Funny Pictures of Kennedy

Close up of Kennedy. (Could this be one of those "black mail" photos we use when she gets older?)

"Super Kennedy" in her "Super Cape"

Kennedy in mommy's Christmas socks.

Kennedy's Visit with Santa Clause

Saturday was our ward Christmas party. Kennedy sat on Santa's lap. She was doing....okay....until she looked at Brandon and I. Yep, she immediately decided that she DID NOT like Santa and wanted mommy or daddy. 



There was also a live band at the party, and Kennedy went and danced with some of the other primary kids. We had so much fun! 

As for Christmas in Texas, we are surprisingly missing the snow. It's been hard to get into the "spirit of the season" when it still seems like the beginning of fall. Don't get me wrong...we love that it is only 60 degrees outside, but what is Christmas without snow angels, sledding, snowmen, igloos, snow ball fights?

Kennedy dancing at the ward Christmas party.

Kennedy & Santa Clause.

Moby Dick

Moby-Dick or, The Whale by Herman Melville

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I happen to have the Usborne 161-page edition of Moby Dick in my possession, which I understand is a VERY condensed/watered-down version of the original, but nonetheless I enjoyed it VERY much! I couldn't put this book down. The author's writing is almost poetic. The plot, while somewhat foreseeable, kept me intrigued and fascinated. Some of the other reviews mentioned a long and tedious description of the whaling industry. Being that this particular edition of the book is VERY much abridged, I did not have that experience. Ishmael, the main character and narrator of the story, only discusses the whaling business briefly. In addition to being a great fictional novel, this book also has a lot of "food for thought." For example, Ahab's fatal obsession with Moby Dick clearly demonstrates what can happen in life when we ourselves choose to channel all of our emotion, passion, energy, and focus on one thing. Ahab's life could have been so very different. He could have lived a long and happy life with his wife and son, but instead allowed revenge and hatred to consume his entire being. Life has to be balanced or else our happiness and progression are at stake. That is only one of many insights this book has to offer. I would definitely recommend it to others.



View all my reviews

My First Ticket in Texas!

So, I'll keep this short and to the point. 


I was pulled over by a policewoman this morning. 

I wasn't speeding. 


I didn't run a red light or stop sign. 

I used my blinker and was wearing my seat belt. 


I was pulled over for driving on the wrong side of the road to get to the right side of the road. (I drove approx 40 ft on the wrong side of the road to get over to the right side since I don't have a direct outlet in front of my apartment complex because it is a brand new development in the community). 

Hence, a ticket. 


I don't know how much it is for, but I do know that I am going to fight it.


I feel it was a complete waste of my time, her time, and tax-payer dollars. 


Boy it feels good to vent!!!

Lemon Spinach Ginger Root Green Drink Recipe

It might sound kinda weird, but I tell you...this green drink tastes good! It isn't a sweet drink by any means, but it has a tangy flavor that I really enjoyed. Here it is:

1 small lemon or 1/2 large lemon peeled & seeded
1 bunch spinach (just get a large handful & dump it into your blender)
3 celery sticks (cut them in half)
1 cucumber (cut them in fourths)
1 green chard leaf
1 apple seeded and cut in fourths
1 dime-sized ginger root (if you are new to ginger root: cut off a little section from your root and remove skin with a paring knife)
1-3 cups 100% no-sugar-added apple juice (I know that 1 to 3 cups is a huge difference, but people have different preferences. Just add a       little at first. If it still needs more, add more.)
**1/4 cup water (optional)


Wash all fruits & vegetables before using.

In blender add:
1. Lemon, cucumber, and apple. Blend.
    **You may need to add 1/4 cup water if your vegetables & fruit do not have enough water content. If they do, omit the water.
2. Add ginger root and celery. Blend.
3. Add chard leaf and spinach. Blend.
4. Add 1-3 cups of 100% no-sugar-added apple juice to taste.

DRINK IMMEDIATELY! (You'll get the most nutrients from your drink when it is fresh).

My Three New Health Rules

Since I am constantly getting sick and my average cold sets me back at least two weeks AND my symptoms seem to be worse than the average person's...I have decided to incorporate some new rules into my everyday living. 

1. Drink a gallon of water every day 
2. Drink two green drinks daily (otherwise I don't get enough vegetables in my diet)
3. No white sugar or white flour

Yep...that's it. I've been doing it for almost two weeks now. Please don't misunderstand one thing...I will still be eating "sweets." They will, however, be sweetened with stevia, xylitol, fruit juice concentrates, honey or agave, sucanat, etc.. 

