Happy 14th Birthday Kenlee!!

October 1, 2012 was Kenlee's 14th birthday! We had a family celebration A week or so ago in Bountiful. On Saturday, we had the traditional birthday dinner at Joe's Crab Shack, her favorite. On her actual birthday we had cupcakes and presents with just the three of us. I can't believe how time flies and how much she has changed and grown in the past year!

Fancy Camera

I recently purchased a new camera! Its a Canon Rebel T4i and I am having a blast!

Here are some pictures I have taken:

p.s. Kenlee got a new haircut and I love it!

Halloween 2011

We had a great Halloween this year! Kenlee is getting more excited about it and it's really fun to watch! She carved all our pumpkins this year.... and she loved it! Here are the pics...


She was a gothic cheerleader!

I was a vampire.

October 1, 2011....Kenlee is 13!!!!

My little baby girl is 13 years old! I cannot believe it! She is so grown up now. Oh boy....I am soooo not ready for this!!!



Her special request for birthday breakfast......Beyond Glaze Donuts!

7th grader

On August 29th Kenlee started 7th grade! She goes to the middle school just a couple blocks from our house! You can actually see it from our backyard. It's huge!
She has had some ups and downs, stress and anxiety. All in all I think she's liking it....as much as a kid can like school anyway. She really enjoys the options at lunch and getting to pick whatever she wants. I like that too after having to make her lunches for years!
Of all her classes, keyboarding is stressing her out the most. I am not a very good typist so I can relate to that. Her Math book is online and so COOL! It has very helpful video tutorials.....Man could I have used that when I was in school!
Anyway, that's my update on her for now.

New hair and Makeup?

On Saturday, Kenlee got a haircut. Since I am a cheap, I took her to Great Clips...only $8! After getting her hair done, she insisted that she must have highlights. I made a trip to the store and got the kit to do the highlights. It was the kind that has the cap. (The kind I can remember my mom using) Since her hair is now short, it worked out really well. It was pretty fun too! It looks good on her and when I get some more pics, I will post them on here. Here are a few that I took with my phone. Here she is "dressed up" with her friend Abby and loaded with makeup!

Sick, busy and life goes on....

Holiday:
We planned on going to Southern Utah for Memorial weekend. We were going to camp in the truck and go see the Four Corners area. Justin got really sick and we stayed home instead.
Justin:
We sold our Bass boat (almost instantly after it was listed on KSL). Justin inherited a trolling motor from Grandpa Madsen after he passed away and it wouldn't fit on the back of that boat. So, he sold it and found another one. The new boat is bigger and more like a regular boat. It does, however, need quite a few things done to it before it is ready for the lake. Justin has been working on that and hopefully between him and his Dad, they can do the repairs it requires and we'll be casting our lines soon!
We are still trying to sell our old pickup truck. We have listed it several times and have not received any serious offers. It has been such a good truck, its hard to believe that someone doesn't want it. Oh well, we will keep trying.
Kenlee:
Kenlee is growing so fast. I think she has finally started really growing. Since Christmas she has grown 3 sizes! I didn't realize how lucky I was that she was able to wear the same size for so long. I have had to buy her all new clothes!
Me:
The Wasatch Back Ragnar is Friday! I cannot believe that it is here already. My training has been so horrible for this race. I am a little worried I might die...only kidding. I know its going to be tough though. Last week I was really sick. (I think I got what Justin had over Memorial weekend.) The doctor got me on anti-biotics and I am almost fully recovered now. This years Ragnar is going to be a lott different than the one I did in Vegas. We have a co-ed team, I have to run more miles, I am about 8 pounds heavier and the elevation is dramatically different. But, I am still excited and can't wait! Stay tuned for updates!

Surgery and Stuff

We have had a lot going on lately...
Justin had surgery for his deviated Septum on Friday. His doctor had to use splints to hold it in place. The dang splints are driving Justin crazy and he doesn't get them out until Thursday. He had a post-op appt with the ENT today and he said they squirted something up his nose so far it probably touched his brain, I guess everything else looked good and he is on his way to recovery. The first night he said he could already tell the difference. He is dealing with alot of congestion and soreness right now so its harder to breathe that the first night. Hopefully when he gets the splints out he'll feel like new....COME ON THURSDAY!!!
Justin took the week off work to recover. If he was in another profession, he would be back working again, since his job is so physical, he has to take the week off. Don't want to blow out nose stitches! OUCH!!
FYI: Everyone at St.Mark's Outpatient Surgery center was awesome, so extremely nice and his doctor, Dr. David Palmer (ENT specialist), was really good too.

