My little baby boy, who isn't so little anymore, turns one today. So much time has passed, and I've got to spend an entire year getting to know this sweet little human being. Life has only been sweeter with him around, and I finally get it now... when all of you said, "enjoy it, it goes too fast." You were right.
I don't really know what emotions I'm supposed to be feeling today. They all range from happy, to excited, to sad, to nostalgic, and mostly just bittersweet. As a mom, all you want is to watch your baby grow happily and healthy, and reach each new milestone with an excitement for life. Keegan doesn't even realize what today is, and he probably won't ever know how I feel about him turning one until he is older someday and reads this. So, would you please humor me & allow me to address him in his birthday post? Because this momma has so much to say.
Keegan, from the moment I knew you were coming to our family, I knew you would be an essential addition and a force to be reckoned with. I truly have felt, in the time that I have known you, that you were hand picked for me and I have needed you in my life for so long. You, from the very beginning, have been my buddy and my favorite friend. I cannot believe that it has been a year ago already, that they first laid you on my chest. I will never, ever, in a million years forget how I felt. You have been everything to me since that day. I never knew a love like this even existed. But I thank my Heavenly Father every day for it, because it saved me. You saved me.
I can still remember sitting in the postpartum room, 12:45am, looking at you as you slept in the bassinet. It felt all so surreal and I couldn't believe you were actually here. I kept getting you out of your bassinet and unswaddling you, because I kept wanting to count all your toes and fingers, and feel your soft skin. I couldn't leave you alone. I couldn't believe you were the little person who I grew in my tummy for 9 months.
I had to learn a lot with you; we learned together. We took a little while getting used to each other, but we had an immediate bond and it has only grown since then. I have never been so exhausted in my entire life, so out of routine, so out of balance... just a complete hot mess of a new mom. But I swear, they were the best days. They went too fast. I remeber when pulling all nighters became completely normal, smelling like spit up and baby sweat became my new perfume, when sleeping in an upright position became "comfortable", and when absolutely nothing got done around the house stopped bothering me. We have come a long way since then, but there's nothing about that part of life that I would change. You were worth every sleepless night, every dysfunctional day, and all the hard, never ending work. Like I said, I would do it all over again.
I would do anything to go back to the day you were born. And I can't believe that it was already one year ago. You have grown into a sweet little boy, which makes it so bittersweet to know that you are no longer my little baby, swaddled up and sleeping peacefully. Now you are this little energizer bunny, always on the go and exploring the world.
I am so proud to be your mom. I am so proud of the light you are to everyone who knows you. I am so thankful that you are a part of our family, and I can't imagine it any other way. I want you to always believe in yourself and always know you have the full support of your parents. And especially me, as your mom. I will always take care of you, always love you, and always be there to give you all I can. There will never be a day that you aren't loved. You will never need to wonder if you are cared about, because I will be there, every day telling you how special you are. You are truly everything, Keegan Brooks. You made me a mom one year ago, and you've made that an absolute privilege.
This year has been absolutely beautiful and it's only the beginning. September 18th, at 10:03 pm was just the beginning, my love. Happy 1st Birthday, Keegan. You are my heart.
Monday, September 18, 2017
Sunday, September 25, 2016
keegan brooks.
We had a baby, yal.
It's been a week of pure bliss, no sleep, lots of dirty diapers, lots of tears from both mamma and baby as we get used to each other, and endless snuggles that make my heart melt every single time. Keegan is truly the biggest blessing to Luke & I, and I finally feel like my true purpose in life is found. In honor of our baby boy being here with us for a week already (WHAT?), I thought I would share my birth story with you all and the adventures we've had already. Because my life has changed so dramatically since last Sunday; in the best way I'd ever hope for. (If you don't love the details or care to read, I am at least making this entry as record keeping of this amazing and crazy adventure.)
Last weekend on Friday and Saturday, Luke and I were trying everything in the book to get our baby here. We were both tuckered out from real life (LOL, little did we know how tiring this new life would be), and I didn't want to wait til my due date anymore on the following Tuesday. I was very pregnant, swollen, and way too eager to meet the little babe who was constantly kicking my ribs and pushing his head down. (Now thats a discomfort I don't miss). Looking back I had had some contractions both Friday morning and Saturday night, so it only makes sense I went into labor early Sunday morning. After chomping on pineapple (softens your cervix), taking endless walks around the neighborhood (I mostly just waddled...), napping like crazy and getting amazing sleep the night before (old wives tale that if you sleep really well one night-you're likely to go into labor the next), and then of course ending the pregnancy the way it started LOL. (I'll keep that super PG and let you put the pieces together...). (I feel like I shouldn't have shared that.... hahah.)
I had this feeling all weekend that that was it, the last weekend as Luke and Kali and I. We lazed around all day and I had this unshakable feeling that we were in our last hours before our baby joined us. And I was most definitely right! Good thing my hospital bag was packed and ready to go! Sunday morning I woke up at 4am with what felt like really bad menstrual cramps, like theeee worst. I didn't think they were contractions because they had zero real pattern and were so random. Painful, but random. I tried to sleep some more, but by 7am I was up out of bed and taking a shower and eating breakfast because of the pain and nausea. I sat on the recliner afterwards and Kali jumped up on my lap and rested her head on my stomach and kept looking at me like she knew something I didn't. I texted my doctor and we agreed that I was contracting every two minutes on average and that I should go to the hospital to have my cervix checked, because by this time it was 9am and my body had been doing this for 5 hours.
The previous Thursday at my doctor appt I was dilated to a 3 and my cervix was 60% effaced. When we got to the hospital I was a 4 1/2 almost a 5 and 75% effaced. They decided to admit me and I knew then baby would most likely be joining us that day. They gave me some pain meds for the contractions.. I don't even remember what it was called but MAN WAS IT AWESOME. Luke tells me that I got a little loopy and a little funny, all I remember was feeling goooooood. Haha! Around 11 or 12 I was taken to a delivery room where we'd spend the next 10-11 hours. They had me take many walks and I even got to a point where they had me shower to help relax and stop fighting contractions, cause every time I tensed up instead of breathing through them my body stopped doing what it was supposed to. Luke was AWESOME and dressed down to scrubs to help me shower and just be there for me. And he walked those halls endlessly with me and was so supportive.
Finally around 4 or so, my amazing doctor Nicole Anderson gave me some choices since labor stopped progressing quickly and was almost at a stand-still. It was either another shower to relax more, pitocin, or epidural. I decided for the epidural, and while we waited for the anesthesiologist, they had me sit on a exercise ball and roll my lower body into figure 8's, and bending down during contractions to push baby's head down. I was getting some good contractions, and so I started to look forward to the epidural... but I was still TERRIFIED. Needles and me don't go together... especially the huge ones that go in your back!
Around 5:30, the anesthesiologist (who was super awesome...I forget his name because secretly I didn't want to see him walk through the door LOL; I'm such a wimp) came in and we signed consent forms and got ready. Luke sat in front of me while I hid my head in a pillow and tried my best to get through it. I was a little bit of a squirmer... it kind of hurt a lot... but it was done soon and I felt my bum and legs go tingly. They laid me back and told me to try and nap with a peanut ball between ,my legs (goes between your legs and helps your cervix open naturally), so I think up until the 7:30 hour I was trying to nap.... butttttt guess what? My ever famous heartburn that I endured all pregnancy came in big time and by the time medicine came, I was about to throw up. And that I did. And it was miserable. But on the bright side, they have really cool throw up bags..... haha.
