When in Florida, NEVER say "it doesn't look like rain"

Spring Break 2016..take 3

Yep, Day 3 our last leg to Orlando and it rains...but I will get to that.

This is another blog full of videos and I'm not going to say much because it's already 11:30 and I lost 2 hours of time today and I need to get up at 6:00 tomorrow to get ready for our first day at Magic Kingdom!! YAY

We didn't really get to see our view from our hotel last night in Fort Walton because it was dark. So, this morning we quickly took some pictures and a video :)

And then we hit the road Jack

Day 3 Road Selfie!

Not even an hour on the road and we see this....there is a reason :(

Remember how I said Never say it's going to rain in Florida, well it did ALL day and it caused over 6 accidents. We should have arrived at our Condo by 5:30 and we actually didn't get here until 7:30!!

Finally by the Grace of God and our Sanity we get to our Condo ...well maybe the not kids sanity...they are starting to get Car Crazy or Sleepy sillies.

I love Homeaway.com we used it when we went to Destin in 2011 and we had good luck. So, when we started to book our trip at the beginning of February I started to look for Condo's. We found several and I suggest if you ever book with Home Away, you email several people. Because some don't answer your emails, or if they do they give vague responses and don't answer any of your questions. Sometimes the condo they are offering isn't available anymore and they suggest other locations (that are still good, but not the one you want).
Anyways, I started to work with a couple Joe and Joann and they had a condo at Hawthorn Buena Vista and we could get a 6 night One bedroom King suite with living room (pullout couch) and a kitchen with Free shuttle service to disney, Full breakfast every morning with a beautiful pool view. super cheap compared to hotels in the park and many other condos to be honest,  So we booked it the next day. I had some stress today because you always hope your family will like the condo and it's as great as they say and we weren't disappointed.

I'll post more Pictures and video's of the condo tomorrow. I've completely ran out of steam and it's 12:45am right now. SOOOOO tired and excited at the same time so till tomorrow.

Thank you for reading and goodnight!

SPRING BREAK ROAD TRIP: TAKE 2

Day 2 was filled with lots of adventure that's for sure!

I took lots of videos and pictures and I will let them do most of the story telling of our day...so enjoy. FYI...I'm not a professional videographer, photographer or blogger :) I just like to share our stories and adventures in hopes that you enjoy them and maybe we can inspire you or give you ideas on things to do with your family. So, THANK YOU..(insert hand clap and hug) from me and Jason for reading our blog. 

WE  kinda got a late start this morning, but after working all day and the kids going to school and then traveling 5 hours we were all very tired and I wanted to let Jason sleep since he does all of the driving.. Such a champ..really!!! He is awesome! 

Day 2 road Selfie

We made it to Duck Commander after passing it 3 exits up, of course I wasn't doing a very good job with Navigation. Sometimes the BMW gets confused because it needs an update and I wasn't paying attention, but needless to say we made it! It was soooooooo cool, when you watch something for years and then go see it. A...it always looks smaller than it does on TV, trust me have you ever visited the house from the old show Dallas?!? lol and B...of course Willie, Jase and Jep weren't there lol didn't really expect them to be but would have been super cool for the kids......

Phil actually carved this, it was really cool

where the guys work

Jason reading the history of Duck Commander 

Love my ducks 

We really thought the rain was over yesterday and we got lucky but today was filled with rain pretty much the entire way! In this video you can also see how flooded Monroe is. Prayers are definitely needed for the victims. We even saw houses on the left of the highway in water and the right would be fine. It was awful!

We finally made it to Mississippi, which was pretty uneventful except for more rain :(

What was cool though is when we went over the Mississippi river and the bridge

Next stop, Mobile briefly passing through. I will have to tell you that I love Mobile Alabama, its so old and has the most amazing buildings and the homes are all old and I'm sure filled with Characters and history. 

This street of old trees is in Park Place in Mobile 

 I thought this building was beautiful on Lower Dauphin Street

Mobile Public Library in the Church Street East Historic District

Leaving Mobile going into Florida you go through this tunnel

we found the Ocean and USS Alabama, we are hoping to stop here and take a tour on our way back next Sunday. 

