Beauty Mark Giveaway!

I am so excited about this giveaway and I hope I win! A total make over, amazing!!

Go here to enter: http://www.thebeautymarkgirls.com/

You'll thank me! :)

Life through Instagram pictures

I have not been in the mood for blogging, and frankly my life has been so boring I have nothing to blog about.  But a few people are bugging me to update so I decided just to give you our life through pictures, in no particular order! :)

 1) We had family pictures taken.  Here is a sneak peak. I think they turned out great! 2) Kenz is crazier than every and thinks that she can now ride on the front of the cart. Have I ever told you she is her father's child? 3) Our dogs are so patient. They let Kenz pick on, jump on, and do all sorts of things to them and they just sit and take it.  We were definitely blessed with great dogs.  4) We attended the Gilbert Rodeo. What.a.waste.of.money. Seriously, so sad. I LOVE rodeos and we attended the Gilbert rodeo a few years ago when they were at the old grounds and loved it.  But this year they were slow, unorganized, and just plain awful.  I sure hope they improve.

 5) She still love the pipad (Ipad) and KJ, although she always acts shy around him at first and then is his best friend. 6) I love driving by the Gilbert temple and watching its progress.  We are getting so close. What a beautiful building that I get to see on a weekly basis. 7) Kenz has a purse obsession just like her mom :).  Dad is going to have to get 3 jobs just to support our purses! 8) We purchased this wagon for $10 on a facebook site.  BEST $10 EVER! Kenz seriously loves it!

9) We celebrated Halloween. Kenz was an ASU cheerleader and a very cute one at that! Her dad dressed up as an army man (so easy) and I couldn't help but capture this cute picture.  10) She rode around in her wagon while we trick or treated. I did, however, make her walk up to the house to get candy. 11) She loved carving pumpkins, and wanted to be in every aspect of it.  12) She continues to help her dad work on the cars.  In this instance she was helping him change the oil.  We don't know why he needed that tool, but hey he loves her help.

That's all for now! Hope to be back sooner than later!

DISNEY!!!!!

So if you know me personally, you know how much I LOVE Disneyland.  Like if I was a billionaire I would have an annual park hopper pass and a timeshare for a hotel near Disney.  That is how much I love it! Anyways, a couple of weeks ago we packed up, brought Aunt Jean over to watch Kenz and headed to Cali bright and early (like 3:30am.)

*Warning--this post will contain lots of pictures, feel free to scroll through as you wish!

Here is our group!

We drove up on a Thursday morning, stopped for breakfast and went straight to Disneyland!

We decided we would head straight to Cars Land (because we had heard how long the lines could get) hoping that we wouldn't have to wait too long.  We ended up waiting 45 min I think, but it is such a cute ride and we ended up going on it 3-4 times before the weekend was through.

Say Cheese!

The ride is so cute! You start out on a leisurely ride through the mountains and then before you know it you are racing another car and you are on a little roller coaster! I think they did such a good job making Cars Land and the ride, you literally feel like you are in Radiator springs.  

I was so excited to see Disneyland decorated for Halloween and fall, but I have to say I was a little disappointed.  While the entrance area was decorated and they had the large Mickey pumpkin, there was not much more Halloween specific stuff.  Space Mountain had a few "ghosts" flying around.  But that's about it.  What Halloween stuff they did have was cute though!

We had so much fun bouncing from ride to ride and park to park.  Everybody was so relaxed and willing to compromise, I don't think we could have had a better group!

As you can tell my face doesn't change much in the pictures.  I am always screaming my head off.  My family laughs at me because on roller coasters/big drops I go from screaming to shrieking to all kinds of noises.  They mostly laugh at me the whole time we are on the rides.

Another thing we got to cross off our bucket list was seeing the World of Color.  Last time I was at Disney they were still building it and so we didn't get to see it.  This time we made sure we had our fast passes and scurried over to our designated spot just as they were starting the show.  While I have to say the colors are amazing and the overall show is really cool, after a long day on your feet, standing to watch this incredibly long show gets really tiring.  And when you can't see because people are obnoxiously filming the show (with their camera right in front of your face) or continue to move back and forth so you can see, it gets really irritating really fast.  I am glad that I saw it, but I think it's a one time thing.  Just youtube it and you will probably get to see it better, just my opinion. But here are so cool shots I did get, in between peoples heads. :)

Overall our trip was amazing and short.  But I am glad that we did it.  We went on all the rides we wanted to at least once, never waited very long for the rides because the park was pretty calm, and knocked a few things off my bucket list.  So Disneyland....until we meet again.

Sunshine Sunday!

