Be Our Guest! #2

Hello all you bloggers out there, my name is Whitney, I am Kelsey’s roommate.  I was asked to be a guest writer for this lovely blog. So let me tell you about our lives. Kelsey and I have lived together for a year and 5 months, we have had many ups and downs, tears of joy and tears of sadness, lots of late night talks and some awesome memories.

When I first met Kelsey I thought she hated me, and who would have thought we would be where we are today!  I had just moved to the city and started to go to Life Church, signed up for a Life Group and within days Brad called and asked me to check out there group.  You see I am from a very small town and had just moved to the city to be closer to some family. I had no job or housing lined up, I was just trusting in the good Lord to take care of me. He did just that and more! I have a great place to live, wonderful friends, and a job that I love!

So let me share some memories, one being my all-time favorite….Kelsey and her boyfriend had just broken up, trip planned for that weekend and all. So I receive a call and we loaded our bags and headed down south, Galveston in fact. She was in vacation mode and needed a pick me up, boy what an adventure that was! We had hardly any money, no place to stay in mind and it was a Labor Day weekend so Galveston was packed with people! We luckily found a great place to stay for the weekend about 30 minutes outside Galveston. We were beach bums all weekend; we had our food and alcohol right by our side. : P We walked around the town and looked at the cool little shops and Kelsey went crazy on me and got a henna tattoo.  It was an unforgettable trip and the fact I got to spend it with my best friend made it priceless!

Another memory with Kelsey was our first house together, that was a nightmare itself. Not the roommate situation but our landlord situation. We had a looney for a landlord, seriously though. He was not the most well liked guy in the area and we later realized why. We only lasted 4 months and then decided to pack up our stuff and get the heck out. We somehow amazingly found a better place to live within 2 days, and still currently live there.  No problems what so ever!

Now here we are with 2 new roommates added to the picture. They are only 5 years old and I like to think they like living with us. Cutest little kids, but let me tell ya they came with some attitudes. As most of you know Kelsey is a foster mom, when she told me that she wanted to do it I really didn’t take her serious. I wasn’t thinking she was serious about being a single mom at 23 yrs. old and taking in children to love just yet, but she did. Those two have been great blessings though and have helped us realize a few things in life.

Be thankful for who you are and where you come from; be thankful for people who love you, food on the table, and a roof over your head. There are many people in this world who don’t have much at all, but they try to make the best of it. I am very blessed to have a loving family, great friends, a place to live, a good job and food on the table anytime I want it. So I am going to challenge you all to do one thing for the New Year. It is the 100 happy days challenge, you post something that makes you happy and thankful for 100 days and you might be surprised at how your life changes. Many people don’t even make it to 100 days of happiness, I hope you can!   http://100happydays.com/ just follows that link and fill out the info and start being happy for what you have. J I wish you all a wonderful New Year full of many blessings!

2012

2014

Dear Future Husband

Dear Future Husband,

    Maybe you are reading this right now after I posted this in my blog. Maybe you are looking back on my post and stumbled upon it. No matter how you are reading this I want to thank you for everything that you do and to let you know that I have been praying for you everyday. The last week or so I have had a lot of questions thrown my way about finding a husband due to me being a foster parent. I know no matter what, that you fell in love with my brilliant personality and fun scents of humor. I think my favorite thing someone has said so far is "you were pushing finding a husband with one kid, he doesn't even exist now with two". You know what I think about these kind of people?? They don't have Jesus in their life! By now you have learned that I am a strong person who forgets that from time to time. I laugh all the time just because I love enjoying life. When I get nervous or in an uncomfortable situation I have an awkward laugh that I can't control. I love surprises and even better yet I love giving them! With all that in my opinion my kids are a bonus!  I must of really cared a lot about you from the very beginning if I let you meet them let alone marry me. I hope you don't mind my singing and dancing around the house while getting ready. Now the kids love it and always laugh at me because i'm so silly. I don't know what all trials have come my way until I met you but believe me God has perfect timing. Sitting here i'm wondering what you are doing and I want to know your story. It's crazy to think that I might have already met you. Of course you know that...... haha I hope that you know I have loved you from the start. Also there are billions of people in this world but here I am...... Patiently waiting living Gods will and making everyday count. I know you will get frustrated with me because i'm stubborn. Just remember I will always let you go hunting, fishing, and lots of other things to get stuff off your mind. (I hope you can do that with me there by your side) ;) I am not normal, I don't always do things in order, I have a hard time making up my mind, i'm a huge nerd (I'm sure you are just shaking your head up and down by now) but I have a huge heart that will love you for the rest of our life's. Kids are a gift from God!! I pray that we have more to add to this growing family! Again.... Thank you!  I'm sure I don't say it enough!! 

