For him, I am thankful

I'll jump in on this "spirit of Thanksgiving" thing. Today is "one of those days". With the change in season brings excitement and anticipation for the holidays for most, but the thought makes me cringe a bit. Why? RA. For anyone with any type of arthritis or autoimmune disease, the change typically means some degree of a flare-up. This has proven to be true for me.

This is NOT the reason for this post, however.

This morning, as I awoke, Jordan already knew I hadn't slept. I have this bad habit of moaning and tossing all night when I'm in the middle of a flare up. Thus...Jord doesn't get much sleep either. Poor guy. He got up, helped me out of bed, got my medicine, made us breakfast, turned on the heating blanket, gave me the laptop so I could email my boss to let her know I wouldn't be in, and then he took time before he got ready to cuddle with me. As he left, he held my face in his hands and told me specifically why I was so beautiful to him. Mind you, I had on no make up, puffy eyes, my hair was a mess and I couldn't even lift my arm to tuck my messy hair behind my ears.

That. Is. Love.

That is a real man.

Oh, how thankful I am.

He is my angel.

He is my hero.

He is mine.

Forever.

A piece of unconventional happiness

This particular video has touched my heart in more ways than one.

God loves us all.

For those who love Him, he will provide a way for us to find our greatest happiness.... even if it isn't considered "the norm."

I mean, it's wayyy more fun to be unique anyways, right???!

Good Stuff.

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Falling into fall

Welcome to fall! What a beautiful season. I don't know where I've been all these years, but I feel as though the beauty of Iowa is in full bloom. The colors are killer. It almost takes my breath away every morning as I drive down my quiet street, wrapped in mature trees of gold, green, purple, red and almost every hue in between. The air is fresh and it feels as though the earth is bathing us in "the good stuff" before "the white stuff" takes over. Such is life. I'll take the crisp bliss and enjoy it while I can.

Fall bonus: The new Ankeny High School is located just south of our abode now, so weekday mornings include a serenade from the AHS marching band. As Jord and I drive by, we wave to our color guard-ie "adopted" sister, Abby, as we drive by... too bad she has no clue. She has mad flag skillz.

Jord and I are soaking up the tail end of our "first year." Here is what our work week looks like(as if you really care)...ready for this? Work, school, study. Add many corny jokes, crazy culinary creations, "Seinfeld-like" conversations that are only interesing to us, and the occasional off-key jam session into the mix and there you have the Kendall household. It works for us. ;)

Jord is wrapping up his last full semester before receiving his associates in Business and then we are off to the lovely state of Idaho for the next 1 1/2-2yrs to finish up this bad boy called a degree. Then....????? An MBA is in our future, we just don't know if he will work first and beg his place of employment to possibly pay for some of it, or just bite the bullet, sharpen our horns and plow through it. Yay for prayer...cuz I have no clue.

In the meantime, my handsome-face lovey has maintained his 4.0 (something he doesn't want me to tell people, but I am just too happy for him not to.) I still play the "supportive wife" part and read business/economics-ish books with him. We have actually just started reading "Winners never cheat" by LDS self-made billionaire Jon Huntsman Sr. Holy buckets, what an incredible book about the value of integrity and it's essential role in all facets of our lives, and in particular in any position of leadership. We read a chapter every night after our scripture reading and then we have a "Kendall pow-wow" in bed as we discuss the principles/insights that stood out to us. We have some pretty awesome-blossom convos.

What's going on with me????? I'm learning some pretty awesome lessons from the people around me these days; from my clients, to my sweetie pie, to the O-mazzing Young Women at church, to my dearest friends. People are amazing. I am thankful for every person who allows me into their lives, who share with me their greatest joys (hurray!) to their deepest feelings of pain and sorrow...and EVERYTHING in between. The human soul is deep and it is so delicate. When I can have a good conversation with someone, as I grow older, it feels like more of a treasure to me.

Good stuff.

On top of all that goodness, I've discovered a new "creative outlet" ...cooking. Since I was diagnosed with RA, I've had a bit of a fear towards food. I didn't stop eating or anything (are you kidding me?!), however, I have been afraid of eating the wrong things, wondering what will bring on more inflammation/pain.

Well, I decided that being afraid of food was for the birds.

Plus, I have a husband that loves to eat.

Enter a good dose of research and a whole lot of fun.

Some basics in my diet/dishes now include: Whole wheat; pasta, flour, rice...YUM-O! Loads of veggies, EVOO, Organic/non-hormone milk and eggs (SO important!), and less meat (mostly only chicken). Have I given up sweets and all that awesome stuff? HECK NO! But, I am trying to give my body the vitamins/enzymes it needs to reduce pain and inflammation which = Much happier Melissa.

I have some super-mondo-wonderful news to report...I have had a significant reduction in pain for the past almost 2 1/2 weeks! PRAYING that it continues. This relief came just in time. June-August were not exactly the most blissful months of my life, but with a whole lot of prayer, pleading, and a saint-like husband, I made it through. I can never claim that I am not loved. None of us are over-looked by our Heavenly Father. He counts our tears and blankets us with comfort. Tender mercies to make it through.

**Little side note here; in lieu of the news today regarding the Dallas Baptist Minister claiming that "Mormons" (Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) are not Christians and are a cult, I would like to state that as an actual member of this church, as one who actually knows and lives this religion, we are not a cult and we follow Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith did not create our religion nor do we worship him. I worship the Savior of the world, my Lord and my Redeemer. He alone knows my pains and my sins, He alone can wipe away my every tear, heal my broken heart and erase the affects of my sins. For more information, PLEASE go to the source and visit www.mormon.org. Knowledge is power....and bonus: it keeps you from looking ignorant on national television. ;)

Jord and I aren't that cool. We're weird...and we're cool with that. But, thanks for reading my ramblings!

