Fun Hair

I have been debating back and forth to go back to my bob. On Thanksgiving, I decided to put my hot curlers in. The outcome was quite enjoyable and easy. I still cannot decide. Maybe I will wait until after Christmas. I love it when it is short because it tends to be easy. The downfall is that there is not much to do with it and when I exercise it bugs me. It is now finally long enough that I can put it in a ponytail. Downfall to being long: it does not look good down and straight. I have to do something with it and when it is long, it tends to not want to hold curl for a long period of time. I think I will most likely venture back to the bob. It was just too easy and it looks good.

Our ThanksgivingS

As of last Saturday, we had not plans for Thanksgiving. I got a call that day from a family in our ward, the Bayles', inviting us to their Thanksgiving that they do on Friday. We accepted the invitation. Then on Tuesday, another family from our ward, the Paustenbaugh's, found out we were not doing anything on Thursday and invited us to their home.
Jason and I had such an enjoyable weedkend. On Thurday, we slept in, watch movies, and finally started moving at 2:30. I quickly made Green Bean Casserole and got ready. We really enjoy the Paustenbaugh's and had such a great and relaxing evening with them. Our tummies were filled with lots of yummy food. They have a tradition of having a puzzle going. It was a lot of fun but a difficult one. On Friday, Jason had to work. It was so slow for him that I was able to bring him lunch. That morning, I ventured out to Wal-Mart at 7. My friend, Tiffany, got Jason and I going on Black Friday 2 years ago. I actually slept in this time. I was only going out for one item this year, a $25 Christmas tree. It was my best Black Friday yet (in the means of crowds). Our Wal-Mart just seems like any other normal busy time (ie 5 o'clock crowd). When I went to check out, their were 5 cashiers waiting to get people.
Later on that day, we went over to the Bayles'. There were many familiar faces there. The food was great and the company was enjoyable. Jason and I even hung around after everyone had let and we watched Ratatouille. Such a cute movie. Jason and I are grateful for many things. We hope this Thanksgiving found all of you well.

A TASTE of Heaven

I am soooo happy. Tonight Jason is working, and I decided I would go to our Mexican restaurant right by us and get a nice hard shredded beef taco. I asked them if their tacos are fried. They are not. So I then decided to drive to the next one down the road. We have never been there because we had been told their food was disgusting. I decided, What the heck, I will try it out. Luck #1, they fry their taco shells. Luck #2, for kicks and giggles, I thought I would ask them if they have Spicy Carrots. They did, but they call it relish. I ordered one taco, and a side of "relish". I also got chips, salsa, and queso for $5.36 with tax. The taco was not what I was expecting, but it was great. The carrots were great too (no Tio Leo's, but they will do). The salsa was even good. So, for all you Stillwater residents, if you have not tried Mi Casa, you should. I know everyone has different taste buds for different things, but Mi Casa is my type of Mexican.

Turning In the Man Card!!!!!

Ok, so I am a man who enjoys football, lifting weights and a number of other manly macho testosterone filled activities. I pride myself on being a true mans man......hit you over the head with a club drag you away me Tarzan you Jane. However, tonight Kristen was planning on going to the movies with a few friends from our ward to see "Twilight" . I was asked and immediately responded with "ummm.......not happening" I thought about it for a while and decided that this would be an awesome opportunity for me to gain mega brownie points with the wife. So, I called Kristen and told her I would love to go with her this evening. My demeanor was one of .....ok lets just hurry up and get this over with. The movie started and boys and girls i must admit........at 7:30 pm on November 25, 2008 I, Jason Christopher Kennedy, relenquished my man card and enjoyed watching the nations #1 chick flick.....and plan to read the books. May the NFL, Nascar, Bowling League, Elks Lodge and every other man organization have mercy on my soul!!!! P.S. I can't wait for the next one.............please don't tell!!!!!!!

