Walk Day Finally Arrived

The Take Steps for Crohn's & Colitis walk finally arrived on October 13.  (Be impressed, I'm blogging about it within the same month. ha. And be prepared for picture overload!)  I was very blessed to have all my siblings and nieces & nephews that live within 4 hours of here come.  I also had several friends join us (some who drove 2 hours to participate. Thanks for making the long trek!).  Several family members & friends across the country honored me by wearing a "Team Kari" shirt.

Matt and I started off the day by going to the gym. That was fun.  Then, we went to my family reunion.  All my family that ordered shirts took a picture together.

"Team Kari" family reunion love

We spent the entire day pretty much outside and I loved it! After the reunion, we headed to the park for the walk.

(back row) Jessica, Jeremy, Angel, Mom, Matt, Dad, Kevin, Caryn, Sarah, Adam, Kim, Riglee, Shawna
(front row) Hunter, Me, Taylor, Tucker, Parker, Lindon, & Claire
"Team Kari"

 The nieces & nephews making the "Team Kari" sign

 Showing off their hard work!

My sweet nephew's drawing on the banner. It says "I would always walk for you." Love!

Fox 4 Takes Steps too
(Jessica, Jeremy, Me, Angel, & Chip)

And we are off!

I guess we are all checking our steps in this one.

This is me excited to get going. Ha

Showing off our tats.

Still smiling after the long day

Family & Friends Supporting Across the Country

Connor, Jack, Heather, Suz, & Hannah

Janelle, Meredith, Mallory & Court

Mark & Margaret took a walk too.

 Laura & Mills

T

I am proud to say "Team Kari" raised over $900 for the walk and our area raised over $5,000.  All the money raised goes to patient programs and medical research to find a cure.

In case you are wondering what our shirts say... it says "Caring about our 'colon' since 2006."  Matt came up with it, and I thought it was hilarious.

Thanks to all the love, support, and donations on my behalf!  I love you all very much and I couldn't do this without you!

Take Steps, Be Heard

If you read my blog, you probably already know I'm currently fundraising for the Take Steps, Be Heard for Crohn's and Colitis.  This is my second year participating in the event that will take place on October 13.  The money raised goes to patient programs and medical research to find a cure.  

Why is this such a big deal to me?  I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in August 2006.  After six years of taking daily medications, testing, doctors appointments, and an emergency room visit, I want a cure. I am so tired of being sick and not being able to eat like a "normal" person.   But as hard as living with Crohn's can be, I am grateful for the blessings it has brought to my life.  It has brought me closer to my Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ, and for that, I can't complain.  I know that They are aware of me and will help me get through all the trials associated with this disease.  I am also blessed with the support of a wonderful husband, family, and friends that encourage me to fight the pain. 

This year, I wanted to have some fun while raising money, so I am hosting a Grace Adele "FUN"raiser Party next week.  Grace Adele is part of Scentsy's new line of jewelry and purses.  If you live too far away to come, but would like to order something you can go here to browse.  Or if you want to come, just leave me a comment and I'll get you the details.  A portion of all the party sales will be donated in my name for the walk. 

If jewelry and purses aren't your cup of tea, but you still want to support me, go to my Take Steps page to donate.  

If you don't want to/can't do any of the above, that's cool too.  I appreciate all your love and support! Please click on older posts at the bottom to see all the fun we had last year.

Thank you!

Want to know more about Crohn's Disease and Colitis?  Feel free to leave me a comment and I'll answer all your questions as best I can.

It's The MOST Wonderful Time of the Year

You may be confused by my title, because it's clearly not time for jingle bells and it definitely doesn't feel like Jack Frost outside.  But August is the MOST wonderful time of the year for me!

August is my favorite month (I'm a little partial though).  Why, you may ask...

Because

 AUGUST = BIRTHDAY MONTH!!!!

I pretty much celebrate a birth"month" not a birth"day".  My husband loves it... he really does. Ha  :)

Since my sister knows my love for my birth"month" she already gave me my present.

Now everyone can know how many days until my birthday!!!! HOORAY! 

I know you are all just as thrilled as I am.  Please try to contain your excitement, because I'm busting at the seams enough for all of us. And in case you were wondering... There's ONLY 25 days til my birthday!!!!

Matt's a College Graduate... Twice

I know I'm a slacker. Matt's been a college graduate twice for about 4 months now. I'm AWESOME. It's okay though because if you follow my blog you probably already know he graduated and you love me anyways. Here's the day in pictures.

Matt's parents (aka The Suz & Doo Doo)

Matt's Grandmother

Adam, Kim, Parker, and Riglee

My mom

In case you were wondering, Matt got his MBA in Business Marketing. It took him a year and a half of night school and I'm so proud of him! Much love and thanks to all the other family and friends who came to support him on his day!

A Girls' Night That Makes Scents

Hey Friends. I know I'm way behind on updating my blog. I will try to catch you all up very soon. A lot has been going on around our house.

But this blog post is because I'm hosting a Scentsy Party at the end of this month. Since all of you dear readers aren't in my area, I wanted to post a link to the website for you if you wanted to join in on all the fun. If you want to order as part of my party just click on the "Girls2Scents" party on the homepage.

Happy New Year!