I'm just SO tired of getting sick any time a cold goes around. Granted, my immunity is shot (which is partly why I get the cold) BUT ANYTIME I eat sugar I almost immediately get a sore throat. Apparently, according to various articles I have read, sugar lowers your immunity. Go figure! 

I'll keep ya'all posted on how my desserts turn out from this point forward. 

Halloween

Quick Summary:

Kennedy was a "pumpkin fairy" for Halloween. I made the tutu and bought the fairy wings at the dollar store.

We went to our ward's Trunk or Treat. It was a lot of fun. I decided that Kennedy is too young for sugary sweets, so she didn't get to eat any of her candy. I figure she has PLENTY of years to enjoy Halloween candy in the future. Just so ya'all know, Brandon and I didn't eat it either. It is still sitting in her treat or treat bag in the kitchen pantry.

Later that night Brandon and I watched "Wait Until Dark" with Audrey Hepburn. I know it's an older movie, but I really enjoyed it. The ending was pretty suspenseful. The main bad guy is sooooooooo creepy!

Halloween Happiness!

Brandon giving a piggy back ride to Kennedy.

Dancing with my daddy!

High Five Dad!

 

Our Little Pumpkin Fairy

Transitions

I know this might shock some of you, but this post is not about Kennedy. It's about me. For those of you who know me fairly well, you know that I have recently made the transition from a working mom to a stay-at-home mom. Wow! What an eye opener!

First off, I have learned that I did NOT appreciate my husband (while he was staying at home with Kennedy) as much as I should have. Being at home is a lot of work!

Second, I have learned that keeping a close relationship with my Savior is what keeps my life purposeful and grounded. You know that saying that goes something like, "If momma ain't happy ain't nobody happy." Well....there is a lot of truth to that. Basically, if a mother's "spiritual well" is bone dry....her family will unfortunately suffer as well. 

Third, I have learned that in order to enjoy your child and not view parenting only as a list of responsibilities, you need to PLAY with your child. I know this sounds like common sense, but coming from a job where I had a lot of responsibilities...I sort of took the same approach to parenting. I was miserable. Then I realized I needed to "let it go," just relax, and enjoy playing with my child. Wow! What a difference this has made!

Lastly, I have learned that just when I think I have it all figured out...Kennedy decides to change and I am learning something new all over again! 

Well, thanks for enduring me on my soapbox! I just needed to get it out. :) 

Coming soon.....pictures of Kennedy's Halloween outfit. I actually made part of the costume!

Diaper Fun

Today Kennedy insisted on wearing a diaper on her head. I wasn't about to spoil her fun. I thought it was just too cute not to post it. 

 

Kennedy LOVES Music!

So Brandon decided to hook Kennedy up with some earphones and an MP3 player. At first it started off as a joke. It has slowly weaved its way into an addiction! She really likes Jack Johnson and Coldplay. 
 
This morning when we were driving Brandon to the park n' ride, I had 
the music turned on. I looked in the rear view mirror. There was Kennedy bobbing her head up and down to the rhythm. 

I'm not sure how much rhythm she'll have (since both of her parents are greatly lacking in that department), but she sure loves listening to her tunes!

Pictures of Kennedy's 1st Birthday

Waiting to eat Carrot Cake

Reading her Princess Storybook

Close up of Carrot Cake

Mommy, Kennedy, & Daddy

Playing with her Birthday Plate and Kazoo

Eating Carrot Cake

 

Happy 1st Birthday Kennedy!!!

Our little munchkin turned one! I can't believe how quickly the time has passed. As you can see from the picture, she is wearing a princess crown and holding a princess cup. 

I made her birthday cake, which you can also see in the background. It is carrot cake with a cream cheese frosting and large sprinkles on top. It was absolutely delicious! Not to mention...I LOVED that I got to use my glass cake stand. 

As a bonus, all of the toys you see in the background were actually purchased at a yard sale that morning for a third of what I would have paid at a regular store. In Texas, large communities hold an annual yard sale (where everyone can have a yard sale in their front yard on the same day). The community website even posts online what each house will be selling (if they choose to participate). I happened to spot a listing for all of these toys and knew that was the sale I wanted to target. So I dragged Brandon and Kennedy out of bed and by 7:30 we were off! 

It was so exciting to get Kennedy some pretty cool toys for really cheap! Who doesn't love a bargain! Later that day we Skyped with Brandon's family, as well as mine. It was a very memorable day.

It's Raining Cats & Dogs!

I could barely see anything in front of the car!