Cravings

I have been craving a big fat juicy beef taco in a fried shell. I have been craving it for the last few days. I decided that if I did not satisfy this craving, I would eat more than I need to and still not be satisfied. So today at lunch I went to what I thought was my favorite Mexican restaurant here in Stillwater, El Jalisco's (whatever that means). They bring you chips, salsa, AND queso for free. For those of you not from this middle part of the country, queso is HUGE here. Their salsa is okay. I like El Vaquero's better, but the first time Jason and I ate at El Jalisco's we really enjoyed it. My first time their was my last time until today. We usually do not go there because it is across town, and we can walk to El Vaquero. Well, always, I got really excited for my juicy taco and this is basically what I got.

I got a glorified Taco Bell taco. Now, Taco Bell is my favorite fast food place hands down. I have not problem with a Taco Bell taco, but I wanted a big fat juicy shredded beef taco in a traditional hard shell. What is got was ground beef and a store bought shell. What is up with all these Mexican restaurants not cooking their own Mexican food?!

For those of you who do not know, I was raised on Mexican food. It is my ultimate favorite food. I miss Spicy Carrots (carrots cooked slightly with jalapenos and soaked in juices consisting of vinegar and other stuff). I miss them so much and no Mexican restaurants out here have even heard of them. I got so desperate for them, I looked up a recipe online. Jason digs them, but I cannot get the flavor right for my taste buds. Anyone out there have a good recipe for Spicy Carrots? To all you folks who live in Stillwater (or surrounding areas-I am willing to drive. My family and I used to drive 45 minutes to go eat at our fav Mexican restaurant all the time, Tio Leo's in Mira Mesa, or there is one off the 5 and 56) what is your fav Mexican restaurant?

New Do and Sunglasses

As we were leaving a friend's house yesterday, I look up the stairs and see Jason with his sunglasses on. It was dark out and I just had to get a picture. Jason loves his sunglasses. If it is light out at all (not bright by any means), he has to have them on. For those of you who have not figured out, Jason is sporting a new do. People have asked me when he is going to grow it back. NEVER. When Jason and I were dating, he told me that as soon as it starts to go, it is all going. I was so sad when he first did it. It, of course, has grown on me (as long as he keeps it shaved and does not let it go to stubble because then it is not as fun to rub his head). Ignore his dirty clothes in this picture, he works in a lumber yard and had not changed yet.


As I was looking through pictures, I came across this one and started missing his hair.

Thanks for Visiting

Jason's cousin, Heather, her husband, and cute baby boy stayed with us Wednesday night on their way to Kansas. We are so glad they came. We had fun eatting at Joseppi's, talking, and then busting out White Chocolate Macadamia Nut cookies. Our home is always welcome to all.

Oh, the irony

Irony #1: So for those of you who have not seen me lately, I have put on some weight. I am finally starting to do something about that, but it is going too cold to wear capris, etc. that I fit into for warmer months. I could only fit into one pair of jeans (well, I could probably fit into a few others, but it would not be too pretty). The weight is coming off, but not fast enough. I had to go buy new pants. I went to Ross. I went to the first section of jeans that I came across. I piled up the cart with jeans one and two sizes bigger than what I had been wearing. I went to the fitting room and nothing fit. I was so disappointed. I know I am larger, but come on, two sizes bigger not fitting!!! I was about to leave the store, but then I got to thinking, "Those are junior jeans. What is the style right now for teens? Skinny jeans!!!" Come on people, there is a reason why people have to go up in size. I decided to then go look in the misses section. I grabbed a few pairs, again one and two sizes bigger than my current jeans. Finally, after trying on 15 pairs of jeans, I had luck. Were they the ones that were two sizes bigger? No. They were the ones that were only one size bigger, and they were a bit loose. I bought them and I love them. I had to break my normal shopping limit to buy them though. For those of you that do not know, I have a price limit for different articles of clothing. Because I shop at Ross so much and other places like that, I usually spend no more the $15 on jeans. I had to spend $20, but after trying on 15 pairs of jeans, I was just ready to get out of there.

Irony #2: I have been exercising from home lately to a Biggest Loser workout DVD (man, it is kicking my butt, or I am just extremely out of shape). It has a lot of side to side stuff, and my New Balances were not working for that. I needed to get some cross trainers. My last 3 or 4 pairs of workout shoes have been the same, okay maybe not the same model, but same brand and size. New Balance 6 1/2. That is my shoe. I went to Famous Footwear to buy some. They got me a 6 1/2, and I tried it on and it was too big!! The lady asked me if I had lost weight. I told her no, I have gained. So apparently, when I gain weight I have to go up in size in clothes, but my shoe size drops. Go figure!

