Garden Prep - Getting ready for Spring!

Texas weather is very unique! One day its 28 degrees, the very next day its 78! It can make you crazy, if you let it....but one thing I love is that during the winter - we will get some beautiful weather days. I make good use of that nice weather and sneak into the garden and prepare for an early spring!

Organic items for the garden

Onions fresh from the garden

Jeremiah 29:5
Build houses and live in them; and plant gardens and eat their produce

• Diatomaceous Earth
• Liquid Seaweed
• Lady Bug - John's Recipe
• Agricultural Vinegar
• Orange Oil
• Thrive
• Shake Away
• Tomato/Pepper Set

Prep the beds

Romeo helping Prep

Square Foot Garden Blend

 

Living Natural First
Magazine

I have been working in an organic garden center for a year and have learned a lot about gardening, with a focus on organic gardening. There is a lot to learn, but you don't need to stress about it. One step at a time...

We know pesticides are not good for us, not good for our water system, or the environment. The sad thing is that we live in a world of instantaneous gratification...and we can be very impatient. This can have a really bad effect on our over all health - and the health of children, pets, and wildlife. 

With a few small changes, we can really have a great yard and garden. Yes, organic gardening can take a lot longer than 'weed & feed' (YUCK!) but in the long run it costs less and safer for everything living with and around us. 

In the early Spring (mid Feb) and Fall (mid Sept) we can spread Corn Gluten Meal - for overall weed control. Basically, it blocks the weeds roots and without roots the weed will die. I will typically also use Horticultural Molasses at the same time. The molasses provides a natural food source for indigenous microbial population - it will increase the microbial activity. Good dirt = good lawn!

The amount of weeds in my lawn was reduced by about 70-80% the first time I used the Corn Gluten Meal! Thats pretty dramatic. After most of weeds have been eliminated, I can then use a natural spot treatment for the rest of the weeds (I also like to use my weed popper!)

Natural Weed Killer

Natural Weed Killer - spot treatment

Agricultural Vinegar (20%)* 

Orange oil

A few drops of Dawn dishwashing soap

Spray bottle

Fill bottle with vinegar, add a few tablespoons of orange oil, and a few drops of dish detergent. Spray the weed - be careful not to spray too much on other living items - grass, as it will kill it too. Use on a sunny day for best results. 

* Home vinegar is typically only 5% and won't be strong enough

Diatomaceous Earth - {AKA D.E.} Food/Insect GRADE - There are two main types of D.E. one you clean your swimming pool with - and the other is a natural pesticide for small insects that have an Exoskeleton: grasshoppers, cockroaches, and ants, to name a few. A small layer sprinkled in your garden will keep these guys out of your nice dirt! I also use it monthly to place around the perimeter of my home, and in my pantry to keep pests out. 

Be aware DE also kills beneficial insects like bees; so like any other pest control - use sparingly. 

Another great use for DE is for flea control. You can sprinkle on your pets bedding, a teaspoon in their food (yes it is SAFE), and on the pet. If you see any  fleas you can sprinkle around the house and vacuum it up. 

Today, I removed my straw (I use it for a weed block in the garden, and it keeps the good dirt in my garden), pulled any weeds that did grow (very few!), adding a dusting of DE, topped the soil off with a bag of Lady Bugs - Square-foot garden blend, and re-covered with straw. I like the square-foot blend because it has everything you in a garden soil all mixed together. When I first built my garden I adding bags separately - but this season I just added the blend. The Square-foot garden blend contains five composts, coir fiber and coarse vermiculite.

To till or NOT TO TILL? I have learned not to till my garden. Its a lot of work, but the worst part is that we flip the good dark healthy dirt up to the top and then allow nature to dry it out and remove key nutrients. I loved watching this free documentary movie - "Back to Eden - Gardening" and learned a lot www.backtoedenfilm.com

I will continue to blog about organic gardening...but get out there to do some preparation - trust me you will be pleased when spring arrives and most of your hard work is done!

Raised a Catholic

I am blessed to have faith in God. 

I honestly can not say how, why, or when I fully began believing in Him - but I am thankful that it happened. I was raised Catholic. We went to confession each Saturday afternoon, Catholic church on Sunday mornings (on an empty stomach as we needed to receive the Eucharist/communion without food - that I guess has changed), and weekly CCD*.

