30 days of Thankfulness: Day Thirty

Today, I am thankful for my baby k'tan.  My baby is 2 years old and it's still her favorite place to be when she needs some extra mommy cuddles.  In fact, I am typing this blog with her strapped in, fever and all.  I love time saving devices and this one is the tops.  She will still nap through a walmart trip, stay close to me at the zoo or just free up my arms for dishes, cleaning.  LOVE my baby k'tan!

30 days of Thankfulness: Day Twenty-Nine

Today, I am thankful for a wonderful washer and dryer.  For the last 7 years, I used laundromats and a set of 30 year old washer/dryer off craigslist.  I usually had to rewash and dry things 2-3 times.  I HAD to do laundry every day to keep up with out family of 5.  Yesterday, I did 8 loads.  And had it all put away before 4pm.  How amazing!  Totally thankful for proper working machines and the time it frees up for me to hang out and cuddle with my cuties.

30 days of Thankfulness: Day Twenty- Eight

Today, I am thankful for a warm, great running car so we can still see the pediatrician we LOVE in Lee's Summit. Sure it's a drive, but does your Dr give your kids popsicles? Yeah, didn't think so!

30 days of Thankfulness: Day Twenty-Seven

Today, I am thankful for the small amount of family time we get. Luke works an intense schedule so Sunday evenings are the only time we get to spend as a family. Feeling so blessed to sit at the table all 5 of us and eat homemade pizza together. Then running off to the movies to see The Muppets. So fun!

30 days of Thankfulness: Day Twenty-Six

I am thankful for lazy saturdays. Warm cocoa, snacks, pajamas, christmas movies and cuddles. PERFECT.

30 days of Thankfulness: Day Twenty-Five

Today, I am thankful for the craziness that is Black Friday. I am not one of those insane shoppers, but I did manage to finish all my shopping, have a fun experience with my mom, brother, and sister in law (to-be), and only spend $30! Totally worth it! And yes, I am thankful for all I have, but I think its smart to buy stuff when they are super cheap. I didn't buy anything I wasn't planning on buying so, I really did save big!

30 days of Thankfulness: Day Twenty-Four

Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Today, I am thankful that both our families have Thanksgiving in Lee's Summit. I can't imagine having to choose which family we spent the holiday with. Luke's grandma actually lives pretty close to my mom and dad, so even though we don't live there anymore, we only have to make one trip to see everyone we love!

30 days of Thankfulness: Day Twenty-Three

Today, I am so very thankful for television. I know it sounds lame but my favorite shows are really how I get through the week! I love that on Tuesday nights, Luke, Sam & I watch Sons of Anarchy together. It's a great beginning of the week pick me up and I really enjoy getting to spend time with my husband and his brother.

Wednesday nights are ABC nights . . . uh HELLO, Modern Family! And Thursday's are multi-channel watching . . . Thankful for TIVO!!!

I am thankful for the small things that break up my week and make me a little happy!

30 days of Thankfulness: Day Twenty-Two

Today, I am so thankful that my parents moved to Lee's Summit when I was 4.  It really changed my life and I am so thankful for the experiences I had growing up.  Most of the people I have written about this month wouldn't have been in my life if I didn't grow up in LS.  Lee's Summit gets ragged on like most "hometowns"- everyone is rich, stuck up and exactly that same.  We've all said it but it isn't true.  There are big beautiful homes, smaller homes, apartment buildings, wealthy, poor and people living the image but there are real, loving, amazing people too.  There are beautiful parks, a super cool downtown area, wonderful schools.  I loved living there.  We're close to Kansas City and get to use all of it's awesome amenities, KC ZOO, Crown Center, Power & Light, Sprint Center, the stadiums.  Right in LS there is awesome shopping, mini golf, bowling, skating, coffee shops, theater, Downtown Days, Octoberfest, Longview Mansion There are so many awesome opportunities for entertainment, shopping & relaxation that I totally took for granted until moving away.  If you're living there, have lived there your whole life or not, I urge you to not take one single day you are able to experience this city for granted!  It's a wonderful place!

taken from lstourism.com

30 days of Thankfulness: Day Twenty-One

Today, I am so very thankful that it is a short school week!  I miss Landen!  I love having him home and lately, he's been going up to the market to work on the weekends and I feel like I haven't gotten much time with him!  So very excited to sleep in Wednesday morning instead of rushing him out the door!  I remember a friend of mine telling me that when all the other moms seemed happy to send their kids back to school after summer break, she was sad.  I didn't have kids or a husband then and I will never forget how that changed my perspective.  So, here's to everyone out there that gets a short work/school week!  Make the most of it!

