29 Reasons I admire Meghan on her 29th Birthday

Meghan after her very first Surf Lesson. (Pictured with her instructor.)

1. She is my firstborn child and is very fun, yet responsible.


2. She loves with reckless abandon.


3. She always gives people the benefit of the doubt.


4. She always sees the best in people and is open to meeting new people.


5. Although she lives clear across the country, family is still her #1 priority!


6. She has such a great work ethic.


7. She always puts others ahead of herself... Always!


8. She is so thoughtful & kind and is such a great daughter, sister and cousin.


9. She is smart.


10. People want to be around her; she is a magnet.


11. She is a woman of her word.


12. She knew when she was done with NYC and didn't just talk about moving; she moved.


13. She doesn't complain. Ever.


14. She is respected in her professional circle, so she is obviously very good at her job.


15. She is very generous.


16. She is loyal.


17. She genuinely cares about others and never judges them.


18. She knows how to pamper herself.


19. She is very independent & content.


20. She is very health-concious and always wants to look her best.


21. She shares all of her health tips with me!


22. She quit her job without having one; moved to CA; in 20 days got a job, car, apartment!


23. She cherishes her close circle of friends and needs only quality friends.


24. She is very positive and believes God has great things waiting for her.


25. She followed her dreams and is doing what she wants to do.


26. She is comfortable in her skin.


27. She is a fashion expert; and she is gorgeous!


28. She knows how to make a beautiful, cozy home.


29. She is a California Surfer-Girl.

Lord, I thank you so much for the gift of my precious daughter. Please make this next year her best year and surround her with nothing but your kind of love.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0MK7qz13bU&w=560&h=315]

Let It Go from Frozen is one of her favorite songs right now.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbxuXq_981s&w=560&h=315]

Also... This Is How We Roll by Florida Georgia Line. xoxo

Hitting the "Re-Set" Button

 

This morning I went upstairs and found it on a shelf. I truly believe The Holy Spirit made me open my devotional/journal, "Jesus 90 Days With The One And Only." I hadn't read it since November of 2012. (I'm glad I dated it.) It's interesting that the topic of the day where I left off was when Peter denied Jesus three times.

Denial.

Beth Moore posed a question: Has there been a time when I feel I have denied Him in any way either by action, words or even in silence? I didn't have to think about it long. I'm here to tell you openly this morning that yes, I have definitely denied Him, but lately I have worse than denied Him. I won't go into the nitty-gritty details, but trust me when I tell you.

God did not just create this beautiful world we live in; He came to teach us how to love well and to teach us His Ways. When I act as if I don't need God in my life I am choosing a dangerous road. He doesn't just want us to come to Him when we are in desperate need; He wants our every moment and He wants us to hold His hand and follow His lead.

I'm grateful that I have had this weekend home alone, to start over... again. I'm also grateful that God welcomes this prodigal daughter back every single time. I believe in the depth of my soul that He is exactly the man I've been looking for.

I Am That Man by Brooks and Dunn

You put your heart up on a shelf
I know it's hard to be by yourself
You need someone that's true and strong
Baby someone just came along

I am that man
You're trying to find
I am that man
You had in mind
And I'll give you all my love
'Til you understand
I won't give up
'Cause I know
I am

Talk is cheap, it ain't worth a dime
So don't talk to me, just five me some time
I'm gonna show you what love can be
My job won't be done until you believe

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypF0M3YOyVA&w=420&h=315]

Randomness on a Solo Friday Evening

http://youtu.be/Xf1S9U2ghrI

Neil Diamond says it best... ;)

It seems like forever since I've had the house to myself for a whole weekend. Linc took his mom up north to Harbor Springs so he can make some memories with her. I have a surprise birthday party tomorrow night that I had already RSVP'd so I had to keep my commitment and stay home.

I spent today totally pampering myself. I've honestly had the best time and am more relaxed than I've been in a long time. Sometimes I just need some time to myself to re-group. So far I've listened to many Beth Moore messages and I've watched a lot of Dr. Laura. I remember back in the day when I was more authentic about what was going in on my heart. Tonight I thought I'd let you take a peek into my life...

