She's here and beautiful!

Reagan Lee Kenley was born December 18, 2008 at 8:06 p.m. She is beautiful with a full head of black hair!

Scott and I arrived at the hospital at 5:15 am and by 6 I was hooked up and the pitocin started. I labored from 6 am to 12 pm and then asked for an epidural. I expected that she'd be here by 2 at the latest. I was wrong! :)

I stalled out at a 6 around 2 pm. Needless to say my progress hadn't been stellar up to that point. Baby looked great the whole time - good heartbeat and showed no signs of distress.

Around 3:30 - I started getting a little nervous. Things just didn't feel right and I began to accept that we might be looking at a c-section. Around 5:30 our nurse said that our chances of having a natural delivery were not looking good. I cried. :) I was so tired and just ready to be done. We agreed to the c-section and thought that we'd be back in the OR by 6.

At 6, almost on the dot, my epidural completely wore off. I had made it to an 8 and labored like that for an hour. That 60 minutes taught me a lot - mostly that I'll never labor at an 8 without medication again. Killer - horrible - terrible pain.

At 7 the nurse came back in and found a very crabby patient. She tried to start some more meds, but they didn't work. Our doctor came in around 7:30 and we made the final decision to go for the c-section. Apparently he'd given me the extra hour and a half to see if I could progress on my own - when that didn't happen our decision was clear.

I cried again. Terrified of the c-section I asked for 10 minutes alone with Scott before they took me back. The nurses and dr left and Scott prayed. I was still scared, but not doing the full face cry thing anymore.

They wheeled my back to the OR and started some strong drugs. They gave them to me through my epidural site. The only hard part of this was that it left me feeling like someone was sitting on my chest and gave the illusion that I couldn't breathe. I pulled out every counseling trick I know to calm anxiety. Some of it worked. :) I had three episodes of throwing up from the medication on my empty stomach, but nothing outside of that.

About 30 minutes into the c-section we heard this beautiful, strong cry come from our daughter. She was 8 lbs 3 oz, pink, healthy - a perfect moment.

I cried.

I cried from exhaustion, excitement. It was such a release of emotion.

Scott got to weigh her and go for her first bath. All firsts for him. When Sam was born he was whisked away to the NICU without us even holding him. So - this moment was extra sweet for Sam - He played the proud Daddy role and got some great pics with the nurses and drs. I was so excited for him. One memory just so we don't forget - at the hospital when a new baby is born the dad pushes a button that plays a lullaby throughout the hospital to announce the birth. With Sam there was too much going on and he never got to push it. I cried when I heard that lullaby playing. Such a small thing - but so meaningful to us.

Reagan's doing great. I can't believe we're a family of 4!!!! Parents to two kiddos. Well, right now very sleep deprived, excited parents.

My last post

Baby Girl Kenley will arrive on Thursday at the latest.

I'll check in on Thursday morning around 5 a.m. and she will probably be here by noon.

We'll try to post pictures, but we do not own a home computer right now and it's at almost the bottom of our list of things to purchase. So, I don't anticipate getting one any time soon. :) We will text something to family and friends to let you know that she's arrived and to reveal her name.

May you and yours have a very blessed holiday season. May the love of Christ be in everything you do and may we all remember the great sacrifice of His love.

With full hearts,

Scott, Jenny and Sam

What is love?

Last night I was up from 1:30 to 4:00. I was pretty sure that I was going into labor, but the contractions puttered out and I just ended up having a pretty miserable night. As I was sitting on my bathroom floor I started to think about love.

This whole Christmas season is about love. The love of God - who while we were yet sinners sent His only Son that none may perish, but all have eternal life (John 3:15). This time of year we celebrate the birth of Jesus - the beginning of His time on earth which led to the miracle of the cross. It's overwhelming really when you stop to think about it.

And we have all read 1 Cor. 13. The chapter on love. Love is patient, kind, long-suffering...you know the verses. It's read at almost every wedding - both Christian and not- that I attend.

But last night on my bathroom floor, I started thinking about how love gets translated every day. How do I see love? How do I give it? How do I experience it? It all started with an act of kindness by my husband. I love it when God uses a not so great moment in life to remind us of the bigger picture.

So...here's a list. A list of blessings. A list I should spend more time thinking about - pondering over.

1) Our Children- of course I see love in Samuel and Baby girl. It's truly an experience to see the love that you have for your spouse walking around. Before Sam, I had no idea that my heart could actually feel that strongly. Love is hugs before bed, enforcing the naughty spot, playing in the front yard, and singing Deck the Halls 150 times in the car from preschool to home (about a 15 minute drive!)
2) Love is waking your husband up at 2:00 in the morning because you've gotten sick and need help cleaning the bathroom up. Love is your husband telling you to rest and then doing the job himself before getting up at 5 am to go to work. (Sometimes marriage is not pretty, folks).
3) Love is Scott correcting me when I'm wrong. Love is telling me when I need to slow down, rethink, reconsider. Love is Scott being willing to hear my counsel, too. Love is not panicking when we face problems - but remembering that we are on the same team.
4) Love is being firm - steadfast - never wavering. Love is being honest with those around me.
5) Love is sometimes hard to accept and even harder to give.

I love this time of year. I always have loved this time of year. And I'm a bit of a sentimental sap when I'm not pregnant - so throw in being 9 months pregnant this year and I keep hearing myself say remember to ponder as Mary pondered. Read Luke - read how many times that it is written that Mary pondered "all these things" in her heart. I believe that God wants me to always be thinking about the roles that he has for me.

Today I resolve to open the eyes of my heart this season to more pondering so that I may experience the fullness of Christ - more of the love of Christ.

It's snowing in Texas!

We woke up this morning to snow!!!!! I love it!!!