 After over 6 hours we made it to Fort Walton hungry, tired and ready to go swimming..well the kids were...

goodnight from Fort Walton Beach

Spring Break Road Trip : Take 1

Spring Break 2016 is finally here!! Most of you know, if you stalk my FB page (JK) that we are going to Disney World for our spring break this year!!! I'm so excited, as I've never been before and I'm like a kid and can't sleep just dreaming about the tea cups! 

We've wanted to go to Disney for the past couple of years and timing and just life has gotten in the way. However, with Jason's new job and the wonderful time off he gets as well as our kids age it's now or never!! We really feel 11 and 9 years old will be perfect! 

Our kids still believe in everything and the Magic of Disney is very REAL!!! 

We love road trips as a family and living in Texas, really the drive isn't too bad...well unless it's been raining for 5 days and the main highway in Louisiana is shut down...WHAT!! yep.

But, hey...we want an adventure right!!??!

The kids had school and Jason had to visit 3 dealers today and after putting 3 heads together to get the luggage in my BMW we were off!

Trust me, Jason is very happy to go on this trip. However, it took over 7 minutes just to get this selfie, and tears were shed including mine just to get my traditional "on the road" Family Selfie!

Our first stop was Rowlett to drop our baby Jackson off at Nana and Dede's. OHHHH this was so hard, he is my buddy when everyone else is at work and school. 

First though, we ran into an accident on the way. It was so awful! 

We were on George Bush Highway and about 5 cars started to break really quick and I saw a truck or a car slide from the right of the highway to the left super quick!! 

People slowly started to move ahead and we saw tons of debris and junk on the highway and several cars pulled over and people running everywhere. The truck I saw slide was a large pick up truck with a bed of junk!! Truly Junk spilling out of the back. Then we saw an small SUV upside down, Jason knew he immediately had to get out. 

As parents we did struggle (quickly) with the dilemma on the fact of do we stop and subject our children to this site, not knowing exactly what we would see. Are there children involved, is the person alive?  However, we felt teaching our children that we need to help in distress to those in need are most important. Out of respect for the young lady in this car, I didn't want to zoom in but through the side window we could see her laying there. Trapped. My heart was breaking as the men and women including Jason were trying to talk to her, keep her calm because they all knew she would need to be cut out. Once the ambulance came, we thought it was best to leave. 

FINALLY arriving at Nana and Dede's after Jackson jumped out of the car and ran to the wrong house after getting in mud...he was finally happy in the arms of dede, which is where he will stay until we get back  :)

Ok, so finally by 5:00 Just in time for rush hour traffic we are on our way. Gotta love Google maps though, it took us the back way through Heath and Forny we were on the highway heading to our first stop Longview.

Cracker Barrel for Dinner in Longview

Connor winning of course   

So, Tomorrow is day 2...until then.....

Thank you for reading...

Goodnight, 

the Duncan's 

Who Doesn't love Chicken Spaghetti

My kids of course..........

When I was a kid my friends mom made this all the time and I remember loving it. I mean it's basically Chicken, Spaghetti and Rotel Cheese dip!

I'm trying to make new things and dinners that we can eat left overs even...especially on the weekends when I don't have time to put something together after our busy Saturday's with Parkour and Soccer Games.

I've basically come to the conclusion my kids just don't like Casseroles because this wasn't the first time and if it's not Pizza or Mac and Cheese then forget it!

Anyways, for those of you that did grow up on this and loved it or may be looking for something easy but good (the adults loved it) then this is for you..

Enjoy!

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
*1 package of spaghetti
*1 lb of Fresh Chicken tenders to grill
*2 Tbsp of Butter
*16 oz of Velveeta Cheese ( I bought the large box because when you heat it up the next day you may want to melt some more with milk and add it to the casserole...this is not necessary but suggested)
*1 10oz can of Rotel ( I bought mild)
*1 10oz can of Cream of Chicken
*1 cup of Milk
*1/2 Teaspoon of Cumin 
*1 cup of Mild Cheddar Cheese
*Salt and pepper to taste (at your desired amount)

Optional:
2 Tbsp of Sriracha or Hot Sauce (I didn't use because of the kids)
1 Cup of bread crumbs ( i didn't use because the kids don't like crunchy stuff, however I will next time!)

forgot to take a picture of my chicken, but here it is in the pan :)

 TO DO:

*Grill your chicken on medium heat. You can season it if you want, however it's best if you don't. 
*In a Large pot, melt 2TBSP of butter first. Once melted add Cheese, Soup, Rotel, and 1 cup of Milk and 1/2 tsp of Cumin
*Make sure you keep stirring because the cheese will start to stick to the bottom of the pot and burn. It's all about timing. 

at the same time you need to be boiling your spaghetti too

Once your Chicken is grilled, cut it up and add it to the Cheese Mix along with your noodles

 Once everything is mixed in, pour into a dish. FIRST spray the pan with oil :)

Don't forget the cheese!!!!

