Kendal is 6!

Our little lady keeps growing up even though we're trying to convince her staying young is a good thing. Kendal is not one to let celebrations pass her by so our household has been anticipating Kendal's birthday for a while now. Kendal is always willing to share her love with us, we get hugs and loves throughout the day from Kendal. When she's going in for a kiss she'll push our her lips and make "birdie" noises as she comes at our cheek. She cares deeply about life; people, places, events, toys, etc. are important and thus can be made to be a big deal to Kendal. Sometimes this caring deeply can turn into tears for Kendal as she see's a precious toy being manhandled by her brother, mommy is giving toys to charity, or visiting family that she loves so much just left. We love her tender heart and her smothering ways (most of the time). Kendal is very bubbly, and given the right audience / occasion she can be a constant mover and talker. She still happily talks to anyone around her and is so friendly.
Kendal skip hops her way to and from the bus every day (giving her bus drivers a good laugh) and embraces going to school. She loves everything about school and has something amazing / positive to say every day. We're proud of Kendal and her willingness to learn and how much she knows. Her reading is improving and she's starting to pull out the friend, her scriptures, or storybooks to read on her own (She's always done this at bedtime - flash back to my two year old with 20+ books in her bed at night; but now instead of savoring the pictures she's reading the stories to go with them). Kendal likes to learn and enjoys when we take the time to teach her new things such as cooking, sewing, tennis and basketball skills, etc.
She loves to play games with us and loves it when it's a "grown up game" meaning the age on the box is older than she is. She has a great imagination with her dolls, Legos, play dough, pretend play. She's loves riding her bike an outside time, but with colder temps she's kept in more than she wants. ("It's ok Mom, I love the cold!")
Kendal and Peter get along fairly well, but they are typical kids / siblings so while they can have a good battle over a toy or getting their way they mostly play together well and even keep each other up way to long past bedtime talking, reading together, and avoiding sleep (which they're doing right now ; ).

Kendal's annual birthday interview:
Favorite color - "Pink!"
Favorite toy - "Games and barbies." (i'll add in Lego's and dolls too)
Favorite food - "Spaghetti, pizza, macaroni, and eggs." (She will eat these meals great, anything else and she's at the table for an hour talking to avoid taking bites.)
Favorite animal - "ducks and kitties."
Favorite song - "Frozen."
Favorite holiday - "My birthday!"
Favorite snack - "Oranges, banana's, strawberries."
Favorite cartoon - "Peg + Cat, Angelina Ballerina, Dino Train, Curious George."
Favorite books - "Look and find books, long books, Fancy Nancy."
When you grow up what do you want to be? "A Mom, a Teacher, and a Coach."
Favorite thing about school - "To learn, play, have fun, make friends, and my teacher."
Nicknames - Sweets (aka sweet pea), little lady
Favorite thing about your birthday? "Everything!"
At age 6 Kendal is 41 lbs and 45 1/2 in. tall!

Kendal and Peter had the day off of school on Friday. The kids were thrilled to have Daddy time. I let Kendal go to warm up with Casey before his basketball game. Then Peter and I came before the game and we watched, cheered / screamed for the team during the game. Casey's team won by one against Canyon Ridge. Friday night my parents and Katherine came up. We ate dinner and caught up. Saturday morning we played at the house then went into town. We hit up Barns and Noble for Kendal's free birthday cupcake, story reading with Auntie K, and coloring. We had lunch at Culvers and then my Mom took the kids, Katherine, and I to the Peanuts movie. Kendal and Peter got to take their stuffed animal snoopy's and loved the movie. After the movie Peter asked where the peanuts were. We enjoyed the rest of the day playing at home and eating some pizza (Kendal's birthday request). Sunday morning Kendal got to open her presents. I finally gave in and handed down my American Girls doll and all it's belongings to Kendal (with a nice lecture on responsibility, and caring for such a special doll). Casey made an amazing bed for the doll and I sewed up a dress to match one we got Kendal for her birthday. My parents and sister gave Kendal a couple of outfits for the doll, some new sheets (she's really been wanting), a frozen book and calendar, and a cute little Lego girl / car. David, Anica, and Elliot gave her a cute Olaf she played with her dolls (that Peter frequently stole today to press it's buttons, and tap dance with it ; ), and a paper doll set she's dying to play with but I'll make her wait till the current birthday mess is contained. Kendal picked out a red velvet cake (YUM!) and requested it be covered in sprinkles. She and Peter helped (aka licked and ate) frost and sprinkle the cake. We all went to church. Kendal insisted on her sparkly cardigan with her new dress for church and wanted to button it funny ways just because. She got sang to in primary and got a candy bar from the bishop that she immediately tore into. We got a couple of skype birthday calls (Thank you Anica, David, Elliot, Grandma, Grandpa, Nicole, Jordan, & Anderson trio) we loved seeing your awesome faces and talking to you all!

