Praying over your husband!

Each morning as I wake I quickly jump into my same old routine. Get kids up, fed, clothed, and start into my daily to do list. Does anyone ever do the same thing? But about 6 months ago i started asking Eric specifically how I could pray for him each day. This started out as the small things: good day, no drama, and all the stuff that goes into work. Then he started realizing that in fact daily I was lifting him up, the big things or the small things I was standing in the gap for him.

I know I am not the first wife to ever pray for her husband, and I am SURE I am not the best at it. But no matter what season of life we are in I have made it an effort to pray for him. And in return he started praying for me! And ladies I tell you that is better than any flowers delivered to your door!Now friends this isn't rocket science, but it has opened the lines of communication between Eric and I greatly. 

So my challenge for all of you all is this.. pray for your spouse. Don't just say you are gonna do it actually carve out time and do it. Small  or large the Bible tells us to present our request to God. He also tells us that a cord of THREE strands is not easily broken. So today, ask your honey... how can I pray for you? I promise you will see a change!

Sight words...

I knew it was gonna happen, I was waiting for it to happen, and then last week.... IT HAPPENED! John Hunter has three sight words that we do every week. We work on them, play with them, post them, etc. But Mrs. Streby just upped the anny! Last Wednesday she sent home a packet with well over 150 sight words. They are broken up into 12 list. The directions CLEARLY state that there is NO time frame for these to be done, but you know I wanted to knock them out. Once one list is done the child will be tested and then can move on to the second list. Easy peasy!

Yeah not so much. I came home made flash cards, built sentences, and was ready to tackle the list. Then on Thursday we went to school and the first think that Eric and I noticed was that SOMEONE (read Duncan) already had THREE list turned in. We were shocked. We were just hoping to get list one done by October. Well I went into full competitive mommy mode and started the flashcards. I set my expectations to high, I am  honest enough to tell yall that. I expected to show JH the card him read it once and then know it. Apparently that is no how we will be learning through the next 12 years of school :( This session ended in tears on both accounts. Eric came up and saved the day and the fire to learn sight words.

So we took a break from sight words and momma started doing some research. Now I am  better equipped with some FUN and tangible ways for JH to learn his sight words at a pace that is steady for him!  I have you our first "sight words parking lot" He loved it, I loved it, and by the end the words to jumping off the page. Just wait till you see what I have up my sleeve next!

Family Date Night at the Orchard

This past weekend we took a family date night to the local orchard. We have several in the area and this one is kinda our old faithful! We usually go apple picking there, but since the summer drought there were no apples to pick. Super sad since I have about 1 million apple recipes pinned on Pinterest! Oh well!

We went with our friends and old neighbors the Olivers. In only seemed fitting for our littlest pumpkin to wear this dress since Bri made it for her! She looked so big and grown up in her dress and mary janes! I am a sucker for that look.

A fun time was had by all. The crisp air was perfect for a Saturday night date. The kids had fun. John Hunter's favorite part was the corn maze and the swings. That boy loves him some swings! Lynley loved animals, I see lots of petting zoos and the local zoo in our future.

After date night we came back to our house for pizza, Ryder Cup watching, and a little football. Can you think of anything more wonderful.... I my friends can not?

Ugggg

So we are living in the middle of chaos. We are supposed to start painting the new house tomorrow, but apparently that is not happening. Someone in the chains of command dropped the ball! Frustrated is an understatement! My parents are here to paint thr house and this puts us a day behind! Trying to find the good and positive things but struggling! Meanwhile if I break my neck in the middle of the nights it's because my bedroom looks like this!

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

I made this for dinner the other night and I just had to share. WHEN I do it again i will make the following changes. I will probably 1/2 it and freeze one half it makes a TON! And instead of pepperjack cheese on top I would probably put blue cheese crumbles! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

12 Whole Wheat Lasagna Noodles, uncooked
1 lb. Skinless Chicken Breast, cubed
3 Cups Hunt’s Four Cheese Spaghetti Sauce
1 Cup Very Mild Buffalo Wing Sauce
1 1/2 Cups Water
15 oz. Nonfat Ricotta Cheese
1/2 Cup Egg Substitute
9 Slices 2% Pepperjack Cheese

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Cook chicken over medium high heat for 4 minutes or until almost done. Stir in sauces and water. In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese and egg substitute.

