Thursday Evening Thoughts

It's been a couple of weeks since my last post, which is crazy since I didn't even realize it until someone pointed it out to me!  We've been pretty busy around here, taking full advantage of the warm(er) weather and the longer days.  Also, enjoying my new found energy that I've been missing for so long.  More on that in a later post.

First of all, I completely missed my THIRD "Blogiversary"!  So, happy THIRD birthday to my little corner of the web!  It's funny how something that started out so simple has turned into something so important to me.  I set out on this blogging journey with the thought that it would be a great way to keep our family updated with pictures and stories about Kyndall as she grows and develops, as well as document the milestones and memories along the way for my own sentimental purposes.  I figured at best, a hand full of people (mostly family and close friends) would read it every now and then and that it would be something I did once a month or so.  Honestly, I really didn't expect it to last!  But, this little space that I call my own has turned into SO much more than that!  It's become more of an outlet for me as I share some of my most personal thoughts, feelings and experiences.  It's become my platform to share my testimony and the wonderful things God is working out in my life as His plan unfolds before me.  I am truly humbled by the number of people who have come to love reading updates on our little family, my health and our adventures on this journey called life.  Nearly every week I get a message from someone saying how much they enjoy my blog and how much it has touched them in some way or another.  I've received countless messages and comments from perfect strangers who have never met me and probably never will, yet they can't seem to stop reading about my life.  I also get the occasional "I need a blog update" nudge from some of you, to remind me when it's been a while since my last post!  That always makes me smile and giggle a little, to think that my simple little life is that intriguing to some of you!  =)  Thank you to those of you who take time to read and ultimately "listen" to my thoughts as I share them here for all the world to see and for those who have taken a genuine interest in the well being of our family.  I am so thankful for you!  I feel like the Lord has used this blog as a way for me to break out of my comfort zone and share with others the wonderful, amazing things that He has done over the past three years and I hope to keep that going for as long as I'm able!

Speaking of which, I cannot even begin to tell you how touched I was last week when I was presented with the entire first year of this blog in printed form!!!  Many of you probably saw the video that my Mom posted on Facebook and therefore you know just how surprised and stunned I was to receive such a special gift.  The ladies from the neighborhood that I grew up in (and where my parents still live) all came together with the fantastic idea to chip in and have the first year of my blog (2011) printed and bound for me.  I had NO idea this scheming was going on and I especially had no idea they GUESSED my password, "hacked" into my blog and sent it off to print!  Sneaky, sneaky!  Having this blog printed has been on my "to do" list for years, yet I have never taken the time or saved up the money to do it myself.  I was so touched by their generosity that I was literally speechless!  (Just watch that horrible video again!)  I think all I said was "oh my gosh.....oh my gosh.....oh my gosh" over and over!  This gift will forever be a treasure, not only to me but also to my children and Grandchildren someday.  I can't possibly say thank you enough to these precious ladies for such a priceless gift!!!

Isn't she lovely?!  The entire first year, volume 1 and 2!

They included this scripture at the beginning of each book, which I think sums up my relationship with these ladies just perfectly.  Each of them have been so faithful in supporting me with their prayers and I have certainly felt every last one of them!!

To make it even MORE special, they each wrote a heartfelt note to me and signed their name.  Truly, I cannot put a price on such a gift!!

Last week my Mom and Grandma made the trip to to Jackson to visit, which was a real treat!  They were here almost a week and I loved every minute that I had with them.  Their main reason for coming was to "babysit" me while Matthew was out of town just in case I got "the call" while he was gone.  Obviously, I didn't but I'm thankful that they were willing and able to come up for a few days regardless!  While they were here we did a whole bunch of NOTHING and it was wonderful!  I think we stayed in our PJs nearly every day and just enjoyed some girl time.  I've found that quality time is less about WHAT you do and more about just enjoying the moment.  We certainly did that!

