Fourth Birthday Fun

Well, another birthday party down. I sure love planning them, decorating for them, having them and watching the joy on my child's face as she experiences them, but I sure don't miss them once they're gone! This year was unique and very fun, because we shared our party with two other friends whose birthdays are within a week or two of Kendyll's. As you can tell from the pictures, they LOVED getting to do this together.

The party was a "cowpoke" theme and we had fun games for them to play (thanks to Logan's mommy!), a cute cake (made by our sweet friend, Amy), adorable matching shirts (thanks to Trinity's mommy) and a game exchange for the TWENTY FOUR children who attended. It was by far the craziest party I have ever been a part of, but so fun for our kids. I asked Kendyll what her favorite part was, and I got about 16 answers. She couldn't even decide! But, some of her favorites were:

1. The sack races where she hopped really fast.
2. Putting the sheriff badge in the cowgirl's hair. (They were blindfolded and had to "pin the badge" on the sheriff....they all thought it was hilarious when they missed....)
3. Her very own star cake that looked just like her.
4. Getting to have "her barn" there just like Carlie's party (I reused a cardboard barn from Carlie's farm party in August!)
5. My favorite answer of all: "That all of my best friends came at the same time to play with me!"

It was a successful party for sure. And, today, she is already planning Bday #5. Sheesh---I need some down time before planning starts again!

On another note, we are all feeling MUCH better around here. Although there are lingering coughs, everyone seems to be on the mend. After being stuck in the house for over a week, they were very excited to get out on Sunday afternoon and feed the ducks. We had such a fun family afternoon visting our neighborhood pond, eating Thin Mints, climbing trees, and watching Annie (our golden retriever) scare the ducks away again and again....You always appreciate those fun family days after you've had a house full of couch-ridden sickos!

So, we're off to enjoy a calm week, with not alot on the agenda. And, I welcome every minute of it---especially with weather like this to enjoy!

A Crazy Aunt's Love

I really don't have much time to blog today, since I'm party planning for Kendyll's big day tomorrow! (She is sharing a birthday party with her two very good friends, Trinity and Logan, so at least there are THREE moms party-planning for this one. But, there are things still to do for this big cowpoke party! And, of course there will be a long blog about it--with pictures--- tomorrow night.)

Anyway, all I really wanted to say on this blog was that I am so in love with my nephew, it's unbelievable. Cortni (Braden's mommy and my sister) finally started a blog so I can see him when I'm missing them so much, and she put a new post up yesterday that I just had to share (especially for all of you who know Cortni from college, etc.)

Check him out. He's the cutest baby boy I've ever seen.

http://henkehappenings.blogspot.com

The Upside of Sickness

Okay, so there's not really an upside to sickness...especially when it's your whole household. But, I have actually found some positive news in my day today, despite the diagnosis we received from our pediatrician. So, before I get to the good news....

We knew everyone was sick around here, but we just didn't know exactly what it was. Kendyll and Carlie both missed school all week, and have had the typical "Jacobs children symptom list" (ears, green noses, fevers, etc.) Mark came down with strep throat on Wednesday night and is now on drugs (but still whiny! And rightly so---his throat is NASTY!). So, I took the girls in this morning to see what we were dealing with. The diagnosis is worse than I thought----pneumonia for Kendyll, PLUS strep throat. Fun. Carlie is sick with the “usual” for her...ear infections, sinus infection, etc. but she's being put on the same drugs as Kendyll in case she's on her way to pneumonia too. So, everyone’s on drugs except me! (and hopefully, I can stay well enough to take care of all the sick ones!)

So, we are obviously stuck in the house for quite a few days until everyone is better, but the doctor did say that if Kendyll was feeling up to it, she could still go to her birthday party that is planned for Monday. (She will have enough antibiotics by then to be around others.) We’re hoping that she is feeling better for that, since she’s been waiting for her big FOUR year old party for so long now! For now, Kendyll is enjoying her movie time on the couch and doesn’t feel like doing much at all besides that. We knew she was really sick when she asked for no books for rest time because she was just too sleepy....what?! Then, she wouldn’t eat anything -- even ICE CREAM yesterday! But, hopefully she’ll start eating again with some antibiotics in her system...

