17
Apr 12

February Update…

Where has the time gone? It seemed like we were enjoying February and now it’s mid-April and the time to meet our little one is fast approaching! So, to catch up in our fun and busy life, here is a snapshot of the rest of February after the weddings.

Robert and I celebrated our eighth monthaversary and Valentine’s together by going out to a quaint little restaurant called Egg Harbor in the morning, then the beautiful Grand Lux Café in the evening! Since we rarely get out, this was a VERY special treat for me! Robert wouldn’t tell me where we were going in the evening, but I was to dress up and don’t eat anything. I gladly complied!

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Later that month, my sister, Aleita, was in the states visiting and taking the courses at the San Antonio Film Festival and she “just happened” to have a three hour layover in Chicago! Robert, Tabitha Paine and I went to pick her up and take her out to eat ~ it was soooo wonderful to see her again!!!  This was the first time Aleita “met” KeBo…the next time we see her, our little one will be here, Lord willing!

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11
Mar 12

The new ALERT promo video!

After serving at ALERT for over a year as head chef in the kitchen, plus having my two brothers go through the program, I am a huge fan of ALERT (Air Land Emergency Resource Team) and the incredible work they do with young men in preparing them to make a difference in the world.  Their goal is to equip men to be honest, hardworking men of character who are not control by peer pressure, but by the Word of God.  Enjoy the video below to grasp just a bit of what this incredible program involves:

[vimeo width=”540″ height=”310″]http://vimeo.com/38052319[/vimeo]

27
Feb 12

Dan & Courtney Bertin’s Wedding!

This past Saturday, Robert and I drove 4+ hours down to Iowa to attend Dan & Courtney’s wedding in the beautiful countryside nestling a small, white church. (Just as an FYI, someone suggested drinking a carbonated drink to help with the motion sickness I’ve been having since my pregnancy started and it worked! Praise the Lord!) The wedding was beautiful and the happy couple did a great job in organizing the ceremony smoothly and with meaning. The pastor gave a wonderful sermon and we really enjoyed getting to see the Bertin family again and visit during the reception.

Ben Bertin played the prelude music...Timo was SO proud to excort his sister down the isle!Here comes the bride!2012_02_25_KLS_0017Becky and her parents, Aunty Eleanor and Uncle MikeMr. & Mrs. Dan Bertin!The happy couple!Becky, Abigail & TimoThe Bertin Family!Little Victoria and Abigail did a great job during the wedding...but they were in need of naps by picture taking time. :)


 

The next day on Sunday, Robert and I went to the airport to visit with my sister, Aleita, during her 3-hour layover here in Chicago!  It was so good to see her again!

Kendalyn, Aleita & Tabitha PaineThis was the first time Aleita "met" the little one!She was RATHER excited! :)Aleita, Kendalyn & Robert


16
Feb 12

David & Priscilla Waller’s wedding!

This must have been the quickest start-to-finish relationship I have ever seen – just another example of how the Lord works in different ways for different people!  David Waller & Priscilla Keller began courting in September, were engaged in November, and married February 4th!  We often had them over in our home and enjoyed their fellowship very much.

The wedding was beautiful with God-honoring symbols of love and commitment each step of the way in the ceremony.  Many came to watch and even more watched the wedding online!  You can see their wedding at  http://davidlovespriscilla.com/.  God was glorified and two happy people began their lives together!

Kendalyn, Robert, and Baby "KeBo" :)David and his groomsmenThe Duggar Family sang a couple songs during the prelude.Mr. & Mrs. WallerHere comes the bride!David waits for her...the last time he will have to wait!Lighting the unity candleDavid and Priscilla had their parents and close couple friends pray over their new life together.Their first kiss!A VERY happy couple! Mr. & Mrs. David Waller!2012_02_04_KLS_0209Cutting the cake


On Sunday, after the wedding, Robert, our friend Katherine, and I went to tour St. Augustine.  What a beautiful place!  We toured the lighthouse, the fort, and walked along the quaint little street laden with clothing shops, ice cream and treats, and restaurants before finally ending at the Columbia for a delicious lunch.

2012_02_05_KLS_0002Katherine, Kendalyn & RobertYes, I climbed all 219 stairs up to the top of the lighthouse!2012_02_05_KLS_0021Touring the fort and watching two cannons fire!Don't we fit in well!  :)Katherine was a school teacher for many, many years...and here she stands by the oldest schoolhouse in the USA!


