One step at a time

For the past week Kendal has been taking steps and standing on her own quite a bit. I've eagerly awaited when Kendal started to walk. (Most people tell me to treasure the time when they can't get into things, but Kendal already does get into everything) Casey and i tried to take a video, however you'd wonder what it's about; so when she's walking a bit more for us i'll make sure a video gets posted.
Kendal is picking up a lot of words lately. She says tank u (thank you), eas (please), wa da (what's that). It's so funny and cute all at the same time. I love hearing her take on things. I've been trying to teach Kendal to blow kisses goodbye but she seems to have mixed it up with the sign language version of Thank you. So when i tell her to say good by she puts her hand to her mouth, puts it out then says tank u when we're saying our goodbyes.
Loving this little girl, and excited to see her taking her walking, even if it's one step at a time.

So close

The end is so close i can see it. Today marks the first day of Casey's last semester ever! He is attending seminars this week; then next week he will begin his student teaching at Logan High school. Casey gets to teach Ancient Civ. history with the sophomores, and Geography with freshman. He is anxious / excited to be teaching; but i know he'll do great.

Kendal will be fourteen months old this week. She is quite the busy body. Every day she is exploring and learning so much. Kendal is not quite walking yet, she is so close ; she just needs to stand on her own and she'll be there. Kendal has five teeth now; three on top and two on bottom. She loves to give out cheezy smiles, and i love capturing them on camera. Kendal has so much hair i love it. I would love to put headbands, bows, flowers, and pony tails, in her hair; however the minute i put anything in her hair she yanks it out. I even try tricking her by putting things in her hair when she goes down for a nap; she always discovers them. So even though she's a girly girl with how much she likes to wear necklaces and bracelet's, i can't figure out her aversion to things in her hair. Kendal is into music these days. She tends to gravitate towards any toy that makes music, so she can bounce up and down to it. Her sign language is going well, but can be a little confusing sometimes when she wants something. It's a joy to watch her learn and grow.
I love being a mother, Kendal is good at trying my patience, but i love her so much and am so grateful for the lessons that she teaches me every day. The holidays were a nice break from work. Now that I'm back to work, things are a little bit crazy with staff turnovers, new students, and willy kids. I enjoy my job, and am grateful I'm able to work and help provide for my family.

Kendal and Campbell, These two were really hamming it up with hugs and loves, and Campbell was even helping Kendal brush her teeth. So cute!

This past weekend we went up to Idaho to attend Sarah's baby shower, and borrow Cody's car for the semester. Kendal loves her grandma's drawers and kept crawling into this one.

pictures to come

Unfortunately i forgot my camera on our weekend Christmas visit to Idaho (i know very bad on my part). I captured some holiday moments on my mom-in-laws camera, however those pictures aren't in my position for this post. We had a wonderful time in Idaho this past weekend. Kendal had a lot of fun with her Grandparents, her Aunt's and Uncles, and her cousin David. Casey's Mom even watched Kendal so Casey and i could go on a mini date to the latest Narnia movie! (Good movie, didn't think the 3D was amazing) On Christmas eve we did our second annual Christmas eve pajamas for Kendal. So very cute (pictures to come). Christmas day we ate breakfast with the Webb's (always a joy to spend time with Casey's Webb family). We got to talk with Cody (Casey's brother on a mission in Cech Republic) just after lunch. He is doing well, and enjoying his mission experience. I can't wait for Kendal and her other cousins to meet him this next summer. We had a wonderful Christmas dinner with Casey's parents, Brett, Vanessa, and David. It was definitely a wonderful week.
Sunday we trudged home through some snow so that we could be with my family for our little holiday get together. We ate well, opened some presents, and spent quality time as a family.
Casey, Kendal, and i were definitely spoiled this year. We just wanted to give a big THANKS!!!! to our Super Fabulous family for all of the love, and gifts we received this Christmas. Wonderful week, exceptional company, and out of this world family!

And don't worry pictures to come.

Signing and Cheesing

We have been working with Kendal to start signing some things so we can understand what she is wanting. We do not understand what screams mean yet, so we needed extra help. She has kinda adapted some signs for her own preferences, but it is so much easier to uderstand her during feeding time. She can sign "more" for more food, "drink" for water, "please," "thank you," and blows kisses for goodbye. She still needs prompts most of the time, but she responds really well and is starting to initiate sometimes. It is great to watch her learn and grow.

