The story of Rocky

      Today's post is completely dedicated to the sweetest and most loving little girl I've ever met. She has done nothing but fight for her life since she was born and I am so blessed to see her living today. Her name is Rik'kel and her nickname is Rocky- so fitting. When she was born almost 2 years ago she had major heart issues, physical disabilities and down syndrome. After months of living in the hospital and major surgeries and incidents she was finally able to go home. Her amazing parents have suffered endless nights without sleep, dealing with impatient hospital workers and of course suffering the endless amounts of bills. However, despite loss of jobs and struggles they continue to be amazing parents that show nothing but love and gratitude. Rik'kel has had tubes put into her ears and recently had them removed and replaced and was given the news that she is not deaf!
      God has given this little girl so much more to deal with than many grown adults could face. I have literally never seen her cry or throw a tantrum- although I know she can! She is walking beautifully now with leg braces and is learning to balance better. It is amazing to see how far this little girl has come. She is truly full of life and has a demeanor about her that is irreplaceable. This girl is going to do great things in this world and she will always have the love and support from her family away from home every day of her life! We are so blessed to be loved and to love her.
     I know that when the day comes for me to have kids I will make it a point to enjoy each moment of my pregnancy because of her story. I will try my hardest not to take for granted the journey of carrying a life and the struggles you feel- because the struggles make the ending so much more worthwhile. Life is a beautiful gift we have been give and we really need to remember that is not guaranteed. There are so many beautiful people with beautiful stories, so please share.

Goal Chasers

     

       So all of those people working on goals you set almost a month ago- Keep going! There are many people who are so discouraging to those goal setters who start every January. However, we should be encouraging you to make this a real change and to keep going even when it gets hard. I cannot hate on someone who is making lifestyle changes no matter how long it's taking them and no matter how many times they start and stop. Help people. Sometimes just a simple text, or hello can motivated someone even more to keep going a little more. 
        When I am in the midst of a routine I am usually pretty consistent but I am human. I have days that I miss and I have moments of struggle. Some days I just literally don't feel like going for a run, lifting or eating the healthier food but I really try to. I know on those days I am usually presented with a quote, picture or a friend posting something that reminds me that each day counts. Even though you may not always see your progress, changes are occurring. Think about how you feel. Try not to compare yourself to others but compete with yourself. You can always be better. Even those who run every day can always be better.

      Please know that all of you can help contribute to someones success so don't be afraid to share your accomplishments and worries. We're all in this together. Let's continue making strides and see how far we get?

What are you goals? Work goals? Fitness goals? Family goals? Faith goals? Whatever they are believe in your power and go for it. 

If you would like to share your goals, feel free! I love hearing what others are doing!

Girl power

I'm lucky in my life to have some pretty reliable and encouraging women in my life. They all play a crucial role in me being me and pursuing my dreams. Some women know how to encourage me to try new things and go new places. Some know just how to cheer me up or make me laugh. Some know how to push me physically and others know how to help me be a better woman in general. I appreciate the love, help and even hate. It is all used as motivation. So often I have disassociated myself from many people because I can see past a fake identity but I have learned to take what I can get. Instead of focusing on someone's flaws we should help them be better. Let's stop comparing ourselves to one another or to Hollywood's standards of beauty. Find love of self and your confidence can allow others to see it also. Maybe your not as healthy as you want to be? Don't hate that woman that is- work hard and make yourself feel better. Maybe you want to be better at a skill- do it and don't look back. Ask for encouragement. Even a simple post on Facebook can start a whirl of encouragement that will leave you feeling so motivated and powerful. Let's use our power to be better and make

Those differences we so desperately seek. Channel your inner beauty and that in others. 

Girl power. ✌️👯

Fill your mind.

Recently read some pretty powerful words about the importance of your mindset and not allowing negativity to hinder your ambitions in the least bitsurround  yourself with people that encourage your dreams and wants. Even though you may have goals that are small and maybe seem insignificant you should

Treat them with care. Do what you haven't done. Ask for help. Push ourself and take time to relish in your accomplishment. Life is full of give and take and you need to remember to take some time to accept, rejuvenate and nit are yourself to do and try more. Keep going after those goals and dreams my friends. 

May the force and positive voice be with you. 

I get by with a little help from my friends

  Just want to take a few minutes to thank all of my friends who constantly shine in my life. Some of you I have known longer than others but I value your friendship nonetheless. I'm lucky to have friends near and far and to have made so many memories. I've had friends make me laugh, cry with me and stand beside me during life changing moments. I know relationships go through seasons but it is in the quiet and distant times that you appreciate the closeness. 

   Thank you to my friends, you know who you are. You make me who I am and I appreciate your love and support. My life would suck without you! :) 

Some favorite friend moments:

1. My play outside every night until it gets dark first grade friend. 

2. My girl Caitlan in middle school who appreciated my nerdiness and my justin timberlake locker poster.

3. My sister for always knowing just what to say and do. 

4. My college friends. You made school a wonderful expierience. Brooke I'm so glad we were Roomies. You saved me! My long lost sister. Thanks for the beautiful wedding pictures 

5. Work friends- you are always so encouraging. You take anyone in and make them feel at home. You never fail to make me laugh! You're all inspiring and beautiful :)

6. Family- my life would be so dull eiyh out the laughter and love of my crazy family. I am lucky to have my grandparents still living and my wonderful family in Puerto Rico

7. New Zealand friends- thanks for the experience of a lifetime. I'll be back!

8. Hockey friends- it's always fun and eventful. Hockey is just a part of our lives and I'm thankful for the ability to play year round. 

