a day at the spa

I just got back from a relaxing day at the Spa. The Spa-de-Ken, that is. Makenna decided I need a makeover, and gave me a facial, back and leg massage, which was surprisingly AMAZING, and a manicure. Wow, who knew that an 8 year old could rock out a spa day in such an awesome way.

Here were the main takeaways I heard:
As each layer of eyeshadow went on, and there were seriously like 4 "Oh yeah...that looks great!"

As the blush was applied, "Mmmhmmm, you have a nice glow to you now"

And don't forget massive amounts of lip gloss. The colors that were chosen for me? Blue, purple, and green. The pretty pink lay there calling out to me, but was unfortunately ignored. Maybe next time, precious pink.



Thanks Makenna for being a rock star to your Mom!

fooled ya

I was at Costco today to grab a few things, and bribed Luke with the possibility of pizza if he was good. He made it, and enjoyed the fruits of his labor. As we were cleaning up our pizza mess a sweet older lady comes up to me and *gasp* tells me that my boys are so well behaved and that they must have an amazing mother. I inwardly laughed, thinking that I sure fooled her! But minded my manners and said "Thank You!"

This sweet lady didn't see our normal spilled water, thrown pizza, tears, and tantrums. But today...today I am an amazing mother.

eternity to go

Today at 10:00 a.m. marks 9 happy, crazy, blissful, years together as husband and wife.

Ben is the glue that keeps me together. Keeps me laughing when days are long and full of snot and poo. Keeps things in perspective when I want to give up. He makes my heart flop when he gives me a wink across the room. I want to be a better person because of the person he believes I can be.

I have loved every minute that we have spent together, Ben...thanks for being my glue, my love, my everything.

baptism day

Makenna was baptized on Saturday and it was such an amazing day. We started with a BIG breakfast per Makenna's request. We had a lot of family traveling to Medford, so we invited them all over to share raspberry truffle pancakes, hash browns, eggs, and sausage with us.

Makenna slipped into her pretty white dress, and we headed to the church for her big day. More family and friends joined us as Makenna was baptized by her Dad, and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. While Makenna was changing back into her dress, we had our family and friends write a letter to Makenna that we plan on binding into a book. She was given lots of loving words and advice in those letters, what a treasure they will be for her to look back and use as a tool as she works her way through this life.

We love you, Makenna and are proud of the big choice you made to be baptized!

Makenna was so excited to be baptized by her dad.  These two are the sweetest

together.  Makenna looks up to Ben in the all the best ways, and wants to make him happy

all the time.  I'm so glad that she loves her Dad so much, and is able to have him be a part of 

her special day.  We love you Makenna!  Keep making such good choices, and keep letting your Mom and Dad be in your corner cheering you on!

happy birthday kendoll

Makenna is 8! I just want to know where the last 7 years have gone. What has happened to my little baby girl?

Makenna has grown so much this year!

She finally talked me into buying those roller skates, and she was right...she did awesome!
Has excelled at school, and is part of the TAG program
She has developed a love for music, and wants to learn the violin and piano
Started her first year of Little League Softball, and their team went undefeated, 18-0
Has become a great friend to her Mom and Dad, we fight over who gets to take Makenna places :)
Is a great big sister to Jared, always wanting to make sure he is happy


I am so proud of Makenna and the girl she is becoming. She has made an important decision to be baptized on September 5th at 11:00 am, in Medford. All are welcome, and we would love to see you there!

Happy Birthday, Kenna Rosie!

4eyed ninnymuggins

The goggles are Luke's, but Jared thought they were so fun to wear,
how much do we love this guy?

hot date

We got home from camping, and I was dying to go out. Being pretty last minute, we couldn't get a babysitter, so I traded a date with Ben for a date with Makenna.

I introduced Makenna on one of my favorites...Olive Garden. She loved it as much as I do. We ordered a pasta and broccoli dish, and shared. I taught her the art of filling up on bread sticks and salad, and bringing home the dinner as leftovers for the next day. Life lessons here.

After dinner we went to a friends wedding reception. Ate cake. Chatted. Dropped cake. Blew bubbles. Got another piece of cake to replace the dropped cake. Said goodnight to a wonderful evening with my kiddo, and realized just how unfair it is that someday I will have to share my dates with her.

Makenna is so full of light and life. She loves to laugh and make others happy. What a special girl, I'm glad I got to share a fun night to rediscover what makes her such a great girl!