Kendal we adore you; you are our sunshine, our special little lady, the sweet spot in our lives. Happy six birthday to our amazing little lady!

Early November

We had our first snow fall last week. The kids loved watching the snow come down and they wanted to go out to play, but I said no because we were getting Kendal ready for school. So instead they begged to eat the snow and I gave in. It ended up snowing all day long, but by late afternoon the temperatures warmed up so it rained and melted what did fall. (I enjoy fall, so I wasn't thrilled to see the snow, but snow doesn't seem to stick around here.) I'm dreading waiting for the bus' this winter. This last week gave us a taste of winter and I wasn't loving it (especially with the wind).

Casey started basketball season last Monday. His team will have eight players so fingers crossed JV and Casey's team don't suffer major casualties like last year making it hard to play games. Casey commented about how the girls are so hard on themselves about their skills, and abilities (I just laughed, that's just how girls are. Get used to it my love. ; ) His first game is Friday at home; the kids are excited to cheer on Daddy and his team!
We had a Darrington dinner on Sunday. Casey's parents came, along with Sarah, Terry, their trio, Brett, and David. Vanessa and Thomas had to take a sick little Becca home. We celebrated Keegan's and Kendal's birthday's. We had lime chicken taco's with rice and corn bread. For dessert we had cookie ice cream sandwiches. Kendal got a sparkly sweater (that she's so excited to wear to church next week!) and a Frozen game from Grandma and Grandpa! She also got a singing card from them that she hugs and plays over and over again with a huge smile on her face. Monday the kids and I had a tournament with her new frozen game and with a little cheating ; ) Kendal came out victorious! She got a calendar from David and Becca which she wanted me to put all the birthdays on and have it hung up but I told her it can wait till January. Bryker, Keegan, and Grady gave Kendal a fairy sticker book. She has been so cute with it and wants the scenes she makes to look perfect. (Thank you for the gifts everyone!)

I went into Kendal's parent teacher conference today. Kendal got a good report from her teacher Mrs. Stasny. She's a good student and is doing well in all areas ( and excelling in a few ). At school Kendal isn't showy in what she knows so sometimes she surprises her teacher with her reading, math, and other skills. I asked how Kendal's behavior is, (because I know my little lady can be a ball of energy sometimes with a mile a minute mouth to go with it). Mrs. Stasny said she behaves very well in school, she is one of the first to raise her hand, likes giving answers, and she'll let you know if somethings been missed. Kendal is loving her time at school and always has positive things to say about her teacher, buddies, and all the great things she's learning.

I was working on a sewing project and Kendal really wanted to help. After pleading with me to sew something I taught her to sew some buttons. She did these buttons all on her own!

Week of Halloween

Last Thursday was Casey's last football game of the season against Filer. In true October fashion it was windy and chilly. The kids and I lasted till just after half time till I dubbed it too cold and we left (plus the kids had coughs ). Casey's team won their game making their record 4 wins and 3 losses this year. Casey "had" about ten days off before basketball starts tomorrow (I say "had" because he had football equipment check on Monday, and open gym for basketball on Tuesday and Thursday night). So we got daddy for a bit extra this week but not a lot.
We carved our pumpkins last Saturday. Kendal chose to have Elsa and her castle on her pumpkin and Peter wanted Mickey Mouse. Once Kendal got over the initial ook factor she enjoyed cleaning out her pumpkin. Peter dived in from the beginning and spent the whole evening "cutting" up little pieces of pumpkin that had come off of his pumpkin. My hands didn't love the intricate work of carving but the kids loved the results so it was worth it.