Source: blogss4fun7821.blogspot.com via Kayla on Pinterest

Timing is Everything

Today is September 11, 2012.  A very somber day for our country.  11 years have passed since the tragedy, and I like many others, can remember exactly what I was doing when we got word the the airplane had hit the first tower.  I am pretty sure I will never forget that moment, and it is not something that I want to forget.  That moment in time brought this country closer together.  People were praying together, looking out for each other, and being kind to one another (for the most part).  These are things that should be done on an everyday basis, not just in the mist of a tragedy.  But nonetheless, what a strength we felt during that time.  Unfortunately, many many innocent lives were lost in this tragedy.  I am forever grateful for those that lost their lives, those that sacrificed, and those that continually fight for our freedom and try to keep terrorists away.  

This brings me to my topic, timing is everything.  Many of you know my husband is in the military, he served our country through 2 tours in Iraq.  As he and many friends posted memories and thank you's on Facebook, one hit me kind of hard.  This is what he said, "crazy to think that 5 years ago today we landed in Iraq..."  Five years ago today, my husband and many others started their first tour in Iraq.  It seems like so long ago, yet I remember it like it was yesterday.  I remember the stress, anxiety, sadness, and pride that I was feeling up to his initial departure. And the thought of the love of my life and best friend going into a war zone, a country where for the most part he wasn't wanted, and was sought out.  That was one of the hardest years of my life.  But it strengthened us, me more than him.  I became independent and strong among other things, and I think I was just being prepared for more things to come.  Luckily I was not left alone in this crazy time in my life.  I can still remember the conversation I had with my husband.  "Nate has a girlfriend, I think you would like her.  You should get together."  Me - "You want ME of all people to get together with a totally random person that I don't know..." "Yes, babe, I know you girls will get along great and you can lean on each other during this deployment." So Carissa and I met at Olive Garden, for a get to know you date, and its a good thing our husbands know us well because we have been best friends ever since.  Without her, the deployment would have been ridiculously hard.  It is SO nice to have someone who knows exactly what you are going through.  Someone who you can share your ups and downs, your worries and frustrations, everything and we spent many a nights at Starbucks or Olive Garden, crying on one another's shoulders, looking for the strength to make it through another day. And guess what, we made it through that year, and our relationship is stronger than ever.

A little while later and deployment #2 came around for us.  Luckily Nate and Rissa did not have to go through another one.  But she still supported me through our second.  Sending random texts, meeting up for dates, and letting me cry to her about my frustrations.  The second deployment was much different for us.  I found out I was pregnant the day Kenny left for Iraq.  Talk about a day of mixed emotions.  I just cried, and Kenny tried to do everything he could to comfort me, knowing that nothing was going to help, and there was nothing he could do to stay behind.  Thankfully, my pregnancy was very easy (I think the Lord know I couldn't handle a rough pregnancy and my husband being gone), and Kenny was able to be home for the birth and 2 weeks after.  He returned from his deployment when she was three months old, so luckily she was never really affected by it. 

Here are some pictures of that time in our lives.

Kenny leaving when Kenzi was 3 months old.

I think this picture completely explains how we feel about deployments.

We made sure to support daddy while he was gone.

We love daddy!

Fast forward to now.  We have a COMPLETE daddy's girl.  I mean whenever he leaves the room, she cries so hard that she does the whole stop breathing and panicking until he comes back.  It is completely ridiculous.  Tonight when he left for work, she went through this routine and so we called daddy and just hearing his voice instantly calmed her down.  Can you imagine if he had been deployed while she was old enough to understand?  That would be SO hard on both of us.  I can't imagine having to have the strength for both of us.  I admire military spouses that go through deployments with kids because it is such a hard thing to understand.  Why you can't call them whenever you want, or see them whenever you want, how most the time you NEVER know anything for certain.  It is a rough time.

Timing is Everything....

I have said in previous posts that the Lord for sure knew what I needed, and always done.  I am thankful that I just had to go through pregnancy without Kenny and a few short months of Kenzi's life. I am thankful that we did not wait until he came home from deployment to start our family.    I needed Kenzi at that time of my life to give me strength to get through another deployment.  Because it was just her and I for the first 3 months, we will have a bond that I am not sure we would have had in a different situation.  I am thankful that heavenly father is all knowing and knows what needs to happen in my life at what time.  And although sometimes I don't understand it, and may even be angry or find it unfair, in the end it always makes sense eventually...

Fall

We just passed Labor Day and guess what that means!? The official end of summer and start of Fall.  I know, I know, you're thinking it's fall? Certainly doesn't feel like it.  Because unfortunately Arizona is not a great help with making this feel like your typical fall.  We don't really have a change of seasons and it doesn't get unbearably cold, but hey being able to drive with my windows down, I'll take it!

I LOVE fall in Arizona!  I'm not much for the cold, and I'm not much for snow, so Arizona fall is perfect for me! So to kick off a new season (hopefully) here are a few reasons why I love fall so much!

