Day TWO: Relaxing

We started off our day relaxing... Zack was at work and the girls played. Sheena and I hung out on the couch for a few hours and chatted about life. I missed her a lot! We finally got ready and out the door by 4pm to run some errands. They have a SUPER Target here!!! I'm in heaven. Enough said. Then to Kohl's where I ended up buying Kennedy a lot of play clothes for super cheap (thanks to a merchandise credit and gift card). No more grass stains on her Gap capris - woo hoo! We came home for dinner and then went to bible study. Zack led the class in a discussion on Lazarus and being healed. I got really emotional as he was discussing how God always wants healing. Sometimes it doesn't happen on our time or even in our lifetime. I was reminded of Grandma. Every minute of every day, something comes to mind that reminds me of her. She was ultimately healed and I thank God for sparing her life! Although she suffered for three months, it pales in comparison to how many YEARS some suffer. Of course at the same time, I selfishly wish she were here. At one point, I had to walk out of the study because I was crying so hard. Some days are harder than others. Today was a hard day.

Kennedy and I are LOVING our time with the Searcys. Yesterday, Sheena was showing me how to relax because 'that's what you do when you're on vacation!'. I need to clean though! It makes me feel like I'm at home. Plus I love feeling useful. She's also trying very hard to get us to move out here... haha! Apparently they know everyone in Tulare. A dentist, people who work for the City of Tulare... she cracks me up.

Stay tuned for some fun stuff coming up within the next two days!!

California: Day ONE

Our flight to LAX was ok, at best. I just had a few complaints...

The seats are meant for someone who tips the scales at 95lbs. I barely had enough room to breath! The 'snack' (this weird cookie thing) was pretty gross, although Kennedy loved it. Oh! And the bathrooms were ridiculous. In order for me to get Kennedy on the potty, I had to leave the door open and stand OUTSIDE of the bathroom. I asked the flight attendant first if she'd be offended if I did that. Of course she was totally fine with it. But the worst thing of all --- we got to board the plane early because I had a young child with a car seat to install. I got back to my assigned seat, installed the car seat (which took a few minutes and a little sweat), and got us both situated. Just as everyone was seated, a very sweet flight attendant came up to me and informed me that we weren't 'allowed' to be in those seats with a car seat. Some FAA rule that states a car seat can't be installed in front of an emergency exit. So while everyone was seated, I had to switch seats with another couple and reinstall the heavy sucker WHILE EVERYONE WATCHED. When we were finally good to go, I looked over and saw a guy smiling at me. I said "Nothing like making a scene, right?!" He laughed.

On the flip side, Kennedy was sooooooo good. Although she didn't sleep, I was very impressed with her behavior. And apparently, so were a few others. As we landed, people told me how well she did and how they didn't even hear her! I wasn't sure what to expect, seeing as how the first time she flew was at 19 months old. Another nice thing... because we had to move to different seats, the flight attendant was very accommodating the entire flight, asking us how we were doing - if we needed anything. I think she felt bad for us! At one point she even gave Kennedy AirTran 'wings'. Kennedy liked that!

We landed in LAX -- a CRAZY busy airport -- around 11am. I was carrying everything, including her heavy car seat. I had no hands to hold hers, so I was very nervous and told her to stay in front of me where I could see her. Of course that didn't work... she didn't know where we were going! Eventually I stopped to move everything around to free a hand. Finally, smooth sailing. Zack, Sheena and Taylor picked us up and we were on our way to Tulare! (about a three hour drive with traffic)

From the moment we walked in the door, the girls were BEST friends. Taylor headed straight for her dress up clothes where they could be 'Cinderella and Aurora'. Decked out in their princess gear and enough lip gloss on their lips to survive the next few winters, they played the night away. Sheena and I really enjoy watching them play so well together. This morning Kennedy woke up on Milwaukee time (5am) and couldn't wait for Taylor to get up and play with her! It was adorable. Their conversations are ADORABLE. Neither of them have 'girl' friends their age, so it's very sweet watching them interact. Sheena loves it so much, she keeps telling us to 'just move out here!!'. I love the Searcys :)

My Little Love Bug

Yesterday Kennedy and I went grocery shopping and she said she had a secret to tell me. So I leaned in and she whispered with a huge smile on her face, "Mommy, I love you a whole bunch!" Of course my heart melted right there in the store... what a sweetheart!! She loves to tell me secrets. "You're my best friend!" is another heart melter. Today she told me "I want to go for a walk!" She cracks me up!

