Ethan's Baptism

Ethan turned eight a few weeks ago. We believe that this is the age of accountability. Also, it is the age we believe is old enough to choose to be baptized. Ethan chose to be baptized.

Ethan's baptism was very nice. Grandma, Nana, Tara, Chris, Kristy, and their kids were all able to be there. There were some nice talks, a beautiful musical number and then we waited for our turn to have Ethan baptized... There were 9 kids getting baptized the same day! We were the last to get to use the baptismal font- it was a long wait ;)

When it was Ethan's turn, Brian baptized him (twice, because the first time he didn't say the words quite right). Then, since Ethan was the last kid, he got to pull the plug on the font- he was very excited about that. After Brian and Ethan were dried off and changed, they came into the room and he was confirmed and given the Gift of the Holy Ghost. It was a beautiful blessing. As he was being blessed, in my mind I saw Ethan as a grown boy, wearing a white shirt and tie, out serving the Lord on a mission. He was handsome, brave and strong- and he knew what he believed and was happy. I felt the Spirit so strong. Then, Grandpa Miles played his guitar and sang a song about baptism. It is a song that Miles wrote for Brian when he was baptized. So cool! Then we finished up the rest of the program.

For lunch we went to Golden Corral! Buffet! (Ethan keeps talking about the buff-ette that we went to ;)

It was a lovely day, and I'm so proud of Ethan. He is growing and maturing so quickly. Before I know it the day will be here that he is out serving that mission for the Lord. He'll be a fantastic missionary.

Enjoying Motherhood

There are moments in motherhood that some people call paychecks. Here are some of my "paychecks"...

Seeing what Nora has decided to wear to school.

Making silly faces with Wesley, watching him grow.

When the kids play together nicely.

Family walks on beautiful nights... and when funny stuff happens. "your eye, mommy!"

Ethan taking 12 samples from the Vitamix guy when he says, "take as many as you'd like!"

I love being a mom. When I look for the good stuff about being a mom- I see it everywhere, I hear the sweet things they say, I feel their chubby arms around my neck, and I know how to make them happy.
These kids were meant to be mine, and I was meant to be their mom.

Chicago and a baby!

 

 I'm not one to go on a trip without my kids in tow. I've rarely been away from them more than a night. BUT - my sister Megan was about to give birth to her fourth child... I hadn't seen her in so long, I haven't been able to be there for my sisters at any of their other births, and I we just got our tax return... ;)
So I presented my argument to my husband. And he lovingly said that I could go (after I promised to take care of all the details, told him how important it was to me, and begged a little).
So with kids schedules taken care of, meals planned, and totally AWESOME friends willing to watch the kids until Brian got home from work- I bought my plane tickets.
A little back story- Megan was going to have her baby naturally and I was planning on going to see her two weeks before her due date. But I just knew that she would have the baby while I was there! Everyone kept asking me (even Megan) but what if she doesn't have the baby while you're there??? I assured everyone that even if she didn't, that Megan and I love hanging out together and that we'd finish tons of projects and I give her back rubs- still a total win! Secretly, though, I knew she'd have the baby while I was there.
I caught a late flight out of Dallas. It wasn't until I got to the airport that I realized just how much I was going to miss Brian and the kids. It hit me kind of hard as they dropped me off. I kissed and kissed them and then headed off on my adventure.
The flight was lovely (I was nauseous as usual on the plane). I sat next to a Pastor from Naperville named Dave Ferguson. We chatted about kids, family, religion and politics.  I enjoyed every minute of it! I think I talked his ear off. After landing, and not throwing up, I was delighted to be in Chicago! But I forgot how long each of the terminals are- my legs were burning by the time I got to the front to be picked up. Meg was there waiting for me! She is so pretty pregnant.
We hung out, finished projects- checked them off of her mega-nesting list (yowser that thing was huge!), and talked and talked...And loved on Linky, JJ and Hazel of course.

Thursday night I got to meet up with some of my favorite gals from high school.  I hadn't seen them in years and years. I sure love them. Now we are "grown up" it's amazing how much closer you can be just through gaining similar life experience (husbands, jobs, bills, kids, mortgages) and I wish we could've had a sleep-over so we could've talked all night. I love those girls.

