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.

Wake me up when September ends

Well, there went September....

I have failed to update my little blog the past month, but to tell you the truth, I think i've saved all of you from a whole lotta craziness... GOOD craziness, but craziness nonetheless.

First order of info you've missed...I FOUND THE DRESS! Oh, and I found it in a matter of about 2-3 hours from the moment I touched down in Salt Lake City. Could that be a record?? Obviously, no pictures until the big day, but I absolutely love it. I thank my wonderful cousin/friend, Kristen for being there as my right hand gal/mega supporter/crier/booster of self esteem...I could go on. I'm telling you, she's the best. I fully plan on returning the favor when her big day comes!

What I also failed to blog on was the oh-so-wonderful Iowa State Fair...AKA, the GREATEST fair in the U S of A! Beyond the always eventful people-watching and pluthera of food on a stick, I tried something for the first time at miss Abby's insistance...Nitro Ice Cream. Oh my cow, was it O-mazzzing. Best ice cream i've ever tasted: ridiculously thick and creamy. Have any of you ever partaken in the yummy goodness that is Nitro Ice cream??

Okay folks, we are down to SEVENTEEN days before my sweetie pie comes home to me. I am so stinking giddy, my insides are on the brink of bursting from excitement!! I only have TWO letters left to write to California, and then I will turn in my white envelopes for sticky notes and window markers....oh, the love notes will never end. I just won't have to pay postage. ;)

CHIA...Pet? SEEDS!

Okay, I have been SO excited for awhile to tell you all about my new favorite discovery...CHIA SEEDS! I would describe its amazingness in my own words, but one of my favorite bloggers, Iowa girl eats, describes the benefits of Chia seeds much better than I, soooo.....

What are Chia seeds??? They are:

1. Nutritious. Chia seed provides ample calcium and protein to your tissues. The seeds are also rich in boron, which helps the body assimilate and use calcium.

2. Water loving. The seed can soak up ten times its weight in water. When inside your body, the seeds help you stay hydrated longer, and retain electrolytes in your bodily fluids.

3. Easily digestible. The shells are easily broken down, even when swallowed whole. This is an improvement over flax seed, which have to be ground up to be digested properly. If you eat flax seed whole, it will just pass through.

4. Mild tasting. Unlike some seeds, the flavor is very mild. They won’t change the taste of the food you add it to but will add to your nutrition!

5. Energy enhancing. The health pioneer Paul Bragg did an experiment an endurance hike with friends. They divided up into a chia-eating group and another group, who ate whatever they wanted. The group eating only chia seeds finished the hike four hours, twenty seven minutes before the others, most of whom didn’t even finish at all.

6. Versatile. You can use them uncooked in salad dressings, spreads, fruit shakes, ice cream, and just about anything you want. You can also add them to cookies, cakes, muffins, and other baked goods.

7. Regenerating. After eating, the nutrients travel to the cells very quickly due to the ease in digestion and assimilation. Use them when you want to build or regenerate healthy body tissue.

8. High in anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants help prevent free-radical damage in your body. Free radicals lead to problematic conditions such as premature aging of the skin and inflammation of various tissues. Chia seeds help fight free radical damage.

9. Complete Protein Source. Chia seed is one of nature’s highest plant-based sources of complete protein. Usually protein from items like peanut butter
and some beans are incomplete, meaning you have to combine them with other foods to get the full benefit. The combination of complete protein, vitamins, minerals and blood-sugar balancing gel all work together to make sure you have steady energy.

10. High in Omega-3 Oils. Chia seed is the richest plant-source of omega-3 oil. By weight, chia seeds contain more omega-3 than salmon! Omega-3 oil is important in heart and cholesterol health.

Chia seed seems to do it all, no?

Wanna know MY favorite way to eat Chia seeds? I put it in my Chobani yogurt, let it sit for a minute to soften and and thicken and it's ready! I love my greek yogurt even better with Chia seeds because it makes it extra thick...the chia seeds have NO taste, so it won't bother the flavor of your food AT ALL You can also add in fruit, oatmeal, whatever you want! I also stick a scoop in my protein drink and that gives it an added boost. L-O-V-E IT!