As a teenager, I also taught CCD. My little brother, Jason, was an altar boy. My mom went to church each morning, but we only went on Sundays. To be honest, I went to these things because I had to, not because I believed. My mother is a Benedictine Sister (Nun) in Chicago. She had always wanted to be a nun, she attended an all girls Catholic school - where she lives today. She just had a 30 year life, raising seven children, before she actually went!

St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church
Wilmette, Illinois

I moved out of my parents home at 18, and yet sometimes my friends (Lyrae & Valenti) and I still went to church. More out of habit than belief. I went years without 'stand up, sit down, kneel - Peace be with you' - you can attend the Catholic Church on autopilot, as it is very redundant - with only the homily different most weeks. We liked Saturday afternoons "guitar mass"....and giggled if we had to go to 'high mass' - where they sing in high voices!

Anyone raised Catholic will relate to all I've said above, and others just may not understand...but it is my religious foundation. As an adult, I disagreed with many of the Catholic beliefs. I didn't understand why the Pope wouldn't allow birth control - when some families struggled to feed the children they had. I didn't like going to confession and telling the priest my sins - when I knew THEY HAD committed terrible sins against small boys. 

With that said, even though I don't believe all the teachings of the church, it is still comfortable for me. But when I longed to know God deeper, I didn't feel that that was the place for me. I tried other types of churches, but I still didn't fit in. 

I read the bible a few times, I've taken numerous classes on the subject - I did really enjoy the new and old testament classes I took at DBU (Dallas Baptist University)...

I realized then that I could have a daily relationship with God without a church. I really didn't care for organized religion - I found that I was more spiritual than religious. Although, I'd like to point out - I have nothing against those who feel drawn to church, or organized religion - it just isn't where I am these days. 

When I lost my daughter, Katrina, in a sudden car accident - I was so angry with God. But I kept talking to Him! So much pain there...but HE kept reminding me that he was with me...most likely carrying me - as one of my favorite poems suggests, "Footprints in the Sand".

I do admit I thoroughly enjoy conversations about religion. I love hearing what people think and WHY they believe what they believe. I read a great book that described the 8 largest religions in the world - how they were different - and ended with discussing how they were all very similar. Need to remember what the name was...I'd like to read it again. 

St. Joseph
Saint Joseph Catholic Church
Wilmette, IL

When you lose someone you really can't afford to lose - you tend to lose your mind - or find your God. I never lost Him, I just was - and I guess still am a little angry with Him. I've learned a lot in the past 2 1/2 years without her. My spiritual beliefs haven't changed - they have just grown. 

Galatians 4:14
and though my condition was a trial to you, you, did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.

I know I will be greeted my by daughter, Katrina Ashley, when its my time - but in the meantime I keep learning, reading, and growing while I am here. 

God Bless you and your family...remember when you feel alone - He is there - you just have to talk to Him. 

Kathy

CCD* - Catholics version of Sunday school. I just looked up the meaning of CCD - Confraternity of Christian Doctrine - Roman Catholic religious education for children.

Lets Crochet!

My Godmother, Alfreda, taught me how to crochet when I was in 5th grade. In the years that I have crocheted I have made hundreds of blankets - but never really got past that level, because I never knew how to read a pattern, nor did I know the name of the stitches.  

However, in the past few years, with the help of friends and the Internet that has all changed. I am still unsure about most patterns but that has not stopped me!

The ruffle scarfs are very easy and take about 30 minutes to make. I tend to dress fairly plainly these days - but with jeans, a white tee - and one of these it works!

Ruffle Scarfs

Exodus 35:35
He has filled them with skill to do every sort of work done by an engraver or by a designer or by an embroiderer in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, or by a weaver - by any sort of workman or skilled designer. 

Kitchen Wash Cloths

Hot Pads/Trivet

Which Button?


So much to create, so little time!

• Wash cloths
• Purses
• Face Scrubbie
• Soap Savers

Beanie Hats

Little Purse

Soap saver bags are cute gifts and useful in that you do save on soap and don't need to use a washcloth. I wash them before I refill them with a new bar of soap.  

Making the soap savers taught me that I could create items with shapes, and corners. This lead me to make the hot pad/trivets. They are nice because they are two ply and sturdy.

