Purposely Capturing Happy Moments

39th Birthday Bucket List Update

noreply@blogger.com (Kendra) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 01:03:00 +0000

Today is my half birthday. I am 6 months away from turning 39! Last year, you may recall I made a bucket list of all I'd love to get completed before I'm 39.

1. Go on a hot air balloon ride.
2. Hunt for deer.
3. Hire a stylist to overhaul my wardrobe.
4. ~~Take~~ ~~Karen Russell's photography class~~. Completed 3/17/13! Best class ever! Without it, I could never of captured my grand nephew!

5. Stay out of restaurants for 39 days.
6. Run a 5K.
7. Learn German with Rosetta Stone.
8. Redecorate our bedroom.
9. Learn archery. In progress.
10. Get my nose pierced. This one is going to be hard. I am a chicken!
11. Get away with Chip for our 15th anniversary.
12. Finish the Couch to 5k program (C2K).
13. Complete a Shutterfly Album.
14. Shoot a 3D archery shoot.
15. Camp at a KOA for 3 days in a row without going to eat in a restaurant.
16. Save $3900.00 using Coupon Sense. Making progress. So far I've saved $968.27. This could be tough if we keep eating Real Food.
17. Create a family cookbook.
18. Crochet a blanket.
19. Take the kids to Slide Rock.
20. Make a quilt for Reagan's bed.
21. Learn Excel.
22. Invite another family over for dinner.
23. Make a new local friend.
24. Learn how to do a handstand and stay on my hands for 3 seconds.
25. Summer vacation in San Diego.
26. Have credit card debt paid off. Making progress. We have just over $14,000 left until the only debt we have is a mortgage. Since August 2012 we've kicked $43,000 to the curb!
27. Have 1 months expenses saved on top of a baby emergency fund. Got to get rid of the debt first!
29. Learn cookie decorating.
30. Bring a meal to someone who needs one.
31. Learn to hit and catch a baseball.
32. Learn to throw and catch a football.
33. See Dave Ramsey in person. Jon Acuff is coming to Central Christian Church this weekend. That's close enough, right?
34. Hike up Squaw Peak on May 17th. We got engaged shortly after hiking here on this date. Yikes we are coming up close on this one!
35. Make the Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Rolls.
36. Organize my computer files.
37. Sponsor a child through World Vision or Compassion.
38. Have our VHS tapes converted to DVD, especially our wedding.
39. Clean out our bedroom closet.

Yikes! Only one thing is completed on this list. I've clearly got to get focused!

Affiliate links may be used in this post. Printing a coupon or ordering a product through this link may result in a commission, which helps pay for the cost of running this site and keeps the content free.

WFMW: Get Out of Your Rut!

noreply@blogger.com (Kendra) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 18:39:00 +0000

I was in a rut. I had no energy or desire quite frankly to do anything. I wasn't depressed. I felt all the symptoms of depression, but was not depressed. I tend to feel sad around Easter every year now. This began three years ago when our friend Rick died. Then later that month our friend Mike lost his life. This year a family member lost her fiance. So you can see why I fell into this slump. I also have put on all the weight I lost last year. I was so excited to lose the weight last year that I gave most of the bigger clothes away. So, I have very few clothes that are comfortable. Pretty much all that is fitting are workout clothes. And I have not been working out if you know what I mean. Yesterday, I picked up my e-reader and began to read Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst. I bought this book months ago. Something shifted in my thinking. Maybe I just got mad about my weight and how I felt inside. Just like with our debt. We got mad about it and decided to do something. I'm only three chapters in to Made to Crave, but so many nerves are being hit.

This morning after I took the kids to school, and went to a meeting, I came home and took Millie for a walk. We were out over thirty minutes! I listened to a local church podcast as I walked along. When I got home, I felt great! I feel energized and ready to go. Amazing how your mindset can change when you listen to the tug of the Holy Spirit.

Spring in Surprise

noreply@blogger.com (Kendra) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:14:00 +0000

Our family is fortunate to live in the city where the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers come to practice and get ready for their upcoming baseball season. Many of the Major League Baseball teams come to the Phoenix area and take advantage of the wonderful weather mid February through March.

