When you live in Sierra Vista....

You live with family!

That is exactly how you feel when you live in such a small community and have such a horrible thing going on in it.

Our town here in Southern AZ, has a huge fire. I was born and raised here and it's the biggest one that I have seen. They have called it the Monument Fire and so far I have heard that it has consumed over 9,000 acres and has destroyed over 40 homes. It's 17% contained {per KGUN9 news last night}, but today we have a RED FLAG warning. That is no good.

{This picture is is breath~taking}

When the fire first started, I felt like I needed to do something for all the firefighters and crews out there battling this monster. I simply posted on FB some items that would be useful to the crews and a drop off location and man did our community pull through!

We delivered 7 truck loads to our firefighters and crews! ♥

{Love what this lady wrote on the inside of the ice chest! ♥}

{And this is just some....people were bringing donations all night}

The donations are still rolling in and we are now accepting items for the evacuees and people who have lost their homes.

Monetary donation Information:

Our Real Wishes Foundation (local 501C3) has opened an account at Wells Fargo for fire victims. If you are able to contribute you may go to the bank and deposit to Acct # 9152645173 or make a check payable to Real Wishes Foundation, memo: Monument Fire Relief Fund and drop off at the Southeast Arizona Assoc. of Realtors 125 S. 2nd Street Sierra Vista, 85635. THANK YOU!

Please keep our town in your thoughts and prayers! We could definitely use some rain right now but I don't see that anytime in the near future. Please also pray for all the firefighters and fire crews out there battling this fire. Along with all the families who have lost their homes and those who are being evacuated.

This is such a horrible thing to be happening, but Sierra Vista has come together to help everyone out and to me that is just AMAZING!

DISCLAIMER: ALL PICTURES WERE TAKEN FROM MY FRIEND ERIN STEPHENSON'S FB PAGE!

Thank you Sierra Vista! This just makes my heart smile!

♥ He loves me ♥

What a surprise.

As most of you know John has been out at the Horseshoe 2 fire and has been gone for one week already. It has been a hard week without him here and thank God that I have been able to talk to him throughout the day, everyday.

The past week was rough and yesterday I almost had a mental breakdown. I am not used to my husband being gone and everything was just building up and I needed to let it out.

I texted John and told him how I was feeling, not because I wanted him to feel sorry for me but because I tell my husband everything. He reassured me that everything was going to be okay.

I had to stay home from work today due to Jaycee having a rash all over her stomach and back. Have no idea what is causing it but it doesn't seem to be bothering her so that is a good thing. we are headed to the dr later this afternoon. Anyways, to keep my mind busy I have been deep cleaning things. John Logan's room is completely done. Floor boards wiped, toys lysoled, toy boxes cleaned out and toys thrown out. Everything dusted and vacuumed.

I was in the kitchen putting things away and cleaning some more, when I heard the doorbell ring. I had no idea who it could be.

I answered the door and these lovely things were at my doorstep.

{the card read: I love you and I will be home soon}

Now of course these made me cry but I love them. AND.....

I LOVE MY HUSBAND!

#61...COMPLETED

Another one down! How exciting! From my 101 in 1001 list I can now mark off...

#61. Inspire someone to their own "101 in 1001".

Ambrosia was very quick and came up with her "101 in 1001" today. Shoot....she just found out about this a few hours ago and her list is complete. WOW! It took me 2 days to finish mine.

I loved reading hers because we have A LOT of similar ones which could be fun because we very well could do these things together!

Like #10, 15, 21, 27, 51, 64&65, and I'm sure many more will happen! ♥

Welp, here goes another $5 into the jug! I wonder what I will do with all this money once I have completed all these tasks? *think*think*think

Hope everyone is having a great Friday! I know I am!

That was quick....#99 Completed

Wow....once I posted my 101 in 1001, it spread like wildfire. Kind of like all the wildfires burning here in Arizona. =[

But we won't go into any more detail there.

In my previous post, I mentioned I started my 101 in 1001. Well, I have already completed my first task {which also means I will have to add $5 to my jug for completing a task} but I knew this one I was going to be completed fast.

#99. Have someone come up with this task

Of course my sweet sister~friend Ambrosia came up with this task.

#99 is now....Participate in Operation: Beautify Our World

Isn't that a great idea? Ambrosia is such a sweet friend and I'm blessed to call her my sister. She has a heart of gold and is going to change the world one day I just know it. And what better way to start then by starting this operation.

I love this idea and our town could definitely use a little cleaning up. Ambrosia & I have decided to take the kids this Sunday, when it cools down of course, to a certain area in our community and pick up trash.

I'm encouraging you to do the same. Let's work together to make our world a better place. ♥



Did you notice?

I have added something new to my blog. Do you see it? 

Look.......right up there ↑ ↑ ↑,

do you see it now?

I have added a new page to my blog. 101 in 1001
 Please go check it out! I love this idea and am so glad I came across it.

Fire Season=No Bueno

Our Arizona State Governor has declared a State of Emergency for Arizona.

