A Tribute to Grandpa Karren

Keith Obray Karren

1926-2008


Over the past week I have been reflecting on my favorite memories of my sweet Grandpa Karren. He was one of the happiest people I have ever known. Always had a smile on his face. He was so curious about the world and loved to learn. He loved being surrounded by his family. I may not have been lucky enough to grow up with him, but he never treated me any different than the rest of his grandkids. He loved my Grandma and they were such a great example to all of us. I loved when he would open a present. He would immediately have to put it together, or read through it or figure it out. He would always say, "Look at that!" I am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to know him over the past 5 years and am very blessed by all the things that I learned from him and his life. He will be missed by his family and all that knew him.

Hollywood in KC??

I got a phone call today from Quinci telling me to look at a website. This wouldn't be an abnormal request since we are pretty random most of the time. Anyways, she wanted me to look at the website for the Celebrity Basketball game that was going on downtown tonight. Don't worry, we totally went. I could lie to you and say that I wasn't completely excited, but I totally was. Don't judge me! The celebrities that were there that are worth mentioning are Dean Cain, Stephen Colletti, Brody Jenner and James Lafferty. The pictures pretty much speak for themselves! Quinci and I felt like teenage girls again...that's ok though, right? Don't be too jealous, ladies!

Dean Cain AKA Superman

Stephen Colletti from Laguna Beach and One Tree Hill

James Lafferty AKA Nathan Scott from One Tree Hill

Brody Jenner from The Hills

I have no words...

I thought tonight was going to be just another night at the Menssen's...but alas...I was sadly mistaken. It all started on the way to our typical Friday night snarf fest (AKA Jose Pepper's.) Anywhoo...there we were, singing a little off-pitch Carrie Underwood (ok, a lot off-pitch) when out of nowhere, I hear Quinci yell, "What did I just hit?!" We clearly couldn't stop (because of the aforementioned snarf fest) so waited till we got to our destination to check out the situation. Low and behold...we were caught right in the middle of a murder.
Bird murder.
Vehicular birdslaughter of the worst kind.
All in the name of yummy Mexican goodness.
After we screamed like the adults that we are...ahem...we proceeded to throw up in our mouths (just a little...) and then we continued to solve the murder mystery, that actually wasn't a mystery at all. Here is the crimescene photo:

Poor little guy didn't even have a chance to make a getaway from the reckless driver that is Quinci. We then had a small, private ceremony and yet oh so...not...due to the fact that we were surrounded by cars...anyways...here is the eulogy given by Quinci and myself in a British accent of course.

He was a good bird.

Everyone liked him.

The end.

Rest in peace our little feathered friend.

We won't soon forget you and your fowlish ways.

The real the end.

This is how we chose to mourn the loss of our fallen friend. Rather than focusing on his untimely grill-meets-bird death, we decided to celebrate his life. He would have wanted it that way. So enjoy this celebration of life because we sure did...

I'm an aunt...again!

Noah Riley Dinning decided to grace us with his presence a little earlier than expected! He was born June 16th at 8:00 pm. He is a tiny little guy! Only 5 pounds 10 ounces and 18 inches long. I was able to go up to St. Joe after work tonight to see him and I must say...he is adorable! He kept scrunching his little forehead and would keep one leg stretched out at all times. Following in our family tradition...Jaxon pretty much wants nothing to do with his new baby brother. He kept saying that Noah was going to live at Nana's house. It should be interesting to see how this one pans out!

Cabo a Go-Go

So we are having a little competition at work...ok...more than a little competition. Grantham is sending 18 employees and a guest to Cabo San Lucas for a week in November. The results came in for the first week of the competition and yours truly is in the running! Not going to lie...spending a week surrounded by gorgeous beaches, palm trees, and sunshine sounds much better than working in cold Kansas City. Not only is Grantham sending the winners to Cabo...they are paying for everything and giving them $100 spending money plus still getting paid for that week. Can't go wrong! I don't really want to jinx myself or anything but was just kind of excited that I was even close to being considered! You all had better be nice to me...I might have a plane ticket with your name on it! I might have a little competition of my own.... :)

Daddy's Girl

4 years ago...

I never thought I would be surrounded by a room full of strangers that knew me 18 years ago. I had no idea who anyone was or how they were related to me, but somehow I felt at home. I grew up always wondering where I came from. Where I got my blonde hair. My freckles. My height. My chicken legs. I never felt like I would ever completely know who I was until this moment. The moment when my best friend and I knocked on my long lost uncle's door.

"I think I am your niece."

Tears. Hugs. Questions.

"You won't believe this, but your Dad is on his way over here right now."

A whirlwind of emotions. Could I really do this? Could I meet my Dad?

"Rick, I'd like you to meet your daughter."

That one sentence forever changed my life. It simplified things and complicated them all at the same time. I was finally complete. In that instance, I became a daughter, a step-daughter, a granddaughter, a sister, a sister-in-law, an aunt, a cousin, a niece. I know that four years doesn't amount to a lifetime, but it has meant the world to me. I can't imagine my life without these people in it. I'll never forget that day but especially what my step-mom said to me as Kensey and I were leaving. "Sweetheart, you just made your dad's life."

This may seem kind of random, but I often find myself thinking about this moment and trying my hardest to never forget how I felt. With one knee-knocking, heart-pounding, nerve-wrecking knock on the door, so many lives were changed. I am so grateful for my Dad and the love he has so freely given to me...not only in the past 4 years but throughout my entire life. Even if I wasn't able to reciprocate that love until 4 years ago.

Call me Martha Stewart!

So I have finally gotten the rest of my furniture and decorated my house the way I want it! It has only taken me 3 months...better late than never! Last weekend, Julie came over and helped me arrange the furniture and make this stunning flower arrangement! (FYI: Julie is a closet Martha Stewart too.) Here is also a picture of my newest furniture from NFM. Now I just need to find something to hang in my eating area and I'll be set! Oh and P.S. They accidentally delivered the wrong color of chair, so please don't judge me...just sayin'.