I'm Still Alive!! (in case you were wondering...)

It has been almost a year since I last updated my blog, and for good reason. I wanted to enjoy my summer with Kennedy before buckling down for school. We had a great summer!! We tried to go swimming, play with friends, but mostly just BE OUTSIDE any day off that I had. It was so much fun. We had the pass of all passes, which made it easy to go enjoy some sun and water, and even went miniature golfing several times. =) Kennedy loved it! And, of course, we both got a pretty good tan, which I was not mad about at all. It has definitely faded by now, so I am soooo glad it's summer again!! I already got burned, twice, this year so far! Not that burning is a good thing, it just means I was outside enjoying myself. =)

After our fun-filled summer came to a sad end, I started school. I got really nervous the week before school started and really second guessed my decision to return to school. But I did....and I survived! Fall semester I took 3 classes, 9 credits. I wanted to go easy my first semester after not being in school for a good 7 yrs. It was hard to get back in the motion and remember how to be a good student again. Ok, wait....let's be honest, I never was a good student....I was a bare minimum student in high school, so I had to figure out how to be a good student, and juggle work, homework, being a single mama & all that is entailed in that, and of course, attempt to keep a social life. I somehow figured it out. Not saying I did it without any tears or emotional breakdowns, or freak outs. But, I figured it out none the less. Thankfully, I have a great support system, my mom has been amazing in helping me with Kennedy in every way, and I have some pretty great friends who have also helped, even if they didn't know what to do or say during one of my "ugly cry" breakdowns. =) A couple of my friends invited me to West Coast Swing dancing, and it quickly became my addiction and stress release, mixed with a social life. =) I love west coast swing!! It's so much fun! I went through a little crazy time with dating.....by crazy, I just mean, not my "norm", & because of that, it didn't last long...which I am glad about. =) I dated 3 guys at one time for a short little while. It was fun to have 3 guys interested, and they were all fun to spend time with, but I am NOT cut out to be a "serial dater. I am a relationship type of gal, which I don't think is a bad thing, right? =) Quickly I found out one of the guys was not so wonderful....he lied about EVERY single thing he ever told me. Ok, not every single thing....just big things, like job, place of living, vehicle, phone......forgot to tell me bout a one night stand that was 4 months pregnant....are you picking up what I am putting down yet? ;) So, I quickly kicked him to the curb and then had the 2 dudes. Both were great guys, super nice, kind, sweet, considerate, caring.....man! Once emotions start getting involved things get complicated!! I don't know how people can date more than one person at a time.....  However, one of them was MUCH more open than the other. Naturally you will connect with someone who is open about things than someone who isn't. While on a little trip to Vegas to meet up with my good friend Annie to see the Michael Jackson Cirque de Soleil show....I realized my feelings were stronger for one of the guys than the other, and I wanted to see what could come of it. So I had to do something that was hard.....come home and tell the other guy, who I did care about, that I was more interested in the other guy and that we had decided to be exclusive. It was hard....but worth it. =) I have a boyfriend! His name is Jake, and he is amazing. He makes me feel like the most beautiful woman, he treats me & Kennedy SO well!! We have so much fun together just being ourselves. =) Yes, all of this was going on during my first semester of school....I pulled off grades that I am really proud of too! Psychology: A, Math: A-, English: A-!! Then came winter semester......this semester about killed me! I took 4 classes (14 credits)...English, Math, Astronomy & Anthropology. Luckily Jake was great and didn't mind sitting with me while I did homework, even during movies. =) I swear, homework is all I ever did this semester. BUT! I survived!! with good grades again....for the most part. =) Math: A (100.4%--pretty proud of that one!!), English: A-, Astronomy: A- (also proud of that one, it was a tough class!), and Anthropology.......hahahahaha.....embarrassing, but I got a D+! Maybe more embarrassing that I am proud of it?! I HATED that class and had a really hard time going to it, so I was just happy to pass and get the credit!

