Quickly Approaching

So, Christmas is quickly approaching. We are supposed to go to NJ for Christmas, but last week was a killer of a week, and we shelled out more money than I care to think about for various "surprises". (And NOT the good kind of surprises!)

On Tuesday morning I got up and got the girls ready for school. We got in the car, and as I pulled out of the driveway, it became apparent that I could not steer the van! It wouldn't turn to the right at all, and I managed to pull the wheel slightly to the left, and sort of bump into the curb on the opposite side of the street. I went in the house and got Scott, because I couldn't get the van to move at all after that.
By the time he came out, it had fixed itself, but we felt certain that we needed to take it in to be serviced, just in case. I had a rear tire that was slowly leaking as well, so we asked them to take a look at that.

I didn't get my van back until Thursday, which meant that Scott had to take the girls to and from school, which seriously cut into his work hours. We picked up the van at noon on Thursday. I went and picked up the girls from school, came home, parked the van and went inside for an hour and a half. When we came out around 4:30, my left rear tire was completely flat. Niiiice.
So, Scott had to take it in on Saturday morning and I think we ended up paying over $400 on my van last week.

On top of that, our furnace quit working, Kelsey developed a severe ear infection and bronchliar asthma, and I had to pay over $200 on asthma meds, due to the fact that we don't have any health insurance at the moment.

So, as you can see, our Christmas plans MAY be on hold. Say a little prayer for my husband this week, if you don't mind. He needs it. We could use a little heavenly help with our finances for the next two weeks.

Its Finally Over!

Finally! My Christmas program and banquet are over! This weekend was wild...so many small things to do to get ready!
We had our Christmas program at 10 a.m. on Sunday morning. The kids were really cute. Merry sang a solo in the kids' choir. She did a great job. I may try to figure out how to post a video clip on here. I know I haven't posted pictures or anything else for a loooong time. I am sorry. I will try to do better.

The Christmas banquet was a HUGE hit! I think everyone had a wonderful time, at least I hope they did.
We had great food, good fellowship, and fun. We sang Christmas carols and played a game and gave away door prizes. It was just about perfect.
I came home so very tired, and was in bed by 10:30 or so. Of course, I couldn't sleep! I was awake, mostly, until about 3 a.m. Isn't that lovely? So, I am dragging a tad today.
But the weekend was nice...glad its over with!
Now, on with Christmas!

In Everything Give Thanks

I have been thinking, lately, that I need to be more thankful. Maybe this is because my five-year-old is so UNthankful! Kelsey has been giving me fits, constantly whining and fussing and getting angry. Scott and I are nearly at our wits' end trying to figure out the best way to deal with her. I think its time to dig out our Dr. Dobson books and re-educate ourselves on parenting.

Anyway. Her whining has started me thinking on what I am thankful for.
So, here's the list:

I am thankful that I know Jesus. There is nothing better than Him.

I am thankful that I have a loving husband. Many women don't.

I am thankful that I live in a free country, where I can raise my children up to be Christians. (although, Kelsey hasn't acted particularly Christian-like lately)

I am thankful that my husband has a good job, and can support us.

I am thankful for my home.

I am thankful for my 7-year-old vehicle, because it runs and has heat.

I am thankful for my church and my pastor(s).

I am thankful for good Christian parents.

I am thankful for loving in-laws.

I am thankful that all of my family is in good health.

I am thankful that I am cancer-free.

I am thankful that my life is peaceful.

I am thankful ... for everything.

"A Christmas t o Remember"

I put up my Christmas tree last night. Yes, I know its kind of early to do such a thing! However, the way the next two weeks are looking for me, I just had to do it. I couldn't figure out another time to put it up before the middle of December, and who wants to mess with a Christmas tree that late in December?
I decided to change things up a bit this year, and pretty much totally redid our tree. Previously, our tree had a lot of purple and gold and cream because those are the colors of our living room. I am tired of purple and cream. So, I bought red and green and gold ribbon and ornaments for the tree. I put colored lights on the tree. Now, I am strictly a white lights kind of girl, but my hubby likes the colored ones, so I caved. I like it...maybe its not quite as elegant as the purple and gold theme, but its nice. And the girls were SO excited last night! They danced around the living room and hung ornaments on the tree and told me that they just HAD to have cocoa and cookies before bed.

