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!