Feminine Ways...

I recently had a friend comment to me on the relationship I have with my husband. She being a very cosmopolitan business woman making an art of balancing a career and family, didn't understand "our" family. The choice to live in traditional roles. She made mention of feminism, and how it was important to move women out of the kitchen and into more equal roles in the home and in society. She not so tastefully stated that by putting myself in the traditional role of homemaker was teaching my children the opposite and therefore disgracing the meaning of feminism and what so many fought so hard for.

At first I wanted to revert back to the old "Kendra", which would have rolled her eyes, done the head snap, and made her swallow her pretty little pumps. But the new improved version decided to educate her.

First, I felt it important to let her know that part of my BA degree was in History and Social Studies, so therefore Women's Studies was a large part of that and I knew what women went through, to break ground, so we could have choices and rights. Thanks to them I have the choice to go to work or stay home. But it is my choice. I believe in the traditional roles of women. I believe in uplifting men in the home. Being a submissive wife doesn't mean I kowtow to my husbands every wish, or that he is a dominate brute of a husband that has me running scared to do his bidding. I do it because I respect him, I love him, and because I WANT TO. I do make sure I take care of my appearance before he gets home from work. I do serve his plate at dinner. I do warm his towels. If his glass is empty I fill it. I do care for the home and children. I do try to please him. And why is that wrong? I married him. I took vows, this is the man I am to spend the rest of my life with. Why is it wrong to want to make him happy? I do not run around after him like an attached puppy waiting for a pat on the head. I know his likes, dislikes and routines, and if I can make his days or moments more pleasant, I will. I give freely, he never demands. He appreciates each detail, each gesture, each way I help provide a warm and comfortable home. I do not have to fish for compliments or thanks. He to gives freely. I find the more I work to provide him comfort, the more he wants to do for me and the family. He is the head of the household and I am his support.

It wasn't always this way. Before we had power struggles within our home. With finding a new way for myself with the Lord, our home has transformed. It is peaceful, calm, full of love and grace. So if I'm teaching my children the many ways of Godly femininity through traditional familial gender roles, IT'S OKAY. We have the right...thanks to the women of the Feminist movement. I can be the woman I want to be, and so can my daughter.

~Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Titus 2:3-5

My new ornament

It's just adorable. It's the ornament I received in our annual Christmas Ornament exchange. My friend Jen did a fabulous job, and it fits right in our collection of eclectic ornaments! I love it! I'm jealous of her craftiness LOL. 

Angel Ornaments

Each year a group of friends get together and exchange Christmas ornaments. It can be any type as long as its handmade. This year I went to our local Fabrics and Craft store. They do a workshop each season and supply all the crafts. You just bring your creative caps and the fee of course :) This year I made an angel. I am sort of proud of her. So much so, I went back and bought more supplies. I'll use these little sweet cherubs on top of Christmas packages.

It's not a hat, its a cupcake!

Once upon a time there were two cheeky mamas who happened to also be fabulously gorgeous ... decided to pass the time away drooling over Etsy.com. One mama said, "Hey, look, isn't this hat awesome...it would look so good on Miss Princess Diva Brat (aka Hannah)?". The ultra wondrous crafty mama named Stephanie over at A Close Knit Family said "I can make that.." and so the conspiracy began unknowingly to Mr. Kendra who thought only one set was being made. MUAHHHHHH....

But in all seriousness, aren't they just too CUTE! I had her make all three of my crumb snatchers a set. So soft and well made. The kids adore them and when Mark saw himself in the mirror with his froggie hat he gave a big ole belly laugh. He thought he was so funny. Thanks a million Steph :) And if you don't open your own store I'm driving to MI and stealing your brand new gold knitting needles. Next on my list is felt play food, a new sweater for Holly, and braided hand bands. So you better relax those hands.

If I were Santa Claus...

You know I have trouble sleeping. I'm one of those people that sleeps like the dead and a freight train can come crashing through my room and I wouldn't even bother to turn over. Its just getting to sleep that's my trouble. My mind keeps wondering and playing back my day, old memories, or I lay biting my nails over one worry or another. Last night it happened to be the topic of Christmas that had me tossing and turning. I've lately turned a new leaf. Set new proprieties. One is to focus on the memories we create as a family and not the material items we gather. To not stress over being one of the "haves" instead of the "have nots". To bring more frugality into my life and home. With that new mindset, we decided last year to scale back at Christmas time. The amount of money we spent just on our families gifts alone was more that most peoples mortgages. Add the cost of friends, extended family, teachers, etc...it had left the term "ridiculous" behind and had ventured into idiocy.

