Pom Poms

 

My friend and sorority sister, Jazmin, asked me to do these tissue paper pom poms for her daughter, Nyla's, first birthday party.  I just took this is an opportunity to take a couple of pictures of Miss Kendall.  Gotta love this girl!

Just a Thought

I just love this saying because it is so true.  I think that we get so caught up in worrying about things that we can't control that we take energy out of our present life that could be used to make our lives better.  I love this saying and will try and apply it to my life. 

Crepe Myrtle

This is a picture of our crepe myrtle that we planted late last summer. Her name is Myrtle after my late paternal grandmother.  We wanted to add a little color to our landscape area, so I was super excited when the flowers finally blossomed on it.  We look forward to seeing her continue to grow.

Sunday's Best

Here's our little ladybug in her ladybug dress.  Check out those arms!  They are rollee pollee (sorry if misspelled, but that's how I spell it...lol)

The sermon at church was good as usual.  Here's a reference.

Pastor Philip Pointer

Sermon Title:  Christians Under Construction Part 3

Biblical Reference:  Luke 14:25-32

Broken up into tiny little pieces

I got this idea from Pinterest.  You just got to love Pinterest!  Any who, you get to see all of Kendall's individual features.  Oh yeah, you also see that her hair is in two little ponytails.  My baby girl is just growing up.  Gotta love this girl!

Just hangin' out....LOL

Scott thought it was so funny to see Kendall lying on top of our couch watching tv.  Of course, he propped her up there plus he's not that far from her in this picture.  I thought it was pretty hilarious just to see her lying up there.

"Hey Dad!"

"Daddy, you're always getting kisses from me!"

The 6 pack is on the way!

1. In-N-Outs.

Just like it sounds. Sit on the floor with your hands at your sides. Raise feet off the ground and bring knees to your chest.  Straighten legs out, hold for a beat, and bring your knees back into your chest. This is one repetition. Repeat 25 times. For a bit more challenge, raise your hands above your head

2. Bicycles.

Sitting in the same position as the In-N-Out, move legs in a wide, circular motion as if pedaling a bike. 1 revolution counts as one rep. Repeat 25 times.

3. Reverse Bicycles.

Same as above, but instead of pedaling forward, petal backward. 1 revolution counts as one rep. Repeat 25 times. To increase difficulty on the Bicycle, raise arms straight overhead.

4. Crunchy Frog.

Same position and movement as In-N-Out, only your hands are OFF the floor and wrap around your knees (without grabbing or touching your knees) when your knees are at your chest. When you extend your legs back out, arms should be stretch out as sides, parallel to ground. This counts as one rep. Repeat 25 times.

5. Scissors.

Life flat on your back, extending one leg towards the ceiling, and lifting the opposite leg off the floor just a few inches. Flex your feet.  Alternate legs in a scissor motion, hold each switch for three seconds. Keep your skyward leg as straight as you can! Repeat these 25 times.

6. Hip Butt Ups.

Lie on your back, open your hips and bend your legs so that the bottom of your feet are touching.  With your arms at your sides, rock your hips, lift your pelvis and drive your feet directly up towards the ceiling. When lowering back down, do not let your legs touch the ground. Repeat 25 times.

7. Heels to the Heavens.
 
Lying on your back, extend legs straight up, with arms at your sides. Lift your butt off the floor (see below.) When raising feet, imagine touching the ceiling with the balls of your feet. Keep your feet very flexed. Be sure to lift the legs straight up at 90 degrees, and not towards your head. Focus on maintaining straight legs.

8. Kayakers.
 
You’re almost done! Seated, clasp your hands together and raise your feet out, 4-6 inches off the floor. You may need to bend them to make this easier. Twist your upper torso from side to side, touching your knuckles on each side. Do these fast, like your kayaking a fast river. Do 50. If you can’t do 50, do 40. If you can’t do 40, do 30. You will be able to do 50 one day!

My New Boom Boom Workout

1. Forward Bends and Kicks

Stand with your feet together, arms at your sides. Then bend forward while raising one leg behind you, and stretch your arms out in front of you for balance. Whew! It may not sound difficult, but this is one exercise for your butt that’s surprisingly tough! Repeat 10 to 12 times.

2. Single Leg Lift

Start by standing straight with your hands on your hips. Keeping your legs as straight as possible, and without pointing your toes, slowly lift one leg in front of you, holding it there for fifteen seconds. Slowly lower it, then switch to the other leg. Repeat 12 to 15 times.