I went on the Hy-vee tour with some ladies from church and the dietitian grabbed the chia seeds right off the bat and told us what a great super food it is. Along with all that it is doing for my body that I am not so aware of, I have SO much more natural energy than before and MUCH more endurance at the gym in the evening after a long day at work.

Have I said enough about this stuff?? Well, when you find something so beneficial to your health, you would be one selfish person if you did not share with all your friends and loved ones. Since being diagnosed with RA a few yrs ago, I have awakened to a new realization of the importance of nourishing and nurturing my body.

You can find Chia seeds in the health food section of most grocery stores...near the flax seed and such. For all my Iowa friends, I buy mine at Hy-vee. A container is about $10.00 and lasts a LONG time...you only need a scoop a day. Try it out and let me know what you think!

Almost legit

Attended a training for work on Thursday.

Walked up to sign in and saw this on the table.

What a happy surprise. I ordered my new business cards, but apparently they

went ahead and ordered me a new nametag as well.

It's almost legit.

His Love

I’ve been thinking quite frequently how blessed I am to have Jordans love. I have so many names for him: Best friend, tender mercy, lovey-love… All I know is that I am happy and that I feel more love for him than I have for any other person. Everything in my life has a silver lining now as I think of him in it.

What a great journey we are on which is only just beginning. The future is my friend that brings sweet anticipation, and the past is my wise teacher. Jordan is the one holding my hand through it all.

It’s funny to me that I ever doubted that I could find someone like him. I didn’t even recognize him for who he was until I let down my wall. And, in classic Jordan Kendall style, he was ever faithful, patient and loving through it all. I don’t know how he did it. What I do know, though, is that I will spend my life and beyond showing him the kind of love he effortlessly has given me from the beginning.

I found the following quote once-upon-a-time:

"Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot, who calls you back when you hang up on him, who will lie under the stars and listen to your heartbeat, or will stay awake just to watch you sleep... wait for the boy who kisses your forehead, who wants to show you off to the world when you are in sweats, who holds your hand in front of his friends, who thinks you're just as pretty without makeup on. One who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares and how lucky his is to have you.... The one who turns to his friends and says, 'that's her."

I have no clue who first said/wrote this, but I’ve come to the conclusion that they must have known my Jordan.

I have had many people in my life who have shown me through example what true love is. I have watched them and admired their relationships. I’m so grateful to begin my own and I am ever more grateful to know that God loves us enough to create a plan that centers around a man and a woman coming together, discovering love, nurturing their love through sacrifice, creating life, nurturing the lives given them, and increasingly entwining their hearts as one. One flesh.

Such a plan is mind-blowing in its beauty.

Perfect in its construction.

Moral of the story: I love Jordan Patrick Kendall

Forever.

Bouquet fit for a fall wedding

I love it.

A lot.

I take it out of the box just to look at it.

Daily.

So what? I can if I want to!

Such warm, harvest-y, yummy colors.

November, please just be here.

My Burden Was Made Light

No matter what faith you belong to, please take a few moments to watch this. I promise you won't regret it. It is incredible to me- the healing balm of the Savior and the power of forgiveness. I have so much to learn and apply.

Nom nom nommmmm

Three words: CHOBANI. GREEK. YOGURT

Have you all EVER had this container of O-mazzingness???

Basically, it's bff's with my taste buds

And get this...

You ready for it???

It's good for you TOO!

Try it.

I'm telling you for your own good.

Sooooo many nommy flavors!

Yes, I did just say "nommy"

I'm sure it's got to be in Urban Dictionary by now.

It's legit.

2 legit 2 quit.

Rekindled friendship

Good news, folks:

1. Mister Postman and I are still friends.

2. Jordan Kendall remains the most amazing (and handsome) man on the planet.

2. My cup runneth over with love and awe.

Life. Is. GOODA....you know, like the cheese??

Dink-dink-dink...anyone there?

Someone look up "gouda" please.

Get it now???

Anyways...what was I talking about?

That's right- Fact: Jordan Kendall is amazing.