Apparently this was the transitioning point and my body went into full gear. Because of the contractions, I couldn't feel pain but I could feel pressure. So I felt all of my contractions, could wiggle my toes and move my legs. We were going to wait a little longer to call my doctor, but on certain contractions I felt so much pressure that when they checked, helloooo baby's head! I was completely dilated to a 10 and I was fully effaced. We called my doctor down and then by 9:50 we were ready to push.
Pushing a baby out of your hoo-hah... let me tell you... is no easy task. But I shouldn't complain because I had it pretty easy, some women have it really hard. After getting my breathing down and learning how to push through contractions, and by help of a mirror (sounds weird but it was so helpful!), and my mom and Luke holding my legs, we pushed for 10-15 minutes and by 10:03 Keegan was born. The mirror was amazing, because not only did it help me channel my pushes, I got to watch my son being born. And it was the most beautiful (and scary haha) thing I've ever seen. As soon as they placed him on my chest I was so overwhelmed with relief and gratitude and unbelievable love for my sweet baby. The first thing I cried was "my baby!" and "you're so perfect!!" and kept crying over how beautiful he was and kept saying "oh my gosh" over and over again. Luke was bawling with happiness and instantly we both felt so much love and pride over what we brought into the world. Childbirth is an amazing experience. So hard... but nothing like it, ever. I could have not done it without my husband, my mother, my amazing nurses and doctor, and all the supportive family that waited in the waiting room ALL DAY. Such troopers. It was an all day endeavor, but it was so worth it and the reward in the end would make me do it as many times as I had to just to get him here.
His cry was the most beautiful thing I've ever heard, and here, as I sit awake at 4:30 am and just got through a night shift of poopy diapers, fussy baby and lots of feedings... it's still beautiful even if it is causing me sleep deprivation. Becoming a mother is the most beautiful transition I've ever known and I feel so proud of myself- cause that was no walk in the park. But I would walk that park all over again.
We had our families sneak in after I fed Keegs (which, he then passed his first stool on my chest LOL), for the first time and they all gathered around him as the nurses took his measurements. I sat in my hospital bed with these amazing heated blankets on my body and I admired him with the rest of the family. I think everyone was instantly in love too :)
Sweet baby weighed 7 pounds, 13 oz- which SHOUT OUT to my dad for nailing that one on the head! And he was 20 inches. They took his sweet footprints and gave him his first bath. It was about midnight at this point and everyone was tired. I was so tired but running on so much adrenaline and outpouring love that I didn't even care. I was finally able to get up and roll my baby in his bassinet/cart to our postpartum room with Luke, and like I said, we were tired, but beaming.
Recovery is no joke. So much blood (did you want to know that?), and so much soreness. But I had amazing nurses and an amazing husband who took great care of me the entire 24 hours we were there after delivery. I also wanted to take this time to thank all of our visitors, for all the beautiful flowers and all the fun gifts. Luke and I appreciate all the love and support so much. Keegan doesn't even know yet how stinkin' loved he is (and spoiled), but I'm sure he can feel it.
We came home on Tuesday, which is good because I was starting to have mini panic attacks because I wanted to get out so bad and waiting to be discharged was hard to get through. I was ready to get home to my Kali (who missed me just as much as I missed her, thats for sure...), and start our new life all together as a little family. Keegan did great in his carseat and Kali did great meeting him for the first time. She LOVES HIM. She is already so protective and anytime he cries, she is so attentive and then whimpers until I take care of his needs. It's quite amazing seeing her love for him; even though sometimes she doesn't understand her strength and Keegs gets pretty powerful kisses from her, haha.
Our first night... LOL. Let's just say we had to call in reinforcements for the rest of the week from the grammy's. But we're getting used to each other now and getting the hang of it. now that my body is used to the little amount of sleep I get. (From the morning I went into labor to the end of our first night, I had honestly maybe 3 hours of sleep. Anyone who knows me, knows that that is seriously impressive. I love my sleep. But I now love my baby more). But its still amazing going through all of this. I love him more everyday and never could imagine how much I would love Luke even more, too. He's been absolutely amazing, attentive, supportive, and kind to me as my body has been recovering and changing. He loves his son just as much as I do and it's totally sweet to see.
We're doing good. We are. We are so happy and so in love and can't imagine our lives without him now. If you're still reading this, I applaud you. Thank you for reading about the most amazing experience that I hold so near and dear to my heart. I have so much gratitude for my Heavenly Father. I can't believe he blessed Luke and I with the most perfect child I never knew I deserved. My whole life has changed, but I couldn't be more grateful than I am today. How people don't believe in a God is beyond me... because when I look at my miraculous and angelic baby, I know more now in my heart than ever... God is so, so real and so, so good. I don't know what Luke and I did right to deserve Keegan.... but I'm not going to question it. God hears our prayers and wants to give us the ultimate blessings, we just have to have faith and trust in Him and do our part.
I hope to raise Keegan with Luke the best way we know how and hope that he'll forgive us someday for the mistakes we inevitably make along the way. It's a good thing love outweighs the messups. Cause there's a lot of love goin' on in our home now, and my heart is so full.
Keegan Brooks Valdez, how we love you; welcome to the world sweet baby.
It's been a week of pure bliss, no sleep, lots of dirty diapers, lots of tears from both mamma and baby as we get used to each other, and endless snuggles that make my heart melt every single time. Keegan is truly the biggest blessing to Luke & I, and I finally feel like my true purpose in life is found. In honor of our baby boy being here with us for a week already (WHAT?), I thought I would share my birth story with you all and the adventures we've had already. Because my life has changed so dramatically since last Sunday; in the best way I'd ever hope for. (If you don't love the details or care to read, I am at least making this entry as record keeping of this amazing and crazy adventure.)
Last weekend on Friday and Saturday, Luke and I were trying everything in the book to get our baby here. We were both tuckered out from real life (LOL, little did we know how tiring this new life would be), and I didn't want to wait til my due date anymore on the following Tuesday. I was very pregnant, swollen, and way too eager to meet the little babe who was constantly kicking my ribs and pushing his head down. (Now thats a discomfort I don't miss). Looking back I had had some contractions both Friday morning and Saturday night, so it only makes sense I went into labor early Sunday morning. After chomping on pineapple (softens your cervix), taking endless walks around the neighborhood (I mostly just waddled...), napping like crazy and getting amazing sleep the night before (old wives tale that if you sleep really well one night-you're likely to go into labor the next), and then of course ending the pregnancy the way it started LOL. (I'll keep that super PG and let you put the pieces together...). (I feel like I shouldn't have shared that.... hahah.)
I had this feeling all weekend that that was it, the last weekend as Luke and Kali and I. We lazed around all day and I had this unshakable feeling that we were in our last hours before our baby joined us. And I was most definitely right! Good thing my hospital bag was packed and ready to go! Sunday morning I woke up at 4am with what felt like really bad menstrual cramps, like theeee worst. I didn't think they were contractions because they had zero real pattern and were so random. Painful, but random. I tried to sleep some more, but by 7am I was up out of bed and taking a shower and eating breakfast because of the pain and nausea. I sat on the recliner afterwards and Kali jumped up on my lap and rested her head on my stomach and kept looking at me like she knew something I didn't. I texted my doctor and we agreed that I was contracting every two minutes on average and that I should go to the hospital to have my cervix checked, because by this time it was 9am and my body had been doing this for 5 hours.
