Pictures from Tyler!!!

View from the roof of a Police Station
A gecko.
View from Tyler's scope
The Wall of Mosul is 3,000 years old or so and in pieces
A cool kid was blown up last year and loves Medics now for helping him

More pictures:

"Stinkin' heroin needles" <- quote from Ty. A mortar that fell but didn't blow up
Some weapons they found
"A good use for a helmet" <- another quote from Ty. Some crazy Iraqi geese

...continued pictures...

The nasty pond the geese hang out in
"A TOAD!!" <- yes, another quote from Ty. "Lots of toads!!!"
"He's a fiesty gecko"
Just a little guy Tyler found

...continued pictures...

Some ladies walking by the new headstones
Tyler, hanging out in one of his usual spots.
a usual mob of Iraqi kids.

Biopsy Update:

I was right! It was nothing! Just a really ticked off mole.
I do have another appointment in the end of June to have the Dermatologist go over all of my moles and freckles. Then my annual derm appointment will start after that.
Also- In fear that many of you will kill me, I'm no longer tanning. AT ALL. So you can all call off the dogs. ;)
Thanks everyone for your emails of concern, but like I said- there's no need to worry! :)
Kelly.

The loss of a friend.

I was just informed that Aaron, a friend of mine passed away yesterday. I'm sitting here in disbelief and in tears as I write this. Here's the most recent post from her blog:

I very painfully regret to inform you.... Aaron passed away in a car accident yesterday, Saturday May 24, 2008. While she will not be continuing her blog I want to make sure those who are close to her know of the incident and the services. I dont know much about the accident. She was finally heading to Utah to start her new life in her new house, with her little family. They were in an accident and life flighted to Denver, CO. The boys were shaken, bruised, and knocked around a little but they are with their daddy now and no longer in the hospital. Mallory suffered some pretty good injuries, quite a concusion, she has no memory of the accident (which is why we dont know much) her short term memory is shot, and her leg is pretty messed up but hopefully she will be out of the hospital soon. Her baby is a medical miracle at this point. The doctors said they dont know how she survived. They are just monitoring the heart beat and making sure it stays strong. I will post information about the services as soon as I know more.....thank you.Krista Patrick (sister and friend)

She will be missed terribly. Her light and love will live on in her three boys. Please keep Aaron and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Just a peek into what kind of woman Aaron was, this was posted on her blog on April 14th, 2008.

Do you ever feel...
like someone or something has been brought into your life for a reason? Even though you don't know what that reason is, or have any idea how things will happen or work out? I feel that way right now about a young lady that my sister and I are getting to know. I feel really blessed to be able to get to know her and hopefully help her while she goes through some difficult times--I don't even know much about her, but I really feel like this is one of those divine moments in my life where there is a much higher purpose...even if it is simply that she needs help and we can be part of helping her. I don't want to be too specific because it is not my business, but I do feel grateful for this opportunity to look outside myself and my own problems for awhile. After that introduction, anything else I say seems like it would be a little trite.

Tonight we tried to have family home evening. Basically, the only thing that was really accomplished was that I was able to spend some quality, extended time with all three of my boys, without feeling like I had to do ANYTHING else. We sang some songs (you haven't seen cute until you've seen Sam singing 5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, or Ben singing about the wheels on the bus), talked a little bit about Samuel the Lamanite (I have been trying to get the boys interested in the scriptures by reading scriptures about people with the same names as them--we read about King Benjamin the other day, and also about Samuel the Lamanite.) and I showed them the pictures from the gospel art kit. Then we talked about how Samuel was telling the people that Jesus was going to be born and come to earth to show us all how much he loves us...then I showed them a picture of Jesus and some little children and we talked about how much Jesus loves us all.

After that, we played with the little file folder game I made earlier today (with Mallory's help!) of the monkeys swinging in the tree, and then we colored pictures for Cameron. The boys dictated little messages and I wrote them on the back, and then we put the pictures in envelopes and sealed them to mail to daddy tomorrow. Overall, it was a really nice FHE. Obviously it didn't go as smoothly as it sounds, but it was good.

I am grateful for little moments that remind me how grateful I am for my children and how glad I am to be a mom. Sometimes I forget exactly what a great blessing I have...when I get caught up in work, and stress, and worrying, and life...and then I have to step back and remind myself how blessed I am...I have a great life. My kids are healthy, and smart, and curious, and fantastic. My husband loves me, and I love him. We are doing ok for ourselves. Not rich, obviously, but making it. I can't ask for much more. I hope I can remember to be happy more often.