Last week the kids were out of school on Spring Break so I took them to the Kansas City Royals practice. The practices are open and free to the public. Ryan decided to go to the library and play Minecraft (his very favorite video game that seems to take over my computer) and Reagan, Jack and I went to baseball practice.

We walked in and a sea of blue started walking toward us. Many players stopped to sign baseballs. I had forgotten my Sharpie so we didn't even try to get an autograph. Out of nowhere a player walked up to Jack and handed him a bat! This happened so fast I couldn't even get a picture of him! After saying thank you we looked at the bat and saw it was engraved and belonged to Chad Tracy! Chad Tracy continued on to his destination and I being overwhelmed and not even expecting this to happen kept thinking I knew that name! I looked him up on my iPhone and immediately I remembered he played for the Diamondbacks not too long ago!!!! We were already fans, but now fans for life!

We then went to watch the players hit home runs. Reagan was hoping for a ball, so as we made our way back to our van, she got her baseball. A player hit a homer and a boy waiting for a ball gave her the one the kids were all running for!

We don't know these gentlemen in the photo. Surprise is surrounded by retirement communities. Many people come here to spend winters and then return to their home states during the hot summers. But as I look at this photo I can't help but think they were once Jack's age enthralled by baseball like he is.

InstaFriday 3.15.13

noreply@blogger.com (Kendra) — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 00:54:00 +0000

I’m linking up my phone pictures with Jeannett this week! I’m mama2three on instagram if you want to follow along!

We enjoyed Spring Break! Spring Break in Arizona means Cactus League Spring Training! Baseball in our backyard is the main reason I like to stay in town during this school break.

My sweet friend N sent me chocolate covered strawberries from Edible Arrangements. I was surprised and have never received such a tasty thank you gift.

Jack won the Radiant Kids I Am Real iPad Mini contest. He downloaded the Bible app first thing! He really enjoys playing Plants vs. Zombies.

Reagan is in the final stretch of selling her Girl Scout Cookies. I may not be too sad if I never see another Girl Scout Cookie. OK, I may miss Tagalongs, Samoas and Thin Mints.

We caught a Kansas City Royals and Seattle Mariners spring training game. The temperatures were over 90°F!

We went out afterwards to the Outback for dinner. We have been in Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University for 3 wee which means we are on a budget. Good thing we still had a gift card from Christmas and the restaurant had a 2 for $25 special!

We wrapped up our week by going to the Kansas City Royals baseball practice.

We were just standing on a walking path when a sea of ball players came walking toward us. Out of nowhere Chad Tracy (now a KC Royal) gave Jack a bat he had just cracked in practice!

We Could Be Doing Homework

noreply@blogger.com (Kendra) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 01:06:00 +0000

We wait fifteen minutes for Ryan after Reagan and Jack get out of school, so we pass the time away playing at a nearby park.

Someone needs to tell Jack the basketball belongs on the court, not the grass!

A little mischievousness, no?

Hand Faces

noreply@blogger.com (Kendra) — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 20:25:00 +0000

Every now and then Chip gets really silly. Silly like he was when we first met so many years ago.

Jack had drawn something silly on his hand. Reagan told Jack that Daddy doesn't like it when we draw on our skin. Upon hearing this, Chip got up and promptly drew eyes on his index finger and turned his hand into a silly face.

*I purposely did not edit these photos. I began Karen Russell's photography class today and want to see how I progress over the length of the class.

Interviewing Jack

noreply@blogger.com (Kendra) — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 04:30:00 +0000

I had the pleasure if interviewing Jack (Mister as we affectionately call him) who is nearly 5 1/2

Me: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

Jack: "A baseball player. A Diamondbacks player."

Me: "How old are you when your grown up!"

Jack: "30. No wait 21. When you get married you're grown up."

Me: "How old are you when you have kids?"

Jack: "50"

I swear, I don't make this stuff up!