The previous Thursday at my doctor appt I was dilated to a 3 and my cervix was 60% effaced. When we got to the hospital I was a 4 1/2 almost a 5 and 75% effaced. They decided to admit me and I knew then baby would most likely be joining us that day. They gave me some pain meds for the contractions.. I don't even remember what it was called but MAN WAS IT AWESOME. Luke tells me that I got a little loopy and a little funny, all I remember was feeling goooooood. Haha! Around 11 or 12 I was taken to a delivery room where we'd spend the next 10-11 hours. They had me take many walks and I even got to a point where they had me shower to help relax and stop fighting contractions, cause every time I tensed up instead of breathing through them my body stopped doing what it was supposed to. Luke was AWESOME and dressed down to scrubs to help me shower and just be there for me. And he walked those halls endlessly with me and was so supportive.
Finally around 4 or so, my amazing doctor Nicole Anderson gave me some choices since labor stopped progressing quickly and was almost at a stand-still. It was either another shower to relax more, pitocin, or epidural. I decided for the epidural, and while we waited for the anesthesiologist, they had me sit on a exercise ball and roll my lower body into figure 8's, and bending down during contractions to push baby's head down. I was getting some good contractions, and so I started to look forward to the epidural... but I was still TERRIFIED. Needles and me don't go together... especially the huge ones that go in your back!
Around 5:30, the anesthesiologist (who was super awesome...I forget his name because secretly I didn't want to see him walk through the door LOL; I'm such a wimp) came in and we signed consent forms and got ready. Luke sat in front of me while I hid my head in a pillow and tried my best to get through it. I was a little bit of a squirmer... it kind of hurt a lot... but it was done soon and I felt my bum and legs go tingly. They laid me back and told me to try and nap with a peanut ball between ,my legs (goes between your legs and helps your cervix open naturally), so I think up until the 7:30 hour I was trying to nap.... butttttt guess what? My ever famous heartburn that I endured all pregnancy came in big time and by the time medicine came, I was about to throw up. And that I did. And it was miserable. But on the bright side, they have really cool throw up bags..... haha.
Apparently this was the transitioning point and my body went into full gear. Because of the contractions, I couldn't feel pain but I could feel pressure. So I felt all of my contractions, could wiggle my toes and move my legs. We were going to wait a little longer to call my doctor, but on certain contractions I felt so much pressure that when they checked, helloooo baby's head! I was completely dilated to a 10 and I was fully effaced. We called my doctor down and then by 9:50 we were ready to push.
Pushing a baby out of your hoo-hah... let me tell you... is no easy task. But I shouldn't complain because I had it pretty easy, some women have it really hard. After getting my breathing down and learning how to push through contractions, and by help of a mirror (sounds weird but it was so helpful!), and my mom and Luke holding my legs, we pushed for 10-15 minutes and by 10:03 Keegan was born. The mirror was amazing, because not only did it help me channel my pushes, I got to watch my son being born. And it was the most beautiful (and scary haha) thing I've ever seen. As soon as they placed him on my chest I was so overwhelmed with relief and gratitude and unbelievable love for my sweet baby. The first thing I cried was "my baby!" and "you're so perfect!!" and kept crying over how beautiful he was and kept saying "oh my gosh" over and over again. Luke was bawling with happiness and instantly we both felt so much love and pride over what we brought into the world. Childbirth is an amazing experience. So hard... but nothing like it, ever. I could have not done it without my husband, my mother, my amazing nurses and doctor, and all the supportive family that waited in the waiting room ALL DAY. Such troopers. It was an all day endeavor, but it was so worth it and the reward in the end would make me do it as many times as I had to just to get him here.
His cry was the most beautiful thing I've ever heard, and here, as I sit awake at 4:30 am and just got through a night shift of poopy diapers, fussy baby and lots of feedings... it's still beautiful even if it is causing me sleep deprivation. Becoming a mother is the most beautiful transition I've ever known and I feel so proud of myself- cause that was no walk in the park. But I would walk that park all over again.
We had our families sneak in after I fed Keegs (which, he then passed his first stool on my chest LOL), for the first time and they all gathered around him as the nurses took his measurements. I sat in my hospital bed with these amazing heated blankets on my body and I admired him with the rest of the family. I think everyone was instantly in love too :)
Sweet baby weighed 7 pounds, 13 oz- which SHOUT OUT to my dad for nailing that one on the head! And he was 20 inches. They took his sweet footprints and gave him his first bath. It was about midnight at this point and everyone was tired. I was so tired but running on so much adrenaline and outpouring love that I didn't even care. I was finally able to get up and roll my baby in his bassinet/cart to our postpartum room with Luke, and like I said, we were tired, but beaming.
Recovery is no joke. So much blood (did you want to know that?), and so much soreness. But I had amazing nurses and an amazing husband who took great care of me the entire 24 hours we were there after delivery. I also wanted to take this time to thank all of our visitors, for all the beautiful flowers and all the fun gifts. Luke and I appreciate all the love and support so much. Keegan doesn't even know yet how stinkin' loved he is (and spoiled), but I'm sure he can feel it.
We came home on Tuesday, which is good because I was starting to have mini panic attacks because I wanted to get out so bad and waiting to be discharged was hard to get through. I was ready to get home to my Kali (who missed me just as much as I missed her, thats for sure...), and start our new life all together as a little family. Keegan did great in his carseat and Kali did great meeting him for the first time. She LOVES HIM. She is already so protective and anytime he cries, she is so attentive and then whimpers until I take care of his needs. It's quite amazing seeing her love for him; even though sometimes she doesn't understand her strength and Keegs gets pretty powerful kisses from her, haha.
Our first night... LOL. Let's just say we had to call in reinforcements for the rest of the week from the grammy's. But we're getting used to each other now and getting the hang of it. now that my body is used to the little amount of sleep I get. (From the morning I went into labor to the end of our first night, I had honestly maybe 3 hours of sleep. Anyone who knows me, knows that that is seriously impressive. I love my sleep. But I now love my baby more). But its still amazing going through all of this. I love him more everyday and never could imagine how much I would love Luke even more, too. He's been absolutely amazing, attentive, supportive, and kind to me as my body has been recovering and changing. He loves his son just as much as I do and it's totally sweet to see.
We're doing good. We are. We are so happy and so in love and can't imagine our lives without him now. If you're still reading this, I applaud you. Thank you for reading about the most amazing experience that I hold so near and dear to my heart. I have so much gratitude for my Heavenly Father. I can't believe he blessed Luke and I with the most perfect child I never knew I deserved. My whole life has changed, but I couldn't be more grateful than I am today. How people don't believe in a God is beyond me... because when I look at my miraculous and angelic baby, I know more now in my heart than ever... God is so, so real and so, so good. I don't know what Luke and I did right to deserve Keegan.... but I'm not going to question it. God hears our prayers and wants to give us the ultimate blessings, we just have to have faith and trust in Him and do our part.
I hope to raise Keegan with Luke the best way we know how and hope that he'll forgive us someday for the mistakes we inevitably make along the way. It's a good thing love outweighs the messups. Cause there's a lot of love goin' on in our home now, and my heart is so full.
Keegan Brooks Valdez, how we love you; welcome to the world sweet baby.
Monday, May 16, 2016
One Year.
One year. How in the world has it been a year already? I feel like the wedding was only a couple months ago, and I feel like Luke and I have only just started. And I don't want to lose that feeling, because we have just started; we've got a long ways to go.
It's been a pretty good year, really. It has been hard, emotional, a little crazy, but nothing that I wouldn't be proud of or ever take back. Because it's also been pretty happy, lots of fun, full of love, and the best ride. In the time that we've been married for a year, we've rented a house; bought that house (closes in June!), gained great new jobs, gotten our puppy child, Kali, and last but not least got pregnant and planning for a little baby boy come this September! I feel like that's a pretty good year.