Modest Is Hottest

A week and a half ago, one of my girls put on a modest fashion show for one of her value projects. We took the girls shopping over a month ago for modest clothes and then they wore them at the show. Unfortunately, none of the actual fashion show pictures turned out (the girls were too fast). Overall, it was great. Way to go Kelei! I was just bummed hardly any parents came.

What have you done?

I came across this on someone's blog, and I thought it was fun. The things in bold are things that I have done.

1. Started your own blog 2. Slept under the stars 3. Played in a band 4. Visited Hawaii 5. Watched a meteor shower 6. Given more than you can afford to charity 7. Been to Disneyland 8. Climbed a mountain 9. Held a praying mantis 10. Sang a solo 11. Bungee jumped 12. Visited Paris 13. Watched a lightning storm at sea 14. Taught yourself an art from scratch 15. Adopted a child 16. Had food poisoning 17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty. 18. Grown your own vegetables 19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France 20. Slept on an overnight train 21. Had a pillow fight 22. Hitch hiked 23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill 24. Built a snow fort 25. Held a lamb 26. Gone skinny dipping 27. Run a Marathon 28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice 29. Seen a total eclipse 30. Watched a sunrise or sunset 31. Hit a home run . 32. Been on a cruise 33. Seen Niagara Falls in person 34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors 35. Seen an Amish community 36. Taught yourself a new language 37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied 38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person 39. Gone rock climbing 40. Seen Michelangelo’s David 41. Sung karaoke 42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt 43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant 44. Visited Africa 45. Walked on a beach by moonlight 46. Been transported in an ambulance 47. Had your portrait painted 48. Gone deep sea fishing 49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person 50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris 51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling 52. Kissed in the rain 53. Played in the mud 54. Gone to a drive-in theater 55. Been in a movie or on a TV show 56. Visited the Great Wall of China 57. Started a business 58. Taken a martial arts class 59. Visited Russia 60. Served at a soup kitchen. 61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies 62. Gone whale watching 63. Got flowers for no reason 64. Donated blood, platelets, or plasma. 65. Gone sky diving 66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp 67. Bounced a check 68. Flown in a helicopter 69. Saved a favorite childhood toy 70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial 71. Eaten Caviar. 72. Pieced a quilt. 73. Stood in Times Square 74. Toured the Everglades 75. Been fired from a job 76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London 77. Broken a bone 78. Been on a speeding motorcycle 79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person 80. Published a book 81. Visited the Vatican 82. Bought a brand new car 83. Walked in Jerusalem 84. Had your picture in the newspaper 85. Read the entire Bible 86. Visited the White House 87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating 88. Had chickenpox 89. Saved someone’s life 90. Sat on a jury 91. Met someone famous 92. Joined a book club 93. Lost a loved one 94. Had a baby 95. Seen the Alamo in person 96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake 97. Been involved in a law suit 98. Owned a cell phone 99. Been stung by a bee Now, copy and paste this into your own post, and BOLD the one's you've done.

Oh how fast they grow

The shoe on the left is mine, and the shoe on the right belongs to my 5 year old niece, Madilyn! She is such a big girl. We met them for dinner one night months ago and she noticed that our shoes were the same. As you can see, there is not much of a difference in shoe size, and I believe she no longer can wear these shoes because they are too small.