39 Birthday Bucket List

noreply@blogger.com (Kendra) — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 13:30:00 +0000

So Jenny made a birthday bucket list before she turned 39 last year. She did it again for her 40th. I love lists and thought I make one too. I've been working on my list for weeks now. New Years is coming up and while I get discouraged when a resolution is broken, I thought making a list, posting it here to see what I have accomplished by October 2013. Some will be easy for me and some will really make me think if I want to do it or not.

image from Learn With Jenny

1. Go on a hot air balloon ride.
2. Hunt for deer.
3. Hire a stylist to overhaul my wardrobe.
4. Take Karen Russell's photography class. In progress. Began 1/7/13
5. Stay out of restaurants for 39 days.
6. Run a 5K.
7. Learn German with Rosetta Stone.
8. Redecorate our bedroom.
9. Learn archery.
10. Get my nose pierced. This one is going to be hard. I am a chicken!
11. Get away with Chip for our 15th anniversary.
12. Finish the Couch to 5k program (C2K).
13. Complete a Shutterfly Album.
14. Shoot a 3D archery shoot.
15. Camp at a KOA for 3 days in a row without going to eat in a restaurant.
16. Save $3900.00 using Coupon Sense.
17. Create a family cookbook.
18. Crochet a blanket.
19. Take the kids to Slide Rock.
20. Make a quilt for Reagan's bed.
21. Learn Excel.
22. Invite another family over for dinner.
23. Make a new local friend.
24. Learn how to do a handstand and stay on my hands for 3 seconds.
25. Summer vacation in San Diego.
26. Have credit card debt paid off.
27. Have 1 months expenses saved on top of a baby emergency fund.
28. Have family portraits taken with Millie.
29. Learn cookie decorating.
30. Bring a meal to someone who needs one.
31. Learn to hit and catch a baseball.
32. Learn to throw and catch a football.
33. See Dave Ramsey in person.
34. Hike up Squaw Peak on May 17th. We got engaged shortly after hiking here on this date.
35. Make the Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Rolls.
36. Organize my computer files.
37. Sponsor a child through World Vision or Compassion.
38. Have our VHS tapes converted to DVD, especially our wedding.
39. Clean out our bedroom closet.

I'm really looking forward to doing so many new things and crossing things off that have been on my mental to do list for quite some time now.

Affiliate links may be used in this post. Printing a coupon or ordering a product through this link may result in a commission, which helps pay for the cost of running this site and keeps the content free.

Why I Won't be Gifting Gift Cards For Christmas Anymore

noreply@blogger.com (Kendra) — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 01:53:00 +0000

First a disclaimer. I did tell the giver that my kids want to pick out their gifts and gift cards are awesome!

Our three children each got gift cards to Target from a very generous gift giver. Two of the three knew what they wanted to buy. One just wanted to buy for the sake of buying.

I had every intention of not going out shopping the day after Christmas. I knew the crowds could be crazy. The older I get the less patient I get with crowds.

However, I opened up the Target ad that came in the newspaper yesterday and saw that one of the gifts we purchased there had a huge price reduction. Target's policy is they will give a price reduction to you if the purchase was made within the previous 14 days. We had another 4 days left until we were no longer eligible. But being that the price adjustment was so big, I decided to go today. Plus, there was a bag that I could store our artificial tree in on sale in the ad.

I decided to go to our nearest Target which is not my favorite, but is closer. I am not feeling well so this only added to the frustration.

The store was unusually quiet for being the day after Christmas. 90% of the store was in the back in the Christmas clearance. This was fine since I had no plans to buy Christmas clearance.

Ryan looked for a membership card for Animal Jam. Target has a special snow leopard animal that you get online when you buy the membership from Target. My favorite Target that is 10 minutes further away had plenty when we did our Christmas shopping. Guess what? The Target we were at had none. I asked if this Target could call the other one and see if any there were in stock. The clerk said their phones cannot dial out. Thankfully, Ryan had a plan b. He received a Skylanders Giants Wii Game and wanted to add more characters. I said he could buy a couple of Skylanders figures or he could pay me $5 in gas to drive to my favorite Target to see if they had the membership he wants. He said I made a good point saying that the membership just lasts 3 months and the Skylanders toys will last longer so he got the Skylanders figures.