As we cut into our year-frozen wedding cake, I wanted to celebrate the small things throughout the year. The things that not everyone will care about because they're pretty insignificant, but to Luke and I, they are what made up the whole first year of marriage- so they're pretty significant.
Here is a list of fun facts that were our first year!
STATES WE'VE STEPPED FOOT IN:
Well, this one we sort of failed at... because we've only ever stepped foot in Washington as a couple. (I mean unless you count Silverwood Theme Park in Idaho... but that was before we got married..) So this one is more for the bucket list someday. We need to get out more....
SHOWS WE'VE WATCHED:
And this is what I mean that we need to get out more.. too many TV shows to count. But some we have watched are; Psych, The 100, Baby Daddy, Dexter, Young & Hungry, Fixer Upper, Love it or List it, Fuller House, New Girl, House Hunters, How I Met Your Mother, Forensic Files, Flip or Flop, Arrow, Making a Murderer, Flea Market Flip, and many more I'm sure.
RESTAURANTS WE'VE LOVED:
Now this one we're good at... (as this year we've put on a few extra pounds LOL). El Rodeo will always hold a special spot in our hearts and tummies (first date), Porterhouse, Rock Top, Olive Garden, Red Robin, Milano's Pizza & Pasta, The Cheesecake Factory, and Cafe Rio. (And I'm sure we'll have more to add to the list in the future... lol).
GIFTS WE'VE GAVE TO EACH OTHER:
Flowers, candy, clothes, cards, chocolate, gift cards, month anniversary gifts, Halloween treat bags, holiday cards, Christmas gifts, Easter baskets, positive pregnancy tests (LOL), dinners and breakfasts, surprise lunch visits, and birthday gifts. One of the best gifts that I can name that Luke gave me was this gorgeous winter wonderland/old church decoration piece for Christmas. But then again... it's also tied with the snowman scentsy Luke got me that I had my eye on at the fair... As you can see I love Christmas... and Luke knows it. And the best gift Luke has gotten from me? The baby that will be here in September LOL.
MOVIES WE'VE SEEN:
Another category we're good at. There's no way I can name them all...Age of Adeline (that was actually the first movie we saw as hubby and wife!), The Jungle Book, Inside Out, White Chicks, Princess Bride, The Goonies, A League of Their Own, Field of Dreams, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Grease, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Sandlot, Guardians of the Galaxy, Insurgent, Spy Kids, Night at the Museum, Exodus, Jurassic World, Minions, Let's Be Cops, Harry Potter series and honestly... tons and tons more...
THINGS WE DID:
Honeymoon-ed in Seattle (by staying in the Grand Hyatt, exploring Pikes Place, the Aqurium & Zoo, the Ferris Wheel), moved into a house, had at least 3 garage sales, went camping, horseback riding, celebrated my 21st birthday, went on many dinner dates, went canal swimming, went golfing, went to the carnival and fair, had many Harry Potter marathons, went fishing,went gambling, carved pumpkins, had a Halloween party, bought bikes and went on nightly neighborhood rides, said goodbye to my sweet horse, went to a Cougs game, went and saw the play A Christmas Story, got a fish, announced we were pregnant, went to many ultrasounds and doctors apts, celebrated Luke's 23rd birthday, got a puppy, held a gender reveal party, and most recently, went to Seattle for a Mariner's game and to sort of re-live our honeymoon for our 1 year anniversary! (We also swam in a closed hotel pool at night. It was so fun hahah).
THINGS WE HAVE NOT DONE:
Left Washington, paint the house, avoided any bills (dang it.... haha), gotten any TV channels; we just have Netflix and Hulu, exercised.... (well, we have, but not very faithfully... as you can see LOL), gone on as many walks as we should have since we have the high school track as our backyard, gone to Rexburg to show Luke and see old friends, and we have not gone crazy with buying baby stuff... yet........
FAVORITE HOMEMADE MEALS:
Italian Chicken, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Hamburger Soup, Sausage & Rice Casserole, Chicken Crescent Rolls, Roasts, and Luke's definite all time favorite by yours truly- White Chicken Chili!
FAVORITE DESSERTS:
Cheesecake Chess Bars, Texas Sheet Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Oreo Cheesecake Bars, Johnny Pop (ok, so more of a snack, but its the best popcorn and I've always liked it, but pregnant Makenna has to have it weekly... if not daily. Yikes.), Fudge Crinkle Cookies, and obviously cookies and cream ice cream that we always seem to have in the freezer... (hahah I'm laughing and realizing why I've gained so much weight since our wedding day.)
Those are just a few random fun facts of this year. I can honestly say that I love this little life that Luke and I are living. We enjoy nothing more than just being with one another, and we are always content to stay in every night and cuddle up on the couch and just enjoy quality time. He makes me happy and I make him happy, and even on the days where we may not exactly like each other, I know that we will always be there for each other and keep building this life together.
Truly, its not perfect. We've had our moments, but my heart is somehow connected with his in a way that I know that while I don't believe in soulmates or destiny, I believe that God lets us be truly be happy in our decisions, and He lets us know in ways when we made the right ones. And Luke, he was the right choice.
Happy 1 Year to us. Now if you'll excuse me, we're gonna go cut into that cake from our wedding that has been frozen this whole year. Wish us luck!!!
Stay tuned for next year, when we will have an 8 month old and our story will get much more interesting. ;)
-Makenna (and Luke).
P.S. Fun fact #73648, did you know Makenna means "happy one"? And Luke means "light giving"? Well, I'd say those two go together ;)
It's been a pretty good year, really. It has been hard, emotional, a little crazy, but nothing that I wouldn't be proud of or ever take back. Because it's also been pretty happy, lots of fun, full of love, and the best ride. In the time that we've been married for a year, we've rented a house; bought that house (closes in June!), gained great new jobs, gotten our puppy child, Kali, and last but not least got pregnant and planning for a little baby boy come this September! I feel like that's a pretty good year.
As we cut into our year-frozen wedding cake, I wanted to celebrate the small things throughout the year. The things that not everyone will care about because they're pretty insignificant, but to Luke and I, they are what made up the whole first year of marriage- so they're pretty significant.
Here is a list of fun facts that were our first year!
STATES WE'VE STEPPED FOOT IN:
Well, this one we sort of failed at... because we've only ever stepped foot in Washington as a couple. (I mean unless you count Silverwood Theme Park in Idaho... but that was before we got married..) So this one is more for the bucket list someday. We need to get out more....
SHOWS WE'VE WATCHED:
And this is what I mean that we need to get out more.. too many TV shows to count. But some we have watched are; Psych, The 100, Baby Daddy, Dexter, Young & Hungry, Fixer Upper, Love it or List it, Fuller House, New Girl, House Hunters, How I Met Your Mother, Forensic Files, Flip or Flop, Arrow, Making a Murderer, Flea Market Flip, and many more I'm sure.
RESTAURANTS WE'VE LOVED:
Now this one we're good at... (as this year we've put on a few extra pounds LOL). El Rodeo will always hold a special spot in our hearts and tummies (first date), Porterhouse, Rock Top, Olive Garden, Red Robin, Milano's Pizza & Pasta, The Cheesecake Factory, and Cafe Rio. (And I'm sure we'll have more to add to the list in the future... lol).
