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?