Happy Halloween

Hi Friends! We had our newlywed Halloween fun one evening last week carving pumpkins and eating our fair share of some yummy candy corn. I am one who makes a huge deal about "firsts" so of course I had the camera taking pictures of each step like the paparazzi. The last time Tony and I carved pumpkins together was in 2005 when we first started dating. We were definitely long over due this year.

We bought a pumpkin almost two weeks ago and had since looked for SEC patterns to trace on our pumpkin all over the Birmingham and Tuscaloosa area. Our efforts at finding the perfect pattern were hopeless. The wise engineer in my husband came out and we became a bit creative. He asked Google for a little help and we ended up with an awesome pumpkin via makeshift stencils. I am looking forward to getting home this evening and sharing in the Halloween excitement with our neighbors as the children trick-or-treat! Afterwards, Tony and I are going on a dinner date as our little outing for the week since I have been buried in testing since Monday. (Relief is amazing, yet oh so brief in the life of a student.)

If you have not shared in the Halloween fun with your family and friends yet you should get to it! Before you know it we will all be celebrating Thanksgiving and running around looking for that perfect Christmas tree. :)

I hope you all are enjoying this week filled with costumes, candy apples, and other goodies.

Until next time- Happy blogging!

 

 

Just a little Halloween music via material I have studied in my music class. I hope you enjoy the sound and not the video :)

 

Respect

 

I am sure many of you saw this photo spread like wild fire all over the Internet yesterday in the midst of Hurricane Sandy. To me, this photo is priceless. It goes beyond all words. These three men show so much respect, honor, patriotism, valor, love, courage, and strength not only for the Tomb of the Unknown Solider but also for America and her people.

It amazes me that so much can be said about our land of the free in one simple photo. This photo is a prime example of why I am so proud to be an American citizen. I believe that it is the very core of our history and the many freedoms that were sought and won that represent America.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of those who have been in the path of destruction along the east coast. Mother Nature can be a beast. Know that you all will prevail with time. God Bless America!!!

Until next time- happy blogging.

Make A Difference Monday

Tony has brought it to my attention lately that I stare a little too intently at others while we are in public. Maybe I am being nosy, but I like to consider it as trying to figure out my surroundings. Although I lived in the big city of Baton Rouge for three years, the atmosphere of city life in Birmingham is different. I will admit that I do stare often. Mostly at things, places, people... everything and anything. When I think back to my childhood I remember Steve would catch me staring at other families when we would be at dinner. He would always say "Kalyn, you have no business over there at that table. Stop staring. Your business is at our table." I guess staring has always been a problem for me. Opps :)

Anyway I thought this little photo blurb below was fitting. Although I may like to try and figure everything out about my surroundings I have learned to be respectful because although we are all unique and different, no matter the city, setting, population diversity, ect.,- in some form or fashion everyone around us is fighting a hard, yet different battle. There are many things in life that we choose to wear on our shoulders or pretend like it does not bother us. Some people may show a particular battle and others do well at hiding their battle. My challenge this week is to praying for those I catch myself staring at instead of trying to figure them out.

If you listen to K-LOVE you probably know what "Make A Difference Monday" represents. If not, it simply refers to doing something kind for someone that you may or may not know. Almost like a random act of kindness or even going out of your way during daily routines.

What are you going to do on Monday to make a difference?

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. - Proverbs 27:9

 

Until next time- Happy Blogging!

 

Night Train

I am in need of some cowboy boots, y'all! Jason Aldean is calling my name to get on the Night Train!Tony and I have seen Jason Aldean in concert before and I would not be surprised if we see him again once he begins the next tour for Night Train.

 

In celebration of Memorial Day Weekend 2010 my family purchased tickets for the Bayou Country Superfest at Tiger Stadium and Tony headed south to join in on all the country fun for a long weekend visit.

Since I have promoted other organizations, blogs, and a movie recently I thought it was only fitting to promote this new Cd for today's post. If you are a country fan and are in need of some new music check it out! I was never a huge Cd fan until Tony and I were traveling long distances to visit each other (5+ hours). At some points on our journey the radio signals would go out or commercials would interfere every 20 minutes or so and things just became monotonous. Ever since, the only thing ever playing on my radio is Cd's.