Spray a 9X13 pan with nonstick cooking spray. Spread 1 Cup of sauce in the bottom of pan. Arrange 4 noodles over the sauce. Spread more sauce, then a layer of ricotta mixture. Add another layer of sauce, and repeat the whole process until you end with a layer of sauce. Cover and bake 70 minutes. Uncover and place cheese slices on top, then bake for another 15 minutes uncovered. Let stand 10-15 minutes before serving.

Makes 9 Equal Servings

Nutritional Info Per Serving: 285 Calories; 4g Fat; 29g Protein; 31g Carbohydrate; 5g Dietary Fiber; Points Plus+ 7

Where have I been... well really I am not sure! Our lives are a little crazy right now. We close on our current house in ONE WEEK! I feel like there is a lot to do, and my basement haunts me! Its gonna take FOREVER and I don't even know where to begin. Its almost crippling for me. Every day I put on my to do list "Pack up basement" and I don't even walk down the steps? Do you ever do that? Please tell me you do.

I have made progress in the paint department and this my friends is HUGE. I am going with a more trendy colors this time around. But hey its paint right? I just wanna go for a little change. Grays, griege, tans, and teals!!! What in the world! But I am excited and hope it all comes together!

The kiddos are great. JH is in soccer and Lynley is his biggest fan. We are excited to be in the new house and get settled. And then I can have my computer set up at a permeant location and blog till my hearts content!

Hopefully well meet again soon!

Thoughts before Kindergarten

*** the only way I could put into words what my heart is feeling now***

His book bag is hung on a hook by the door, and his lunch box is packed with healthy foods galore.

You know that his clothes have been ironed to a tee. And he hopped into bed with excitement and glee.

But as we said his prayers tonight, I squeezed my little boy extra long and tight.

Tomorrow when he wakes a new adventure begins, and deep in my heart I'm excited for him.

But tonight, at this moment, this momma is cryin'. He grew up so fast, I feel like a part of me is dying.

Sweet Jesus hold him tight on this journey he goes. Our prayer will always be its you that he knows.

So as school starts tomorrow and this adventure begins. May he walk out that door confident knowing we love him!!

First Sleepover

So all summer long John Hunter has asked for his best buddy Ty to sleep over! Well he finally did and here's the proof!

We bought a house....

So we are not homeless. We have bought a house and we are truly excited. We close on our current home Sept. 5 and move into the new home Sept. 7. We are praying that all the details works out and that everything gets finalized quickly and smoothly. Eric and I have been on our knees and trusted God through this whole journey and continue to do so. We feel like God has something big in store for us and is gonna use us in great ways. We are sad to leave our neighbors and our hood but they are 2.1 miles away and will still them A LOT!

The hardest thing about this move for me has been John Hunter's school. In my head and heart JH was always going to Thorpe Creek. I was prepared, I prayed over, and I had a plan. In our new neighborhood JH will go to Geist Elementary. Still a a great school and we have heard lots of wonderful things about it, but in my heart and head it was not what I had planned. God is funny about things like that. I feel like he is gonna use me/ John Hunter in mighty ways at this school and although I am excited about what lies ahead I am sadden. I feel like Jonah who was told to go to Ninavah and didn't but in the end when he obeyed God his ministry was fruitful! So please pray for us during this time. These are the things I am specifically praying for:
1) God to use our family in a mighty way
2) John Hunter will make friends quickly
3) His teacher... how she teachers, nurtures, and committees with him/ us
4) OVERALL, letting my baby go to Kindergarten! This mommy is having a hard time with this!

We're homeless

We sold our home in 31 days. We never thought it would happen! It did. We have to be out Sept 5. Here is this scripture I keep praying as we look at each home. Would u pray with us as we want to do what the Lord wants!