Although she has a very big heart, a little attitude came with the package deal. I noticed she was pushing my buttons more often. I used to get really frustrated with her... but then I realized her anger and frustration comes out just like Mommy's does! EEEKS! We don't need two of me in this house! haha So I knew right away I had to stay calm and discipline in a different tone. Now instead of getting worked up, I explain in a calm manner that she needs to do "so and so". I give her a warning and tell her that next time she gets to sit on her bed for a three minute time out. I found that the time out on the bed works better than the corner. Then I come back and have her tell me why she was put in the time out. She apologizes, we hug and kiss, and then we go play again! My attitude changing really helped her attitude. Don't get me wrong, she still pushes my buttons! But she's getting better. Actually, I've noticed that she is whining more! I cannot handle whining. It's the WORST THING EVER. We're working on that too...

Every age has it's ups and downs. At three (for us anyway), there are way more ups then downs and I'm thankful for that! Kennedy is a caring, sweet, loving little girl and Jon and I are soooo proud of her!! We're so blessed! :)

Summer is here!

We had a blast hanging out yesterday! After church in the morning and an afternoon nap, Kennedy helped Jon wash my car for the first time. We didn't even have to tell her to do anything... she just went to work! And she did a great job, I must say! While Jon finished a full detail on the Avalon, her and I played in her sand table, ate a snack, blew some bubbles and went for a walk to Papa's house. We surprised him --- and boy was he was happy to see us! She rode her tricycle there... and she was pretty stinking cute. It was nice being outside all day... I love summer. Now that Kennedy is older, we have tons of fun playing outside together :)

So blessed.

I always thought I had a wonderful family and the greatest friends I could ever ask for... but today especially, I feel beyond blessed. I have close girl friends and sisters in Christ that fulfill my every 'friend' need. They're always there to lend a hand, give a hug, offer Godly advice, and just have fun with. We always enjoy ourselves when we're together. Kennedy and I met up with the Browns and Joneses (minus Sr.) today at the park and had a great lunch together. Our kids had a blast! Seeing Max and Kennedy hold hands and have a sweet conversation melted my heart! I really hope they get married someday... haha. Seriously :) Tonight each of our families are meeting up with the Bessas for a cookout, water balloon fun and a fire! This whole day was planned on a moments notice too... and I LOVE it!

Thank you guys for making our life so much better by being in it. I feel overwhelmed with love and emotion right now. I couldn't ask for better friends. And you know my grandma loved every one of you like you were all her own. She was always so thankful for me having such wonderful friends in my life. Grandma never had that growing up, but was thankful I did :)

WE LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

Kennedy is THREE!!

It was a pretty crazy couple of days, but we survived a wonderful 3rd birthday party! We had roughly 45 people in our backyard, a huge bounce house, tons of food and a bunch of really wonderful presents from some really wonderful family/friends. WE ARE SO BLESSED! The weather wasn't at its best along the lake, but we made do. I had so many people helping me prepare and throw this party because I wanted to make sure that for once I actually ENJOYED it. And I did! I'm so thankful for everyone... we truly have the best family/friends anyone could ever hope for! Kennedy had a fantastic time with all of her friends and didn't want the day to end! The only thing missing was my beautiful grandma. I hope she got to see a little bit of it from heaven. It was dedicated to her, as she LOVED to garden :) Miss you, love you gma. I never stop thinking about you...

The day before the party it was pretty insane at our house. Besides prepping for the party, I was just finishing up painting her room, her old furniture sold/picked up, new furniture delivered/assembled (thanks Daddy) and of course cleaning had to take place! But it was all worth it and Kennedy absolutely LOVES her new big girl bed! She thanks me everyday for it... "Mommy, I love my new bed, thank you!!!" -- melts my heart :) I sure love this little girl!!!!

Growing Up

I don't know why it just hit me a few days ago, but my little girl is growing up! She's not a baby anymore. Even though she's still considered a toddler, Kennedy is transforming into a little girl! I love when I come home from work and she tells me how her day was and exactly what she did, word-for-word. When I left the other day she was talking to me through the window and said, "Bye mommy, I love you sweetheart!" It was the cutest thing! Now that she's potty trained and on her way to preschool this fall I can't help but want her to stay little forever. The other day I grabbed her and held her like a baby... she's so big now! She's turning THREE in five days. Where did the time go?! I wish Grandma were here to experience my daughter's achievements with me. I miss her so very much :(