Kenlee is off track right now and is spending time with her daddy.
Its super special Daddy-Daughter time! He even made her omelettes today....WHAT?? He hasn't even made me an omelette, EVER!!
I am so jealous of them right now. It's like they are on vacation without me!
Anyway, I know they are having fun together and getting in some quality time so I'll shut up about it (for a minute).

I have started getting back into my running rountine...slowly. I can't believe how out of shape I am right now. What was I thinking taking off the winter....Stupid, stupid!!

That's it for now. I will post another update on Justin after Thursday.

Growing Up

Growing up isn't easy...we all know that. I find myself really worried lately about this next stage of Kenlee's life. My little girl is growing up and there's not a thing I can do about it.
She is becoming much more independent and responsible. She is doing really well in school. She comes home every night right after school and does her homework without even being asked or reminded. At this stage....what more could I ask for?
It makes me happy :)

THE Root Canal

Wednesday I took Kenlee in for her root canal. We had to see an endodontist because her pediatric dentist does not do root canals. I think I was as nervous as she was. I had no idea what to expect because I have never had one. I told her to bring her blanket thinking she might get cold being in the chair for so long and it might bring her comfort too. Once we were called back to the exam room, she started freaking out and saying "no, no...I'm not here". When I finally got her back to the room, they needed to take an x-ray of the tooth. It was terrible...the film they had was big for her mouth and hurt her to bite down. She was throwing a fit and after 2 dental assistants couldn't get the x-ray done, they brought the dentist back to do it. After about 15 minutes and some screaming from her....he finally got it done. She had herself all worked up and was a mess...crying and shaking. At this point I am begging them for the nitrous oxide. Once they finally got the "gas mask" on and it had been a few minutes....she was a totally different kid. She did complain about the numbing shots, but handled it better than I had imagined.
Oh, nitrous oxide....you are wonderful (and totally worth $60)! She was giggling and trying to talk the whole time. After a total of 1 hr and 45 min, we were done. Now she has to go in to her regular dentist and have a filling put in that tooth. When she gets a little older they will do a crown. I am not sure why they wait, he just said that's what they do. A filling it a lot cheaper, so it sounds good to me.

More running, less eating

Since my Ragnar race in October, I have gained 10 pounds! How did this happen?? I'll tell you.....it got cold and I got lazy! That's right, no running! Its really upsetting to me because I know how hard I will have to work to lose it again. It doesn't help that I am eating everything in sight!
We started another weight loss competition at work a little while ago....so far, no good! I feel like I need to eat everthing like its the last time I will ever get a chance. My clothes are tight, I am not sleeping well and I just overall feel crappy! I am wishing and hoping that someday really soon I will snap out of it and find the energy and motivation I need to get in gear!

Other news....
We are refinancing our house to a 15-year mortgage. It has been frustrating and stressful! Every day is another problem. It makes me wonder what it would be like if we didn't have excellent credit and equity in our home. They say we will be able to close by the 28th....I won't hold my breath!

Kenlee went to the dentist yesterday. She has been having some tooth pain and she lost a filling in a permanent molar. It turns out, she has to get a root canal in that molar. I can't believe it. We don't have dental insurance so I'm sure that will cost a pretty penny.

Anyway...kind of a depressing post today. That's just life, right?

Happy 12th Birthday Kenlee

On Friday, October 1st Kenlee turned 12! We had a little party for her at the house and it was a lot of fun for her and her friends.

Kenlee with her cake!

Giant Cupcake birthday cake
My boss let me borrow his bounce house for the party! It was a huge hit and the girls loved it. This was good for me because I was not super greaty at party-planning this year.

Classic Kenlee face!

Kenlee bouncing

Kenlee was super spoiled again this year!

She was really happy that her counsins got to come! Thanks Nat, for making the long drive to bring them :)

She can SWIM!

Back when Kenlee was about 5 years old we put her in swimming lessons. This was before we had her ADHD under control. It was a total waste of money and time. She just did her own thing and didn't learn anything.
This year Sarah (my good friend & neighbor) watched her while she was out of school for the summer. She took Kenlee to swimming lessons with her kids. I am proud to say that Kenlee can now swim! Its kind of sad that it has taken this long. She picked up on it super fast and did a great job!

Diving is not her favorite

Kenlee in a race with a boy doing the breaststroke

She was really good at it and won this little race!

I'm not sure what this dive is called...lol!