BIG Heart and LOTS of Love! X2

Today I am excited to announce that God has now blessed me with 2 wonderful children. Mr. J now has Miss A to play with everyday!! I have had so much love and support during this journey so far and I can't say THANK YOU enough! I also want to give a HUGE shout out to the amazing Sierra!! Not only did she train me and helped me get all the "hard" stuff done but she has encouraged and loved me through all of this. I'm so lucky to have you as my family and a friend. We have grown so much together in the last few months and I couldn't have picked someone better to work with! I can't believe this adventure all started with me texting you asking exactly what your job was. I had no clue at that moment, that one text would change my whole life! Sierra was honest with me about everything I would go through and did everything she could to prepare me. In all reality you will never be completely ready to have kids. No matter if they are yours are someone else's!  These kids have opened my eyes to a whole new world. Their smiles they give me or when I get to school to pick them up and they scream "Mom", just because they are so happy to see me! We read books and say prayer ever night no matter if i'm sick, tired, or just not in the mood. Little things like that are huge things to them. I have had a lot of people ask me if i'm ready for 2 kids by myself. In my mind.... Oh yeah I know I can do it. Am i scared? YES!! I'm scared because I am molding a child and raising them for who they will be in the future. BUT just because i'm scared doesn't mean that I am not excited for this next turn in our adventure. Think about something you are wanting to do but you are too scared to do...... Could this thing change peoples life? Would it change yours? Could you some how lead someone to Christ by doing this? You would be surprised what you could do to help someone. Just think about.... Be bold and start volunteering at an animal shelter, start writing that blog you are too scared to do, walk into a new church and meet new people, or just smile at someone when you are passing them. I hope everyone has a blessed weekend and you can be brave and start doing something that you think you are too scared to do!

Cousin love!!! 

We all have that one friend.....

We all have that one friend who tells you how things really are..... They tell you when you are being crazy, when the outfit you picked just isn't working, but best of all they are always there for you and support you no matter what. I'm so lucky that this friend of mine has a birthday so close to mine. I have been so blessed to share a birthday party with this girl for 3 years now. Whitney isn't only my roommate but also my best friend and Sister. We have been through a lot together and no matter what she has been by my side.  We both have messed up or said something we didn't mean but at the end of the day we both have been there for each other. We have had a lot of adventures and today I just want to share a few that we have had!

First we became friends! God placed us in the same life group and promoted us to Best Friends!

We have been there for each other during break ups. We all know those are never fun. I think everyone needs a friend that will pack a bag with you and just drive until we forget everything!

As I mentioned earlier BIRTHDAY PARTIES!! I can't wait to celebrate another birthday with you tonight. 23 will be great!!

Vacations! I can't tell you how many laughs (and tears) I have had with this girl! We have met a lot of new friends on the way!

We always keep each other smiling! We always know what to do to make each other feel better! "You mad bro?" haha 

She is apart of our family! We have seen a lot of happy times including my beautiful cousin get married!

Find a friend you can be yourself around! We are goofy and loud! But hey why not?? "Can I be a spider monkey?" "Yes, ALWAYS"

My favorite adventure so far....... she was with me every step of the way to become a foster parent! Everything we went through was not easy... as Mr. J would say we had a lot of "feelings" a long the way. I am so thankful for her and the support she has given me. Thank you for being you! 

Today I pray for everyone that at some point in your life you have had a friend like this. I have had wonderful role models in my life and have watched my mom and her best friend (My Aunt Casey) life their life's to the fullest!! Thank you for teaching me to be a friend!! 

Baby Steps

This time of the year is always busy for my family due to birthdays, Thanksgiving, more birthdays, and Christmas! Really I think almost every family is busy this time of the year! Sometimes we have to take our schedule a day at a time and just see how the day goes. I have learned very fast that having a kiddo in the mix makes this time of the year even more fun! As my adventure has gone along I have learned a lot. I have learned stuff about myself, about others, things I didn't want to know and things I have always wondered. This week with it being Thanksgiving I am so thankful for God, family, friends, and baby steps. Baby steps? YES, Baby Steps!! When you are working on a goal sometimes you just have to take baby steps to get there. In my case we are working on many goals that will lead to one BIG goal! My big goal is to have Mr. J know that he is loved(by God and many wonderful people), well taken care of and that he is happy! Just imagine for a second that someone tells you that you HAVE to move in with this family that you don't know..... How would you react? Would you be able to adjust to their ways with a drop of a hat? Would you trust them? Baby steps......... First you have to learn to trust. Not only does this child have to learn to trust you but you have to trust them. Ups and downs will happen. There will be negativity thrown your way but the positive of not only the people you interact with everyday but the love of the child will over power all of that! We are working towards our goal everyday. To be honest this has been my favorite goal to work on! What's better than watching someone get that smile on their face that shows every ounce of happiness they have in them? Today I ask everyone to pray for the children in foster care. God can answer big prayers so don't be afraid to ask God whats really on your heart. Thank you for reading and don't be afraid to invite someone to Thanksgiving if you don't think they have a place to go! You could help someone in a big way!