[caption id="attachment_1052" align="alignnone" width="560"] I'm home alone and I'm watching The U.S. Open taking place at Pinehurst NC. I hope I have a hole in one someday! I've enjoyed golf more this year than ever![/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1054" align="alignnone" width="560"] This brings me peace on so many levels.[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1056" align="alignnone" width="560"] Can you believe how crazy my succulents are growing?[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1057" align="alignnone" width="560"] I love what this frother does to my almond milk that I put in my coffee.[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1058" align="alignnone" width="560"] I thought you might be interested in what's in our fridge these days. I LOVE Kombucha![/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1059" align="alignnone" width="560"] I am trying to organize my camera stuff. I'm still trying to justify the 70-200 lens. Too bad it is so darn expensive, but I can't get it out of my mind. I have to remember that it's all just... "Stuff."[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1060" align="alignnone" width="560"] This candle turned me into a snob.[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1061" align="alignnone" width="560"] This is how my bathroom looks right this moment . I thought one day it might be fun to look back at all of the different products.[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1062" align="alignnone" width="560"] My Blog Books![/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1064" align="alignnone" width="560"] My sisters![/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1065" align="alignnone" width="560"] My kids' artwork from Academy of the Sacred Heart. I still love them![/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1066" align="alignnone" width="560"] Mom & Dad's prized posessions. xo[/caption]

 



 

[caption id="attachment_1068" align="alignnone" width="560"] I hate the weeds in my garden, but refuse to take a chance at getting poison ivy again! Did you know that every time you get it, it get's worse?! Three times was enough![/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1069" align="alignnone" width="560"] My mint plant that barely made it home from North Carolina a couple of weeks ago.[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1070" align="alignnone" width="560"] John's most treasured award still sits in his bedroom after all of these years. (The Hustle Award given to him by Coach Fife)[/caption]

 

 

[caption id="attachment_1072" align="alignnone" width="560"] My family shelf. Karnowski Family; Sisters; Nona, Marie, Linc and me.[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1073" align="alignnone" width="560"] I love these Senior pictures that didn't make the 8x10 finals. Love, Love... Love! Meghan will be 29 on Monday![/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1074" align="alignnone" width="560"] Right this minute... Me, Myself and I.[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1075" align="alignnone" width="560"] Watching one of my all-time favorite movies![/caption]

 

 

 

Karnowski Family Summer Fun Playlist

[spotify id="spotify:user:1220367694:playlist:2egtXNzeWUhNqTWRVGuDK3" width="300" height="380" /]

Karnowski Family Summer Fun Playlist (2014)

Happy Song by Pharrell Williams-Lizz
Oceans by Hillsong -Lizz
Best Day of My Life -Lizz
Give It Up by KC & The Sunshine -Linc
She’s Gone by Hall & Oates -Randy
Come Healing by Leanard Cohen -Patricia
Let It Go “Frozen” -Meghan
This Is How We Roll by Florida Georgia Line -Meghan
For Better for Worse by Old Man Markley -Liz
Home by Edward Sharpe -Liz
Wasting Time by Jack Johnson -Randy
That’s What’s Up by Lennon & Maisy -Katie
She’s Everything by Brad Paisley -Maggie
Luckenbach, Texas by Waylon Jennings -Randy
Breakdown by Jack Johnson -Jenna
Supposed To Be by Jack Johnson -Randy
New Slang by The Shins -Christopher
Feeling Groovy by Simon & Garfunkel -Christopher
Two Weeks by Grizzly Bear -Christopher
Marry Song by Band of Horses -Christopher
Shine A Light by The Rolling Stones -Christopher
Sweet Thing by Van Morrison -Christopher
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen -Jen
Jack and Diane -Jen
I Would Walk 500 Miles by Kenny And The Scots -Liz
Talk Dirty To Me by DJ Jason Medallion -Goose
Human by Christina Perri -Goose
Banana Pancakes by Jack Johnson -Rebekkah
Falling by Haim -Ally
Toes by Zac Brown Band -Nicole
I Love You Because by Johnny Cash -Lizz
West End Girls -Randy
All Summer Long by Kid Rock -Naze
Turn The Page by Bob Seger -Connie
You’re My Best Friend by Queen -Connie
Moondance by Van Morrison -Chris
Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison -Andrea
Amie by Pure Prairie League -Chris
The Low Spark Of High-Heeled Boys -Chris
Thank You God for Saving Me by Chris Tomlin -Maggie
You Raise Me Up by Selah -Goose
Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Israel Kamakawaiwo -Goose
God Of This City by Chris Tomlin -Goose
So Good To Me -Cory Asbury -Maggie
Need You Now by Plumb -Chris
How He Loves by David Crowder -Chris
Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave -Chris (See Tattoo on his wrist)
Redeemer by Nicole C. Mullen -Chris
Let Them See You by JJ Weeks Band -Chris
Fireflies by Owl City -Lizz
Upside Down by Jack Johnson -Katie
Angie by The Rolling Stones -Annie
Taxi by Harry Chapin -Pattie
The Sun Is Shining Down by JJ Grey & Mofro -Josh
You Never Know by Dave Matthews Band -Josh
Grey Street by Dave Matthews Band -Josh

True Beauty

If you want to know how I'm really doing, all you have to do is open my purse and have a peek inside. If there are receipts everywhere and it's a mess, you'll know the truth: I'm not in the greatest place.

