Timing

J and I were supposed to close on our new house yesterday.

And here I still sit in our apartment.

Yippy Skippy.

The reason? I'll give you one guess.

Oh yes indeed, the lovely bank didn't get their act together!!!!!

So here we are residing in an apartment FULL of boxes.

Everything is in order for our loan, but the because the hubs got a new salary recently Chase bank is freaking out. So it has to go higher up in the chain of command and blah blah blah. There's no other hold up!!!!! J and I are in good standing as far as loans are concerned.

I mean our "almost house" as we call it is sitting empty ready to go, but ooohhhh nooo! Chase won't have that.

We are supposed to close in the next 5-10 business days.

It's just a hectic 48 hours.

Parents aren't coming until we close. So I won't see them this weekend.

My entire kitchen is packed. Food included.

Had to request an extension on the contract for our house.

But in the midst of all this mess, God has really shown me to be grateful for the small things that have happened today. He had just reminded me that He is still in control and involved in this entire process.

So I guess my new fall decor will just have to wait a few more days.

McKaskle's on the Move

That's right.

the MOVE.

have no fear we aren't leaving Monroe or anything like that, but the McKaskle's have bought a house!!!!!!

WE'RE MOVING OUT OF THE APARTMENT!!!!

YAHOO!!!

Recently the Lord has provided J with a promotion within the church. God has been SO gracious to our family. He has provided for us financially, so we are able to purchase a home and save all of my paycheck. He has provided support as we embark this new position. He has provided comfort, wisdom and protection through this whole process. He is taking care of us and we feel like he is leading our path.

The closing date is set for September 30 and we could not have received a better deal. The sellers are very patient, understanding, and willing. We searched around and looked at SO many houses. But we prayed earnestly for patience and guidance and God answered our prayers. We could not ask for more.


We are SO thrilled. J and I are considering this one BIG adult thing, since buying a new washer, that we have been able to share together. What a journey it has been!

Here's our new home!! We can't WAIT to move in!



I'm SO into re-decorating it's not even funny. If you've recently moved and have SUPER cute new decor ideas PLEASE share.

Mishaps of this Lazy Monday

Today's labor day. For most people that was fun on the lake, relaxing, hanging out with family.

Not for me and the hubs.

It was ALL about the homework.

He was doing Greek and Old Testament.

I was writing a paper and reading for various classes.

BLAH!

Anyhow, my dearest friend Sam over at the Ruby Turtle Hippie Times tagged me in an awards game!

1. What is your favorite football team?

Attending OU was probably the college decision I've ever made. I currently live in the middle of the SEC and being a Sooner fan is quite a delight. OU football is seriously the. best. ever. The atmosphere, the tradition, the food, the events after the game, the Crimson and Cream pride. You name it. So just to remind you. There's only ONE Oklahoma!



2. When you grow up, you want to be...?

Growing up I definitely wanted to be a teacher. However, since I started college I want nothing more for my career job to be a Speech Language Pathologist (Speech Therapist). I've grown to love little kids and someday I want to be a Mommy.

3. What is your favorite tv series?

Most recently, the hubs and I have enjoyed Netflix. We have gone nuts! We watch all sorts of stuff now. Netflix is amazing. With that being said, we have found a new show called Fringe. The best way I can describe it is Sci Fy mixed with CSI. I'm not a Sci Fy sappy what-so-ever, but the hubs and I can't stop watching this tv series.



4. Do you like cats or dogs?

I love dogs!!! I've always had a dog growing up and I can't get enough! Hubs and I are going to get a puppy soon! What's your recommendation?!

5. What is your favorite time of the year?

Fall. The weather is excellent. There's no need for a huge jacket. There isn't any dangerous weather. The food is AWESOME! It's FOOTBALL season. I love wearing boots. My hair doesn't have to fight with the humidity. Starbucks releases their Pumpkin Spice Latte (My fav!) I love fall decor AND it's my birthday season!

6. Coke or Pepsi?

Coke. The hubs loves Coke and I love Coke Icees.

7. Mayo or Mustard?

Both! I enjoy both on sandwhiches, burgers you name it!

8. Jackie Kennedy or Audrey Hepburn?

Jackie Kennedy.

Classy. Beautiful. Fashionable.

Nuff said.

First Day, or I should say 1/2 day-o-school

Well today was the first half day at my work. I should explain that when I was hired I came in the first of January. So the kids last year were already in a routine and knew exactly what to do. I missed the "first day of school" and all the beginning stuff from last year.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect.

But, today I was hoping for the best!

11 Pre-K kids in my class. That means they are all 4 to 5 year olds who have NEVER been to school. EVER.

That definitely makes for a good day and there are always good stories.