GIFTS WE'VE GAVE TO EACH OTHER:
Flowers, candy, clothes, cards, chocolate, gift cards, month anniversary gifts, Halloween treat bags, holiday cards, Christmas gifts, Easter baskets, positive pregnancy tests (LOL), dinners and breakfasts, surprise lunch visits, and birthday gifts. One of the best gifts that I can name that Luke gave me was this gorgeous winter wonderland/old church decoration piece for Christmas. But then again... it's also tied with the snowman scentsy Luke got me that I had my eye on at the fair... As you can see I love Christmas... and Luke knows it. And the best gift Luke has gotten from me? The baby that will be here in September LOL.
MOVIES WE'VE SEEN:
Another category we're good at. There's no way I can name them all...Age of Adeline (that was actually the first movie we saw as hubby and wife!), The Jungle Book, Inside Out, White Chicks, Princess Bride, The Goonies, A League of Their Own, Field of Dreams, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Grease, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Sandlot, Guardians of the Galaxy, Insurgent, Spy Kids, Night at the Museum, Exodus, Jurassic World, Minions, Let's Be Cops, Harry Potter series and honestly... tons and tons more...
THINGS WE DID:
Honeymoon-ed in Seattle (by staying in the Grand Hyatt, exploring Pikes Place, the Aqurium & Zoo, the Ferris Wheel), moved into a house, had at least 3 garage sales, went camping, horseback riding, celebrated my 21st birthday, went on many dinner dates, went canal swimming, went golfing, went to the carnival and fair, had many Harry Potter marathons, went fishing,went gambling, carved pumpkins, had a Halloween party, bought bikes and went on nightly neighborhood rides, said goodbye to my sweet horse, went to a Cougs game, went and saw the play A Christmas Story, got a fish, announced we were pregnant, went to many ultrasounds and doctors apts, celebrated Luke's 23rd birthday, got a puppy, held a gender reveal party, and most recently, went to Seattle for a Mariner's game and to sort of re-live our honeymoon for our 1 year anniversary! (We also swam in a closed hotel pool at night. It was so fun hahah).
THINGS WE HAVE NOT DONE:
Left Washington, paint the house, avoided any bills (dang it.... haha), gotten any TV channels; we just have Netflix and Hulu, exercised.... (well, we have, but not very faithfully... as you can see LOL), gone on as many walks as we should have since we have the high school track as our backyard, gone to Rexburg to show Luke and see old friends, and we have not gone crazy with buying baby stuff... yet........
FAVORITE HOMEMADE MEALS:
Italian Chicken, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Hamburger Soup, Sausage & Rice Casserole, Chicken Crescent Rolls, Roasts, and Luke's definite all time favorite by yours truly- White Chicken Chili!
FAVORITE DESSERTS:
Cheesecake Chess Bars, Texas Sheet Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Oreo Cheesecake Bars, Johnny Pop (ok, so more of a snack, but its the best popcorn and I've always liked it, but pregnant Makenna has to have it weekly... if not daily. Yikes.), Fudge Crinkle Cookies, and obviously cookies and cream ice cream that we always seem to have in the freezer... (hahah I'm laughing and realizing why I've gained so much weight since our wedding day.)
Those are just a few random fun facts of this year. I can honestly say that I love this little life that Luke and I are living. We enjoy nothing more than just being with one another, and we are always content to stay in every night and cuddle up on the couch and just enjoy quality time. He makes me happy and I make him happy, and even on the days where we may not exactly like each other, I know that we will always be there for each other and keep building this life together.
Truly, its not perfect. We've had our moments, but my heart is somehow connected with his in a way that I know that while I don't believe in soulmates or destiny, I believe that God lets us be truly be happy in our decisions, and He lets us know in ways when we made the right ones. And Luke, he was the right choice.
Happy 1 Year to us. Now if you'll excuse me, we're gonna go cut into that cake from our wedding that has been frozen this whole year. Wish us luck!!!
Stay tuned for next year, when we will have an 8 month old and our story will get much more interesting. ;)
-Makenna (and Luke).
P.S. Fun fact #73648, did you know Makenna means "happy one"? And Luke means "light giving"? Well, I'd say those two go together ;)
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Another Chapter in the Book.
I haven't blogged since April... is blogging still even cool? If not, don't read this.
However, I think it's only right to give one last blog concerning my time here at BYU-Idaho. My time has come to an end, for those who haven't heard. I ending the chapter in the book on my little college town, and taking my Associates Degree, and movin' back home!
The biggest thing that has been on my mind in the past few years has been happiness, and what that is for me. For those who know me the most, they know how much I disliked college. Not that I couldn't do it and be successful (I mean, come on, I got all A's this semester in 6 classes), but that it wasn't for me and I wasn't enjoying life like I should have been.
When I left for home for the summer in April, I got the biggest prompting and idea that (at least, right now), getting my Bachelors in Elementary Education wasn't in the plans anymore. That scared me! What the heck else was I going to do? But I remember feeling excited and sure that I would finish out my associates degree and find whatever else that "thing" was.
And I think I found it! I mean, I don't really know yet, because I haven't done it or looked too far into it, but I'm thinking that hair school could definitely be an option. I don't know when I'll do it or how, but all I know is that it's my option. It could be within the next year or so, but right now, I've got a lot else going on and a lot of home time to catch up on.
I'm a home lover. I don't like college, and I don't like living with random girls. In the 5 semesters that I've been here, I've lived with 25 girls total. That's kind of insane. It definitely makes me appreciate my brothers. I also love being in Moses Lake, working, and always being around my family. Not in a college town of unfamiliar people that are a lot more social than I am, haha.
And obviously, a boyfriend has definitely come into the picture, so why would I want to be in Rexburg, Idaho, when my best friend is in Moses Lake?
So, coming into this semester I told myself to make the most of it and enjoy it. I had the wonderful opportunity to have my cousins, Heidi and Marquel here with me and live with some of my good friends from my first semester. It was definitely a party and it was the best thing to have them here with me. It was their first semester, and my last. So many wonderful things happened this semester, and so many wonderful memories were made. I wish them the best of luck in the rest of their endeavors here in this freezing little town.
It is bittersweet, leaving Rexburg. Most of the time I hated it, but it was the first place to call home away from home, and it was the place that made me grow up and learn how to be independent. I think I'll miss the people I met and love most. I'll miss my little adult life here. But I know that I have so much to look forward to.
So, thanks, BYU-I. For helping get one step further in life, for teaching me how to grow up, and for being a part of my book of life. I probably won't miss you that much, but I'll probably miss you a little bit.
Stay tuned for the next adventure in my little book. I don't know what it'll be, but it'll be great.
However, I think it's only right to give one last blog concerning my time here at BYU-Idaho. My time has come to an end, for those who haven't heard. I ending the chapter in the book on my little college town, and taking my Associates Degree, and movin' back home!
The biggest thing that has been on my mind in the past few years has been happiness, and what that is for me. For those who know me the most, they know how much I disliked college. Not that I couldn't do it and be successful (I mean, come on, I got all A's this semester in 6 classes), but that it wasn't for me and I wasn't enjoying life like I should have been.
When I left for home for the summer in April, I got the biggest prompting and idea that (at least, right now), getting my Bachelors in Elementary Education wasn't in the plans anymore. That scared me! What the heck else was I going to do? But I remember feeling excited and sure that I would finish out my associates degree and find whatever else that "thing" was.
And I think I found it! I mean, I don't really know yet, because I haven't done it or looked too far into it, but I'm thinking that hair school could definitely be an option. I don't know when I'll do it or how, but all I know is that it's my option. It could be within the next year or so, but right now, I've got a lot else going on and a lot of home time to catch up on.