My Christmas banquet is coming together quite nicely. Just a few more things to tweak. I am relieved that people are starting to RSVP. I was sort of worried that we would only have 30 or so come, but its looking more like 60 right now.
The theme of our Christmas banquet is "A Christmas to Remember". I pray that we remember this holiday season as one of peace and joy and unity.

Kendra

Its HOW MANY Days Until Christmas?!?!?

So, I hear there are only 44 days until Christmas! Say, WHAT?
I, so far, have only purchased about three Christmas gifts. Yep, that's right, folks...I am holding off until there is money in the bank! No credit card purchases here!

Seriously, though, Scott just mentioned to me that just once he would LOVE it if we had a Christmas where I didn't have to plan, execute and clean up after a Christmas program. I think I am beginning to agree that I have too much on my plate.

Most years, I am responsible for planning and running our church Christmas program. That program usually takes place on the second or third Sunday in December. THIS year...well...I am in charge of a big Christmas Banquet, complete with a hall rental and invitations. I am also in charge of the Christmas program at church, which happens to be on the first Sunday of December. And...guess what? The program and the banquet happen to be on THE SAME DAY!
I am finding that this is far more stressful than just planning ONE event. My plans are all jumbling together in my head, and I am just dreading Sunday, December 7th.

So, if you don't mind too terribly much, please say a prayer for me, my husband and my mental state.

Things You May Not Know About ME!!!

The phrases that are in a bold are true….

Appearance:
- I am 5′4 or shorter.
- I think I'm ugly.
- I have many scars.
- I tan easily.
- I wish my hair was a different color.
- I have friends who have never seen my natural hair color
- I have a tattoo.
- I am self-conscious about my appearance.
- I have/ I've had braces.
- I wear glasses. (Or contacts.)
- I'd get/have gotten plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free, scar-free.
- I've been told I'm attractive by a complete stranger.
- I have had more than 2 piercings.
- I have had piercings in places besides my ears.
- I have freckles.

Family/Home Life:
- I've sworn at my parents.
- I've run away from home.
- I've been kicked out of the house.
- My biological parents are together.
- I have a sibling less than one year old.
- I want to have kids someday.
- I have children.
- I've lost a child.

Embarrassment:
- I've slipped out a "LOL" in a spoken conversation.
- Disney movies still make me cry. I love Disney!!
- I've snorted while laughing.
- I've laughed so hard I've cried.
- I've glued my hand to something.
- I've laughed till some kind of beverage came out of my nose.
- I've had my trousers rip in public.

Health:
- I was born with a disease/impairment.
- I've had stitches.
- I've broken a bone.
- I've had my tonsils removed.
- I've sat in a doctor's office with a friend.
- I've had my wisdom teeth removed.
- I've had serious surgery.
- I've had chicken pox.

Traveling:
- I've driven over 200 miles in one day.
- I've been on a plane.
- I've been to Canada.
- I've been to Niagara Falls.
- I've been to Japan.
- I've been to Europe.
- I've been to Africa.

Experiences:
- I've been lost in my city.
- I've seen a shooting star.
- I've gone out in public in my pajamas.
- I've pushed all the buttons in a lift.
- I've been to a casino.
- I've been skydiving.
- I've gone skinny dipping.
- I've played spin the bottle.
- I've crashed a car.
- I've been skiing.
- I've been in a play.
- I've met someone in person from the Internet.
- I've caught a snowflake on my tongue.
- I've seen the Northern Lights.
- I've sat on a roof top at night.
- I've played chicken.
- I've seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
- I've eaten Sushi.
- I've been snowboarding.

Relationships:
- I'm single.
- I'm in a relationship.
- I'm available.
- I'm engaged.
- I'm married.
- I've gone on a blind date.
- I've been the dumpee more than the dumper.
- I have a fear of abandonment.
- I've been divorced.
- I've had feelings for someone who didn't have them back.
- I've told someone I loved them when I didn't.
- I've told someone I didn't love them when I did.
- I've kept something from a past relationship.



Honesty/Crime:
- I've done something I promised someone else I wouldn't.
- I've done something I promised myself I wouldn't.
- I have lied to my parents about where I am.
- I am keeping a secret from the world.
- I've cheated while playing a game.
- I've cheated on a test.
- I've driven through a red light.
- I've witnessed a crime.
- I've been in a fist fight.
- I've been arrested.
- I've shoplifted.

