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.

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.