Here's the first.

One little boy walks in with is Mommy and you could tell it could be a little rough. To my surprise he did just fine going to his desk and saying bye to Mommy.

Until it came time to go to the potty.

Every morning each child has to go to the potty just avoid any accidents. So he goes to the potty room and stands there. I ask if he needs any help; she shakes his head no. I ask if wants Mrs. L to help and he shakes his hand no again. Then he screams, "I want my Mommy!!!" Ohh dear! Mrs. L carefully explained to him that Mommy wasn't here and he could have our help or he could do it by himself.

That didn't work. Not one little bit.

So we had to send him to his desk. By mid-morning, the kids had drank a kool-aid drink and some water.By then, I'm sure that he was definitely needing to go, but he still refused.

I was definitely expecting him to go potty in his pants.

Luckily, that didn't happen.

I'm sure things didn't go well when Mommy picked him up.

Hopefully tomorrow he'll want to go in the big boy potty.

I really don't want to change potty in the pants just yet.

Happy Half Day-O-School Friends!

School Days

I cannot BELIEVE that the summer is already over!!!! Seriously, my summer has completely been packed full of stuff. Camp, summer school, mission trip SHEESH!

But now it's time to get back to reality.

Get back into some kind of schedule.

Though I'm SO sad that the summer is over, there is good news.

***I'll be closer to graduation.

***ABC is gearing up for new Grey's Anatomy, Dancing With The Stars, oh and a new show that I'm interested to see is My Generation.

***ABC Family is also airing a new show called Melissa and Joey. Melissa Joan Hart takes me back to Clarissa Explains It All. And as for Joey Lawrence, he was rockin' a tv show called Blossom and Brotherly Love. So I'm hoping this will be a good show!

***TONS of new movies are coming out! I'm very interested in Never Let Me Go and Conviction. Both based on true stories and very intense at the same time! Also Tangled looks like a cute movie. I'm always into sweet fairy tale movies. And of course the new Chronicles of Narnia! I love those movies and the books for that matter. OOOHH and Little Fockers. Both Meet the Parents and Meet the Fockers was quite hilarious. I hope this is as good as the past two have been.

***Fall things; fall candles, fall clothes, fall weather, fall cooking, my birthday, getting closer to Christmas, and last but certainly not least College Football.

Back to school isn't so bad after all.

If there is one thing I'm pumped about is saying goodbye to this 100+ degree weather.

Happy Back-to-School Days!!!

Never Been a Nut Person

As most of you know, I'm VERY allergic to peanut butter and peanuts. And as most of you know, bad, ugly, nasty things happen to me when I get in contact with peanut butter and/or peanut products so it's best for everyone involved if I just stay clear from those foods.

So my whole life there's been no peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, no Reese's Cups, no snickers, no trail mix, no puppy chow, no peanut butter cookies, no peanut butter on waffles, pancakes or bananas and the list just goes on and on.

People have told me that I'm missing out on lots of things in life when it comes to peanut butter treats. My mom is convinced that if I wasn't allergic to peanut butter or peanuts that it would probably be one of my favorite foods. But I've never known life with peanut butter or peanuts so I just a way of life for me. Until I went to high school camp with the student ministry.

A sweet woman that went with us was eating something on a banana. I sat down next to her and asked what was she putting on a banana? She tells me that it's Nutella. Do what? Nutella?!? Hmm.

So I picked up the jar and of course read the ingredients for any kind of peanut product and to my surprise there isn't a drop of peanut anything in it. So I got a banana and spread a small sample on top. And I was HOOKED!! It was so good!



Nutella is made with skim milk, cocoa, and hazelnut. I can't get enough of it. Toast, bananas, oatmeal squares dipped in it, french bread with cinnamon/sugar sprinkle it's delicious! So far toast and bananas are my favorite. I mean on toast it turns into a warm delightful treat!

So breakfast and snacks are no longer the same for me. Nutella has taken over. So the next time you're at the store, pick up a jar and enjoy the original hazelnut spread!

As Christ Loves the Church

This last Sunday, J and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary. I can still remember our wedding like it was yesterday. This past year has FLOWN by.

The past year J and I have spent together sharing memories and love. To think that so long ago, the Lord knew who I would marry and He brought J into my life.


We moved together, shared serving in ministry together and each day continue to grown in love with one another.
























We thawed out the top of our wedding cake and to our surprise it still tasted very good even though it was a year later!!




We have enjoyed the live the Lord has blessed us with. I can't wait to see how the Lord will use our lives to impact others.