Reagan looked and looked. She wanted to sell her Target cards to me and take the money and buy some shoes at Converse. Well there were two problems for me with this. One being that it seems she is ungrateful for the gift she received and two the shoes cost more than the gift card she received. After looking at several toys, she found some cowgirl boots. They did not have her size in stock so she opted to wait.

Jack received a Nintendo DS Lite and wanted to purchase a game for it. He picked out Moshi Monsters Moshlings Theme Park game. That was easy! Except now as I put that link in there, I see Amazon has it $10 less than Target. However, I heard the employees in guest services say that they are matching Amazon. So back I guess I will go for a price adjustment.

Then it was on to buy a bag to store the artificial tree. I went over to the area that sells the plastic containers to organize your decor. Couldn't find any. I went to the Christmas clearance and looked for this bag among the masses of bargain shoppers. No bag. I went back to the organizational section since there were about 5 employees working there. I asked and was told it would be in the Christmas clearance. Back to the crowd, looked all over and the employee came over and said that they were not in there. So I ask an employee wearing a radio where the bags advertised in yesterdays ad were. He said they sold out. I was like really? The ad just came out yesterday. He said that they opened at 7am and 30 people were lined up to shop this morning. They had received 30 bags and they were gone. Um OK, well someone needs to do a better job buying or I just should have bought the dumb bag at the beginning of the season or even better just not shopped today when I had a nasty cold.

So we got our price adjustment, the boys got their toys and we get in the car to leave. I back out of my spot and want to switch the gears from reverse to first. I can't because a car is right in front of me on the the right side of the road! Here in the States we drive on the right side of the road. The same is in Mexico and Canada. Yet this woman was on the right side of the road! GAH! So since she wants a parking spot that I am in the way of her getting, I have to do a 25 point turn to get around her.

So crowds, crazies and low inventory are why I won't gift or ask for gift cards next Christmas. I'm thinking an experience gift is a much better choice!

Affiliate links may be used in this post. Printing a coupon or ordering a product through this link may result in a commission, which helps pay for the cost of running this site and keeps the content free.

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Kendra) — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 23:22:00 +0000

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will rest upon His shoulders. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas!

I Need a New Name

noreply@blogger.com (Kendra) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 02:52:00 +0000

Maybe my blog needs a new name. There is too much sadness for the blog to be called Purposely Capturing Happy Moments. I first came up with that name to have a place for the photographs I took with my camera. However with my chronicling my struggle with managing money and the much more tragic events in the news lately I find myself writing about sad times here.

I had to turn off the TV and radio, not check social media for a while today. I am overwhelmed by the stories, by the rumors. I don't want to hear about more laws about gun control. I don't want to hear about mental illness. Of course both of those are real issues, I just don't want to discuss those right now.

I really don't want to hear the shooters name. I hurt so bad for his older brother who was initially accused of doing this horrific act. I have a brother with autism. He was very aggressive when he became an adolescent. Thankfully my parents did get help for him. He always has a trained caretaker caring for him. I am keeping his brother in my prayers.

As much as I want to know about the children and adults who experienced this horrific event, I really wish the media would let them grieve. Stop interviewing children. Stop asking if the presidents words gave them comfort. Most of all please don't interview the pastor who won't quit smiling. I think he needs to remember the words of Solomon. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” Ecclesiastes 3:1,4 Right now is the time to weep and mourn.

It was good to have the silence for a bit. I was able to really help Ryan with an essay. Then we got a call we had been waiting for. He was accepted into a local charter school. He is looking forward to media class and working on projects with friends in Smart Lab. Both he and I are looking forward to a routine again.

I know the winter will pass. I know the time to laugh and dance will return. I just have a hard time waiting for the happy moments to return.

Still Spinning

noreply@blogger.com (Kendra) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 03:42:00 +0000

(photo via Paul Walker via Facebook)

I spent the weekend so very sad. I am angry. The children who lost their lives were Jack's age. There are siblings Ryan and Reagan's age who lost a brother or sister. There are children who lost a mother or grandma. My heart aches for the first responders who have never seen anything nor will ever see anything like they saw in Sandy Hook Elementary School.

