Three Years

Three Years, folks. It's been a few minutes. Change has come and change has gone. Biggest change? 

This guy. 

Marriage. 

Whhhaaatttt? 

I love him. 

That mushy-gushy kind of love. 

He truly is my better half. 

Dang. Isn't he handsome? 

Want details?? New Blog for the married life. #teammiller2015

teammiller2015.blogspot.com

{long-post alert} {picture overload}{starts at the bottom}
This past year has been quite an interesting one. I have learned oh so much about life, love, family, friends, and growing up! I will be sparing the text and sharing the past year via pictures, mostly. I am so very grateful for all that I have been blessed with. So here it is from most recent to earlier in the year:

I have spent the majority of my time (outside of work) in my running shoes or my boots! I am so grateful to have more than one pair of shoes!

Turkey Trot 5K November 2012! I was so excited that these beautiful ladies could come support me! Dad and little McKay were there too! 

Meagan (my boss!) is the gal who made me sign-up. I will always thank her!

First official 5K! November 2012. I have been telling myself I just need to do it! Well I finally did! And just like the sweet lady I stood next to at the starting line said "You'll be addicted after today!" I am just that, addicted!

Kasey...#favoritepatient #formernemesis #lovehimnow

Halloween 2012! The Legacy crew that dressed up! :) 

We walked to find a cure for Alzheimer's 

Lots of time with Carlie and Laura! I love these girls so much! They both get best roommate awards! I miss living with them! 

Spent a lot of time with Nicole, aka Cecil, and our bikes!

These two moved Texas. I miss them most terribly! But Dental School had to happen. 

Herm's.has.perfected.breakfast

A lot of this happened over the Summer! 

The originals 

Family Pictures also happened! July 2012

A lot of this happened in the Spring/early Summer! If I may say so, I have become quite the shot!

Joe Dirt-eh??

Mustache much? There was plenty of face-painting going on.

Petersen Family Reunion June 2012! This was a fun picture to take! We had a great time catching up with everyone and acting like clowns while doing it!  

Memorial Day 2012

Little K-man was born in May! What a stud!

These girls are two of my rocks! The 'twins' as they have become known in my family. I am oh so grateful for their friendship! They, of course, are both married to some pretty amazing men, both have little boys (who are just adorable!), and are some pretty amazing women! It is crazy to think that Candace has been married for five years and Claire for three..or four (Claire, sorry I can't remember!) They have always been there for me, giving me advice and most importantly, being the best of friends! Love them! Picture was taken at Mary's wedding! :)

Sweet Ms. Mary got married! This was back in May, whoa! Mary is the best friend any girl could ask for! She has always been my go-to girl the last two years and I love her dearly! It was a most magnificent day and I am so happy she found Ben. She looked stunning, as always.  

Mustache Bash March 2012! All great men have a mustache

-HotRod

Sarah and Tyson got married! Yahoo! January 2012! 

It was a beautiful day. I love Sarah so much and am so lucky that Tys snatched her up!

Halloween Love

Today my roommate, Laura, and myself decided that of would be a much better idea to hit up Hobby Lobby instead of the library....sorry mom! But I'd say it was a success! We made these cute little mummies for about $3.00 a pop!



We found this cute little tree there too, we feel so domestic ;)



Nevermind the fact that we did all this while listening to Christmas music...
It is 45 degrees outside :)
-Kenz

Alofa atu

Alofa atu
Slang word for I love you in Samoan. Courtesy of my new friend in Samoa.

It seems as though the only times I blog is when something significant happens! But let's be honest....I am a terrible blogger! But in today's case I am using it for journal purposes.
So as it turns out Layton wasn't the place for me. There is just something about....Cache Valley that is hard to describe! So if you haven't figured it out yet, I did, I moved back to Cache Valley!! And let me tell you, life has sure been good to me ever since! I have been enjoying USU football, campus life, my roommates, and everything this Valley has to offer!


My roommates are so great! I am loving getting to know all of them. I am working back at Legacy House just part time. I also just got a job with a Home Health and Hospice company here in Logan. I start Wednesday and am super excited!!
I do miss being at home and being able to spend loads of time with this little fella,


And this little stinker,


I am so grateful for all that I have! I am truly blessed!!

Alofa atu,
Kenz

Memory Lane Up In the Headlights

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, it's been a while. But I haven't had anything crazy exciting to blog about. Although, I did go to California in March does that qualify as exciting? Today my grandparents celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary, 60th!! I love and adore them and their marriage! They are the World's Best example of commitment, sacrifice, love, compassion, sincerity, hard-working, genuine, and warm hearted people! My hat hoes off to them! On my way home from my sisters, I took the old highway. I turned up the country music and had the windows down; I thought to myself, I don't know how the city folk do it. Look at all they're missing out on! As my thoughts wandered around this for a while, (my iPod must have known what I was thinking) Jason Aldean's Dirt Road Anthem played loud and clear! It made me come to a conclusion, I don't ever want to leave the country-life! I want a barn with horses and cows, I want to spend summer nights with family and friends having a barbecue. I want my kids to grow up going to the county fair and rodeo! Oh, wouldn't it be wonderful though?


This would be the life :)
I also wish I could have an endless supply of Cherry Tomatoes!