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes and Dinner is served :)

The messy dinners always taste the best :)

Thank you for reading

Goodnight

Kristi

My Sister

I'm going to take this blog entry and speak to you about my sister in law Amy Duncan. Yes, in my title I said My sister because she is truly more then my sister by marriage.

When I first met Amy, 14 years ago at a lunch for my now niece Carrie...there seemed to be an instant connection. For me anyways :) There was a connection with all of Jason's family, they instantly accepted me. However, Amy was only 6 years older then me and she had 2 young children and she instantly filled that "Older Sister" need I always longed for.

She was my maid of honor at our wedding if that tells you anything. My kids have always gravitated to Amy and Jeff, Kaykay and Blake. Like I said she is the closest to my age and Connor and Camryn always looked up to them. Camryn has even said Amy and I look like real sisters :)  I've included some of my favorite pictures......

2012 when we came home for Christmas from Milwaukee. Our first year away.

My absolutely favorite! Camryn and Aunt Amy at Kayla's Senior Graduation Tea

No one ever wants to get "That Call", but we did in May 2014. I remember the day, because Jason and I were having the discussion that we need to move back home to Texas from Milwaukee. While we loved it, and I had an amazing job....Connor was struggling and just not happy and we new our family missed us back home. Jason's family didn't know it at the time, but I just returned back from Asia and Jason was already talking to his old boss about coming back.

That Afternoon, Jason's brother Jeff called. I could tell something was terribly wrong. Jeff proceeded to tell Jason that Amy had been having back problems for awhile went to several doctors and then they ran the MRI which confirmed her diagnosis which was a rare and aggressive Stage 4 form of Renal Cell Carcinoma which had spread to her bones, one of her kidneys with no cure. Immediate action was needed to have her kidney removed which has then been followed up with radiation and chemo which has been very hard for her body to say the least.  We packed up and moved with a huge white truck and was home a month later just in time for her surgery. In fact we arrived the day of with a room full of over 30 friends and family to support her at Big Baylor in Dallas.

This diagnosis came at a time when their oldest daughter Kayla was about to embark on a dream of hers, a once in a life time experience to intern at her favorite place on earth...DISNEY!!! Blake was ending his junior year and about to start the busiest year of his life....SENIOR in high school. With College visits, Football Games and so much more. To put things in perspective, Kayla went to Disney.... and Blake who should be focusing on his Senior year was dedicated to his mothers side while Jeff worked full time and many days and weeks traveled.

I have always admired Jeff and Amy, you can see their commitment to raising their children in the eyes of the Lord and Kayla and Blake are the most Christ like kids, with true dedication to walking the life of Christ and not get bogged down by Society and what I'm sure many of their friends were experiencing while in College and their Senior Year.

Blake is off to college :(

In the last year, because of prayers and faith Amy has been allowed to travel to take Kayla to Disney, bring her home and take Blake to College. All of this already emotional to add the fact of being ill is more than I can bare to imagine. I've always felt since the day I met her that Amy was a very strong woman, she was very confident and giving heart. We've had weddings and births in this last year and through the Lords will Amy has been able to be there to see them all.
Here are some of my favorite pictures from the last year ;)

Family with Amy's Army shirts on that my Brother in Law Bobby Designed and ordered.

being goofy at Carrie and Craig's Wedding Reception. From left to right...Greg, Jason, Carol, Amy, Jeff, Julie, Me, Ann and Dale

The Aunts, Julie, Me and Amy presenting Carrie with her gift. When a Grand Daughter gets married the Aunts do a lunch or special gift just from us. :)

Happy Fourth of July!!

Carrie's Baby Shower. I LOVE this picture!!