Back to School

We did, we bought all of the school supplies that John Hunter will need to go to Kindergarten in LESS THAN A MONTH!  I love school supplies, it is by far my most favorite thing to buy! It makes me happy, theres a sense of newness, of clean paper, crisp crayons, and smooth glue. Everything about it I love.

That was until I started to purchace them for my sweet little boy! With every glue stick, eraser, and 3 pronged folder we placed in that red Target cart my heart was heavy. I prayed over each item, "oh God, be with him. Let me make wise choices, love him when he is lonely, send him a friend, and protect his sweet spirit, his mind, and his heart". I kid you not I almost lost it in the middle of the store.

But for the last five years we have been preparing for this day. Does that make it any eaiser? NO. But we are so proud of that little guy! He has grown into such a sweet boy. He is wild and crazy, he has his moments of attitude and disobedience, but at his core he is so frail. A people pleaser, he want to fit in, be invited, know that he is accepted, to make sure he is cool. Oh he is so competitive, we have no idea where he got that from :) But he wants to win, and along with winning he wants to be the best!

So my prayer for John Hunter as he goes off to Kindergarten is this...

God, please slow our paces and help us to enjoy the moments of this new adventure - school. Watch over John Hunter while he is away from us 5 days a week.

Guide his path right now into the classroom - designed by You - with the teachers and classmates that are a perfect fit.

Be with us, his parents, give us Godly wisdom that surpasses worldly information, suggestions, research, well meaning advice and even our best intentions......... You be in charge of his life and raise him up, Lord.

Protect his every step.

Help us not to get in the way, but to be your hands and feet and to love them like only You can.

Pick us up when we make mistakes and help us to learn from them.

Encourage and refresh us daily.

Praise be to You, alone, for our precious boy!

Amen

Kisses for Katie

It's no scert I love to read. I am not big "novel" reader. I haven't read the Twlight series, I probably wont read Hunger Games (cause I can watch the movie), and PLEASE do not even get me started on 50 Shades of Gray!!! But I do love to read!  I bought 6 new books for summer and all but one I have read! The book I just read was called Kisses for Katie. Have you read it, oh you haven't YOU SHOULD! It is life changing! Not only did I read it, I shared parts of it with John Hunter. Such and humbling and teaching experience for our children who have no idea what it is like to be without!

I find it hard to raise a grateful child. We live in a world where kids expect to have lots of things. I know as parents we created part of this monster, but where do we draw the line? Honestly sometimes its easier just to buy the candy at the checkout because it keeps them quite. Please tell me you have been there? I try to go into a store or situtation with expectations of we are or are not getting something, but still I wear down easily!

This book is a TRUE story about a young girl who gave up everything to obey the heart of God. And althoug her life is not normal or expected her passion for the LORD overwhelmes me. It made me feel like what am I doing to make a difference here in the middle of Fishers, Indiana to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Am I loving the unlovable? Do I extend water to the thirsty? Am I loving or judging my neighbor? And as I go about my day am I being Jesus to my children so that we can cultivate a heart for Christ in their little lives?

So all that to say, go get the book? Read it, let it resonate, and pray that God will put a passion in your heart for something that you were born to do?

10 Months Old!

This sweet girl is 10 months old today. She has been a pure delight to our family. She is funny, strong willed, loud, and extremly loveable! We all just love her to pieces. JH begs to wake her from her nap just to play with her.

The picture above is what she does after EVERY bite of food. I cannot tell if she is just overly excited or just blown away that mashed fruits and veggies taste so good! But its funny and it cracks me up.

Eric will tell you that he was nervous to have little girl. He is a great dad to a boy. The toss the football, do cannonballs, rough house, wrestle, and all the things dads and boys shoud do. But this girl this was a WHOLE new ball game. To say Lynley is a daddy's girls would be a HUGE understatement!  She loves her daddy a LOT! Last night we went to an outdoor concert with some good friends and I caught this picture. I just love it. This joy expresses our little princess to a tee!