So, now to the "upside". The best thing about this recurrent sickness stuff that my children always have is that the pediatrician now definitely agrees that we need to get Kendyll’s tonsils out. I really think this will help her feel better all around and it's something I've been concerned about for quite a while. She gets all of this stuff so easily, and I know that the tonsilectomy is what made me better when I was her age and is still what keeps me well! So, we will be meeting with her ENT doctor next week to see what he thinks. I hope it works out that we can make her “well’ before the next couple of years, as she starts REAL school!

I just feel like these kiddos are ALWAYS sick. I'm sure you all feel the same way, especially lately, since we've had multiple friends with children hospitalized for different illnesses. I guess that's the life of a mommy and small children. But, I do hope that they start feeling better soon! I'm ready for spring and summer to arrive to drive some of these viruses and colds outta here!!

So, say a little prayer for our sick family (and all the many others!) when you have a second. We would all greatly appreciate it! :) I'm off to the pharmacy and to Blockbuster. We're needing some movies for this little girl---and maybe a special treat or two. She got FIVE shots for her four year old checkup today and she was so brave!! She got to pick out FIVE lollipops and already decided who gets each one. Joshua, Trinity, Caroline, Chloe, and Jackson are the winners of their very own Dum Dum. Congratulations. Anyway, I was very proud of my big girl, although now she's worried that she can never use her legs again...I guess they're a little sore!

See you all later--after our quarantine weekend!

For Mrs. Tiffany

This one's for Tiffany, in CASE she's even reading blogs yet after the move. Just wanted to let you know that every day, sometimes more than once, Kendyll tells me I'm as beautiful and as smart as Esther.

It should show you that what you say to children in Sunshine School chapel (or anywhere else for that matter) really does reach them!! For fellow SS teachers, you know what I'm referring to.....and even though I was there, it is still so precious to hear as she repeats exactly what her sweet chapel teacher told her to. (For those not there, Tiffany told them the story of Esther and told them they should all go home and tell their mommies that they are beautiful and smart just like Esther was. Kendyll took it literally....)

Tiffany, we already miss you so much and we hope and pray that you are feeling settled in OK. Blog soon so we know how you are!!!

What Makes a Child a Wimp?

What Makes a Child a Wimp?

Is it personality traits inborn in you? Is it parental influence or "coddling", as I"ve heard it called? Is it life experience or lack of it? What makes a child a "wimp"??

I ask this not about my own children (although I do have concerns for Kendyll most days!), but about myself.

What made me such a wimp, a dork, a wussy baby, or any other term you choose to use (don't tell me what terms you decide on, by the way!), in my younger years especially? And, those who knew me then KNOW what I'm talking about!

The reason I bring up the topic of my embarrassing personality traits is the memories that many of us have been sharing about our dear childhood Christian camp, Iron Springs. It is officially closing shop, so many of us have been sharing flashbacks of our time there through blogs. Many of these girls I grew up knowing, went to college with, lived with at ACU, and now are still close friends with. Others I have lost contact with but have read about them through these blog interactions about ISCC.

But, what has been funniest to me is to remember those early days, not necessarily with fondness, but with this embarrassing humiliation of what a total wimpy kid I was! Although there are many stories I could share about my inability to "let loose and have fun", I'll just share the worst one of all. Now, remember most of these girls are now some of my very best friends, but that first year (fifth grade), I had my doubts about them. They were just so crazy! I mean, doing things "against the rules", staying up all night, having "no pants naptime", just to name a few. They made this little girl a little nervous. So, it was decided that one of the last nights would be all-night "Ghost Story Night"....it was apparently enjoyed by all....except me. I went and stayed in my PARENT'S CABIN so that I wouldn't be scared! (my dad was our youth minister and stayed in the director's cabin) Oh, it's embarrassing to even type...and this was 20 years ago!! The thought of doing many of the things other campers did (the huge tree swing, water wars, sneaking out of the cabin, etc. etc.) were unheard of to me and nothing I ever participated in.

I'm glad to say that I've changed in some ways and become a little more "fun"....but, really, not that much. I'm still a rules follower, still don't like anything dangerous, and would still rather sleep in the safety of my bed than be wild and rowdy late into the night.