So here I am, LOVING my free time now. It feels so great to not have to stress about homework and tests, etc! Excited for summer to officially start next week when Kennedy is out of school! We got the pass of all passes again this year, so I imagine much of our time will be spent there again, soaking up the much needed and enjoyable sun, playing in the water and having fun together! Who knows, I might actually get her to go on some of the slides this year!! hahaha (she wouldn't do ANY last year) Ok, let's get real again, I probably won't be able to get her to go.....but I have a feeling Jake will. They are buddies and I love it! It's so cute to watch them together. He can get her to do or try things I can't get her to do.... =) I am loving life even though it still definitely has it's ups and downs. Anyway....that is the "brief" update of our last year. We have been able to do some really fun things, and maybe one day I will get around to posting about them, or at least posting pics from those events......but for now, this will have to do......oh, and on top of enjoying our summer, I will be turning 30 this year!! Not sure how I feel about that yet...... it's a weird concept to me, that I am going to be 30! I don't feel like I imagined I would at 30.......but, I am gonna be 30 soon so I just need to accept it, and embrace it. =) I don't think I will get any older though....I think I will stay 30 forever, & just have anniversaries of my 30th bday starting next year..... =)

Hope you all have a wonderful, happy, & fun summer!!!!  

Good News!!

I should have done this update a little bit ago, but... I am a slacker at this blog-thing.

The last update, I had just found out that pretty much everything I had going and/or had planned, was falling apart...pretty much all at once. It definitely tested my faith, and I have had some incredible personal spiritual experiences. I won't share them all on here, but I wish I was better at keeping a journal..... Anyway, the turn in my life, forced me to surrender my own plan, and accept whatever the Lord has in store for me. I really think the Lord was trying to test my willingness to do this.....possibly for something "big" later in life...who knows. I finally accepted that as much as I wanted to know what was going to happen in the fall, I just needed to throw my hands up, be patient, and wait. I continued to do all that is asked of me, and continued to pray for some peace and solutions. It seemed that week after week, each lesson at church was directed at ME. On Sunday May 22nd, our lesson was about Faith & Charity. "We do not receive a witness until after the trial of our faith." I kept thinking, I am doing the best I know how, at trusting in the Lord....I KNOW things will work out....It's just a matter of when. I never really stressed over it...by "IT" I am referring to my boss telling me he'd have to replace me if I didn't change my class schedule so that I wouldn't miss 1 day of work...as well as having my babysitter for Kennedy tell me she couldn't watch her next year. Ok....so, I never let the stress of it all get to me. I had a few friends ask why I wasn't stressing, & say that they would be stressed if they were me. But, I knew that I am giving it to the Lord to handle, so it will work out, and why bother stressing about it until then? Stressing isn't fun. I am soooo grateful, and happy to say that Tues May 24th, my boss pulled me into his office and said, "Allison, Janice & I have been thinking about what you told us about your plans for school. And, we think we can manage to have you miss Wednesday's as long as you type up a list of who is coming in and how much they owe for their copay, before you leave on Tuesdays." I said that wouldn't be a problem at all, and tried to contain my excitement! What a relief!! Honestly.... it was only a month, but I was so glad he came back to me about it. I had originally planned on going in at the end of June w/a presentation to explain why they shouldn't replace me, had he still not changed his mind. I truly am grateful for the experience to fully trust in the Lord!! I know this seems like a small thing, but I am grateful for the experience! So....I get to keep my job, I will be working Tues & Thurs 9-5 & some Friday's for a few hours, come fall. I am registered for classes, I will be taking English, Math, History, & Psychology. I can't wait!

Now, for the babysitting part.... I have been able to arrange a good good friend of mine to help me out in the fall! (Thanks Julie) She will only have to watch Kennedy Tues & Thurs mornings, since I have my classes in the afternoon MWF, and will be putting Kennedy in afternoon Kindergarten. So now I have everything worked out for the fall, but will still have to find somebody to watch Kennedy for me come January through the end of the school year. But, I will worry bout that later. I am sure it'll all work out & I will find somebody...some will depend on what classes I can get for that semester too.

So that is it for now....just wanted to share the good news!! God does hear and answer our prayers, and will guide our lives if we allow him to. =) I am so grateful for all my friends and family who have helped me throughout the last few months, during the times when I did break down. I really am so lucky to have so many amazing people in my life!! I love you all!!

MARCH & APRIL 2011

March and April have been crazy busy months!! I need to get some pics up on here....as soon as I remember my cord for the camera. =) Here is a quick review of what we have been up to...and I will post pics later...maybe Friday....