It will be gone by noon, but it's a rare winter day to have snow in Texas. Sam kept saying over and over "cold, mama. cold, mama" He then insisted on wearing his boots for the day. lol

By the way...if you are reading this I am glad you found us. I feel much more comfortable with the blog being private so we will probably stay this way for a while. :)

I hope you found us

I want to write something so I remember it. So that some day when life is hard I can come back and read this.
Yesterday was a not so great day. We had problems. Some small, some big, and some very big.
Scott and I started to panic. I could feel the panic coming. It was like a turtleneck sweater that fits way too tight. It is the feeling you get when your baby has a fever and it is 2:00 in the morning and you don't know what to do. It is a suffocating kinda feeling.
But then something happened. Words came to my mind. Scripture. Verses of God's word and I began to think and meditate on those things. I began to pray and then we prayed together. We prayed words of the Psalms.
And calmness began to reign again in our home. Our minds were opened and we were able to think clearly. We began to work together to solve the problems. Without the panic, the problems seem much more manageable.
It doesn't always work like this. When you write things on a blog sometimes you don't mention that life can be ugly. That we sin every day. We only post happy pictures and someone could get the idea that we live in a bubble. But the truth is that sometimes I give in to the panic. It is almost as if I enjoy the feeling. Isn't that crazy? Because if you asked me, I'd tell you "heck no, I don't enjoy this. this is awful!" But I must enjoy some part of it because I know that the way to calm it - the way to make satan and his demon of anxiety back off is to start throwing scripture at him.
The bible says that we are to ascribe God's word to the walls of our hearts. We are to write them on the door frames of our houses. We are to know them. We are to teach them to our children.
Sam had no idea what was happening yesterday. He had no idea that his parents were working through some problems. But soon, very soon, he'll be more aware. He needs to see us relying on God and God's promises in these times the most.
The problems are not gone. But I have a calm assurance today that God is in control and that He will protect us from those that seek our ruin.

The answer is....

No...I have not had the baby yet.
Yes...I am ready to have the baby.
No....I don't know when she is coming.
Yes...I hope she comes soon.
Yes...I am aware that I am walking funny these days.
No...I don't think I should call the doctor.
Yes...I think Sam knows that he's going to have a sister.
No...we are not telling the name.
Yes...you may ask Sam what the name is.


*Because Sam just calls her sister! lol.

And to those who keep asking if we are going to have more children?!?!?!? I'm sure I've gotten the "you are insane" look down. Probably yes...do we want to even think about that right now...Definitely NO! :)

Christmas Lights

Right now these are going up on the Kenley House!!! Sam is going to be so excited tonight.

Scott had a crew that needed something to do for a couple of hours until another job starts and so he brought them to our house and they are helping him with the lights. I couldn't be more excited.

Almost every night we take a walk after dinner with Sam and he loves the lights up in our neighborhood. It's amazing what will entertain a two year old! :) I can't wait to see his face when we turn ours on tonight.

What a wonderful time of the year. Later, when the children are older we'll do the Advent Wreath at home. Right now we are just working on understanding the nativity scene. We are learning about Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus. It helps that the Baby Jesus has been found. (He was not suppose to be put in the bag with the blocks!) :)

Countdown to baby

Well, we have about two weeks to go. I.AM.READY!!!!!

Baby girl looks great and she's moving a lot still. I go to the dr. once a week and we know that she'll be here by the 20th, but I'm hoping for a little earlier. Like, I don't know, today! :)

Thanksgiving was a huge success at our house. Scott and I spent the morning cooking and playing with Sam. John and Robin joined us for lunch and then the Ruples came over that evening to watch the A&M game. All in all, not bad for our first Thanksgiving at home together.

Friday we put up our Christmas tree and Sam is loving the train that we set up around the bottom of the tree. I'll try to post pictures. He'll lay there for 1/2 an hour just watching it go and go.

And today officially kicks off the Christmas season! I love this time of year.

This year is different from most. Because of Baby Girl we have been forced to slow things down a bit. No crazy schedules, no traveling. This has caused me to focus more on our own family traditions and how to shift the focus from being busy to remembering Christ's birth and ultimate sacrifice for us.

So, on the Kenley list of family activities for the season are:

1) Putting up our tree - check! Scott decorated most of it and it's gorgeous!
2) Santa's Wonderland - This is a local place that has a little town set up with an outdoor fire, fake snow (gotta love Texas!) and hayrides to look at Christmas lights.
3) Christmas in the Park
4) A tour of Bethlehem - a local church recreates Bethlehem with a petting zoo area, crafts, and stories of the nativity scene.
5) Christmas Cookie Night at home - We're inviting friends over to decorate sugar cookies and then we'll deliver them to our neighbors.
6) Christmas Eve service at church - with all FOUR Kenley's attending!!! :)
7) Christmas Eve meal - probably eaten in our pj's
8) Christmas morning breakfast

These are new things that we get to do now that we'll be town more. Usually, once December hits we travel until New Years.

We'll have family in and out during the season, but it's hard to coordinate everyone so we're playing that by ear. Mostly, I'm looking forward to some cozy nights holding a newborn and playing with Sam. This is a sweet, sweet time.

A Week of Thanksgiving

A week of thankfulness....

Happy Thanksgiving blog world!

This year our hearts are overflowing with blessings and fun memories. This picture above gives you a peek into our living room most nights. Life with a toddler is never boring!

This year we are thankful for:

1) Saving grace and an active church family

2) Good health

3) Family - We are so thankful for Sam and Baby Kenley. We're grateful for the opportunity to be parents.

4) The Ground Crew and it's continued success. We are thankful for the people who work for Scott and their families.

5) Our new home - We are thankful for a safe neighborhood and the parks that are close to our house. I'm personally grateful for doors that close and stay closed - a workable kitchen - a door to my toilet so I can use the bathroom in peace and the whirlpool bathtub. :)

Sam is thankful for Birdie and his boots.

This year we will be doing a quiet thanksgiving meal at home. I'm cooking the traditional feast, Scott and Sam plan to watch the A&M/UT game, and we'll put up our Christmas tree that evening. We are looking forward to making more memories and just being together.

Camping with Nannie and Pops

In October Sam went on his first camping trip, and he LOVED it. Nannie and Pops came down with their camper and away they went. I think the pictures tell the story best.

