Sticha Mamas

So, you probably recognize these ladies...don't you? I've written about them before here.

My cousins Gina & Sarah and I have a history of doing things together. We sing karaoke, dance and dine together. In 2010, we all got married. NOW, in 2012, we're all having our first babies together AND in the same order we got married! First Gina, then me, then Sarah.

Sticha Chicas: Sarah, Kendra & Gina

It's crazy to think that in the coming weeks, we'll all have babies! So exciting! Although obviously unplanned, its been really fun to go through these special moments in life together!

Babies all around,

K+P + Baby (almost 25 weeks now!)

Movin' on up...

If you know me, you know I love projects! Or at least when they're done. Pregnancy has taken me from being a regular old project-lover to a crazy, extreme project-lover (with crazy emotions!) Paul doesn't love this.

Having a little old house, we've learned to cherish the oddities and characteristics that come with it. One of those oddities was our upper half story. It started out being our bedroom...until summer and winter came and the temperature up there was either too hot or way too cold. We ended up moving our bedroom down to one of the main floor bedrooms for this reason. Well, once Baby Ras showed up as a big plus sign on pregnancy test, I got all hopped up on the idea of getting that upper halfstory ready and useable...for us, or guests or whatever.

In September, we had it completely reinsulated which was a great investment. The temperature upstairs seems more regulated now AND our CenterPoint energy rating went from 43 out of 100 to 15 out of 100. Plus, our monthly energy bill went down and they'll even give us a credit for doing the work. Win-Win-Win!

So, now the room FEELS nice...but it was still an eye-sore. Well, it WAS until about a week ago when we had it completely repainted. We were a little timid about the idea of painting over the "quaint" wood paneling but after some counseling from the local Sherwin Williams salesman...we went for it. Two coats of primer and two coats of paint made a HUGE change, though we can't take any credit for it. We hired a friend to do all the painting and he did such a great job. Anyway...what follow are the before/after photos of the room. Don't judge the befores too harshly...the room has served basically as storage for the last year so there's some clutter and an overall lack of style....but, not anymore!

Fresh paint, new drawer handles....way more modern!
Different bedding, opened up window....way brighter!

Cleaned off bookshelves, removed some furniture...feels way bigger!

We are so happy with how the room turned out. We still have a couple things to finish up, but otherwise we're in good shape! We've moved back upstairs as our main level bedrooms are next on the list to be painted this week. More pictures/updates to come on that!

Stay tuned,

K+P+Baby (now 22 weeks 3 days along!)

Funnies by Benny...

So, I'd be lying if I said that I'm not growing tired of blogging. I think its just a phase but lately its been more stressful than fun to think of blog posts. I think this is primarily because I'm 99% more tired than I've ever been in my life.

BUT, I think I'll get my bloggin' groove back once I get some of my old energy back...maybe I should say IF I get it back. (I hope I do!)

Anyway, tonight I realized that we just have to start writing down some of the funny things my 3 year old nephew Ben says. He's ridiculously goofy/smart/funny/thoughtful...and the stuff he comes up with stick with us and make us giggle for days.

1. "Muff-cakes" = cupcakes
2. "Saint Louis Prague" = where Uncle Paul & Auntie live
3. "Jesus hurt my feelings." = reason #876 why he couldn't fall asleep one night
4. "I don't like FOX 9 Morning News on for me. Please turn the TV to channel 2." = what he said to his mom one day while she watched the news
5. "That's John Jacob's bed." = when asked who sleeps in the other bed in his room. (John Jacob is his imaginary friend. Sound familiar? Yes, you know him. John Jacob Jingleheimer-Schmidt)
6. "Haha. I'm Spiderman...because I'm Santa." = makes no sense...but still funny.
7. "Auntie Paul" = how he collectively referred to Paul & I.
8. "Henry-Greta" = what he renamed my parents' chicken, whose real name is "Henrietta". Ben has a friend named Henry and a second cousin named Greta, so "Henry-Greta" just made more sense to him!
9. "I work in Minneapolis. It's one of the Twin Cities." = whenever he wears a collared shirt, he says it's his "work shirt" and that he's going to work...in Minneapolis.
10. "Who's gonna play the guitar?" = whenever a song comes on that he likes, he makes sure that every instrument is covered...even if its the tambourine, harmonica, clarinet or any other instrument NOT played in the song.

He's cute and goofy - we love our Benny! Hope you got a couple good chuckles today too!
K+P+B (baby!)