Kennedy Update

So one of my friends that I have not talked to in a long time asked me to do one blog just filling her in on the last couple of years. So if I bore some of you, I am sorry. Here it goes. Jason and I were married on June 10, 2005 in the San Diego LDS Temple. Shortly after we got married, I got a new job as a nanny. I was a nanny for a widower of 4 darling girls for the next 26 months. I worked full-time and went to school full-time. Jason worked for Spott Pest Prevention from May 2005 to December 2007. Jason was taking classes part-time. We later found at that Jason qualified for 18 months of GI Bill. This allowed him to go to school full-time and work part-time in the Fall of 2006. That fall I also became a Weight-Watchers member. Marriage had done some changes to my body. I lost over 20 pounds in the next 9 months through help of Weight Watchers and 24 (got to love Jack Bauer). I would pop in an episode of 24 and get on the stairs (I came to love the stairs-if you want to lose weight, do the stairs, great workout) and the next thing I know, the episode is done, and I have burned between 400 and 500 calories. In June 2006, Jason's father passed away at a young age of 53. It was unexpected. Since Jason's experience in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, he found his passion of health care. He was looking into becoming a PA (Physician's Assistant). Plans had changed slightly for Jason. For now, he is pursuing the nursing route and he would eventually like to go back to school to become a PA. When Jason and I were first married, I was going to school for Mathematics. In January 2007, I could not do it anymore. I was well into the major. I was taking this math class that involved no numbers. Those of you who know me, know that I love to plug and chug numbers. That is my zone. I was talking with my visting teacher and she told me to try accounting. I told her I had already tried that once at BYU and I withdrew from it because for one, I had too much on my plate, and two, it was not what I expected. I told her it is more laws and principles and the computer does all the work. She told me, yes, but if something does not balance out, you have to go in there and figure out what went wrong. I thought, mmm. A puzzle? Numbers? Where do I sign up? I took the first accounting class at a community college. It was a small class and everyone had there own computer. I fell in love. I thought, where has this been my whole life?!
So how do we get from sunny California to Oklahoma? My sister and her family moved to Oklahoma in the summer of 2007. I came out for a visit and fell in love with the greenery. Jason and I started talking about the possiblity of moving. I applied to OSU, got accepted, and offered a scholarship. We moved the day after Christmas. Our drive out was quite the experience. I do not know if we will ever make that drive again during the winter. Right outside of Amarillo, Texas, a storm had come through and iced up the roads. I came within inches of hitting the moving truck. We had been on the road for over 12 hours and were ready to be at our hotel. Our last 25 miles that day ended up taking almost 90 minutes. When we finally arrived in our new town, we had lots of strong guys from church help us unpack. It took us a week to get settled, but everything was unpacked, pictures hung, etc. It felt so nice to not have one solitary thing to go through. School started after that and I found a job as a student clerk on campus. Jason got a job at a lumber yard. Jason was commuting to Tulsa for school two times a week. Jason also rediscovered Civil War reenactment. He did this as kid with his family. I got called as 1st Counselor in Young Women's (for those of you who do not knwo, I was asked to be a leader over 14 & 15 year old girls at church). Jason was called as an Elder's Quorum teacher. By March, we had been down to Texas four times to visit family and Jason's Meemaw passed away in March. By April, my grandfather's health had declined drastically. We knew his days were short. I flew out to California the first weekend in April. Before this trip, I had last seen him on Christmas Eve, healthy and happy. When I saw him in April, I wanted him to pass on so his suffering would end. It hurt so much to see him so ill. He knew his time was coming to an end. Two weeks later, he passed away. I was sad that he was gone, but I was also very comforted. I know that he is in a better place with a loving Heavenly Father. I know that Families are Forever and that I will see him again. If I did not see you while I was in California, sorry, but my priority was my grandfather. Once school had ended, I could not find another part-time job on campus, so I applied to Wal-Mart. I have no shame in working there. I loved it. In June, I decided to look for full-time work on campus. I was offered a job in an accounting department on campus. I accepted the position. I continued to work for Wal-Mart at the same time. For several weeks, I worked 70 hours a week. I do not know how people do it all the time. I quit Wal-Mart a few weeks before school started. In June, Jason and I went to California for 1 1/2 weeks to visit friends and family, and my cousin got married! We found out after we moved here that there is a community college in Stillwater so Jason no longer had to make the commute into Tulsa. School started in August. The first part of the semester was really stressful for me. Once I got past one of my classes, things settled down. A few weeks ago, Jason informed me that he wanted to try-out for a semi-pro football team that they have here in Stillwater. Well, he got the Coach's eye. His practices start in December and games start in February so look out for pictures! I am currently trying to get into a workout routine. I really have not had a steady one since moving. I miss my old gym so much (for those of you in Temecula, Flex It is the best). Lately, I have been doing a Biggest Loser workout tape that has been kicking my butt! Either that, or I am extremely out of shape. I cannot figure out what time I want to go to the gym. Mornings are good because it is done, you feel great, and there are no excuses. I enjoy the evenings too because I do not have to wake-up are early, I like taking showers at night, and there is usually good stuff on TV that makes the time go by faster.