With friends during free time

Time with Dad

On Saturday we got to spend some time with Justin's dad, Ken. We went shooting out by Utah Lake again. Ken helped Justin sight in a couple of his new guns. Target practice seems to be one of our favorite past times lately. Justin is very passionate about his guns and has a pretty nice collection. Here are a few photos.... Justin and Ken with the AR15

Ken and Justin with the AR15
Kenlee with Grandpa This is Kenlee posing with her "kill" (she actually shot from the table, quite a bit farther away). She filled her rootbeer bottle with water and duct taped the middle. It took her a few shots, but she got the top of the bottle and then the bottom...in less than 10 shots! Good job!
Justin's friend, Richard, came out and joined us after a while.

I'm glad Justin got to spend some quality time with his Dad. They even went to dinner.

Father's Day is always special to me. I don't even remember the last Father's Day I got to spend with my Dad. I'm a daddy's girl forever, no matter how old I get. I love and miss my Dad so much. Good news though, both my Mom and Dad get to come visit at the end of summer and stay for weeks......maybe a month! Can't wait!
I am grateful for my father-in-law too. He has always made me feel like an important part of the family. He has helped us out so much with projects we have had from time to time. His wide variety of skills sure are handy!

Happy Father's Day to our Fathers and yours!

J A City

I volunteered for Kenlee's class to help in Junior Achievement City at Discovery Gateway. It was amazing. Its just like a little city with all different businesses. I could not believe all the detail that went in to this project. All the 5th graders had assigned jobs they had to do. Not to mention, opening a savings account, depositing payroll checks and shopping. There was a lot going on in the 4 hour span. To say the least, I had a huge headache and it would have been a lot easier to go do my real job for the day. It was a really unique experience for the kids and I wish they had to do it every year. So if you get the chance and your child's school goes, you should volunteer for this. You have to see it to believe it!

Kenlee was a bank teller and she was super busy...she did a great job!

This is the elevator the kids rode in. It was gigantic! I had to take a picture.

I was so busy the whole time that these are the only pictures I got..its too bad because it was amazing!

Adorable

This is why we put up with the naughty kitty. How cute is she! Don't you just want to pick her up and cuddle???

Daycare

Today is Kenlee's last day of daycare. Our wonderful neighbor, Sarah has offered to take her before and after school and off track. We hope this will help out both her and our families financially. I think we all are feeling the squeeze on our pocketbook right now. I hope all goes well and this will eventually transition her to being home alone....someday (middle school at least).

GUNS -n- stuff

I know not everybody "loves" or even likes guns....but we do!

We are firm believers in the 2nd Amendment:

"A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."

I am fascinated with them. I want a handgun in every size and color (like I want my shoes). We try to go to the range a much as possible. The problem we were having was the expense of the ammo...if you could find it! Justin has recently started reloading ammo for my gun (.40 cal) and will also be reloading the ammo for his gun (.45 cal). At first, the cost is high to get all the equipment to be set up for reloading, but after that initial investment, it will be tons cheaper for us to reload our own ammo.

Justin has been selling a lot of his fish/aquarium inventory on KSL. All but one tank are going. Its bittersweet for him. He really enjoyed it, but decided its time to move on to "new" things.

Kenlee is going off track from school for 3 weeks and is super excited about that. While she is off track, her teacher will be having a baby! She is sad about her teacher going on maternity leave, she really like having her as a teacher. Kenlee continues to grow...slowly. Her doctor had me take her in for a bone age, the procedure is an x-ray of her wrist to see at what rate her bones are growing. When the doctor called me with the results I was a little worried, her bones show her at 8 years and 10 months....she's 11 years and 3 months old. Her doctor assured me that this was good news. She says that when other kids are finished growing, Kenlee will have a couple more years. so...YAY!

My diet isn't going well. I haven't lost an ounce. I can't seem to get motivated by myself. I hope that this next week I can get my butt in gear and get back on track. I know I have it in me, I just need to snap out of my slump!

Consider yourself updated!!

My Picky Eater

What is up with this??

My daughter is one picky eater! She won't eat the normal things that kids like......macaroni & cheese, pizza, peanut butter & jelly...etc. Instead, she would prefer (as pictured above) linguini & clams!! She is a seafood lover, just like her father. They will eat all sorts of clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops and whatever else is on the menu. Her favorite is Dungeness Crab (which is delicious) from Joe's Crab Shack! That's my crazy kid!

Kenlee's 11th Birthday!

Kenlee turned 11 on Thursday, October 1st! She didn't have school because of fall recess (UEA, I think), so she got to go to work with me again this year. We decided not to have a party this year so it was just the 3 of us. We went to dinner at The Training Table....Kenlee loves cheese fries!!



Her loot...its amazing to me that this little pile costs so much!


She got a bunch of new Legos, her new addiction for the moment. She would play with them all day if you let her, then she complains about her neck and shoulders hurting, DUH!