That sour face that Kendal is giving through the video is her "cheesy" grin. We are not feeding her anything sour, she just pulls these faces when the camera comes out. She is a funny little girl and we love her!

Recognition of Excellence

I have to brag here for a minute. My husband is a GENIUS! Today he received an award for getting a very high percentage on the Praxis exam (very hard test to become a teacher). He hasn't even received his scores or results, but he figures he passed since he's got an Recognition of Excellence award. I've always known i am married to a smart guy. Casey does so well in school, and has such a vast knowledge. I'm very proud of Casey and all the work he's put into his schooling this semester. He's worked so hard, and next semester it finally comes to an end and he gets to graduate after his student teaching.
Since i won't be by a computer this weekend. I want to wish my Papa-in-law, and my Husband a very Happy Birthday. Casey's dad's birthday is tomorrow and Casey's is on Saturday. These two men are such wonderful guys, i feel very blessed and lucky to have them in my life.
Casey turns 27 this Saturday and doesn't have to take a final on his birthday for the first time in five years! I love my husband so very much and can't believe i got to marry the man of my dreams. I feel very lucky and truly thankfull to have Casey and Kendal in my life.




Happy Birthday PAPA D, and CASEY!

Traditions

Thanksgiving has come and gone, and i feel that we are truly in the midst of the holiday season. We had a good Thanksgiving. We celebrated with some of the Loosle side of my family this year. Kendal had a good day, eating random food from everyone the whole day (Didn't take a proper nap though). I am very thankful for the wonderful family that surrounds me. Casey and i feel so blessed with the family we have.
This weekend marks the first tradition of the holidays for me. It is when the Christmas decorations make their way out of storage and the tree goes up. When i say tree i'm being kind. My tree is actually smaller than the stockings that hang on my wall. When Casey and i were first married space was too precious to put a tree in our already crammed apartment so we got a small tree that has done the job well for us until we get the room to accommodate a real tree. Ornaments are always a given for tree decorating, and my Mom has a sweet tradition where she gives us each an ornament every year. However my small tree won't accommodate very much, and some ornaments though awesome are too heavy. So until that bigger tree comes along Casey and i have found other ways to decorate the tree. Every year we've done something different; for example we've done holiday candy, decorated gingerbread men, paper snowflakes, and tiny ornaments. This year we are doing pictures. It's been fun coming up with different ways to decorate our rather small tree.

Well, i cannot wait for the rest of the holiday traditions to come around. Family Christmas parties, Christmas eve, etc. This is Casey's favorite time of year; he's pulled out the music always has the holiday spirit about him. It definitely is a good time of year, i'm excited to continue our wonderful traditions and maybe start some new ones with Kendal.

Thought i better add a picture of our Sweet Pea; Enjoy!

ONE - derful

It's hard to look at my little Kendal and believe it's been a whole year, but it's true. Today Kendal officially turns one, and i am so happy she is in my life! It's been quite the year, and in my opinion has gone by way to fast. Lately i've been looking back and reflecting on this past years events and happenings. I love to look at pictures and remember the wonderful times we've had with Kendal this year.
I just love this little girl from head to toe.
- I love her wonderful crop of blond hair. It took some time to come, but Kendal has a lot of hair now and it's so much fun putting piggy tails in it.
- Kendal has some sweet eyes; She has her Grandma Loosle's eyes, and i love how you can see her sweet spirit through them.
- Kendal has a pretty cute nose. When she gets a big smile going her nose will crinkle up and it's an adorable site to see.
- Kendal has a great cheesy smile. (Pretty sure it comes from Casey). She has two teeth on the bottom and a third making an appearance on top.
- Kendal has a little belly, that Casey and i just love to tickle.
- Kendal is always using her hands, whether to eat, crawl, grab, play, clap, wave, etc.
- Kendal has always been a kicker, and her legs haven't stopped moving since she was born.
- Kendal has some petite feet, with cute little toes (i think she got those from me). They're so ticklish, and we can never seem to keep socks or shoes on them, especially when we're in the car.
Yep, we love this little girl from head to toe!

This past weekend we celebrated her birthday with family. We had all of my family there, and were happy that all of the Darringtons were able to come too (except Cody of course). Kendal is surrounded by a wonderful and loving family. We feel blessed and thankful for the love and care that our families give to us and especially to Kendal.
It's been such a great year, and i'm so happy to have such a ONE - derful little girl. I love you Kendal, and i can't wait to see what this next year brings.