...and really, really, REALLY attractive.

Night all!

Mister postman

I sometimes get a letter on Fridays, usually Saturdays. This week...i haven't received one yet.

On this Monday, i'm giddy to go home to a letter from my lovey-love.

Mister Postman, don't let me down.

Slightly pathetic? Nah.

Well...maybe to everyone else.

I'm okay with that.

I'll let you know by the end of the day if the postman and I are still friends.

Part of me

Helen Keller once said, "All that we love deeply becomes a part of us."

I believe that.

Because this guy right here is part of who I am.

I love him.

Deeply.

We're getting there.

I'm ready to see his handsome face rather than his handwriting.

But i'll keep waiting...because he is so worth it.

Stuck

I'm feeling it...stress. Or to be more specific, wedding stress. See, this is what happens when you are neither crafty nor creative. When forced to be such; anxiety, heightened body temperature, tightening of the stomach, and sleepless nights are sure to settle in. What is worse than said stress, you ask? An equal inability to ask for help. Enter: amazing family members. My Aunt Angela, who is quite possibly the most cool and calm woman I've ever met, is willing to let me spew out all my random decorating ideas to her, in hopes of putting our heads together and coming up with a plan. My amazz-za-zing cousin, Kris, has listened to my rantings of creative ineptness and has assured me that she will do all she can to make sure all will go smoothly, despite my anal-retentiveness. My Uncle Jeff has agreed to do our ring ceremony, and i'll be honest, just knowing he'll be there lowers my blood pressure significantly.

Moral: Though clearly spastic, I am a blessed woman.



Excuse me while I go practice not stressing.

What we're made of

Do you ever feel as though you are in the middle of the ocean, in the thick of a heavy storm, trying all you can to figure out how to keep your head above water, at least enough to get in some deep breaths? Do you wonder how you will ever find your way back to shore? Do you feel totally alone?

I had a wonderful person remind me today that achieving the things that matter most always has stumbling blocks, rough ground to try to discourage and distract you from your goals. Those distractions are meant to trip you up, to see what you’re really made of. Do you really want this enough to work for it? Yes. Yes I do.

Jeffrey R. Holland has counseled:
“Only one who has fought against those ominous waves is justified in telling us--as well as the sea--to "be still. Only one who has taken the full brunt of such adversity could ever be justified in telling us in such times to "be of good cheer." Such counsel is not a jaunty pep talk about the power of positive thinking, though positive thinking is much needed in the world. No, Christ knows better than all others that the trials of life can be very deep and we are not shallow people if we struggle with them. But even as the Lord avoids sugary rhetoric, He rebukes faithlessness and He deplores pessimism. He expects us to believe!” (An High Priest of good things to come)

Whenever I get distracted by discouraging messages, feelings of anxiety, or question my strength as a woman, and as a daughter of my Heavenly Father, I remember what I’m really made of. I was created with hope, faith, goodness, purity and strength. Not only in mind, but innately within me. I was created to achieve, not fail. I was made to be refined, taught, and then to teach. I was made to conquer through patience, service, faith, knowledge, strength and love.

None of us were created to be guilted into submission because those who feel less than worthy are uncomfortable with the way we live our lives. Remember that you are worth being good to yourself; you and I were created to do great things, however hard they may be to accomplish, or whoever is there to dispute your strength and decisions. The struggle is a big part of what makes those things 'great.' I promise it’s worth it.

Always-always.

P.S: I have the best Uncle Jeff in the whole world. His counsel and support are priceless to me.

An American Holiday

3rd Sunday of July= National Ice Cream Day :)

Dear President Reagan,

I didn't think I could love you any more than I always have, then I found out about this:

"Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of

America, do hereby proclaim July 1984 as National Ice Cream Month and July 15,

1984, as National Ice Cream Day, and I call upon the people of the United States

to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of July, in the

year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty four, and of the Independence of the

United States of America the two hundred and ninth.

~Ronald Reagan"

Because I respect my elders, because I love America, because

I heart Ronald Reagan, because

tomorrow is the 3rd Sunday in July; I shall eat Ice Cream. Will you??