Sunday was the primary program for our ward. I was up with my class, but Casey, Grandma D, and Peter got quite the show from Kendal. Apparently she sat well, but once they were up to sing she would move, and dance the whole time. She memorized her part this year and gave it well. We finished church and had Grandma join us for dinner. The kids happily showed off their costumes to grandma and even got to show Nana and her Loosle Grandparents their costumes over skype. (Happy 85th birthday to my Amazing Nana! We lova, lova, lova you so very much!!)
Monday evening Kendal had a kindergarten music program. She has been practicing for weeks and sharing the poems and songs with us at home. She was bubbling over with excitement and didn't hold still the entire program. Pretty much every picture is blurry because she was moving so much. The gym was packed with family and the kids did a great job. They got to decorate a cookie afterwards and came home covered in orange frosting. The afternoon classes got to go and do their program for the local senior center during the school week too.

Thursday I got to go to Kendal's school and help with their harvest party. I did a craft where the kids got to make creatures (ghosts, witches, bats, spiders, etc.) out of tissue paper and then make them fly / float using balloons and static electricity. They got to rotate through my craft and a couple games then they had snacks to end the day. Peter was being shy and stuck by me the whole time holding onto his precious blue balloon. I got comments from the other moms that they know all about Kendal because their kids talk about her and she's very friendly to them when they see her. Kendal earned her first "book it" this month (read 25 books = free pizza cupon) so we picked up Pizza to eat for dinner Thursday night. Kendal loved having her little pizza and was so proud she earned it all by herself.
Kendal was off of school Friday so we did a few Halloween crafts. We made movable skeletons and colored pumpkin pictures. Our sweet neighbors brought the kids coloring books and treats so the kids enjoyed them too. Friday afternoon we went into town to run a couple of errands and took the kids to Ihop for some free scary face pancakes. Peter was adamant about getting a vampirate to eat. Kendal loved the flavored syrups.
On Saturday the kids decided to get into their costumes fairly early so they could enjoy them all day. After lunch we headed into town to do a little trick or treating at a shoping center. It wasn't great, but the kids enjoyed seeing the fire engines and got a few sweets. We grabbed some Jamba juice and then went home for a bit to relax. We headed out about five to trick or treat. Peter got nice and terrified of a few dogs, but eased up once the candy was flowing in his bucket. The kids had a blast trick or treating. Their favorites of the night were fake vampire teeth and bottles of sprite. Kendal liked to be choosy with her selections and asked what everything was, Peter happily accepted whatever and was on his way again. We retreated home around seven, ate some dinner, put on a Halloween show, and got to have David, Becca, Thomas, and Vanessa over for a bit. Kendal got to be twins with Becca because they were both Elsa for Halloween (Aunt Nessa was a cute Anna, David was Luke, Thomas was Yoda).

 Were not to bad on this daylight saving post Halloween Sunday. The kids slept till seven and the candy begging is minimal (for now, hiding it seems to work ; ). I've never been in love with Halloween, but having kids makes it pretty good. I like thanksgiving more (rolls and pie = perfection), plus it's a great month to have a thankful vibe going on in our home. 

Sweet moment of the week. 

(Kendal grabbed the Friend magazine and started reading stories to Peter as they snuggled on the couch.)

Ramblings

This month's friend had a great quote in it. I loved it so I put it up in the kids' bathroom. It goes. .
No matter what anyone says,
I am strong.
I am loved.
I can be brave and kind.
I am a child of God.