A daily hike. Look how serious Sam is about his hiking! :)

This picture screams "Pops you have taken 500 pictures in the last two hours; I am not saying cheese one more time."

Eating chili around the campfire. Sam LOVED this chili. He reportedly kept asking for more.

"Thank you God for good chili!"

"Guys, we have dishes to do in here! I could use a little help reaching the sink."

Sam is REALLY into writing and drawing right now. He takes his work very seriously. Rumor has it that he'll be receiving a lot of artwork supplies for Christmas.

Sometimes a boy just needs a lift...

This is an amazing trike that Nannie and Pops picked up for him. He can peddle, but we can steer it from behind. We use it now on our nightly walks.

Sam is definitely my son. He loves people and he loves to part of the action. Here he is waving to a group a boyscouts across the road. I'm not sure this kid ever meets a stranger.

Thanks to Nannie and Pops for these fun memories. I'm sure that Sam will grow up loving the outdoors!

Funny Sam Moment

(to help me remember)


This morning I got up around 7 and was getting ready for work. Sam was laying on our bed.
I heard him start to move around and went over to him.
Me: "Sam, are you awake?"
Sam (with eyes closed): "No."
:)

Mom Olympics

I'm going to start a list here...PLEASE comment with your own "events."

I've decided that moms everywhere should start our own form of the olympics with special events that only we could come up with. Things like...

1) How to sneak in a meal in 3 minutes or less while your toddler isn't looking (since everything on my plate is immeasureably better than what is on his plate - even if it's the same thing!)
2) Going to the bathroom in 15 seconds or less - this includes running to the bathroom without your toddler noticing that you've left the room.
3) Events for the car - When driving how to keep your hand on the steering wheel, eyes on the road and somehow turn into a human pretzel so that you can pick up a dropped sippy cup, toy or book. When not driving - how to entertain a screaming baby from the passenger seat (first mom to calm her child will win)
4) How to cook dinner with one hand - for the moms with toddlers who insist on watching everything that goes into the cooking pots.
5) In the fun in the laundry room category - how to remove grass stains, chocolate, mashed cheerios, vomit, markers, and crayon stains from clothing.
6) In the personal hygiene category two events: 1) how to shower (including shaving and washing of hair) in 2 minutes or less and 2) how to hold down a toddler for teeth brushing time.

Anyone have a game to add? :)

35 weeks and almost a minor operation at the Kenley House

Saturday night I woke up in pain.

Part of that was due to the fact we tried to turn on the heat for the first time since moving in and realized that the heater needed to be lit. Only the a/c guy could do this for some reason and so - we put Sam in bed with us and cuddled together for warmth. It was 67 in our house. Brrr...and signal the laughing from my northern Oklahoma family who wear shorts when it's 67 degrees!

The rest was due to the sudden realization that my wedding ring was cutting off my circulation. I've been wearing it non-stop with this pregnancy and since I've gained about a 1/4th of what I did with Samuel - I was having no problems with this plan. Until Saturday.

I woke up.

My finger was turning blue.

I panicked. :)

I woke up Scott who asked if I wanted him to drive to shop to get something to cut it off with! EEEK! Not so much. So I elevated and iced it - and prayed. Rinse and repeat this scenerio for about 90 minutes.

And fortunately - thankfully - the darn thing came off on its own. THANK GOD!!!

One of the joys of being 35 weeks pregnant.

Everything with Baby Kenley is going great. I go to the dr once a week now for checkups and soon, very soon, she'll be here. We have started preparing for her. We installed the car seat this weekend. The backseat looks very different with TWO car seats! Sam wasn't sure who was riding with us this morning and kept asking for Birdie! I swear if that boy could take Birdie everywhere with him he would. :)

Rylie Jo is Here!

Rylie Jo Shupe is here! She was born November 6th at around 7:40 a.m. She weighed 9 lbs 3 oz!

She's so precious.

We were lucky to get to make the trip up to Oklahoma to see her - 18 hours well worth it! She's eating like a champ and Aunt J0Jo and Uncle Bear are settling into parenthood.

There is nothing like holding a newborn baby!

Welcome to the world, Rylie!

Better late than never - Happy Birthday Dad!

(I'll add birthday pictures to this post)

Scott turned 30 on November 10th. I was sick that day, but we had a great celebration that night with his family. Nana and Pops drove over for dinner at our house.
Sam and I set up streamers and a Happy Birthday sign. I think Sam may have thought that it was HIS birthday!!!
I love my husband so much. We have been through a lot in our 4 years of marriage - and almost two kids later I wouldn't want to walk this road with anyone else. Here's a short list of why we think he's super...

1) He puts his family first. This is REALLY easy to say and REALLY hard to do. Scott not only tells us that we are his priorty, but he shows us with his actions. He's given up nights when he wanted to do his own thing to be there for us.
2) He is a hard worker. He's up early and many times he works late. He provides for our needs.
3) He actively loves us. He tells his huge pregnant wife that she's pretty and he showers Sam with kisses and tells him that he loves him. He makes us feel special.
4) He helps clean the kitchen.
5) He loves old gospel music.

When I married Scott I knew that he was a good man. In the last 4 years, I've watched him turn into an able businessman, a great father and husband, and a best friend. He leads our family with a quiet strength that leaves us feeling safe and secure. He calls me out on my own areas of weakness with gentleness and respect. He listen to my counsel, but makes his own decisions. He is firm, but gentle when he parents Samuel.

Happy Birthday Dad! We love you!

Momma and Sam

We aren't dead and we are going private

I have a ton of posts to write. I have them in my head. But right now my head is high on crack like drugs that my new doctor promises is going to make this bout with bronchitis end. It must end because I cannot continue to live like this. I can't afford my water bill (I've practically slept on my bathroom floor with the shower running for 4 weeks. My boys need me. They want to start living normal lives again. I do, too.

Back to the blog world...we are not dead. We've hung out at the zoo, enjoyed the weather outside with Birdie, had a pajama day at home, welcomed our new niece, Rylie, into the world, and had our first camping trip. The pictures are wonderful. I will post them. Soon. Very soon.

