Thanksgiving and Black Friday

Thanksgiving was such a great day and we are so thankful for everything. We are so blessed with just even the small stuff, but very important -- Family and Friends. Since this past year has been rocky for some, we are very fortnate. My sister-in-law Liz was talking with one of her daughters. Because I think Brooke was asking why they couldn't do something. And Liz replied with we need to spend our money carefully. Brooke asked why? Liz went onto explain in langauge a child would understand, that times are tought right now. You are very lucky, because you have a mommy and daddy that both work. There are some family that only the mom or dad work, and some that neither parent are working. My hearts go to those families. Not that they weren't living right, but I tell Blake all the time we need to keep doing the right things, so good things keep happening. We will all have trials to learn and grow. But Blake and I are very blessed. Thanks for all the friendships we have created and hope to continue them all.

Thanksgiving was a sad day though. It was our turn to spend the dinner portion of the day with my side of the family. Which works great for both sides of the family. Because all of my side is all together and all of Blake's side is all together. Because we were eating dinner with my family we thought we should go down early to see Blake's parents in the morning. It was a nice drive. Only because I was asleep as usual. Needless to say Blake drives. But when I am driving I do stay awake. Anyway...We got down to his parents about 10. Just shortly after being there, we got a call from my mom with sad news. About 9 o'clock my dad was in the barn with the dogs. And he was taking a cooler or something to put away up to the loft area in the barn. Well, the dogs followed him up there, which this isn't the first time. So it was nothing new to them. My mom said my dad told "Farlery don't you fall." And about a few minutes later he did. It is about a 10 foot loft. And just to the side of the stairs my dad had an old couch. Farley's back in between his ribs and hips hit the arm rest of the couch. He got up, but my dad knew he was hurt. He thought maybe he had just broke some ribs and he knew he needed to get Farley to the vet ASAP. Farley was still walking, but by the time the vet took at look at him the paralysis and shock was setting in. Because of the injury he had to be put to sleep. This is one of the hardest things things that we have dealt with in the family when it comes to animals. Reason being is that we haven't ever had to put an animal down because they were sick or hurt. It has so far until Farley been because of old age we have had to put down the other animals or they have passed on their own. Farley was a cute dog. We will miss those puppy eyes and his tenderness. He is running around with all our other animals that have gone before. It was an unfortnate accident but a blessing. You see because, in September I had to take my mom and dad's other dog Pork to be but down. He was 16 years old. Which is incredibley old of a lab/german shorthair mix. Pork and Farley were the best of friends. They had been together for like 12 or 13 years. Farley also had asthma and he froze in the winter and he missed Pork. When you would walk out to say hi, you could hear Farley's teeth just chattering. The dogs lived in what I consider the Hilton for Dogs. My dad had and still has for Dakota an infrared heater in the dog run. So they didn't live too shabby. So Pork (dog) and Beans (cat), Farley (dog), Max (dog), Bandit (dog), Norman (goat), Eddie (goat), Star (horse), Snaffles (horse), and Frisco (horse) are all together again.

The rest of Thanksgiving Day was very sober, but super nice. Dinner and Dessert were delicious. Thanks to all the cooks.

We made our plans for the next day for Black Friday Sales. Now, I didn't quite experience anything like Josh and Kayla Farr did last year. But I do admit I had some anxitey. My mom dropped my off and she went to park. I set out for the adventure. There was a Cabbage Patch doll at Wal-Mart that I wanted for Kennedy. After asking where they would be I located the general area. I saw a girl that had one. And I asked her "where did you get that?" She replied "on that isle." Pointing beind her. So I went down that isle with a sea of people. And it was gone, no Cabbage Patch to be found. I eneded up seeing this cute train that swirled and dropped the balls. It was cute and a good price. And then my mom called "and was like where are you?" I replied. She was like "I am in front of the Cabbage Patches." And low and behold there were the Cabbage Patches. Plenty to choose from. And the anxitey went aways. Ahhh....So much that girl was for directions. She tried. I do have to admit when I walked into Wal-Mart I was very surprised on how full people's carts were. Dumbie me did not realize how this whole thing works. We got all the stuff and then some needed at Wal-Mart. We had all the items we needed by 20 after 5:00. Which isnt bad and we could have been out of there sooner, but people are retarded. We waited in line for over 45 minutes. Not because the line were so long, but because people crowded in line some where along the way. Once we saw what was going on when we got the front of the line (so we didnt crowd it front of others), we cruised into a middle check out line and we were out of there in a matter of mintues. We then made our way to Sportsman's, Target, Shopko, and Bed, Bath, & Beyound. Talk about a crazy place. Target in my opinion looked worse that Wal-Mart. I heard they had over 2 hour wait in line to check out. Talk about CRAZY!!! Wal-Mart was definitely not that bad. It was a fun day. I Don't know if I can do the 5:00 am thing again, but only time will tell in the years to come.

Halloween

Kennedy’s and Payzlee's First HaLloWeeN!