I've caught Kendal reading out loud a few times and its made me smile. Words are powerful. I love finding inspiration, strength, hope, courage, guidance, etc. from thoughts and messages I see and hear. I have a journal dedicated to quotes. I have quotes scattered through the house to encourage and uplift me and my family. I've even taken on the Ponderize challenge from Elder Durrant's talk from conference.
A few of the thoughts posted in my home.
"Patience is a process, and I'll always be leaning."
"You can do hard thing's."
"Families are forever."
"I am grateful for. . ."
"Choose happy!"
"Be brave like Elsa, Be kind like Anna, be strong like Kristoff, be happy like Olaf." (Betcha can guess where the last quote is ; )
Ever have a rough day? Seek positive words through, quote, through song, through someone you love. Sometimes it's a simple phrase that can turn around your day.

Pumpkin season

The above is the kids showing off their painted pumpkins last Sunday. 

(Casey said Kendal looked like a little old lady with her bun, little bag, and the dress up pearls as we went into church.)

Casey's team went to Buhl this week to play. They lost so they are 3 and 3. This next week they play Filer to finish up the season.
Some days keeping my kids fed and happy is all I accomplish, once in a while my inner domestic houselady comes out. Thursday I made apple cinnamon bread for us, and a potluck for Casey's school, and since Casey's had a cold ask week I made home made noodles for some home made chicken noodle soup. The next day I busted out a ton of cookies for our ward harvest party. (My hands have been paying the price since, but I love providing home made goodness for my family.)

 Yep I'm the awesome Mom who gives the little tablet time so Mommy can do her thing. 

(Naps only last so long.)

Friday out wards had their harvest dinner / party. The scouts and young women did some carnival games with the kids. They got to do a cake walk, pumpkin bowling, bean bag toss, and play around with buddies.
Saturday Casey took Peter to a kids event at a Nursery in Twin. They got to do a hay maze, decorate a cookie, and play some games.

Kendal and I were at the church practicing with the primary for our upcoming program. I ended up sitting with Kendal's wiggly class because her teachers could make it. Kendal has worked hard and has her part memorized for the program. We ended practice with pizza and cookies.
After we got home we had David, Becca, and Thomas over to play. We went for a walk to play at the park in Ballard's Way. The kids played pretend while Thomas and I played peek-a-boo and pushed the stroller around.
It's been so warm we've got up the park quite a bit lately and enjoyed being outside. Casey fixed Peter's broken bike and changed Kendal's flat tire (out neighborhood has A LOT of thistles around) so hopefully we'll get in some more bike riding before the weather turns.

Homecomming, Tubbs, and more

Monday this week we headed over to Kendal's school to do some service. They were doing doing some landscaping and painting projects outside the school. We helped de-weed and add some plants to an entry area of the school.  Those who were helping us got an ear-full of comments and questions from Kendal and laughed at Peter trying to handle the shovels and haul dirt around us.
Kendal got to go to a puppet show this week at school; and the kindergartners are prepping for a recital they'll put on for parents and at a retirement home in a couple of weeks.
This week was homecoming for the high school. I checked Kendal out of school a bit early Friday and we joined Vanessa and her kids for the parade. Casey wandered over and joined us too! The kids got to see Uncle Brett in the parade with the Cross Country team. We got a nice bunch of candy thanks to Casey; his former students would see him, yell out, and toss extra candy our way. Kendal got to see her two bus drivers, (Miss Teddy, and Miss V) she likes them a lot and was thrilled they waved to her.

 After the parade was over Vanessa and the kids came back to our house for a while to play. Kendal and Peter love cousin time and were so happy to have their buddies around to play.
Friday night we went to the homecoming game against Wendall. The kids enjoyed having Daddy with them instead of down on the field. They tracked the bulldog mascot for a while before they got up the courage to go up to him and get high fives. Kendal enjoyed playing on the rails and spotting her teacher in the stands. Peter took up teasing / getting teased from Casey's students in the booth behind us. He can pull the best faces and glares around, it's hilarious / intimidating all in one. I hauled the kids home after half time and Casey stayed and watched the game with Brett in the booth. The team won their game. Casey's team also won their away game this week against Wendall! He has another away game this week and then his last game will be next week at home.