*** MARCH ***

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kennedy turned 5

Had 2 birthday parties

We went to Disney on Ice

Kennedy & I went to see Hairspray

Brother's birthday

Re-connected with some friends from high school/ Kennedy made new friends

McKay and I are no longer dating....at all

Kennedy was in her first Ballet

*** April ***

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Actually...her dance concert was April 1st

The MOST exciting part of April....WE WENT TO DISNEYLAND!!!

Registered for a summer class

Realized one class for summer was $750...so I dropped the class

Registered for Fall classes!! =)

Found out my boss isn't willing to work with my school schedule...

Found out the next day my babysitter can't watch Kennedy next year....

Easter! --we had approx 50 Easter Egg hunts on Easter, with the eggs being hidden in the same place each time. =) It was fun to dye the eggs the night before too!

And, of course just busy working and living life... and playing lots of princess games lately, dance parties, 1-woman-shows...starring Kennedy. =) The last couple weeks have been stressful for me, resulting in tears a few times....luckily I have fantastic friends and family to help with Kennedy, and give me a night out to get my mind off of things! I still have NO clue what I will do come fall....but I do know it will all work out. I just need to have faith in the Lord, and continue to do what I am asked.....while continuing in prayer for the right decision to make. I have had some great lessons in church the last few Sundays.... at one point, when everything felt like it was tumbling down, I just wanted to go to sleep, and have somebody else make my decision so I wouldn't have to. That Sunday our lesson in Relief Society was on agency. I truly am grateful for my agency, and recognize that it IS a blessing....even though it's not the easiest sometimes. I have received a blessing, which helped comfort me, and I was reminded to fast and pray so I can know the will of the Lord, as well as listen to advice from my friends and family, who have my best interest at heart. My lesson this past Sunday really impacted me.... about how I need to be willing to let go of my will to embrace the Lord's....I don't remember the exact words...but basically what I have been coming to understand, is that I have planned out work and school and thought it was perfect, but I need to realize and accept that the Lord knows more than I do, and knows the BEST way to do things.....and I think there must be something in my cards that I am not aware of...that I will need to be open and available for....and maybe it's just as simple as, school with work here at my current job, would be too much for me to handle. Who knows.....so, I am just still trying to figure things out and will continue to pray about what route I am supposed to take, and just be open to receiving ANY answer that comes...whether I like it or not, so that I can make the best decision for me and my bugs....

That's a bit of an update of our life! Hope it all makes sense...sometimes I get typing and my mind jumps around, so hopefully it all made sense. Pics will be posted soon....ish. =) I also just realized I have a ton more pics dating back to last summer that I haven't posted...so maybe I will do a mass pic post!

** 5 yrs, gone TOO fast!! **

Today is Kennedy's birthday!! I can hardly believe 5 yrs has passed since this precious little girl came into my life. She is such a sweetheart, still just has sweet as she was the day she was born....of course she has a little more attitude, and more personality! She is hilarious!! She ALWAYS has me laughing. =) She is very sensitive/intuitive to me.....and she ALWAYS can tell when I am not having a good day, where it is one of my "bad" days, or if I am sad. When I am having a "bad" day, she has ALWAYS been so sweet and will curl up next to me, and just lay with me all day.....she is never demanding at all on these days. I love her so much and can't imagine my life without her!! I am so lucky to have such an amazing, sweet and fun little girl. She is my light and joy! I am so grateful the Lord trusted me with such a sweet, special angel. =) Here are a few pics from the last 5 yrs. I was trying to only post pics from her actual bdays....but with our move 2 yrs ago, and my computer crashing....I only have a couple "BIRTHDAY" pics. So I found some others (stole some off my facebook) of her that are "close" to each bday....or age. =) ***picture caption is UNDER the pics

~*~ HaPpY BiRtHdAy KeNnEdy ~*~

1st day home from hospital

2 wks old

Blessing dress made by her Great-Aunt Susan (my dad's sister)

4 months old

Kennedy's FIRST bday!!

In St George, perfect weather! So cute in pigtails, pushing her new bday toy!

*1 yr old * so cute!

(still workin up the courage to walk)

2 yrs old

Super proud of her sticker rainbow on our back door =)

2 yrs old

with Memphis and Wyatt when they were still small

* 3 yrs old *

* 3 yrs old *

4th birthday!!