31
Jan 12

January…

This month has flown by with lots of company, visiting, and good food!  My parents came down for over a week from the 9th to the 17th. Then we had a brief few days to turn around before Robert’s parents came for five days!  We had so much fun and made lots of special memories.

Mama and Dad Kowalchuk came to see Chicago and visit so we packed as much as we could into their week. We went downtown Chicago, I took Mama shopping all over the place (and found some WONDERFUL deals!), Mama and Dad bought me some cute maternity clothes (ah! They’re just wonderful!), we tried several different “Chicago style” restaurants, they attended our midwife appointment with us, and anything else we could fit into the schedule. Dad found many things to fix around the house that we haven’t had a chance to get to – what a blessing!  He fixed our weather-stripping, the patio door, the closet door, organized the garage better, fixed umpteen things, and went through the car thoroughly with Robert, replacing the brake pads and springs. True to their goal, Mama and Dad left our house better than they found it!Dad (a former baker) teaching Robert how to make rolls.Mama practicing the piano!Mama in our guest room...complete with the beautiful quilt my sister, Aleita, made!Mama and Dad gave me a sewing machine! Mending, here we come!2012_01_17_KLS_00182012_01_17_KLS_00202012_01_17_KLS_0025


Mom and Dad Staddon’s visit was a bit more laid back because they came to Chicago as part of a Sabbatical to plan out their year. We still had company and games, an evening out to a restaurant, and a Basic Seminar session with Tanya, but they did find time to spend alone in prayer and planning.

Watching the Basic Seminar with Samuel and Tanya Harbuzuik2012_01_25_KLS_0006


31
Dec 11

Visiting Friends!

The week following Christmas, Robert and I took off and visited some friends in West Virginia and North Carolina.

Aunty Alice and Uncle Ralph Andrus are a dear couple in WV who have been a part of my life since before I was born.  They led my Mama back to the Lord, counseled and married my parents, baptized both my parents and siblings over the years, and dedicated us when we were babies.  They continue to be a special part of our lives and we couldn’t drive past them and miss a chance to visit!

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Our next stop was Lauren and Josiah Faas in Raleigh, NC.  Lauren and I took college courses together, roomed together in Chicago, and still stay in touch as very close friends.  I was able to meet her little girl, Lily Rose, for the first time, too!

A year and a half ago, Josiah asked Lauren to marry him at this spot!Robert & KendalynMy dear, wonderful friend, Lauren and her beautiful daughter, Lily Rose.Lily was such a calm baby with precious facial expressions!2011_12_28_KLS_0015Such a beautiful family!


The Stelzls graciously opened their home for a visit so Robert and I enjoyed a couple days in their incredible hospitality!  The boys loved Robert and kept him busy wrestling, tackling football, playing games, telling stories, and playing the piano!  We feasted on incredibly delicious food and enjoyed fun fellowship, good talks, and uplifting singing by the campfire.

Tackle!2011_12_29_KLS_0006Timmy is hanging on for dear life!The Stelzl children (Timmy had a hard time letting "Robbie" leave).  :)


31
Dec 11

Christmas Time!

Christmas week was busy as we had four very special guests come for a visit to our home in Chicago the weekend before and stay overnight. Then we left Monday for time at home with the Staddon family and friends.  Here is a glimpse into our two exciting weeks!

Our guests: Mr. & Mrs. Gren (also known as my dear, sweet, wonderful spiritual heroine, Elisabeth Elliot!), and Danielle Sobie with her mom!

Elisabeth  Elliot GrenRobert, Daniel, Mr. & Mrs. Gren, and I!Dani and I were both caregivers for Elisabeth.  I spent four wonderful months with her, but Dani was able to spend an entire year with them!Mrs. Sobie, Dani, and I!


At the Staddons home, we began Christmas festivities with concerts:

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Christmas cooking decorating:

James working on a creationGrandma & Grandpa supervisedDavidMichael with his intricate Santa!Esther & RobertI made Robert a little man in a suit (please note his goatee!), and he made me a pregnant angel and my name in little decorations!Some of the finished products!


Ice Skating:

2011_12_23_KLS_0002Esther & PeytonEveryone playing on the ice ~ I enjoyed watching everyone from the sideboards and talking to Mama on the phone.  :)2011_12_23_KLS_0039


And Christmas Day!