It has been about a week since Jason's new Cd was released to the country music world and I must say that we are loving it! Literally, this Cd has not been removed from the Cd player or turned off in my car since the day I purchased it. Needless to say, it is amazing and we basically know all the words to each song by now. Tony really enjoys his music because the lyrics reminds him a lot of our small hometown. I do not really have a particular interest because all the tracks are great.

Yesterday on twitter I saw a tweet that said Jason's new album NIGHT TRAIN was at #1 this week on the Billboard Top 200 chart with 409,303 copies sold in its 1st week! Y'all check it out!

PS- If you are near a Best Buy, it is $2 cheaper than at Walmart. :)

Until next time- Happy Blogging!

Adopt a Pet

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. ~Roger Caras

 

 

I know we all have these days. I can just feel this little fella's pain. God Bless it!

Today's post is dedicated to my family's sweet chihuahua, Miss Bella. My family adopted Bella when she was about three months old. Bella was a rescue puppy who was found on the side of the road in some random pile of leaves. She had a severe neck laceration, and was very underweight due to malnutrition. At the time, the veterinarian thought she could have been abused or possibly tried to wiggle her way free from a collar that was too tight. Still to this day we do not know exactly what happened to her. However, now she is healthy as can be and fits in well.

I will admit that I am obsessed with this dog and I think this post shows it in every way possible. I heard this once and I believe it with everything I have- "A dog is the only thing on earth that will love you more than it loves itself." What is there not to love about puppy love? 

 

The lady who found her took her to a local vet for top of the line care. Bella stayed there for about 3 weeks receiving treatment and close care before she could come home with us. As you can see here the laceration in her neck was extremely deep and painful. She was very skittish around most people, extremely under weight, always tired, and not interested in food.

 

This is the day she left the hospital. My husband, sister and I went to visit her over the weekend and the tech surprised up by saying that we could take her home!! We did not have the first bed, leash, bag of food-anything! It goes without saying, it did not take us long to spoil her rotten.

 

 After a couple of months of TLC and food supplements Bella made a complete recovery! Most people do not like chihuahuas because of their temperament, connection to certain people, and weird eating habits but I will say that Bella is completely different from all other chi babies we have come in contact with.

 

I am not a bandwagon type person but I do follow the desires of my heart. When we first adopted Bella my heart was so happy! We not only had a new puppy, but we had adopted. Plus, we adopted a rescue which was even better. I have never been a big dog person but now it is so hard to come home without having a cuddly, furry friend waiting to welcome me through the door. I know there is a time and place for everything and for now a pet is not suitable for the lifestyle Tony and I live. Until we can provide the lifestyle adequate for a puppy's complete development I will continue to miss Bella Boo like crazy and voice my support for pet adoption.

 

Miss Bella loves napping in warm clothes

 

...And car rides

 

She is not a fan of bath time

 

She does enjoy a belly rub!

 

 

....Or sun tan session in front of a window.

 

 

Playing ball is a favorite!

 



 

But, snuggle time is even better :)

 

 

If you are an owner who adopted and want to show your puppy love check out this shirt from Obey Clothing. If you are not an owner who adopted but would like to support pet adoption, I would encourage you to still check out the website. I love mine and wear it with pride. As you can tell, Carrie does too!

 

'Adopt' shirt ($35) feature a picture of a sweet pooch accompanied by the simple "Adopt" message. The entire 'Adopt' line, includes a few other T-shirts ($23-$29), a tote ($20), collar and leash ($24 each).  Adopt-a-Pet.com teamed up with street artist Shepard Fairey to create the look. Profits from sales of the products will go toward rescuing and placing homeless pets around the country all thanks to Carrie.

 

If you and your family are looking to get a pet I would encourage you to take a look at your local adoption agency. Puppies are lovable and perfect no matter where they come from. Like Bella, it may take them a while to adjust from traumatic events, health problems, or owner loss but overall adoption is the best method for obtaining a pet. Puppies bring so much to our lives, including joy, happiness, unconditional love, and a good dose of therapy when we need it!

 

Below, you might be aware of an additional chi baby. Once I moved out my family replaced me with Little Man Mason. He is very different from Miss Bella. However, he is a miniature Chi and was bought as a baby so his developmental stages are very different from those first experienced with Miss Bella. Regardless, he is precious. If Miss Bella taught me anything, my goal in life is to be as good of a person that she already thinks I am.