3. Standing Diagonal Kicks

Stand straight with your hands on your hips. Slowly raise one leg diagonally, behind you (not directly behind you). Hold it there for ten to fifteen seconds, then slowly lower it. If you need to, you can place your hands on the back of a chair for balance.

4. Single-Leg Squat

Stand straight up, with your hands in front of you. Kick one of your legs to the side, then slowly lower yourself down to a 90 degree angle be bending your other knee. You might need to prop your side-swept leg on a pillow or rolled towel.

5. Simple Bridge

Lay flat on your back with your arms flat at your sides. Lift your hips into the air, keeping your arms flat but bending your knees. Hold the position at least 15 to 20 seconds, longer if you can. Repeat 12 to 15 times

6. Plank

Prop yourself up on your elbows, stomach down. Push yourself up on your toes, stretch out, legs straight, and hold this plank position as long as you can. Can you do it for a minute? Two? Let’s find out, and exercise your butt the same time!

7. Buttocks Pinches

Buttock pinches can be a good workout! Start by standing tall, with your feet together. Raise yourself on your tip-toes, then “punch” your butt together, hold for five seconds, then lower yourself back down. It’s also a good calf workout!

8. Side Lunges

A side lunge is very similar to a front lunge, only instead of stepping directly forward with one leg, you’ll go forward and to the right (with your right leg) or left (with your left leg). Whew! It’s hard to keep your balance!

9. Back Lunges

Again, these are very similar butt exercises to the front lunge, only (you guessed it!) instead of stepping forward, you’ll step backward. You might have to do these a little more slowly than the front lunges to avoid a fall, at least at first.

10. Squats

These are my own favorite exercises for my butt. Stand with your hands and arms straight in front of you, then, keeping your back straight, squat as though you’re going to sit in a chair behind you. Stop when your thighs are level with the ground, and your knees are bent at a 90 degree angle. If it helps, you can lean against a wall to keep your balance.

11. Leg Lift

Lie flat on your back with your legs straight, and raise one leg straight in the air. Try not to bend your knee! Then, with your arms and hands flat on the ground, raise your hips off the ground. Hold for five seconds. Repeat ten to fifteen times with each leg. Feel the burn! This is one exercise for your butt you’ll feel right away! It also helps strengthen your core.

12. Scissor Kicks

These are a Jane Fonda classic, but they work! Lie on one side, all straight, propped up on one elbow. Lift your outside leg slowly, keeping both legs straight. Hold it in the air for 15 seconds, the lower your leg. Repeat 15 times one each side.

My Latest Goal-Toning Up

In the past I have posted workout plans that I started, but unfortunately didn't finish.  I think the thing that halts me from staying on a workout plan is not seeing results fast enough.  Well, I read the saying at the top, and it inspired me.  All I want to do is tone up my legs, butt, abs, and arms.  I have looked up some exercises that I think suit my goals.  I think I will do them in the mornings while Kendall is taking her morning nap.

I know I can do this, so I am going to put my mind to it and just do it.  The only thing holding me back is me, so I have decided to get out of my own way.  Lookout World!

Sunday Best

Just a little picture of Miss Kendall in her Sunday dress after church.  Just a Cutie Pie!

What's for Lunch?

Today, the fam and I went out to Genghis Grill for the first time for lunch. Scott and I pass by this place all the time, and we always say we got to try that place. Today was our day, and we will definitely try it again.

You basically get to build your own Mongolian stir fry bowl. You get to choose from a list of meats that includes steak, chicken, shrimp, turkey, pork, smoke sausage, etc. Then, you choose your seaonings. Next are your vegetables then your sauce. I like spicy food, so I got the Dragon sauce. All of this is cooked with fried rice or noodles. Voila! You have a yummy bowl like the picture below. Oh yeah, this is Scott's bowl. I had already started digging into my bowl before I thought to blog about this.

Be careful on choosing your spices because the dishes can get HOT and SPICY.

We will definitely be going back. We highly recommend this restaurant.

Happy 4th of July

Kendall in her "First 4th of the July" outfit that her Uncle Brant and TT Keisha got her.  As you can see, she's a happy baby girl

Kendall being festive as usual.

Kendall and I on the 4th.  You just got to love this girl!

Kendall spending time with the Grands

Kendall, Granna, and Papa

Nana and Kendall

Eat My Dust!!!!

We all went to the deer woods earlier this week.  Kendall got to ride her daddy's four wheeler for the first time.  Let me tell you, she was blinking up a storm with the wind in her eyes.  Scott was going really, really slow, but Miss Kendall was still loving it.  I have a feeling that there will be more good times for Scott and Kendall on the four wheeler.

My Future's So Bright, I Have to Wear Shades!