So, what makes me such a wimp? So serious? So careful? So in need of predictability? And, how do I create a balance within my own child, who already exhibits these exact qualities of mine?! I don't want her to leave church camp the first year because she's too wimpy to handle it...but I'm telling you right now, I can see her doing it!

Anyway, a random post, and pretty much an open invitation for my good ole church camp friends to rag on me a little more. I love you Ang, Tam, Sara, Candice, & Rachel, (even though I took a few years to 'warm up') and I love our memories of our "formative years" together---who would have imagined the lifelong friendships we would develop back when we were lanky, awkward preteens. With some a little more awkward than others....

Happy Birthday, Kendyll Grace!!

Well, the birthday girl is happily singing in bed, and we have had a very fun celebration day. It's hard to believe that four years and six hours ago, I met this precious girl for the very first time. Time has passed so fast, and as I sang our bedtime songs to her tonight, I couldn't help the tears that welled up in my eyes at thinking of the way her little face has changed and grown to be a young girl....but how much she still looks like that precious tiny baby I held for the first time on this day. Man, this is only gonna get tougher!! They grow up so fast!

So, we had a great day, celebrating with little Miss Kendyll. The best part is that she still has partying left to do! She gets her "real" party (with all of her friends) next Monday, so she still has more to look forward to.

I do wish the spring-like weather we've had for weeks could have continued for her birthday weekend....because the one thing she wanted to do today was ride the train to Fort Worth for lunch. But, seeing that it was in the 20's instead, we opted for indoor activities. We got to spend the day with our very good friends, Shea and JoLynn, and their adorable son, Jackson. So, the seven of us went to the Children's Museum, rode the carousel at the mall, went to the Disney store for a special present she got to buy with birthday money, and then to Chuck E Cheese for the ultimate birthday lunch! Tonight, we had dinner at home with a Strawberry Shortcake birthday party, strawberry cupcakes included. :)

She was VERY excited about her big surprise gifts from Mommy and Daddy---a new "bigger girl" changing table, highchair, and stroller for her baby dolls, along with all of the other wonderful surprises she got from friends and family. Everyone knows just what she likes, and she has been in birthday heaven!

Well, the singing has already stopped....I think that girl is exhausted from the fun. What a wonderful day for a very big four year old.

______________________________________________

The second part of my blog is still dedicated to Kendyll Grace. Since this blog is meant for her and Carlie someday, I wanted to record some things about her at this four year old mark in her little life. So, I was inspired by the blog that so many friends have done in the past weeks. The blog of "fours" (perfect for bday #4!)

So, here is Kendyll's:

Four Places She Has Lived:

1. "M Streets" Dallas, TX

2. Irving, TX

3. California (in pretend play)

4. New York (yep, pretend again!)

Four Jobs She Wants to Have:

1. Waitress (aka, a "ladyworker in a restronaut")

2. Dentist

3. Teacher

4. Mommy (Daddy asked her if she would want to be a business woman and work like Daddy someday. She laughed and said "No, silly!! I have to be a mommy all the time and cook!")

Four Vacations She's Been On:

1. Hawaii (where Grandma & Pops reside! She's been there 6-7 times...)

2. Disneyland /California (more family there. Been there 4 times....)

3. Tahoe / Reno / New York trip (when she was six months...we thought we were moving there.)

4. San Antonio & Sea World

Four Favorite Foods:

1. Anything MEXICAN! (a girl after my own heart.)

2. Popcorn (yep, my heart again!)

3. Cheeseburgers (3 for 3)

4. ANYTHING with icing! (That one's from Daddy...)

Four Places she wishes she could be:

1. In a princess castle...being the princess.

2. at Disneyland

3. In New York at Central Park (she has a book about it.)

4. At the mall (for the playground, McD's, and carousel...not the shopping!)

Four Things she Loves to Do:

1. Paint, Draw, and "do crafts"

2. Watch movies and "her shows"

3. Play hide & seek, chase, and "freeze tag"

4. Play board & card games

Four Favorite Books (this week!):

1. Hermie the Caterpillar

2. I Loved You Before You Were Born

3. Harold and the Purple Crayon

4. Momi, the Hawaiian Mermaid

Four Websites she looks at often:

1. www.playhousedisney.com

2. www.barbie.com

3. All of the blogs (to see pictures of her friends)

4. www.bigidea.com (very recent addition!)