Saturday we wanted to go out and enjoy the sunny fall day so we chose to take the kids to Tubbs Berry Farm. Kendal was in love with the tall slides and the animals. Peter once again loved the water pumps and the corn sand box. He would only go on the big slides if Casey or I had him, but enjoyed the little slide on his own. We took a hay ride around the farm and saw their insane amount of pumpkins they grow. We went into the corn maze and found our way to the two story slide in the middle, but once we left the slide we kept making crazy loops getting us nowhere so after awhile the kids begged to be done and we found the emergency exit and got free from the maze. The kids played a bit more and then we called it good. We decided to have lunch at McD's in Twin. The kids ate and then ran out to enjoy the play area (like we hadn't just been playing all morning ; ). We hit up the new Ross in town but it was crazy busy because it's opening weekend. I took the kids a couple of stores down to Pet Co. while Casey waited in the long line to check out at Ross. They were in love with the fish and turtles, and fascinated with everything else. Kendal asked me why we don't have pets a couple of times (I know Casey wouldn't mind, but it'll take a lot more than Kendal asking to get me to have a pet ; ).

Saturday afternoon I let the kids paint their mini pumpkins that they brought home from Logan. They wanted to carve their big ones but we'll wait so they don't rot before Halloween. Kendal and Peter are all geared up and ready to be Elsa and Mickey Mouse for Halloween this year. It's going to be fun having Casey around and just enjoying the day together.

The above is us having family time playing the Wii Saturday morning. We only pull it out about once a month, but the kids love it. We bash walls together in Mario Kart, and the other picture is Casey and Kendal playing Just dance for kids (Peter was being stubborn {surprise, surprise} and wouldn't join in the dance).

My conference notes

I loved conference this year. I doodled and noted all through the sessions and am looking forward to rehearing all that was said. While I didn't have any questions or needs in my mind going into the sessions there were definitely countless talks that uplifted me, spoke to me, and inspired me.
 My heart swelled as I watched our dear Prophet have some moments of weakness as he spoke. He truly has the weight of our church on his shoulders. I love and admire him and the apostles for all that they do and the amazing men they are. I pray for them all as they carry our church and its people through these perilous times we live in.

Some thoughts / quotes that touched me. 
- “this life is the time … to prepare to meet God."  It is not the time to receive all of our blessings. She also said "I believe that if we could daily remember and recognize the depth of the love that our Heavenly Father and our Savior have for us, we would be willing to do anything They asked to be back in Their presence again." - Sister Reeves 
- "God didn’t design us to be sad. He created us to have joy! So if we trust Him, He will help us to notice the good, bright, hopeful things of life."
"Exaltation is our goal, discipleship is our journey."
"The Gospel fills our hearts with hope and our minds with light." - Uchtdorf
- Like the clay on a potters wheel we must be centered in Christ. . . If our lives our centered in Christ he will mold us into who we can be.  - Elder Maynes
- None of us marry perfection, we marry Potential. - Elder Hales
- No love comes closer except Jesus, than the love of a mother for her child. - Holland (Really I loved his whole talk. Holland is one of my favorite speakers.)
- We must choose the light. . .  we must build our own light. - Elder Stanfill
- "Do not give up, NEVER GIVE UP." - Elder Martino
- "Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot cure." Our savior knows the full range of all we endure, He knows of our anguish and is there for us. It is for all of us who ask. - Elder Oaks.
- You cannot have faith and doubt together. Example in word, conversation, of the Savior, of the Spirit, of Faith. - President Monson
- Women are defenders of morality and family. Nothing is more crucial than a covenant keeping woman. - Elder Nelson
- Let the notes of the gospel rise above the world. Hold to the rod. . . never let go. - Elder Schwitzer
- Claim the gift of the Holy Ghost. We need a constant influence of the spirit to dispell doubts.
- The family and the church strengthen each other. - Elder Christoferson
- "Ponderize" ?
-When you cant do what you have always done, you do what maters most (speaking about apostles and prophets, really anyone ; ). - Elder Bendar
I can't wait to go over these wonderful talks again and the talks I may have missed.