As in life, one thing leads to another! I then wanted to make a little summer purse. I am very blessed, as most summers my best friend and I take a lovely beach holiday...and I don't want to drag around my normal purse. All I need is my money, Chapstick, and room key.  My dad and Emmy travel to my home for a short visit with me...and then they stay and watch my little zoo {Zeus, Isis, Salsa, Romeo, and Sweet Pea!} I am thankful that they are spoiled while I am away and trust me THEY LOVE GRANDMA, and grandpa - but she treats my pets better than I do!

I like making things that I will use and I love these little wash cloths. I first found them at Homestead Heritage {homesteadheritage.com} for about $12 for two. They are made of 100% cotton. I use them in the kitchen and bathroom.

Soap Saver, Face Scrubbies, Wash Cloths

• Beanie Hats
• Hot pads
• Ruffle Scarfs
• Coasters

What do you do with all the little bits and pieces of yarn you have left over? I am adverse to tossing out anything that I think I can use...and these little face 'scrubbies' take about 15-20 minutes and make use of the left overs. You can make the face 'scrubbies' - although they are soft, or you can make coasters that protect your table. 

The ideas are endless...I found most ideas/patterns on Pinterest but tend to use YouTube for the instructions - as I still struggle with reading patterns. Happy Crocheting!

Kale Chips Anyone?

Kale chips are yummy, good for you, and easy to make!

Kale is a dark green, bitter, but a nutritional powerhouse vegetable. Just 1 1/3 cups contain 250% of daily value of vitamin A. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, and an essential antioxidant that helps maintain gums, repair body tissue and heals wounds.

These chips are crispy, buttery, and easy to make. 

Genesis 1:29

And God said, "Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of the all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. 

Kale Chips

Preheat oven to 225-250 degrees.

Wash well, dry, fold in half and remove stem. Tear the leaves into 2-3 inch pieces. Spray a cookie sheet with olive oil - I use a MISTO pump {Bed Bath & Beyond $10} that I fill with olive oil - but you can use any cooking spray. Place torn kale onto the sheet, lightly spray with oil and add a sprinkle (very little) salt* and/or pepper. 

Place into warm oven and bake for 12 minutes. Flip over and spray again with a little oil. Bake another 12-14 minutes until crispy. Enjoy!

RealSalt.com* Real Salt is an all natural sea salt with nothing added and nothing removed. It contains 60 trace minerals and tastes very good! [Photo above has image of the salt shaker]

The Monarch Butterflies are in DANGER - they need OUR help

The monarch butterfly has been decreasing in numbers for the past several years primarily due to humans (pesticides, less landscape to find their food source, etc)

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come

We can help them by providing food and water. Monarch larvae feed primarily on milkweed so we need to plant some in our gardens and encourage others to do so as well. 

A great informative website is monarchwatch.org. These delicate creatures have an amazing life cycle were every fourth generation lives a longer life so they can travel from Canada down to Mexico! It's a little more complicated than that...but the point I am trying to make is simple; we created the decline in numbers and now we should be compelled to help in bringing them back!
 Pupa stage
                        Please plant some milkweed for them. Offer water in a bird bath, or upside down wine bottle - fill with water. The wine bottles can be a pretty border to your garden too!

Tagging to track them

 I believe God shows us the Monarch Butterfly as a testament to life after "death". The caterpillar is pretty yet looks totally different than the butterfly, had you not seen the caterpillar create this little pupa - and then watched it emerge - you would not know it was the same creature. 

After the caterpillar has eaten his fill, his 'body' changes to a pupa - and it appears as if the caterpillar is almost dead. It does not move for days and days...then one magical day - he comes out a butterfly. The butterfly looks, feels, and travels 100% different than he did just two weeks ago. 

This reminds me of our transformation. Others may believe we are perhaps dead - but we, like the butterfly, have just transformed into a totally different look and feel. 

If God will do this for a butterfly - why wouldn't he do it for YOU?

Life is Magical - Collecting Stories

I love how magical life can be, if we just take the time to notice. 

Once I was willing to tell others about seeing an angel, which was quite difficult; most began telling me amazing stories that they had experienced. I will not tell who said what...as I don't have their approval to post but I will say I have a collection of the most magical stories....

