate popular search keywords with their pages so that the splog links turn up in blog search results and are sent out as search subscription notifications through e-mail and RSS feeds.
~http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/0,,sid9_gci1137059,00.html


Totally boring, I know. The important thing is that I'm Back and my blog has been returned to me...I have cleared up my 'issues' with Google, Gmail, and Blogger. It is clear that I am not a splogger, don't have a splog, or still even really understand what it all means....I think my threat level has been changed from an orange flag to a green flag :-) I have lots to get caught up on..but tonight, I'm going to watch a movie with Emersyn, listen to the storm outside, and enjoy an evening where I'm not doing 100 things at once. With school starting in less than three weeks, I've had to remind myself not to take these days/evenings for granted as I fear they will be missing from my life for the next couple of years....

From Marshall, To Moffitt, to Mesa.....To Marathons!!!

I can't believe how long its been since I've posted my last blog.....boy time flies when you're having fun, or homeless...it's basically all the same these days.

March came and went before I even had a chance to catch my breath, and it started out with my precious Godson's baptism. Kannon Kelsey Dressler was baptised on March 7th at the cutest (smallest) little church in Marshall, ND (about 20 mi North of Richardton). I get to share the honored duty of being this handsome little man's Godmother with Nick's older sister, which is perfect because I basically consider myself one of his 'Auntie's' as well. Nick's family had us over for lunch afterwards, and it was my first time on the Dressler Ranch...which I'm not sure how that's possible since Heather and Nicholas have been married for almost 4 years. It was awesome and I can't wait to hopefully go back this Spring...there are horses, cows, barn cats.....it's a real ranch! (Nicholas is shaking his head right now)





The following weekend, Kristen, Emersyn and I headed to Linton (passing through Moffitt, ND) to spend some time with the newest addition to the Plienis family, Kynlee Jacalyn, who entered this world on March 3rd! Cassie and Kameron appear to be complete naturals at this parenting thing, and Kynlee is one of the most precious, beautiful little girls I have ever laid my eyes on. She was a complete natural for her first 'photo session'. She did exactly what I asked of her......sleep :-) It was bliss, and after a few hours of snuggling a newborn, and some of the best taco pizza I've EVER eaten, we decided we better get back on the road, and headed to Bismarck where we stayed with Jenn and the girls for the night. We arrived just in time for McDonalds Happy Meals with Addison and Sydney (well, Sydney isn't quite at the Happy Meal stage, but close!). Tanya and Gianna came over for a bit and it was wonderful for us girls to have a couple hours together. We retreated to our makeshift home in Jenn's basement where we are always welcomed with open arms. It is truly our home away from home and it has been awesome this past year (all things considered) to be able to spend so much time with some of my greatest friends!! Had we still been in Houston or Missoula, I know I wouldn't have had the same opportunities, so when I need to find something to be thankful for, this is one of those things.........

Here are some pictures of lil' Miss Kynlee







At the end of March, Brian, Emersyn and I took a MUCH needed vacation. We went to visit Brian's parents in Phoenix, where they had been renting a home for the month of March, taking a little vacation of their own. It was so wonderful to see them, and for Emersyn to get some wonderful time with her Grandma and Grandpa. She was so thrilled to ride on the airplane and is now convinced that all airplanes go to "Arizoni" (as she likes to refer to it). The weather was awesome and among just sitting in the sun and relaxing, we were able to take Emersyn to the Phoenix zoo, take in a Cactus League Spring Training Game of the Mariners and Angels, and I EVEN got to get up close and personal with some of Arizona's most beautiful desert plants......I think they call them cacti??? I was too busy shouting four letter words as my dear husband removed one of the lovely plants from my foot with a pliers :-) Only stupid girls from ND wear flip flops in the desert (lesson well learned). I was even able to spend a morning with an old friend and able to meet her daughter who is just a few months younger than Emersyn! The two girls had fun getting to know one another while we caught up and reminisced over old stories. They were were busy making tea, swinging, and giving each other hugs (or more like Emersyn attacking Claire from behind with a choke-hold, but it looked like a hug!) Brian and his Dad were able to golf a few different days and I even returned home with mild tan....forgot what that looked like, kinda nice :-) When Emersyn is asked what her favorite part of the trip was, she takes a moment to think, and replies with one word....Baboon. Yup, of all the sites, animals, and activities we got to experience, the bright red bottom of a monkey's butt is all that seems to have stuck with her. Personally, I LOVED the giraffes and love that Brian made the trek with me back to the giraffe exhibit just as we were leaving so I could take a few more pictures...They were AMAZING! All in all, it was a wonderful week with family, the sunny weather was just what I needed, and it was extremely hard to return to our current situation....just ask Brian. The uncontrollable tears started around Glendive as we were driving back from Billings. Oh, well, it won't be long, and grad school will start for me and Brian, Emersyn and I will say 'good-bye' to Dickinson :-(

Here's a sneak peek of our photos from our trip (mainly of the zoo and our drive to the desert)....I'll post more pictures as I get them uploaded.......


