Family Love!

This past week I have learned a lot. I never knew it was so easy to fall in love with someone. I didn't know having someone call you mom would fill my heart with so much warmth! Mr. J has been such a blessing to me. Learning his story and watching him grow so much already has been amazing! God has been showing off and I have to say a love it! My family and friends have been great! As so many people have said "Mr. J just knows how to make a place in your heart." Thank you to everyone who has helped with clothes, toys, and coming to visit us! This has been the best adventure by far!! Mr. J already has his Christmas list wrote out and asked if we needed to send Santa a copy! I think you can say he is very happy!! Thank you again for everyone help and kind words!! I hope everyone has an amazing week!!

Do Something

This song has been a huge part of my inspiration to become a foster parent. I love it that such little things like a song can help you shoot for your dreams. Today is a big day for me! I can't think God enough for giving me this opportunity! Prayers would be appreciated, God knows what is happening and the strength I need. I hope today you can do something that will change someones life. Even holding the door for someone can make a huge change of someones day! I hope everyone has a blessed Wednesday!!

BIG Heart and LOTS of Love!

I am so excited to finally announce my BIG news!! I am going to be a Foster Parent hopefully at the end of this month! I know that I was put on this earth to be a Mother. I know that there is a lot of children on this earth who feel like they are not worth loving. I know that if I can change the life of one child then I did my job. I know this will not be easy and there will be a lot of tears and laughter too. I'm going to learn a lot and teach a little person a lot too. I'm going to be a Mom! I have already had people tell me I'm ruining my life.... to me I'm opening my heart to help some one have a better life! These kids didn't pick their life's but God chose me to be apart of it! My family has been the best support system and helping me get everything together. My dad helped me get bunk beds built and helped me pick out a new car! I can't even explain how thankful I am for everyone in my life. Lot's of changes going on here but all good! I hope everyone can take a second and pray for the children who are in foster care! Just imagine your life if you were in their shoes. Maybe you were a foster child yourself! I just ask for everyone to pray for strength, forgiveness, and all the struggles these kids go through!

I'm so excited!!

I can't even explain my excitement right now!!! My big news is getting so real and I couldn't be happier!! Big shout out to my parents and all of their help! I don't know what I would do with out them! Thank you everyone for all of your prayers for me! On another note I have been car shopping which is always fun and hopefully will have something new this weekend or sometime shorty after! Big changes aren't always a bad thing! So keep posted for my big news! I hope everyone will be as excited as I am! :) I hope everyone enjoys their Friday tomorrow!! Especially if you are off work! (Cough cough Mom) Love you all!!

Episode 1

Most days I get to work early because my roommate and I carpool. Some days I finish my make-up or read until it's my time to go in. Slowly I have noticed that you really never know what is going to happen in that short 30 minutes! So it gave me a great idea to have a section of my blog that I like to say "On todays episode of Kelsey in the parking lot" so maybe you guys can enjoy a few laughs as well! So this morning as I'm finishing my make-up I notice two people chatting by their cars. I had also noticed there was a lot of people standing outside which was odd. (Later found out the power was off) I finish my make-up and when I flipped up my vizor I see the two people who were chatting earlier trying to get something out of one of their back seat. Let me paint you this picture.... One of them is bent over pulling on "the item" (Still not sure what it was) and the other is reaching over the bent over person also tugging away. I am laughing so hard where there isn't any noise coming out. I'm sure I looked like a seal clapping my hands in pure silents by myself in my car.... When I finally control my laughter (that finally came out) and wiped away the tears, I see them walking up by my car to get into the building. I couldn't even give them a smile because I knew I would have a look on my face saying "I totally just watched ya'll and yes I can't stop laughing." What was so hard to get out of this persons back seat? Why did you both have to help? These questions I will probably never know but I'm still just wondering over here! I hope I was able to make you smile even just a little. If you didn't think it was funny well maybe you should turn your frown upside down! :) Happy Thursday everyone!

Back to the real world!

First day back to work was... fun! Missing a week of work is always hard to come back to. Good thing I have great coworkers to help me get back on track. As most of you know this past week wasn't easy for me but it was much better with all of my family and friends! I don't know how I will ever repay everyone back but I do know I will be there for them no matter what! Yesterday I got the iphone 5s... the best part of the deal was I didn't have to pay for it! I didn't realize that AT&T would buy my old iphone.  I don't know about you but i'm really excited! A lot of people have asked me why I didn't get the 6 and personally I like to be a generation behind so then all the kinks and stuff are worked out of the generation behind the new one. So far I really like all the new features I definitely  think the camera is much better on this one! With the new phone change and hospital visits there is also a lot of other changes happening in my life! I can't wait to announce my next BIG adventure!! Keep an eye out for the blog Titled "BIG Heart and LOTS of Love." I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend and I hope everyone has something that they are looking forward to!!   -Kelsey

Homeward bound!