Four Favorite TV Shows:

1. Caillou

2. Max & Ruby

3. Dora the Explorer

4. Angelina the Ballerina

Four Favorite Movie Characters:

1. Cinderella

2. Snow White

3. Dorothy (wizard of oz)

4. Maria & Liesl (Sound of Music)

Four Favorite Toys (right now):

1. Puppet Playhouse (also serves as a drive thru window)

2. Dress-up Clothes

3. Princess Scooter

4. Pretend Food / Kitchen / Tea Set

Four Things she Loves to do with Mommy:

1. Cooking or Baking...or just making dinner

2. Reading (she is starting to like sounding out the words herself)

3. Playing School (I play the role of Mrs. Chelsea...original, I know.)

4. Running Errands (especially when little sis is not invited!)

Four Things she Loves to do with Daddy:

1. Watching movies

2. Wrestling & tickling in the floor

3. Cleaning Annie's poop in the backyard (fun stuff!)

4. Talking walks to feed the ducks

Four Favorite Restaurants:

1. McDonald's

2. Taco Cabana / Bueno

3. Chuck E Cheese

4. Spring Creek Barbeque

Four Wishes We Have for her FOURTH year:

1. That she would trust more and fear less!! (specifically---get her to swim!)

2. That she would learn even more about God as her Friend & Father.

3. That she would be physically, emotionally, and mentally ready for kindergarten by next year.

4. That she would continue to love life and experience the daily "little things" with such excitement.

Four Goals we Have as Her Parents:

1. That we would recognize her strengths already at this age, and encourage them.

2. That we will teach more about giving and less about receiving, make it more about others and less about us.

3. That we will have patience and appreciate the "kid" in her...have realistic expectations.

4. That we will be daily examples on earth of the love God has for her as His daughter.

Four Characteristics that Make Kendyll, Kendyll:

1. Her passion & excitement & love for people (her daddy in her)

2. Her timidity & fearfulness at anything new or any kind of change (her mommy in her)

3. D-R-A-M-A!!! Animated and dramatic in both positive and negative ways....and, the most expressive facial expressions I've ever seen!

4. She is a "thinker". She processes, and thinks seriously about everything you tell her and remembers it ALL!! It is always amazing to me!

Kendyll Grace, we love you the whole world full and are excited to celebrate your fourth birthday! You are a blessing from God and we are the luckiest two parents to be able to be loved by you....

A Very Happy Valentine's

Well, I had planned to post yesterday on Valentine's Day, but it just never happened. It was a busy day, but full of fun! Kendyll and I baked Daddy's favorite cake (strawberry with strawberry icing....yuck!) and decorated the dining room for a Valentine's dinner. This was so much fun to do with my big girl, and she enjoyed it so much. When Mark got home, Kendyll met him in the garage (because she had been listening for his car!) and led him in with his eyes closed to see her "masterpieces"!

Our sweet Valentine husband & daddy brought each of us a red rose, which Kendyll thought was the sweetest thing. (She was also VERY excited to add them to her pretty table for dinner!) We watched a Valentine video and took a walk, and played outside...what is up with this crazy weather, anyway?! Then, Granddad brought Valentine surprises over for the girls, and they loved every single thing! Isn't it amazing how much children can love Pez dispensers, aluminum tins full of candy, and red and pink stuffed animals so much? Kendyll has carried her tiny Care Bear and card everywhere since her Granddad left and Carlie hasn't forgotten about her Pez that I have hidden three times now.

Then, we had our yummy Valentine's dinner....in two parts. Kendyll and Carlie had pink alfredo pasta with strawberries, red jello, and strawberry milk (I know, it sounds disgusting!). We pretended to eat with them and even had Kendyll's famous dessert. But, saved our steak dinner for later (we grilled out and even sat outside for a while---in February!)

Once the kids were in bed, we took time to do our own Valentine's dinner childless and enjoyed a wonderful meal, had great conversation, and just spent time being together. It was a great end to a very fun day.

