Mama day 4

You know what else is awesome about my mom? She makes things special. For instance, when I found out I passed my national exam… she bought me flowers. When I graduated with my Master’s, she got me a really cool courage mirror and a framed photo of myself. It’s not just the gifts though, she is truly excited for me. I know I can get a little annoying with all of my talk about graduation and clients and tests and jobs and all that… but my mom celebrates every victory with me, no matter how small. She knows the perfect times to tell me she is proud of me, or how great I am. And she doesn’t just do this for me, but for all her kids and grandkids. She knows what is important to each of us, and she celebrates with us. And when we are sad or having a bad day, she grieves with us.

Love you mommy!

April 3rd

A quick shout out to my bitch Jackie. Happy Birthday! I won’t tell everyone that you’re 50 okay?

 

Okay, 3 more things I love about my mama!

#1: Her courage! She is the most courageous person I know. I learned my courage from her. She is tough and strong and can look any beast in the eye!

#2: Her cooking. Okay, now I know you are going to say that ALL mom’s are great cooks. Nope, my mom is the BEST in the world UNIVERSE. Following her recipes is pretty impossible (pinch here, dash there), but I LOVE eating her food. YUM!

#3: Her work ethic. My mom has worked her butt off her entire life. Honestly guys, she works hard!! She raised and supported 4 grumpy awesome kids. We didn’t have the newest of crap, but we had pretty much everything we wanted… She went without a lot so we could have nice things… She works hard at her job, keeping her home nice and clean and beautiful, keeping her kids and grandkids happy and sane… I learned from her that hard work can take you places, and I believe it! She inspires me daily!

 

Love you mommy!

My amazing mom

April is my mom’s birth month… so I’m going to celebrate her all month here, on this awesome blog.

The first thing I’m going to celebrate is our friendship. I’m not going to lie, when I was a teenager I was a little naughty REALLY REALLY disobedient. My mom had her hands full with me (and my brothers). I went on camping trips with boys, I called her names, I stayed out too late… I got married at 17… you know, all that stuff. If you had asked me 13 years ago if I would consider my mom my best friend, I would have said no. But today, my best friend is my mom. We have so much fun together. I can tell my mom anything, and I mean anything… like my crazy Chinese dreams and sorrows and boys and all that. We have so many things in common, and there is honestly a never dull moment. Even when there is silence, it is so amazing being with my mom. On Saturday we went to see The Hunger Games and have dinner. It was SO fun. I ♥ my mom and can’t wait to tell you all the amazing reasons why!!

My mama and all her grandkids!

Baptism

Well, everything went as planned yesterday. Kim came in Friday and surprised Parker. He thought she wouldn’t be in until 2-3 in the morning, but she actually got Friday off work and was able to get in right at dinner time. Parker was very happy! On Saturday we all just talked and laughed until it was ready to get over to the stake center. We got there, set up the cookies, and people started arriving. A lot of people showed up and Parker was very pleased! It was quite emotional, especially when Parker took a moment to talk to the guests and thank them, me, and his mom. I cried, as did everyone in the room. During the closing prayer you could hear a chorus of sniffles. Parker’s friend Seth also got up and bore his testimony and he bawled through the whole thing, making everyone else cry too! After the baptism we visited, took pictures, and ate cookies. Kim then took me, Parker, and mom out to Applebee’s for dinner. Yum! Overall it was a great day. Kim had to leave early this morning, so it was a fast trip, but we were all glad she could come!

Parker asked Elder Shaker to be the one to baptize him. A few days before the baptism Elder Shaker was transferred to the Idaho Falls mission, but the mission president gave him special permission to come back to Sugar City to baptize Parker.

Trent, Braigen, Parker, Ben, Brandon, Blake, Braxton, Luke, and Seth.

Seth and Parker hugging after Seth told Parker congratulations.Brother Wilding did the confirmation (middle guy in the reddish tie)

Elder Parker (the missionary that replaced Elder Shaker), Elder Medina (Elder Shaker’s previous companion), Parker and Elder Shaker. I don’t know the tall guy in the back Parker invited 5 of his teachers and they all came! (Mr. Cherrington is not pictured)

Family picture. Thank you everyone for coming! It was an awesome day!

WHOA!!

Boy, has life changed!

#1. February 29, 2012 was the 12 year anniversary of my dad’s death. It amazes me how fast time flies. It seems like just yesterday I was out fishing with he and my brothers. Life is just way too short. He was only 59 when he passed, but I can’t believe he would be 72 this year!

 

#2. March 6, 2012 marks Parker’s second year in Idaho. Again, time flies! Can you believe he has been here 2 years? Holy cow! He was 12 when he came and now he’s almost 15. Where does the time go. This kid has taught me SO much… and even though he’s a typical teenage boy, and there are consequences and such… Most of the time we just have a lot of fun. Parker, I love you!

 

#3. I have been licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Idaho. I have accepted a job as a full time counselor at Arcadia Resources in St. Anthony Idaho. I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given and I am SO excited to start this next chapter of my life!

 

#4. Saturday March 10, 2012 Parker is being baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. His mom is going to be able to come out for the occasion! Parker and his best friend Braigen.

Parker

Okay, so you know how parents are always putting on their blog their kids’ milestones? 6 months, 12 months, 24 months, etc., etc., etc.? Well, I’ve missed out on that… and I’m jealous. So, therefore I’m going to update you on Parker since he is 14 1/2 now (almost 15, what??)

Likes/loves:

1. This kid loves video games! His new favorite is Skylanders for the Wii. He collects all the little characters, and loves to earn them for “allowance”.

2. Girls. I wasn’t sure whether to put video games or girls first… He LOVES girls… And, the girls love him… He is constantly talking about the cute girls at school and how he loves to make them laugh.

3. Snowboarding. He is in ski school this year, and loves snowboarding! He looks forward to EVERY Friday so he can go play in the snow!

4. Spongebob. I keep hoping that someday he’ll get over this! I hate the show, but it makes him happy, so I deal with it (most days).

5. Airsoft Guns. He has little wars with his friends every Saturday… they play army and get a bunch of kids involved. It is fun, and I love to see that he invites everyone. He isn’t one to sit anyone out for their differences.

Well Check: 48th% for weight 51% for height.

March 10, 2012 he will be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He is “stoked” (his word).

He goes through growth spurts and I can’t keep enough apples, grapes, crackers, and granola bars in the house! It is insane! He is such a polite kid, and I just love him to death. Enjoy some pictures!

 

 

 

This is is best friend Braigen.

Silly kidBraigen and Parker being goofy

Braigen either lives at my house on the weekend, or Parker lives at his house on the weekend. They are inseparable. But he’s a good kid. Buds

Hurry up and wait!

Tomorrow may be the LONGEST day of my life. The board meets to review licensure applications for Counselors. My application is one that will be reviewed, and if all is well I will become a Licensed Professional Counselor! I honestly cannot wait!! It seems like I’ve been waiting my whole life for this one moment. I’m going to be checking online all day, and honestly I probably won’t know until Friday or so… I’m guessing. It is grueling to wait. So far not too many obstacles have been put in my way, and I thank the Universe for that. Honestly, how cool is it going to be when I can sign my name: Kendra L. Bagshaw, M.S, LPC.

I can tell you right now that my cursive looks nothing like that!Kendra L. Bagshaw, M.S. LPC. Can you believe it? I mean, I’m not counting my chickens, but I can’t wait! All I can do is just hope and pray that everything goes well and that Karma is on MY SIDE!

Cross your fingers, wish me luck, pray, throw glitter, do a rain dance (<--- that might not actually help me), whatever it is that you do! DO IT!

Here’s to hoping!