Drugs/Alcohol:
- I've consumed alcohol.
- I smoke cigarettes.
- I smoke pot.
- I regularly drink.
- I've taken painkillers when I didn't need them.
- I've taken cough medicine when i wasn't sick.
- I've done hard drugs.
- I've been addicted to an illegal substance.
- I can't swallow pills.
- I can swallow about 5 pills at a time no problem.

Mental health:
- I have been diagnosed with depression.
- I shut others out when I'm depressed.
- I take anti-depressants.
- I have had an eating disorder.
- I've slept an entire day when I didn't need it.
- I've hurt myself on purpose.
- I'm addicted to self harm.
- I've woken up crying.

Death:
- I'm afraid of dying.
- I hate funerals.
- I've seen someone dying.
- I have attempted suicide.
- Someone close to me has attempted suicide.


Random:
- I can sing well.
- I've stolen a tray from a fast food restaurant.
- I open up to others too easily.
- I watch the news.
- I don't kill bugs.
- I hate hearing songs that sacrifice meaning for sake of being able to rhyme.
- I swear regularly.
- I am a morning person.
- I paid for my mobile phone ring tone.
- I'm a snob about grammar.
- I am a sports fanatic.
- I play with my hair.
- I have/had "x"s in my screen name.
- I love being neat.
- I love Spam.
- I've copied more than 30 CD's in a day.
- I don't know how to shoot a gun.
- I am in love with love.
- I am guilty of tYpInG lIkE tHiS.
- I laugh at my own jokes.
- I eat fast food weekly.
- I believe in ghosts.
- I am online 24/7, even as an away message.
- I can't sleep if there is a spider in the room.
- I am really ticklish.
- I love white chocolate.
- I bite my nails.
- I play video games.
- I'm good at remembering faces.
- I'm good at remembering names.
- I'm good at remembering dates.
- I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life.

Are You A Jackie or A Marilyn?

I don't usually post this kind of thing...but it was so ME!!! Thanks, Lauren.

Kendra

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Doris!

You are a Doris -- "I must help others."

Dorises are warm, concerned, nurturing, and sensitive to other people's needs.

How to Get Along with Me

• * Tell me that you appreciate me. Be specific.


• * Share fun times with me.


• * Take an interest in my problems, though I will probably try to focus on yours.


• * Let me know that I am important and special to you.


• * Be gentle if you decide to criticize me.

In Intimate Relationships

• * Reassure me that I am interesting to you.


• * Reassure me often that you love me.


• * Tell me I'm attractive and that you're glad to be seen with me.

What I Like About Being a Doris

• * being able to relate easily to people and to make friends


• * knowing what people need and being able to make their lives better


• * being generous, caring, and warm


• * being sensitive to and perceptive about others' feelings


• * being enthusiastic and fun-loving, and having a good sense of humor

What's Hard About Being a Doris

• * not being able to say no


• * having low self-esteem


• * feeling drained from overdoing for others


• * not doing things I really like to do for myself for fear of being selfish


• * criticizing myself for not feeling as loving as I think I should


• * being upset that others don't tune in to me as much as I tume in to them


• * working so hard to be tactful and considerate that I suppress my real feelings

Dorises as Children Often

• * are very sensitive to disapproval and criticism


• * try hard to please their parents by being helpful and understanding


• * are outwardly compliant


• * are popular or try to be popular with other children


• * act coy, precocious, or dramatic in order to get attention


• * are clowns and jokers (the more extroverted Dorises), or quiet and shy (the more introverted Dorises)

Dorises as Parents

• * are good listeners, love their children unconditionally, and are warm and encouraging (or suffer guilt if they aren't)


• * are often playful with their children


• * wonder: "Am I doing it right?" "Am I giving enough?" "Have I caused irreparable damage?"


• * can become fiercely protective

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

Happy Autumn!