It's Free!

Now who doesnt love Instagram and who doesnt love free... well I know I love both these things. So if you do check this out! (FYI... i does NOT have to be instagram photos)

I just order this for FREE (well $7 shipping) using PROMO CODE: SUMMERGRAMS! There stuff is amazing and I super pumped about my poster! It is adhesvie so you can stick on wall and peel off! GO check out there stuff and order something cute!

http://www.papercoterie.com/

I did it... an idea on Pinterest!

So as many of you may know I have a slight obsession with Pinterest! I love it! I find so many things on there I want to do, need to do, and wish I could do.

I have been loving the above print for a while. SO last night I whipped it up! I sent it to Sams club today and cannot wait to get it into a frame tomorrow! If you want one send me (kjwhite1980@gmail.com) your dates and  I will whip one up for you! I did chocolate and baby blue to match our Master Bedroom! I cannot wait to put in my room!

Manna From Heaven

I remember vividly as a child Mrs. Webster teaching us the story of manna falling from heaven. I can see it now brown loaves of bread attached to a blue flannel graph all while wearing my whirlybirds for Jesus beanies! I always thought it was so strange that bread fell from heaven. Have you read the story of Manna and Quail from Heaven (Exodus 16). The Israelites were desperate food, and they pleaded with God. Well actually they complained! But God provided, He always does.

Today I felt like manna fell from Heaven. We were all headed to the pool and when we pulled in lightening struck and rain started to fall. It has been 34 days since we have seen rain. We are in a 10" deficit! We need rain. If you get caught watering there is a $500 fine. To say we are desperate is an understatement. Thank you Lord for the rain, if felt great against our face!

So what are you asking God for today? Hear our cries O Lord!

Siblings

Today in the car John hunter and I had a conversation that went something like this.
JH- I used to be an only child
Me- yep I know. I am an only child!
JH- I know cause you don't have any siblings!
Me- yep, but I loved it!
JH- I loved being an only child too, but I love Lynley a lot more! She's great mom!

Priceless... I had to write this down so I could remind him of it one day in thr future!

Cow Appreciation Day

Friday at chick FIL a if u dressed like a cow you got free chicken! Well during Lynleys nap time I asked JH if that would be something he would like to do. He quickly jumped on board and I quickly grabbed some stained shirts and a black marker!

The kiddos dressed like cows and we all got some free chicken! It was a mommy date that we will not soon forget! So fun!

Fear

A couple of weeks ago the children and I went home to Lexington. While we were there my dearest friend Whitney invited us to the country club to go to the pool! And of course we jumped on the chance to hang out with her and her kiddos! John Hunter had never been to that pool before and I knew before going in he was going to be thrilled with the fact that there was a REAL diving board. He has become quite the little swimmer this summer and I knew he was strong enough to swim, but I questioned was he brave enough to jump?


Without hesitation as soon as we walked in he spotted the diving board. His eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas and he was thrilled. As soon as we applied sunscreen he went over and go in line. Before he climb up I looked at him and said, "are you scared?" He look backed at me as confidently as possible and said, "No mom, this is gonna be awesome. Just watch!" And with that my little 5 year old blonde haired boy went flying through the air. That was the first of about 5 million times he jumped that day.


Since that jump I couldn't shake how proud I was of him. I remember like it was yesterday being forced to jump off the high dive at the aquatic center at UK for swim lessons. I have never been more scared in my life. Fear overwhelmed my 6 year old body. But I did it. To this day I can feel that same fear creep into many facets of my life. I truly believe every single on of us struggles with some type of fear, whether it's a fear of jumping into water or being "found out'. Maybe you don't worry about dying, but you get sick thinking about the face that you might fail. So what is it that you fear now? Maybe it's simple, or maybe it is consuming your whole body.


