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
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
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. :)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, December 8, 2008
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! :)
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! :)
Thursday, December 4, 2008
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!) :)
Monday, December 1, 2008
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