"My beloved is mine, and I am his" Song of Solomon 2:16

Happenings

Life around my household for the past 2 weeks has been controlled chaos.

Seriously.

First week in June, J and I went to the Saddle Ridge Ranch. We had a BLAST! I did all of the song motions and 3rd grade arts and crafts. J did..well I have no idea what his exact title was but 12 kids gave their lives to Jesus that week! YAHOO! Here's a recap of our week at SSR.

Here's J and I in my arts and crafts class making brand bracelets.


This is what my church calls the "foot praising ministry" aka motions/dancing within a church setting. Along side the pastors wife, we did the motions to all of the VBS songs ALL week!
On stage leading...Please note our homemade VBS shirts :)


Leading motions for other directors :)


Here are my sweet friends that I hung out with all week. Love them.


Moving on two our next event. Dodgeball Tournament.



Oh yeah. It's been quite a long time since I've played Dodgeball, but I signed up for a team and it turned out to be a very fun and quite eventful evening. I played on a team of adults/older teenagers from the cafe and J played on a staff team called the "Staff Infection"



My team; the Cafe Team and the Champ of our bracket!!!


J's team; the Staff Infection and the Champs of their bracket!!!
Here's their full costume pre-tournament picture


And here's their winning picture. Look how is still in full costume :)


J and I were exhausted afterwards, but it was so much fun!

This last week was Jr. High camp, J was gone for a few day to kids camp and next week is high school camp. Whew! Summer is flying by.

A camp update will come soon :)

Happy Summer :)

Sitting

So for the past week, J and I have been dog, guinea pig and house sitting. At first it was fun, but now it's created a problem.

I want a dog and a house of my own.

The problem is our landowner won't allow pets except for fish (but I don't want fish) and J and I aren't sure if a house is the next step in our life or if we should remain content. Not to mention that guinea pigs are a lot of work. I mean this thing eats only Romain lettuce, half of an apple, hay, feed and water. All of this stuff like 4 times a day or something. It's so much work. Not to mention that it lives in a cage. And we know that cages don't clean themselves. So there's no way I would like cleaning out that nasty cage. Guinea pigs are too much for the McKaskle's to handle.

But going back to a dog. I don't think that you all understand how bad I want a cute, little, snuggly, sweet puppy. Listen, growing up I got a puppy for my 13th birthday and Addie became my sweet baby; until I got married. Ya see Addie is super high maintenance, she takes after her Momma, not to mention she has become attached to my Daddy's hip. There's no way I could take her away from him or him away from her. So I need a puppy that will become apart of J and I's family.

J got a black lab when he was still a bachelor, but let's face it Daisy is an outside dog and she sheds WAY too much to be inside my cozy home.

I want a puppy medium size, possibly adopted, but small enough to stay inside snuggled up with me.

I mean is that too much to ask?

So I've got to come up with a plan.

I need a puppy.

Soon.

N'awlins

J went to a conference class for his seminary class in New Orleans and then I came down and met up with him. Now I've been to New Orleans once before when I was a wee one but the fam and I only went to the aquarium. So needless to say I've never really experienced the city of New Orleans.
Before I got to New Orleans I wasn't too thrilled. I didn't really know what to expect. Well those thoughts went by the way side when I finally arrived.
I loved the history and beautiful architecture of this city!!! I got to enjoy this city with the man that I love. We had such a great time!!

Here's the city of N'awlins from the interstate and on the ferry.



Here's J and I when I first arrived on the Mississippi.


Jackson Square at sunset


And I FINALLY got to experience Cafe Du Monde!!! At the corner of Decatur and St. Ann Street lies Cafe Du Monde.

This place was absolutely wonderful. Cafe Du Monde is famous for their French doughnuts; beignets!! Beignets, pronounced bey-nyay, are delicious deep fried pastry coated with powdered sugar. It's a bit of heaven people!! They are soo good! If you're ever in New Orleans, this is a MUST!





As we walked around town, we passed by the St. Louis Cathedral. This is a statue outside in the courtyard of Jesus shadowed on the wall. It's so beautiful.


Here's the front of the cathedral.


In honor of Memorial Day J took me to the WWII Museum in honor of his Papaw, Mr. Ervin W. Miller. He fought in WWII and survived. It was so incredible to see where he fought and all the history that lies within all the veteran's stories. J's papaw passed away a few years ago and in his honor his family placed a brick among many others leading to the entrance to The National WWII Museum in New Orleans. It was an honor and a joy to share this moment with J.


We had a wonderful weekend in N'awlins. Great food, good music and good memories. We can't wait to go back soon!!!