I just love them to pieces!!!!!

7 Months-4th of July Edition






A photo collage in her 4th of the July themed 7 month onesie

Nicknames:  Kendall Wendell, Pooka Poo, Pretty Girl, Poo Poo, Juicy, Thick'ems, and Miss Kendall

Age:  7 months (June 27th)

Weight:  13lbs 2oz

Diapers:  Size 2

Clothes:  3-6 months and 6 months

Food:  At least 4.5 oz bottles of milk plus rice cereal and baby food.  Her favorite baby food is apple strawberry banana, and her least favorite is broccoli and cheese.  I actually thought the broccoli and cheese smelled good, but Kendall must not think it tastes good.

Teeth:  No teeth yet, but she's drooling all over the place, and loves to chew on her fingers and anything else she can get a hold of.

Development:  Kendall can hold her head up very well now.  She can sit up by herself for a few seconds.  She can roll over from stomach to back, find her pacifier in the bed with her sometimes, and scoot a little (she has the leg part down but not the arms).  She can also make a new cooing sound that resembles the "C" or "K" sound.  She also will laugh sometime which is the cutest thing ever.  She grabs toys and brings them to her also.  She sits in her Bumbo seat longer and plays with her toys.

New activities:  We are official church goers again because Kendall does so well in church.  She loves the drums and when the preacher speak into the microphone.  The loud noises startle her at first but she becomes fasinated afterwards.  Kendall and I have even started going to Wednesdays noon day service at church, and she behaves so well then too.  We can even go out to eat with her.  She is definitely our road dog! (ha)

Likes:  Taking baths, taking naps with mommy and daddy, getting kisses,  listening to music, chewing on everything, pear juice, any sweet foods, rolling over, cooing/babbling/talking, the new Fisher Price apps on my phone, and cartoons.

Dislikes:  Being in the dark and alone, broccoli and cheese baby food, lying on her stomach for too long, and waiting too long for her bottle

That's My Song!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is my song!  It really inspires me to do just what the words say...."Go get your blessing!"  This song really speaks to my soul.  I just love it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADGnIi9KrLQ

Stuffed Bell Peppers-Monday Night Dinner

This was dinner Monday night.  It was oh so yummy!  I looked over several stuffed bell pepper recipes and kind of just came up with my own thing.  I must say it again, Very Yummy!

Chicken Breasts

4 green bell peppers

2 cups of brown rice

1/2 onion

1/2 a container of mushrooms

1 can of cream of mushroom

6 strips of bacon

shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Cook the bacon in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes.  Set bacon aside.  Leave oven at 400 degrees. 

Boil brown rice and follow directions as on package.  Set rice aside.

Season about 5 chicken breasts strips to your liking.  I used garlic powder, onion powder, Mrs. Dash Tableblend, and a little cayenne pepper.  Place the chicken breasts in a foil lined dish.  Spread the cream of mushroom over the chicken breasts and put in the oven for 45 minutes to an hour.  While that is cooking, cut the caps off of the 4 bell peppers.  Set the tops aside to use in the mixture.  Discard of the seeds in the bell pepper.  Chop the mushrooms.  Dice the onion and bell pepper in a chopper.  Saute' the mushrooms, onion, and bell pepper in about 1/4 of a stick of butter. 

In a medium size bowl, cut up the chicken breasts after they are done.  Add the onion, mushrooms, and bell peppers.  Add all of the cream of mushroom from the dish that the chicken cooked in.  Then add the rice.  Mix together and add any extra seasonings to taste.

Scoop the mixture into the empty bell peppers.  I placed my bell peppers in an 8x8 dish, so they are kind of close together.  Cook them for 20 minutes.  Then take them out, sprinkle cheddar cheese, and cook an additional 5 minutes. 

Voila!  Enjoy!

Naptime

Kendall and Wendell taking an afternoon nap this past weekend.  So cute!

Happy Father's Day

Today marks Scott's first Father's Day.  We started off the day with church.  We then had Father's day lunch at Texas Roadhouse.  Kendall and I put together a Father's Day basket for Scott.  The main gift in it was an arts and craft gift for Scott's desk at work.  It's a picture frame with Kendall in an " I Love Dad" onesie and another picture with imprints of her hands and it says Happy Father's Day 2012.  Scott just loved it.  I think he could have gotten that and been just fine...lol  The basket also included some Nike t-shirts and ankle socks (some 'around the house' wear), house shoes, and a little spirit for after work drinks and night caps (ha!)  Scott said this was the best Father's Day ever....very funny speaking that it's his first (lol). 

