Kendra & Co.

Summer 2013 (the pocket sized edition)

2013-09-19T14:50:00.002-05:00

Whew! Summer 2013 came and left so quickly, I do not even know where time went!

I am going to try to get back on the blogging train...ALL ABOARD!

We had quite a few trips to good old BPZ over our summer.

I helped throw a couple of showers this summer and made my famous diaper cakes (that the boys think is hialrious).

We had many chances at the beginning of the summer to go to our beloved pool. Towards the end of summer we stayed away, with that weird water virus that was going around.

Back when it used to rain, I picked up this haul of Legos on an online garage sale as a rainy day activity.

Over the summer we also went fishing at my dad's quite a few times and Dixon got pretty good.

We made one trip to an I-Cubbie game, ate in the Cub Club, played in the gym, and left before the fireworks.

Breckin had his first year of Blast Ball and loved it!

Dixon had his first year of T-ball and loved it as well!

Enjoying the pool!

With all of this on the go, a boy's gotta sleep. And aren't they sweet when they sleep.

Paging Dr. Dixon.

We loooved when our best girls, Reese and Charlotte, came to town for visits.

We spent the Fourth of July at Aunt Darcy's house and the boys had a blast. Later that night we went to watch fire works in Earlham.

Soon after the 4th we took off for a mini vacay in Omaha. We went to the zoo and spent time in our hotel with a water park.

Back home we continued to spend time outside, go on walks in jammies, and shuck corn.

We were lucky enough to be able to spend a week in Okoboji with my mom, sister Tasha and her amazing girls.

When we arrived home we continued our adventure at the great Adventureland park.

Add in another trip to BPZ...

and a few days of building train tracks and our summer is pretty much summed up.

We can't leave out our trip to the one and only Iowa State Fair...

Or our visit from Max,

Or play dates with sweet, blonde friends.

A Faris kind of spring break.

2013-03-22T13:03:00.000-05:00

Nothing says Spring Break 2013 like a snow storm, right?

Even without the snow, Spring Break 2013 proved to be very eventful.

Breckin had a minor surgery on the Friday before spring break, which you can see he bounced right back from.

On Tuesday I learned that my bff's, Rachel's, father had passed away. This was very sad news, but it also meant the circus was coming to town. The Faris circus, that is.

Rachel and her husband Rob came in on Wednesday and were able to stay until the following Tuesday. Although it was not ideal circumstances, we loved having them in our home. And their earmuffs and sunglasses, of course.

Rachel's oldest sister, Naomi, came on Thursday. And on Friday Rachel's other sister, my dear friend, Sarah and her boyfriend, Ethan were able to come. We also loved spending time with them. The boys just love having people around, especially when they wear fun socks and big sunglasses.

Dixon loved having Rob, especially, another avid Star Wars fan. Here he is just waiting for Rob to come out of the bathroom, so they can play.

Sunday night Rachel and Rob went out downtown for St. Patrick's Day and stayed in a hotel. I followed them and went to eat at Hessen Haus.

But it was back to work for me the next day.

We said our goodbyes on Tuesday and later that night Lady showed us that she had hidden Rachel's earmuffs so she will have to come back and get them.

Did we just run someone over? And other questions that make my day.

2013-03-05T14:29:00.001-06:00

Cerally, I can not get enough of these two.

Not to go all mushy mommy blogger on you, but I see time slipping by so fast.

I have to practically beg to get Dixon to snuggle with me and when he does he says,

"Just for 5 minutes, mom."

Not that I am complaining, the ages of almost 5 and 3 have their perks too.

No bottles, diaper bags, and strollers (mostly). They are able to communicate (mostly) their wants and needs. They sleep (mostly) through the night and they say the darnedest things.

When driving in the snow down a rocky hill, my car graded and Dixon asked, "Did we just run someone over?" Like it was normal. Laugh. Out. Loud.