Playing on their iPads is a favorite past time for these two!  Never thought my Grandmother and my toddler would have the love of Jelly Splash and Candy Crush in common!  =)

Making crafts with Grammy.....in our PJs of course!

One of her new favorite things to do is to play "bride girl"......Lord help me!

I mentioned that Matthew was going out of town, and by out of town I mean he was driving 5 hours to the Kentucky/Tennessee border to act homeless go camping with the other guys from our Sunday School class.  

He was so PUMPED about acting homeless going camping that naturally he went out and bought all of the necessary homeless camping "gear"

While he did that with no electricity, no heat, no running water and no showers......we stayed cozy at home by the fire!

Since we're home bound in TN until after my surgery, Grammy decided to bring Kyndall's beloved 4-wheeler up with her so that she could enjoy it here at our house!  She hasn't missed a single day of riding it since then!

I can't even remember which night it was, but one evening while my Mom and Grandma were here, K started complaining of her ear hurting.  She is never sick and has really never had an ear infection to speak of.  But since it's not like her to complain, Matthew ran her up to the walk-in clinic for a quick check.  All was clear and there was no sign of infection, but she did manage to score herself a cotton candy slushy from the waiting room!  Gotta love the perks of a nice walk-in clinic!

Last Thursday I had to go to Nashville for an appointment at Vanderbilt so I left my Mom in charge of getting Kyndall ready and taking her to school that morning.  She texted me these pictures of her in the adorable monogrammed St. Patrick's Day shirt that our sweet friend Mrs. Bunnee made for her!!

And look, she made me a matching one!!!  LOVE them!

Sometimes, she makes me be the "bride girl".......

One of my Grandma's favorite places to eat when she comes to Jackson is Brooksie's Barn.  This works out great since our family loves it too!  I think I could eat my own body weight in their fried chicken!  She treated us to dinner last Friday night and my Mom took these sweet pictures of Grandma and Kyndall during our meal.  Grandma later told me that Kyndall was whispering in her ear "I love you more than anything in the world!"  How sweet!

We spent a lot of time outside on Saturday because it was GORGEOUS and finally warm enough to venture out!

Another favorite place for our family is Rhodes Diner here in Medina.  Kyndall made a very specific request for a Mickey Mouse pancake and they came through for her!  So impressed!

Early morning crazy hair!

We enjoyed their visit very much and we were sad to see them go.  Thankfully, our families will be making frequent trips up here over the next few months with all of the exciting things we have going on---Easter, Kyndall's first ever dance recital, etc.

And now for a few random cell phone pictures that I need to post

Going back a few weeks, this is what our yard looked like even five days after the "big" snow storm we had.  By this point we were pretty much over it and ready for it to disappear!

That's my little niece/nephew in there!!!  I'm calling niece, just for the record!  Kyndall is convinced it's a "durl" (girl) too and for some CRAZY reason she refers to it as "Ole Sally Blue"!  It's the funniest and most random thing I've ever heard.  She doesn't even know anyone named Sally so I'm not even sure where she got that name.  To me, "Ole Sally Blue" sounds like the perfect name for a hunting dog....NOT a cute cuddly little newborn baby girl!  Sorry Aunt Kelly but if the nickname sticks, you can blame it on Kyndall!

(We thought we were going to find out the gender last week but Ole Sally wasn't cooperating so we're still holding out for the big news!!)

Getting a little more comfortable on her big girl bike!

But she still prefers the tricycle, especially in the off road conditions!  =)

After a week, this was the only patch of snow remaining in our yard.  Surprisingly, Kyndall seemed to enjoy it more than she did having a full yard to play in.  It wasn't nearly as cold/messy and she could play in it more like a sandbox.

We busted out the camo one last time for church a few weeks ago.....

My daughter, the ham

......I have no idea?!  To me this looks like she's rockin' out but she tells me it's what Spider Man does....???  She would know since she IS the resident super hero lover!