30 days of Thankfulness: Day Twenty

Today, I am thankful for wisdom.  I don't feel as though I have a lot of it.  But, the last 7 years of parenting has taught me a few things.

1. As much as you think you are doing the right thing for your kid, so does that mom who you think has it all wrong.  Don't judge, lest ye be judged.
2. Not every situation is black and white.  And your children aren't either.  Just because one thing worked for one of my kids, doesn't mean it's worked for the other two.
3. "Before I had kids I had 12 theories on bringing up children; Now I have 12 kids and no theories"  I first read this quote as it hung in my Aunt Libby's kitchen.  She does have 12 kids and she is an awesome mom and she doesn't have all the answers.  This is actually a quote adapted from John Wilmot- and it is so true!

Today, as you've probably read on my fb page, I had an awful trip to walmart with kids in tow and a judge-mental mother scolding me. Many of you said you were proud of me for my reaction and that you might not have done the same.  All I know is that I want to do the best for my kids and I try not to judge other parents. I can't say I would have reacted this way in years past, and that is why I am most thankful to God for granting me wisdom to understand when to be offended and stand up for something and when to smile and walk away.

oh, and check out my cuties with Santa! 

Thank YOU, Amy Lee Photography!  

We love you!

30 days of Thankfulness: Day Nineteen

Since we moved here in July, I haven't ever been home alone.  Not once ever.  Yesterday, my allergies were killing me and by evening, I had a full blown migraine.  The kids had destroyed the house, unfolded all the laundry and dishes were piling up but I couldn't stand for 5 mins let alone clean.  Luke came and picked up the kids.  I heard the door shut and this crazy feeling came over me.  I was all alone.  I didn't have to worry about anyone else.  I could shut off all the lights, tvs, toys and just sit here in silence.  It took 15mins for me to pass out.  I didn't budge until 7:30am this morning.  12 hours of sleep.  WOW.  I feel much better but when I got up to make breakfast, I realized Luke had cleaned the house, did the dishes, everything.  So blessed and thankful for that much needed rest and for a husband who will work a long day and come home to a disaster without complaining.

30 days of Thankfulness: Day Eighteen

Today, I am thankful for God.  I have chosen to put my faith in him and I don't ever regret that.  He walks by my side, He knows me by name.  He loves me unconditionally, He challenges me, He makes me a better wife, mom, daughter, sister.  Through out all the financial hardships, relationship difficulties, God has promised to be there for me.
Hebrews 13:5

English Standard Version (ESV)

⁵Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

I know not everyone understands or has accepted this faith- but for me, I couldn't live with out Him.

30 days of Thankfulness: Day Seventeen

"Cousins are the first friends we have as children. No one will ever understand your crazy family like cousins do"

There are all kinds of quotes about family and cousins going around facebook posts these days.  I love this one because it is so true.  I love all my cousins and I am so thankful for every one of them.  I am especially thankful for my Kent cousins and it's not hard to see why.

These cousins are special, they are more like siblings.

We have loved together, cried (alot) together, been through the crap, been on top together, we talk crap on each other, we defend each other, we drunk dial in the middle of the night, we hurt each other, we laugh, we love, we party, we get crazy, we have fun together.

I don't get to see them all as much as I would like, but when we walk into the Kent garage, it's like we have haven't missed a moment together.  They love my kids like nieces and nephews and I love theirs too.

I wouldn't be who I am without the love and acceptance of these amazing people.  They are my bloodline, they are my lifeline and they make me proud to call myself a Kent.

30 days of Thankfulness: Day fifteen

Today, I am thankful for the 5 senses I am blessed with.  There are so many beautiful things God has created and I am so thankful to be able to hear, see, touch, smell, and taste.  I am overwhelmed by senses.
I hear my kids whining.  I see the clean laundry in piles, I touch sticky cups, I smell diapers needing to be changed, I taste the dinners I have ruined.   These things drive me nuts daily.  But what if I couldn't do any of those things? These might be frustrating but the fact that I can do these things means I also get to hear beautiful music my husband and other talented musicians create, I see beautiful artwork from God and other talented artists, I feel my warm, comfy flannel sheets, I smell delicious smells in my Scentsy pot, I taste amazing creations from friends with the talent of cooking and baking.  My senses create such mood-altering emotions for me.  I am so thankful for the good and the bad.  I am thankful I don't have to go through life not experiencing these beautiful gifts from God.

