everyday wisdom

Happy birthday, Doodrew!

kendrawisdom — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:58:45 +0000

Dear Andrew (or Doodrew, as Creed likes to call you), I can’t believe you’re 4 today. You are my miracle, and I still can’t believe how lucky I am to be your mom. You make me laugh every day. I especially love your “4-head” joke — that was clever. You’ve got the sweetest heart and wear it on your sleeve. You’re sensitive but strong. You are so tall. You like to put chips on your sandwiches like Daddy. You like to wrestle with Creed. You like bedtime stories and movie night. You like Iron Man and rock music, Tebow and race cars. You like to dance, take pictures, and cuddle. You still get excited about the little things — do me a favor and don’t ever stop! I love watching you grow and learn. I haven’t decided yet if you’re going to be an actor, a photographer, or the president. It really doesn’t matter, though — you’re going to do great things in this world, sweet boy. And I’ve already signed up for a front row seat to watch. I love you, Mr. Man. Happiest birthday to you!

xo, Momo

Mrs. P31

kendrawisdom — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:52:17 +0000

I was 19 when Mark and I got married. Barely. 19 years + 1 month + 9 days.

I knew nothing about being a wife. NOTHING.

Because in today’s world, it’s all about independence and careers and power.

But I’m a Jesus girl, and Jesus girls know marriage is not about any of that.

I wanted to be a good wife.

And since we were thousands and thousands of miles away from our families, I took it upon myself to learn how.

I studied the Proverbs 31 woman.

And good grief, if there was ever a time I wanted to throw in the towel, that was it.

HOW IN THE WORLD WAS I SUPPOSED TO DO ALL OF THAT???

Seriously, if you want to upset a group of Jesus girls, just bring up Mrs. P31.

Encouraging? Not really.

Inspiring? No way.

But a challenge? I was ready.

P31 became a sort of checklist for how I approached marriage.

And I really believed I’d “won” when I kept getting compliments on how clean our house was.

Take. That.

Then we had kids — and I’m pretty sure I haven’t since been complimented on the cleanliness of our house.

Even so, I feel like I missed the point entirely. I was never meant to be like Mrs. P31.

Hallelujah, by the way.

I was meant to be like Jesus.

To live like Jesus.

To love like Jesus.

I don’t talk about my marriage much on the blog because, to me, marriage is between a man and a woman. It’s sacred. And private. But friends, if we had as many resources for young wives as we do for young moms, maybe — just maybe — we would see young marriages thrive. I’m not sure what my role should be, but if I can encourage even one young wife to love her husband like Jesus, I’d say it would be well worth my time.

Even if that young wife is me.

10

kendrawisdom — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:50:19 +0000

1. Happy Valentine’s Day, friends!

2. Mark did good this year and bought me these SUPER ADORABLE shoes.

3. Unfortunately, they’re too big and have to be exchanged.

4. But I’m trying really hard to figure out how to make them work since most sizes are on backorder now.

5. I finally scheduled a doctor’s appointment (for tomorrow) to figure out what’s going on with my 14-month battle with insomnia.

6. I’m dying to paint some furniture — the boys’ dresser (yellow) and our living room side tables (undecided).

7. Drew’s birthday party is Saturday.

8. I sent the invites via email. Classy, I know.

9. I just finished reading Grace for the Good Gi rl. It was so good!

10. And I know I’m doing a 180 now by saying I’m excited to read Sophie Kinsella’s new book (released today!).

What can I say? I’m all over the place!

I like to think it adds to my charm