AND - we are going private with our blog. Some things have happened lately that make me convinced its the right thing to do. Plus, we'd like to make this more personal and we have children to protect, so frankly its a no brainer. If you'd like to have access, leave me a comment or email me. I'll make sure you are added. I'm guessing we'll make the switch in about a week.

Jen

Happy Election Day

This morning I work up too early. 5:15 a.m. to be exact. Two obvious advantages to this plan today, though.

1) I got to spend 45 minutes with Scott before he left for work. I love, love, LOVE the winter schedule! He leaves the house now at 6 instead of 4:30. There is much to be thankful about his schedule in the winter.

2) We got to pray together about the election. We prayed that God's will would be done, that people would come together, and that peace would reign. And then like that - shadows of worry lifted and things seemed less chaotic in my mind. Scott and I don't pray reguarly together - we should, but we don't. We have often prayed over our children or household matters. Nightly before we eat our dinner we thank God for the blessings of the day and almost without fail pray for The Ground Crew and its employees. BUT - we don't do a daily, quiet time like prayer together. Maybe I'll start waking up earlier so we can do that.

John Piper has a couple of video clips on today's events. Not political advertisements, but reminders that we serve a Soverign God. Reminders that we have one foot here on earth but another in Heaven. We are not part of this world and to get caught up in these matters is foolishness. A good reminder for me this morning.

http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1473_Thoughts_on_Voting_and_Politics/

I shouldn't post this, but I am - Don't look Julie

A story I read today from another mom....it's probably not sure and just an email circulation, but it gives pause for reflection.

Today on my way to lunch I passed a homeless guy with a sign that read "Vote Obama, I need the money." I laughed.Once in the restaurant my server had on a "Obama 08" tie, again I laughed as he had given away his political preference -- just imagine the coincidence.

When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him that I was exploring the Obama redistribution of wealth concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who I deemed more in need--the homeless guy outside. The server angrily stormed from my sight.

I went outside, gave the homeless guy $10 and told him to thank the server inside as I've decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy was grateful.

At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn even though the actual recipient deserved money more.

I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application.

October 15th

October 15th is the National Day of Remembrance for Pregnancy and Infant Loss.

I'm reminded today of the journey that Scott and I took to become parents and the two pregnancies that we lost before welcoming Samuel into this world.

We have no idea whether the first baby was a boy or girl. We know the second was a girl.

Each person is different; each journey is different.

A wise woman told me after I lost my first pregnancy that I had just joined a club that no one ever wants to be a member of. Then she hugged me. A wise, wise woman.

So much has changed since we were in that ultrasound room at the hospital in 2005 hearing that our baby's heart had stopped beating. On that day we questioned whether or not we'd ever be parents. We looked to our future together and suddenly questioned our dreams of building a home filled with the noise and chaos of children. Some days we were hopeless. Some days we were hopeful. Through it all - we were together. I'm not sure anything could have solidfied our marital bond like walking that road together.

Today - we have a 21 month old beautiful boy. Sam makes us laugh, keeps us laughing, and drives us to our knees in prayer almost every day. Seeing the love two people share learning to walk, learning to talk, learning how to throw a sippy cup from their carseat - well...it's a good thing.

AND....much to our surprise...we have a little girl on the way. Soon, our family of three will be a family of four!

But with all the happiness we have here in our lives right now, today I'm reminded of our two babies that sing with the Angels in heaven. What a beautiful reunion that will be some day for us!

So today - if you are a mom who has lost a pregnancy or infant - let's join together and remember our angel babies.

Update on Baby Girl

1) Baby Girl needs a name. We thought we had one. We don't. She can't come home without a name. :)
2) She's doing great. I had a 30 week check up this morning and she's growing perfectly. She's moving more and more and I'm feeling it a lot! She's active almost all day at this point.

Sam loves to say good night to her. He'll raise my shirt, kiss my stomach, and say either night-night or bye-bye. lol. He's going to be a good big brother.

She's still on target for 12/24 - although I think if she's not here by the 18th, I'll be induced.

Yikes! Only a short while left - must, must, MUST start the nursery!!!!!

Long Overdue Update

We recently got to visit Aunt JoJo and Uncle Bear in Oklahoma. Sam had a blast. I stole these pictures from Sister's site and will try to post some more soon.

We got there Friday night and went to Uncle Bear's football game. Sam LOVED the game. Turns out - he's a big football fan. He clapped and cheered and thought every play ended in a touchdown. The tigers won in the last few moments of the 4th quarter. It was awesome!

Saturday Sam went with Papa Tom and Aunt JoJo to do a little shopping and playing. I was still feeling sickly and spent the afternoon resting (SO nice to be able to lay on the couch and do NOTHING!!!) and Scott headed to the OSU/A&M Football game in Stillwater with Barrett.

Sunday was Baby Riley's shower. It was great seeing how loved Jodie and Barrett are by their community. We went to church that morning and then spent the afternoon eating leftover cake from the shower.

Monday was a LONG drive home (9 hours) but Sam was so exhausted from all the fun and literally slept all but an hour of the trip.

It's my blog; I'll type what I want!

This is election season and we've been talking a lot about politics at home. However, I've been hesitant to mention that on my blog.

1) I have few readers :) and...
2) I didn't want to offend anyone.

But, it's too important.