This is pretty much what we have been up to. If I forgot something, I will post it later. We are spending the holidays right here in Stillwater. For Thanksgiving, my sister and her family will be out of town. I had the idea to go the Cheesecake Factory for dinner because I am not cooking for two people. Jason found out today that they are closed on Thanksgiving. Bummer! We will spend Christmas day with my sister and her family. This is my first holiday away from home and I am okay with it. I will of course miss everyone. We are excited to get our own Christmas tree and decorate it (we have never had our own tree, my sister was kind enough to let us share theirs when we all lived in my parents home). Sorry to those of you that I bored. For those of you that ever interested, I hope I filled your interest.

Tagged

1. Where is your significant other? At work
2. Where is your Cell Phone? In my purse
3. What is your hair color? Light brown, I am no longer a blond. It cost too much to get it highlighted
4. Where is your Mother? In California probably visiting my aunt who was involved in a bad racing accident.
5. Where is your Father? In California teaching. I miss surprising him for lunch.
6. Your Favorite thing? Too many to list
6.Your dream last night? If I had one, I do not remember.
7. What is your Dream/Goal? Finish school and eventually start a family
8.What room are you in? Office at home
9.What is your hobby? Reading, blogging, hiking, hanging out with friends
10.What is your fear? Rottweilers or other vicious dogs by nature
11.Where do you want to be in 6 years? Own a house, have a family, and have Jason and I well done with school
12.What your not? A size 7
13.Whats on your wish list? Getting past my two exams on Thursday
14.What are you wearing? Skirt, shirt, and sweater
15. What was the last thing you ate? Frozen lunch (a Lean Cuisine or something like that)
16.Your T.V.? Like what kind? An old school 27" and 19"
17.Your pet? Does my sister's dog count?
18.Your computer? Sony Vaio (laptop)
19.Your Mood? I have been in a great mood all day, considering I am really stressed. Tomorrow is just around the corner. Any takers to clean my house? j/k
20. Missing someone? I miss my family in California. Three members were involved in an accident and I wish I could have been there to support them. I also miss my nephews
21. Your car? 2006 Scion xB aka toaster, box on wheels
22. Not wearing? Jewelry-other than my ring and watch
23. Your favorite store? It would seem like Wal-Mart considering how many receipts I gather from there, but I really like my favorite store is either Ross or Kohls
24.Your favorite color? Red
25.Your summer? California summers are great. Oklahoma summer are hot and muggy
26.Do you love someone? Of course
27. Last time you laughed? Today when my boss showed me the funniest email about Why Boys need parents. If anyone wants it, let me know.
28. Last time you cried? Probably when I bore my testimony first week of November (tears of happiness). It is tradition with me. My best friend's dad used to time me to see how long I would last w/o crying; now my husband times me. It makes me laugh
Anyone who wants to do this can

Happy Veteran's Day

I am very grateful for all of those that have served our country. I have several special people in my life who have or are continuing to serve currently. Some of those people include, but not limited to: my husband, father, late father-in-law, mother-in-law, and cousin. Thanks to all those who fight for freedoms.

Slip-n-slide Fun

Okay, okay, I know this picture is old (4 months old), but since Jason and I are such bad picture takers, I decided to post this anyway. We had a blast the day after the 4th of July. We went to a ward party and the family had a HUGE slip-n-slide set up.

Jason home sick

Jason was sick today and this is how I found him when I came home from work.

Keeping in touch

We finally have a blog. I love looking at others blogs. It is a great way to keep in touch. Jason and I are not the best picture takers. Whenever we have the camera, we forget to take pictures. Whenever we do not have the camera, we are wishing we had it. My hope is to add a post at least once a week. We will see how we do.