When Breckin is describing how much he wants of something, how big he wants something to be, or how much he wants you to leave his door open, he uses the phrase, "all the world"

For example, he would say, "Leave my door open, all the world." Or "I want so many cars, all the world."

But I do miss a good baby snuggle.

Not enough, of course, to have another baby.

On purpose, that is.

Good things happen to church people.

2013-03-04T14:06:00.002-06:00

I lost my camera, my uber nice camera. You know, the one I barely know how to use.

Had you heard?

My husband told anyone and everyone who would listen that I left it on my dashboard, left my car unlocked, and that my camera was stolen.

Which is very possible, but I knew this was not the case.

You see, things like this happen to me all of the time.

In college, I lost a Tiffany bracelet that Adam had given me and one morning Rachel went to get a tampon and pulled my bracelet out of the tampon box.

Many, many moons ago, I lost my Tiffany mesh ring (the one I bought to replace my first one). This winter, when Adam took apart our dryer, he found it in there.

Last fall I misplaced my driver's license and after tearing my car apart looking for it, I went to get a new one. Only to have my old one turn up under my driver's seat the next day.

My life is like one big game of hide and seek. One big expensive game of hide and seek.

This is why I was not going to accept the fact that my camera was stolen off the dash of my car when I left it unlocked. I knew that if I waited long enough, it would appear.

The last time thought I had the camera was at the pumpkin patch, in October.

And last night, when I was moving things around in the basement, I found it!

In a bag of my Grandma Karen's old Christmas stuff...there it was!

It was nothing short of a miracle.

The only way to explain it is that we went to church that morning for the first time in a long time. We did not have nursery duty.

We went to hear the message, and God was pleased. And my camera reappeared.

Hallelujah.

Medifasting!

2013-02-22T10:40:00.001-06:00

I am back on the Medifast wagon and have lost 3.2 pounds since Monday. I have a LONG way to go, but I am one determined mama. This is what I am making this weekend to stockpile from Sandy's Kitchen!

I know it may not sound appetizing, but it is! Minus the veggies, extra cheese, of course. Well, as appetizing as shredded cauliflower can be, I guess. ;)

I love Sandy's Kitchen for Medifast recipes! Her meat lasgana is also the bomb.com.

If this is what my thirties are like...

2013-02-12T14:02:00.002-06:00

Then bring it on!

I have been dreading my turning 30 for a long time now. Probably since the day I turned 25. I don't mind getting older, except the wrinkles. It's just something about that number.

But when Rachel emailed me a month ago with her flight itinerary, instead of dreading the 3rd of Februray...I couldn't wait for it!

I took a half day off of school on Friday so I could pick up Rachel at the airport. I greeted her with these hats and she had a Tiffany locket for me with pictures of the boys inside!

We promptly went to Fong's pizza downtown and then made a Beeline for Target.

Rachel was so excited to see the boys, and a little nervous that they would not remember her.

I told her all she had to do was say the word "poop" and she would be in for good.

Later that night we went to my moms house for dinner, my sister Tasha was there with her two girls, who Rachel had not yet met. We had so much fun laughing about old times and ~~almost setting the house on fire~~ candeling each others ears.

On Saturday we had my big birthday dinner at Samuari. When it started snowing, the guest list started dwindling, but we still had a great time and closed down the mall afterwards.

Tasha went home to her babies and Rachel, Madi, Kathleen, and I stayed in a hotel and ~~whooped it up~~ barely made it til midnight.

I was so excited to see my babies the next day and start the superbowl celebration (Rachel's hometown team was playing).

Probably the best part of my birthday was Beyonce's LIGHTS OUT performance and reunion with Destiny's Child during half time.

On Monday we laid low and did some Goodwill shopping and I returned her to the airport early Tuesday morning before school.

So, see what I mean?

If this is what my thirties are like, then count me in!

Of bad Cinderellas and baby cooking...