(@ her princess party)

5th birthday!
(morning of....in her bday shirt, with Rapunzel bday invitations for her party)

Kennedy Quotes & life decisions/changes

Wow! I am really terrible at keeping up to date with this. I don't want to forget some of the things that Kennedy says and does......so that is what this post is mostly about. That and some changes coming our way... YES, this IS a novel....don't feel obligated to read it all, it's more of a journal for me....

Kennedy is getting so big and is so much fun! She is in Preschool 4 days a week again, and loves it. Right now we are working on memorizing a story for the Story Telling Contest. Some days she wants to do it, and other days she doesn't. She is still in dance and doing so well! We changed studios in September, because I felt like she needed to be challenged more than she was at the old studio. She is now at Center Stage and LOVES it! AND I LOVE it!! The training is so great! I have seen such a huge improvement since September in her technique, ability and flexibility. She is also in a gymnastics class there and really enjoys running around doing cartwheels, roundoffs, back bends, etc. In fact....one night while at my mom's house, she was in my brother Mike's room. I went to get her so we could go home, and she was standing in the middle of the floor, attempting a back bend from standing (which she can do on the mats, but was a little nervous) so she asked me to help her. She did a couple, and then said she wanted to do her kick over...which she has done at gym on the mats, even by herself, but without mats, its different. So I said ok, and put my hand on her back. K: "No mommy, you need two hands." I said I could do it with just one and it'd be fine. Next thing I know! She is JUMPING...and arching back. I caught her legs and asked what she was trying to do. K: "A FLIP over." (a.k.a. back hand spring) I said "Maybe we should just leave that for your teacher to help you with." K: "No, you can do it. Just use two hands." Me: "No, let's just wait for your teach to help you sweetie. I don't know how to help you correctly." K: "It's ok mommy, just put your two hands up, and just try. You have to try." ....so I grabbed to her clothes tight, and assisted her in a back hand spring. =) She loves gymnastics.

My mom bought us season passes to 7-peaks and their affiliates. We had to go to 7-Peaks to get our actual passes. As we are passing the park on our way to their parking lot.. K: "WHOA!! That looks fun!" I said, "It does huh?! We get to come here in the summer, once it's warm." K:"But, I don't want to do the tricky's." Me: "The tricky's?" K: "the great big slides. I don't want to do those!" Me:"it's ok, I don't either. We can just swim in the wave pool, the kids area and the lazy river...like the one at the Lindon Pool." K:"ok!" --so we are in line, and she sees the map of the park on the wall. It's painted to look like a treasure map. She asked me where the lazy river was, so I found it and showed her. After a min of looking at it, she said "I don't want to go on that lazy river." I asked "why not? It's the same as the one at the Lindon pool." K:"But....I don't want to go to the pirate ship!" (there was a PIC of a pirate ship on the map) So, I explained it was just a painting, and that there isn't a real pirate ship there. If there was, it would be like the one at the Lindon pool. We get our passes, and start walking to the car...K:"I don't want to on that lazy river." ME:"Sweetie, don't say that until you see it. You probably will want to go on it once you see its like the lindon pool." K:"No, I just don't want to go on it." Me:"I am sure you'll change your mind." I buckled her and the conversation continued the same way. Then, as I was about to shut her door and she said, "Maybe....when you die, THEN I will go on the lazy river." ....hahaha, ok? So, I get in, turn the car on and buckle myself, meanwhile she asks "Why didn't we get a paper?" Me:"What paper?" K:"The paper! The thing, you look at..?" (I had NO clue what she was talking about) ME:"I don't know." K:"Oh! I know why!" Me:"Why?" K:"Cause, only boys and big fat girls can have them. So, maybe....one day, when you're big and fat, you can have one too." =) hahaha Me:"Maybe, may-be...." ** at least it's good to know she doesn't think I am fat right now! =) haha

We recently moved to Pleasant Grove to a basement apt. One of Kennedy's preschool teachers lives in our ward. One Sunday she came up to me after church and told me this story. "I just wanted to tell you how sweet Kennedy is. We got a new student on Thursday, and Kennedy was the first one in the classroom that day so we introduced them, and asked Kennedy if she could help her and show her around the room. This girl has some developmental issues, they aren't sure if she is just slow right now, or if she is actually autistic. But sweet Kennedy just put her arm around this girl and walked her around the room and showed her where all the different centers are, and what we do in each one. Then every time we switched activites that day, Kennedy would grab Mallory's hand and take her to the next center. She did the same thing on Friday too. It was just so sweet to watch her take this new little girl under her wing and help her out." =) of course that made me smile, proud, and tear up! =)