I'm headed home from my hospital stay! Sadly I didn't have a seizure while I was in the hospital. I'm getting put back onto my anti-seizure medication and my parents are keep a good watch on me! Every person is different when they get off their meds. Some can have a seizure a hour after they stop and others can take up to a month! I do have some bruising and lovely red spots on my face but I definitely have looked worse. Thank you again to everyone who came to see me, called me, and text. This wasn't an easy process to go through! I'm very blessed to have such an amazing support group! I will be doing a lot of sleeping this weekend so thank goodness my Sooners aren't playing!! I hope everyone enjoys their weekend!! ~Kelsey

Day 1 ✓

Good Morning,

So far on my journey I have not had a seizure. I got into my room yesterday around 12:30. My hair is looking GOOD right now! I think I'm trying to set a new fashion trend!! I mean braids and wires in your hair is in, right? Thank goodness I have wonderful and humorist nurses taking care of me. I had an EEG done yesterday a little bit after they took me off of  my anti-seizure medication. I also stayed up until 2 a.m. because they are wanting me sleep deprived. Which was a little tricky but I did it! The hardest part so far had to been giving blood at 2 in the morning. Not my favorite thing in the world! I had a lot of visitors yesterday though! That was very nice and helped the time past! I'm not sure what all will happen today but I will make sure to check in with everyone! Thank you for reading and being such great supporters!!     -Kelsey

It's almost here!

I thought I would give everyone an update on my hospital stay! We have had the date changed around a few time but I will officially be starting my video monitoring at St. Anthony's this up coming Monday, September 22. I have a lot of mixed emotions but thats normal. I have been on the waiting list for awhile and glad they were able to get me in early to get the process started. I will make sure to write as much as I can and explain the different test I am going through. Visiter are welcome just please try to let me know when you are visiting so I can make sure I'm not in a test. I will have a weird sleeping schedule but most afternoons I should be free. Don't worry I know my goofy personality will still be shining through all my cords and hook ups. I really appreciate all the kind words and support through the last 9 months. I have a strong support system and I know this up coming week wont be easy for them either. With that said if you would please just say a prayer for all of us I would appreciate that! Thank you!! -Kelsey

Mark 12:30

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

Mr. Peanut

Last night I got the privilege to have a long talk with an old friend. Sometimes when you think people are drifting out of your life an old friend appears. This friend and I, we didn't have a bad ending or anything our life's just got busy and little out of control. We had kept running into each other around town and laughed because we blamed each other for following one another. I learned that we both are in that stage of our life's where we are growing up but not all of our friends are doing the same. I have so many stories from high school about us. The main one that sticks out the most is at the end of my senior year we had to act out someone in the classroom and everyone had to guess who we were. With out even know we tried to be each other. It was very comical. When it came to acting me out he was very dramatic, laughed a lot, and used his hands while he was talking. If you know me that was pretty spot on. We had tons of nicknames for each other and always watched each others backs. We were drama kids so we all spent a lot of time together and got really close. We had many late night play practices and of course the annual IHOP trips after show nights. In class we had a lot of laughs and tears. We saw each other stressed, happy, sad, and everything else you can think of. There was the typical who is dating who gossip and "she said what about me?" talks. We were like a small family and of course I was the mother of group. I love memories like this... memories that are tucked way back there but when they reappear sometimes they are even funnier than what they were at the time. Don't be afraid to check on an old friends. You truly never know what will happen just by giving someone a call or even texting them. I have truly been blessed when it comes to friends.

On another note I had a wild idea to Audition for the OKC Thunder's Storm Chasers. The audition was amazing and I met a lot of wonderful people. I didn't make the team but I did learn that I miss acting and being in front of crowds. I have to remind myself sometimes that you are never to old to still follow your dreams. It takes hard work but believe me it is worth it in the end even if you don't make it. I now I went out and tried my best! I also know that God has this amazing plan for my life and I don't even know the half of it. Do you have a dream? An old friend you want to check on? Just do it! Don't be afraid of the outcome! You won't know anything until you try!

Be our guest!

Hello, My name is Whitlee Shrum. Kelsey Shrum is my sweet sweet sister. Several weeks ago I suggested she have guest post for her ever so sincere blog. I am honored to be the first person to be asked to write for her. Kelsey’s blog is one of the most honest and open-minded blogs I’ve read. She doesn’t try to sell you something, or make you see things her way. She gives you a story and ask you to contemplate how your life is going, what kind of person you are. She’s real with everyone, she always has been.

