Sam's Prayer

Sam:  I don't want to pray tonight Mommy.

Me: Sam, I want to pray.  I want to thank God for all that we've experienced today.  And I want to thank Him for you and Reagan and for keeping Daddy safe while he's hunting.

Me:  Thank you God for Sam and Reagan.  Thank you for keeping Daddy safe while hunting.  Amen

Sam: Mom, I want to pray.

Me: Feeling all super wise and spiritual.  Thoughts going through my mind...Isn't this wonderful?  My kids learning to talk to God...What a beautiful experience.  

Sam:  Dear God, thank you for hunting.  Amen.

Hmmm...ok...not exactly what I had in mind! 

Single Mom: Day 3

Scott has officially been on his man trip for 3 days.  I talked to him briefly this afternoon.  They killed 30 geese this morning.  To quote him "best hunt of my life!"  In short, he's having a blast.
And...

I am, too! 

I wasn't so sure about being without him for 8 days.  But, the kids have been WONDERFUL!  We've played and played.  Bedtime is usually when we struggle the most, but Sam has been following directions well and keeping his listening ears turned on!  Reagan does not struggle with bedtime.  At 8:00 she's either asleep in her crib or asleep on my shoulder.

Sunday afternoon we met Kristin and Maddison at the Bounce.  The kids loved running around and Sam was EXHAUSTED when we got home.  Reagan really took to Kristin and gave lots of hugs.

Last night we went for a walk with the Ruples.  Sam played with Jason for a little while and it was nice to get to chat with Courtney as we walked the babies.  I'm even more thankful for friends this week.  Knowing that I'm not alone is very good.

So...while I wouldn't want to do this solo gig all the time....this week it's ok.  Even good. :)

Bowling for New York Firefighters

                                                                                                              

To remember those who gave their lives on 9/11/01 and to get in a little family fun, we spent the evening bowling to raise money for some New York City firefighters.  The group that we raised money for actually saved the lives of some friends we know.  Crazy, huh?

This was Samuel's first time to bowl.  He really liked it and I was surprised by how much fun he had.  He's getting big enough to do so many different things.  It just seems like each stage of life brings something new and exciting.

We were suppose to bowl 3 games, but none of us had an attention span that long! 

All in all, a great night of fun!  Good memories!

Hunting Season 2009

Lots of happy faces around the Kenley Casa today.  It's officially the eve of our start of hunting season 2009.  Our house looks like an explosion of camo...if you can even find our house right now.  I've noticed people all morning driving by and looking as if our home has disappeared.  We've got so much camo out we are literally blending into the landscape.  Our own version of Harry Potter's wizard-like skills.  Ok, maybe not quite like that.

Tomorrow Scott boards a jet plane that will carry him to the ducks...or geece...or wild game.  Bottom line...it will carry him to something that he will attempt to kill.  He'll be in heaven.

Now, how do I break it to that cute little two year old that he's not going.

I think we have some confusion about that last fact. 

It's Baaaaaacccccckkkkkk!!!!

My computer is fixed!

I know what you're thinking.  Her computer?  Didn't she just get that computer?  About two weeks ago?

The answer is yes to all of the above questions.

It's true.  I can admit it.

I, Jenny Kenley, friend to all things chocolate, singer in the shower...

I....officially and without doubt....

CRASHED my personal computer about 5 days after purchase.

It's been officially submitted to the great "they" that deal with all things computers.

Folks, I couldn't believe it.

I thought I had bought a dud.

Turns out...you must have anti-virus software on your computer.

Did you know this?  I didn't.

Now I do...and I'm currently typing on the most protected computer in the Brazos Valley.

Right now a team of computer geniuses are backing up my precious data in a small blackroom probably located deep in the heart of Iceland with an armed guard guiding the entrance to the building and a doorman checking the placement of tastebuds on each person's tongue as they attempt entry to accurately identify and determine their security clearance levels.

Hmmm...that's probably not exactly true.

But it does give you a glimpse into my mind.

Scary, huh?

But...not as scary as no virus software on your computer.

I have a confession...please don't tell anyone...

I love Duck Commander!!!!

Scott has one show that he dvr's every week.  Duck Commander.  It's a short, 30 minute show featuring the lives of a family deep in the heart of Louisiana who love to duck hunt.  They video their hunts...their talks by the fire...their trials in trailer living...their weird facinations with meaningless things in life...you get the idea.

Scott records it.

And I watch it.

In secret.

Late at night when no one else is awake.  I turn my t.v. on and I laugh so hard I think my face is going to fall off.  These people are hilarious.  I can't believe how brilliant they are.  They get paid to just be themselves.  I love it! 

But...

When Scott turns on the hunting channel...

I beg to watch HGTV instead.  And...he usually gives in.

So, I watch Design Star knowing that I can secretly catch Duck Commander later when everyone is asleep.

And...

I can laugh and cheer in private.

And keep up the facade that the hunting channel is just for men!

Don't tell anyone.  Especially, don't tell Scott.

Sara and Titus 2

This semester we are trying to live out Titus 2 in a very intentional way at our house.  Sara is a college student who'll be hanging with us more and more.  She came to dinner on Tuesday night.

Reagan instantly loves everyone who comes to our house...as long as they don't try to take her away from Mama!  Sam, on the other hand, is wise in the way of babysitters and was certain Sara was coming to do just that.  He kept repeating over and over..."Mama, I no want Sara to come to my house."

But...on meeting Sara...he decided that she was pretty ok.  Anyone who will play with sidewalk chalk on the back porch is pretty high up on the list. 

So, last night was a no Sara night.  Just the family.  BUT...Samuel insisted that we set a plate for Sara.  Just in case she wants to come, he said. 

A cute moment, but I hope in a bigger way Sam will start learning about hospitality and loving others as we share our lives with Sara this year.

I love the biblical concept of mentoring.  The older and younger...always in a trio.  I have a hard time learning from those younger than I...part of that is my own stubborness, but part of it is by design.  Wisdom comes from experience and typically experience come from age.  I've only had one other experience mentoring a younger woman before and it was very different.  We always met away from my family.  With Sara, we are inviting her to come right on in.  She's hopefully going to share a lot of dinners with us spend a lot of time on out on the back porch sharing stories and struggles.