Well, autumn is finally here! Yay! I have been waiting for this for an entire summer. :) The girls have settled into school just fine. They are even doing alright with homework and such. They both love their teachers and their classrooms. I am so glad!
I haven't posted much lately, mostly due to the fact that I have been unbelievably busy the past six weeks or so.
Our new pastor is working out very well...we are getting along well, and he's a great preacher! I have been helping him here and there with some administrative things.
Also, my sister, who is four and a half months pregnant, had appendicitis three weeks ago. Her appendix ruptured, and she had to have surgery. Thankfully, the baby is fine, and my sissy is slowly recovering. She is still having some pain, probably due to the fact that when the appendix ruptured, the surgeon had to thoroughly clean Katie out, and she is still healing from that.
She was doing so badly last week, that on Tuesday of this week drove to Grand Rapids and picked her and her son up and brought them home for the week. I have been watching my sweet nephew while Katie rests.
Dad takes her home tomorrow, and I am really going to miss having her around. She is my best friend, and when she isn't here, I am sad.
(I am pretty sure she feels the same way about me! )

Tomorrow morning Scott and I will be flying to NYC. His best friend is getting married on Sunday, and we will be at the wedding. The wedding is in Long Island. I have never been there, looking forward to seeing it. :)

So...sorry for the delay between posts...hopefully my life will slow down a tad.

Yeah right.

A Change

So...this week marks the beginning of something new in our lives. Sunday was my father's last Sunday as pastor of New Life Center, Garden City. Amazing. Almost 19 years have past since he started our church. They have been some of the hardest, yet most fulfilling, years of my life. I am proud of my parents. They started a church, and kept it alive and well through 19 years of good, bad and ugly.
Now, starting tomorrow, we will have a new pastor. Pastor Smothers is going to be a wonderful addition to our church. I am very excited about this change! But it is a bittersweet moment. A very important part of my life has ended, and something new is beginning. I thank God for my parents, for the Godly example they set for me, and for all their hard work in this ministry. And I wish them a sweet and peaceful start in this new phase of life.

Kendra

Happy Birthday to Me!

So, tomorrow is my birthday. I can't believe its already here! The summer just flew by, and I didn't even think of my birthday until last week.
We met my sister and her family in Lansing tonight for my birthday dinner. Its about halfway for both of us, so that is the usual meeting place. We went to Carrabas, which I love, and I was showered with gifts and cards. :) I have an awesome family!
Its hard to believe that I will be 31 tomorrow. Seems like just the other day I was 25! But now I am truly grown up. Weird. I still feel so young! (Yes, yes...I KNOW...I AM young!)

The girls bought me little gifts...I don't know what yet...I expect I will find out tomorrow morning. Scott got me the complete ten seasons of Friends on DVD....oh YEAH! (I am hooked...probably not the BEST show to be hooked on, but not the worst, either.)

My sis got me a gift card to Bath and Body Works....that is an awesome gift. If you know me well, you know I LOVE bath stuff!
My mom and dad got me a cute purse and a great new winter coat.
The coat reflects my individuality. Definitely. It is a mustard yellow (Dijon, to be exact) wool pea coat. I love it!
So far...its been a great birthday....let's see what tomorrow holds.

(Thanks for reading this ranting, late-night post....see you soon!)

Prince Charming

Last night we were standing in line at our favorite "healthy" fast food joint, Baja Fresh. I noticed a very nice looking man in front of us; black hair, olive-skinned, gorgeous black eyes with long lashes...etc...you get the picture! I didn't mention it because I am married to a wonderfully jealous husband! We got our food and sat down to eat.
While we were eating, Meredith piped up, "I just saw a very handsome man leave this restaurant."
"Really!" I said.
"Yes. He was very, very handsome, " she answered. "Maybe the most handsome face I have ever seen."
She proceeded to describe the man that had been standing in front of us in line! Then she asked Kelsey if she could guess the handsome man's name. Kelsey, being her silly self, guessed all sorts of crazy names. After guessing things like, "macaroni, rice, chair and grass" Merry said, "Nope. His name is Prince Charming!".
Amazing how a six-year-old's mind works!
As we were leaving the restaurant, Merry said, "Mom, I really hope that handsome man isn't married!".
I explained that if he was that handsome, he was probably either married, or well on his way to being married. Merry said, "I want him to wait until I grow up!".
I tried again to explain the slim chances to her, but she insisted.
Then she said, "I know he's not married. He lives all lonely and has a cat! And when I grow up I am going to marry him!".