Growing up with Kelsey as a sister of course has had its ups and downs. We are sisters after all. We have always had a love and irritation for each other. But I believe the best sisters always do at some point in their lives. I could fill a thousand pages about all of our crazy adventures, choreographed dances, late night talks, and bathroom pictures. But I really want to talk about my Sister’s heart. If you read her blog, or know her personally, then you already know about pieces of her heart. You’ve probably read how she stands up for people who can’t stand up for themselves. How she has a heart for God, dogs, and children. She’s a true fighter, and one of the few people I truly see as a strong person. She’s already had so many trials in her short, wonderful life. My sister is kind, loving, and passionate. She would literally give anyone the shirt off her back. She always thinks of other people before herself, and she’s that girl who ALWAYS remembers special dates. Grandparent’s day? She’s on top of it. Draw a picture for a stranger day? She’s got that too! (Ok, maybe I made that one up… but you get the point!) Kelsey is simply a thoughtful, loving person. She has a good heart. I’m proud to call her Sister.

Kelsey wanted me to tell you all a story, but I couldn’t pick just one. I wanted to paint you a picture of the kind of person Kelsey is, the type of heart she has. Do you have someone in your life that has such a pure heart? Are you this kind of an example to someone else? I think we all can strive to have a good heart.

2010

2014

Are you my Mother?

I have noticed the older that I get the more I look like my mom. I have always had people tell me that I look like her but now I'm having complete strangers come up to me and ask if my mom works at the tag agency. My mom is one of the bravest people I know. She has put up with a lot when it comes to my sister and I. My sister acts just like her and I look like her and act like my dad. You know that had to be fun raising us. If you know my mom then you know she will always tell you what she thinks even if you asked for her opinion or not. She has wiped away my tears and made me feel better when I was sick. She has stuck by my side and watched me go through all of God's journeys that he has sent me through. She has got on to me when I messed up and showed me how to fix my mistakes. I am truly blessed to have a mom who loves me and takes care of me. The older I get I also notice how many kids don't have a mother. This is something very hard for me to swallow. In my little world I have a lot moms. Women who have just volunteered to be good role models for me and love me by choice. I can't imagine growing up not having my mom who took me shopping, helped me memorize lines for a play, listen to me sing all through out the day, encourage me to keep smiling, feed me, ask me whats wrong, and all of the small things that most of the time I don't think about. I'm not afraid to say that I am spoiled! I love my mom more than I could ever explain. I could never repay her for all of the thing she has taught me or actually bought me. If I could take in every child who didn't have a mom, or even a parent, I would!! My Dad has always said if kids where like homeless dogs we would have a ton of them! I know we all have our own little worlds but today I ask for you to pray for these kids who do not have a mom to take care of them and love them like I have been so incredibly blessed with. God answers BIG prayers!! Don't be afraid to pray for something that you don't think could happen. Have you told your mom that you love her? Appreciate her? Miss her? Something to think about…. No matter who your "mom" might be make sure they know how much they mean to you!

Thank You!

Good afternoon,

I hope everyone had a fun and safe weekend! I got the privilege this Labor Day weekend to help my sister move into her house and spend time with my cousin Bridget and her new family! Today I just want to take a moment and thank everyone who has read my blog. I am beyond impressed with all the feed back I have gotten from everyone. When I felt like God was telling me to start a blog I never thought I would have this many people reading it or have so many friends and family respond to it. I really appreciate all of the encouraging words I have received from everyone. God is moving mountains in my life right now and I can not wait for this next big adventure. Always listen to God. You might feel like what he is telling you to do is impossible but with God EVERYTHING is possible!! Sometimes it takes baby steps or a lot of hard work but the outcome is always worth it. Thank you all again and I can not wait to share more about what God is doing in my life. Keep reading because I'm going to start a few new things when it comes to my blog. One thing for example is I'm going to have guess writers to write a few stories. If you are interested in writing a post please feel free to ask! I hope everyone has a fantastic week!!!                        -Kelsey


Just a fun pic from my weekend!!

cupcakes, cupcakes, and Cupcake?

Baking is one of my favorite things to do. I think it is relaxing and it always makes me in an even better mood. Cupcakes are my favorite to bake! I have made a lot of cupcakes in my life already. I enjoy giving bake goods to friends and family because I feel like a yummy sweet treat can make every occasion even better! I have had a lot of mess ups but it always seems like they still get eaten! Just to show you how much I love cupcakes, my dog is named Cupcake. There has been so many times where I have seen people freak out because I tell them I'm going home to bake cupcakes. For some reason people miss understand me and think I'm cooking my dog. I still don't understand that joke.... When it comes to baking you really never know how anything is going to come out. Any small thing can make a huge difference on how it looks and taste. Not to long ago I had a friend who got a promotion at work. I was so excited because we were having "friends dinner" that night so I knew cupcakes would be perfect! I went and got fresh strawberries and everything to make the cupcakes a little fancy. After I got the cupcakes out of the oven I put them in the fridge and started making the frosting. It was really hot in our house and the frosting would not get thick. I tried every trick I knew and nothing was helping. I ended up putting it in the freezer while I ran a few errands. When I got back I got my cupcakes and started icing them. The frosting STILL wasn't thick. I was running out of time so I put the frosting on the best that I could. When I got to my friend's house they all made fun of me and said "Kelsey you do know you put the frosting on after the cupcakes cool, right?" Believe me I know I have to let them cool. I tried to tell them everything I did but they just didn't believe me. In the end they actually tasted half way decent but looked horrible! I never let one experience let me down. When I mess up I always learn something from it. If I don't try new thing and mess up, how am I ever going to get any better? Never give up on your projects that you are working on. We learn something from everything that we do. If you mess up once don't lose faith! Keep trying and don't be afraid to ask for help sometimes. Have you ever messed up on something and it helped you in some way?