Kennedy is on this kick lately about who is the boss of who. She knows I "am the boss of her". We have also had some instances when I have to remind her, that I am the mom, and she doesn't tell me what to do (with sass/demand/or attitude). So....a couple weeks ago I went to pick Kennedy up from my moms. My mom had given her a bath to help me out, because she knew I wanted to give her a bath that day, but knew I had to work late. While Kennedy was in my brother's room playing a game My mom told me about the interesting conversation she had with Kennedy while giving her a bath: K:"Grandma, little girls can't tell their mommies what to do." Gma:"You're right, they shouldn't." K:"And, people are the boss' of themselves." Gma:"ok..." (keep in mind, according to Kennedy "people" are adults...kids are not "people") K:"My mommy said she was going to tell you to not give me any junk food." Gma:"Ok...well your mom wants you to eat good food." K:"So, you need to tell my mommy that she can't tell you that!" ----hahaha, little stinker. What a thought processor though. She knows SHE can't tell me to not tell Gma that, but Gma can tell me, cause SHE is MY mom....and I can't tell MY MOM what to do.... =)

A couple nights ago, I was out in the living room....and all of a sudden Kennedy came walking out. She had been asleep for the past 2 hrs. She comes out and says "Mommy...." Me:"what?" K:"I...um, I just....want...to....I just want....to um...I just....want.....to have.......a tea party." Me:"honey, it's too late tonight, we can have a tea party tomorrow." K:"But, mommy...."whine whine whine....sleep. hahaha, Kennedy sleep walks & talks A LOT!!! pretty funny! =)

Monday morning, she had a granola bar for breakfast. When she was done, I asked her what fruit she wanted now either peaches or oranges? K:"But mommy." Me:"Sorry sweetpea, you have to have a fruit. Which do you want, oranges or peaches?" K:"But I can't!" Me:"You can't? Um, yes you can and you will." K:"no mommy, I just can't!" Me:"ok....why can't you?" K:"Because!" Me:"Kennedy, why can't you eat the fruit?" K:"Because....I'm allergic." hhahahahaha...whatever. She is NOT allergic. Nice try though. =)

When we play games, Kennedy always likes to win, just like everybody else. We have been working on being good sports when we lose and understand that it's ok if others win sometimes too. Well, a couple weeks ago, we were driving home listening to Josh Groban. She wanted to listen to "#4. It's from my preschool, for the soldiers". (You Raise Me Up -- I think they watched some video about soldiers and that song was on the video montage) SO I put it to #4, we listen to it once....twice....and then a different song, then a couple streets away from home, I turned it back to #4. K:"Oops. Too late!" Me:"Too late for what?" K:"Too late for the whole song. But it's ok, cause I'm a sport." Me:"You're a sport?" K:"ya, I'm a sport so I won't whine when we get home and have to turn the song off. And, I'm a sport because it's ok i don't win games." =)

Well, that does it for Kennedy Quotes, for now! Hopefully when I think of them I will hurry and log on and enter it, so I can always have a way to remember the funny things she says and does....NOW....onto other things. Life is good, busy but good. Right now McKay and I are taking a break..... so, we're still seeing each other, but not as often, and are "able" to see other people as well.

So...I have been doing a lot of thinking lately. And, I feel like I am continually in a financial dead end, scraping by every month, BARELY making it. In fact on Monday, I didn't know how I was going to pay my car payment. I was $30 short and don't get paid til NEXT week! I randomly looked in a zip pocket of my wallet, and Lo and Behold! There was $40!! What a relief! I could pay my car payment! Oddly enough, I can NOT, FOR THE LIFE OF ME, remember WHY, or WHEN I would have put $40 in there!! I never use that zip pocket for money. I can only believe that this is a blessing of tithing. I struggled really hard to put that money in the envelope on sunday, knowing I would be very tight til I got paid again, especially cause I also have to make a payment on my credit card (which I hate the fact that I have had to use it anyway).....but then the thought came to my mind, "just pay your tithing, everything will work out. It always has before." So, I had to remember how I have had a testimony of tithing and can't let it go....so I turned in the envelope. I truly believe finding that $40 was a blessing! So on Monday I take Kennedy to her dance class, and then off to the bank to pay my car payment. I pull out the $195 that I was going to pay my payment with, and put a little extra in my checking account....and then the teller said, "so, $215 then?" I was like "...umm...hold on one second!" I had JUST counted the money 1 hr before and I had the money I needed to give the babysitter Tuesday morning, and $195 for my car pymt and a little into my account so I didn't go into the negative....I quickly counted the money set aside for the babysitter, thinking that maybe I had accidentally grabbed one of THOSE $20's....BUT, it was all there! So, "magically" ....another $20 appeared. I am grateful that it has all worked out. =)

