Embrace NYC

We just recently returned from our summer mission trip to New York City.  Our students did an amazing job of embracing the big apple.  I heard very few complaints, everyone was great about being flexible which is one thing we really push when we go on our mission trips. One thing I took away from the week was that there are many small ways to serve. There were times when I’d get frustrated because I felt like I was doing much, but then was reminded that every little thing we did was helping out tremendously in the long run. It was awesome to be able to spend more time with our students than usual and connect on a deeper level with some of our girls. Our students rock! While I loved being away in New York City, I was so glad to come home to my little Kenedee. This was the longest we had been away from her and I was definitely starting to feel it the last couple of days of the trip.

To view photos from our trip you can just click here.

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Downtown Fun

These pictures are from a couple of weeks ago, I just haven’t had a chance to post about them. The city built a new area downtown called The City Garden. It is a really cool area with sculptures and many water play spots. We had a blast and ended up running into my brother and his children unexpectedly which made it even more fun. My sister was also in town with her daughter.

St. Louis was host to the all-star game this year and they have all these little mini arches set up, so we couldn’t help but to take KJ’s photo with one of them.

Can’t get enough of this smile.

We had a great time, I had no idea what to expect when my mom had told me about, but it was so much fun. The best part is that it is free, we will definitely be taking another trip downtown to enjoy it.

Seven Reasons for Seven Years

Seven years ago today, I married the love of my life, Kyle.  I can still recall our wedding day as if it happened yesterday. I have grown to love my husband more and more each day in the last seven years. In honor of our 7th anniversary I’d like to list seven things I love about him:

1. He loves the Lord.

2. He loves me .

3. He rocks at his job as a youth pastor.

4. He is a great comforter to me.

5. He is an awesome father and spends quality time with our daughter.

6. He gets along great with my family.

7. My heart sometimes still flutters when I  see him.

I love you Kyle and thank you for being such a wonderful husband to me the last seven years, looking forward to growing old together.

Mommy, is it okay if…..

You never know what words may follow after that statement from my child’s mouth. Well, tonight it was something  I can’t believe she actually asked. She was in the bathtub and I had stepped out for a second. I came back in and she uttered the words, “Mommy, is it okay if you go potty in the bathtub?” I couldn’t believe what she had said. I said, “Why, did you?” Her response was, “No, but is it okay if you do?” I said, “Kenedee, you’re not in trouble if you did, but did you accidentally?” Her response: “Yes Mommy, but it was an accident.” I told her even though it was an accident that it was still yucky and that’s why she should try and go potty before taking a bath. I suppose it was better it was “titi” ( as we call it) rather than the other.

Dating My Hubby

Kenedee has been away from us since Sunday on a camping trip with my parents. Kyle and I definitely took advantage of that and have been able to just hang out and do whatever we’ve wanted the past few days which has been great. We’ve spent time outdoors, gone out to eat, slept in…

Our first “outing” was on Sunday evening. We cleaned our bikes off, went to Creve Couer Park and went on a 4 mile bike road. I was pretty proud of myself, I didn’t have to stop and have Kyle drive and pick me up because I couldn’t go on. (which has happened before, not too long after we got married)

On Monday night, we took advantage of the beautiful weather and headed to Forest Park. We had a picnic dinner and just sat around and talked.

This was by where we had our picnic. I think that might be the art museum in the background.

While I definitely enjoyed all my alone time with my hubby and it was a nice reminder of what life was like before KJ, I’m still so thankful we have her in our life. I can’t imagine life without her.  I miss her so much and can’t wait to squeeze her and kiss her when she arrives home today.

Swim Lessons

We  just completed KJ’s fourth swim lesson yesterday and she is doing wonderful. I wasn’t so sure how well it was going to go since the first week she broke down in tears. But she loves her teacher Miss Jamie and she even went under the water a little bit last night all on her own. We’re so proud of her.

The session mostly consists of going back and forth across the pool with the instructor while kicking either on her back or stomach. She enjoys it, I just hope her love for the water carries on through the years.