I just want to help. I found this blog with many helpful links on how we can help. At the minimum we are sending cards to Sandy Hook Elementary as well as the Police and Fire Departments. If you would like to join us here are the addresses:

Sandy Hook Elementary School
12 Dickinson Dr.
Sandy Hook, CT 06482

Newtown Police Department
3 Main Street
Newtown, CT 06470

Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company Inc.
18-20 Riverside Rd.
Sandy Hook, CT 06482

Where Were You?

noreply@blogger.com (Kendra) — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 03:37:00 +0000

I know where I was when Ronald Reagan was elected President.

I know where I was when Mt. St. Helens erupted. I remember looking south at the big mushroom cloud. I was 5.

I remember when the Challenger exploded like it was yesterday. We didn't have a TV, I was at a neighbors house before school started waiting for her kids to get ready to go to school. I remember the teachers all scrambling for the shared TV. I remember their tears. I was 11.

How could I forget Oklahoma City? I was driving to my lifeguard job at the Lynnwood Pool. Normally I worked at the Mountlake Terrace Pool (The Pavilion) and heard the horrific news.

I was pregnant with my first when we heard of Columbine High School. I worked at Dillards at the Clinique counter. I went home ill that night.

We were growing our family again when 911 happened. We had a orange Blazer and we ran out of gas. Luckily, this was near home and we had a stroller in the back for Ryan. We walked to the nearest station, got gas and went home. Later that night we were in downtown with friends. We went to Baskin Robbins which closed for the night due to the tragedy.

And now another tragedy is etched in our memories.

Our eldest does his schooling from home, I had just picked up our daughter from school because she was feeling under the weather. Our youngest was happily doing his schoolwork in his first grade class.

My husband and I were working on our Merry Different Christmas Budget when I got an alert on my iPhone 4 that a massacre happened at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Absolute carnage by what is being reported as one individual. Many children between ages 5-10 were taken too soon.

I immediately cried. Chip grabbed my hand and he led myself and our children in prayer.

I left to make a deposit at the bank and deliver an item I sold online. I was an hour from home so I decided to do a little Christmas shopping. Then it was time to pick up Jack from school.

When I picked my youngest up from school, he got a big hug. He didn't know about the evil that happened and I don't plan on sharing much with him. MobSociety has a wonderful piece on how and what to share with your children when tragedy strikes.

After school we went and picked up my husband on the other side of the Valley who was leaving the new to him Baja to get work done on it. Then we went to the Old Spaghetti Factory for dinner. Seemed only fitting we go to one of our favorite places and enjoy each other on this sad, dark day.

I have been in the car many hours today. I'm tired of driving. But I'd much rather be tired than be dealing with a tragedy.

There are no more words for how I feel. I have not lost any children. I have dear friends who have. They know the pain of missing their child's Christmases, birthdays, graduations, driving, wedding, and children of their own.

I know you all hugged your children close on this day.

St. Lucia Day

noreply@blogger.com (Kendra) — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 05:49:00 +0000

We celebrated while it was still dark with fresh baked cinnamon rolls! Mmmmm!

Finally Inspired

noreply@blogger.com (Kendra) — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 03:59:00 +0000

We've been plugging away at this debt thing together now for 117 days. Even though we have knocked more than half of our debt I feel stuck. We sold a vehicle and took money out of savings to pay a huge chunk of the debt. It will not disappear as quickly as I'd like. But like weight gain, it is so much easier to acquire than lose!

I really hadn't had much inspiration to be "gazelle intense" as Dave Ramsey says until today. A little back story first. Yesterday I was listening to a caller on the Dave Ramsey Show who said her husband saw no reason to get completely out of debt. That a person will always have a car payment or a house payment. He told her to she needs to ask her spouse what could be done or accomplished if the money going to a car payment or house were freed up for something else. That her husband needs to be able to dream.

Then I saw a deal on Disney Cruise Line's Facebook page where kids sale free. I looked up how much the deal would cost our family. A four day cruise out of Galveston to Cozumel was $1900 for our family of five! We'd all be in the same cabin! I love Disney Cruise Lines because they get that some families have more than four people in their party. So seeing that combining my enjoyment of Disney and Chip's love of cruising, we could go on a cruise!