Psalms 91:11
For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways

One friend was driving with her two children, taking her son to soccer practice. Her daughter, two years old, was in the back seat. As they passed a cemetery her daughter says, "My mommy and daddy are buried there."  Her mom, a little shocked at what her daughter just said, replies, "What? I am your mommy." Without any delay, her daughter says, "I KNOW, my OTHER mommy and daddy!" (Directly suggesting reincarnation is real and she remembered her parents from her previous life). 

I asked her what she did...I personally would have pulled into that cemetery and had her show me where they were, my curiosity would have gotten the better of me.... her response was, "Hell no, I've never driven on that road again!" [If your child said this to you....What would you have done?]

Another dear friend, who was very close to her grandmother - so close they talked almost daily - saw her grandmother after she passed away! She was quite sad, crying and sleeping on the sofa at her grandma's home the day the day after her grandmother had died. She was having a terrible time accepting she would not be seeing or talking to her grandmother any longer. Her grandmother, dressed in an all white, beautiful, flowing dress, walked towards her and then stood in front of her with a serene look on her face. My friend said to her grandmother, "I see you and I know you will be waiting for me when it is my time, but please don't come to me again."  She explained to me that she KNOWS that she will be greeted by her family, and did not need them to be with her now. [I love her KNOWING without a doubt they WILL BE there, she knows where she is going after she dies.]

Another friend had a reoccurring dream that she would be killed driving on this snow covered, dangerous road that was a main road from her family home. So she did everything she could to avoid that road. One day, after her father had passed away, due to weather she was forced to travel the road. She was terrified, her heart was racing, palms sweating - she should just return to her mothers home, but had to work the next day - so wanted to be at her home that night. She decided that perhaps driving in the center would be safer, than on the cliff side of the road. She travelled down the road a while, and then a beautiful blue light appeared in front of her vehicle. She was drawn to follow the light, which 'pulled' towards the right hand side of the highway. Immediately a big rig came barreling down the center divider - narrowly missing her! She KNEW this was her father...protecting her. 

And finally, a retired police officer was parked on a hill up from a main road late at night. She saw a car speeding past the street she was on, so put her car into geer and pushed on the gas. As she was about to turn on to the street the racing car had just flown past - she felt two strong hands push/shove her back into her seat! She slammed on her breaks...that freaked her out in some way - but felt her father there. Shortly there after she hears on the radio the first officer at the scene had been fatally shot. She KNEW her father protected her that day.

These are just a few of the stories I have been collecting. I would like to write a book with all the stories I have....what have you encountered that you could not explain? Have you ever spoken to your close friends about things like this? What have they encountered?

Spirtual - Awakening

I have been meditating off and on for years...seeking true inner peace. I find it so easy to get caught up in rushing here and there in the world in which we live. The constant noise/chaos has always made me a little crazy. Every time I thought about my hurried life I'd known THIS IS NOT how I want to live. But, it is not easy to slow down enough to notice that you're living a chaotic life!

In September 2011 - that changed for me, as my daughter, Katrina, was taken from us in a senseless accident. The year following that devastating news - I was lost and thankfully don't remember much. I will not go into to the darkness I found there...but I did have an amazing "thing" happen to me. I was so angry at God...

How could HE do this to her? Me? All of us? What did we do to deserve such a horrible punishment? Some people won't like me admitting this BUT I HATED GOD FOR THIS TRANSGRESSION! Yet....somehow I KNEW I needed Him, so I kept praying to Him. I felt tortured. Hating and Loving the same being? 

I honestly was concerned that I was losing my mind. I had never felt suicidal before, yet I did not want to be HERE on this planet any longer. I had lost my zest for life. I read everything I could about what happens after you die. What is heaven like? What are they doing "up there"? Is reincarnation real? All of these things that I had thought little about were now critically important. I prayed hours every day for some light to return to my soul. I needed answers or I knew I would be lost in the abyss.

So many times I've heard that God only gives you what you can handle. BS - I was WAY over my head. 

I was drawn into listening to a tenured professor in Phoenix who was researching proof that angels exists (James Van Praagh.com). He was filming them, recording them and documenting that angels are real. After the program I prayed to God to show me - prove to me - that He was real. I needed to know that my daughter was not just gone from this world - but she is STILL here - just in a different form. The program stated the most people would be terrified if indeed they saw an angel so they don't typically appear visually. I NEEDED to see for myself. [I am sure at this point, your wondering if I really am crazy - and I am sure only a few of you will believe me. Nonetheless this is my story and it is the absolute truth - not that it matters IF you believe].