Second Chances

In my life I have had a lot of people come and go out of it. I have met many amazing people whom I wish didn't leave. There have been people I didn't understand why our life's drifted apart. There have been people who needed to leave a long time ago. I also have friends that we will go years without speaking to each other but when we see each other it feels like I spoke with them yesterday. I have had my heart broken more than once and there have been a few to break it multiple times. With all these different situations why do we give second chances? Why is it okay to let one person break your heart over and over again but not others? Why do some people not get a second chance at all? I had someone ask me these questions today. The more I think about them I'm remembering situations I have been in and the bible verse I read this morning. 

John 16:33 

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

 There are people who you know, love and care about you who can hurt you as easy as someone who just met you. Everyone is going through stuff in their own life's. We don't always know the full story before we jump into conclusions. When someone hurts you it isn't always easy to get over it, sometimes it takes a long time to forgive them. Sometimes it will be right away and others might come back years down the road. We don't always know what is best for us and I'm guilty for making poor choices myself when it comes to this!  My advice would be to pray. God is a very forgiving God! He gives us second chances everyday. I feel like we live in a world where we all need second chances. I think we all have messed up a time or two where we have been at fault. Yes, sometimes you have to part ways but never forget those people. Everyone makes an impact on your life one way or anther. Tonight I ask everyone to pray for someone who they didn't give a second chance to. It doesn't matter if you felt like they deserved one or not at the time. So.... Who is someone in your life or use to be in your life who needs a second chance from you? 

Ice Cream And A Fire!

Tonight I was able to swim with my sister, eat ice cream and then we made a fire! As we were talking and telling stories I thought of a funny story to share. When I was in the 2nd grade I was on the play ground with my classmates. I am running around with one of my friends when a group of boys came up to me. They were arguing back and forth on who was going to ask me a question. Finally one little boy said "fine I will ask her." He walks up to me with a huge smile and says "Heeey Kelsey, are you a virgin?" I remember feeling so upset.  I had no clue why they would ask me that because I thought it was very clear..... So I said back "NO! I'm a Christian!! All the boys laughed and ran off yelling "Kelsey isn't a virgian! When I got home and told my parents they both said "you told them yes, right?" I had to explain the whole story to them. They both laughed and explained to me that it meant being a good girl! My poor parents have had to put up a lot when it comes to me. What is something you thought as a child meant one thing but later discovered that it meant something totally different?   

Baby #2

Almost 5 years ago I was blessed with a Goddaughter. I remember like it was yesterday when I found out my friend was pregnant. She blames me for this because I had told her how adorable she would be pregnant. Luckily I was able to be with her almost every day while she was pregnant with Isabella which who I call IzzyBee. About 8 months ago my friend told me she was pregnant with baby #2!! I can't even explain to you how excited I was when she told me and how much I am right now. Today a second miracle was born. Her name is Ryah!! Looking at her beautiful blue Eyes and black hair I am amazed all over ago that god created this sweet baby girl. I can't wait to watch Ryah grow up. I know IzzyBee will be the best big sister. I'm so happy for this little family and even more happy that I get to be apart of it! Thank you for letting me apart of your extended family!! 

Meet Ryah!! She is 6 pounds and 1 ounce! 

I thought it would be fun to see the different of the day IzzyBee was born since they are almost exactly 5 years apart!! 

Thank you for reading!! :D

Batman Is The Key!

My dad sent me this picture yesterday just for fun and because I love Batman. I'm a huge believer that God puts things in our paths to help us. When I woke up this morning I really wanted to wear a dress. When it comes to work I'm not always a fan of dresses due to my tall desk and chair. I work in advertising which I love. I get to help with our ads and the newspaper companies to make sure everything is correct. This morning I knew I was in an extra good mood but I didn't know I was going to get moved to a new position. My new position comes with more responsibility and it will be challenging. I feel like a challenging job is a rewarding job! I will still be in advertising and I get to move desks next to one of the sweetest gals I know. Tonight I can't help but thank God in everything he does. Working hard for your goals isn't always easy but it is possible with God on your side. I still have so many amazing opportunities ahead of me. I'm not going to lie this year didn't have the best start and there was a few times I felt like giving up. My parents and sister have put up with me even more this year and I am so thankful they never gave up on me. My roommate made me keep going and made sure I got myself out of the house to make sure I was actually living my life. My family and friend have been wonderful supporters and have helped me reach my goals and are still helping me with new ones. Tonight I pray that God shows you how much you are worth and to never give up on your goals!! My last advice I have for you tonight is to always be yourself but if you can be Batman..... Then be  Batman! haha I hope everyone has a fantastic night!

