Cattle Barron's Ball

Group shot before the Ball

And then the Horse decided to Photo Bomb

Reaction to John saying "The Horse is eating my Hair!"

Our friends Reece & Krissy Tarwater were kind enough to invite us last Saturday to the Annual Cattle Baron's Ball to benefit the American Cancer Society at Darr Agricultural Center. This was a huge event! John and I, of course, do not own any "western" apparel but I was lucky ebough to borrow some boots form a coworker (thanks Nicole) and John got the hook up from Tim. It was such a fun night of eating, dancing, auction bidding and of course riding the mechanical bull! They raised a ton of money, Krissy even won her silent auction item for 1 year of unlimited Hot Yoga from Sumit's. I hope we get to go again next year because we had a blast. Thanks again Tarwater's for letting us be your date!

Krissy and Me before we get on the bus

Waiting for the bus

Ran into the Leeka's at the event

Met some new friends

John and me all Westerned up!

John ready to ride

 

And he's off

Reece riding or should I say falling off the bull

Saloon Girls Shot

The winning Bid Number

Yeehaw, Krissy Won!!!!

we got to take the flowers home

Comfy clothes for the after party

The fight begins...

As many of you know I lost my grandma a couple months ago to the ugly disease that is cancer and the cause is dear to my heart. One of my close friends was diagnosed with Breast Cancer this last week at the ripe age of 27.  I am writing this post to rally prayers & support for her. Prayer is the best medicine I know so if you are the praying type please say an extra one for her. Also if you have the means donating is also extremely important. I am a supporter of the American Cancer Society and Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks because of their endless fight to find a cure.
This has taught me to tell your friends & family you love them every chance you get and make sure to live everyday to the fullest,  We love you Mel B and are fighting right along with you!

j+k

Making Strides

The Second Annual Making Strides Walk was a success! The weather was beautiful, the turnout was amazing and the funds raised were incredible.

Here are the stats:
Walkers: 4,500
Money raised: $115,000

I want to personally thank all my friends & family members who donated to team Marching for Marilyn, it means so much!
lots of hugs
j+k

Our family

Remembering Grandma

Saturday October 2 at 6:30 pm the world lost one of the kindest, most genuine women I have had the pleasure of calling grandma. Never in my life have I known someone to care so much for every person she met. She had a general interest in people and no one was insignificant. Marilyn Frances Engel battled cancer for more than 10 years and when we got the diagnosis in December that she had 4-6 months left with us we knew we needed show her just how important and special she was to all of us. In true Marilyn fashion she didn't say goodbye until she was ready and made it 4 months past her diagnosis. Every extra moment we had with her will stay with me for the rest of my life. From raising 2 sons that could both win "man of the year" awards to making us grand kids each feel so special (I will miss her 4 page handwritten letters), her leaving this earth makes us all want to be better people. Finally she is without pain and cancer free and that gives us all a little peace.

My family and I are walking in the Making Strides walk on Oct. 16 to help create a world with more birthdays. Please visit my participation page to help us reach our goal in finding a cure for this terrible disease.
thanks for all the love and support!
j+k


Christmas time 2009 with Grandma shown with me, rachel, erin and meghan (amie is there is spirit)




The awesome Memory Board that we put on display for the visitation (thanks Aunt Julie)



The prayer card that my dad and uncle scott picked out, so perfect!