SOOOOO......because I have done a lot of thinking, and I hate this scraping by.... I have decided to start school...I know, crazy right? Don't have a heart attack from shock! =) I just know I need to do more for Kennedy and myself. It will be a long road, and we will be busy, but I know it will be worth it. So, I am planning to start at UVU in the fall. I will be studying Behavioral Science with an emphasis in Family Studies. Once I am done with my Bachelor's, I will go on to get a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy....so in the end, I will be a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am really excited and nervous at the same time, but I know it will all work out!! SO....that's the latest!! Who knows when I will update again....but hopefully sooner than later! *****p.s. Is anybody even still reading this anyway?! hahaha =)

PART 2 --- update....going back in time.....

OK.....so FINALLY......here are the rest of the pics from FOREVER ago! =) These pictures go all the way back to LAST SUMMER!!! WOW....I know. Slacker...but, it's hard to update the blog when I don't have a computer or internet at my house. So....be patient with me. =) I have more pictures to come....though it might take me another 4-5 months...haha. Let's hope not. Let's be honest....at that point, it takes WAY too long to upload all the pics. I started this post on the 21st....and it is now the 29th. No joke..... So here is the update...unfortunately some of the pics are out of order...and a couple accidentally got deleted as I was trying to delete the HUGE spaces inbetween pics.

So...for my birthday LAST year, 2009..... It was a really fun day. Best birthday I had had in awhile. I got to go to lunch with Kennedy, my mom and McKay (we had just started dating). We just hung out, and then Kennedy and my mom made me a cake...so we had cake and ice cream...and then off I went to the airport. Back in April 2009, (prior to McKay) I decided I wanted to have a FUN birthday...So I told my mom and brothers that for my birthday I'd really like to go to Arizona to see my best friend. So...they got me a ticket for my bday....and I was to leave the evening of my birthday. I went to see Jordan, who has been one of my best friends since my Senior year in high school. He lived in Scottsdale, Arizona....so I went out there for 4 days! It was so fun to be able to hang out and relax. He and I hadn't really hung out a whole lot for probably close to 5-6 yrs......due to being married/him on a mission...etc. It was a lot of fun, he had a sweet house...we went boating. He made me an amazing birthday dinner, since by the time I landed in AZ all the restaurants were closed.....then the night before I left, we had a pizza night. Jordan is a great cook, and made some incredible pizza....from scratch. =) **yes, single ladies....he is single** =)

Jordan making some pizza...he was thrilled that I was taking a pic. =)

Next is the 4th of July. We started out the day by doing a motorcycle ride round Nebo loop with some friends....then on to 3 BBQ's that day! Yes THREE.....one with the Madsen family (McKay's mom's family).....where we found out the interesting connection of my dad teaching McKay's uncle, and him naming his son after my dad....Garrett. Then we went to my mom's for a BBQ with my family.....then to a BBQ with our friends. WOW...LOTS OF FOOD! We also went to PG for fireworks that night with McKay's parents and some of his aunts and uncles.....my mom even joined us for that too! =) These pics are from our "friends BBQ"

Ken.....he really likes mustard. =) He is how McKay and I met.....