On a serious note, I am very thankful that Scott is such a great father.  Kendall's face just lights up when she sees him.  I thank God for Scott and just love his drive to be the best father for Kendall.  Happy Father's Day, Babe!

Kendall and Wendell after church. 

The whole family-the 3 Amigos

Father's Day Basket

Kendall's first arts and craft project for daddy's desk at work

 

Two different looks from Miss

Kendall.  You can't help but love

her to pieces!  Just adorable!

Kendall hanging out with the girls from Hooters

Kendall, Scott, and I went to Hooters for lunch yesterday. While we were there, Kendall took advantage of a photo op with the Hooters girls. I think Miss Kendall enjoyed hanging out with them.

Picture taken with Iphone

6 Months and counting.........

Nicknames:  Pooka Poo, Kendall Wendell, Belly, and Juicy

Weight:  12lbs 10oz (this is her weight from her 6 month appointment)

Length:  21 3/4in

Milestones:  Kendall can hold up her own head.  She can also smile, make the sounds such as "yeah" and "gee."  We are working on her saying mama and dada.  She smiles all the time and can even scoot a little.  She is now on rice cereal and baby food.  She likes pears, applesauce, and sweet potatoes.

Likes:  She loves music, cartoons, chewing on her fingers, mommy and daddy kissing her at the same time, and kicking her legs.

Dislikes:  She doesn't like being in the dark, being alone, and having socks on her feet.

Pecan Pie Bars

I recently made these pecan pie bars, and I must say that they turned out very well.  I was a little skeptical that they wouldn't turn out right, but they did.  This will be an easy dessert to wip up when I need my pecan pie fix.  The recipe is listed below.

Pecan Pie Bars


adapted from Allrecipes

Crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup white sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup unsalted butter, cold (10 2/3 Tablespoons)

Filling:

3 eggs

1 cup light corn syrup

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 2/3 cups chopped pecans



1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9X13 baking dish with heavy foil and spray with cooking spray.



2.In a large bowl, stir together the flour, 1/3 cup sugar, and salt. Cut in 2/3 cup butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can use a pastry blender or just two knives. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the prepared pan, and press in firmly.



3.Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.



4.While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl mix together the eggs, corn syrup, 1/2 cup white sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons margarine, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans. Spread the filling evenly over the crust as soon as it comes out of the oven.



5.Bake for 25-30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until set. I usually like things on the rare side and a little gooey but these you want cooked all the way through so make sure the middle is set. If the top starts getting to browned cover with aluminum foil.



6.Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into bars with a sharp knife.

Having Fun at 31

Saturday, June 9th, was my 31st birthday.  I must say it was a great day.  My goddaughter, Carrigan, had her 4th birthday party, so of course we went to that.  Scott made it a point to cook for me all day.  Kendall gave me big smiles all day and little kisses.  I also got phone calls, texts, birthday cards, and lots of bday wishes from friends and family.  I am very thankful for 31 years of life and look forward for more to come.

Miss Kendall at Carrigan's Minnie Mouse themed birthday party with her Minnie Mouse ears on.  Just a cutie pie!

My birthday breakfast cooked by my wonderful hubby.  Blueberry pancakes with bacon.  Super Yum!

This is my birthday dinner that Scott cooked.  A yummy steak with twice baked potatoes and a strawberry/walnut salad.  Very delish!

Pretty in Pink and Green

Here's a picture of Kendall and I after church.  Kendall did really good in church.  She just loves all the music and the voices on the microphones.  Kendall just looks so cute in her little dress....oh yeah, I'm biased!  (LOL)  It's really important to us that Kendall attends church and learns about Jesus, so we are really glad that she does well  in church.

My Style-What to Wear

The new style this summer is colored jeans.  I thought it was a cute style, so I tried a pair.  I really love the skinny jean look.  I mean skinny jeans are easy to dress up or down.  Any who, I noticed that stores usually couple white shirts with colored jeans, so that is what I was looking for to go with mine.  I just lucked up on this shirt to go with these turquoise skinny jeans, which I thought added a little "umph" as opposed to a white shirt.  It was very comfortable weekend outfit, and has inspired me to try more colored skinny jeans outfits. 

Is Black the new Pink?

This is Kenni Girl in her Jordan onesie and cap.  She has on Jordan socks too that just so happen to not be pictured.  Any who, her Uncle Ced did a little shopping for her, and got this cute "all black everything" outfit.  Yes, its intended for a boy, but Miss Kendall can wear anything and make it look good.  I mean, isn't black the new pink?  We thought she looked so cute.  As you can see, Kendall thinks she looks cute too.  We just love her little happy self to pieces.