 

 

 

My fingers are crossed for our future puppy family. Tony would like to own a beagle and I would like to own a miniature Boston terrier or chihuahua. We shall see what the future holds. Whatever and whenever the Lord decides to bless us to raise a puppy I feel confident that we will love him/her unconditionally regardless of breed.  

 

 

 

 

 

As always, until next time- Happy blogging.

-Kalyn

 

Home Grown

Last weekend my husband and I trucked it south for my fall break celebration for a little something many of us like to call a "home town throw down." The particular event is called "Butler Fest" which features a Memphis in May Sanctioned BBQ Cook-off, backyard division of Little Porkers, sauce judging, parade of pigs, carnival, food, craft vendors, local talent, area bands for street dances, 5k run, 2k and children's walk, and so so so much more!

Pig Decoration Contest

I must admit that we actually did not even go to the event on the biggest day of the weekend due to college football however I am so excited to share my glorious find! While vendors were setting up my mother-in-law and I went to walk around and check everything out. I knew one particular vendor, "Frankly Me" would be setting up to sell many of her painted goodies so I was on the look out for her tent. Since I am a new wife I am always looking for the best finds. I tend to think in depth and over analyze something before I purchase it in order to know and trust with all my might that it will last us a good many years. I guess you can call me frugal!

I love to make my own door decor but I have not had much time lately so I opted out to buy something already made! We currently have decor for every season except Christmas, which is Tony's favorite. However, now we have Mr. Frosty! If you have a facebook account definitely check out the fan page "Frankly Me!" The Randolph's are officially ready for Christmas!

 

Also, while home we came away with a few good recipes. Since the weather has been so cooperative lately with the changing of seasons I thought it was fitting to try one. This past weekend we made an O'Charley's replica of potato soup and it was delicious! Take and enjoy, from our kitchen to yours!

Potato Soup Recipe

30 oz frozen bag of shredded hash browns

1 package of real bacon bits 

1 package cream cheese

1/2 stick of butter

salt

pepper

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 can chicken broth

1 can cream of chicken

I combined all the ingredients into the slow cooker and left it to cook for about 4 hours, stirring every 30 minutes or so. I added extra potato chunks to make the soup base thicker. Just before I turned the power lower I added the shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits to the top to melt before serving. Grab your favorite crackers and enjoy a bowl full on a cool fall day!

 

As always, until next time- Happy blogging.

 

-Kalyn

Sunday Funday

Hi friends! Happy Monday to you and yours! Tony I went on our movie/dinner date this past weekend for the first time since early August! He and I have wanted to see many movies that have been in theaters recently, but obviously we do not have much free time to make it work on the weekends. I was determined to make yesterday a “Sunday Funday” for us to just chill out and I am so glad we made time for doing absolutely nothing. I will admit that every moment spending time together yesterday was so very worth it even if we did not get much accomplished.

We decided to see Pitch Perfect and I will say it was HILARIOUS. If you were to ask Tony about the movie he would say that it was not something that he would normally pick simply because of all the singing and dancing, but that it was definitely funny and worth it. If you are in need of some cheap therapy you will definitely get your money worth in about two hours of watching this movie!

He and I are not really into Glee, but I will advise anyone to see Pitch Perfect, regardless of the critics or reviews out there. I actually had the opportunity to see a majority of it being filmed while I was attending LSU last semester, so I already knew that it was going to be hilarious. Plus, it was such a really neat experience for me to recognize so many scene settings around Baton Rouge and a few prop people in the backgrounds.

 

 

Just for kicks I will add the trailer below for anyone interested! Everyone have a great afternoon!

Until next time, happy blogging!

Kalyn

Blessings In Disguise

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.James 1:2-4

Good Morning, dear friends. As I stated before, the blogging and social media community can be a wonderful thing. It is a wonderful place to share the little moments of our lives with other people like us. I have had the privilege of celebrating many joys in the lives of my social media and blog friends and the honor of praying for them in trying times as well.

Not only is the month of October Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but it is also Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Much like yesterday's post, I would like to use today's post to highlight two fellow bloggers and their journey through pregnancy and infant loss.