Okay so don't think I am a dork. But most of you probably will. My mom and Grandma Connie were out shopping one day. (One of the things we all do best together.) And they were in Old Navy. But for those of you who don't know, they have some of the cutest Halloween costumes for kids and babies. My mom in their travels cames acrossed a chicken and a bee costume. I didn't want her to buy it until i saw it first. She put them on hold and we went back together later that afternoon. I couldn't decide which one. Of course, I purchased them both. Obviously she can't wear the both of them, so I took them home for Blake to help decide. When I got home he was sad that I didn't take him to find her costume. But while, we were at Old Navy we saw they had dog costumes too. I normally, wouldn't do this, but it was too hard to resist not to because one of the costumes they had for dogs was a bee costume. I purchased the costume for Payzlee. Because how cute would it bee (haha) for Kennedy and Payzlee to both bee bees. (HAHA) So that is what they were. Blake though thought it would be cute if we could find a flower for Kennedy and Payzlee still bee the bee. But no luck in finding one her size.

Blake, Jordan, Payzlee, Kristin, Brooke, & Katilyn

Thinking

Now if my mom reads the title she will die. Because our family motto is Tigger's saying of
"Think, Think, Think". But I have been thinking of how blessed I am. I have a wonderful husband and a precious daughter and great family members on both sides. Who could ask for anything more? I know we have at least one more to join the family. Which is not anytime soon. So don't be thinking I am announcing something. But if there is one more besides that we shall see. It is too early to tell.

Life is beautiful. So I was reading my friend Whitney's blog (venable's link). She posted about a sad story of Brianna. It is about a child abuse case of a 5 month old baby. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. As Kennedy nears 5 months, I just can't image why any one would do such an awful thing. Babies are so helpless. They put all their trust in us as their caregiver. They are so defenseless as well. We are suppose to protect them, not beat them to death. These kind of people should have their due punishment. It makes me think about all those families who are out their trying so hard to have a baby and can't. And then families who have children them selves or others beats a child. It makes you wonder why God would send such a precious thing to that family knowing the fate of that child. Maybe it was his or her test. But what a terrible one to experience. That is what our agency is for to make our choices. And we need to trust and put our faith in the Lord because he is all knowing.

As for more happier thoughts, we have started Kennedy on rice cereal. And oh boy, does she love eating it. I hope that she continues to be a good eater. If you talk with my mom, I was and pretty much still am a picky eater. I have learned and been more daring to try new things. But I have my limits. Blake on the other hand eats pretty much anything is site. I haven't yet in our married life see him not try something. But there is always a first. I guess you get used to trying weird things while serving a mission. Because from what he has said there are many times you don't ask what you are eating. I just couldn't do that. I have to know. And always wanting to know what is going on leaves no room for surprise. Which Blake sure tries awfully hard to do. And I LOVE it when he does surprise me. I just do not like the unknown. But we in the unknown every day.

Best Friends

So my really good friend Whitney had a baby girl in Aug. You wouldn't think so. You would like she had a baby about the time Kennedy was born. But what do you expect, when we gave nothing for Kennedy to work with. But Kennedy and Reagan are already the best of friends. And Saige and Savannah are Kennedy's friends already too. Savannah makes sure Kennedy always has her binky. Saige likes to sit in Kennedy's Bumbo, which might I add is one of the best things that we use with Kennedy. I have been putting her in that thing since she was about 3 weeks old.

Reagan and Kennedy holding hands

Saige, Reagan, Kennedy, & Savannah

Best Friends

So my really good friend Whitney had a baby girl in Aug. You wouldnt think so. You would like she is as old or older than Kennedy. But what do you expect, when we gave nothing for Kennedy to work with. But Kennedy and Reagan are already the best of friends.

4 Months Old

Here are her 4 month old pictures. We took her to Kiddie Kandids, because we had a gift card. I have decided that Kennedy doesn't like her pictures taken. These were the ONLY two pictures we got. But they still are cute. Granted I am bias. I didn't have time to photo shop them. I am lucky I am publishing a few posts. So sorry for the black in the first picture.

Kennedy's First

Well, last sunday, Sept 20 was a milestone for Kennedy. She rolled over for the first time. It was pretty awesome. I almost missed it. We were at my aunt uncle's house for his birthday party. We all went inside. Blake put Kennedy on her belly and wouldn't you know, she rolled over. She did it twice. I thought it was so cool.


As the week progressed she didn't roll over again. That little "poopers" as Blake likes to call her. In the mean time we took Kennedy for her 4 month old appt. She has a clean bill of health. But we didn't need the doctor to tell us we had a short kid. The nurse measured Kennedy. And when Dr. Evans came in he gave us her stats.

Height: 23 inces - 9%
Weight: 11 lbs 8 oz - 8%

Head: 16 inces round - 39%

So she isn't the biggest kid. But she is such a cutie pie.

And what do you expect when her parents didn't give her much to work with.