We have wildfires everywhere.=[ And most of them are human caused. It's horrible and thousands, and thousands, and thousands of acres of wild land are burning.

The red flag warnings and wind advisories are not helping either. Our state could really use our monsoon season right about now.

 With all these wildfires going on, living here in southern Arizona, the sky is just covered with smoke. I walked out of my garage the other night and could just smell it. It gives me a headache and it isn't a great atmosphere to run in either, but I still have been. I am just over these fires. I can't help but wonder what people are thinking when they know the area is so dry and they flick their cigarette out the window. It makes me want to track them down and yell at them. Not that I would really ever do that, but I can still think that way.

AND......of course these fires have taken my husband away from his family. There are thousands of fire fighters and crews out there trying to contain these fires and I feel so bad that most of these fire fighters have to be away from their families.

John will be gone for 2 weeks, UGH! I hate it! I have not been gone from him for that long of a period but it just hasn't been good timing. Too much is going on and this mama is starting to stress. I know I will be okay and I know there are women out there that have been gone from their significant other for a longer period of time {I give you major kudos}, but this is just hard!

I am missing him like crazy!

I'm thinkin' about him 24/7 and I cannot wait till he is home. I found this on PINTEREST and it truly how I feel about John. He is my everything.

Please send prayers for everyone involved and affected by these wildfires.

Look who's one!

Be prepared for a VERY LONG post!

I remember the day like it was yesterday. June 1st, 2010. John Logan and I went to the park with a group of girlfriends and their kids. We played outside for, ate lunch, John Logan played and I sat and chit~chatted with the ladies. It was hot outside and it was about time for me to go to my appointment.

Got to the Dr.'s office, appt was at 3:30, signed in, and then of course went to go pee into the cup. {I couldn't wait to not have to do that anymore} Although, for pregnant women, peeing comes way to easy with that baby sitting right there on your bladder. =] My favorite nurse, my friend Amanda's mother, called my name and took me back to the scale. UGH! Hated that thing too! Anyways, took my weight and then took me to the room. She wrapped the blood pressure thingy around my arm, and after taking my blood pressure told me to immediately lay down on my side. She looked worried. I asked if everything was okay and she said my blood pressure was high and she was going to take it again. I started to get a little scared. She took it again and it said about the same thing. She told me to just continue to lay down. My Dr. came in and being the fun, outgoing dr he is, said, "shame, shame". I had no idea what he was talking about. He said that I had protein in my urine. With that and my blood pressure being high I basically had preeclampysia.

He "checked" me and I was about 1cm dilated. He told me to get dressed and then he would come in and tell me what we were going to do. By this time, being the emotional pregnant lady, I was losing it. This didn't happen with my first child, why was it happening this time. Oh I know.....I overcooked the baby in the sun today. LOL =]

The doctor came back in the room and said, "Okay Kelly, we are going to induce you. I need you to be at the hospital at 5:30am tomorrow morning." Umm...whaaaa? Induce me? Yeah I pretty much lost it.

Got into the car, called the husband who was on shift, then called my mom. I wasn't ready to have a baby. I still had a week before my due date. I still had things I wanted to do before my baby was supposed to come. Yeah...that didn't happen.

We made arrangements for John Logan to stay with my sister. We ran our last minute errands. The husband got off shift and came home. It was now time for us to get ready for bed because tomorrow morning was going to come fast.

Barely being able to sleep, the alarm went off too early. Woke up, kissed JL goodbye and headed to the hospital. Checked in, walked back to my room, greeted my nurse {who happened to be a high school friend, best nurse ever!} and got comfy in the hospital bed.

The nurse did all the paperwork and started the pitocin around 630am. Being induced was definitely different. Hard to explain I guess. I could slowly feel the contractions getting stronger. I was trying my hardest to not take any medicine. With John Logan, I had back labor. THE WORST! With Jaycee baby...total opposite. I finally asked the nurse for some Stadol. Wish I wouldn't have taken it as it felt like I was completely drunk trying to have a baby. With the contractions getting stronger, they were starting to shoot down my thighs. UGH! Had my mom on one side and John on the other rubbing my legs. My sister was holding my hand. I made it to 9cms and had the nurse check me..."Okay....it's time....John you better gown up." Yep...that's right. My husband was going to deliver my baby. ♥

The doctor came in and basically let my husband do the whole thing. It was time for me to get to pushing. At 9:36am, Jaycee Lynn Clark was born. 6lbs. 5oz. 18 inches.

{Daddy after delivering Jaycee}

{Our family has grown by another 2 feet}

{♥}

{One happy Big Brother}

Jaycee is my world. I remember first finding out when I was pregnant and thinking to myself that I didn't want a girl. Had to have another boy. Now...I wouldn't change anything. She is such a blessing to have. Girls are definitely different than boys and she is so sensitive. I just love her. She makes me just smile even when I am in the worst moods.