Also during the summer, my mom bought Kennedy a playset. McKay and our friends Ken, and Randy all came over and put it together for her.... It took most of the day, and it got pretty hot....I tried to keep their cups full with ice water. They didn't once complain bout putting it together. So nice of them. =) Tom (McKay's dad) even came and helped too....while I sat and visited with my mom and Val (McKay's mom). Kennedy was inside until the first section was put together. Then she and my mom came to check the progress.....and Kennedy didn't want to go inside after that. She stayed and watched the whole time....didn't get whiny or anything. At one point she even tried to "help". hahaha =)

WEEEEEEEE.....fun swings! =)

In October, I had a boutique to go to in St George. We decided to make a trip to Vegas while we were down that way. So, we dropped Kennedy off at her dad's house for the weekend, then went to Vegas. We stayed with McKay's Aunt Lori in Henderson. It was so fun, she made us feel at home. We got to hang out with McKay's cousin Amy....who oddly enough I met back in the summer of 2004....her husband, Randy Nielson, served his mission with Rob and they were companions twice.....and were pretty good friends. Our friend Randy Christensen went down with us. The three of us got tickets to go see Phantom at the Venetian. It was AWESOME!!!! I HIGHLY recommend going if you can! Then we ate at the Harley Cafe, where my friend Annie met up with us....then walked up/down the strip. McKay, Randy and I all went out to Hoover Dam, which was pretty fun too. They are in the process of building a bridge there, so that was cool to see. Then that Saturday we went to St George for the boutique....It was fun, & I sold some stuff, so that was great! =) Ken met up with us there at the boutique show...then onto Mesquite to hang out with my friend Shannon....Sunday picked Kennedy up, then back to Vegas. Kennedy had fun playing with Ellie (Amy & Randy's daughter--McKay's cousin). They got to have a sleepover too! We all just hung out and relaxed on Monday, then went to dinner with Lori, Eric, Amy, & Randy......and then headed home. Thank heavens McKay does well with driving at night. =)

Us at dinner @ the Harley Cafe

Randy @ the Harley Cafe

Annie & I outside the Harley Cafe...by a bunch of motorcycles

Annie doing her thang..... =)

The bridge....

Oh ya, Amy & Lori took us to Serendipity in Vegas too! It was DELICIOUS! =)

The girls having their sleepover and watching a movie in the loft. =)

Dinner at Lucille's....mmmmmmmm, yummy

Kennedy was with her dad and Amy the weekend of Halloween. I asked them if they could at least bring her for our wards Trunk-or-Treat, so I could experience that too.....since this was her first REAL experience trick-or-treating. =) She was a "purple witch"....and a VERY cute one! My friend Dorothy brought her daughter Avery and so we met up with them too. It was so fun, and the girls were just darling. Kennedy's candy of choice this year was, Kit Kat's. =) She would pick a Kit Kat any chance she could! hahaha. After the trunk-or-treat, Kennedy went with her dad and stepmom....and my friends and I went to the Haunted Forest....it was pretty lame, if you ask me. So we decided to have our 1st Annual POST Halloween Costume Party the next day. Kennedy was a purple witch again, McKay was a soccer player.....and I was..... TWISTER!!! it was a ton of fun, we had Witches Stew, Ghost Goo, Dragon's tongue, among other fun foods! =)

My cute little Purple Witch....that was a "nice witch". haha =) so cute!

Kennedy and her dad & stepmom....though they weren't quite married yet.

"hmmm...is there a Kit Kat? There is!!!! YES!!" hahaha

Me & my lil' bugs.

Kennedy and Pope Ken III, @ our Post Halloween Costumer Party.

Right hand on Green....AHHH!! hahahaha....don't worry folks, though it totally looks like the soccer player is coppin a feel, his hand is about a foot away from my chest! Seriously. =) But it totally looks like he's grabbin a lil' somethin, somethin....so I had to post it. Too funny! If you know McKay at all......you know this wouldn't happen. hahaha =)

Kennedy didn't last too long in her witch costume this night. She was hot, and was more interested in runnin around. =)

THANKSGIVING!! We went out to Eagle Mountain to visit with my fam for a bit....then We had Thanksgiving dinner with the Phelon's....McKay's dad's family. His family is so big....that we had to have it at the church. It was fun, and Kennedy LOVED playing with ALL the little kids.

Kennedy isn't too sure how she feels about all these kids jumpin on McKay....she was telling them to get off....though none of them listened.......

So, she decided to join in! =)

McKay and I......my hair needed a little help at this point.....ugh.