We just flipped a vehicle and made a small profit. The temptation is to take the cruise. However, we know that if we wait until this debt is gone, we will have a much better time! What a fun reward that will be!

Tonight was archery league night and Chip of course needed the car to get there which leaves me home to make dinner. Habit for me is to run to a fast food restaurant or at best heat up left overs.

But not tonight! I actually make Roasted Lemon Chicken (thanks Emeals), Rice, Corn and French Bread (ok, I didn't make French bread). And it turned out awesome!

We'll get there. We'll be cruising before we know it. And we'll get there by breaking old habits like eating out and unplanned spending.

If Catastrophe Struck ...

noreply@blogger.com (Kendra) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 01:33:00 +0000

This is one ornament I'd grab for sure. Years ago my Auntie Beth made a salt dough bear ornaments for me. All my other cousins had one too. It used to have a green white and red bow around her neck, but I'm not sure where that went.

What is your favorite Christmas decoration? Could you replace it if something happened to it?

A Choir, Trains and a Village

noreply@blogger.com (Kendra) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:07:00 +0000

Every Sunday evening since Thanksgiving, we have gone out looking at Christmas lights. Earlier this week after I checked out a new quilt store nearby, I dove past a house I knew I needed to show our children. The yard had my favorite vintage nativity with the choir of angels being the mannequins from the "olden" days.

What I was surprised to see when we arrived was we could walk through the yard and in their front courtyard. They had at least two trains, a village and more. When we left the couple gave the children a candy cane and let them pick a gift from a large treasure chest.

I love finding magical surprises like this.

On a side note, Ryan has started a blog based off his favorite online game Animal Jam. Do you or your kids love playing Animal Jam? Go check it out!

InstaFriday

noreply@blogger.com (Kendra) — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 23:09:00 +0000

I'm linking up my favorite Instagram pics with Jeannett! I'm mama2three on Instagram #InstaFriday if you want to follow!

Reagan loves her gymnastics class. She advanced right into the intermediate level.

A spontaneous pic of me and my man.

We really could use a RV garage so we can shoot archery!

I'm thinking that the one of Chip & I above plus this one that Chip took means we can avoid the photo studio for Christmas cards and save a bunch of money. Dave Ramsey and our budget will be so happy.

Extended family came out to support Mister Jack's t-ball game! They are the best!

Finally, these are no longer strips!

The annual balloon glow at the Surprise Party!

Before Jack's game he posed by this baseball statue.

We were treated to a beautiful foyer at church decorated for Christmas!

And we went sledding in Phoenix!

St. Nicholas Day

noreply@blogger.com (Kendra) — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 01:10:00 +0000

Have you been on the fence about where Santa ties into the birth of Jesus at Christmas time? I know I have. Sometimes I have felt that I was cheating on Jesus if I encouraged my kids to write a letter to Santa of have their photo taken with Santa Claus.

Last Sunday, our pastor explained St. Nicholas*, Santa and Jesus in the best way ever.

I listened to the podcast and transcribed in his own words what he was taught growing up about Santa. Galen Davis said "Santa was a little different in our family. Santa wasn't just a guy at the mall with the beard, dressed in red. Santa wasn't just this folk lore legend that children believed. It was something beyond that. Now my father would explain Santa to us a little like this. He would tell us of a story of a boy named Nick and Nicholas lived in Turkey in around 280 A.D. and his parents died. And they were a very wealthy family so when his parents died he inherited his family wealth and instead of becoming Batman he decided to become Santa Claus.

Now Nicholas was very wealthy, he was a Christian family, he grew up to become the bishop of Turkey and on to sainthood to become Saint Nicholas. And while he the bishop of Turkey he was very known for his giving. That's what he was known for. He would model Jesus in his community. He took his wealth and began to transform his neighborhoods. There were legends about his wealth and what would happen. Dads would be having to pay their daughters dowry and right before the wedding the girl would be at home and she would be crying because if her father couldn't come up with the dowry than she wasn't able to be married in that culture. So as they were praying and worrying about that, in the middle of the night a bag of gold would drop down the chimney for them to be able to pay the dowry from some unknown gift giver. Kids would leave their shoes on the doorsteps of their homes in Turkey because it was known that Santa Clause who was really Nicholas the bishop would walk through the towns in the middle of the night and drop gold coins in their shoes and that's why we have the stockings by the fireplace. And that's why we have the gifts by the fireplace under the tree and even here in Arizona with your fake fireplace Santa still is here."