A woman's faith in God is challenged by the first question Satan asks Eve in the Bible: "Did God really say you can't eat from any tree in the garden?" That seed of doubt and the story it begins to unfold breed a concept of fear still haunting each of us on some level every day- the idea that our actions could ruin something beautiful, and God might not have control of things. But friends let me assure you that God is in control. And because He is in control I do not need to be. My need for control comes when I feel that God is not. When I think He is not in control fear sets in. So here is the Scripture I hold on to. When My heart is overwhelmed lead to me to THE ROCK that is higher than I. Psalm 61:2. Does your heart ever get overwhelmed? Oh sweet sister mine does. Just today the tears flowed as I was convinced I was not good enough. That I would never fit it, wasn't like, or even important. As I taught my son its ok not to be invited to EVERYTHING when he so badly wanted to be included, my heart was overwhelmed. But I clung to the Rock of my salvation. The one who says, "your are kind, you are smart, and you are important" The one who split time, who walked on water, and defeated death. Thats who I cling to when fear sets it. 


So today I challenge to go to the Rock when your heart is overwhelmed. Just like John Hunter did on that diving board don't hesitate. Just run and jump into the pool of God's goodness and love, and in the words of John Hunter, "This is gonna be awesome, Just watch!"

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood!

When we moved to Indiana there were lots of emotions that went with the move! Would this place ever feel like home? We Kentucky will always be home, but now we have a different kind of home. When we moved to the rental house we had great neighbors who became great friends. We were so sad to leave them when we moved to Avalon. But only by the grace of God we have amazing neighbors now.

Our neighbors are more than the people who we share a fence line with, or borrow brown sugar. These are the people we do life with. We see them everyday, we play, we listen, and we love. For example, today I needed to clean my bathroom, vaccum, and dust. It was only gonna take an hour or so, but one neighbor just came and took my kids so I could get it done.

Last night was the best. There are 3 families (The oliver's, the ruth's, and us) that are really close. The Olivers are Dan, Bri, and Tessa (age 3). The Ruth's are Tim, Katie, Macie (age 3, and Clara 11 months). Just about every day all the moms and kids meet on our driveway and ride bike, play, sidewalk chalk, run in the sprinkler, water balloon fight or whatever until all the dads come home. Yesterday we went out about 4 at 6:30 the dads were all home, and we ordered pizza, and finally at 10 everyone went it. It was picture perfect. It was so fun, and it was a great memory. You know its a good night when JH is running in shorts only through the sprinkler, and Macie, and Tessa only have on Princess Panties and all are soaking wet.

As i sat on the lawn and looked around at the children, conversations, and play that was going on I had a glimpse of heaven. And my heart exploded, instant gratitude overwhelmed my body, and I was so thankful for God's provision on my sweet families life by putting these families in our lives!

What are you grateful for today?

RIP Ralph Zenisek

Eric's grandfather passed away in late April. His memorial was in may! We had the honor to be apart of it. Eric and his sisters sang and I gave a eulogy. It was such a special time so I wanted to remember. Here is what I said to remember such a fine man.

What an honor it is to stand here today to celebrate the life of a great man. My name is Kendra White and I am the wife of Ralph's oldest grandson Eric

My first time here at the cabin a wonderful meal was prepared and we gathered around the table to eat. We joined hands, bowed our heads, and prayed. Then all of the sudden Pa broke out in song. I was shocked and looked around and everyone was singing a song I had never heard, but lyrics I will never forget. Never had I heard the song before so what did I do, what every good southerns momma taught her, just smile! Afterward I kindly explained to Eric a little warning that we were gonna sing would have been helpful. From that point on I gladly joined in with pa singing, oh the lords been good to me and so I thank the lord."

And that statement could not have been more true in ralphs life. When Eric and I were getting married I remember telling my mom that I was so blessed that not only did the lord bring Eric in my life but his family as well. Especially his grandparents. I was so excited to have grandparents again because mine had passed away. What an amazing job pa did of filling that role in my life as well as my husband!