Easter 2015..Left to Right...Carol, me, Jason and Amy

I'm so proud to be a Duncan Wife and Sister In Law...left to right...Greg, Carol (GO COWBOYS), Jason, Me, Amy and Jeff

Through the grace of God, Amy's Army and Prayers and her faith most of all we are here asking for your help.

Last month, Amy's employer Arms of Hope (a non profit organization dedicated to helping children in need, Teenagers lost, and single mothers that need help) had to officially take her off of medical leave. This in turn terminated much needed financial support and has put more of a burden on my Brother and Sister in Law. Do I need to remind you that they have 2 children in Private Christian Colleges? And Now insurance is giving them issues and won't approve much needed Chemo treatment! Just one treatment is well over $18,000!!! She will get some relief in 6mo when disability kicks in but that's such a long time and we can't put treatments on hold.

I could get on my Political Soap Box about insurance and our president but I'll leave that to the Oscars!!

I know not everyone has the funds to give, I get it times are hard. We are on one income ourselves, but if you can't give even a little please do and pass this along so more people can hear Amy's story and help lift her up in prayers.

Please click on this link to read more, donate and share....




Thank you for your time in reading my Blog, and your support.
In his name,
Thank you for reading,
Kristi

Results

First....I apologize to those of you that follow or enjoy my posts as it's been a while, Almost 21 days to be exact!!

On top of being on my 24 day challenge, a thing called Life got in the way of me blogging.

Speaking of my 24 day challenge, that is the reason for this blog...THE RESULTS!!! YAY

I'm not going to lie, I probably could have done better, as far as eating. But, I will definitely say I'm enjoying finding new healthy options for me and my family! I've been told I would be lucky if I even lost weight because I already don't weigh a lot. However, I will definitely call this challenge a success because not only did it help me kick some bad habits, it also got me back in the gym. 

I did take before pictures and after pictures, however I'm not ready to reveal them. What I will reveal are my measurements....which I'm so very very happy about!!!!!!  

In 24 days, I lost the following inches!!!

DAY 1                                  DAY 24

CHEST 33"                                               CHEST 33" I'M ACTUALLY VERY GLAD ABOUT THIS
WAIST 31"                                               WAIST 30'  WHOHOO
HIPS 38.5" (YEP THATS RIGHT)          HIPS 37"  YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THIGH 23.5" (HEFER)                           THIGH 21" YEAH BUDDY!
WEIGHT 128                                           WEIGHT 125...I'M ACTUALLY HAPPY ABOUT THIS

during the challenge I worked out 4-5 times a week, doing over 45 minutes of cardio each day and working on legs or my arms which would attribute to the not losing as much weight as I would think.

While on the challenge it forced my to stop drinking coke, red bulls and coffee. This is huge, plus it helped me to make better choices for me and my family as I cooked better. 

I'm going to do another assessment in 24 days, hopefully maybe I will like the pictures better and post them. 

I also plan to host a 24 day challenge as a coach and if you are interested please contact me to get started!

Thanks for reading....

Kristi 

Yummy Crock Pot Chicken

Yes, I know it's Monday and I said I would post the chicken I made on Friday...however this thing called life got in the way. I ended up posting about the tornado destruction instead...which was very important.

Ok, I'll be quick! We are almost done with our cleanse! It's going great! I think Jason has lost almost 6 lbs and I've lost 3 which is great for me, because I'm smaller and I've been working out. I'm hoping I'm building muscle and that is accounting for the lack of all of the weight I'm not losing. I can really see a difference in my body though, I feel and look slimmer and clothes are fitting better too :)

So, on to this Yummy Crock Pot Chicken.
We have made this chicken before which we found the recipe on "All Recipes", however it needed to be tweaked due to our cleanse!

Ingredients.....
2lbs of Organic Chicken...I really feel it's important to use organic and super lean chicken
1tablespoon of cumin
Amy's Mild Salsa (this is the only Salsa you can use because it's organic and sugar free...super important!

1 bag of frozen corn
Salt and Pepper
1 cup of Organic Chicken Stock (I used this so that the chicken wouldn't get too dry!) 

Directions...
Place everything in the crock pot and cook on high for 4-6 hours, on low for 6-8 hours. 
Enjoy the chicken over quinoa or do what we did and place it on top of lettuce with some guacamole. Which is also 24day Challenge approved :)

I'm not a pro at taking pictures of food yet but it was sure YUMMY!!!

Good night,
Kristi