P.S: President Reagan, you're my fave.

Aaaahhhhhhh....

Over the past several weeks, I have made a re-self-discovery about myself...I love to work out. I mean it. I swear. I think about it all day. I anticipate time I get to walk away from the social work/ child development-ness of it all, throw on my black under armor capris/pants (LOVE them), one of my Soffe shirts (SO comfy and affordable: 7-10 bucks depending on where you buy them), grab my yellow (isn't yellow just the happiest color??) Ipod, and head to the gym.

Along with some awesomely-wonderful-peaceful experiences i've had recently, I add this time to care for, challange and stretch my body- and it has been the perfect combo for my soul. Really, it has made all the difference in my life.

Oh...confession. You are more than free to think me the oddest woman on the face of the planet, but I have to say that some of my favorite things to listen to at the gym have been BYU devotionals, and pure Jim Brickman piano happiness. I also love me some Mat Kearney, Dave Barnes, Matt Nathanson and such, but the devo's and jimmy boy are tops for me. It's my time to renew and recharge. One of the best decisions i've ever made was to consisitently go 5-6 days a week for a minimum of an hour.

Wanna know my favorite machine?? That'd be this O-mazzzazing arm machine that has brought the tone back into my arms in all their glory. I wanna see them more defined, but to feel the muscle and for them to finally be feeling so well despite what RA tries to do to them gives me the greatest feeling of power over my body despite any disease. Take THAT RA!

YOUR blogs!

Just a quick, wee-little shout-out post to all my amigos y amigas. If you don't see your blog on the right-hand side of the screen, lemme know so I can add it! I must must MUST keep up with you and share some love regarding your life's happenings. Thank ya kindly.

Profound impact

Watched this devotional this morning from one of my personal heroes. I cried. I watched it again. I sat in awe. Felt that I would be selfish if I didn't share. Here ya go.

Jeffrey R. Holland Remember Lot's Wife January 13, 2009 BYU Broadcasting

What do you think?

Almost a midget

That's right, as of today, we have ONE HUNDRED DAYS until Elder Jordan Kendall comes home!!! He will be home Tuesday October 19th. After 630 days thus far, I am giddy over Jordan becoming a "two digit midget" tomorrow! He's probably blissfully unaware, and i'm okay with that. I think in the Websters dictionary under the word "focus" you'd see this:

Time seems to be picking up it's pace...

I'm ready.

I think.

I hope.

So much to do and even more to anticipate.

I love life.

Giddy...

I've been very careful to be frugal during this wedding planning-ness, but the ONE thing I want more than anything is wonderful photography for Jordan and I's big day. I want pictures that will help capture and bottle the total happiness and love we share.

That being said, i'm SO excited to have Devan Whitson as our wedding photographer in Nauvoo. She is INCREDIBLE and i've fallen in love with her style. Check out this girl's talent! http://devanwhitsonphotography.com/blog/category/weddings/

Motherhood: An Eternal Partnership with God

To all of my beautiful friends; new, seasoned, and future mothers alike. Yours is the greatest work on earth and in heaven. Enjoy.

Why Mormons Build Temples

Many of Jordan and I's family and friends have been asking questions about what temples are and why we are getting married in the Nauvoo, Illinois temple. In lieu of the many inquiries, here is a video that may add some furthur insight and information on the importance of temples within the LDS faith. If you have furthur questions, feel free to ask myself or visit www.lds.org/temples/

An Iowa Gem

Yes. I am writing a blog post about a grocery store. What’s so great about a grocery store you ask? It’s the fresh Iowa produce, warm and happy people all around to help you, ultra-happy, leave it to beaver-type guys in the meat department, ready to wrap up whatever fresh meats you fancy, and the cutest doggone (yes, I said that) young kids carefully sacking your groceries and then oh-so-cheerfully taking them to your car while making pleasant conversation. You may think, “she’s lying” or “there must be something in the water.” But no, that’s just the way it is when you go to Fareway.