2013-01-21T13:17:00.002-06:00

A little over a week ago, my mom and I packed up my boys and headed up north to see my sister, her darling divas, her husband, and their new house!

The boys were excellent passengers...thanks to modern technology and junk food.

Breckin thoroughly enjoyed playing with all of Reese and Charlotte's foreign toys.

He even put on dress up Cinderella heels and declared in a deep growly voice...

"I'm a BAD Cinderella!"

On the same note, Dixon picked up a baby doll ever so gently and as I was saying what a good daddy he was...he walked over to the Fisher Price kitchen and stated that he was going to "cook this baby."

Oy vey.

Dixon, not feeling so well, was snuggled up most of the weekend.

We got out of the house once with the kids to swim, and another for an adult girls only trip to Target {bliss}, but most of the trip was spent just like this...

Or fighting over toys...;)

InstaChristmas

2013-01-10T07:42:00.002-06:00

InstaChristmas fits this post well for multiple reasons...

I have misplaced/lost my camera...I am still hoping that it will turn up...:)

This holiday season went by faster than any other! The boys enjoyed every minute of every holiday event, while I tried to hold on for the ride and snap a few pics with my trusty iPhone.

Right before Christmas break we had two glorious snow days. They added two days to the end of our school year, but I am never one to turn down a snow day. :)

The boys just soaked in all of the joy this holiday season and it was so fun to watch them. They truly have child like amazement with all things Christmas and seeing them excited was really the best gift of all.

We went back to see the big guy for a second time because Dixon forgot to tell him something and every time someone asked him what he wanted for Christmas, his response was, "Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots, but I forgot to tell Santa." We all felt much better once he got that off his chest.

Christmas day was busy as usual, but not as hectic which was so nice. We were able to enjoy each other more and the boys had plenty time to play with their new toys and enjoy lots of family time.

I worked the three days after Christmas at my other office job while the boys enjoyed playing with all of their newest toys.

Three years of Big B.

2013-01-09T14:49:00.000-06:00

On the eve of Breckin's third birthday I made this collage of my favorite pics of my sweet second born. It was so fun going through old pictures...what memories!

At three years old Breckie definitely keeps us on our toes. He wants to be doing what ever Dixon is doing/looking at/thinking of doing. Honestly though, they do play pretty well together. He is constantly asking for either salad or popsicles, and when I say constantly I mean 3 am, 6 am, 3 pm, 9 pm...constantly!

My favorite thing about the three year old Breckin is his zest for life...

Every morning when he wakes up and calls me into his room he asks, "It wake up time, Mommy?" When I tell him yes, he responds with YAY! Don't you wish we could all wake up with that kind of excitement to start each day. I sure do.

No matter how many good snapshots I get of Breck, this one is still my all time favorite.

Fresh out of the oven and pure perfection.

2013-01-04T13:24:00.002-06:00

I'm back in business and it feels so good!

I have missed the blogosphere oh so much and keeping up with all of my bloggy friends.

I'm not quite sure what happened, but I am ready to get back on track with a lot of things, the blog being one of them!

We had a great holiday complete with two additional days, due to snow. I was also able to get three days in at my other job and spend tons of time with my darlings. And aren't they darling...

This is for you, Aunt Darcy.

2012-08-23T13:20:00.000-05:00

Whew....

Summer flew by at an incredible rate.

Adam was busy finishing up his gen ed credits and I worked three days a week in a cubicle.

While the boys enjoyed every minute of their park playing, pool swimming, pond fishing summer.

Yesterday was my first official day at school. It went well, but I am already missing being home with my boys (and my naps, of course).

The first home football game is Friday and Adam and Dixon both start back to school next week. Fall is in full swing!

A few updates on the boys:

1. Breckin still calls Dixon "Breck".

2. Dixon is 110% potty trained!

3. Breckin still prefers to be on the go all day everyday, while Dixon would rather "stay home".

4. Dixon is now able to successfully sleep away from home, Breckin is still working on this skill.

5. Dixon has become a master of the Wii mote.

6. Both boys spent an huge amount of time at the pool, river, park, lake, and grandparents.

It has been one glorious summer filled with lots of laughs, naps, and good times.