30 Day Challenge: Day 19

Worst job I've ever had...

Oh, I could find something good and something bad in every place I've worked. And with a list as long as mine, let's not even get into it, right?

I just asked Paul which job was his worst and he couldn't even remember.

Maybe that's a good sign that we're content in our current jobs? OR a bad sign that we're losing our memory?

Either way...this was a lame post...again. Sorry!

K+P

30 Day Challenge: Day 18

Today I am wearing...

Oh. I picked a bad day for this one. It's the weekend, so I'm in my typical weekend uniform...yoga pants, flippy-floppies and a tank top.

Sorry to disappoint.

If its any consolation, my underwear are pink. That's kinda exciting...right?

K+P

30 Day Challenge: Day 17

Funny Travel Story

Hmmm...well, one of my favorite funny travel stories stars my better half.

As you may recall, Paul & I honeymooned in Puerto Rico and the Southern Caribbean. Well, on our cruise ship, there was a dance club. I wanted to go to the dance club EVERY night, but Paul did not. He did however concede a couple nights and we danced the night away. One particular night, Paul was feelin' it. He was busy struttin' his stuff on the dance floor when I looked up to notice that a fan club had formed around him. 10, maybe 12 people (a mixture of guys and girls) were crowded around cheering Paul on. When Paul noticed, things only got more intense. He whipped out every MTV music video dance move he had ever seen.

If you've never seen Paul dance, let me clue you in...He gives it his ALL! What he lacks in skill, he makes up for in heart. AND...apparently his fan club could feel "his passion".

It. Was. Awesome.

I was dancing right next to him laughing my butt off. That night, I was upstaged....100%.

I couldn't have been prouder.

K+P

30 Day Challenge: Day 15

What's your addiction?

I can't say...

Just kidding. I'm innocent. My main addiction is probably coffee. We grind the beans nightly for a fresh pot of coffee daily! I drink 1 cup prior to the 4am workout, 1 after it and then I pour myself a 2-cup travel mug for the road. I don't drink the coffee at work (because it tastes weird) so instead I fill my mug with tea when I get to work....and then sometimes fill it again.

(Yes, that's A LOT of liquid. And yes, I visit the restroom often in the mornings. I know you were wondering.)

Every Friday, I swing through Caribou Coffee (my favorite) and get a Tea Latte. I used to get a Northern Light Latte but switch over to the Tea Lattes because they are amazing.

I'm not opposed to coffee with dessert or coffee during class or coffee at any other random time during the day. I love coffee.

My mother also loves coffee. "I learned it by watching you, Mom."

K+P

30 Day Challenge: Day 14

Thoughts on my body image...

Well, I'm starting on week 7 (of 12) of P90X and so far I've lost a whopping 0 pounds and feel a whopping 0% more fit...so, my thoughts right now are "WTF?"

If you haven't heard of P90X, it's essentially a slew of dvd's (yoga, kick boxing, weightlifting, cardio, plyos, etc.) that you're supposed to rotate daily (6-7 days a week) for 12 weeks. According to the YouTube testimonials (go watch them) I should look like an aerobics instructor (minus the sweatbands) by the end of week 12. Being as though I'm now over halfway through with no changes, I'm going to holler "Phooey!" on this one.

OR...maybe something is supposed to magically happen on the last day??? I won't hold my breath.

Aside from that, my thoughts on my body image are "ho-hum". As in boring...routine. I'm confident that its something I'll spend my life working (not obsessing) on. I'm an eater. I enjoy cooking. Those 2 things probably won't change.

I'd consider myself athletic. I like to move (it, move it). My "perfect body" (for myself) is athletic with a little muscle. I have no desire to be stick-thin. That's not realistic (for me), healthy or attractive (in my opinion).

I think there's something to be said about being able to pull your own weight (literally) and knowing that I can take care of things on my own. It's true. I don't have Paul around to carry heavy things for me. I have him around because I like him...and he does my laundry!

Needless to say, I could stand to lose a few...or maybe my scale is broken?

K+P

30 Day Challenge: Day 12

I should really get rid of...

That pair of J. Crew jeans from high school. They were tight in high school. They are more tight now. By the time they fit again, they will no longer be in fashion.

It's over. Period.

But...I'm still keeping 'em.

Don't judge,

K+P

30 Day Challenge: Day 11

Guilty Pleasures

Uh oh. Here's a good way to lose some followers....