One blogger I know personally and the other I "virtually" know. Although I am not yet a parent, I ache for those parents who have lost children. I am not sure that I could handle it in the least bit. However, I find it so comforting to follow along with each of these bloggers in their journey as the Lord produces triumph from trials. Each of these women are so strong. Even though each day is desperately trying from the day before, each blogger desires to make the most of life and the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon them during the stages of grief. To me, it is absolutely remarkable and I believe it is only fitting to highlight their journey this month due to its significance.

The first blogger I would like to feature is Staci, someone that I grew up and have known for many years. To access her family blog,  Click Here. Staci and her husband became pregnant with their second child earlier this year. During a routine check up, the couple learned that their first son had become an angel. Barrett Luker was born on August 23, 2012 at 6:05 a.m. and he weighed 4.6 ounces. He was born sleeping.

This fellow blogger has sought to make an impact for mothers that will walk her in shoes. An organizational blog has been created called Barrett's Blankets which can be accessed by clicking here. Barrett's Blankets mission is to provided mothers with a blanket to wrap their angel babies in, essentially, a keepsake. Additionally, blankets will be provided to all angel mommies, no matter what stage in pregnancy they gained an angel baby. Some of the blankets will also be received by babies staying in the NICU. I encourage everyone to check out both blogs and see what amazing things the Lord is doing through this family in memory of Barrett Luker.

The second blogger I would like to feature is Megan. Her blog can be accessed by clicking here. Since starting my blogging journey in July I have continued to follow Megan and her journey through motherhood and the wife world. She is definitely one of those people I feel like I "know" although I have actually never met. Megan is a mother of three beautiful children, twins- a boy and girl, and an angel baby in heaven. I do not actually remember how I came across Megan's blog but her chronicling the journey of her angel, Cohen captured all my attention one afternoon. I admire Megan's strength and faith so much, and I aspire to be half the mother she is one day!

Much like Staci, while Megan was at a routine check-up when she learned that baby Cohen was not developing a heart as expected for his growth rate in the womb. She and her husband worked deligently with doctors, family, and friends to prepare for Cohen's arrival not knowing if he would  be able to breath on his own. Cohen was born with Congenital Heart Defects and went to Heaven when he was 12 days old in June 2010. As stated on her blog, "Michael Cohen Marshall came into the world at 7 lbs. 6 oz., with a hearty cry and a congenital heart condition. He was known as The Mighty Cohen in his short little life, for he endured multiple surgeries and procedures. For twelve days, Cohen fought with the heart of a lion, but on June 18, 2010, his little body could not match his fighting spirit. He was delivered into the Kingdom of Heaven at 8:35pm in his parents’ arms..." To read more posts about the diagnosis of Cohen's Congenital Heart Defects, as well as his story before and after birth click here.  

I believe that this post is so important because while children are a blessing on earth, they are also a huge blessing to their family as a member of the Lord's Kingdom. Infants, even though so small and tiny- can impact our world in a huge way if it is part of the Lord's plan. Regardless of where you are going or where you have come from in life- if anyone can take something away from this post today I would ask you to seek strength and faith for each day similar to that of the two women discussed above. Also, say a pray for all the women around the world who are experiencing loss. Specifically, pray that they find comfort in such a time of grief.  

Life is so precious. Take a moment to appreciate yours today- the good, the bad, any everything in between. I hope you all enjoy your Sunday!

And we know that in all things God works together for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28

 

As always, until next time- Happy blogging.

-Kalyn



Think Pink

 

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I would like to dedicate today's post to honor all those who have battled living life with breast cancer. Thanks to improvements in cancer treatment and early detection, millions of women are surviving breast cancer today. We all know people – mothers, sisters, aunts, daughters, neighbors – who have dealt with breast cancer, and it’s wonderful when we know many people who are really surviving. How we interpret the experience of cancer and integrate it into our lives is fundamental to how we coexist with it affecting the lives of so many we know and love. Think Pink, ladies. As part of 31 days of Impact, today's post is for the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure. (http://ww5.komen.org/) Remember to get checked out regularly. Until next time, happy blogging!

http://www.nbcam.org/ (National Breast Cancer Awareness Website)

"When we embrace uncertainty, it can be very liberating. If you can accept the uncertainty, it allows you to live life every day." - Victor Gospodinoff

 

 



Newlywed Update

Happy Thursday! As promised, I will begin to update all by starting with the best accomplishment made since we have been married and moved to Birmingham....

