Thursday, April 19, 2012

Guess What?



That is right, this little Munchkin is going to be a BIG BROTHER by Halloween!! 

We could not be more excited!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Junior League of Wichita

As some of you may know, I am a member of the Junior League of Wichita. This year I sat on the Smiles and Tiles Committee. Last year, as a League, we voted to become issue based on CHILD ABUSE. As this League year comes to an end, I would like to share my experience with the rest of you.

This was my first active year, which means this year was the first time I was able to sit on a Committee. Last year was my New Member Year, where I was taught about the League and really got to get my hands dirty within the community.

In the League, you get a say in which Committee you would like to be on. It does not mean that is the Committee you will end up sitting on, but you definitely get a say in it. Last year, at this exact time of year, I sat at my computer for hours reading all about all of the different Committees, their requirements, who was the Chair, etc. When it came down to it, I had to ask myself if I wanted to work "internally" (more so behind the scenes; for example, in the finances) or "externally" (working out in the community) with the League.

At the beginning of this League year, I did not know what to expect. I was so excited to be working on this Committee, but I was also so nervous because I did not know exactly what we were going to be doing with the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County (CACSC).

At our first Committee meeting, we were given a great deal of information about the CACSC. It was almost overwhelming. But I took that packet home and little by little, I read it all. The budget (from the League) was kind of confusing. Every little penny was broken down on where we were going to spend it. I was put in the "Conference Room and Waiting Room Updating" with two other ladies. Thankfully one of the ladies in our small group was a decorator and she got to use her special talent in this project. We put together Community Credit (just about everyone in the League has to complete a certain amount of community service hours, i.e. Community Credits) opportunities for the League to come help paint the CAC. We painted all of our rooms, bought them new furniture, art, toys, books, etc.

We had a great time painting, shopping, eating, talking, etc. All in all, this was a good year. Even though I did not work with any of the kids face to face, I feel like I did a lot for the CAC. In improving their space where they work with these family, I feel these children will feel more comfortable (if possible) when going through these hard times in their lives.

With all of this said, I would like to share a little from our General Meeting from last night:
Junior League of Wichita's most recent cookbook, Pinches and Dashes, has teamed up with Newport Grill for a night of fun, food, jazz, and charity. Tickets are $65 and half of the proceeds will be going back to Junior League of Wichita to help support our mission. If you are interested in attending, contact Newport Grill 636-9555 to reserve your seat. It is open to the public, so feel free to come and enjoy five wines and four courses. This event is taking place on Monday, April 30th at 6pm. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Thank you and please help do your part in spreading awareness since this is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Wear BLUE on Friday, April the 13th to show your support in fighting Child Abuse.

Monday, April 2, 2012

For the Last 2 Months...


Zoo


Park


Park


Airport


Playing with Dad's monster truck


Zoo


Zoo


Rainy day


The boys parked their cars at the pool


Throwing rocks


Picnic with Nana


Racing


A lot has happened in the {almost} 2 months I've been absent.

Valentine's Day,

Bathroom remodel,

Bahamas trip,

WARM WEATHER,

Etc.

We didn't celebrate Valentine's Day on the actual day, as I do not like the restricted menus at restaurants. We went to Bonefish and then to a movie {on another night}... I drag it out as much as I can.

We started our master bathroom remodel shortly after my "leave of absence" began. This construction faze started February 6th, and to this date I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel... Yeah, 2 months later. I'm ready to have my house back, and not to mention my bathroom back.

Early March we went to the Bahamas on a family vacay. It was so much fun. Munchkin LOVED the {kiddie} slides and the lazy river. Even though it was slightly chilly/rainy most days, we still found time to enjoy those almost everyday.

We had a FULL week of nothing but rain. Munchkin and I were getting cabin fever bad. So finally on the last day of rain, I gave in and bundled the little guy up in his rain boots and hat, and we went outside to splash and play in the puddles. He had the time of his life and wouldn't come back inside for anything.

We finally got the chance to chat with some of the newer neighbors. In the time we have lived in our house, there has been 2 families move in at the end of our cul de sac. Both have younger children. So for the past week we have been spending all of our time outside playing and my little Munchkin would just wait and wait till one of the two families would open their garage so the kids can come out and play. Then he would scream with excitement, jump in his power wheels truck, and drive on down there to say hello and to play. He cracks me up. Then the neighbor kids would all trade their power wheels and then race around the cul de sac for hours, not exaggerating. There are 2- 5 year olds {boys}, another 2 year old {boy}, and only 1 girl who is 6 months old. So needless to say, this weekend was full of cars and bugs...