And his name is Prince Charming!

Hello....

Hi there. So...its been awhile since I've posted...no particular reason, just been busy.
Lots of stuff going on around here.
First of all, we went to NJ for two weeks. The girls got to go to my in-law's summer day camp. They had a blast!
We also took a day trip into NYC and saw The Little Mermaid on Broadway. The girls LOVED it! And...so did we! It was an incredible show.
The day before we left, I fell down four or five wooden steps and landed on slate. Niiiice. I was very sore on the 12 hour drive home, but just figured I was bruised up. By Monday I was really sore and decided to visit my chiropractor. Felt a little better after that, but by Wednesday, I couldn't lift my left leg off much more than one or two inches. So, I went back to the chiropractor. He couldn't adjust me because I was so sore, and he suggested I get in to see my doctor. I got an appointment on Wednesday afternoon, and after a quick examination, was told to go get some x-rays. Turns out my doctor was worried that I may have fractured my hip!
Thankfully, there is no fracture....I have been getting better, bit by bit. However, I woke up this morning with pain in my hip again, so I am not sure what to do! I am trying to take it easy, but this is a difficult feat for me! Its summertime, I have two little girls that need to have fun, we are having the young adults over tomorrow night for a get-together (that means house-cleaning), and I have Sunday School and choir to prepare for.
So, say a little prayer for me this week....I am NOT a good patient. I need to heal, and fast!
Hope you all are enjoying your summer....

Kendra

Excitement!

I almost forgot to tell you all! I am so excited! My sister called me yesterday and told me she is expecting again! I am so happy for her! She has a little boy who is almost four, so it is about time for another baby in the family!
I am going to be an aunt again, hooray!

Okay...so maybe you aren't as excited about this as I am, but bear with me, please. :)

Kendra

Bride of Frankenstein Part Two

So...my lymph nodes are almost back to normal. Only two unsightly bumps left. Thank goodness! My Bride of Frankenstein days are almost past...whew...what a relief!
Thanks for all your kind comments and suggestions. They are much appreciated.
Also...as a side note, check out our new church blog at www.newlifecenterchurch.blogspot.com!
Talk to you soon!

Kendra

Bride of Frankenstein

So....last week...on Thursday, I started feeling a little bit sick. Figured I had a summer cold, or something. On Friday morning, I woke up, and realized that I had this lump behind my right ear. So, off to the doctor I went. Turned out that I had a swollen lymph node, and a few more acting up, so he put me on antibiotics. Saturday I was feeling lousy. Sunday I was REALLY feeling lousy...Scott made me stay home from church and abandon all my usual Sunday duties/activities. So I stayed home, in my pj's for much of the day.
Monday I woke up and felt okay, so I did most of my usual Monday things, and we went to Kelsey's preschool graduation on Monday night. By ten o'clock Monday evening, I was back to square one...feeling lousy. I went back to the doctor on Tuesday afternoon. He immediately picked up on the fact that the antibiotics were NOT working, and sent me off for some blood work.
They took NINE vials of blood from me! NINE! Oh joy. I made it through the ordeal without passing out, or even feeling dizzy, and went home.

I finally got the results today, and they are, naturally, almost normal. They did show that I have some sort of virus, that apparently looks kind of like mono. The nurse told me to rest. Rest? Ha! With an almost five year old and a six year old? Right....as if that is going to happen.

I have five swollen lymph nodes. One behind each ear, one if front of my left ear and two on the side of my neck.
Scott said I look like the Bride of Frankenstein.

Question: Anybody know how to rest with two wild little girls underfoot?
Question: Anyone know how to get rid of Frankenstein's lumps?

A Lovely, Exhausting Weekend

This weekend was our church's special dedication services. Wow....what a weekend! We worked so hard on this, and it really payed off. The congregation worked on the building nearly every day for the past two months or so. We got it looking really nice, invited many, many people, and had two special services this weekend.

Our Saturday night service was mainly for ministers and friends of the Pastor and his wife (they are my parents, for those of you who may not know.). A few of the ministers spoke and reminisced about my parents and their friendships with them. They spoke many encouraging words about my father and his ministry. It was such a blessing to be there.
My choir sang, and my mom, my sister and myself sang as well. We used to be known in the Michigan UPCI district as "The Roberts Trio", and traveled from church to church once in awhile to sing. It was wonderful to sing with them again. There is nothing like family harmony.
We had wonderful fellowship with our congregation and with the visiting ministers.