We have found a church!!! When we first moved to Birmingham we were given a list of churches to visit. Key aspects for me when we would visit was to look at the type of worship (classic vs contemporary) and if the preacher used a Bible during the sermon. For Tony,  he looked to find a place smaller in size so that we would feel like we were at church and not a big conference or concert. He prefers a place the size similar to where we grew up. However, if you are not from a big city or do not currently live in a big city, I will say that church is very different here versus small town life. You do not know who you are sitting next to, some preachers do not use a Bible, and most of the time services can last up to two hours. Above all, Tony and I agreed to find a place where we felt welcome, at home, and a part of something that would benefit the Kingdom.

 

We worked our way down the list to The Church at Brookhills. We have fallen in love with the atmosphere, worship, and the word David Platt brings each service. During the past three months he has preached on the book of Revelation which is really interesting to study in depth. The church's ministry is based on disciple-making, the biblical model of teaching God's Word, mentoring others and sharing faith. I guess it is safe to say that for now we have stopped visiting the rest of the churches on the list and plan to continue attending services at Brookhills. If you would like to learn more about The Church at Brookhills click this link: http://www.brookhills.org/

If you have never heard of David Platt I would suggest if you are ever in Birmingham on a Sunday you should stop by Brookhills. His messages are tailored to be informative, historical, and convicting. He is the author of the New York Times Best Seller Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream and its follow-up book, Radical Together: Unleashing the People of God for the Purpose of God. I hope to have a chance to  read these over Christmas break!

 

This neat little waterfall below is actually connected to flow inside the sanctuary and serves as the baptismal pool. For visitors who have never been to Birmingham- this area of Alabama is gorgeous. There are beautiful hill like mountains everywhere, unbelievable sunsets, and little waterfalls scattered about. Besides the traffic, everything about Birmingham is very peaceful and full of nature. Personally, I thought this waterfall baptismal was a perfect representation of the area we live in. Plus, it is very different and unique to the church atmosphere.

 

We ask that any prayer warriors continue to lift us up as we make decisions on possible small groups. As a college student and a wife, it is very awkward for me to "fit in/be accepted" in the college crowd or the newlywed crowd. The two paths do not cross often with most students or wives but we are determined to not let comfort zone issues affect our involvement.

Regarding school- IT IS FALL BREAK! I made it through the toughest midterms that I have ever had as a college student. Also, I have taken two of the three Alabama state requirements that were set forth before me to complete for this semester. So far, I received my scores for one test and PASSED! Praise the Lord! Although I am retaking many courses at UAB, I am actually learning to apply and associate knowledge and skill for professional development instead of only memorizing information for test purposes. If progress continues, I should be able to apply to TEP this summer and start student teaching next Fall (fingers crossed)! Plus, I am finally getting back to my high school roots of involvement. I have joined two organizations that will help me to meet new people, establish relationships within my field, and be of service in the education sector of the community. As for now, I am pretty excited for all the future holds and hope to be able to continue to hold the work load of a transfer.  

Tony is in the final stages of designing a project that he has been working on since he was a co-op student three years ago. I can only imagine the reality of working on something for so long and knowing that it will soon become a final product! Also, he officially started his fall season with the men's softball league. He plays on the Southern Company team so our Thursday nights are full of aches and pains. We may still be in our mid 20's but we are certainly not as physically fit as we were in high school. It is one of those small joys to relive the glory days. :)

Recently I was tweaking the blog layout and came across an important piece of my heart. I began googling a few web links to add to my side feed and just somehow happened to google "TonyandKalyn" in search of our wedding website address from TheKnot. The first thing that popped up was our wedding video from J Franks Photography! Before I even hit play I immediately burst into tears. As Tony and I sat and watched as our wedding day play before us I could not even talk. I must say that our wedding day was the very best day of my life. For those of you who missed our big day video I posted it below. Turn the volume up, sit back, and enjoy :)

Until next time, happy blogging!

http://vimeo.com/44622957