Pa played an even greater role as great grandfather. What a legacy he has left behind with 6 grandchildren and 3 great grand children with 2 more on the way. Our oldest child john hunter has lifelong memories that will forever have pa in them. His most favorite pa memory is spending the last three summers at the cabin (without his parents) fishing with pa. He caught his first fish with pa, went on his first boat ride with pa, but he couldnt and wouldn't touch a worm with pa. Pa left a legacy about being an avid fisherman for our son. But left a greater legacy for all of us.

You see today we gather to celebrate our great fisherman. And our hearts grieve and that is ok. But today we have hope because our fisherman is with the one and only fishers of men. Ralph was obedient to the words of Jesus in mark 1:16 when he said, " come follow me and I will make you fishers of men. Pa passed away on a Monday night and jh had already gone to bed. On Tuesday morning our son woke up elated with joy because it was his first baseball game ever. He was so excited but we needed to tell him about pa so before he went to preschool I had him crawl on my lap. I said buddy I have got to talk to you about what happened last night. Pa went to heaven. Today he is with Jesus. Those sparkling blue eyes looked at me and said mom, I am sure gonna miss pa, but mom I think he's fishing in heaven with Jesus right now. With tears streaming down my face I agreed with my sweet boy.

You cannot leave here today without the hope and truth of what pa would want you to know. Pa loved Jesus and Jesus loves you!!!

A day at the track

When we were in Lexington last weekend we got to go to the training center where my uncle Melvin works. Horses are in JH blood! He loved each moment of it. He watched and listened to every word Melvin said. He fed the horses, gave them peppermints, watched them race, and even got to ride on one!!! It was a great day he will never forget!

I love the picture of everyone walking out of the barn!! A family favorite

It's been a while

Its been a while... I know! But life with 2 has just been so much fun and it is also they summer before my boy goes to Kindergarten and we are soaking up every minute with him! This is my vow to try and blog every day or even every other day! It is something I really want to do. I have an entire journal marked... BLOG POST! What in the world. But really I know one day I will look back and be glad I started back up!

We just got from a weekend in WI. Eric's grandfather passed away in April and we were up at the cabin in May, but we had the opportunity to go again. However this time Eric was not able to come. I was not up for a 9 hour drive by myself with 2 kids so my amazing parents came with me. We had a blast. At the cabin was Eric's grandmother (who lives there), Vicky, Sarah, Anna, and my niece Kyah! We had a great time of relaxing boating, fishing, and jet sking.... yes JH even Jet Skied with Uncle Jeff.

Both my babies are such water babies. They love the water. Instead of trying to relive the last 6 months I just gonna post some pics from this past weekend!

EIGHT months to Kindergarten!

Its almost time for Kindergarten. That's right, my sweet baby boy is getting ready to go to Kindergarten this fall and his momma is in disbelief.

I dont have any regret about doing more with him, or spending more time with him, but I am scared out of my mind if he is ready. Who will be there if no one is there to play with him? Will he be brave and courageous in all he does? Will he be willing to try new things, will he make new friends, but most importantly will he miss me? Because as sure as I live and breath I know I will miss him.

We switched John Hunter to a new school this year and I could not have been more please. He is thriving there much more so if we had left him at this old school. And we LOVE Mrs. Stewart and Miss Abby. They do so many fun things there, like the pinterest project you see posted above.

I have found myself worried sick about this kindergarten thing, but I am reminded about the verse in Matthew that asks if worrying will add one minute to your life. So instead of worrying about that sweet, kind, funny, and fun loving boy, my boy, going to Kindergarten, I am just going to pray for him. For his teachers, his classmates the administration at the school, and everything else I can think of. Sweet Jesus hold my sweet boy as we enter into a new phase of parenthood. Hold him close and his momma too!

New Years Eve

I was super excited to kick of 2012 this year. A fresh new start and see what God has in store for our little family. We celebrated with our life group and had a murder mystery. It was super fun. Eric was a golfer and I was a chef. Neither of us were the murders but we had a good time trying to solve the mystery. Actually eric was REALLY into it. And he solved it correctly.

Here are a few pictures from a great time, with great friends, and cheers to a great new year!