Kennedy and I =)

These next pics are from Kennedy's bday this year! Her 4th bday!! Can hardly believe my baby is 4!! These pics, unfortunately, aren't necessarily in order.....for instance, the first two pics.....were at the END of the day, when I was getting her ready for bed. She is definitely a "poser". She LOVES pictures....and it's rare if you can get one with her, without her posing, anymore! hahaha, so funny. So...for this year, it was her first birthday to have a "friends" party. We had a princess party....the day started with lunch with me, my princess, and my mom. Then I took Kennedy into Kamarie's (McKay's sister) salon to get her hair done "like a princess". While we were there, Val came and painted her nails...she got the royal treatment that day and loved every minute of it. Her friends all came in their princess dresses and we played princess games....including "Kiss the Frog"....made necklaces/bracelets....ate cake and ice cream. My friend made the cake, and it was sooooooo cute!! (the Ariel Cake) Then, that evening we had my mom, and McKay's family over for taco soup, presents....and more cake and ice cream. Val made Kennedy an AWESOME Barbie Princess cake! It was a fun fun day!! I think she really felt like a princess that day. For her bday present I got tickets for Disney on Ice. So, McKay and I took her to that the friday after her bday. Man.....she waited til she was 4 to have a "real party" and sure did make up for it this year!! She ended up with FOUR bday parties this year!! One with her Miller fam, then the Princess Party, the My family party, and then in April when she went to her dad's for spring break, she had a bday party down there with the Hansen fam. =) Lucky girl! LOVE HER!!!!! So glad to have her! She lights up my days and keeps me laughing!

Waiting for Disney on Ice to start.... Her first Minnie Mouse doll

Opening presents....

us and the Barbie Princess cake!

Big birthday Princess

"(gasp) a ROSETTA dress?! YAY!! It's JUST what I wanted!"

Such a pretty little girl

"Kiss the Frog"

Lunch.....PRE-Princess hair & nails

Snow White (Lily) & Belle (Avrie) waiting patiently for their cake & ice cream.

Opening presents with friends

Princess Kennedy and her princess friends. =)

My princess "diva"....she decided all the other princesses needed to be behind her....

Getting the Royal Treatment =)

McKay has 2 motorcycles, & we both like to go on rides. I recently bought a new riding jacket, with all the protective pads, and a new helmet, and some riding boots! We decided to give Kennedy a LITTLE ride on the motorcycle. =) so, she got her bike helmet and her "riding boots".....we took her on a little ride over to my mom's house......if you don't know, my mom lives like....2-3 minutes away is all. (we are in the same stake) Kennedy LOVED the ride, and tells me from time to time, that she wants to go on a ride on McKay's motorcycle again. =)

My poor car got in a fight with a median in January during an all out blizzard! (this created a bunch of stress and problems....luckily they are all solved now, and nobody was hurt)

the three of us leaving my mom's house on our way back home. =) **i warned that not all the pics were in order. =)

Kennedy and I went to visit McKay @ work, and he was showing a friend his motorcycle....Kennedy wanted to sit on it.... (pose!)

This is what I get to see everyday when we get home....Kennedy starts walking to the house, with her Strawberry Shortcake backpack in tow. =) She's so big!

Also for her birthday, my boss' wife made Kennedy & I matching aprons. =) She loves to "help" me cook now!

In April, McKay had this AWESOME bump.....at first we just thought it was a pimple.......but it turned out to be an abscess.....we had to go to the instacare and have them lance it, and drain it. Luckily it wasn't anything like MRSA..... I watched the procedure though....very interesting!! I liked watching it! hahaha

Kennedy LOVES to come get the mail with me! ESPECIALLY when there is mail in there from her daddy.

Kennedy went to see her dad for Spring break....and this pic is when I went to pick her up from my mom's the day she got back. She loves the playset, and loves to jump....she was counting as she was jumping. =)

Lil' Miss helpin me make some cookies!

When the weather finally decided ot be nice one day....in MAY.....we went to Bridal Veil Falls. It was fun. Kennedy wanted to walk in the water, but I told her her dress would get wet.....so, she decided she could solve that problem....she'd just hike her dress up. Yes.....everybody got a great view of her princess panties! =) Since she wasn't too good at holding her dress up, but low enough to cover her panties.....(she really hiked it up to her ribs!) I took her bracelet and wrapped it around the bottom of it..... it worked good enough. =) haha

So.....There you have it! A MUCH overdo update! Now you are KIND of up to date on my life, & what's going on with me & Kennedy. =) I will post another update of pics that will have more recent pics.....hopefully sooner rather than later....but you never know. =) hahaha. Hope you aren't asleep now after that forever long post, and that you are all doing well! =) <3