One day at a Time

Oh my! it's been almost 2 months since I've posted a new blog entry, my deepest apologies. Between finals week between myself and the Hubs, end of school stuff for my work and endless graduations and end of the year activities, plus planning new things for the busy summer schedule, and being super sick, there's just been ZERO time. But I've finally found time to sit down today and blog!

So class is out for the semester but have no fear I've got LAME summer classes to do so that should be TONS of joy. Now if I can just get done with work I could go swimming and get my tan on!

J and I have been planting flowers. We planted Sunflower and African Daisy seeds. Unfortunately, the daisies were flooded out due to the excessive rain we've had the past two days so I'll have to replanted some more daises. However our sunflowers are on the go! They have grown SO much! I'll post pictures later of them.

J and I also have been to one wedding so far this summer and we are going to one next month and July. This is SO exciting for us. We've really had a good time. Not to mention we've almost been married a YEAR!!! I can't believe time has gone by this fast!!!!



I'm SO glad summer is here. I need some time to not think about much of anything.

Happy Summer Y'all!!

"Just Try It"

As I mentioned before my parents got to come down since I was on break and such. We did LOTS of shopping, cooking and just hanging out and it was SO great that I got to catch up with them. But while they were here J and I wanted them to experience "Louisiana Style".

Since I've moved to Louisiana the culture here is so different than Oklahoma. My taste buds have changed so much since the move it's unreal. The food seasoning is SO good. I can't believe I've never tried this stuff before!!

But I digress.

Anyway, we took mom to Copeland's "The New Orleans Cuisine" for her birthday so J and I knew that eating crawfish was the next stop.

Now this is a first for my mom and of course my dad has eaten crawfish before so he was excited to eat some again, but I was interested to see how my mom was going to react. And let me tell you it was HILARIOUS!!!

I should mention that the place we went to dine was very casual. Here's what I mean.
At the restaurant there are picnic tables underneath a big tent, with a play area for kids and a tiny inside area incase you weren't comfortable eating outside with the smell of spices in the air.

My mom couldn't believe we were eating outside like that. Luckily the wonderful weather made it comfortable for her and she was ok with eating outside. But it all changed when they brought the crawfish out like this. Not to mention, you don't eat crawfish on a plate, but instead on tray and a shell box.


Mom's eyes got really big and she said, "It's the whole thing!!" I think in her mind she thought they were going to come out like shrimp does, peeled, ready to go. But with crawfish, it's a different story. Eating crawfish is all about peeling it and getting messy, like you would eating BBQ ribs.

So J, Dad and I started in peeling and eating and at this point I thought Mom was going to loose her lunch. She could NOT believe that I would eat this stuff and enjoy it. It's a good thing that Mom ordered a Po Boy as a back up in case she didn't like crawfish.

Here's J and I getting enjoying the first taste of crawfish this season.



Here's she is trying it for the first time! She seemed ready to go. Notice the napkin in her hand as she's holding the crawfish :)



But here's the moment of truth!



Needless to say, Mom did NOT enjoy eating crawfish or the tingling sensation on her lips from the seasoning, but she did enjoy the atmosphere and the company.

Maybe next time we will just stick with her favorites: peeled shrimp and fish.

Break Time

This week is my school Spring Break and my work Easter Break and I LOVE IT!!!! I've needed this break so bad and I'm so glad it's here. There's nothing like starting out the week by an Easter party. At work we had our Easter party and it was blast. We went to the church and spent all day just playing and eating cookies and popsicles!!
My parents came down for a visit and we have had a blast. We celebrated Mom's birthday and went out to Copeland's and it was delicious! Mom and I went shopping and between the two of us we bought 14 pairs of shoes!! She bought new spring clothes and I bought new church clothes, what a wonderful day of shopping!!! Jordy and dad worked on the Dolphin Dasher and we have cooked TONS! Spring time is here people and we are loving it!!
Jordy and I celebrated our first Easter this year. It was such a special time with my parents here and the service at church was simply wonderful. We are so blessed with a wonderful church family. We are enjoying being outside and soaking up the sunshine!!!
Hope your Easter was a wonderful time with family!

Dolphin Dasher

Before Jordy and I even got married, he has been wanting a scooter. Now growing up in the world of cycles, I knew how much these things were going to cost. Once Jordy and I got married I created a "savings for a scooter" fund. Jordy would put money back until he could save enough money to buy a scooter.

Well we looked for a scooter for a while and again, we didn't want to pay a whole lot of money for one of these things. One afternoon I get home from work and he shows me a picture of this scooter he had found for a very low price. I asked him about is his fund and he told me he could pay cash for it. I couldn't be more proud.

