Balance

If I could only balance my job and running the household as perfect as this lady in the picture... somedays I do better as a mom, and other days I do better at my job. I really struggled the first month trying to do it all- I was making myself crazy trying to be amazing at both- it just didn't happen. I read in a book that once you make a decision- when you actually deCIDE to do something- you are literally letting the other part die. "cide" means to die- so basically everything changed for me when I told myself that I made the decision to work and that I was just going to have to let that part of the decision of not being home at night with my family or working Saturdays and what I was missing out on-DIE.
I am in a much better place- literally, because we just moved into a 3 bedroom apartment!!! I walked into Kalli's room (our closest- don't judge) and she was hanging from the rack where the hangers go- and this is when I knew it was time for Kalli to come out of the closet=). I talked about it with Matt on Sunday, went into the office to check what the three bedrooms were going for (we are stuck in a lease, so it was either make it work in the 2 bedroom or transfer to a three bedroom), the lady quoted us exactly what we had told ourselves that we would move if it was that price, had to be out by Friday! Matt and I had planned our 10 year anniversary trip a month ago that weekend- so we canceled our hotel and moved all weekend. This is one of the many blessing of me working- I feel like we live in a mansion now. And nothing could replace the moment I told Keia she was going to have her own room.

Anywho- life is good when things are balanced, the trick is finding how to balance and letting the other part die.

Happy Halloween

Super Girl

Transformer

Bumblebee



Making spooky houses

School parties



... and lots of candy!

Random Pics... not taken by me.

alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664462501159623122" />

31...and growing.

I am officially 31-and still loving the thirties. Am I one of the oldest at my work, sure. Am I starting to look my age, sure, sure. But I feel great and love where we are in our lives. Anywho- for my birthday I really wanted to go to Disneyland- we have celebrated many birthdays there in our family. I was excited to just take Keia and Mattix with Matt and not worry about naps or poopy diapers with kalli-girl. Us four had the best time- Mattix was such a trooper- he is my "sensitive" child and we took him on every ride... even Space Mountain! He screamed like a girl and cried the entire ride- it was sooo sad. Even Keia who is fearless- said she didn't like it. I had an awesome birthday this year- I got spoiled by my family and felt very loved by all the calls and texts.











Speaking of birthdays- we went to Irvine to celebrate Matt's mom's 60th birthday! We got to hang out with the whole fam- it was so much fun- I feel so lucky to be a part of Matt's family.

Okay other than Tomi- ummm I think they win "most photogenic family!"

Doesn't she look great?

"It seems that much of the post 9/11 renewal of faith has waned in the years that have followed. It should not require tragedy for us to remember God." President Thomas S. Monson

Back 2 School

Keia started first grade, not first grad =) I never have the heart to correct her spelling- anywho- so far I am super happy with her teacher, I was really hoping (and praying) that she would get someone who will push her this year- the teacher seems like the perfect fit for her! Onto the actual first day of school- Keia walked out of her room at 6:30am dressed and ready to go- she told me she was afraid she would miss school today! She picked this dress with my mom- I have a feeling she liked it because it came with a matching dress for a doll- Keia is obsessed with her build-a-bear from her Vegas Grandma. Anywho- Kalli woke up on the wrong side of the crib from her two teeth breaking through finally on the top. When we got to the school she had a about 3 meltdowns because I think she wanted it to be her first day of school and roam free with the million kids running around. We met Keia's teacher and then Keia disappeared... this is while dealing with Mattix's meltdown. I knew where to find her- the monkey bars of course... so it is really nice when you have super independent children like my two girls- but it would have been a little nice if Keia even cared we were there, but the important thing is that she had an awesome first day of first grade and I have a feeling it is going to be a great year!!
Found you, it is me Mom!!!!

Huffman Update

Matt


Matt is still working hard as an Insurance Broker, he had a great couple of months this year, so proud. He is enjoying his summer, by literally surfing almost EVERYDAY early morning before work. He has been spoiled by his carriers who have been taking him to Padre games, the races in Del Mar, and expensive restaurants, yadda yadda. It's been a rough summer for my boo =) I do have to brag though- the other night after I worked a long shift- I came home at 11pm to a tub surrounded by candles, dark chocolate, and a CLEAN apartment- dream come true!!! Love this guy.

Kendra


I started working and liking it. I really like the people I work with and so far it hasn't been too bad. Getting adjusted to our new schedules, but overall feeling good. Had an awesome summer, nothing makes me happier than spending the whole day at the beach. Love staying home with the kiddies during the day, loved not being on a schedule. Just feel blessed...