Cousins? More Like Sisters!!

Have you ever told stories about someone and no one understands your friendship?  I have a cousin who has pretty much been another sister to me. When I tell my favorite stories about her it seems like she is always trying to kill me. In all reality she would do anything for me! Ever since we were very small we always wanted to be together. We lived a little over an hour from each other so every time we would get together we would stay a few weeks with each other. (if not months) My all time favorite story is when I was around 12. We were at her house and we were riding her 4-wheeler. We had our helmets on (Safety first) and she was driving, she would always tell me when I should move or something was coming. This one time she yells 'watch out" I had no clue what she said so I yelled back "What?" Before I know it a tree branch hits my helmet and I go flying off the back of the 4-wheeler. She hits her helmet on the bars and she hurries up and backs up the 4-wheeler to come get me. Ahhhhh I yell as she runs me over. She still has no clue what is going on because there is ringing going on inside her helmet. She keeps saying "Kelsey my head really hurts right now" She didn't realize she had ran me over. We finally get on the same page and she is freaking out because we think I broke my leg. We try everything we can to hide my bruised leg but that didn't last long because it's summer and all I had was shorts to wear. In the end we had to tell her grandma, who had to tell my dad, luckily nothing was broken. You really never knew what we would get ourselves into. Really.... You still don't know what we will do next. One more story for tonight. Our grandparents always went on vacation with each other every summer. This one year we were both staying in my grandparents trailer. I remember waking up and my cousin was on top of me then she started choking me. I know how horrible this sounds but we laugh every time we talk about it. I think I finally hit her and the window enough I woke up my grandpa and he came to the rescue. In the morning when she woke up she told me she had a dream she was chocking someone so I had to tell her that she was really chocking me. Till this day if we stay the night with each other I ask her not to chock me in her sleep! We have had so many amazing adventures together including me being apart of her big day of marring the man of her dreams. I can't wait to see what else God has planned for us. I know our family wouldn't be the same with out us! I know my stories are silly but they all add up to who I am today. These experiences have changed my life in someway or another. I would love to hear a silly story about something that has happened in your life. Please feel free to share!!

Gingers Forever

I have a friend who has a lot of nicknames for me. My most known name is Ginger. This may come to a shock to you, but yes I am a redhead! He loves reminding me that I do not have a soul and telling me every ginger joke he learns. My favorite thing he does is that he sends me random pictures that has something to do with my red hair. I'm very lucky to have a friend like him because he always keeps me laughing and lets me know what people "could" say to me. As some of you read this I'm sure you already know who I am talking about. As I have said in another post sometimes I say things and everyone takes it differently than me. You will also learn that I get my heart set on things. Well some of my friends and I were talking about dressing up as the Spice Girls for Halloween. I was so excited because I already knew who I wanted to be.......Scary Spice! Very soon my dreams of being Scary Spice was crushed because everyone looked at me and said " No! You're Ginger Spice." I looked at everyone one with the saddest look on my face and they were laughing and looking at me like I was crazy for thinking any differently. My lovely friend who I have been talking about looks at me and said "Kels.... you have red hair so you would looks silly if you weren't Ginger Spice." I still put up a fight every time we talk about this and we still haven't dressed up as the Spice Girls yet. Even though he makes fun of me and tells everyone I don't have a soul he is one of the most thoughtful people I know. No matter what is going on in his personal world he is always a phone call away. He will listen to you and even share his own stories. (Which may or may not have happened. You will just never know) He always has the best surprises and treats everyone like they are his best friend. I pray tonight that everyone has a friend who keeps you laughing and also would do anything for you! Maybe even thank someone for being that friend. You never know what they could be going through! Here is just a few things my friend has sent me! Hopefully everyone enjoys!

Let's Be Rebels

Do you ever think about when you were in high school and wonder why you did so may stupid things or better yet why you let your friends do even more stupid things? Well here we go with another story! I don't want to use my friends names so we are going to call them Betty and Helga. When we were 16 we wanted to go to that years graduation. Betty offered to drive so while we are on our way she tells us that she can not drive on the highway because her parents said she couldn't so we had to take Reno all the way downtown from Yukon! (If you are not from Oklahoma, it takes double the time to get there when you don't take the highway) After the long journey of finally making it and watching graduation we start our way back to Yukon. My lovely friends Betty and Helga decide they want to smoke. I'm sitting there thinking "you will brake the rules of no smoking under the age of 18 but you won't be a rebal and drive on the highway?" I'm allergic to cigarette smoke so I'm trying to roll down the windows and they are freaking out because they are worried that someone will see them. I end up having an asthma attack and my friends felt horrible! During high school we had many more memories but for some reason this one stuck out to me tonight! Sometimes you have to take a stand and do what's right! In this case I let my friends make a bad choice and in the end it affected me. Believe me I have done my fare share of stupid things. There is times when you need to think about your own well being and stand up for yourself. Do you need to take a stand? 