Also, while we were at my aunt and unlce's Kennedy had her first ice cream cone. And boy did she love it. She acted like a pro. She grabbed the cone with both hands and took it straight to her month. I was impressed. We haven't even introduced any foods to her until now. Well, at least Blake and I haven't given her adult food yet. But there are those that are out there that know who you are, because I am sure you have given her little taste here and there. (Karen) Check out her first ice cream.

She is concentrating just a little bit. But she sure enjoyed the ice cream.

Blake's First Elk

Blake's First Elk

Blake went archey Elk hunting this year and got his first elk. His is pretty stoked. I am too, because now we have meat in the freezer. He shot this on Labor Day Monday. So yes he shot it at the first of the month, but I havent had any time to blog. I havent had time to even clean the house. But I have a GREAT husband who is understanding during the month of Sept. He has help out TONS. So has quite a few other people. THANKS for everyone's help. Without friends and family I would be going nuts.

Blake and his bro Kevin Blake Sept 2009

CONGRATS to Blake. Thanks to Ryan and Kevin for helping.

Blanket Time

For those of you who, don't know when Kennedy is really mad or really tired you can put the blanket to her and she will calm right down. And yes, she will fall asleep. Life is good. But I have caught her a few times during her naps where she has pulled the blanket completely over her face. You make think that we are bad parents. But what are we to do, when that is what she likes. I think it is kinda funny personally.

Getting Big

Well, this last week Kennedy turned 3 mths old. Man does time fly. Maybe I am basis, but I think we have the CUTEST kid ever.

So my mom got this idea from a cute girl that used to work for her Kami. So I have tried to be on top of it of taking pictures with this stuffed bunny rabbit. Here is Kennedy getting bigger.

7 days old

15 days old

(Sorry about the blurry pic. But look at that hair stand straight up)

4 wks old

8 wks old

(Man, look at that SMILE)

3 Mths Old

(She LOVES her blanket.)

Pictures of Kennedy

Back to Work

Well, I headed back to work today. We took Kennedy to daycare. We were referred to this really nice lady named Brenda. She lives about five minutes west of us. She is really nice.

Work for Kristin - Well...I was a bit lost. I felt like it was the first day on the job again. Didnt know really were to start. But i am sure by the end of the week I wont skip a beat. When we dropped Kennedy off I didnt even cry. Thinking I was doing really good about having everything we started talking about feeding her. I then remembered, crap her bottles. Man what was I thinking. The poor girl will want to eat. So Blake went back home and I headed off to work.

Work for Blake - When I got home I asked how his work day went. He said he probably got more done today that he has the 3 months. I told him, I love you too. But he did say it was quite weird and quiet around the house. Because not only am I gone, but Kennedy too.

Daycare for Kennedy - The report was she got a little fuzzy and she didnt eat well. She was adjusting I think. I hope tomorrow goes better. I did call Brenda to check on her and she said she was doing good. But when Blake picked her up, the assistant told Blake that they burrito wrap her and feed her in her car seat. She is making the adjustment. Hopefully tomorrow goes better.

Finally Did It!!

Well, I finally did it. I created a blog. I will be learning. But so far what I have done, this is complicated. I am probably making it too hard. But we will give it a go. More to come.

New Addition

Well, a lot has happened to the Stoker Krew this summer. First off in the middle of May we had a beautiful daughter. Her name is Kennedy Jade. She was born at 5:35 AM, on Tuesday, 19 May 2009. She was 6 lbs 15 oz and 19 1/2 inches. WOW was she born with a TON of hair! Kennedy was born on the most popoular day in Utah to be born on. The most common day to be born on for the rest of the US is Wednesday and the least common day to be born on is Sunday (which I was born on).

We went to the hospital at 9:30 PM on monday night hoping that they wouldnt tell me I had to go home. I was already a 3 whne we got there. By an hour later I was to a 4. Then by 1:30 AM on the 19th I was to a 10. I dilated to a 10 in 20 minutes, which is rather fast for a first pregnancy. My doctor had me push for about an hour and no luck and no baby. Kennedy was either too big or my bones were too small. She wasnt going to come out normal, so I had to have a C-Section. I was in the operating room at seems like 5:15 AM and had a baby at 5:35 AM.

Here is a picture of the proud father and his new bundle of JOY! (Don't worry the cigar is just chocolate.) After getting to our room it was off to the races. It was an all day marathon of visitors. It was great to see everyone welcome our new baby girl. The first visitor was my brother. He beat everyone there and was the first to hold her out of any of the family. Which my mother was not happy about, but she should have hurried quicker.
I was a bit tired from being up pretty much all night so even when the visitors were there, I took a snooze. They weren't really there to see me any way. They were there to see Kennedy.

Man was Blake like the energizer bunny. He did not sleep a wink. He was up for 40 plus hours. Finally he did get so shut eye. He is a great husband and now a GREAT father. He was so attentive to all my needs. He was right there to help with Kennedy since I couldn't move that fast. I appreciate all he love, help, and support.