Maybe trips to Fareway fill me with such happiness because it makes me think of what it must have been like in my Great Grandfather’s Des Moines grocery store so many years ago. The store was, "Van's super value" and everyone loved John Van Ginkel, or “Honest John.” He was quiet, kind, and gave to others even though he didn’t have much to give. He ran his store during the depression, back in the days when the Van Ginkel household and neighbors would gather in their living room Sunday evenings, dividing out ration tickets for the upcoming week. During that time, families would come in with no money to pay for the food they needed, and my great grandfather would say that he would “put it on their tab” of sorts, though he knew he would never see their money. But, money wasn’t what mattered to this good man. From what I have heard of him, that seemed to be the last thing that concerned him. I think that he defined what I loved about Iowa and it's people. Honest, hard-working, down-to-earth, 'come on in' mentality. I love it. I can't get enough of it.

(My Great-Grandfather, John Van Ginkel, and my Grandfather, Jack Van Ginkel, outside of the "Van's super value" grocery store.I think they're pretty handsome.)

For these reasons and many more, I am proud of where I come from... the people and the place.

Just sayin'

Fact: Jordan Patrick Kendall is the most ridiculously attractive being my eyes have ever beheld.

Elder Kendall is still kickin' it in Wittier and is loving it. My calculations tell me that he will probably have ONE LAST transfer before this Iowa boy comes home to me. Music to my ears. Though, I may still be writing him letters once a week. I'm a creature of habit.

116 dias mas

I melt

I can't let this day go by without saying: *Ahem*...FOUR MORE MONTHS UNTIL MY LOVEY-LOVE IS HOME AND FIVE MORE MONTHS UNTIL I MARRY THAT BOY!



Since this blog is more private than other modes of social networking, I can divulge how insanely in love I am with this guy...



He has changed my life in every good and meaningful way. His words to me always make me melt. In this weeks letter, he said, "I showed this lady a picture, actually a few, of you and us together. She told me, 'Oh, she loves you! You're such a blessed man! She's beautiful!' All I could say was, 'I know.' I am still amazed that you opened your whole world to me. I could just rejoice right now. Do you know what you do to me? You make me so happy."

The feeling is mutual.


Forever.


You may now make gagging noises if you feel inclined.


...I'll be picking up my heart that is currently in a melted puddle.

My Girls

Nine peppy, squealing, giggling, (need I even add ‘energetic’?) young ladies piled into the Smith household Wednesday night for a sleepover- complete with pizza, glow sticks, monkey bread and lots of cameras flashing at various angles with a variety of ‘facebook profile picture’ positions.


They love me…I don’t know why, but I know the adoration goes both ways.

Truth be told, I could call these girls my ‘tender mercy’. Right at the time I was called at church to serve in the presidency of the “young womens” organization, I needed them. I only provided them with a bit of humor from time to time, but they gave me so much more.

I love them

A lot

Watch out world, here they come....

My Girls

Good Things to Come

A true and hopeful message from one of my personal heroes. Enjoy.

Good Things to Come

Where have you been all my life?

Of all people, my coordinator has lightened my burden a bit. I was meeting with her two weeks ago and she mentioned that another member of the Drake HS team, who is getting married in September, is doing her announcements online. I was a bit leery at first, but thought i'd take a look at the website. Turns out, this proved to be a fantastic site with lots of wonderful templates and options to make any announcement unique to individual style, and affordable. What a fantastic website! Vista print is not only for wedding announcements, but ALL different announcements, business cards, etc. Plus, they sent me a free "wedding packet" in the mail with sample wedding announcements in their different paper and print options. I'm saved. I'm hooked. If you feel so inclined, check it out! ...I should request free shipping for this free advertisement ;)

http://www.vistaprint.com

Tell me what you really think.

I need opinions. First- what do you think about those inserts people put put in their wedding announcements? Someone close to me has told me that they are totally tacky and against every rule of etiquette under the sun. I asked her how everyone would know where we are registered? Her answer, "They'll ask." What do you think???

Second- I need some suggestions as to the best places to register. As of this moment, im thinking Kohls and Bed Bath and Beyond. These are okay, no?

Third- What were the "register items" you cannot live without? What are the "Wedding Registration essentials" in your opinion?