Pay It Forward

Last week I was approached by the Educational Credit Union who was participating in an event called "Pay It Forward" which is all about finding a way to help someone in need. The idea is that they will give you $20 to give to someone else who needs it. Of course, I was all over this event, especially because I was heading to Joplin in just a matter of days. Ever since May 22nd, 2011, the city of Joplin has stolen my heart. I spent a few days there shortly after the tornado and was finally able to return this weekend to volunteer for the Hope Station and Extreme Home Makeover. Needless to say, my heart is still in Joplin. Moral of the story is that I met a young woman who had evacuated her high school graduation due to the storm. I sat down with her for quite some time but it didn't take long for me to see the struggles she was facing, exactly five months after the tornado. Right before I left, I approached her with the money the Educational Credit Union had given me. I was nervous, wanting this gift to be out of pure humbleness, modesty, and with the right intentions. Thankfully, she received it graciously and I left knowing God had directed me to the right person that day.

Please go to the Educational Credit Union Facebook page (a link is posted on my wall) and "Like" my video. The video with the most "likes" will receive $500 to their charity of choice. If you can't find it, it is probably because they spelled my name "Kasna." I would sincerely appreciate your vote! This $500 could do great things in Joplin, Missouri!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

I have to admit, I'm a little embarrassed to put this picture on here but without it, I would have no blog post for today. So, my not-so-wordless-Wednesday post is all about celebrating six years hanging out with this awesome guy. Here's to our first (decent, normal, not weird) picture together!

The end.

Joplin-Round 2

I'm so excited to announce that I'll be traveling to Joplin to volunteer for Extreme Home Makeover: Home Edition in October. Check it out and join me if you are interested! Seriously though, they need volunteers!

Lake of the Ozarks

The first day on the lake!

My dad, pre-injury, tubing.

Emerson Kate

 Captain Rick

 Kelsi and Emmi

 I'm convinced Dylan is fearless.

 Apparently I was a little frightened tubing, maybe it was because of my partner?

 Chris and Brenda didn't last long tubing, especially with the men driving.

Rachel and Mitch seem to be struggling here.

 One last fling on the tubes before the big bad groin injury

All things summer

Here is an unorganized recap of our family vacation to Breckenridge!

Our crafty minds don't stop on vacation--we painted pottery, twice!

 The "almost" final products!

 Luckiest girl ever.

 We hiked to a  lily pond outside of Breck. Seven of us started the adventure but as you can see, only four of us made it to the top.

 Biking adventures.

Sisterly Love

Hey all! I'm happy to be back to the blogging world. I've been super busy and have missed updating my little sunshine blog. I must begin this post with a shout-out to my amazing sister, Kelsi, for revamping my blog banner. She is so creative! Don't you love what she did? If so, you should contact her about refashioning your blog, too!

Not only is my sister creative, she's beautiful, fun, loving, caring, and the best sister and friend I could ask for!

Good Ju Ju

I recently got my first experience at Good Ju Ju, an antique mall type store that is full of refashioned chairs, tables, mirrors, you get the picture! If you are looking for furniture, this is your place! Needless to say, I came home empty handed but my head was spinning with creative ideas...especially after I raided my parents storage closest and found this...treasure?  Below is my latest summer project. I've been meaning to upload pictures of the three chairs I painted but haven't gotten to that yet. Check out my facebook mobile uploads to see one! Oh, and if you can't live without this item or those wild orange chairs, be sure to let me know!

What once was lost....

Is now found!