I think this Valentine's might have been my best ever. Kendyll enjoyed this Valentine's so much with the school parties, home decorations, Valentine's for her friends, baking fun, and her out-of-control excitement. While licking the cool whip spoon yesterday, she said "Mommy, I think Valentine's is my very most favorite day."

The second part that made this year the best was our date with sisters and spouses (and boyfriend) for an evening away. We had such a good night together and loved the concert too (although I could have handled more Nichole, since she was only the opener for Casting Crowns!)

But, the best part about this Valentine's hands-down was my surprise gift from my sweet husband. We had decided not to do gifts, so I was surprised when he said he had something. But, when I opened it, I was speechless. My Mark (who is not well-known for his writing ability or desire) wrote me a four page letter, expressing his love for me and our family, making commitments and promises for our marriage, and telling me specific actions he wants to take to be an even better husband (he couldn't get much better, let me tell ya!). It meant the world to me. And, I plan to re-read it quite often, because the words were so sweet.

So, overall, a GREAT holiday at our house. Now, today has been filled with cooking, cleaning, laundry, and grocery shopping....back to the real world, I guess. We have company coming in town for the weekend, and we are SO excited to see our dear friends, the Posey's! We don't get to visit often enough with them, but when we do, it is such a wonderful time.

Now, I better get back to cleaning. I already got "distracted" as I walked by the computer to put towels away! Oops!

Eye-Teeth, Pajama Parties, Date Night, & Braces

Well, not a whole lot of BIG things have been happening around here, so I thought I would report on the small ones.

A few updates from the Jacobs household:

1) As of now, we are done with the stomach virus at our house!! Nothing is worse than two sick girls...but, at least they had each other! (see picture). They had lots of couch time laying around watching "moobies", as Carlie says.

2) I have successfully completed one scrapbook, one photo album, and layed out two others. A rather large accomplishment for me. Now, we'll see how consistent I am from here on out. I am already burned out on the whole thing. It's not the memory part that I dislike, it's the crafty part. I mean, there are some CRAZY people out there---did you know there are "scrapbook celebrities"??? I've learned that I will never be one of those....I'll be doing good to have some pictures on a page with a date included.

2) Carlie has yet to conquer the four evil eye-teeth that are invading her mouth oh-so-slowly. I don't know if it will kill her or me first. She is so clingy, whiny, sad, loud, and it really does make me feel sorry for her somehow. I'm sure those things hurt!

3) I, along with my two girls, survived Pajama Day at school today. Actually , we did more than survive it. It was actually a blast! My class enjoyed it so much and we celebrated the letter "P" like I never have before! We had pajamas, pizza, popcorn, popsicles, puzzles, playdough, and the list goes on....Quite the "P"arty!


4) Kendyll had her first of four birthday celebrations yesterday with Grandma Cheri, who was visiting from Hawaii. It was pretty cute. She got to pick out decorations on her own. We had Hello Kitty plates, Princess blowers and napkins, and neon butterfly cups and hats. She made cupcakes with Grandma, decorated the table and even started the birthday song herself. (After telling me to light the candles, turn out the lights, and bring the plate to her very slowly...my, my, bossy, bossy!) She got a very special gift for big b-day number FOUR. A locket just like her Grandma's in a twirling ballerina music box. The original locket that Mark's mom has was from her grandmother, and now Kendyll will have one to pass down to her children's children. Very sweet and very special.

5) Carlie has started lots of new things, although most of her world has circled around these darn teeth. She is saying random words now like purple, movie, Dora, Backpack, trash, and lots of nonsense that no one understands. She now loves to pray and holds hands at the table, says amen, and claps for five minutes yelling "Yeahhhh!" Her favorites on TV are Elmo, Barney, and Dora. And, she is now into coloring too. My favorite new thing is playing dress-up with Kendyll (see picture). It is so cute to watch her play pretend with her big sis. Now if she could just conquer the high heels she so desperately wants to wear.

6) I am having the best Valentine's date EVER with my husband tomorrow night. At my request, we are going on a quadruple date with my sisters and their significant others. To dinner first, and then to see NICHOLE NORDEMAN!!! Nichole really is one of my most favorite Christian artists. She speaks right to my heart and seems to share so much of my personality and experiences, not to mention that she is in the "so-talented-I-don't-know-how-she-does-it" category...writes her lyrics, her music, sings it all, and plays it all. Amazing! Seeing her in concert is going to be the BEST Valentine's present!