M~A~R~A~T~H~O~N.....and I don't mean the oil company (unless they are hiring, particularly in Billings...just a thought?)
It is still hard to believe, but I am just a few hundred dollars away from reaching my fundraising goal for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training. In less than three months, I have raised nearly $3,000 through extremely generous donations from friends and family. It has been so humbling to see the outpouring of love and support I have received, often from people I haven't heard from in months. Some of my biggest donations are from the people I least expected, and with each dollar raised, I truly hope to change the future of cancer. Along with fundraising, I have also been training for my 1/2 marathon which will take place on June 6th in San Diego. I am building on my mileage and working to improve my time with each run. And, the days I don't want to get up and do it, or feel like my legs are too sore....or when I try to talk myself into thinking I have more important things to do, I remember those who wake up each day and are physically unable to walk/run to train for a marathon because they are battling cancer or some other illness that has taken away this privilege. In that moment, it doesn't seem so hard to get my butt out the door. By the time of the race, I will have run more during my training than I have ever run in my lifetime and I can't wait to cross that finish line. If you want to support my cause and still haven't done so, you can visit my secure website to make a donation, or mail a check to me at the address below. EVERY dollar will help, and all donations are 100% tax deductible. Thank you again to all of my friends and family for donating.......it really means so much to me and I will not disappoint.....I will remember each dollar donated in my name as I cross the finish line after running 13.1 miles!!

Checks can be made payable to: The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
and can be mailed to me at:
Kelly Garr
PO BOX 1372
Dickinson, ND 58602

Visit my website at

http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/rnr10/kgarr8

Thanks again....until next time :-)
XOXO

A Little of This & A Little of That

A few days ago, I had a conversation with my 2 year old over making healthy food choices. Before I knew it, she had her little paws in the freshly made rice krispie treats.


Mommy to Emersyn: 'Honey, you probably shouldn't eat that this early in the morning'
Emersyn to Mommy: *Shoveling rice krispie treat into her mouth*


....She stared me right in the eyes as she piled every last piece into her mouth!


Mommy to Emersyn: "Emersyn, is that good"
Emersyn to Mommy: "mmhha" (Im assuming that meant uh-huh)


Emersyn to Mommy: "one more...."
Mommy to Emersyn: "Nope, you have had enough, lets work on eating healthy snacks" ....(enter sad face)

Moving on.......
About 4 weeks ago, one of Kristen's good friend's family dog had a litter of nine golden retriever puppies! Since the time they were only a few days old, Kristen has taken Emersyn over nearly once a week if not more often to see them. Every time Emersyn sees Kristen or her friend, she instantly says "puppies", hoping that is why Kristen has shown up. Last week, I ran over with them to catch a glimpse of these cute little fluffy fur-balls myself. They were as cute as one would imagine 4 week old puppies to be.....and no, I'm not getting one. I have a beautiful, wonderful dog (Daisy) that has had to live in MT this past year and we can't wait to get her back! But, they will be for sale, so if anyone is interested, they are absolutely precious!!!!








From Puppies to Parties.......

One of my closest friends turned THIRTY at the end of February (I won't mention her name, she's still in shock from entering the new decade of her life), and I was lucky enough for her to make the trek from Bismarck to Dickinson so we could celebrate. Heather, Nicholas and Kannon were also home from SD, along with other friends from college. Since most of us are now married with children, it is a BIG deal for all of us to get together, coordinate babysitters and be able to enjoy a night out. In past years, we would have probably gone out, closed the bar down, and had the craziest after-party one would imagine.......Yeah, I was in bed by 11:30pm. Emersyn refused to go to bed and I had to go home (we're going through a slight separation anxiety phase, fun!). I've decided not to try anymore and just succumb to the fact that I should just stick to the occassional 'Happy Hour" and plan on being in bed by 10pm on the weekends. Here are some pictures from the evening.....wonderful to see everyone, missed you guys!


Just some friends in the chair swing

...Emersyn & Kannon (4 1/2 months)

And, the evening began.....


A few pictures of the ladies: Top: Sarah, Me, Jenn, Shantel, & Heather Bottom: Jenn, Shantel, Heather, Me, & Sarah


Jenn & Heather


My brother concocted a shot named the 'Sennjamin".......which is entitled to it's own blog post, so just enjoy the picture!

.....Just Creepin' with The Creep!


Me & Sarah (such a trooper for being 28 weeks pregnant!)


Minesy and the ladies


Phil, Me, and Seth

The next morning, we just hung out with Heather and Nicholas before they headed back to SD, and since Emersyn and Kannon didn't get their much needed sleep the night before, they took a lil' nap together in the chair swing.....that thing will get you every time!!!



Last but not least, a couple of nights ago, I was trying to put away some laundry and Emersyn was putting a little chapstick on her lips (we're really getting into all of the fun girly stuff!). Well, after a few minutes of it being much too quiet in the room, I peeked my head around the corner of the bed, where she had retreated with the chaptstick in her hands......she was experimenting with it on other areas of her face, nothing like coming up with her own beauty routine :-)



.....Until next time

~Kelly XOXO