Today we had our second service, combined with an Open House for our friends and the community. That went very well. We had a lot of visitors show up for our Sunday School hour and some stayed for our service as well.
Once again, my choir sang, as well as the children's choir and our a cappella group. Everything went really well, and I feel so thankful for the many friends my family has accumulated over the years.

God is an awesome God, and I will forever praise Him!

Excellent News!

I have VERY good news! My sister called me today to update me on Granny. She is doing very well. They took her off the oxygen, started taking her for little strolls, she is eating, her bladder infection is clearing up....AND....they started her on an Alzheimer's medication. My Granny hasn't spoken more than a word or two at a time for probably two years. They have been giving her this medication for a couple days now, and she has been speaking lots of words and some sentences! This is a miracle!
I talked to my Papa, and he sounded so encouraged. They are going to keep her on the medication and see what happens.
Obviously, the medication does not cure Alzheimer's, but it stalls it. And it seemingly helps the person's mind to be sharper and more aware of their surroundings.
I am so thankful for the small miracles. God is so good!
Thank you all for your prayers. I know they helped!

I will keep you updated.

Love,
Kendra

Update On Granny

Just a quick update. The results of the scan of her lungs have not been released yet, we are still waiting to hear about that. Her infection is clearing up, however. Her fever broke in the night, and she is resting well today.
Thank you all for your prayers, I really appreciate them.
The doctor wants her to stay in the hospital for another day and then they will release her and they are planning on sending an in-home nurse to their house for a couple of weeks to take care of Granny.
When I know more, I will give another update.

Update?

No real news on Granny yet. They found that she needed oxygen and that her white blood count was very high. She has a bladder infection, and they are keeping her in the hospital for a few days. Papa is supposed to find out how her lung x-rays came out today.
My sister and one of my cousins are going down there to help out for a few days. OH I wish I could go! I hate that I am too busy to leave when Papa needs me!
At least somebody can go and sit with him at the hospital.
When I find out some more news, I will post another update.
Thanks for your prayers.

Kendra

Sadness

Sadness is my close friend this evening. My mom called and said that my Papa had to call an ambulance to take my Granny to the hospital. You know things must be really bad for him to take her to a hospital. She has Alzheimer's and has been getting steadily worse for quite awhile now. Today he found her hunched over, staring into space, totally unresponsive.
I have a terrible time with this. My Granny was always such an active person. She worked hard her whole life, even when they retired and moved back to Tennessee. When she wasn't cleaning her house, or helping someone else who was in need, she was fishing with my Papa, or working at their church.
Its so hard to think of her like this, like a child. And now, like someone who very well may be close to death.
I am sad.
I try to think of the good times, and there were many of them, but its hard to remember them at this moment.
Please pray for my Papa, and that God would be with my Granny.
I will post more when I know more.

Kendra

Easter

Easter is always such a joyous time for me. I have very fond memories of waking up on Easter morning to a wonderful basket filled with candy and books. Easter was one of the two times each year that my sister and I would get a new church dress. I loved dressing up in my new dress, shoes and fancy anklets! Church was always special that day, as well. I loved listening to the Easter story, year after year.

Now I have children, and its just the same, except a little MORE fun! Most years they get a really fancy Easter dress (usually from their Grammy Lynn) and new shoes and hairbows. This year, we didn't get to see Grammy Lynn, so we are making do with sweet little second-hand, cotton dresses. I did get Kelsey some new shoes, but Merry can still wear hers from last summer. Grammy Lynn sent gift cards for Easter, so we went out and bought cute little Easter hats and gloves and handbags. The girls are absolutely thrilled and cannot wait until tomorrow!

I think they are more excited about wearing their new dresses and going to church than they are about their Easter baskets. I know they will enjoy the baskets, but I am so glad that they are thinking about Jesus, as well.
I hope that my girls never forget the real meaning of Easter.

Tomorrow will be a very busy day for me. I am sure that everything will go well with our Easter service, but as usual, I am nervous.
So, if you read this post before two p.m. tomorrow, say a little prayer for me, please.

Happy Easter!