Ok, here they are in the form of a Top 5 Listing.

5. Awkward Family Photos. (I think I know a lot of these people...seriously.)

4. Eating entire bags of (cooked) frozen peas. (Is that normal?)

3. Hip-hop music (It brings me back to my college days...leave me alone.)

2. $6 bottles of wine (I'm no fancy-pants!)

1. Crazy, human-interest TV shows, i.e. TLC's Hoarders and Sisterwives and Bravo's Real Housewives of (insert name of city here). (In comparison, EVERYTHING else looks normal!)

And, here's Paul's Guilty Pleasure du Jour:

Reeses Pieces. He. Loves. Them.

Is it Friday yet?

K+P

30 Day Challenge: Day 10

What do you love most about yourself?

Oh boy! If my sisters saw this blog title, they'd have plenty to say.

"Oh, Kendra...how will you only choose 1 thing?" or "This oughta be a LONG post." Sisters....

Yes, I do fill the self-absorbed baby sister role...but I'm pretty sure that's my job!

On with the challenge, so here it is...the trait that I like most about myself:

I'm obliviously ambitious.

Completely unaware that there are things in the world that I can't accomplish

...if I REALLY want to.

Call me dumb. Crazy. Immature. It's just the way I am and I guess I'm alright with it!

Well, I'm off to become President...jk!

K+P

30 Day Challenge: Day 1

30 Day Blogging Challenge? Good joke, Kendra. You haven't blogged since July 1st. Whoops! The summer has been a bit too busy and completely gotten away on me. A friend and fellow blogger has encouraged me to participate...and in life, and in general, I'm a participator. So, here goes...

Best/Worst Blogging Experience

I like writing and have ever since I was little. I prefer to write like I talk (go ahead, say it..."non-stop!") in non-sensical ramblings. When I first started this blog, almost 2 years ago to share our wedding plans, I struggled with what I'd say, how I'd say it, who'd be reading, and what they'd think. Sometimes these thoughts still creep into my mind, but I think my best blogging experience, so far, has been realizing that these concerns are unimportant. I consider this blog to be an online scrapbook of our life. Blogging forces me to take more pictures and jot down random happenings so that one day, we can lift our spectacles, scratch our bums and say to eachother "Hey, you...remember when we were fun?" or "Oh gosh, I looked good without wrinkles." I think I especially look forward to letting our (future) kids get a peek into what our life was like "back when".

I can just imagine...

"See kids...we were so NOT lame. Now, go to bed so I can watch Hoarders in peace."

I've really enjoyed blogging and look forward to looking back at how our words, thoughts and concerns change over the years. For the time being, we'll continue documenting our travels, happy hours, family events and wonderful friendships.

Thanks for being a part of the experience!
K+P

A sweep-over in Milwaukee.

Last weekend, we joined a group of friends for a long weekend trip to Milwaukee to watch the Twins vs. Brewers games. This kind of trip is normal for us. Paul will go ANYWHERE there is baseball, especially the Twins. I, on the other hand, will go straight-up ANYWHERE....no reason needed. I'm addicted to traveling.

And yes, Wisconsin counts as a vaction, thank you very much! (Right, Bri?)

It was a bummer that the Twins didn't win a single game, but we still had fun...

so definitely not a wasted trip!

Pre-game happy hour at Moe's Irish Pub.

Our good friends, The Berndts.

The original "Burnt Brat Tailgaters"!

Yes, we set up pre-game tailgating in the handicap section of the Super 8 Motel.

We're classy like that.

Later, tailgating moved to a more appropriate location: Miller Stadium.

Look who else caught the game? Our favorite fastfood characters! "I'm lovin' it!"

Go Team,

K+P

Everyone's back...

Backstreet, us, this blog, everyone really.

Sorry for the delay...but there's been a whole lotta fun goin' on around here! A couple weeks back, I went on a trip to Chicago for work and then ended up staying, meeting up with some friends and going to the New Kids on the Block & Backstreet Boys concert! (Did you just puke?)

The weekend was so fun for us girls AND I'm sure Paul appreciated having a weekend alone. Well, either that or he missed me dearly. I prefer the latter.

It was a GREAT concert and a really fun weekend.

I'm a Donnie fan!

NKOTBSB cd? A poster? Really? Yes, really.

Segway tour of Chicago - so much fun!

All of us girls at Kingston Mines, a really awesome Jazz club.