Hot Chocolate

Anybody who knows me knows that I LOVE hot chocolate.  And actually I drink it all year long, but I am glad for Fall because it feels more appropriate when I drink it during the cooler winter months.  I am a VERY picky hot chocolate drinker.  If it's not perfect I don't want it.  Favorite: QT and Dunkin Donuts. Least Favorite: Starbucks and the hot chocolate they sell at MCC (so disgusting, I am telling you right now, don't waste your money!)

Jeans and Sweatshirts/Fun Jackets

I am not a fashionista, this is for sure, but I do like to try to look cute when possible.  Thanks to pinterest I have LOTS of ideas for a fall wardobe.  Hopefully I will be able to take these tips and add a few cute accessories for fall.  Take this look for example:

Source: via Kayla on Pinterest

So cute!

and this one:

Source: colierollers.polyvore.com via Kayla on Pinterest

Love it! 

If you are looking for some more ideas, pinterest is the way to go.  I even have a whole board dedicated to wardrobes that you can find here.

Driving with the windows down

This picture describes my feelings perfectly

This is exactly why I love fall.  I love to drive, and I'm the kind of person that gets in their car, rolls the windows down, turns the radio up, and just drives.  It is such a release for me.  Simplicity at its best.  It's often how I clear my mind, and just puts me in a good mood.  

P.S. T-Swifts new album comes out Oct. 22nd. Can't wait to jam out to that in my car!

Lastly.....

Holidays

I just love all of the Fall holidays.  I wish we could celebrate these fun holidays all year long! First comes Halloween, which I'm not a huge fan of dressing up myself, but I LOVE seeing the little kids all dressed up in their costumes, anxious to get their candy and get to the next house!  It brings joy to my heart!

Then there is Thanksgiving! Fun for getting together with family and stuffing our faces! Seriously the smell of the house on thanksgiving is to die for!  I love the turkey and ham and homemade mashed potatoes and the pie.  My two loves mixed together food and family :)

And who can forget about Christmas! This holiday has to be my favorite! I love the spirit, the decorations, the movies, the giving the lights and most importantly the celebration of the Savior.  What a fun time of year that often goes by too fast! We must start celebrating now! :) If only that were normal hehe

What a wonderful time of year we are coming into.  I can't wait to start celebrating everything fall! 

Teaching By Example

I had a sweet experience with my sweet baby girl tonight and I wanted to write it down for journaling purposes.  My sweet baby girl is definitely giving me a run for my money.  She never stops doing something (which is usually her getting into something.)  She has the attention span of a small fish (about 5 seconds) and she thinks time out and the word no are funny.  But man do I love her.  Tonight as we sat down to eat dinner, I bowed my head to say a blessing on the food.  During the prayer I opened one eye just to see what she was doing.  To my complete surprise she was folding her arms and she had her head down.  What a sweet moment that was.  I have not taught her this yet.  Of course every time we pray I tell her to fold her arms, but she never does.  It gave me such a strong testimony of  how important our examples are to others.  Our children, and people around us are watching what we are doing.  You can teach so much by actions without using any words.  I need to be more away of my actions, cause she is taking them all in, good or bad.  And even though I feel like she is never really listening to me, or not taking anything in, she truly is.  She is an amazing child of God and I am so thankful that he trusted me enough, to send her to me.  To nurture, teach and eventually, hopefully return to live with him again.

Source: motherletters.com via Kayla on Pinterest

Sunshine Sunday

Source: Uploaded by user via Kayla on Pinterest

Sunshine Sunday! and a Birthday!

Source: sherievenner.com via Sherie on Pinterest

Since it is my father's birthday today and Sunshine Sunday I thought it would be fun to combine them together!   I think this quote is amazing.  It is exactly how I feel about my dad.  He is the silent type, not one with a lot of words, but I ALWAYS knew he believed in me.  I always knew that no matter what he wanted me to succeed and he knew I could.  I treasure the relationship that I have with my dad and it is so fun watching him interact with Kenz.  I know he will be a great grandpa and cannot wait to see him with the rest of the grandkids.  I love you dad, thanks for being the best dad in the world!

Sunshine Sunday

Have I ever told you I have an amazing husband?  Well today I am going to tell you a little about my amazing husband.  So, feel free to skip this post if you would like.

My husband is amazing.  I am so blessed to have him in my life.  He is seriously my best friend and I don't know where I would be without him.  He is continually sacrificing so that our family can have a better life.  He is carefree and hardly ever mad, and I think that is why we get along so well.  He is also a handyman.  This has come in "handy" so many times.  Not only does it save us money because he fixes things around our house, but it also earns us money.  I like to volunteer my husband for lots of things.  Just recently this weekend, someone needed help laying some wood floors and so I enlisted my husband and it brought us some much needed extra money.  Luckily he always does it without complaining, I think because he loves me. :)  Ok enough about my cute amazing husband.  I am truly blessed to have him in my life!