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.


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.





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

Monday, May 13, 2013

Job Hunting & Home Cooked Meals.

 
I've been home for a month exactly, today. And I'm thoroughly enjoying being home. I may never want to go back to Rexburg again. But, that might change by September. Ah, who am I kidding, I will be going back to school whether I like it or not.

There are tons of reasons I love being home. Here are a few.
  1. CLEAN HOUSE. (Probably my favorite. I love you Mom.)
  2. MY OWN ROOM. (Personal space is always wonderful.)
  3. NO GIRLS. (Except my mother and I of course.)
  4. HOME COOKED MEALS. (That I don't have to pay for, prepare, etc.)
  5. A QUIET SANCTUARY. (Falling asleep to crickets, frogs, and the circle sprinklers.)
  6. HOME WARD. (Babies and backrubs.)
  7. MY BEST FRIEND IS ACROSS THE FIELD. (Love knowing this.)
  8. MY LITTLE BROTHERS TO PICK ON. (Somewhere deep down I know they missed me.)
  9. A HORSE TO RIDE WHENEVER. (I'll go riding for hours around the farm.)
  10. PARENTS TO HUG EVERY NIGHT. (I sleep so much better.)
Really, those are just a few things. My list goes on and on and on. I promise that I am very responsible and independent now, but getting to enjoy these luxuries- I'm just livin' the life, really.

Except, not everything has been all fun and games. I've been job hunting for a month know. It's frustrating, but humbling really. It makes me realize how truly important the decision in a husband is, and how important an education is. Even though it's a lot of work, I plan on finishing out school for realsies. It's super important.

I still don't know when Heavenly Father plans on blessing me with some sort of job, but I'll keep doing my part and being patient. Something has to come along. I gotta pay for school somehow. And I really would like to take a car to school. But I guess that's just a side goal. So if anyone hears on a job that you think might be something I should look into, that'd be awesome! Really needing help here.

Life is pretty good right now, relaxing and enjoying the beautiful weather here in Mo-Town. Everyday, I get to drive our country roads and there's just something about home that can make you smile no matter what.

And what's better than having home cooked meals every single night? Forget cereal, top ramen, poptarts, and popcorn! Wait, no, I love my popcorn. But I actually I ate pretty dang good at college, too, since I forced myself to learn how to be a little domestic goddess. Just kidding, but not really... I wasn't too bad. I can make some mean homemade chicken noodle soup. My crockpot was my best friend at school. But I love now coming downstairs to the smells of homemade rolls and mom's famous dinners. Tender mercies, man.

I think Kyle enjoys having me home the most. And my momma. Landon grew so much. He's so tall, about to pass Joshua up. Since Joshua is losing in the height department, he uses his muscles against Landon. It's cute. Landon has a deep voice and everything. When I got home a month ago, I ran inside and I grabbed Landon first (Ok... they were already trying to run away from me), and I wrapped my arms around him. At first, I was about to ask him why he was on his tippy toes, but then I realized that I was on MY tip toes!! He just sprouted up. Sweet little Kyle is still a little baby boy, hasn't hit his growth spurt and is as gentle and kind as can be. He's a good kid. I'm happy to be home and be silly with my Dad. He takes such good care of us. He missed his baby girl, too, no big deal. And of all things, my dog was even happy to see me! Just sat there whining and wagging his tail. He's a happy, sweet little doggie. And seeing my horse, bringing her home from Grandpa's, and  jumping back in the saddle made it official that I was HOME.

I really can't believe it's been a month already. What a good month. I like Washington much better than Idaho. Here's to the next 3 1/2 months!

 
 

Sunday, April 7, 2013

First Year Away- DONEZO.