I'm a home lover. I don't like college, and I don't like living with random girls. In the 5 semesters that I've been here, I've lived with 25 girls total. That's kind of insane. It definitely makes me appreciate my brothers. I also love being in Moses Lake, working, and always being around my family. Not in a college town of unfamiliar people that are a lot more social than I am, haha.
And obviously, a boyfriend has definitely come into the picture, so why would I want to be in Rexburg, Idaho, when my best friend is in Moses Lake?
So, coming into this semester I told myself to make the most of it and enjoy it. I had the wonderful opportunity to have my cousins, Heidi and Marquel here with me and live with some of my good friends from my first semester. It was definitely a party and it was the best thing to have them here with me. It was their first semester, and my last. So many wonderful things happened this semester, and so many wonderful memories were made. I wish them the best of luck in the rest of their endeavors here in this freezing little town.
It is bittersweet, leaving Rexburg. Most of the time I hated it, but it was the first place to call home away from home, and it was the place that made me grow up and learn how to be independent. I think I'll miss the people I met and love most. I'll miss my little adult life here. But I know that I have so much to look forward to.
So, thanks, BYU-I. For helping get one step further in life, for teaching me how to grow up, and for being a part of my book of life. I probably won't miss you that much, but I'll probably miss you a little bit.
Stay tuned for the next adventure in my little book. I don't know what it'll be, but it'll be great.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Bye Bye Burgie.
Just like it quickly came, the semester quickly went. Each semester is always hard for different reasons, and easier for other reasons as well. For example, my level of homesickness this semester was hardly a problem compared to my very first semester a year or so ago. But this semester was also the hardest academically compared to any semester I've ever had. Stress definitely made an appearance this semester, but it doesn't matter anymore, because I made it through and I am DONE with Winter Semester 2014!
I learned a lot about myself this semester. About my personality, my new pet peeves (haha), and about what I really want. And I've learned lots of other things in general. Here's just a few.... LOL.
- I can get addicted to Netflix really quickly.
- My new hobby is buying/collecting movies, apparently. Addiction? No, commitment.
- I like to sleep with the window open.
- Earplugs are the only way I can get through a night's sleep in an apartment full of girls.
- I'm really good at writing essays, just not research essays. Especially 12 paged ones.
- It drives me crazy when people (roommates) leave all the lights on.
- It also drives me crazy when people (roommates) don't know how to close doors when they leave.
- I'm sick of being around couples, and seeing couples everywhere.
- I despise the sound of a blow dryer.
- I like to complain.
- I'm truly a neat freak.
- I tend to be late to class.
- I'm just really bad at math. Like, really bad.
- Boys just don't look good in mustard yellow skinny jeans. (The things you see on campus.)
- I'm quite the Betty Crocker/Domestic Goddess. I bake and cook, all the time. (And I'm pretty good.)
- Sometimes you just have to call your Grandma.
- Even at BYU-I, people will still steal your headphones.
- I miss drill team way more than I thought.
- I am seriously, and undeniably addicted to Costa Vida. Heaven in a salad.
- Some people just don't know how to chew their food quietly. (cringe.)
- Golden Bear Strawberry Lemonade's are the only way I can get through road trips.
- I have to have a private stash of Dove Chocolate's in one of my drawers.
- I probably need to lose weight from this semester... and the semesters before that....
- Life sucks when you don't have a job... or money.
- I think about the past way too much.
- I tend to be a scaredy cat.
- School definitely is just NOT my thing.
- It's okay to take chances.
- Don't push yourself if your just really not ready.
- You are the only one that can make yourself happy.
I learned a lot this semester now that I think about it. Insignificant and significant. It's been real Rexburg, but I really can't wait to get back to Washington for a long break. Ready to be working again, riding my horse again, and hanging out with my family again. OH, and to meet my new car. :) I'm ready for a summer full of new adventures and new lessons to learn.
I'm going to go start packing, because I'm really excited now.
I'M COMING HOME!
Monday, December 2, 2013
b l e s s e d .
I can't stop thinking about the wonderful Thanksgiving break I had last week. My heart is full and my life is even fuller. I may be biased, but I believe that my family and my home are the BEST. I don't even know how I got so lucky... but the one thing I kept thinking when I was home is how GRATEFUL I am. I kept asking myself, how can I even complain about the hardships in my life, when I have SO many blessings to be thankful for?
I got into Moses Lake around 8:30 on Tuesday morning of the 26th. I left Rexburg right after my last class at 12:30. I was all packed and ready to go. Though the car ride was uncomfortable since we had three squished girls in the back, it was a fun ride and and we got there in good time. I was dropped off at the Church and my mom was the first one I saw. I really love my mom. When we got home, my dad & brothers were hiding from me. Haha. Making me work for the hugs. It was great to see everyone and eat dinner that Dad made. Everyone was happy and I was so happy to be home. Sleeping in my own bed in my own room was heavenly, and I slept sooo good.
Wednesday morning, I didn't get out of bed until noon (I didn't wake up to any loud roommates and it was awesome), showered and spent the rest of my day relaxing getting some homework done. (Yes, I had homework over break... dumb.) Then I made my rounds to the grandparents, and spent some time at my Grandma and Pa's and learned how to make Deviled Eggs for Thanksgiving- I did pretty good!! I also helped snap green beans and make fudge. It was fun to help out!
Thursday was sooo happy. We had Thanksgiving dinner at my Grandma and Pa's and it was perfect. I went and saw my horse and took her a big bag of carrots, because if I get to eat, she gets to eat, right? It's only fair. It really was such a good day. I even helped my Pa make a Facebook. It was so funny explaining to him how it works. Later that evening, I went and had dessert at the Hirz's and played games with the cousins. To end the night, all my girl cousins came over as well as my friend Tasha and we played a... friendly... round of Mario Party on the Nintendo 64. The small things in life are the big things for me. It was such a great Thanksgiving.
Friday happened to be another great day! I woke up and helped mom transform our house from Fall/Thanksgiving to complete Winter Wonderland. We turned on the Christmas music and got to work. She even let me decorate the Christmas Tree all on my own. And I think that I did pretty well! It is white/silver Christmas themed. That night, Dad made steak the SIZE OF MY HEAD, and it was almost embarrassing how excited it made me. I dominated it, and we left as a family to town to go see the new Catching Fire movie at the theater. Maren's (boyfriend?), Michael and his friend came up to hang out, so they watched the movie with us. It was an awesome movie. I loved the books, and I definitely love the movies. Afterwards, I went bowling with Michael and his friend, got hot chocolate, and it was another fun filled evening!
Saturday was another good day. I did have to write a 5 paged paper for one of my classes (could my teacher have picked a worse week to do a huge assignment??), but I got it done and then spent some time Tasha and tried out another new homemade meal Mom made. She's brilliant. That night, we made gingerbread houses... Mine was pretty ugly, but it was still fun! Then I made my goodbye rounds, and we watched Harry Potter as a family. My last wish was to play video games with all my brothers, so that ended my Saturday night and then we said goodbye and goodnight. I drug out my sleeping as long as I could, because I just didn't want to leave again. HOME IS SO... home. I love it with all my heart.
Sunday came too soon. I left at 9 am and didn't get back to Rexburg until 9 that night. The car ride dragged on and on, but I just slept most of the time, so I can't complain. Rexburg sure is cold. But all is well. Only 2 1/2 weeks left in the semester and then its 2 1/2 weeks at home! CHRISTMAS TIME!