:)

Big B

2012-08-23T13:08:00.001-05:00

Big Boy Breckin.

Blonde hair, blue eyed boy.

Bouncing bundle of joy.

Brex, Breckies, Breckie, big boy Breck.

2012-08-23T12:37:00.001-05:00

My sweet, sweet Dixon.

Silly and sensitive.

Starting school soon.

Smiley pie.

Selective eater.

Sweet, Sweet Dixon.

The I-Cubs are my Cubs...brought to you by Instagram.

2012-08-23T12:29:00.001-05:00

Blogging is just like riding a bike.

2012-06-11T21:56:00.000-05:00

You can take a three month hiatus and when you get back on, it's like no time has passed.

I don't know what my deal was.

It had been so long and just kept getting longer, and I would feel worse about not blogging.

Enough about that.

I will slowly catch you up.

Pinky promise.

For now, how about some spring break 2012 pics?

We went to the Omaha zoo and Children's Museum.

Also a few more things...

1. Breckin is talking up a storm, I mean sentences.

2. Dixon is doing so well in everything; swimming, blastball, etc.

3. Adam is working away on his classes, we are so proud.

4. I am working 3 days a week at an office and have started a new venture (more about that later).

It feels soooooo good to be back .

Today is the day! SPREAD THE WORD TO END THE WORD.

2012-03-07T06:32:00.002-06:00

Insta Friday Night

2012-03-02T17:53:00.003-06:00

Update 2.0

2012-03-02T08:34:00.000-06:00

Kendra

I am just swimming, swimming, swimming to keep my head above water for 1 more week until spring break.

I have lost 33.2 pounds since the New Year after jumping back on the Medifast wagon.

My plane tickets are booked for Rachel and Rob's wedding in May. I will be heading to SF solo. I am both excited and nervous for this adventure without my babies.

Adam

He has just made the Dean's List at Upper Iowa and has a GPA of 3.9!

Adam is really enjoying spending time with the boys during the day. :)

It has almost been a year since we made the decision for Adam to go back to school and honestly, it has been one of the best choices we have made.

Dixon

This boy continues to be one of the sweetest most kind/tender hearted children on the planet. He constantly amazes me with his kindness twoards others and the patience he shows with his brother.

His favorite winter activity has become begging Daddy to play video games on the Wii so he can watch. I have to say this is probably Adam's dream come true. Someone wants him to play video games? ;)

Dixon has really gotten into the groove of school. I am so proud of him and I am constantly grateful for his amazing teacher. (I have no idea how she does it, but I am so glad she does!)

He is taking after his father in the aspect of being a homebody. I seriously think they would not mind staying home all day every day. :)

The other day he came up to me for snuggles and I asked him if he was feeling sick. He replied...

"No, I just love you Mama."

**Enter melting heart here**

Breckin

This little guy is talking up a storm! He will say anything and everything you ask him to, which is just plain amazing.

If you look up the definition of go-getter in the dictionary you will likely see a pic of Breckie. He constantly wants to go go go. I barely have to say the words bye-bye and he is standing at the door.

He loves to be in the kitchen (Grandma Gayle swears that he is Grandpa Dickie).

Breckin's choice of toys lately is usually trains and cars.

I think it may be something about the second child...but Breck thinks up and does things that Dixon has never even thought to do. Prime example...

Last night as Dixon were laying on the couch and Adam was laying in bed, we suddenly heard the GARBAGE DISPOSAL turn on. Yes, Breckin had climbed onto the counter and turned on the garbage disposal. I don't think I have ever moved so fast in my life. Thankfully, no appendages were in the disposal at time. :S

I mustache you a question...

2012-02-14T07:56:00.000-06:00

Could my valentines be any cuter???

I don't think so either.