We're a McCain family. College friends - please sit down. This former democrat is now a republican. It only took Scott 4 years. :)

I can't vote for Obama and here's why -

1) He's not a friend of small business. His tax policies would leave my family paying much more than we currently pay - in some areas we'll be taxed at 50%.
2) I don't know if he's a Christian. His religious affliation is murky at best. He's never come out firmly on one side or the other.
3) He's pro-choice. It's been difficult to determine his stance on this, but I recently listened to a speech he gave for the Planned Parenthood association and there was not doubt where he stood. He also voted against legislation that would give babies who survied an abortion procedure a chance for life. As a momma with a little one kicking away at my ribs as I type this - I cannot, will not vote for someone who does not recognize life as starting at conception. It's a deal breaker for me. A nurse who testified before Obama on this issue said this:

• A quote from the article (Obama More Pro-Choice Than Naral 12/26/2006) states that"Jill Stanek, a registered delivery-ward nurse who was the prime mover behind the legislation after she witnessed aborted babies’ being born alive and left to die, testified twice before Obama in support of the Induced Infant Liability Act bills. She also testified before the U.S. Congress in support of the Born Alive Infant Protection Act.Stanek told me her testimony “did not faze” Obama.In the second hearing, Stanek said, “I brought pictures in and presented them to the committee of very premature babies from my neonatal resuscitation book from the American Pediatric Association, trying to show them unwanted babies were being cast aside. Babies the same age were being treated if they were wanted!”“And those pictures didn’t faze him [Obama] at all,” she said."

We have a responsibility to participate in this election with eyes wide open and heart attune to what God would have us do. It's not about parties - it's about issues.

The Kenley family is voting for John McCain.

There...I said it.

My southern husband

Driving back home today with Scott. We have a 9 hour drive; the kid is sleeping.

We passed a truck hauling a trailer.

Scott: I know that man.

Me: Really? How do you know him?

Scott: I went to school with his boy.

lol - with his boy. That's how we describe sons here.

"Did you hear about that adoreable Sam Kenley?" "Oh yeah, Scott's boy."

I love it.

Sick days

I.am.sick.

This is horrible. I've had this no good, nasty, get away from me, terrible, awful, ruin your day cold since MONDAY!!!! That's 4 days, people. 4 long, long, LONG days.

This can NOT happen.

Moms simply cannot be sick. There is too much to do. My house is a wreck. My boys have eaten like vultures for 4 days - I don't think we've had a single meal that would even count as a food group. I'm pretty sure last night Sam ate chocolate chip cookies for dinner. The horror.

AND....

I feel bad. I can't breath. I can't think. I can't function like this.

AND....

The list of medications I can take make me want to cry.

No dayquil. No nyquil. No real drugs.

How did they survive in the dark ages before the "quils" came along? How did mothers make it?

A lot of them probably died.

I'm just kidding. They probably sucked it up and carried on with their work.

The agony. The pain. I don't want to suck it up. I want to pamper myself. I want to sleep. I want to breath normally again.

Last night I would have traded my left pinki toe for two hours of sleep. I went to Walmart at 1 a.m. for some supplies. I looked around for someone to offer my toe. Do you know the kind of people that go to Walmart at 1 a.m.? Desperate people.

I saw mothers wandering the isles looking for drugs.

I saw fathers with cartons of ice cream and pickles.

Desperate people. People wanting sleep. People who might buy a toe.

I asked a man - he said no. I had the manager page my request. There were no takers.

So - I crawled back into my truck and drove home.

Tonight...tonight *maybe* I will sleep.

Monday's Menu Madness

Here's what the Kenley's are eating this week.

Monday: Pinto beans and cornbread
Tuesday: Bible study and boys night out
Wednesday: Parmesean tilapia for Mom and Dad and chicken nuggets for Sam
Thursday: tacos
Friday: Stadium food at Uncle Barrett's football game!

I plan menus a week at a time and then grocery shop 1x per week. This has helped keep us on track and spend less at the store. We eat out less and less - mostly because it's so difficult with Sam. He eats in about 5 nanoseconds and has no patience for the dining room table. :)

Dinner with Sam

Last night Scott had some business friends staying at our house. They all went out to eat dinner together and that left Sam and I to our own means. He decided he'd eat chicken nuggets and green beans with a banana.

We're eating our meal. We're talking. Well, mostly I'm talking and he's repeating no over and over.

"Sam, did you have fun playing with Mommy today?"

"No"

"Sam, do you like to eat chicken nuggets?"

"No"

"Sam, did you like playing in the water this afternoon?"

"No"

No is a favorite word for most toddlers I know and Sam uses it a lot. I'll ask him some times if he wants some cheerios and he'll be saying no and reaching out his hand for some! :)

So - we're eating dinner when all of the sudden I see...

A banana fly by my head! It happened so fast that I wasn't sure I'd seen it at all.

Until I saw Sam busting up with laughter! He thought it was the best game ever.

Needless to say, you have to sit in the naughty spot if you throw a banana at your mom during dinner.

But it took all I had not to laugh as I was punishing him! :)

Peeing and Crying

Well, we're rocking and rolling at the Kenley house. Sam is getting more and more consistent with using the potty. He loves to watch himself pee. I'm using M&M's as a reward. I don't like that, but we're working on it.

I usually don't write much about being pregnant, but I'm feeling it. I'm huge and most of the time, winded. :) I go back to the dr next week for the glucose test and then start the biweekly appts. I was also told that I needed to register at the hospital. I can't believe it's already that time.

I had a mini-breakdown last week. My emotions have literally been all over the place. I'm trying - but it's so hard to control things when you've got an alien living inside your body. Plus the insomina has arrived. I'm awake every 2-3 hours at night. This is, I think, God's way of preparing me for the arrival of this little girl, but I'm tired. One night I just cried. Maybe I needed to - I don't know. I couldn't stop so I went into the master closet, turned off the lights, slumped down, and fully gave in to the cry. It was not a pretty moment.

I heard a little knock on the door and Sam softly say "Da Da" (he occassionally calls me Da Da...ok, a lot...he calls me Da Da a lot.

I didn't answer. I thought he'd go away, but he just got louder.

"Da Da....DA DA!"

Finally, "Mamma! Open!"

I opened the door, left the lights off and he came into the closet.

Then he just sat down on the floor next to me. He didn't say anything.

I kept crying. It was a breakdown...I couldn't stop.

Then, my sweet, sweet son started patting my leg. Then he hugged me.

Then we left the closet together.

I love that boy!

I seem to be a doing a little better today, but ask me in an hour and I might be crying again! :)

Let's talk about poop

That's right...poop.