30 days of Thankfulness: Day Fourteen

Today, I am so very thankful for my sister, sister-in-laws, brother and brother-in-laws.  God has blessed me with a wonderful extended family and I am so thankful for the role each of them plays in my life!

Anna, you are such an awesome little sister.  You love so deeply and have so much creativity.

Alex, I am so proud of the person you have grown up to be.  I love spending time with you, cheering you on and  just venting with you.

Tina, I am so happy that you and my brother are getting married in a month!  You have been so sweet, loving and caring and I can't picture a better spouse for my brother!

Donnie & Julie, Although we rarely see each other, I am so thankful for the love and encouragement you shower on Luke and I.
Kathi & Barry, you are the most amazing hosts!  I am so thankful for the time we get to spend with you and how you listen without judgement and encourage me!  Thank you!
Samantha & Dan, Thank you for always being there to help us out and for organizing LoChiano events!
Missy & Jimmie, I have loved watching you two fall in love.  I love how you have so much fun together!  You guys remind me what it's like to not sweat the small stuff.
Sam & Ashley, I don't know what I would do without you two.  Your family means so much to ours and I am so thankful for all the love you have for us.  Ashley, you are always there for me and it means a lot to have someone else understand my point of view.
Liz & Seth, Thank you for always being there to help us with the kids.  Liz, I especially treasure being able to pray and visit with you- such a blessing to my life.
Lucy & Stuart, I am glad you guys were able to move back to KC.  You both have such a heart for others and are willing to do whatever they need.

30 days of Thankfulness: Day Thirteen

Today, I am thankful for my dad.  My dad would do anything for anyone.  He loves to help people out and genuinely cares about people.  We're a lot alike.  We butted heads a lot when I was younger but now I am so very thankful for all the time I have had with him.  My dad loves us unconditionally.  He supports us when we are at our worst and our best.  He's not always happy with our decisions, but he stands by us and loves us.  I can't count how many times my dad has helped me out of a bind.  He has always taught us to do the right thing even when no one is watching.  And he lives by that principle himself.  I am always thankful for him but last Sunday at church, I realized just how much work he put into being a great dad.  Our pastor spoke on our relationships with God, our father and how they are affected by our relationships with our earthly fathers.  The pastor talked about love, trust, commitment and value.  With each of these examples, he told us to thank our earthly father for the role he played in teaching you a good example of this kind of relationship.  I can honestly say although our relationship wasn't perfect, I have a great sense of love, trust, commitment and value in my relationship with my dad and with God.  I am so thankful to have a dad who was such a great example of Christ.

30 days of Thankfulness: Day Twelve

Today, I am thankful for my mom!  My mom is seriously the sweetest, most caring, dedicated mother I have ever met.  She is always there for all of her kids - even when she doesn't agree with the choices we're making.  She has always been there to hear me cry or celebrate. My mom taught us manners & etiquette.  My mom loves with her entire hearts, gives all she's got, creates the most beautiful sewing projects, mends our hurts & our clothes, cleans & organizes.  She never stops.  She loves Jesus and has shown us how to love Him too.  My mom is pretty amazing and I wish I were half the mom she is.  She is so wonderful with my kids.  Always creating new ways for them to learn.  She loves to teach them to bake.  My kids love and miss her so much!

30 days of Thankfulness: Day Eleven

Today is 11/11/11. And it is also Veteran's Day.  I want to take today to be thankful for all of our service men and women and their families for making the commitment and sacrifice they make for our nation.  In years past, I have thought about this day as a memorial day for my grandpa's and uncle's who served but I have never really known much about military life.  When we moved to Warrensburg, we started going to a new church.  Through that church and a mom's group, I met an amazing group of women.  They are fun, intelligent, crazy, wise, loving, caring, accepting, creative, amazing women.  They are also military wives.  These ladies have been a total blessing to me in my life.  They took me in and totally accepted me for who I was and let me ask a million questions about their lives.  I am so blessed to have these women as my friends.  I am incredibly grateful to each of them for supporting their husbands as they serve our country!