Thanks to Missy over at Starr Circus for the idea! ;)

Insta Friday ahem Monday.

2012-02-06T11:35:00.000-06:00

First snow adventure of 2012.

"No wrestling in the bathtub!"

Love.

My button nosed yeti.

Teamwork wins.

Miss Reesey.

Rachel says he looks like a Jedi in this pic. Can you see it?

Wheeeeeeeeeeeee! :)

sooooo sweet.

I miss my mommy...ahhhhh! :)

bpz on nye.

2012-01-23T08:25:00.001-06:00

It has been so unseasonably warm this winter here that we were able to take a trip to the zoo on New Years Eve.

Granted we were wearing coats and hats, and not all of the animals were out, but still we made an enjoyable trip to the zoo on December 31st.

Why yes, that is a yeti on Breckin's head. Isn't it the cutest? Dixon, however, insists on wearing his shark hat from last year. :)

Aunt Rachel in San Fran sent us family zoo passes for Christmas this year. We were so excited to put them to good use and plan to go often this spring and summer.

Dixon telling Daddy all about the fishies.

There is a new sea lion exhibit that was open and the sea lions were out to play.

The boys loved it!

I'm in LOVE with these last two pics of Breck. I really love catching the sunlight in pictures. It is totally by chance though. This summer it is on my to do list to take a class to learn how to work this camera. :)

Big B's Bday.

2012-01-12T20:11:00.000-06:00

To start the day we went to a place called Pump it Up with tons of inflatables. The boys LOVED it!

Especially the man of the hour. :)

After pumping it up, we ate at El Rodeo so the boys could get their fix of chips and salsa.

Then it was home for nap time.

Breckin still needs a nap each day, Dixon usually just rests.

Just coming off of Christmas, Breckin had become a pro at digging into presents.

And Dixon was eager to help.

Two of the birthday boys favorite foods are ice cream and Oreos, so it was a no brainer to get him an Oreo ice cream cake for his big day.

Ahhh yes, it sure was fun to spend the day celebrating our second born on his second birthday.

Insta Friday on a Sunday night.

2012-01-08T19:33:00.000-06:00

Deeeeeep in thought.

Are you my mother?

The stockings were hung....

Breck at the zoo on NYE.

Wild men!

Focus.

Fun on the farm.

Christmas train at Valley West.

Cake pops for Breckin's birthday.

Zoo on NYE...Iowa is becoming a tropical paradise.

Breckies and Aunt Natalie on Christmas night.

HAPPY Christmas break walk.

First week back at work...I love beating the sun to school.

Would you believe it if I told you...

2011-12-31T17:14:00.000-06:00

My husband never even had braces.

What loves refried beans, toy cars, and waking up early?

2011-12-30T20:52:00.001-06:00

Just a few things I do not want to forget about my sweet second born on his second birthday:

1. His deep little voice and the way that he walks with his chest puffed out.

2. His favorite phrase is "I do" he uses it when he wants something, or when he wants to do something basically 24/7.

3. He also uses "help please" very appropriately.

4. Breckie loves anything and everything to do with the movie "Cars"

5. He has the best sound effects, like "woah" and "wow" and "woohoo."

6. He goes by B, Brex, Breckie, Breckies, Breckie K, Brek, and of course Breckin.

7. Loves to eat refried beans, mac and cheese, glazed donuts, and chicken nuggets.

8. Breckin is my early riser, we usually get a few hours together before his brother and dad wake up.

9. He is on the gogogo...as soon as you say the words, he is standing by the door, ready to go.

10. Mr. Breckies is chalk full of personality in a way that you would not believe.

I know it is cliche, but it is so true that a baby fills a void in your life you didn't even know you had.

And that's the way it's always been with Breckin. He brightens many a days with his laughter a zest for life.

Breckin Kendrix is busting at the seems with life. He has been a blessing since the day he arrived and our family continues to be very blessed with this amazing little guy.