We've started potty training in the Kenley House. I say started lightly because the training won't be in full swing until this weekend. I need 3 uninterrupted days of going to the potty every hour to conduct the official training, but Sam is definitely ready.

This past weekend - he said that he needed to go pee-pee and I took him to the potty - where he PEED!!! Insert shouts of excitement here! We had friends over that night and there were shouts of excitement and praise from all corners (you know you have good friends when they are cheering for your son asking to go the potty for the first time). Sam has been telling us when he went poo-poo, but usually after the deed was done. This was a pre-deed announcement. All this to say...we are ready.

So, Sunday, after church, we went to Wal-mart and stocked up on our supplies. Big boy underwear and training pants. Bad news, Sam's a small guy and really a pretty early potty user, so his underwear are mighty big. I'm looking into the options. Right now, the dinosaur on his tush covers the entire tush. Scott won't let me post any pictures.

And, Sunday afternoon, Sam used the potty for pooping. Yeah, double yeah!!!!

I have always said that I hoped Sam was trained before 3. For some reason, 3 year olds in diapers disturb me. It looks like my wish is coming true. I am so excited!!!

Now - disclaimer for blog readers - when you have a 20 month old words like poop, pooh, pee, and potty do not bother you. You hardly notice that when you have to go to the bathroom yourself, you are announcing to your family "Mama has to pee-pee." In the next few weeks I am sure that these words are going to pop up on this here blog, so prepare yourself. :)

Adjusting to life in town

This is a blackbird.
There are many, many blackbirds in our new neighborhood. Maybe they are getting a jump start on Halloween. Who knows? But, one thing for sure, they are driving my husband crazy.
So, the other night I had a commitment during the evening and was home a little later than usual.
I walk into the house to find Sam and Scott perched together on the back porch with a...
BB GUN OUT!!!!!
Sam was cheering as Daddy tried to take out the blackbirds hovering around our backyard.
I, for one moment, wanted to die of embarrassment.
You cannot shoot any type of gun in a neighborhood!
But, we're rednecks and sometimes you have to remind us of that.
When I pointed out to Scott that perhaps our neighbors did not want him to be shooting objects so close to their homes, he acted like it was ME who was crazy.
Nevertheless, he put the gun away.
I thought it was over. He'd seen the light. I could rest easy that I would not be called to testify against him before some city council.
Then it happened.
Those blackbirds came back.
I'm lying on my bed, resting, growing our daughter when I heard it...
"Left..right...left right left. About face, aim and...."
The BB gun was back out.
Scott dropped a bird into our neighbor’s backyard.
I'm waiting for the letter from the city council to arrive any day now.

Recording Sam's growth

This is mostly for my memory.

Sunday (9/7) Scott and I discovered that Sam is starting to match the names of objects with pictures. He has a book that Nana (or Nannie as Sam calls her) bought for him that has buttons with pictures on it and when you press them they make the sound of that object. Sam was able to identify dog, cat, duck, train, and boat.

Yeah for learning!

Working with Daddy

Sam loves to work with his Daddy. The MINUTE Scott gets home from work, Sam is running for the door and if there is an outdoor task - Sam is there.

Last night we attempted to put up the dog fence for Birdie. I say attempted because she managed to break free within a minute. So, we have more work to do. Because of the flower beds in the backyard, she can't have free reign of it. I'd like to keep my seasonal flowers for at least a few more weeks. :)

I snapped some pictures while Sam and Scott were working.




I am loving this, Dad!!!


Here's an updated picture of Birdie. She's getting pretty big, but is so lanky compared to Lady Bird. I don't think she'll end up being quite as big as her momma was.


Sam figured out how to use these tools and actually screwed on the end. He wasn't able to turn the bolt, of course, but I was pretty impressed with how quickly he learned how to put it together.

Right now we're all boy at the Kenley house. But, come December, the ladies may be taking over!

Sam

Our home

How can I not start with this picture? Madison came over to play the other day and this was taken when the kids were eating dinner. Sam's really got the "cheese" down.

On to the house....many requests for pictures. So, here are a few. Remember we're still getting settled, so our walls are a bit bare. But, we're loving the house! It's been a good move for us.

This is the backyard flower bed. We need to replace a couple of patches of grass that didn't take, but I love, love, LOVE the beds.


Sam in the kitchen, taking advantage of mom being with the camera to do a little climbing! (Sister - I'm going to put Grandma Ruby's saying on this wall)




The fireplace in the living room. Scott designed it and I love the way it turned out!


View from the living room into the kitchen.

TV

We've been without cable television for 1 week.

We've stopped shaking and surprisingly, we kinda like it.

We could not get cable installed at our home due to the large numbers of college students migrating to the university this week. We were forced into a two week hiatus.

We've also agreed to wait to purchase a tv for our living room until we get some gift cards in the mail. This will take 4-6 weeks. By that time, we may not want a tv in our family room.

Here's what we've been doing instead of killing our brain cells watching mindless crap.

*The laundry is done. It's folded and put away.
*The kitchen is clean.
*We've played outside in the inflatable swimming pool.
*We've taken walks.
*We've cooked together and ate together.
*We've talked and talked and talked.

We're more productive and well...our home is more peaceful. We don't have any idea what's going on in the rest of the world, but our little corner of it sure is happy.

Feeling it

This week Baby Girl *finally* started moving around more. I always heard that you feel movement much sooner with a second baby, but I wasn't. Now, I am.

At the ultrasound she was breech and I'm fairly confident that she still is. But she's moving and growing. What a sweet time this is!

Being thankful

Someone once said - "make your words sweet; you might have to eat them."

I am eating my words.

A few weeks ago we Texans were experiencing a drought. We needed rain. Well, God provided. It rained. And that evening our local newscaster announced - "with the rain comes more problems." I said during that time to no less than 10 people - "can't we ever just be thankful for something?"

It has been dry this summer - we need rain. However, this week I need it to be dry so my landscaper can put down grass in my yard and I can say good bye to the mudpit. Big sigh.

Look at this forecast - my yard that was suppose to be completed last Friday - will now be a mudpit until at least Thursday - maybe later. Once the rain stops, we have to give the sun time to do it's job.