    It's April! Springtime. Living in Rexburg for the past 8 months has REALLY helped me appreciate Springtime. The snow has finally melted away, the grass is starting to regain color, and I can go places without a coat. So, I welcome you, warm weather.
    I can't believe it! My Rexburg experience has finally come to an end. I have finals the next two days, and then I am packing up and heading home on Saturday! Okay, well, I might have already begun packing, like last week. No judgment. But, if you were me, you'd be packed up too. Maybe even after like the first month. And I'm not even kidding.
    Alright, I always make Rexburg sound unbearable. Let me not be Negative Nancy for once, huh? I have had wonderful experiences here... and not so good ones as well, that have shaped me into who I am right now. I truly have learned a lot, and have had to push through a lot, but- I have come out of this experience with very valuable life lessons.
     I am ready to go home. SO READY. I think my Daddy is just as ready. I've had my fun here, but we all know Moses Lake is where it's at. The Farm is where I want to be, with all my 20+ cousins. I can't wait to hug my brothers, then annoy them for 5 months. I can't wait to drive a car on familiar streets and country roads. I am ready to sleep in my own bed, in my own room, in my safe house. I'm ready to be loved by welcoming family members. I'm ready to eat my mom's home cooked meals, and NOT have to do my own grocery shopping and budgeting and all that. I cannot wait to ride my horse that I've missed terribly, through the fields and to feel free again. I'm ready to see my excited dog, and meet my Uncle's new puppies. I can't wait to be in my living room, sitting on soft couches and seeing our family pictures everywhere. I am so ready to be back where I come from, where I belong.
     I just have to get through this week. The semester ends Wednesday. Final assignments will all be done and turned in by that day. That makes me so happy. Thursday I will pack up the rest of my things. Roommates will be gone by Friday afternoon. I will see some good friends on Friday evening that are coming up for their spring semester. And then, my parents will get in from driving all day at midnight. I cannot explain how overjoyed I am to see them soon. I appreciate them so much. We'll crash for the night in my empty apartment, pack the car up in the morning, and my parents will take me HOME.
     It's crazy to think that in just a week, I will be in my home, sitting at the dinner table with my family, and eating momma's food. (Ma, this is your hint now, steak would be lovely). So, ask me how I'm doing by next Sunday, and I'll say as happy as can be!
     So, if yal back in Mo Town feel like throwing me a welcome home party- I will gladly accept. Hugs are welcome. Oh, and I need a job. Help a sista out. LOVE YOU ALL. Cannot wait to see yal. XOXO. PEACE OUT REXBURGGGGGGGGGGGGGG.

                                           

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Lovebird.

      Whoa, am I blogging twice in the same month? This is so wierd. Haha. This post is super simple and not really of  great importance, but I had to share my favorite song that I've been listening to every single day of this new semester. The words mean more to me than really any song. I heard it one day and stopped dead in my tracks and instantly tears were flowing. This song- is so me. I'd like to share it with you!
                                 LOVEBIRD, by Leona Lewis

           "I could lay down next to you, stay in bed all afternoon,
              We were birds of a feather, we were always together.
            And I never will forget all the little things you said,
              In that beautiful summer, you used to call me your lovebird.
            But the time went on, the wind has blown, and I have grown.
              And I started feeling that my wings had been broken.
            I can't believe that I would ever want to be set free,
              But I just can't stay, so your lovebird's flying away...

            Your lovebird's flying away, cause my heart's been stuck in a cage,
              Gotta sing my song so pretty, dum dum diddy.
            And I miss you every day, but there's nothing left to say,
              Gotta sing my song so pretty, dum dum diddy.

             I want the world at my feet, even if it's bittersweet,
              Want to stand on my own end, with my heart in my own hands.
            Because I've begun to see, that you and me- we're different breeds,
              So I've gotta be leaving, got to get back to breathing.
            And I can't believe that I would ever want to be set free,
              But I just can't stay, so your lovebird's flying away...

           Your lovebird's flying away, cause my heart's been stuck in a cage,
             Gotta sing my song so pretty, dum dum diddy.
           And I miss you every day, but there's nothing left to say,
             Gotta sing my song so pretty, dum dum diddy.

           And you'll always be a part of me, you made me who I am.
             But I gotta say I'm not afraid to take my wings back.
           They say if you love something, let it go, let it go, let it go.
             Open up the gates, cause your lovebird's flying away...

           Your lovebird's flying away, cause my heart's been stuck in a cage,
            Gotta sing my song so pretty, dum dum diddy.
          And I miss you every day, but there's nothing left to say,
            Gotta sing my song so pretty, dum dum diddy."

Click here to listen to the song if you haven't heard it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3KotP1V0E8
    
                I just really like this song. If my life had a soundtrack, this would most definitely be on it! Haha. Happy Sunday to all. I guess I should probably be listening to church music today, my bad.....