He went on to say, "And my dad taught me that (the story of St. Nick) as a kid and he used to point me to Jesus. Because if Nicholas was here, he would tell us that everything he did was because of what Jesus had done in His life. You see you may not believe in Santa but Santa believes in Jesus. It all points back to the Christmas story. It all points back to who Christ is. It all points back to the Ultimate Giver and that is God the Father when he gave His son to be born of a virgin, to be on this earth to live a life like ours, to die on a cross and to be resurrected victoriously to take away His second gift; the taking away of sin."

Pastor Galen went to share the story in Matthew of Herod's evil acts and then explain that at the coming weekends community event we would have Santa Claus at our church because by having Santa who gives to the children really points back to the Original Giver.

Today, we celebrated Saint Nicholas Day!

The children found gold coins in their shoes.

We made Homemade Oreo Cookies to enjoy and share with our neighbors. Two notes to myself, my crowded kitchen won't be crowded forever. Cherish it. And at least double the recipe, just makes a dozen cookies!

And we feasted on Crock Pot Sauerkraut and Bratwurst.

After all this fun, it was time to wind down for Saint Nicholas stories, coloring and games. (Lots of fun activities can be found at the St. Nicholas Center for Kids.)

*Just in case you can't see or hear the message about Saint Nicholas, you can go to www.radiantchurch.com > media > 12.01 The Best Christmas Ever

A Math Equation

noreply@blogger.com (Kendra) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 22:50:00 +0000

Early Dismissal + A Deal at the Bowling Alley = Unexpected Fun!

I Will Endure

noreply@blogger.com (Kendra) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 18:45:00 +0000

When I was in high school, I had no problem with peer pressure. I didn't go to parties, and was probably a parents dream. But once I turned 18 things slowly began to change. I got a few store charge cards so I could have clothes like "everyone else" had. Then, I quit college and moved back home to be close to my boyfriend who dumped me three months later. But that was it. I have not ever had a hard time with alcohol or cigarettes.

For the next five years, I really don't recall peer pressure a problem. I just kind of did my own thing. I have always liked having the latest and greatest, so I can't really consider living in a trendy apartment, wearing the latest fads of driving a nice car as peer pressure.

When Chip and I married I think I started having a difficult time being content. We didn't begin our marriage with lots of disposable income. We started off our married life during a time where if you wanted something you could have it and pay for it later. In fact for Christmas that first year, we bought a "free" eMachine with a three month free membership to Compuserve. I think we had to keep the dial up internet service for two years to pay for the computer.

I look back at those days and laugh. But then I wonder if we are still making silly purchases that are just not practical. Four years ago for Christmas, I received a $175 at the time 2nd generation iPod Touch. Today that iPod Touch has a cracked screen, but still works. The kids use it but prefer to use one of our iPhones. Amazing the price on things that will be yesterdays news in no time.

But back to peer pressure. When Chip and I lived in Flagstaff, we would often look down our noses at people who lived in Phoenix and say how materialistic they were. We were so glad we lived up North where that wouldn't happen to us. Then we moved to the Phoenix area. Guess what? It has happened to us.

Nearly five years ago we were planning out features we would build in our house at the design center. What did other people build in their houses? Would we get a pool? I had to have extra tall cabinets for the small kitchen. Of course we could of chosen the standard linoleum, but we spent money on lots and lots of tile. I obsessed for over a week about not knowing the prices of the design features in the home we built. I like to plan and prioritize what we wanted and needed. I searched around online for what people would and wouldn't include when building their home.

And I found decorator and mommy blogs. I really think that this was the tipping point for me caving to peer pressure. I wanted my house to look like The Nester's. Or follow the advice of Simple Mom. It is easy to look at The Nester's home and just gloss over the painful experience her family has been going through. Or look at Tsh from Simple Mom and think she has it all together, but when you read through you resonate because she struggles too. However, I wasn't doing that. Instead, I was spending money left and right on this or that craft project and would not complete it. I have a closet full of unfinished projects because it looked like fun. And neither The Nester or Tsh ever said "if you don't have this or that you'll be substandard." I made up those statements.