Friday was especially eventful. We went to Home Depot to buy a new toilet- it was cold and rainy, so of course the minivan wouldn't start. Jeff came to save us, but we just couldn't jump the van. We went home and organized, sewed, and cleaned... And Meg started having a lot more regular contractions. So by midnight she packed her bags and we headed off to the hospital.

It was so awesome to be there for the birth. Megan was amazing. Louisa was born on Saturday morning, she was perfect.

I got to spend the next two days with Megan at the hospital. We mostly just stared at Louisa, slept and talked. Seriously the best vacation ever!

Since Megan came home on Sunday, I had an extra hang-out day before I had to head home. Yay! So I packed Linky and JJ into the car and headed out to Sycamore to visit one of my favorite places- Ollies (I love you custard ice cream).

Tuesday I headed home. 
I had the best time.

11 Years...and counting!

Last week Brian and I celebrated our 11th year anniversary.
This is what I posted on his Facebook page, and I'm putting it here because I really think it sums up how I feel:

Happy anniversary stud muffin! It seems like we've always been together and like it was just yesterday that we met and fell in love. It's a good feeling- I love sharing my life with you.

We took Thursday and Friday to ourselves (sorta), and spent the night at a hotel to "get away"...  About 20 miles from home :)
Mostly we shopped for furniture, ate awesome food, and took naps. And mostly we just had a really great time being together, remembering why we love eachother.
Highlights:
Attending a local play staring the 2nd grade (Ethan had a speaking part!)
Attending the temple together
Eating at awesome restaurants and ordering without being worried about the price
Buying a grown-up couch and love seat (I love hand-me-downs, but there is something liberating about choosing it yourself)

Newlyweds

11 years feels great.

New Year!

2011 was a bumpy ride for me.  Not just personally, but things that occurred to my extended family as well.
Anyway, I don't want to dwell on the hardships- I'm ready for a New Year and a clean slate (although I wish I didn't have to start over on my deductible and out-of-pocket max with my insurance!) 
Last years awesomeness:
Baby Max was born

Nora started Kindergarten









Nora lost her first tooth

Wesley and Mama get to spend the day together while the kids are at school
Ethan started piano lessons
Wes moved into a big boy bed
Brian got an iPhone (so did I)
Brian and I have a nightly tradition of watching Jeopardy together :)
Ben got home from Afghanistan
Mom and Dad finished their basement!
We vacationed on the beach









We took the Kids to Disneyland for the 1st time








My sister came to visit

I grew a vegetable garden

I survived 3 surgeries ;)

And lots of other awesomeness...
2012, I'm ready for you!  And you are going to be GREAT!

Case

My nephew, Case is sick.  I love him so much.  When I see him at the hospital it makes my heart ache.  It's hard to see children sick and in pain- especially when that child holds a special place in your heart.
My husband has put together a blog of Case's journey through this cancer that is in his body right now.  We'll do our best to keep it updated as he goes through treatments and as he heals.
Case's Blog

Wishy Box

Christmas is quickly approaching- I know, I don't want to be reminded either, so much to do!!!
Well, my hubby made this awesome website that you can use to post your wishlist.  It is awesome.  You just go to the website : wishybox.com , create a login, and start putting stuff on your wishlist.  You link up with your friends and family (or invite them if they aren't on wishybox yet).  And THEN you let the perfect gift giving begin!  Oh, and did I mention you can drag your items into the order you want them ranked- and you can add notes, link to websites, list prices---  Coolest of all if you buy something for someone else, you mark that you've purchased it on their list BUT they can't see that it's been purchased only their friends and family can see.  So you don't get multiples!
Seriously check it out!

A few funnies

July 8, 2011
Nora saw some mannequins at the mall, and said, "Ha ha, look at that, fake moms."

July 17, 2011
I was reading a book and Wesley crawled on my lap, put my bookmark onto the page I was reading and said, "AH DUN!

That fabric on the table has to be good for something.