Kendalyn & Esther2011_12_24_KLS_00142011_12_25_KLS_00022011_12_25_KLS_00052011_12_25_KLS_0012


22
Dec 11

Handbells at the Christmas Conference!

This year for our staff Christmas Conference, the staff put together a handbell choir.  Becky Keilen orchestrated music for the bells, the piano, harp (my instrument!), and cello and it was a enjoyable time practicing for the performance!  Robert was animated as he conducted the choir and the audience had a difficult time whether to look behind them to Robert’s stand, or toward the front with the people playing bells! 🙂 Everyone did a fantastic job on the bells and the audience talked that evening about the uplifting song and smiles on the faces of the bell players.  It was definitely one of the highlights of the conference for me!

2011_12_10_KLS_00012011_12_10_KLS_0003Evy & Tim Porter's son is starting early in the tech world!Kara & Kendalyn2011_12_10_KLS_0018Our animated and joyful conductor!2011_12_10_KLS_00282011_12_10_KLS_0044


15
Dec 11

Reliving the Charles Dickens era!

Our den was transformed in just a few hours as Libby Zellon and Emily Oliverio, with the help of Eddie and Ethan, shoved our furniture to the back of the room and put in a long table laden with a large center piece filled with vegetables and fruit. The room took on a glow as candles were lit and decorations were hung. Christmas lights sparkled and the pewter dishes caught the cheerful reflection.

Delicious food put the thirteen participants around the table at ease and made the conversation lively.  Libby even made homemade eggnog and Emily made a delicious homemade apple pie!

After a leisurely meal, everyone joined in to put items away and get the room back to its original state.  More cookies and dessert followed as everyone settled in the den to watch “The Muppets Christmas Carol.”  A relaxing evening to a lovely Charles Dickens tradition!

The inviting table2011_12_07_KLS_0008The participants in full costume: (clockwise from far left) Ethan (who dressed as Marley in duct tape chains), Toni, Zach, Derreck, Robert, Eddie, Josiah, Barak, Marty, and DanielBarak, Ethan, and JosiahVirginia & AbbyDerreck, Eddie, Marty, Daniel, and ZackToni serving the meal2011_12_07_KLS_0032Emily!Everyone needs a Marley at a Charles Dickens event! David met that need...Our fabulous servers: Libby, Emily, Toni, and Brannon!

Please note Robert's fine attire. :) He was the perfect host!


04
Dec 11

Good Friends & Little Voices…

This past October, we had five visitors come to liven our home and send joy throughout the rooms as little voices sang out in play and creativity.  Keon Pendergast drove the ALERT bus so the guys in Phase 2 could attend a Journey to the Heart, and he brought his wonderful family with him!  Although Corrie was a bridesmaid at my wedding, we had little time to talk and there was much to catch up on!

We enjoyed the 10 days they were able to stay with us, and especially the 4 days Robert and I took care of the children so Corrie and Keon could take some time together up in the Northwoods.  We took the kiddos to a fire station, make sugar cookies, played football, read books, and watched “Facing the Giants!”  The time with them was so precious and wonderful and we are so grateful they could come to Chicago!  With Corrie expecting her fourth child, I had many questions as I entered this phase in life for the first time!

While we were watching the children, we received a call from the traveling ALERT Mobile Ministry Team (MMT) asking if they could spend the night with us.  Why of course!  They gave us a full concert of the songs they’ve been singing all around the country as they have given of their time and energy for free to families and individuals who needed help with projects.  The little kiddos were happy to see the guys from ALERT again and we all enjoyed their music.

Robert, Kendalyn, Corrie & Keon, Katy, Clayton, and Connor2011_10_27_KLS_00022011_10_26_KLS_0011When Robert came home at lunch, the boys wanted to play football so out they went...suit and all!2011_10_27_KLS_00092011_10_27_KLS_00122011_10_27_KLS_00152011_10_28_KLS_00022011_10_28_KLS_00062011_10_28_KLS_00082011_10_29_KLS_00022011_10_29_KLS_00062011_10_29_KLS_00112011_10_29_KLS_00132011_10_29_KLS_00182011_10_29_KLS_00292011_10_29_KLS_00532011_10_29_KLS_00552011_10_29_KLS_0068