What matters most?

I sit here in my livingroom at the end of a long day, looking across the way at my sweet husband who I love more than I ever thought I was capable, and I watched the following video. All "mortal" matters diminish and I find myself in honest, joy-filled tears.

What really matters to me? What really matters to God?

What REALLY matters to YOU?

Enjoy....and if you're anything like me, grab a thick tissue- or two.

http://lds.org/pages/moments?lang=eng&cid=facebook-shared

Good night, friends.

Update, update, i've got an update!

Hello, my name is worst blogger in the universe. Nice to meet you.

Im terrible.

Now that we have that out of the way, let's get to what we have been up to lately:

Jordan is staying busy with school. He just finished another semester with a 4.0 and has now began summer classes. For those who don't know, his ultimate goal is to become a financial analyst, so basically, hes a nerd-bomber (cue 90's Full House memories)...the boy loves to learn and he has developed a great love for economics. As in, he reads books like "How to analyze a financial report" FOR FUN. Don't clean your glasses, you read it right. Im telling you- straight up nerd. Last night, I was awake when he turned onto his side while sleeping and said in an inquisitory tone, "Well, how much is it worth?" He was having a dream about economics. Jordan makes no apologies for his "nerd-like ways" and to tell you the truth, I totally love it. He loves loves LOVES to ask questions, research and learn new things...and he actually makes economics seem super-interesting when he's teaching me. In his spare time, he fixes things... like our car. Did I mention he is a super handy-man/carpenter as well? What can I say? Im a big fan of this handsome guy. I am pretty sure he is the best thing since the wheel.

Onto me... First off, I submit that I have the greatest calling in the world and I would like for someone to deem it my, "Eternal calling." I serve in Young Womens, and although I miss my primary kiddos, these girls fill my heart with almost unspeakable joy. Note: I have NO clue why they love me so much, but all I know is im sure glad they do. I will explain for those of you who don't know, a "calling" is a responsibility members of the LDS church are called to hold within our congregations: IE: teaching sunday school, taking care of the library, etc. They are voulintary positions and all I have received have been a great blessing to me and a wonderful opportunity to perform a service to others. I teach all of the young women (12-18 years old) in our congregation every sunday except the first Sunday of the month. We speak on a variety of subjects including personal purity, health, service and becoming more like Jesus Christ. These girls truly make me a better person and make me want to become better than I am. The good youth of the world are a constant inspiration to me, because it isn't convenient or always easy to be good, but they know who they are, children of God, and strive to carry themselves as such. So awesome.
Work is going well. Some weeks are exceedingly rewarding and others are like a personal test of willpower to make it to the weekend. Just depends. Through it all, it is truly its own blessing to be a part of so many families daily lives, sharing the triumphs and struggles. For those of you who don't know, I work for the Drake University Early Head Start program as an Infant-toddler Specialist/ Parent Educator. We work with low income/high risk families, teaching parents about child development and how to be their childs first and most important teacher. We deal with a lot of issues that get in the way of successful family life. It has taught me more than I can express. I love that I can work with many different cultures as well and expand my mind and understanding of life as I know it. In about two weeks I will have the opportunity to attend the National Birth to Three Conference in Washington, D.C. It is a Early childhood geek fest, learning all the newest info and research in the field. To say that I am excited would be an understatement. Not only do I get to attend an incredible conference, but I get to visit a city I have always dreamed of one day seeing. We already have our Holocaust museum tickets purchased, and I am so excited for the Mall. No pictures in this post, but many are soon to come after my trip.

Life is moving along. Life is good... It is so good. It is so beautiful to me to be able to form a wonderful new little family with my sweet husband. Leaving the past behind, a beautiful new beginning. Heavenly Father is pretty wonderful to set it up this way; the ability to come together as one and have your chance at doing life right as a spouse and parent. I just love it. Like many of you, I love learning how to "become one" with my spouse. It is like riding a bike for the first time; a little scary, you feel a bit unbalanced at times, but as long as you hold on, look ahead, learn to laugh when you fall, and know that you'll get better with every try, you will be just fine. ...A little faith in yourself doesn't hurt either.

Life lesson at the moment: Weed out the bad to make room for the good. Meaning; people, habits, thoughts, etc. A little "life spring cleaning" if you will. Do it with no guilt and no regrets. It is your life. You deserve to be happy and you deserve to be your best. Remember...no regrets.

Many more updates to come!

When you love someone

When you love someone, you'll sacrifice

You'd give it everything you got and you won't think twice

You'd risk it all, no matter what may come

When you love someone





You'll shoot the moon, put out the sun

When you love someone

New-ness happiness

Well, it is official, we are FINALLY married! How does it feel?? I've come to the conclusion that there are no words to describe the joy. I've tried...i really have, but in the end, its a feeling- a joyful, warm, comforting, overwhelmingly happy, indescribably amazzz-za-zing feeling. You're probably wondering where the heck all the picture-o's are. Patience-(Im still not a huge fan of that word)- our O-mazzzing photographer, Megan Griffith, is in the process of editing and soon, they will all be displayed for your viewing pleasure. Well, at least MY viewing pleasure...im so so SOOOOO excited!

Well, 18 days and STILL going strong! ;) I kid...we are so happy to be with our favorite person every single day. Although, ive noticed that watching movies like, "The Notebook" are measurably more difficult, as I found out last night, since I can't imagine ever losing my sweetie. Well, sappy movies aside, married life thus far is lovely. Even the "wow, the way you fold towels is so weird" type moments...which there have been many. We laugh...a lot. We cook...a lot. We laugh some more...a lot. Im a big fan of this marriage thing. <3

Pictures coming soon. Be excited.