At about 2:30 am I awoke KNOWING someone was in my bedroom. My heart was racing and I was afraid to open my eyes. I took a deep breath thinking my dogs should be barking - if someone was indeed in my room. Standing to the right of my bed, about 3 feet from the foot of my bed stood a HUGE creature. He was taller than my window, he had white very large wings that almost hit my 14 foot ceiling. He was wearing a white robe, with a blue sash around his waist. He had his hands together and was holding an odd object. It was round, a metal of some kind - it reminded me of the top of a wisk - not solid, and not easy to describe. I was very drawn to the object but didn't recognize it. I sat up wanting to be fully alert, I looked around my room to get my bearings. I looked to the right, and he was still there. 

Apprehensively, I finally looked at his face. He had a very stern, yet peaceful and pleasant, chiseled face. He was not smiling, nor did he move his mouth as I heard him speak. Being raised Catholic, I was always told I had a guardian angel - but I had in my mind they would be sweet looking. Perhaps more cherub, or gentle. This angel had a strong jawline, like the men in the movie "300". He made me feel very safe. 

I once again looked at the object in his hand, trying to remember what I was seeing. I asked what his name was, and he responded, "Once you know what this object is you will know my name." He said he had brought me a message. He said, "Nothing happens in this lifetime, especially something negative, WITHOUT YOUR PRIOR APPROVAL, INCLUDING YOUR DEATH".

He said the worst is past me now, and he would always be there to protect me. 

I was struggling with his message. Was he saying that Katrina had approved to die? Agreed to move forward? I was really struggling with that concept. He stayed a moment longer...I could feel his love surround me, I felt safe, protected and guarded. 

I got out of bed, went into the living room and reviewed what had just happened. I wanted to call someone, but it was in the middle of the night. Who would believe me anyway? I was shaking - yet peaceful. I cried and wasn't sure how to process his information. My mom wakes up early, so as soon as I felt reasonable, I called her and told her what happened. She instantly said, It wasn't Katrina the person who approved of her passing - it was her soul. That made sense. 

Weeks later my son, Bradley, came into town. I wanted to tell him in person. I didn't want him to think his mother had lost her mind. He had already lost his sister, he didn't need to lose me too. He, like my mother, believed what I told him - thankfully! As we drove to one of our favorite restaurants in Dallas, Campisi's - he listened to my story and was on the internet. Much to my amazement, within minutes shows me an image of an Archangel, named, Metatron. He is a very large angel and holds a cube. I was not familiar with him, but that was definitely who I saw in my room that night. 

This encounter opened my heart and my world - and renewed my faith in God. 

Me & my son, Bradley

Metatron's Cube

Jewish, Archangel, Metatron holding his cube

Does Fido Have Bad Breath?

Do you brush your dogs teeth?

Dogs, like humans, should NOT have bad breath. If your dog does, its a sign something is wrong. Bad dental health can and does shorten your pups life, as it leads to other health issues. 

Its best to start this process when your dog is a puppy - but you can start at any time. The first time you try this maybe a little tricky...but make it a game and they will generally play along. I started with a finger brush - but soon moved on to the doggie tooth brush. I now use dog tooth paste, but I didn't in the beginning. 

Isis Loves Brushing Her Teeth!

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 

Enjoying the tooth paste too!

It is best to brush your dogs teeth daily, but if your too busy for that...at least once a week. The first few times your dogs gums may bleed, but as you keep brushing you will see that stops quite fast. If not, you should speak to your vet about excessive bleeding. 

About twice a month I also give my dogs natural dog chews. They are potato based, so if your dog is like mine and barely chews it - they will digest in the stomach. You should NOT give your dog rawhides as they can cause blockages - and 'greenies' are chemical based, so I would avoid those as well. 

Happy Brushing! 

Saving $ Doing Laundry

Do you love Pinterest? There is so much information there...

I enjoy finding ways to reduce my expenses and I believe every little bit counts. 

This idea is fast, easy and inexpensive. 

Fabric softener/Dryer Sheet Replacement

• Large sealable container, I use a glass jar but you can use plastic.
• One jug of your favorite fabric softener, I used Downey because I had a bunch on hand
• A new sponge - cut into thirds

Pour your fabric softener into the container and add 3 equal parts water. (1/3)

Stir well. Place cut sponges into mixture. Every time you move your clean clothes into the dryer grab 1-2 of the sponge soaked fabric softener - squeeze out any excess - and place in dryer. Dry as usual. 