August 20, 2011
Ethan: mom! we haven't been to Sonic in like a month!
Me: I didn't go to Sonic until I was 25 years old, and somehow I'm still alive.
Ethan: Yeah, I guess you're right. I could survive without Sonic...At least for a year.

August 25, 2011
I (Brian) asked Nora if she likes sharks and she said, "No. I like ponies, and butterflies, and princesses, and mermaids, and unicorns, and pegasuses."

Wes likes to explore and investigate his surroundings.

 September 2011
Words Wes loves to say right now: "Eeeeww!" "Oh No!" "Daddy!" "Oh man." "Aah done"(all done) "No, no, no." "bo-pin" (broken) "pee-po" (paper) "ahm one" (I'm one) "Nana!" and "Bampa" (grandpa) - that's right "mommy" didn't make the top 10..

Sept. 22
Ethan made these huge Halloween Party invitations with time, date, location and instructions to wear a costume. I came in and saw them and said, "Uh, Ethan- you need to ask me first. We are NOT having a Halloween party."
Ethan said, "That's why it's a joke mom. Didn't you read the bottom? It says JK."

Tonsils be gone!

Warning:  At the end of this post is a very graphic/nasty picture.  Not intended for children to see.
Last Thursday I got a tonsillectomy.  And right now I hurt, like bad, man.  Ouch.
But I know in the long run it's going to be worth it.  I get sore throats ALL the time and to get strep I just have to be within a mile radius of the infected... Not to mention my chronic halitosis.   That's right, I said it.  I have bad breath.  It's not my fault!  I brush 2+ times a day, I floss, I gargle, I chew gum- I still have bad breath.  It's all because of those nasty little tonsils sitting in the back of my throat.  BUT not anymore!  They are gone, and even though it is the worst continuous pain I've ever experienced in my life- I know it's going to be worth it.  (and yes, I am trying to convince myself at the moment that it was worth it.)

Negativity Averted

Sometimes Sunday is extra hard, I have a child that makes sure of it- almost on a weekly basis.  I've been feeling a little down in the dumps because of some of the things that child said to me as I put said child to bed...  So I went on a little walk to clear my mind.  I didn't want to stay in grouchy/grumpy/sad mode so I prayed on my walked.  That helps a lot.  What mostly came to mind as I prayed was other people in my life who are suffering in some way right now.  So I tried to think of ways to help them and prayed for them in their time of need.  That helps a lot too- cause it makes me realize that it isn't really all about me.  Hopefully my child will forget the awful things they said, and will only remember that their mommy loves them, was patient, and didn't get angry (that was hard).  That being said, I also prayed about things I was thankful for- that helps a ton!
Here are five:
1.  My safe neighborhood - I was on a walk by myself at dusk, and not once did I feel scared or threatened.
2.  My mom - she is the best example of patience and calmness I've ever known
3.  My health - In recent (some very recent!) times I've had major health scares, right now things are really great.
4.  My husband - he made dinner tonight, did the dishes, didn't mind that I needed to leave to go on a walk, works hard for our family, supports my crazy hobbies, loves me despite my weaknesses....etc....
5.  My kids - the more I considered them, the more I thought of loving tender moments I have with them, EVERY day!  When they hold my hand, kiss my cheek for no reason, run by and say "I love you mama!", sit in my lap while I read to them, and today my favorite was when they played pretend Nora wanted to be 'Kendra'.  :)

Life is pretty awesome.  There are ups and downs, but how much would I appreciate all the wonderful moments if I never knew the hard ones?  Someday I have a feeling Sunday is going to be my favorite day of the week!

A new Caribbean instrument?

At 7:00 am...
Me: sleeping peacefully
Nora:  MOM!
Me: (not sleeping)  huh-wha?
Nora:  Ethan won't let me watch TV, he's been playing the Mimtembo all morning!

Beach Vacation

We just got home from a very excellent vacation.  2 days driving, 4 days camping on the beach, 1 day at Disneyland and 2 more days driving home.  We are oh-so tired- but it was worth every minute of driving and preparation.  Hopefully the kids made some memories that will last them a life time.

Summer Boredom Busters

This is one of the coolest blog posts I've seen out there for summer boredom busters:
Summer Fun!
Check it out - and then go have some fun.