Yesterday, the forecast for today was 40% chance of rain. If you are like me, I decided that although there was a chance of rain there was a greater chance of sunny weather. Well, apparently I was flat out wrong. Not only did it rain, it POURED! I am talking sheets of rain! 

It has only rained this hard twice since moving into our apartment. Ironically, I have been at the public library both times. Each time Kennedy and I make a MAD DASH for the car. 

Despite my amazing running skills, both Kennedy and I never get to the car unscathed by the treacherous rainstorm. In fact, we are both soaked to the bone by the time I manage to get the car door open. 

To the left you can kind of see the wet spots on her shirt and her hair matted to her head. I don't look quite so cute with wet hair, or with wet pants for that matter. 

Some of the people at the public library were waiting at the front doors for the storm to let up before going to their cars. The only problem with that plan is that the rainstorms out here can sometimes last an hour or longer. I had a hungry wet baby, and frankly...she wasn't going to wait an hour for the storm. 

So ultimately, I decided to run fast and look upon this experience as our adventure for the day. 

Next time the forecast says 40% chance of rain, I think that Kennedy and I may make another trip to the public library. That would be three for three; and I think we have officially started a tradition. (i.e. tropical rainstorm ='s a trip to the public library)

ru

The Many Faces of Kennedy

Contemplating Kennedy

Mischievous Kennedy

"Are you kidding me?" Kennedy

Tired Kennedy

COOKING 101

I recently (about three weeks ago) discovered the art of cooking. I figure that if I am now responsible for making nutritious and delicious meals for my family, I better know how to cook! 

Kennedy and I immediately took a trip to the local library and found this little gem! I must say....this book "spoke" to me. It was as if someone out there knew that I had NO IDEA what I was doing in the kitchen.

On my behalf, however, I will say that I DO know how to boil water. It's just all of that other stuff that I need help with. One thing I am particularly intrigued by is how those chefs on Food Network cut vegetables so fast. Believe it or not, there is even a chapter about how to hold your knife in this book!!!!!! I tell you, this book was written for me! 

Brandon's Stunning Haircut

Brandon's Stunning Haircut

This stunning haircut was done by yours truly, the amazing amateur hairstylist Amy Frenza! That's right folks! I dared to cut my husband's hair!! It only took 6 years of marriage to gain enough courage to pick up the shears and make a go of it. 

Amy the Amateur Hairstylist

Many years back, in approximately 2003, I cut my mission companion's hair and it ended dreadfully. Her hair was.....less desirable by the time I was finished. Needless to say, I have stayed away from the scissors until now! 

Our State-of-the-Art Workspace

To your left is a picture of my workspace. (If you look really close....you will see that I even had an audience!) That's right, for those of you who can't tell what or who exactly is in the bathtub...it is little Miss Kennedy!

Miss Kennedy's "Play Pen"

She wanted to be where we were, and the bathroom wouldn't fit our pack n' play. So the tub became a makeshift playpen. She actually LOVED it!  

The 80's are back & they want their Step Aerobics!!

I think I might have found my exercise niche. As 80's as this might seem...I am REALLY enjoying my Basic Step Aerobics DVD. The time flies by when I do it! I can't say that for my treadmill. I've been doing step aerobics now for about three weeks, and I don't feel burned out! That's AMAZING!

Galveston Beach

Ya'all Come Back Now!

So we are officially in Texas now! (Actually....for those of you who know us well....we have been in Texas since July 17th). I must say that Texas has been an amazing experience so far. I have had employees in burger joints take pictures of my baby. I have driven in downtown Houston and within a 3-block radius drove by what appeared to be a crack house and then "luxury" condominiums. On their behalf, the condos looked nice but seriously...would you want to live down the street from a drug dealer? I have also learned what TRUE humidity is. My friends....it is MUCH different than dry heat. Often, at least three times a day, I get the distinct impression that it wouldn't be a bad idea if I showered...AGAIN. As for Brandon....who's Brandon? I hardly see the guy anymore! He has a pretty intense schedule with law school! He is up and out to school by 6:45 AM. I usually see him that night around 8 PM. But don't get too excited! Once he comes home, it's back to the books until bedtime. So basically...I have decided that it is a VERY good thing that I am not a super needy person. I am what I like to refer to as "self-entertaining". If you don't believe me...ask my mom. Apparently, when I was a wee little lad, I would sit at the table writing my name over and over again for about three hours at a time. Yep...now that I am a mother...I know what all of you mothers are thinking...WOW!!! WHAT WOULD IT BE LIKE TO HAVE THREE STRAIGHT HOURS OF PEACE!!!! Well...it is the price we pay for those cute little faces and fun memories!