Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Being a Voice

Hi There.

Okay I'm back, why do I ever stay away? I don't know, I'm sorry.

I have a new passion. I want to change the world. That's right, I want to get to the end of my life and know that what I did with my life matters. Realy, really matters.

Where do I start?

What does little 'ol me have to offer that big world out there? I'm nobody special- sure I absolutely adore my husband and my daughter Brooklyn, I make a damn good cup of coffee, and I can plan a decent party. But really...I screw things up a lot too. Let's face it, I have a college degree that I will be paying off for the next 30 years, yet I chose a "career" of being "mama", I speak my mind WAY too often, and I am really stubborn. Really. Plus....There are so many problems. Where do I start?

So I decided to make it easy on myself.
And pick.....ONE

That's right- I don't have to change the WHOLE world-just need to do my part. There have been many people/ideas/books/NFP orgs/church sermons, etc. that have pushed me to really discover what I love and I promise to give all those entities credit in due time, but today (tonight) I just want to talk about what I'm committed to changing.

My Voice.

I've recently discovered the world of Human Trafficking.

awful.horrible.breaks my heart.

And I am haunted by one thought...

What if this was my daughter???
Or what if it was yours?

THOUSANDS of girls are sex-trafficked in the United States every year. That's right the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

This problem is huge. Really, really, REALLY huge.

So where do we start?

Well let's educate ourselves.

Start by reading this book:















Or by visiting these sites:
The Genesis Project
Shared Hope International
Love 146
Note For Sale Campaign
Seattle Against Slavery

Just start there...I don't want to overwhelm you yet...I just want you to be informed. Did you know about this? Are you surprised? I sure was.

Are you on board yet?

Let's change the world.

These girls need YOUR voice.

XO,

 

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Top 10


So I've put off having a blog for long enough. It's time to step into this unknown world and give it what I got! Since a lot has happened in the last couple of years I though a top 10 list would be the best way to summarize so here goes....


1. Fell in Love...Yep! Ryan and I spent a couple weeks together in Thailand volunteering at an orphanage, learning about a new culture and of course getting to know each other more.



6 WEEKS LATER....

2. Got Engaged
That's right! Who says love at first sight doesn't exist? We were the ultimate "when you know, you just know."He set up this adorable little picnic for us on Lake Washington, followed by 2 engagement parties- one in Bellevue and one in Longview- so sweet and so thoughtful!! He even scammed with one of my Besties to see what ring I wanted! He's the best!







 ONE MONTH LATER....


3. I graduated College (Finally!) I stopped being Van Wilder after 4 schools and 6 years and graduated!





















2 MONTHS LATER...

4. We Got Married!!
Best day ever! I must say for never have planned a wedding before, it turned out phenomenal! The weather was perfect, the food, the DJ, everyone I love all in one place- couldn't have asked for a better day!






5. Had a great honeymoon in JAMAICA!
We stayed at Couples Resort and it was AMAZING! Everything was all in inclusive and the food was incredible! Every day Ryan got to go diving and because I love him so much I even got scuba certified (despite my claustrophobia and fear of water!). I can't wait to go back!  
 

6. Ry had his big 3-0!
For those of you who don't know already, Ry is the biggest fish I know- he's always in the water whenever given a chance, so for his 30th birthday I thought- what a better way to celebrate than at the GREAT WOLF LODGE! He loved it! We went with our good friends Jenn and Tony and were able to keep the surprise pretty much right until we pulled off the exit! We then came home to another surprise dinner and party with all of Ryan's favorites- it was such a fun time!



6 MONTHS AFTER OUR WEDDING DAY....

7.  We're Having a Baby!!
Ready or not here comes baby!


8. Celebrated 1 year of Marriage in MAUI!
My parents were sweet enough to invite us to Maui with them for our 1 year anniversary/baby moon! It was so much fun to lay on the beach and get one last little hurrah in before our little bundle of joy arrived! I need to go back though so I can have a Mai Tai...and for those of you wondering- yes I did rock the bikini 8 months pregnant, but I'll spare you the photos! =)




 
9. We had our Brooklyn Grace
After 23 cheeseburgers, Dozens of Dreft loads of laundry, 3 1/2 weeks of bedrest, and only 5 hours of labor Brooklyn Grace was born October 8, 2010- FOUR weeks early! Although she was a preemie she was already 6lbs and 19 3/4" long! It was a dream labor- although I progressed too quickly to get my epidural, I was able to have her in less than 5 hours all naturally. 2nd best day of my life ever! My parents made it there in time with minutes to spare and it was so amazing to have our family and friends come visit us over the next few days.


 
10. We Started True Methods
The icing on the cake to the exciting last couple of years would be Ryan's new business venture. He is coaching small businesses, churches, etc. on how to build customer loyalty in their businesses. I'm so proud of him and the success he is already seeing! Check out his new site (that he designed) and let him know how great he's doing! www.true-methods.com


Well I think that's enough recap for one night- I'm exhausted! Thanks for taking the time to read!

XOXO,
Kendra