Bang Bang

I had someone tell me that there are 2 kinds of protector in this world. 1 who would jump in front of a bullet for you and another who would shoot a bullet for you. When I think about this I would have to say I'm both. I never want people to hurt and I would rather take someone's pain away from them. I also would do everything in my power to stop someone from ever hurting anyone else again. It has always been hard for me to see someone in pain or going through a hard time. When I was in middle school my mom always picked me up. There was this one sunny day when I had to tell my mom I was sent to the principal's office for the first time. When most kids would of been scared to death I was excited to tell my mom because I knew she would help me. When I got into the car the first thing I said was "Mom I have to tell you I got sent to the principal's office today." She looked at me and I could tell she wasn't sure if she should laugh or ask me why. I told her that I tried to punch a boy in the face because he was making fun of my friend who was in special ed. I was always taught to never throw the first punch but in this case I thought I could get away with it. Sadly I didn't get to because my teacher grabbed me right before my fist hit his face. It's safe to say he never talked to me or my friend again. I also didn't end up needing my moms help because my wonderful teachers took care of it. I have never understood why some people bully others to make themselves feel better. The older I get the more I see it in this world. I know we all have bad days but there is so many thing that you can do to get your anger out. Running is a great stress releaser for me. If more people would be protectors imagine how many life's we could all save. Can you remember the last time you protected someone? This does not mean you jumped in front of a bullet for them or tried to punch someone in the face. It can just be leaving your phone on load incase they call, telling a friend to be nice to their kids because they look up to them, buying a homeless person a meal, reminding someone that you love them and etc. You never know what's going on in other peoples life. I have so many great people to look up to. I pray that I am that person for others. Think about someone who has protected you in someway...... Would you do the same for them? Treat people how you want to be treat! (something my parents have told me since I was a little kid) I know I haven't always been the best protector and I have had a lot of protecting! I'm sure we are all like this! So.... Would you Jump in front of a bullet for someone? Shoot a bullet for someone? Or are you the kind of person who would do both? Just something to think about.

Lights, Camera, Action

Do you ever feel like your life could be a t.v. show? I feel like that almost everyday. Everyday is different you have drama, horror, comedy, family, action, and/or thriller. Today was for sure a comedy! My partner at work is always giving me a hard time about something or playing jokes on me. I was editing today when he snuck up beside me and had a creepy look on his face. I got that feeling like someone was starring at me so I slowly turned around and of course what did I see.... His crazy face right next me! Not going to lie I screamed. Everyone in the office was laughing. Now I'm going to have to get a plan to get him back for all the funny things he has done. For dinner I got the privilege to be with my Mom, Sister, and Whitney. You never know what will be said. My mom is always being a smart butt, my sister helps my mom be a bigger one, Whitney always knows how to chime in at the perfect moment, and me you ask? I'm always the one who says something that sounds wrong and everyone twist it to be more than what I meant. I'm so happy that we are always laughing and making the best of every moment. No matter what's going on in my life I'm so blessed to have so many amazing people in it. Everyday is a blessing no matter what theme it might be. No, my life is not a t.v. show. Yes, I would make a lot of money if it was. (If you know me then you know how right I am) Before going to bed I thank God for all the blessings he has done for me each day.  I hope you can look back on your day and see all that God blessed you with today! That's it for tonight. Thank you for all the love and support!          Kelsey :)

The begining

As today comes to an end I can’t help but think that I’m ready for Gods next adventure in my life. I’m not the best writer, I misspell words more than not, and most of the time I’m politically incorrect. Of course I would have the smart idea to start writing a blog. For everyone out there who love to point out everything wrong, please feel free to. I'm always up for learning new things.  If anyone who doesn't know me that well  and is reading this let me tell you a little bit about my self. My name is Kelsey Shrum. I am from Yukon, Oklahoma and I am 22 years old. In January of this year I was diagnose with Epilepsy. It has been a huge adventure in my family, friends, and coworkers life. I have good days and bad days. I'm working harder everyday to be back to my "normal" self. In the process I have had friends come and go out of my life. I have learned that if someone can not handle my worse then they do not deserve me at my best. I have also learned a lot about my self. I know I have a long road ahead of me with hospital stays and doctor appointments. I thought maybe writing would help and also let my love ones know a little more of what's going on. As of right now my next step is going to be staying in the hospital for 5 days to do a recorded study. We are hoping to capture a seizure on film. This will happen starting October 13th. In this blog I will talk about more things than just epilepsy. If you are up for the ride get your cowboy hats and hold on. I'm excited to see how this goes. Well.... until next time. Thank you for reading!