(Carissa, Ariel, Stephanie, & Shanna; I was going to get a picture of us at PSub for this post . . . we'll have to do that soon!)

30 days of Thankfulness: Day Ten

Today, I am thankful that I can see the big dipper from my front porch.  It reminds me of being in my parents pool at home and being able to see it.  Then home doesn't seem so far away.

30 days of Thankfulness: Day Nine

Today, I am thankful for a little thing called the Pell Grant.  Thanks to it I will be finished my degree at UCM in the next year.  I am excited!  I really felt like I would never graduate from college and after meeting with my advisor today, I know I can do this!  29 credit hours to go!!!

Healthy Cookie dough

Okay, so this morning, my friend posted a blog post on my facebook wall.  Typically, I look at the post of healthy recipes, realize I don't have the ingredients and move on but today I DID have all the ingredients and it really is awesome!  My girls are downing it right now! I will tell you what I used in purple!
From Chocolate-Covered Katie
This dip is high in protein, gluten-free, and it can even be sugar-free!

Cookie Dough Dip

• 1 1/2 cups chickpeas (1 can, drained) (250g) I used Bush's Garbanzo's
• 1/8 tsp plus 1/16 tsp salt Kosher
• tiny bit over 1/8 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract homemade with vodka & vanilla bean
• 1/4 cup nut butter I used pbutter but am considering nutella next time (You can get away with using only 3 T. If you use peanut butter, it’ll have a very-slight “pb cookie dough” taste, so if you don’t want this, you can sub oil.)
• up to 1/4 cup nondairy milk (Start with 1 T, and add more as needed) mine isn't technically vegan b/c I used lactaid milk.  We aren't vegan, just gluten free.
• Sweetener (see note below, for amount) i used 2/3c brown sugar
• 1/3 cup chocolate chips hyvee choc chips
• 2 to 3 T oats (or flaxmeal) (You can omit, but also omit the milk if you do) Bobs Red Mill gluten free quick oats

Add all ingredients (except for chocolate chips) to a blender or food processor, and blend until very smooth. Then mix in the chocolate chips.

This stuff is so good- my girls have had 3 servings while I wrote this post :)  Thank you, Katie!

30 days of Thankfulness: Day Eight

After a rough start to this day and some suggestions from friends, I am thankful today for my crock pot.  I love crock pot dinners- the healthy, delicious dinner with little prep.  What an amazing invention!  This morning, I threw in 6c chicken broth, salt, pepper, seasoning, 3 chicken breasts, 1 cup rice, carrots & celery and by dinner it will have turned into a magical soup ready to top off this cold, wet day.  Thinking of making some yummy cornbread muffins with GF flour & cornmeal too.  And praying my husband and bank account forgive me for shooting a ton of celery down the disposal making it clog up and requiring the plumber.   But also thankful because I know, in time he will forgive me!

FYI:
The Naxon Utilities Corporation of Chicago developed the Naxon Beanery All-Purpose Cooker. Rival Industries bought Naxon in 1970, and reintroduced it under the Crock-Pot name in 1971. 

In 1974, Rival introduced removable stoneware inserts. The brand now belongs to Sunbeam Products, a subsidiary of Jarden Corporation. 

While Crock-Pot still dominates the market in the USA, Hamilton Beach, West Bend Housewares and other companies have also introduced similar slow cookers.

Read more 

30 day of Thankfulness: Day Seven

Today, on this gloomy Monday, I am so thankful for my amazing friends.  I have been blessed greatly in my life to have many close friends.  Many of these friends of stood by my side through thick and thin and never judge me.  It's so crazy to think that I have had some really great friends that have been by my side for 15 years!
 I met this awesome group of girls when I was 13 years old.

Stephanie, Lyndsy & Katie:  We grew up together.  We got in trouble together.  We had babies, got married (some in that order, others not :) ) But where ever our lives have taken us, when we get together it's like we haven't missed a moment together.  I got to see Lyndsy just yesterday, and her family was a HUGE help in moving us to Warrensburg.  Stephanie moved back to KC just as we were leaving and Katie is a jet setting friend who has lived so many awesome adventures- allowing us to live them through her.