Chat soon,

K+P

This Week - Project #1

A new water heater - how exciting?!?!

NOT!

But...nonetheless it was this week's first project. Never mind the fact that it took the guy 10 HOURS to install it (we won't get into that story).

Man, I just love boring projects.

More to come,

K+P

When dancing on a bus...watch your head.

Last weekend, I was able to get together with some college friends and celebrate Krista's upcoming nuptials. We celebrated in typical college fashion...on a party bus! Check out the bus...it was pretty cool!

(I still have a bump on my head from bonking it on the shelf when the bus driver took a crazy turn.)

Some of the fun ladies we celebrated with!

More fun ladies!

One came straight from work, one had a broken wrist (don't ask) and one was pregnant...yet fun was had by all!

Do some of these ladies look familiar? They should...2 were personal attendants and 1 was a bridesmaid at our wedding!

"Heart glasses girl" (below) is the guest of honor, Krista! She also insisted on wearing fake hill-billy teeth (as seen on the gal to her right, below) out to bars...she was a hit, per usual!
It was a blast and Paul & I look forward to celebrating again at their wedding next month!

Go wedding season,

P+K

May the 4th be with you!

Get it?

(Oh, shoot...he appears 1 finger short....)

K+P

New 'do!

There...my new 'do!

That was quick - thanks Sandy!

-K, again!

We've been (car)toon'd...

Remember at our wedding, how we had those custom coloring sheets for the kids that had illustrated pics of Paul & I on them?

Does this pic jog your memory? Well, I was e-mailing with my superbly-talented friend, Sandy, who illustrated those sheets and (being the dork that I am) asked if she'd send me Paul & my illustrations as headshots...so, she did!

Paul, looking happy and...a bit older!

Me, looking a bit blonder and sorta like Lindsay Lohan (minus the trainwreck)!

I thanked Sandy and then reminded her that I now have brown, short hair and requested an updated pic...which she agreed to make. Man, I love her! Sandy lovingly refers to me as her 2nd favorite brat (her 1st being her daughter, Hannah!)

Anyway...thought you might like to see us toon'd! I guess you could say I'd look for any excuse to avoid writing my next final paper (due Wednesday)!! Alright, back to work for me!

Happy 2nd day of May!

K+P

Did anyone else notice...

...that this is my 14th blog post this month? What? 14? That's a record, people!

Someone has been quite the blabber-mouth lately. Well, what did you expect?!?

So, in class (Social Media Marketing) we've been learning about "post trees", as in a blog post schedule that details what you'll write about/discuss in your blog....so it's like putting together a regular content schedule. A sample post tree would look something like this:

Sunday: Discuss physics
Monday: Post photos of Paul's baseball card collection
Tuesday: Try to explain mathematical equations in a foreign language
Wednesday: Post YouTube clips of cats falling out of trees
Thursday: Write a gruesomely personal story about our friends & family
Friday: Recount kitchen horror stories of recipes gone bad
Saturday: Day Off

Obviously, this is a pretty "interesting" sample post tree, but you get the idea. Should I be doing this? Are you guys looking for some consistency from us? Are we boring you with the normal details of our lives that we usually post? (probably...)

Paul & I have toyed with some real topics that we could discuss (with some level of knowledge/interest)....
- Paul could write a weekly post called "Better Off Read" where he'd review a book he's reading. (He does a lot of reading!...and I love nerds!)
- I could write a weekly post called "What's in a name?" where I'd post names...of people or businesses and then analyze them. If you don't already know this about me. I am a self-proclaimed "nameologist". I consider myself a baby/pet/business naming expert. I could also use this post to share clever word plays or punny business names (i.e. Curry in a Hurry). Believe it or not but these are the thoughts that stream through my head on a day-to-day basis....don't even ask about my idea to start a restaurant overlooking a lake that would be called "Czech on a Deck".
- Paul could also write a weekly sports related post where he'd discuss his perspective on teams, athletes, the ups and downs of fantasy sports, etc. (you wouldn't have to read on these days, if you don't want too - ha! Just Kidding, Paul!)
- I could also write a weekly post on a new recipe to try (if I ever decide to start following them) OR a vacation idea OR a home renovation/project we're working on...These are some of my most favorite topics!

Would this be fun to read? Or is the current flow just fine?

If you don't reply, we'll follow the first "sample" post tree I wrote above...get your pocket protectors ready cuz come next Sunday....it's physics, baby! (kidding...I'm no good at physics!)

K+P