Our bedroom is has become a storage unit and does not look pretty. There has been a safe in there (because there is no other place for it) since we moved in. I was told I could have decor rights over it, no questions asked. I did tell Chip, I don't want to spend any money on it until we have Dave Ramsey's Baby Step 1 complete. I pretty much have our bedroom designed thanks to Pinterest, but it's going to cost us a little money. I am so tempted by my peers on Pinterest to start now. But I won't. I remember many sleepless nights of wondering if a check was going to clear. Of Chip finding out about the debt I racked up. My blood pressure rises just typing that.

There are so many temptations for me. I think the peer pressure and temptations are harder for me at age 38 than they were when I was 18. But I also have the hope of the verse I posted yesterday.

When You are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13

I'm a Chicken

noreply@blogger.com (Kendra) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 23:14:00 +0000

So Grateful November is over and I actually did it and posted each day something I was grateful for every day in November. I was really looking forward to December. Looking forward to a break from blogging and coming up with something new to share with the readers that come here.

But Chip said he loved coming to the blog each day to see what I had to share and write. I suggested to him that I blog three times a week. But he really didn't care for that plan either.

Truth is, I am a bit scared to have readers come here and read my blog. What if they stumble across my confession I made in August? What will you all think of me when you read it?

Well, I prayed about it and felt like God was telling me that the outcome is His story to tell. He has brought me this far, do I really think he's going to have me confess then drop me off the mountain? Of course that won't happen. I really can't think of one bad time in my life that wasn't turned into good.

I struggle still. I am greedy. I want, want, want. However, if I don't give in to all these little temptations there are bigger blessings ahead for us. I have been thinking of blessings we have lost out on because I screwed up so bad.

We have no desire to move. I enjoy going to new home communities to see the model homes for decorating ideas. I went to one this past weekend and found a house I liked because of the garage. I brought Chip to it. We liked it so much because we could shoot archery inside the garage. Oh yes, the garage is that big! If I had not messed up, we could have moved there without a second thought.

I am thankful for this reminder. I need to remember this next time I am tempted.

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Small Town Feel in a Big City

noreply@blogger.com (Kendra) — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 03:37:00 +0000

I'm grateful I live in a small city with "small town" events. Every year the city I live in hosts a Christmas Tree Lighting. What makes it so special is the balloon glow.

One year we went to Albuquerque to see the International Balloon Fiesta. The weather was awful and we saw maybe three balloons.

Since the weather is so nice this time of year we see plenty of balloons. The city goes all out, closing down the main street so the balloons can glow. I hope to ride on a hot air balloon soon.

My Husband's Job

noreply@blogger.com (Kendra) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 04:53:00 +0000

I'm grateful my husband has a job that provides for all of us. He works really hard and doesn't always like going to work. I'm sure he'd rather be on a wild game hunt or tinkering on a VW, but he sets an example to our children and goes to work.

I'm thankful he earns enough money that allows us to give back to the One who provided the job. I am grateful Chip's income from his job provides enough money for food, shelter, utilities and transportation. Plus, we even get to do fun things like go camping and go to the beach!

Dentists

noreply@blogger.com (Kendra) — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 02:06:00 +0000

I am so grateful for a pleasant visit to the dentist.

I needed to get some extensive work done and today was the day. Normally, when I get a cavity filled, I take a prescription for a relaxer, and get nitrous oxide at the dentist and then my man drives me home.

Today, I was brave (or foolish since this was the second time seeing this dentist) and only took ibuprofen before having my work done. The part that scares me the most is when the Novocain is administered. The dentist said with me, it needs to be given very slowly. That made all the difference in the world for me.

I'm grateful for this experience for several reasons. Not getting a relaxer and nitrous saves us a lot of money. I set the example for my kids. If they see me going to the dentist scared and complaining about it, how can I expect them to be brave.

A good trip to the dentist makes having to return in a few weeks not so bad.