Old habits do die hard though. I sat there cozy in my bed, wanting, and NEEDING to sleep. I worried, "is it enough?", "who did we forget", and of course I am a natural giver. I admit its a bit selfish in a backwards way, but the best gift I can receive is watching excitement when people open the "perfect" gift(s) I painstakingly searched high and low for. But in lou of above mentioned life changes, the pressure to find everyone that perfect present...is off. Yet, the mind wonders.

If I were Santa Claus and could pick any gift or wish out of my sack, I'd give.....

• ...to my parents and those alike---affordable health care, paired with free prescriptions. May you have freedom from aches and pains.

• ...to my husband---a raise, better hours, and get out of jail (doghouse) free cards.

• ...to my friends---time to read a good book and have a long soak, ALONE.

• ...to my daughter---fulfillment of all your hopes and dreams, freedom from want or need, and of course full scholarship to the college of your choice :)

• ...to my sons---see list above and of course may you find someone as wonderful as your mother to wed and that I'll like her :)

• ...Holly (my super fab pooch)---a pair of pumps made purely of peanut butter and bacon

• ...to my loopies---google ground breaking hits, breathtaking photographs, one of a kind cakes, closer walks with God, sold gold knitting needles, skyrocketing sales, and the knowledge that they're making a difference in this world.

• ...For those that steal newspapers---a job delivering the Sunday paper without pay

• ...for all the homeless and mistreated dogs and cats---caring owners who will love and cherish them, and who recognize the responsibility of spaying and neutering.

• ...For Oprah---never mind..she can buy whatever she wants

• ...OPEC---a long wait in a line to purchase something they need yet cannot afford

I'm sure tonight will be another one of those nights. I'm sure to add to my list.

Christmas here, Christmas there, Christmas everywhere!

The Christmas season is officially at my house. Our trees are decorated and beautiful. Snowmen, Santa's, and angels are placed throughout the house. Christmas music softly in the background setting the mood. The wonderful smell of spice cake in the air, (thanks to my lovely tart warmer LOL). To kick off the season we always make a ginger bread house. The kids had a blast decorating and frosting it. Looks good enough to eat, and if I know my Ryan, some of the candy will be missing by morning.

So many ways to help

With the unsteady economy this year, times are tough for everyone. As a family we try to focus on our blessings, not stressing over trying to afford the latest game system, blue ray, or other gadgets. There is so much to be thankful for and simple ways you are truly blessed. If you have food and shelter, you are blessed. If you are employed, you are blessed. If you are up on your mortgage, you are blessed. If you can pay your bills on time, you are blessed. If you look around and find yourself surrounded by the love and support of family and friends, you are blessed.

Look around.... I bet you can find SOMETHING to be grateful for, even in difficult times. And as we count our blessings, there is no better way to show our gratitude than giving or helping others. I challenge each of you to do something for someone else. As you pass the Salvation Army kettles, throw in your pocket change. Or clean your closets and take a bag of clothes to one of their stores. They're a great organization that does a lot of good in the community. All the food banks (like Second Harvest or Helping Ministries) and homeless shelters desperately need canned and dry goods. Even if it's just a couple of cans, it will be greatly appreciated. The Salvation Army and malls (among others) have angel trees where you can pick a child's name and give them a Merry Christmas!

Another idea is "Santa For Seniors". There are many seniors in nursing homes and hospitals that are forgotten during the holidays. All they ask for are basic necessities like lotion, word puzzles, throws, slippers, toiletries and large print books. Nothing extravagant. Also, don't forget your veteran. Find a local VAMC (veterans medical hospital) near you. Another suggestion, every time you go to the store, buy a toy for the Toys For Tots bin! It could be a simple $1 item. Also as an animal lover, I'm a big supporter of the Humane Society. If you can't give a pet a home, you can still donate bagged or canned food, towels, and treats!

It's my goal to do as many of these things as possible, and I hope you join me.

For those that really do find it hard to see yourself as blessed or one of the less fortunate. Give a smile, hug or warm greeting and remember to include others in your prayers. That itself is a wonderful gift.