When the laundry is dry, just place the dry sponges back into your mixture and use again. This removes static and gives a light refreshing smell to your clothes. 

NOTE: You should not use fabric softener on your towels as it reduces their ability to absorb moisture. 

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in The Lord with all your heart

Felted Dryer Balls

Dryer balls reduce the amount of time your laundry needs to be dried. There are several different options, but I prefer using homemade felted dryer balls. 

You will need one skein of 100% fisherman's wool. I used a Michael's 40% off coupon and spent less than $3.00. You will also need a felting tool, also found at Michael's - less than $3.00. You don't need a fancy tool, just get the cheapest you can find. 

You can make 5 balls with one skein. Once you have rolled your yarn into 5 equal balls you will use your felting tool to poke in and out of your ball until it stays together - about 2-3 minutes. 

I have been using mine for several months and they work very well. If you desire you can add a few drops of an essential oil like lavender, tea tree or whichever you prefer. 

Almost Raccoon Season!

It is almost RACCOON season! Two years ago I began rehabilitating baby raccoons, that had for some reason had lost their mother. It could be due to her being killed, or people finding babies in the attic. They call animal control to have them removed. If you find that a mother raccoon left her babies in your attic you can put a radio up there and play it loudly over night.  The mother will come back from hunting and remove her babies. That should be tried PRIOR to calling anyone. Before calling animal control google to see if you have a wildlife rehabilator  in your area. That would most like be less stressful for you and the animals. 

Ezra 10:4

Arise, for it is your task, and we are with you; be strong and do it. 






We feed them, clean them, cuddle with them, encourage them to swim and climb trees and that's just a start when working with baby wildlife. I am working under my friend, Debbie, who has a federal wildlife permit; I am a sub-permittee under her. She has been doing it I believe around 5 seasons. 

In 2011 around mid April I was visiting her and she had several sets of babies. Her phone rang a few times with more baby raccoons needing to be cared for until they could be released. Se asked if I wanted to do it...and later that afternoon I drove home with three 2 week old baby raccoons! So cute, so needing my care for several months and then would be released back into the "wild".

Raccoon Foster Mommy

I am a federal wildlife rehabilitator for raccoons. I have always loved animals and just kind of fell into taking care of baby raccoons...in an attempt to save myself. 

A few years ago, I had just gotten laid off from a job that I had worked for 22 years. I felt tired, frustrated and lost. I needed something to do while I determined what I wanted for the 1/2 half of my life. I was tired of corporate America but what was I going to do? 

Long story short, I found a group in Texas called Metro Wildlife Rehabilitators who was saving the lives of baby animals. They fostered squirrels, bunnies, birds, and raccoons. This was something I could do....well something I wanted to do!

After speaking with several members, I met Debbie - a lover of all animals especially raccoons. The day I went to visit she had three little ones climbing on her and they were adorable!

Fast forward a few months, and September 2011 destroys my life as I know it. Eight months later, more lost than ever before - I once again visited Debbie and her raccoons. Her phone is ringing off the hook with more raccoon babies that needed to be cared for....before I knew it I was driving home with three little babies!

Willie 2.5 weeks old

bottle feeding the babies!

Texas Metro Wildlife Rehabilitators

I am back!

Its been a while since I've blogged and I've missed it, so I am back! I have learned so much in the past year about myself, my faith, organic gardening, saving money doing it at home, prepping, good quality dog food, and much, much, more. 

Where do I begin? 

Although in the past, I have focused this blog towards healthy living, and education, I wanted to also begin to address some more personal things. 

In September 2011, my beautiful 22 year old daughter, Katrina, was killed while driving home from work.  The boy/man that killed her was texting and never saw her car before he crashed into her, killing her instantly. He was never arrested, never got a ticket, never any punishment because Texas doesn't have any texting laws. This life altering loss obviously changed my life, my career goals, and really almost everything in my life. 

I've had to rethink everything I ever really thought about life. I won't focus this blog on my loss, but wanted people to know why I began this journey. This journey of learning who I am, what I really value, and understanding how faith plays a part in all that I do. I see life in a whole new perspective. I would love to learn more with you and take this journey together......

1 Chronicles 16:11
Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!