I want to cry. I want to scream. I want to lay down on the floor with Sam and kick my feet. This stinks.

But...

It doesn't stink for the farmer whose crop is dying.

It doesn't stink for the golf course owner whose revenues depend on healthy turfs.

It doesn't stink for our employees who have been working in 105 degree weather.

So...

I will be thankful today for the rain. I will be thankful that I know the landscaper personally and that the job will be completed.

Goodbye old friend

Well, it happened. I killed my cell phone.

In the midst of the craziness Sunday, I dropped my cell phone in a cup of water. It sputtered, coughed, and tried to recover, but alas it found it's way heading to cell phone heaven.

I've had a love/hate relationship with it for a few months. Repeatedly, it insisted on hiding from me. This caused me much grief. :)

So - if you are trying to reach the Kenley Family - call Scott. He'll have one of his 582 phones on him, I'm sure. :)

STOP!!!

I need time to stop. Just for today. Would that be ok?

We have WAAAYYYY too much going on right now and I'm overwhelmed.

Breath...Breath...Breath.

It didn't work. :)

Last week Scott's grandfather died and we spent most of the week in his hometown saying good-bye. It was a sweet time with family and we were glad to see some old faces again. Scott's granddad had been suffering for some time and so it was a blessing to receive the news that God had called him home.

Then we moved.

Moving is stressful.

Remember that I'm pregnant - about 6 months now. I'm huge. I can't lift boxes. I can only boss. I didn't do a good job of that. I basically for about an hour on Saturday morning lost my mind. After a good hard cry though - things got moving.

Scott and I spent Saturday night in our new house - without hot water. It's the best camping experience I've ever had. Sam played with Honey and Papa in Waco. Thank God for grandparents.

Sunday we spend the day finishing up our move. Most of our things are in the house now - except for the kitchen. We're waiting for the builder to fix some things there before we move everything.

Sam was a trooper Sunday - he played well and hung in there for multiple trips to Lowes. :)

This week's to-do list looks like this:

*Finish moving kitchen

*Start punch list for builder

*Landscape yard - Thank you God for no rain yet today so we can get our grass down!

*Close on house - Praise that the underwriter has all the documentation now and hopefully by the end of the day we'll have a closing date set.

*Jenny has two night events this week - I don't like being away from Sam and Scott in the evenings, but these were unavoidable.

I have 5 workshops this week, 1 private client, and need to somehow cook dinner for Sunday School friends without a working stove. (Please dear gas company, come turn on our gas today.)

So - this post is scattered - my mind is scattered. If time could just stop for a little bit, I think I could catch up. Although I'd probaby just choose to sleep instead! :)

"Wuv You"

Sam has started saying love you this week, only it comes out more like "wuv you." It's so cute.

He's also rediscovered his manhood. We're in between diaper sizes right now, so his diapers are just big enough that he can pull them out a little and say hello to his friend. He acts amazed each time he manages to accomplish this task.

The other night we were headed to bed. Lately Sam's been sleeping with us. (This is a HORRIBLE habit! Don't let this happen to you! :) It started at a grandparent visit and we're waiting until the move into our house to break the habit.)

ANYWAY...

We were headed to bed with Sam sleeping in the middle.

He looked over at his Daddy, patted him, and said "Wuv you!"

He looked over at his Momma, patted me, and said "Wuv you!"

Then he patted the front of his diaper and said "night, night."

Scott and I were rolling with laughter!

A Summer of Pictures

The camera is back and going strong! I need to attempt to update our blog with some pictures. So hang on...there are going to be several today.

In June we took a family vacation to Estes Park, Colorado. It was so nice to enjoy some cooler weather for a few days. This was Sam's first trip to Colorado and he seemed to have a lot of fun.

Below are fishing pictures. Fishing is one of my favorite things to do in Colorado during the summertime. Dad and I used to wake up super early and go together when I was a kid. We always caught something, but mostly we'd talk. And talk and talk. Some good memories were made on the banks of those rivers. It was fun to watch Dad pass on that tradition to Sam. At first Sam really did not want the fish to come out of the water. He would cry and get really upset. However, he warmed up to the idea over the course of the week.


Scott teaching Sam how to set up the pole.


Mommy helping Sam get the placement just right.

Sam decided he'd had enough and wandered off to search for some bugs, probably.


Dad and Jenny fishing at the pond designed for kids 12 and under. I'm sure Sam was around somewhere!!!!

A Summer of Pictures

At the place we stay they have a Thursday morning mountainside breakfast. It's a great tradition and I was so happy to share it with Sam.

"When do we eat, Momma?"


Dad and Jenny.


The family, minus Scott the photogrpaher.

A Summer of Pictures

Some nights when I don't feel like cooking we load up and head to the local pizza parlor. Sam loves these nights. It's a small enough place that he can practically roam freely. Typically, there are only one or two families there on the nights we go. He really feels like a big kid when he climbs onto the arcade games!


Sam's first lollipop! He LOVED it! And thanks to the random kid at the next table who kept bringing them to us from the hostess' stand at the restaurant where we were eating, Sam got to enjoy three before his breakfast.


Smiling for the camera.


Just looking adorable.

I'm starting a list

I'm starting a very important list. The list of things I never thought I would say.

Sunday afternoon Sam and I were having lunch together (after a very long and wonderful nap from 12-2....my kid has finally figured out how much his mama needs a Sunday afternoon nap!). Scott had already gone to some friends house and Sam and I were planning to join him after we ate something.

Then it happened...

I looked at my sweet, sweet boy and said...

"Sam, do not put cheese in your ear!"

Who knew that's where shredded cheese was suppose to go?

Baby update: It's a.....

Girl! We are so excited to announce that the next Kenley baby is a girl! Scott and I were super shocked when we went to the ultrasound this past week. From earlier ultrasounds the dr had told us that it was likely a boy, but he was wrong. This baby is definately a girl! :)

Everything looked great on the ultrasound. While it's so exciting to find out the gender, we knew that this would be a big day for our baby - they looked at her heart, kidney's, spine, limbs, and brain. They took measurements and then they took more measurements. Everything was right on track. And we had no reason to fear because we can rest on Psalms 139.