Matthew and I had the opportunity to see the movie Son of God with our church a few Sunday afternoons ago.  I thought it was great, by the way!  A few inaccuracies but nothing major.  Overall I thought the point was well made and the message was clear.  Anyway, while we were at the movie I kept my phone on (I have to these days, in case I get "the call") and I saw it light up with a text message from LaShon, one of the pre-school directors at the church.  She sent me this picture and told me that Kyndall had fallen OFF THE TOILET and bumped her head!  I didn't know if I should laugh or cry!  She assured me that she was ok and that there was no reason to leave the movie.  But, she did come away with quite the goose egg!  Apparently those cute little camo pants somehow tripped her up and caused her to face plant right onto the bathroom floor as she was standing up from the potty.  Never a dull moment, I tell ya!

Even though I despise the time change for the way it throws us all off (especially kids), I do love having the extra daylight at the end of each day!  Matthew has been using this time to work with Kyndall on her golf skills.....

Yes, that's a real club and yes, she's pretty good for a 3 year old!!

I've noticed Kyndall has a knack for art and all things crafty.....something she definitely didn't get from me!  She loves to color, paint, cut and glue things.  Earlier this week she presented me with this drawing and I was pretty impressed.  It's the first time I've seen her put appropriate limbs and facial features on a "person".  

Tuesdays are what Kyndall and I like to call "tu tu Tuesdays" because it's the day she has ballet class.  It's also the day that we typically meet up with our little ballet class buddies between school and dance for a weekly ice cream treat at Baskin Robbins.  How cute are these 4?!  I hope they stay friends forever!!

This week after dance class we went out to the soccer fields to cheer on our buddy Caroline at her soccer practice.  Kyndall is very interested and says she wants to try soccer.  Ha!  We'll see how that goes!

If this is any indication of what an hour spent on the soccer field will do, then sign her up!!  She rarely passes out in the car but when she does, you KNOW she must be tired!  She slept right on through dinner and didn't wake up until the next morning!  Yes sir, let's try this soccer thing!  =)

I think I may have found the perfect Easter dress while I was out shopping today!!  Can't wait to pair this little beauty with a big white bow and some shiny new white shoes!  I love Easter!!

A little out of order, but here are a few pictures from Matthew's homeless camping adventure.  Thanks, Travis for being probably the only man who thought to actually take pictures!  Your wife has trained you well!  =)

Anyone notice anything a little off about this picture of Jereme and Matthew?  These two are NOT right!

I can spot that yellow backpack a mile away!

Now doesn't this look like fun?!  Nooooo thank you! I'll keep my happy behind right here in my own house with my warm bed, my electricity and my HEAT!

Kyndall's new favorite thing to do is eat cereal with milk.  I've never really give her the option because as you know, I hate messes and giving a toddler a bowl full of milk and expecting her to balance it on a small spoon is just asking for trouble.  (I know, I'm a mean Mommy)

But, she's been doing great with it and now she asks for it every chance she gets!

Let's see.....what else??  Our family, along with the rest of the North American continent were one of the crazy ones who ran out earlier this week to grab our copy of the coveted Frozen movie.  We've watched it twice already and Kyndall hasn't stopped dancing around singing "let it gooooo.....let it gooooo" for the past three days!  

Lastly, I just realized (as I was typing this post) that today is Kyndall's HALF BIRTHDAY!  She's officially three and a half today!  My friend Betsy and I used to actually celebrate each others' half birthdays when we were in high school and we may or may not have even given each other gifts to mark the occasion!  =)  Funny, since now I don't even want to celebrate my REAL birthday, much less the half!  I guess when you're 15 and 16 years old those six months just can't roll around fast enough!  Nonetheless, happy 3.5 years to my sweet, smart, funny, beautiful baby girl!!!  The past 3.5 years have flown by so I guess it's true what they say about having fun!  

That about wraps up my random thoughts for this evening!  We have a fun weekend planned including time spent with good friends and a family photo shoot Saturday afternoon by the lovely Megan Seals!!  CANNOT WAIT!!!  Have a great weekend!