Keia


Keia will start school this week- we find out her teacher on Tuesday. She is very excited to start first grade and go back to school. It is going to be weird having her gone ALL day- I think Mattix will go into shock and not know what to do with himself. Keia has loved her playdates, diving in the pool, and finally getting on the boogie board this summer. Also being totally spoiled by her grandmas! She has mastered riding her big bike and loves it!!

Mattix


Mr has one more year before Kindergarten- we are still researching preschools and hopefully will be joining a team soon- either soccer or T-ball. Loves to pumble is baby sister and she somehow thinks it is funny. Mattix picked up swimming soo much better this summer- cannon balls are his favorite. He wishes he could live in Las Vegas to be spoiled by his grandma and asks to have a sleepover at my mom's almost everyday--he is still my silly, annoying little rascal =)

Kalli


Kalli STILL has only 4 teeth and will be 16months tomorrow. She is now saying: mama, dada, uh-oh, NO, yeah, hot, wa wa (for food or drink), roars like a lion, woof woof for a dog, and quack for a duck. If I could describe her in one word- it is happy! She is super independent now- so if you just let her roam and do her thing- she will be content forever (unless tired or hungry of course). Still loves attention and lets anyone hold her- especially other kids.

Overall we had a fantastic summer full of family, friends, beach, pool, weekend trips, building forts, sleepovers at gran's, playdates. I'm not sure if I am ready to be in school mode again, but it is coming whether I like it or not.

Hi Ho Hi Ho It's BACK to work I go...

You are looking at the new "authority" on sports... me! I got a nice 15 months off of working and now it is time to go back. I feel very blessed to have found this job- I wanted something more about "health" and that would work with my availability. I knew I didn't want to leave the kids again during the day like I did at the preschool, and I knew that I was done working with other peoples children... even though that is what all my work experience is in. It was a bumpy road to finding a job- but of course Heavenly Father has my back and gave me the perfect fit. I will keep you posted on the job when I start and even get a nice photo of me in uniform!!

Kayley and Joey

Introducing Kayley and Joey Huffman. While out today on some errands- we saw the cutest puppies out front of Petsmart. My kids want a dog soooo bad- but for me that is like adding another child to our mix. I always tell the kids that when we are in a house- we may get a pooch. I'm not a huge pet fan- it seems like more work for me to do- but I constantly meet people who have fond memories of their pets growing up. Anywho- Matt was the one who decided that our kids needed a pet... today. So we came home with our two fish. The kids spent their own money to buy them. Keia picked a girl rainbow fish and named her Kayley because one of her best friend's is "Kylie"- so she thought Kayley sounded like their two names put together. Mattix at first said Jo Jo ( I have no idea where that came from), but then decided on Joey because his friend Owen's dog's name is Joey. I guess it starts this young on the influence of friends!!
Do you like the bright exciting colors and decor Matt chose for the fish tank????

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

I belong to: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints or as many people refer to us as the: mormons. I am hoping that anyone who reads this blog actually knows that I am LDS. There are many important people in my life, close friends and even my own family members, who don't even really know what I believe in. You have probably already noticed the enormous button on the side of my blog under life-changers (I am a Mormon). When you click on the button- my own personal Mormon.org profile will pop up. You might be asking yourself- why are you telling me this Kendra? Well... being a "Mormon" is a huge part of my life and has shaped the person I am today. So if you have ever wondered- why is Kendra Mormon? Or what are some things she believes in... go ahead give the button a whirl. The website Mormon.org answers almost ALL the questions and rumors people have heard about us and tells our beliefs.
Anywho- most of my blog is about my fam and other things that I love the most in this world- so if that is the case I wanted to share what is at the core of who I am: my faith.

NTC

Okay ladies, if you are looking for a change in your workouts, don't have money for a gym membership, or looking to start working out... then you need to download the FREE app: Nike Training Club. It has a bunch of workouts designed specifically for women. They have all levels (beginner, intermediate, and advanced). You will see serious results from these workouts- go get em ladies!!!

Keia keeps it simple

(This is a picture of Keia and her friend on "Twin Day")

Ms. Keia makes a friend everywhere she goes. She basically only has one requirement- if the person (boy or girl) is around her age- she probably wouldn't go younger than 4 or older than 8. That is all that is required to play with her. Once she makes a friend, she doesn't sit there judging the person if this is someone she could be friends with, doesn't start talking about the other girls in her class...they usually start playing house. She doesn't care what they look like, what they are wearing, or how much money their parents have.

I've decided to be more like Keia. I do have my solid friends- who will be friends for life, but I could probably be more friendly at the park with some of the other moms. I just need to find someone around my age (no younger than 18 or older than 90), and just start talking "house". There are so many lessons to learn from my kids.