I was so honored that my sister let me in her life this past week. When she was gone (to the hospital for her son's surgery) I walked around her house all by myself and quickly realized things may or may not be as they appear to the outside world. I wanted to sit and sob for her. I immediately felt compassion for what she is really going through. I also quickly learned that it was obvious that my sister has her priorities in the right order, and I love that she is in touch with all that really matters.

I have to tell you that she and I couldn't be any more different when it comes to crafts. For some reason I did not get the gene. You should see her paintings! She is channeling her stress in a positive way by painting the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen. I am so glad she knows how to comfort herself in the midst of a very hard life.

I admire her for being herself and for accepting all people; she never ever judges them. We had several conversations about "constructive criticism" (Is there really such a thing?) and she was hurt to the core recently. I have so many reasons to respect my sister, but the one that stands out most these days is the fact that she is the most accepting person I know.

When I looked around her house when no one else was there I felt like I was looking at the truth of what felt like a messy purse to me. When they came home and I saw her family in action, I realized the love inside that place is bigger than anything I can ever explain on a blog post. That family loves with what I call, "reckless abandon." Everyone should be able to experience that kind of precious love!

This song is dedicated to you, my beautiful sister. You make me so proud on so many levels! Thank you for letting me in your life. I will come back again real soon!
I love you so much! ... xoxo

http://youtu.be/xxiqslWvgTI

And she went to a Dude Ranch

Just like winning the trip to South Africa for an African Safari, I never would have had a Dude Ranch on my bucket list. I would have listed 100 different places first, but I had a blast a couple of weeks ago when I went with some dear friends to Arizona to celebrate my friend's birthday. Kathie and Marty made a big deal about my 50th, so I thought I should join them if at all possible. I had some frequent flyer miles and it was very affordable! I am in no way a horse person and I've always been afraid of them; but recently I had a patient tell me something I haven't been able to get out of my mind.

"Being comfortable is like being in prison."

For some reason that statement resonated with me immediately! I'm not sure if it's because I have lost so many loved ones in recent years, but I decided to make it my goal to do as many things out of my comfort zone as possible.



Since the rest of the group had either gone to a Dude Ranch prior or owned horses of their own, I was the only true "beginner." I loved the slow rides, especially up the rocky mountains, but honestly I thought it might get a bit boring, riding so slow for five days. The rest of the group was anxious to take a fast ride and I didn't want to miss out, so I took a lesson to learn to trot and lope on my horse. It was mandatory to take a test before going on the fast ride. I found it difficult, but I sort of caught on that it was all about getting into a rhythm. They told us to have our pockets down and zipper up and slide on the saddle. It was so cool when I did it right. Somehow the guy passed me!

Loping (running on my horse) was the one of the scariest, most exhilarating things I have ever done. I know it sounds lame to most people, but my heart was beating out of my chest when the horse began to run. I didn't want him (Jackson) to know I was scared, because I heard they sense fear and could freak out. Anyway...I did it!

My poor horse ended up being sick. He was breathing very heavily, broke his stride and came to a dead stop a few times. I thought it was my fault because I did something wrong. Since I was a beginner they gave me a slow horse. The wrangler kept telling me to hit him with the stick to get him going because he was "lazy." It turns out he was really hurt. I feel badly that I made him take me up the mountain a few times while injured. On the last day they gave me a new beautiful horse (Trigger, pictured above) to ride and I felt a lot more confident.

At the end of each day we were hot, exhausted and very dirty! A shower and a glass of wine never felt or tasted better. Oh, and the food was incredible! After dinner each night they had activities. My least favorite was the art project where we had to do a water color paining of a horse and dessert. Anyone who knows me knows crafts are not my strong suit. You will notice I did not add a photo of it in this post!

I am definitely anxious to go on another trip in the future (maybe to Wyoming). I would love to ride in the lush green mountains and ride through rivers. I am really glad I decided to get out of my comfort zone and do something I never dreamt I would enjoy. I highly recommend you do something totally crazy. You won't regret it and you may just have the time of your life!

http://youtu.be/ZSYPNiK7fXE