9- My wedding friends- thank you to everyone who celebrated with us. It was a perfect day. 

10- My most reliable friend, my Savior. Your love never fails. Thank you for blessing me with my best friends, husband and Ruthie. 

With love to all, 

-Kris

Rest and Relax

 "Come now, just let it go. Let it fall down, let it all go like the water that's rushing in under your soul. Until there's nothing left, won't you come to me and 
                                 r e s t .
____________________________
 Not being a parent yet myself, I find that my
life is a little less chaotic than some. However, I am always busy with something! I love my busy schedule because it involves family, exercise, my marriage, my dog (my new hobby :)) and being with friends. At times, I do find that my schedule is so "booked" and overloaded that I become a zombie. I know this happens to the best of us but every now and then we need to force ourselves to stop. Stop being preoccupied with the time, the weather, the work. Take time to look at the person sitting next to you. Really look at them and tell them something about them that you love. Stop and think about all you have already accomplished for the day, the week, the year and leave the rest for the next day. Stop and appreciate all you have and remember that it is never promised. Sometimes your schedule is going to be thrown off. Things are going to happen both for better and worse. Adapt and take it for what it is. As a teacher, I know this sort of mentality is a must,however,many still struggle. I was recently on winter break for 12 days and returned to school for one day then had a 3 day weekend thanks to a good bit of snow. While I do not prefer to be in school late in June, I am thankful that I had another long weekend to spend with my family and I'm even more thankful that no one was put at risk driving during the weather. 

 This all may seem a little mundane and repetitive but sometimes just hearing that you deserve a break helps you realize you really do! So many of us do so much more than we think we do and we do deserve some fun! Treat yourself to something that makes you smile every once in a while :) 

                             Find a comforting and relaxing place to write, read, think, thank.

Out wit the old; In with the new

I'm back writing as part of a new resolution to myself to share ideas, dreams and questions with all of you. With that being said, there's so much to share about the past year of my life so I will do a quick recap. 

1. I began working as a full time, second grade teacher in August 0f 2013. 
2. I planned a wedding all year long
3. I traveled to Duke university with my family to watch basketball- this has become a new tradition!
4. Andrew and I bought a house in March of 2013.
5. I lost a great grandmother on my father's side. This was an eye opening experience. 
6. I married my best friend on June 22, 2013. It was absolutely beautiful. While I enjoyed all parts of my day, our ceremony will forever be my favorite part <3
7. I left for Cancun for a week on June 24, 2013. It was quite the experience. 
8. My sister embarked on her senior year in August and helped lead her team to the DIII National Championship Field Hockey Game. It was such an incredible experience and quite the memorable journey. She trained her whole career for the moment and I couldn't be more proud.
9. I officially signed as assistant coach of the Elkton field hockey team! 
10. My long life friend Caitlan got engaged and asked me to be a bridesmaid!
11. We enjoyed our first fall/winter season in our new house and for Christmas I got a dog-Ruthie! She's lovely in every sense of the word and I can't imagine my house without her. 

Now that a new year has officially begun, I am unsure how this year could top the last. However, I am hopeful that it will be full of many lasting memories.  I am currently loving my job and married life. I have been avidly "working out" and eating better since November. I did a great job this summer but once coaching took over my afternoons my great habits slipped away. I can confidently say I feel better and very determined. My sister, some friend and I are running our first half marathon at the end of April and I am so excited! I've already began running more than I ever have before and I can't wait to see even more improvements. I had a beautiful Christmas with all of my family and got so much more than I ever deserved. I am thankful for the blessings God abundantly offers me and I really hope to do a better job at acknowledging them and Him. Which brings me to my New Year's Resolutions. Here are some things I hope to improve on and accomplish over the next year. 

1. Be the healthiest I can be- I feel I am pretty good at this, however, I want to see the best me I can be.
2. Do more- I want to break away from my routines and visit new places and try new things. 
3. Save money for our big trip. Andrew and I have been so anxious to go to New Zealand. I fell in love wit the country and I know Andrew would too. It's our goal to go back in the next few years.
4. Finish the outside of our house this Spring- Painting, landscaping, etc.
5. Hang out more with my friends. I want to continue having cookouts, parties, dinner dates, etc.
6. Be more thoughtful at any time, anywhere.
7. Organize my basement. When we moved in- all of my "junk" went to the basement. I should work on that 
8. Take pictures. I am learning that I have a love of capturing everything! I would love to put my decent camera to use and capture even more
9. Run more and try new work out regimens. I love changing up my routine and want to try the new P90x. run another half, insanity, etc.
10. Pin and Conquer- I want to work more on the things I pin and make them a reality! Food, clothing, make up, work outs, house ideas, etc. 

Wish me luck on my journey and I'll do the same for you! Look for more posts to come on any topics that speak to me at the time. Fashion, entertainment, sports <3, marriage advice, teaching tips and life in general  












My life in photos: 

The beautiful women before we dressed for the wedding!

We said, " I do"

Cancun, Mexico

After winning the final four game in over time!

It literally was like watching a movie...

My beautiful girl Ruthie :)

A new year, A new classroom

My beautiful grandmother. She's an angel.

A summer celebration in our dining room

Sisters- Katie and Glo

First time at Duke- Met 3 of the best guys on the Men's team!

My college roommate did my pictures. She's a genius.

Some of the changes we made to the house. What a huge difference it has made.

A wonderful memory I will always have with me.

Happily Ever After