I make stuff up.

My best friend Mollie wrote an ode to her father for father's day.  One of the points she made rang so true to me that I am copying and pasting it onto my blog (hope you don't mind Mollie)

• He makes stuff up. This one is self-explanatory, and I don’t have a particular memory of it, mostly because I live it every day. Yes, this unfortunate trait was passed right along to me, full force. If I don’t know the answer to a question, I find myself answering anyway, confidently delivering guesses as if reading out of an encyclopedia, even though my brain is telling me the whole time, “Stop, stop, you don’t know what you’re saying. You’re making this up. You know this is all fiction you are saying in a convincing way, with an authority your loose facts and often wrong intuition don’t deserve. Lies, lies!” But alas, I can’t help it. It’s genetic.
 
Ha Ha ha!  That is me and my dad to a T.  Brian is so going to appreciate this post.  And Mollie, you explained it perfectly in a way I never could.  Thanks!  It's good to have a good laugh at your self ever now and then.

Yogurt

Well, I finally did it!  I made yogurt, and it was goo-ood.  I used the method from this blog (one of my favorite food blogs).

She breaks it down and really once you have a strainer and a food thermometer, you are good to go.
To keep my yogurt at the right temp, I stuck the thermometer in, when it reached 120 degrees F, I wrapped it in towels and put it in my preheated (but turn the heat off before putting the yogurt in) oven with the oven light on.  The yellow stuff on the yogurt is the Whey - here is a link to some cool way to use the whey.

I ate it way too fast to take pictures- so next batch I'll post a pretty picture of the tasty results.

New Blog- for all the random stuff I make

I don't mind posting all the stuff I make on this blog, but I post a lot of personal stuff too.  Some people don't really care about my personal life.  So I made a blog that is only going to house my creative junk.
It's called Kendra Made and the link is Kendra Made It.
I have a lot of WIPs (works in progress) in my craft room that really need to get finished.  I have put myself on a time line to finish them.  So each week during the summer will feature the current project I'm trying to finish.

Old Blanket = New Pillow

My mother-in-law pulled out on of her knitted afghans that she had worked on for years...  Some moths and one of her cats had decided to make it home.  It was in terrible shape.  But she loved it, her aunt had started it and then she lovingly had finished it.  So she had it dry cleaned hoping maybe it could be salvaged.
When she realized it couldn't be saved, she was going to throw it away.  Enter crazy daughter in law (me).

MIL:  Kendra, do you think you could use this, maybe do something with it?
Me: That's so cool!  Did you know Chevrons are totally in right now?
MIL:  I know, I love it, it's just full of holes and cat hair, but I hate to throw it away.  My aunt started it and then I spent years working on it to finish it!
Me:  You can't throw it away- it's awsome!  I'll make a pillow out of it!
MIL:  OH!  I knew you'd be able to do something with it.  :)

Guess I have a reputation.

So I took it home and washed it.  Hoping to get more of the cat hair out- I could have recreated a cat from all the hair that came off.  It was pretty funny.  Then I looked through my fabric stash to see if I had something that would work with the colors of the blanket.  Nope.  BUT  I did have some fabric dye and some old painter's drop cloth.  Bingo.  Plus I had this great yellow ribbon that my sister-in-law Kristy had given me because- as she put- she was sure I could do something with it.  Ha!
I measured the extra pillow form I had and cut the drop cloth into a pillow cover.  I dyed the fabric and dipped the ribbon in the dye as well.  The colors were lovely!

I laid out the blanket and found a spot that didn't have damage on it, I pinned the dyed fabric to the blanket, and cut out a square about 3 inches larger than the pillow size.

I sewed first a straight line around the edge and then followed up with a zigzag stitch to make sure that none of the knitting unraveled.

I covered some cotton cord with the ribbon to make some cording for the edge of the pillow.

Then I sewed the three pieces together leaving one end open so I could stuff the pillow in.

I snipped the corners and resewed them for stability.  Then turned the cover inside out.

I ironed the edge and hand sewed the last side together.
I think it turned out beautiful!  Did I mention that chevrons are SO in right now?!