Burger King vs McDonald's: Mickey D's Wins

May 26th-May 28th, Burger King had a promotion where their strawberry banana and tropical mango smoothies were only $1.  So we took advantage and tried them.  I have one word for you....GROSS!  I was thinking, " how in the world can you mess up a smoothie?"  Well, Burger King definitly has the answer to that question.  If you want a fast food smoothie, go to McDonald's and get the wild berry smoothie.  It waaaaaaaaaaay better that Burger King's by far.

Grillin'

This past Saturday, Scott and I grilled some yummy food.  Scott grilled chicken wings for the first time, and they were oh so yummy!  I also made a lemon cake and made a glaze to put on it.  That also turned out well.  Here are some pictures below.  We also had steak, hamburgers, smoke sausage, mushrooms, baked beans, and corn on the cob.  After eating all this food, all I could say was....Naptime!

The "Party in your Mouth" wings

Glazed Lemon Cake

Miss Kendall sleeping while we were grilling and cooking.  So cute!

Happy Mother's Day

Today is my first mother's day, and it was great.  First of all, all of us went to church together as a family for the very first time.  Kendall did so well.  She was awake the whole time, and just taking it all in.  She was so cute just looking all around.  Afterwards, we ate lunch at Texas Roadhouse.  She slept most of the time.  She woke up just when we were about to leave.  Then we went to Babies'R'Us for just a quick minute.  We had been talking about getting Kenni's ears pierced, so what better day than today.  We took off to the mall and got it done at Claire's.  When the first ear was done, Kenni didn't cry at all.  Now when the second ear was done, she cried bloody murder for about 10 seconds.  All in all, she did so well, and she looks so cute  with her new earrings

Today was a great mother's day. I thank God for today, and I look forward to many more to come!

My adorable baby girl up close and personal

Kendall's little dress....so cute!

Kendall laughing....I just love that toothless smile!

Mother to Mother

These are flowers that were delivered to me from none other than my mommy.  I was so surprised.  The card said "Happy First Mother's Day from Kendall and Nana."  This just made my day.  Just to think that my mom thought of me just really touched my heart.  Being that this is my first mother's day and thinking about the long road to get Kendall here just made these flowers from my mom that much more special.  Thank you mama for just being you!

Playmates

This is a picture taken at the first birthday party that Kendall has attended.  Maddox Turner (not pictured) turned 2.  Here are two of Kendall's future playmates.  From left to right:  Devae and Baby Kassidy, Me and Baby Kendall, and Telischa and Baby Chelsea.  Sorry that the picture is so dark....it was taken with an Iphone.

Push Gift

I have been meaning to post this for some time.  When I was in the hospital on bedrest before Kendall was born, Scott presented me with a push gift the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.  I absolutely love it!  The center diamond in the middle represents Kendall.  The inner loop around the center diamond represents me.  The larger loop around everything represents Scott.  I love the meaning!  I thought it was so sweet of Scott to give me this gift at such a trying time in our lives.  I will definitely have to sit down and tell her the story of her arrival once she gets old enough to understand.

Another Hit!

Ingredients



•5 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed


•3/4 cup sour cream


•1/2 cup milk


•3 tablespoons butter


•Salt and pepper to taste


•3 cups (12 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese blend, divided


•1/2 pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled


•3 green onions, sliced


Directions


•Place potatoes in a Dutch oven and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until tender. Drain and place in a large bowl. Add the sour cream, milk, butter, salt and pepper. Beat on medium-low speed until light and fluffy. Stir in 2 cups cheese, bacon and onions.


•Transfer to a greased 3-qt. baking dish. Top with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted. Yield: 14 servings.

Note:  I was only making this for Scott and I, so I reduced the recipe quite a bit. 

My Guilty Pleasure

I absolutely loooooooooooooooooove this show!  I anticipate it every Thursday.  I mean, it has so much suspense and drama.  I just love it!  Check it out if you haven't already.

Look Who's 5 Months!

Nicknames:  Pooka Poo and Poo Poo

5 months when?  April 27th

Weight:  10lbs 10.5oz

Milestones:  Smiles all the time, can hold her head up better, can roll over from stomach to back, and coos all the time.  When she coos, it sounds like she is saying "yeah" and the "g" sound.

Diaper size:  size 1

Clothes size:  0-3 months

Milk Amount:  4-5 oz

Likes:  Kendall likes to smile all the time, play on her activity center, lie on mama and daddy, and take baths

Dislikes:  Kendall doesn't like her swing as much as she use to, the dark, or to be alone