So Jordy contacted the man with the scooter to get the 411. It was too good to be true. Great price, great condition, low maintenance and a helmet. Off to Jackson, Mississippi we go then one Saturday morning. We get there and we just knew we couldn't pass this up.

We are now owners of a 2004 Blue Kymco Scooter!!!

On the way home, Jordy and I were trying to think of a name for the scooter, since Henry (his truck) and Maxine (my car) are apart of the family, there's no reason why the scooter should be left out. Well I should explain that when Jordy and I play Mario Cart he is always his Mii character and he always drives the "dolphin dasher". Jordy has conquered the whole game and so I thought Dolphin Dasher would be a fantastic name for the scooter, not to mention it's blue. So Dolphin Dasher stuck :)

Here I am on the Dolphin Dasher.


Here he is on his pride and joy!


The Dolphin Dasher taking us away!!!

A Dead Leak

This past week has been quite the week for the McKaskle's. Let me explain.

Last Sunday afternoon, Jordy and I got home from church. I went into the kitchen, flipped the switch and no lights come on. I then look up at the ceiling trying to figure out why in the world the light isn't working. And to my surprise the ceiling is lined with even lines and circles all over. I yell for Jordy to come in there to see what the problem was and he started shaking his head. Well at this point, I knew things weren't looking good. He said, well this looks like water. Pulling up a chair he touched the ceiling and he replied with a, "yep, it's damp alright." How wonderful. So come Monday morning I give our land lord a friendly phone call. In the meantime, I start moving all my decor on top of the cabinets since I know that someone should be coming soon since it didn't look to hot. When I moved a plant, the paint on the wall looked like it was falling off the wall, not to mention the rippling all along where the ceiling meets the wall. Land lord shows up Monday morning and she tells us that our bathtub has a hole in it obviously causing it leak all of the place. SUPER! Well that same Monday, my car decides to not start correctly. So the hubs has to take that thing to the shop. All last week he is my carpool to and from work AND school, while we are praying that we don't fall through into our kitchen while we are sleeping.

Thursday comes and we still don't hear anything about our bathtub, but I do get my car back. YAHOO! But while driving home I noticed that the battery light AND the emergency brake light were on. Hmm. So I call the hubs and inform him. Come Friday morning I go out to my car to run errands and I put the key in the ignition and turn. Nothing. Seriously. NOTHING HAPPENS!!! My car had just left the shop!! So, I call the hubs. Again. He was NOT happy! We comes home with the jumper cables and jumps the ol' Nissan. Well my car is only running on Jordy's truck. As soon as he would take the cables off, my car would die. We think that the battery might need to be charged and so we let it set there for a while. While Jordy is messing with my car, I'm holding his brake in his truck (his emergency brake is broken and his truck is a standard) and then he takes off the cables and then I notice him telling me to cut off the engine. I get out and ya'll if I'm lying I'm dying, there is a flame!!!!!!! And we all know where is smoke there is FIRE!!!! People, something under my hood is on FIRE! CODE RED!!!! So Jordy and I run into the house to get water and start pouring on it. Well the good news is we got the fire out; bad news, car didn't work at ALL after that. You can only guess what happens next. A tow truck arrives.

My car is then towed to mechanic and the tub still wasn't fixed.

Until today.

Today was the day people that not only did my car come back home, but the bathtub was fixed. The downfall; we can use the tub for another 2 days and the smell of fiberglass was taking over my house!

Hopefully soon we can go back to normal around the McKaskle household.

Feeling Kind of Fat This Tuesday?

Well today is Fat Tuesday and there's only one thing that means. MARDI GRAS is happening people!! This year I got to celebrate Mardi Gras!! And it has been SO much fun!! Since I've moved here to Louisiana I knew about Mardi Gras, but I had no idea what it included. And boy is it fun! Jordy and I went to the Monroe Mardi Gras parade. I want to go to New Orleans sometime for Mardi Gras, but Monroe will do for now. We spent time with his family and we had a blast. I couldn't stop yelling, "Throw me somethin' Mister!!" Jordy and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Jordy and I before the parade started. Thanks to my teacher at work for the necklace to get me started :) it even lights up!!


Here are a few pictures of the floats! They were so cool! Hubs says that it's way better in New Orleans!


This is the Mardi Gras Queens float. She threw out white pearl beads!


I'm thoroughly enjoying myself, can't you tell :)


I even got to taste my first King Cake and let me just say people it is DELICIOUS!!
I didn't even know what it looked like. But here it is!! The delightful tasty King Cake!




So far my first Mardi Gras experience has been super fun!! Look forward for more Mardi Gras fun to come!