7) The other half of my Valentine's present is a day out with my sisters on Saturday, while Mark watches Kendyll, Carlie, AND baby Braden! We're getting pedicures, going shopping, eating lunch somewhere girly, and going to a "bead show" for my sister who makes jewelery. What a fun weekend to look forward to!

8) Okay, I'm kind of out of updates. Seven is enough, right? I guess my last one would be a rather embarrassing one. So, maybe most of you stopped reading by now. Due to jaw pain and problematic teeth placement, I will most likely be wearing braces in a month. Depressing, I know. And, what's worse....it will probably be for at least a year and a half!! Please still be my friend, even though I'll be a metal mouth....please. (they're at least the clear kind!)

That's it for now. I'm sure I'll think of some other good stuff as soon as I get downstairs. But, Survivor is calling my name!!! YES!

I'm a Martha...who are you?

Whew! What a crazy few days. Sick kids, house guests, and a full schedule of "stuff". From reading others' blogs, it sounds like we've all been there this week. As I read through my friends' accounts of their weeks, and talked to others who aren't in "blogland", I found myself with a heavy heart for so many different situations, many more stressful than my everyday kind of "stuff" (I like that word tonight!).

Loneliness, restlessness, illness, busyness, exhaustion, transition, stress.....so many friends who need prayers and encouragement right now. Overall, I have been reminded of how easy it is to be missing the peace that God provides us, especially when life goes by so incredibly fast!

So, as God always does, He found a way to remind me of what it was I (and others) needed to know. Time with Him is what we need.

After reading blogs, I went downstairs to put some things away. While doing that, a book literally fell off the shelf in front of me. (Okay, so it didn't jump off...I knocked it off with a pile of laundry. But, still!! There was a reason for it, I'm sure. ) So, I picked it up, dusted it off (literally), and opened to the middle. The book is "A Woman's Walk with God: Growing in the Fruits of the Spirit". I, of course, open to the chapter on peace! And, it is all about Martha and Mary (a familiar story to many, and one that I try to steer away from...because, yes, I am the Martha of the story, and wish so much to be a Mary even for a day!)

So, the title was "Choosing the Peace of God when the Pressure Mounts". She talked alot about the way Martha handled pressure/stress and how Mary handled the same pressure. Martha became busy and worried, with a sense of panic and pressure and focused on the wrong things (dinner and dishes!). Mary focused on the one right thing that could give her peace---Jesus himself! She had her mindset on things above, not earthly things and rested at His feet.

One of the last sentences of the chapter was "What would an outsider see in you right now---a Martha or a Mary? Are you in a state of turmoil and restlessness, or are you trusting and at peace? Are you running around in circles, or are you resting calmly in the Lord? Is your relationship with Him first, or are you too busy to sit at His feet and enjoy His presence?"

Wow...I'm such a Martha. I focus on the wrong things so often, instead of being still and spending time with the Lord. I hope that this helps even one of my "blogland friends" to be inspired to be a Mary in the midst of turmoil...even the daily kind that involves sick kids, stress, and exhaustion.

One such friend has been that inspiration for me this week. She has truly been a "Mary" when it was the hardest thing for her to do. She has sat before the Lord and waited on Him, trusting Him in every way and leaning on Him for understanding. I love you, sweet friend...and you know who you are!

I pray a blessed week for so many of you who are under stress. Satan has a way of discouraging us and distracting us from the one place we can find peace....at the feet of Jesus...and I pray he is unable to succeed with each one of us!

The Heil Family

The Heil Family
I have read this on two other blogs, and thought it was important to share with my "readers" too. For those of you who don't already know of this situation, Kari Firestone Heil, who I attended ACU with, and whose mother is our sweet church secretary, died recently after losing her battle with depression, leaving two small children and her husband, Russell. If you go to www.russellheil.blogdrive.com, you can find information about a fund that the Mansfield Church has set up to support Russell and his children. We all just wanted to get the word out and share a tangible way that we can help this grieving family. If you can post this on your blog as well, the more people praying and supporting this family the better!

Have a blessed day, thanking God for your family!