Psalms 139:13
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb."

Baby Kenley is on target to arrive December 24th! I wonder if they bring babies born on Christmas to their mamas in stockings from the hospital nursery? :) lol - it's going to be a wonderful Christmas at our house.

This is an extra sweet surprise for us, too. Many of you know that before Samuel we lost two babies to miscarriages. We know that the second baby we lost was a girl. I wondered if I only had sons if I might always think about that daughter and wonder what it might have been like to share that mother/daughter connection. I feel such peace from God...almost like this gift is just a little extra special. You know what I mean? God is good.

Blogging making Titus 2 happen

Weird title, huh?

Check out the Bacak Nation blog today. The link is listed as one of my favorite blogs to read. The writer is talking about Deuteronomy 6 and she's got some great ideas on how to make bible study come alive for your family. I like her ideas - they are practical and fun.

I have to be careful, though. Sometimes I read other mom's blogs and I start comparing. And then I start to feel like I need to up my game. But not in a good way - not in a Titus 2 kinda way - but in a - "man, she's a great mom. I mean, a great mom. She's spending her whole day praying or folding laundry or planning how to love her husband more." I'm sure you see how messed up my perspective can get!

So...sometimes I have to take a break from reading other people's blogs. :)

Word

5 Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that's in you, love him with all you've got!
6-9 Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates. - Deuteronomy 6:5-7

Usually I post about the happenings of our family and throw in a cute picture of our kid. He's cute, don't get me wrong, but lately I've been thinking more about bigger things.

I've been thinking about being a mom.

And what kind of mom that I want to be for my children. (Children! We are going to have two of these blessings soon!)

When my children are grown, what do I want them to say about me.

Well, no matter what I do I'm sure at some point they'll remind me of the time I most embarassed them or refused to give in to their demands...I mean...needs.

I mean something bigger than that.

I'm talking about how to be a parent and how to parent my children.

So, I went to the word. And found Deuteronomy 6. I love it when God makes things so clear.

I could have gone to Barnes and Noble - they have a whole section on parenting and they must be in business with the Hershey factory, because most of it involves offering a sweet reward for good behavior. I'm not so sure I like that idea. Ok, I'm sure I don't like that idea.

But then there it is....right there in the word of God. I've got to get the words of God inside my children. Which means...

I've got to do a much better job of knowing the word of God! I've got to really get into my bible. I've got to meditate on it day and night - I think there's another verse in there!

Sam is really too little right now to do any kind of organized bible study as a family. Right now we're working on praying together. We do it before meals - before bed - and often several times in between. He'll often call out "preeey" and well, we pray. God is leading, we are teaching, he is learning.

But what if I want more than that? What if I want more than just my children knowing that I pray or that we pray as a family? How do I truly be a woman of God? How do I show my children that?

I've got to know it - and then I've got to live it. We have got to make the Word of God a part of everything we do.

Recently we started tuning into the gospel channel at home at night. From 7 to 8 they play southern gospel and we love it. I'm talking the Gaithers and the Isaacs. The whole program is just music. Sam loves to dance in the living room with the music. And...he's learning. Let's face it, screens teach. And I want the screens in my home to be teaching my son that the truths of God's word.

So, what kind of mom do I want to be?

I want to be a godly mom. Not just a Christian mom...but a godly mom. I want my kids to look back and say - my mom knew God's word; she lived it; and she taught it to us. I want to meet the challenges with my children with His word. I don't want to be swayed by fancy speakers, well-written books, or new age fanatics - all of which sounds good - sometimes real good - but in the end is meaningless.

I have some work to do! :)

Sam's New Style and Remembering Grandma Ruby

This is Samuel's new style. One of the ladies at his daycare snapped this photo last week and I had to share. He almost always flips up his t-shirt like this. His own version of hip! I'm assuming he got this gene from his Dad. :)

We rocked along this weekend. Mostly we spent time together as a family - a welcome treasure in the summer time - and got our house ready for the move. Today we should find out the completion date on the project and know when we will officially have a new address.

We also cooked a lot this weekend and last night I made my Grandma Ruby's famous soup. I've decided to name it - "Grandma Ruby's Frugal Soup." My Grandma grew up in some rough times. She lived on a farm for most of her childhood and with an 8th grade education tried to make a good life for herself and her family. She married my Grandpa when she was only 16 - they had to run away together! Sadly, he died in his 50's and she never remarried. She had my Dad in her forties and spent the rest of her time doting on him. They were tight. Real tight. I hope Sam and I have that kind of relationship.

Anyway, Grandma Ruby was one frugal momma. She had to be. She knew how to count and made sure that she knew where all her pennies were.

She had 4 boys! 3 of those boys lived to be adults. I wish she was around sometimes to give me advice on raising boys. I'm sure she could have taught me a lot.

Most importantly, Grandma Ruby knew Jesus. She wasn't swayed by new religous talk either. She knew the Bible. I remember that she had a rose colored bible that she carried. For most of my childhood I remember her serving cookies and punch at children's events at the church.

My favorite thing about Grandma Ruby was her vegetable soup. Oh my goodness it's good. You won't think it looks all that great...but try it. And then attempt to eat just one bowl. You can't do it. Ok, maybe you can. But I can't.

Everything she put in it came from her garden.

Grandma Ruby's Frugal Soup

tomatoes (fresh in the summer, canned in the winter)
okra
corn
onion
potato
salt
pepper
1/2 stick of butter (a full stick if your feeling generous)

Chop your vegetables and put them in a large pot. Add a generous amount of salt and pepper. Add 1/2 stick of butter. Cover vegetables with water. Place lid on pot and bring to boil. Reduce to medium-low heat from approximately 1 hour - until vegetables are soft. Be sure to season to taste before serving. (And - it's great right from the stove, but even better the next day for leftovers)

Enjoy!