Will It Ever Let Up?

Okay. So sorry about the crazy lapse in blogging. Our lives are in constant motion, here in Michigan. Scott acquired a new job, and is still running his business on the side. Also he is finishing his thesis for his Masters degree. Needless to say, he has little free time.
Neither do I, due to his busyness. I am constantly with the girls, and free time is a thing of the past.
We are still working hard at church. I am preparing for our Easter service, which is taking a lot of thought and time. Not only do I have the responsibility of the music for that service, I also have to organize and put together Sunday school lessons for the next two weeks. We are hoping to do an Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday for our Sunday school class, and I still have to buy and fill eggs for that.
I do have a wonderful assistant teacher who is a tremendous help to me. I am so thankful for her!
Merry is busy with school. She now has daily homework, which I am also responsible for helping with. She is learning to read, and is so excited about it! I love listening to her sound out new words. She is really getting into it, and I hope and pray she loves to read.
Kelsey is also learning to sound out words. She can't read yet, but she is well on her way. She has picked up phonics this year in pre-school, and she can not wait to learn to read! She spends hours each week pouring over books. She looks at the pictures and pretends to read me the story. I love it! Her new place to spend time is our public library. We've been going there for three weeks in a row, and she hates to leave. She will spend an hour there, picking out book after book for me to read to her.
We will be going to New Jersey over Easter break, and I am looking forward to a little time away. Scott has promised to take it easy (mostly) while we are there, and we may even catch a Broadway show in the City with the girls.
Life is good, in spite of its busyness, but I am looking forward to the slower days of summer.

In April we will be dedicating our new church building. This will be a big deal. I am working on the special music for that weekend. There will be two services, so I have to plan for both of those. After that, I can breathe easy for awhile. What a relief!

This weekend we are going to paint our bedroom. It has been a mess for over three years. Scott built a second closet for himself, and we have never repainted. So...Friday we prime the room, and Saturday we paint it a nice, sunny yellow. I can't wait to see how it looks!
Well...once again, I apologize of not keeping in touch. Maybe after the middle of April I can get back to regular blogging. I certainly hope so.

For those of you with MySpace, you can find me there, Kendra Roberts Lynn.

Talk to you soon.

Benevolant Dreamer

You are a Dreamer

Your combination of abstract thinking, appreciation of beauty, and cautiousness makes you a DREAMER.

You often imagine how things could be better, and you have very specific visions of this different future.

Beauty and style are important to you, and you have a discerning eye when it comes to how things look.

Although you often think more broadly, you prefer comfort to adventure, choosing to stay within the boundaries of your current situation.

Your preferences for artistic works are very refined, although you vastly prefer some types and styles to others.

Though your dreams are quite vivid, you are cautious in following up on them.

You are aware of both your positive and negative qualities, so that your ego doesn't get in your way.

A sense of vulnerability sometimes holds you back, stifling your creative tendencies.

You're not one to force your positions on a group, and you tend to be fair in evaluating different options.

You're not afraid to let your emotions guide you, and you're generally considerate of others' feelings as well.

Generally, you believe that you control your life, and that external forces only play a limited role in determining what happens to you.

If you want to be different:

Your imagination is a wonderful asset, but don't just dream—be bold enough to take action and explore new things!

Consider a wider range of details and possibilities when thinking about the present and the future—don't be too set in your ways.

how you relate to others

You are Benevolent

You are a great person to interact with—understanding, giving, and trusting—in a word, BENEVOLENT

You don't mind being in social situations, as you feel comfortable enough with people to be yourself.

Your caring nature goes beyond a basic concern: you take the time to understand the nuances of people's situations before passing any sort of judgment.

You're a good listener, and even better at offering advice.

You're concerned with others at both an individual and societal level—you sympathize with the plights of troubled groups, and you can care about people you've never met.

Considering many different perspectives is something at which you excel, and you appreciate that quality in others.

Other people's feelings are important to you, and you're good at mediating disputes.

Because of your understanding and patience, you tend to bring out the best in people.

If you want to be different:

You spend a lot of time taking care of others, but don't forget to take care of yourself!

Sometimes you can get overcommitted, and when you sacrifice spending time with those close to you, it can make them feel unimportant.

Okay...is this really me? Let me know what you think.

Kendra