Emily & Danielle were friends with me though out high school but our bond grew strong in college.  They are also the kind of friends who deeply care for me and my family and will stand by me no matter what.

Brandy is always there for me.  She and I had known each other for awhile but became very close while we worked at Custom Cuts together.  When I am depressed, lonely whatever (anytime night or day) I can call her and she's there to listen and keep me in the loop of life.  She called me this morning and surprised me!  She is coming to the burg for Lunch!  I am so excited to see her!

Jenni, Jenn, Ashley, Lindsay, Carrie, and so many other amazing women from The Avenue have such a dear place in my heart as well.  We all got closer during our Red Wine bible study that I led while I was pregnant with Cecilia (and Natalia, lol).  I rarely get to see these ladies but I know any one of them would be there for me and cares for me as well.

UPDATE:
As the day has gone on and I have thought more about my close friends, I realized I have forgotten to talk about someone who has been there for me a lot.  Sasha Bickel.  I am so sorry I forgot to mention you earlier- I was so intimidated by you for a very long time.  You have been there for me, helped me understand Luke better, loved me, loved my kids and I am so happy that we are so close now.  I miss you a lot- but I love that we are in the same stage of life now and no matter how far apart we are- you are there for me to lean on.  It's weird how sometimes the people I end up closest to, in the beginning we started off unsure of the other one.  Holly has also been a great friend to me and quick friendship too.  I love you both so much and I am so thankful for your friendships.  I am so sorry I left you off the initial list. (PS, why can't i find a pic of the 3 of us?)

Many people go through life feeling blessed to have one person to call their best friend.  Throughout my life, I have experienced that kind of relationship with many women and I am so thankful for it.  There have been so many other dear friends that have touched my life, but these I have mentioned have truly invested their time and lives into mine- we have a special bond that can only come from a genuine love.

30 days of Thankfulness: Day Six

Today, I am so very thankful for technology.  I know that seems easy and lame but I really do take for granted all the ways technology improves my life.  Some things are pretty simple, like the amazing ability to stream AirOne in the living room while my girls stream Netflix in the playroom.  But there are so many other things I take for granted.  20 years ago, I wouldn't have been able to google any food product from the aisle at Walmart to find out if it contains gluten.  I wouldn't have been able to call my mom from the same aisle because I can't remember what I need to buy to make corn bread casserole.  And I definitely wouldn't be able to pull up sermons from The Avenue or Mars Hill to fill my daily need.  Technology gets a pretty bad rep sometimes for being to time consuming and allowing people to be overly dramatic- but I believe it all depends on how you use it!  Seriously, without facebook to keep me in touch with my friends all over this country- this move would have been ever harder.  So today, I say thank you, Lord for creating amazing people with the talents and gifts to create all this awesome technology!

30 days of Thankfulness: Day Five

2011

Today, I am thankful for my husband, Luke.  We've been together almost 9 years.  It seems crazy but we've been blessed with many things in that time.  I am very thankful that through thick and thin Luke has stood by my side and has upheld his commitment to love me during the best and worst.

He is a great dad and he treasures the time he gets to spend with each of our kids.

2005

2008

4th anniversary

2007

prego w/ Cecilia
 2008

Cecilia 3mo, Landen 4
 2009

4th of July
2009

Summer Vacation to Omaha
2009

UCM Baseball
Spring 2010

Just last night, I wasn't feeling well and he brought he yummy homemade veggie soup and corn bread.  He's always been great at getting the little things right- like sweeping the floor when I have already done it a million times that day or loading the dishwasher because I was exhausted and went to sleep but he knows I hate waking up to a messy kitchen.  Neither of us are perfect but we're making a pretty great team.

30 days of Thankfulness: Day Four

Today, I am very thankful for my son, Landen.  This kid is amazing.  He is good at almost everything he tries, whether it's baseball, skateboarding, school, video games, or legos.  He is so gentle and loving towards his sisters and a huge encouragement.  He has gotten 100% on all of his spelling tests this year too.

My friend told me this morning that after we had watched her kids this past weekend, she found a thank you card Landen had written to her son thanking him for coming over to play.  That blessed my heart so much.

He loves spending time with me and I am really looking forward to our game night tonight!  He loves monopoly and asked to spend some one on one time with me playing it.

God has blessed him with so many awesome talents and I am especially excited to see him growing spiritually and diving in to God's word.  So awesome.