Today Jaycee turned one. This is such a bittersweet moment for me. Makes me sad. My baby girl is growing up so fast. I seriously do not know how time just flies so fast. It feels like just the other day she was 6 months old.



{My Auntie Ambrosia loves taking my picture}

                                   



                                                                     {Pumpkin patch, about 4 months old}



{Another picture by my Auntie Ambrosia}

{6 month old picture}

{about 9 months old}

                                       {insert one year old picture here..LOL}

Happy Birthday Jaycee Lynn....mommy & daddy love you!



I just have to share this. I don't know what it is about this commercial but last night it had me laughing so hard I was crying. The husband thought I was crazy!

It just cracks me up! Just typing this is making me smile. =]

It's hilarious! I don't know why but it just is. Especially when the guy pauses and then smacks it again! CLASSIC!



Testing,Testing

As many of you already know, my Jaycee baby is going to be turning 1, one week from today. June 2nd! {Insert teary~eyes here} It is  bittersweet and I am trying to be strong about it. I just don't know where the time has gone and it seems like with the second child time flies even faster.

ANYWAYS,

I want to keep her party simple and have decided to do a cupcake them for her party. I  also mentioned that I wanted to do a cake smash session with her and once I found these I knew I had to "try" and bake them.

On Sunday, my lil' helper & I decided to attempt these cupcakes while baby girl was taking her afternoon nap.

We mixed the batter according to the directions from the website and when I came across the part where it said add sour cream, I thought to myself..."sour cream? In cupcakes? That's strange." I added it of course and let me tell you....these cupcakes are the best cupcakes I have had. YUM!

After the batter was mixed we divided the batter into 5 bowls, only because I wanted 5 colors. It worked out to be about 2 cups of batter in each bowl.

Then came the fun part....adding the food coloring. I had picked up these and they were perfect. Just what I needed. JL loved mixing all the colors. =]

Then came time time to put the colored batter into the cupcake liners. JL did a great job of placing all the liners in the pans. We did some with white liners so you could see the colors and we did some with foil liners so they would be a surprise.



{Mommy's lil helper}

Now this was the part that took the longest. You take your first color batter and put about 2 teaspoons{this is what the site says to do, but I think for 5 colors I need to do about 1 1/2 teaspoon} into the liner. Use your finger and spread it out. TIP: use a cup of water and dip your finger into the water then spread the batter around. This helps keep the batter from sticking to your fingers. Now pick your next color and do the same thing. Spread it out. Basically layering the colors. When finished layering we stuck them into the oven and baked them according to the directions on the box or as my mother always taught me, "when the toothpick comes out clean."



Not too bad for our first batch, right? I think they will be perfect for Jaycee girl's first birthday party and even better for her cake smash session. Such bright colors!

{he is definitely like his father}

And here's a cute little picture of my niece and John Logan at their Pre~School Graduation from last week. {insert another tear} Aren't they just cute?!? They are getting so big!

 My family and are headed to the lake this weekend! So excited for some fun in the sun! I hope everyone has a fantastic holiday weekend. Please be safe and let's not forget all of the fallen heroes. ♥

Wee Bit Wednesday

Happy Hump Day!

{Thank goodness.....only one more work day left.}

It's time for Wee Bit Wednesday.

{one} what’s the worst date you’ve ever been on?i didn't date much so I guess I don't really have a worst date.
 {two} if you could be any other person for one day, who would it be?hmm...this is a hard one. probably someone famous so i could have my hair and makeup done by a professional.

{three} what is your favorite kind of cheese?umm....i like lots of cheese except swiss, but i love to eat pepperjack cheese on crackers. YUM

{four} do you remember your 1st grade teacher?I do. Wait...I think I do. It was either Mrs. Bustamante or Mrs. Dragoo. I think Mrs. Dragoo was 2nd grade. Either way they were both great teachers.

{five} who is the first person you call when you have a bad day?My bestie Laura, or Ambrosia, or my husband or my mom.

{six} were you ever in a school talent show?I was. I did a dance. =]

{seven} who is your favorite fictional character?don't think i have one.

{eight} can you open your eyes underwater?yes I can. I don't though if I am wearing my contacts and I don't do it too much because then my eyes get all red and burn afterwards.

{nine} do you look at the keyboard when you type?every once in awhile but I'm pretty good about typing without looking. Good thing there is a "backspace" though. LOL

{ten} when was the last time you took a nap?Oh man do I love naps. I don't nap during the weekdays but on the weekends I try to squeeze one in. My last nap was on Sunday.

Getting somewhere



I am getting somewhere. I am sitting here working on my camping list for this weekend.





{picture taken with cell phone.....and the grocery list is started on the back}

Of course baby girl's list is long...I would hate to forget anything of hers, JL's is alright, mine could be trimmed down a little, I mean we are only going camping. LOL And of course the husband's.....well he will only need one thing to be happy....

Yep...his fishing pole. I probably won't be seeing my husband this weekend as I am sure he will be near or in the water the whole time.