I really am just so grateful. I have it so good. I am so blessed. I can't wait to go home to those I love, and those who love me. Life is good.
I got into Moses Lake around 8:30 on Tuesday morning of the 26th. I left Rexburg right after my last class at 12:30. I was all packed and ready to go. Though the car ride was uncomfortable since we had three squished girls in the back, it was a fun ride and and we got there in good time. I was dropped off at the Church and my mom was the first one I saw. I really love my mom. When we got home, my dad & brothers were hiding from me. Haha. Making me work for the hugs. It was great to see everyone and eat dinner that Dad made. Everyone was happy and I was so happy to be home. Sleeping in my own bed in my own room was heavenly, and I slept sooo good.
Wednesday morning, I didn't get out of bed until noon (I didn't wake up to any loud roommates and it was awesome), showered and spent the rest of my day relaxing getting some homework done. (Yes, I had homework over break... dumb.) Then I made my rounds to the grandparents, and spent some time at my Grandma and Pa's and learned how to make Deviled Eggs for Thanksgiving- I did pretty good!! I also helped snap green beans and make fudge. It was fun to help out!
Thursday was sooo happy. We had Thanksgiving dinner at my Grandma and Pa's and it was perfect. I went and saw my horse and took her a big bag of carrots, because if I get to eat, she gets to eat, right? It's only fair. It really was such a good day. I even helped my Pa make a Facebook. It was so funny explaining to him how it works. Later that evening, I went and had dessert at the Hirz's and played games with the cousins. To end the night, all my girl cousins came over as well as my friend Tasha and we played a... friendly... round of Mario Party on the Nintendo 64. The small things in life are the big things for me. It was such a great Thanksgiving.
Friday happened to be another great day! I woke up and helped mom transform our house from Fall/Thanksgiving to complete Winter Wonderland. We turned on the Christmas music and got to work. She even let me decorate the Christmas Tree all on my own. And I think that I did pretty well! It is white/silver Christmas themed. That night, Dad made steak the SIZE OF MY HEAD, and it was almost embarrassing how excited it made me. I dominated it, and we left as a family to town to go see the new Catching Fire movie at the theater. Maren's (boyfriend?), Michael and his friend came up to hang out, so they watched the movie with us. It was an awesome movie. I loved the books, and I definitely love the movies. Afterwards, I went bowling with Michael and his friend, got hot chocolate, and it was another fun filled evening!
Saturday was another good day. I did have to write a 5 paged paper for one of my classes (could my teacher have picked a worse week to do a huge assignment??), but I got it done and then spent some time Tasha and tried out another new homemade meal Mom made. She's brilliant. That night, we made gingerbread houses... Mine was pretty ugly, but it was still fun! Then I made my goodbye rounds, and we watched Harry Potter as a family. My last wish was to play video games with all my brothers, so that ended my Saturday night and then we said goodbye and goodnight. I drug out my sleeping as long as I could, because I just didn't want to leave again. HOME IS SO... home. I love it with all my heart.
Sunday came too soon. I left at 9 am and didn't get back to Rexburg until 9 that night. The car ride dragged on and on, but I just slept most of the time, so I can't complain. Rexburg sure is cold. But all is well. Only 2 1/2 weeks left in the semester and then its 2 1/2 weeks at home! CHRISTMAS TIME!
I really am just so grateful. I have it so good. I am so blessed. I can't wait to go home to those I love, and those who love me. Life is good.
1. My little turkey and I on Thanksgiving.
2. My work of art.
3. I did pretty well!!
4. Mediocre gingerbread house making skills.
Monday, September 2, 2013
RED.
Because I can never contain my excitement, I'm sure most of you know that I attended my very first Taylor Swift concert on Saturday. And I have never, ever been more impressed with someone in my life.
My mom and I traveled up to Tacoma, WA this past Saturday morning. We only missed an exit once... even with the "TomTom" (GPS device). I guess it's just not good to have two blondes in a car driving around in a huge city. Clearly. Eventually, we checked into our hotel around 3:00pm, and had 4 hours to be ready. The concert started at 7 o'clock pm sharp.
I had known that I would be going to a T-Swizzie concert since February/March. It was my birthday gift. Happy 19th to me! Taylor Swift has been my idol... more like best friend... since her first singles "Our Song" & "Tim McGraw" came out. Which was like, forever ago. 2006/2007 ish. So, needless to say, I had been looking forward to that one day I'd be able to see her with my own eyes for a long time. And my hard working poppa bear was kind enough to make yet another dream come true for this girl.
Taylor Swift is a role model for plenty of teenage girls. Late teens. Adult women, even. And the boys all have crushes on her, so, this girl is loved. But, back to the girls. T-Swizzie's trademark is her bright red lips, at least recently this year. I too, have picked up on it. A little color is good. (And believe me, every girl at the concert had red lips goin' on).
With red lips, curled blonde hair, my Taylor Swift t-shirt, and my gorgeous date- the lovely Mama Hirz, I danced all the way over to the Tacoma Dome, which was... really, just in the backyard of the hotel. There was a ton of people, lots of little excited girls- and older girls like me... and older women like my mom, haha... Come on, who doesn't adore Miss Taylor??
We had pretty nice seats. Not too close (haha, is there even a too close?), and not too far away. We could see everything clearly and were so excited that we couldn't even care! The ONLY downside is that we were near a CRAZED fan who was jumping and screaming BEFORE the concert even started and I swear, haha, she was going to fall on top of the people sitting below her. She was insane. Holy moley.
Casey James, another country artist, kept us entertained, which I didn't know was going to happen, so that was cool. He had cool hair. And a nice smile. And could sing. I kind of thought he was cute.
Ed Sheeran then opened the concert, and he was lovely, so that's awesome. He is super talented and I could listen to him all day. And plus, he has the cutest accent in the entire world. Accent's are fantastic.
FINALLY... after almost an hour and a half of brutal waiting, Taylor came out and sang to my soul. Haha. She came out with her red, bedazzled microphone and started the party. She gave away her black hat that she wore for the first performance to a girl down in the floor section. That lucky girl was so shocked and just stood there bawling and clutching onto the hat. It was so pathetically precious. I would have done the same.
I know one thing. There are good and bad celebrities. Celebrities that give you something to look up to, and celebrities that lead you to be someone you shouldn't be, that make bad things look so fun and easy. Taylor fits the criteria of good celebrities. After singing her first song, she stood on the stage, and just genuinely smiled as she was cheered on. (Loudly, LOUDLY cheered on). Maybe it was just me, but I really feel like she really felt loved and admired. She was so happy, and the crowd of 20,000 that came out to see her truly humbled her, I think. (Not that she really needs any humbling). She stood there almost in disbelief of the incredible support. That was probably one of my favorite parts, seeing something- someone REAL.
She was perfection. A drama queen. And she put on one heck of a show. From props, dancers (shout out to my homegirl Caitlynn who GOT her own shout out by Taylor Swift herself!), lights, sparklers, confetti, two different stages, to a floating platform ABOVE the crowd- I'd say that she not only met expectations, but exceeded them! I was really blown away. My mom loved it, too. And my mom doesn't really do concerts.
One thing I really enjoyed, is that Taylor talked in between songs, about how she became to be who she is now. She said she writes about what she knows, and they just happen to be about love. She explained why the title of the album is Red. There's a difference between loving and being in love, compared to being crazy about someone, hopeless, and desperately in love and hardly even staying in control of your emotions. And even if things get hard, go bad, end abruptly and blow up in your face-all those emotions have ONE color to match it all- RED.