My Points!!! **UPDATE**

You know what I love? A great deal! I love getting things for as little as possible...hence the Coupon blog that I share with Becka! But you know what I love even more??? Stuff that I get for doing NOTHING!
Thanks to http://www.mypoints.com/ My friend Becka has received $55.00 in gift cards for CVS and $50.00 in gift cards to Old Navy. All you are required to do is read the emails they send you from their sponsors and take surveys.
You earn 5 points per email you read and up to 50 points per survey you take. In addition to that, you can earn points for online purchases through their vendors. It's so easy! And if you're like me...you like to avoid the busy malls, especially during the holiday season, and shop online! I already have over 2100 points and plan on cashing in soon for some Old Navy gift cards!
So sign up today to start earning your free gift cards!!! Please let them know that I referred you buy using my email. Tkadams03@hotmail.com
Becka referred me just a few months ago- and it's been even easier than she said it would be!!

**If you want to do MyPoints, email me for a request and I'll send you an email to get started!!**

Current Weather for Mosul, Iraq

Just thought I'd check on todays weather for Tyler.

90 Degrees Fahrenheit

Feels Like 90 Degrees Fahrenheit

Widespread Dust

Updated: May 26 6:55pm Local Time

Other Info:
UV Index: 0 low
Wind: From SW at 15 mph
Humidity: 13%
Preassure: 29.79 in ->
Dew Point: 32 F
Visibility: 3.7 Miles
Sunrise: 5:54 AM
Sunset: 8:16PM

Swimming yesterday.

My Brother and Sister-in-law came over yesterday with their three kids, Anakin, Owen, and Chloe. We decided a fun activity would be taking the kids swimming.
Jim (my Brother) didn't bring any swim-trunks that fit, so he just decided to watch on the sidelines as we all swam....





The kids all asked for Jim to get in the pool, so being the awesome Dad/Uncle that he is, he jumped in. Fully clothed and with his sunglasses. I was quick enough to get a picture with my water-proof camera. Makes for a great one.

Also, I think Jim is probably the best "float-toy" his daughter Chloe will ever have. (HEE HEE!!!)

Love you Jimmy!!!!

Mother's Day 2008

So, because I was in Arkansas for Mother's Day, I was given my Mother's Day gift today. When I picked up Josh from Nursery, he ran up to me with this photo in hand. I LOVE IT! It's the sweetest thing ever!!! I just had to scan it into my computer and share.


I love this kid...

Gross Alert!!! My Biopsy.

So- I had a biopsy was on Thursday. A few weeks ago, this mole on my arm just got all sorts of ticked off somehow- so I finally went in to my family Dr to have it looked at. She poked at it and asked me a few questions- then left the room. When she came back, she had a measuring device and measured the diameter. (6mm) She left again for a short while and when she returned, she had a dermatologist PA with her from upstairs in the hospital. (I was at Evans Army Hospital on post)
The PA looked at it for quite sometime, then started asking questions. He asked about my family history (My grandmother had Malignant Melanoma) and the specific details with that.
After our short conversation, the Dr and the PA both left and when my Dr came back, she began to tell me how it typically takes about 1-2 months to get a derm apt so they just decided to squeeze me in that morning. So- upstairs I went and they took me directly to a room. The same PA was there, and the dermatologist. they both looked at it some more- and then told me that they were going to take a biopsy, and just remove the whole thing and send it to the lab. They said hopefully I should have the results next week.
Also- because of my family history of melanoma, I have to go back the end of June (First available apt) to get a full body check up over all my moles and freckles. After that, I have to have a yearly exam. Not only do I have to start this annual trip to the dermatologist, but I have to start getting mammograms and I have to stop going tanning. I can't tell you how sad I am about that. It's the most relaxing thing for me- It's the only thing I really have to look forward to as far as "Me time". I guess I'll have to figure out something to substitute that with. blah. so- here are some pictures- sorry if they gross you out, but they have been requested.
I'll update later with the results, I'm sure it's nothing.

Yummy Summer Salad!!

Tracie's Couscous Salad
Recipe courtesy Tracie Farmer
See this recipe on air Tuesday May. 27 at 5:30 PM ET/PT.
Show:
Paula's Home Cooking
Episode:
Summer Salads

1 box flavored couscous (garlic or Parmesan), cooked 1 can chick peas 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped 1/2 Vidalia onion, chopped 1 English cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped 1 tomato, chopped 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup olive oil 2 to 3 limes, juiced
In a large bowl, toss all the ingredients with the olive oil and lime juice, to taste.

My Dad made this for me today, Holy Cow! It's tasty!!!

Dad... Always there when you need him, even if he is 45 minutes late.

Ok. So- I was trying to print off coupons when I realized I was out of ink. BUMMER! So- I ran over to walmart, picked up an ink cartridge ($$$) and went back home to slam it into the printer, print off my coupons and be on my way!
Well, Walmart was busy- traffic was bad- and when I finally got home, josh of course wanted something to eat. (Augh, KIDS! ;) Totally joking, of course)
Once I made it back upstairs I put in the ink cartridge and began to print off coupons... but wait! The paper was coming out WHITE! ARRRRG! What's wrong with my printer? It must be something with the settings... is everything plugged in all the way? Did Josh somehow break it? ACK!!!
All of these things were running through my head, as I kept looking at the clock trying to get to Albertsons ASAP!
45 minutes later, my phone rings. "Hello?" it was my Dad. he heard the stress in my voice and asked what was wrong.. I told him, "I'm trying to print something and all the paper comes out WHITE!"
he replies, "Ok honey, open up your printer- take out the cartridge and peel off the little plastic sticker on it..."
AUGH! SERIOUSLY!?!?!? He was right.
Everything printed fine after that.
...thanks dad. ;)

just for fun... get to know me.