Taylor Swift has always written and sang the words that I couldn't say. Because, duh, she's a genius when writing about love, falling in love, falling out, and then dealing coping with your miserable life. Haha. And she's right, even if you fall out of love and you say, "Oh, I'm NEVER doing that again, that was awful"... You find yourself doing something treacherous.... falling back in. Because love always begins again. We just have to let it begin again.
That concert was more than the confetti and glam. I learned a lot from someone who seems to just know it all. Even though I know she doesn't, she comes pretty close, so I'll just take her word for it. We should never be afraid. Because someday, looking back, all the sad, beautiful, tragic parts of our life, will have shaped us into the person we were meant to be. And you just might find who you're supposed to be.
On her closing performance, she walked up the stairs of the stage, stood at the top, and looked out again at everyone. She had that same look of genuine happiness and appreciativeness. I was so impressed with her, and she honestly deserves all of her success!
I had the best time with my mom, and I am so glad I got to do something so exciting and fantastic with her before I head back for college in less than two weeks. (Gosh dang it). I caught a piece of confetti and I plan on sending it to my cousin Maren, who is on her mission, currently in the MTC. I know she'll appreciate having a piece of the concert with her. She was originally the one who was supposed to come with. And even though that would have been great, I am so glad that I got to go with my mom. I know she had fun, too. She even wore red pants. (GO MOM!).
It's all over and I'm sad. But with the way Taylor's fame is going, there will be PLENTY more concerts to go to and scream, and sing, and cry to all over again. Haha. Because I know T-Swizzie won't stop writing about my life. ;) So, when's that next album comin' out? Haha. #can'twait
"Loving him was RED."
Right before the concert.
All sorts of excited!!
Lucky ticket. (Cheesy grin).
Straight cheesin'.
Ohmygoshwe'reataTaylorSwiftconcert.
OMG.
iPhone's suck at taking pictures.
Confetti for my sister missionary.
THANK YOU DAD!! xoxo. -Kenna
My mom and I traveled up to Tacoma, WA this past Saturday morning. We only missed an exit once... even with the "TomTom" (GPS device). I guess it's just not good to have two blondes in a car driving around in a huge city. Clearly. Eventually, we checked into our hotel around 3:00pm, and had 4 hours to be ready. The concert started at 7 o'clock pm sharp.
I had known that I would be going to a T-Swizzie concert since February/March. It was my birthday gift. Happy 19th to me! Taylor Swift has been my idol... more like best friend... since her first singles "Our Song" & "Tim McGraw" came out. Which was like, forever ago. 2006/2007 ish. So, needless to say, I had been looking forward to that one day I'd be able to see her with my own eyes for a long time. And my hard working poppa bear was kind enough to make yet another dream come true for this girl.
Taylor Swift is a role model for plenty of teenage girls. Late teens. Adult women, even. And the boys all have crushes on her, so, this girl is loved. But, back to the girls. T-Swizzie's trademark is her bright red lips, at least recently this year. I too, have picked up on it. A little color is good. (And believe me, every girl at the concert had red lips goin' on).
With red lips, curled blonde hair, my Taylor Swift t-shirt, and my gorgeous date- the lovely Mama Hirz, I danced all the way over to the Tacoma Dome, which was... really, just in the backyard of the hotel. There was a ton of people, lots of little excited girls- and older girls like me... and older women like my mom, haha... Come on, who doesn't adore Miss Taylor??
We had pretty nice seats. Not too close (haha, is there even a too close?), and not too far away. We could see everything clearly and were so excited that we couldn't even care! The ONLY downside is that we were near a CRAZED fan who was jumping and screaming BEFORE the concert even started and I swear, haha, she was going to fall on top of the people sitting below her. She was insane. Holy moley.
Casey James, another country artist, kept us entertained, which I didn't know was going to happen, so that was cool. He had cool hair. And a nice smile. And could sing. I kind of thought he was cute.
Ed Sheeran then opened the concert, and he was lovely, so that's awesome. He is super talented and I could listen to him all day. And plus, he has the cutest accent in the entire world. Accent's are fantastic.
FINALLY... after almost an hour and a half of brutal waiting, Taylor came out and sang to my soul. Haha. She came out with her red, bedazzled microphone and started the party. She gave away her black hat that she wore for the first performance to a girl down in the floor section. That lucky girl was so shocked and just stood there bawling and clutching onto the hat. It was so pathetically precious. I would have done the same.
I know one thing. There are good and bad celebrities. Celebrities that give you something to look up to, and celebrities that lead you to be someone you shouldn't be, that make bad things look so fun and easy. Taylor fits the criteria of good celebrities. After singing her first song, she stood on the stage, and just genuinely smiled as she was cheered on. (Loudly, LOUDLY cheered on). Maybe it was just me, but I really feel like she really felt loved and admired. She was so happy, and the crowd of 20,000 that came out to see her truly humbled her, I think. (Not that she really needs any humbling). She stood there almost in disbelief of the incredible support. That was probably one of my favorite parts, seeing something- someone REAL.
She was perfection. A drama queen. And she put on one heck of a show. From props, dancers (shout out to my homegirl Caitlynn who GOT her own shout out by Taylor Swift herself!), lights, sparklers, confetti, two different stages, to a floating platform ABOVE the crowd- I'd say that she not only met expectations, but exceeded them! I was really blown away. My mom loved it, too. And my mom doesn't really do concerts.
One thing I really enjoyed, is that Taylor talked in between songs, about how she became to be who she is now. She said she writes about what she knows, and they just happen to be about love. She explained why the title of the album is Red. There's a difference between loving and being in love, compared to being crazy about someone, hopeless, and desperately in love and hardly even staying in control of your emotions. And even if things get hard, go bad, end abruptly and blow up in your face-all those emotions have ONE color to match it all- RED.
Taylor Swift has always written and sang the words that I couldn't say. Because, duh, she's a genius when writing about love, falling in love, falling out, and then dealing coping with your miserable life. Haha. And she's right, even if you fall out of love and you say, "Oh, I'm NEVER doing that again, that was awful"... You find yourself doing something treacherous.... falling back in. Because love always begins again. We just have to let it begin again.
That concert was more than the confetti and glam. I learned a lot from someone who seems to just know it all. Even though I know she doesn't, she comes pretty close, so I'll just take her word for it. We should never be afraid. Because someday, looking back, all the sad, beautiful, tragic parts of our life, will have shaped us into the person we were meant to be. And you just might find who you're supposed to be.
On her closing performance, she walked up the stairs of the stage, stood at the top, and looked out again at everyone. She had that same look of genuine happiness and appreciativeness. I was so impressed with her, and she honestly deserves all of her success!
I had the best time with my mom, and I am so glad I got to do something so exciting and fantastic with her before I head back for college in less than two weeks. (Gosh dang it). I caught a piece of confetti and I plan on sending it to my cousin Maren, who is on her mission, currently in the MTC. I know she'll appreciate having a piece of the concert with her. She was originally the one who was supposed to come with. And even though that would have been great, I am so glad that I got to go with my mom. I know she had fun, too. She even wore red pants. (GO MOM!).
It's all over and I'm sad. But with the way Taylor's fame is going, there will be PLENTY more concerts to go to and scream, and sing, and cry to all over again. Haha. Because I know T-Swizzie won't stop writing about my life. ;) So, when's that next album comin' out? Haha. #can'twait
"Loving him was RED."
THANK YOU DAD!! xoxo. -Kenna
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