You Are An ISFJ

The Nurturer You have a strong need to belong, and you very loyal. A good listener, you excel at helping others in practical ways. In your spare time, you enjoy engaging your senses through art, cooking, and music. You find it easy to be devoted to one person, who you do special things for. In love, you express your emotions through actions. Taking care of someone is how you love them. And you do it well! At work, you do well in a structured environment. You complete tasks well and on time. You would make a good interior designer, chef, or child psychologist. How you see yourself: Competent, dependable, and detail oriented When other people don't get you, they see you as: Boring, dominant, and stuck in a rut

What's Your Personality Type?

Potty Training Progress!! **Updated!!

I made a chart today, and I got some stickers out. We have "pooper stickers" and "peepee stickers" He LOVED it!!!
He took a pretty long nap today and when he got up, he was still dry so I asked him if he wanted to try to go potty again. and sure enough, he did! He loved sitting on the potty and I gave him an M&M while he was sitting on the potty, just for getting on there.
So far this afternoon and evening he's gone peepee twice in the potty. Still no poo, but we're working on that.
I even took pictures!! I can't help but share. :)




**Attention: We have POO!!!!!! :)

and our first day back home...

So Josh decided it would be a good idea to do a "Peter Pan" and jump off of his bed this morning... I don't think he thought it through all the way, because he ended up landing on one of his little toy cars with his face...
It didn't really bother him too much- he kinda whined when he got up then he came and got me and told me WHY he had BLOOD on his cheek!!! augh.
He's all better now, but I'm pretty sure that's going to leave quite the bruise.
grrrreat.

The last night at Nana and Papa's

My parents took Josh and me to Red Robin for our last evening at their house. It was lots of fun- Red Robin is probably Joshy's favorite place to go.
Some pictures,

By Popular Demand: Biscotti!!!!

Courtesy of Melissa Savage (Changed a little by me.)

1 Cup Butter or Margarine

4 Eggs, (plus one egg white slightly beaten to brush on tops before putting on sliced almonds)

1 Pkg of sliced almonds

5 1/4 Cups flour (or enough to make the dough easy to handle.)

5 tsp. Baking Powder

1/4 tsp. Salt

1 1/2 C Sugar

1 Bottle pure Almond extract (1Fl oz.)

Cream sugar and butter add eggs beat until mixed, add almond extract.

Add 4 cups flour mixed with baking powder and salt.

Add remaining flour and add 1/3 of the sliced almonds. (Or how ever much you want)

Mix until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the mixing bowl.

On wax paper, shape dough into two-three 14 inch-long rolls and put rolls on baking sheet 5 inches apart.

Then, flatten and brush tops with egg whites and put sliced almonds on top.

Bake at 360 to 365 degrees-10 minutes on top rack and 10 minutes on bottom rack. then again, 10 minutes on top rack, 10 minutes on bottom rack.

While still warm, remove the logs from the baking sheet, and place on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut each log diagonally into 3/4-inch-thick slices.

Once cut, place slices back on cookie sheet and bake again for 15 minutes.

Cool & store in air tight container.

**Optional** In double-broiler, melt chocolate and dip half of each biscotti. Let cool completely (I always just put it in the fridge) and then store in air tight container. (but make sure you don't put it somewhere the chocolate will melt. that's a MESS!)

In my experience, this has done very well in the freezer. you can pull out what you want and it will last much longer.

Enjoy!!! :)

Happy Anniversary, Tyler!!

I know I'm a day early- but Josh and I will be very busy tomorrow going back to Colorado- and I didn't want to forget to post this for you.

I can't believe it's been five years! You're the best thing that has ever happened to me and I love you more every day.

I wish so badly that you could be here with me to celebrate our marriage- but that will just have to wait for you to get home.

I miss you every second, and think of you all the time. You're my best friend in the world and I can't wait for the next 5, 10, 50 + years together. ...and they better be TOGETHER! ;)

You're my favorite, Miss y'er face, Love you bad, and all those other things we say... I mean them more today than I ever thought was possible.

Thank you for being the best husband girl could ever dream of, and the best Daddy a boy could ever ask for, and thank you for making me a better me for having you in my life.

Love you, Ty!
Kell.

More friends!

Last night Josh and I drove up to Joplin to meet up with Aaron, Janessa, Jeanne and Matt. We had so much fun! We ended up staying at Chick-Fil-A for 3 hours just talking and laughing. It was a great time.
Hopefully we didn't scare off Matt... buncha crazy women. ;)
Some pictures...