Weekend Recap: Bostons & Boondocks

Friday,

I went out to dinner to Bostons in Layton with the old crew! Afterward we went to Boondocks in Kaysville and had a jolly old time!! :) It was so great to be reunited again! It had been WAY too long! Here is a picture of us at dinner. 

(l-r, Jamilyn, Steph, Me, Greg, Ivy, Denae, Jared) 

I really do love us! It was a laughing-filled night! I love getting together with these people because, there is NEVER a dull moment! 

Saturday, 

I slept in! It was the most fabulous thing ever! It was much needed! I was lazy the entire day! Minus the 30 minutes I took to clean my bathroom. I was completely and totally unproductive! I decided it was OK to have those days every now and then, right? :) 

Sunday,

I woke up to my dad yelling my name. I wasn't very pleasant. He said, and I quote "Mackenzie, I need you to come help me put the blade on the 4-wheeler." Really? Those were some of the last words I wanted to hear come out of his mouth at 7:30 in the morning! I knew it was unavoidable. I slowly dragged myself out of bed, bundled up in my thermals, thick socks, jeans, sweatshirt, gloves, hat, and coat! I walked up the stairs only to see the brightness of the snow shining through the windows. It was awful! Eight inches of snow overnight. I dragged myself outside and pulled out the shovel. My dad had gotten the blade on with the help of my mom. I knew what I needed to do. And so I began, as I plowed the walkway and the stairs, I was grumbling under my breath how awful that white stuff is!! On the bright side, it's starting to melt already! And that was my weekend! 

School, Blessed School

I had my first exam in Physiology this past week...didn't go so hot!! Work was insane and unfortunately school was put on the back-burner. However, I wasn't to concerned (probably should have been more concerned though!) because I knew I could drop 1 exam and I would just have to rock the next 4! So in class tonight when my professor said and I quote "The average for the test was a 66. That is pretty much normal for this exam, it has been lower." WHAT?!! The AVERAGE was a 66 and the high was an 88.   I scored a 70 (without studying--I have no excuses for not studying, except that work was crazy!) But really--am I crazy for thinking that is strange? Wouldn't you think that this says something about the professor's teaching skills if the average for this test is in the 60s every semester? He continued to go on saying that "If you scored a 70 or higher, you are doing really well!" Is this guy for real? Just had to share! Don't worry though...I'll rock the next exams and pull A's on them!

I Left My Heart in San Francisco...

Well, I will be leaving my heart there. In a matter of 4 weeks I will be in San Francisco with some of my most favorite people...EVER! It will be a liberating spring break! Free from worry of work and school! We will be visiting many tourist places...but the place I am most excited to visit is the Talbott Home! To see my Lauren and Nicole, Aunt Sharon and Tio Tito. I love them...so much!  Words cannot describe my feelings at the current moment. It is a much (much!) needed get-a-way! 

Alcatraz.Angel Island.Pier 49.AT&T Park-Giants Spring Training.Golden Gate Bridge.Fisherman's Wharf.Lombard Street.Coit Tower.Chinatown .Trolley's.Ghiradelli Square.Haight & Ashbury

My mind cannot take anymore excitement! goodnight! 

Minutia

Minutia, definition: small or trifling matters
Synonym: nonsense


Which is exactly what this post is. A bunch of minutia from the last few months :) 


Whether it be my lack of motivation to update or my lack of time to update, I just don't know, but here it is! 


Work is so great! I love working with the Elderly! I feel like I have multiple grandparents, everyday. I have found it quite amazing the love I gain for these people. They have lived O-U-T-S-T-A-N-D-I-N-G lives. Sometimes it can be hard to be patient and understanding, but I am young, they have wisdom and strength beyond anything I can comprehend. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to learn from each one of them! 
Here is picture of the building, MASSIVE, I know! The back left is where the Assisted Living is and where I spend most of my time! The back right is the Retirement and the front is the Rehabilitation. I love this place oh so much! 

I am learning...A LOT to say the least. In the last few months I have learned the following:


-Did you know that some medications have up to 5-6 different names?
-Death has become a more spiritual experience than an eery one. 
-To 'Tell It How It Is' (Now that I am more of a supervisor I have had  to learn how to put my foot down in so many different situations. At first it was very intimidating, scary, nerve-wrecking, you name it I was probably feeling it. I have never liked to tell other people what to do, in the workplace.  So it has been a challenge! But a good one! 
-School bites! 
-School rocks! 
-How to voice my opinion in a more strong way!
-And well, a lot more stuff!

Ms. Mary and myself. Taken 

Tiff, Evva, Me

This is the most recent picture of me, with my nephew, McKay!! We love him lots and lots already!!

Well that is all I have for y'all. I'm excited for what is coming up these next few months! I promise, I will fill in and take pictures! Until then...

Update...

...It's coming! An update that is. I would like to say I haven't blogged because I have had nothing to blog about...but I would be feeding you false information! I really have no excuses. Maybe I should try that 365 Days thing, bah! Who am I kidding?! Well I will post a 'real' post tonight, one with pictures, even!

Life in a Whirlwind

As of late, I have felt as if my life is in a whirlwind.

In mid August these are the things I thought were going to happen....

Stay in Logan to finsih my prerequisite classes for Nursing

Continue working in Logan at the Legacy House

Live the life as an average college student

Work on getting back in shape and healthy!

By the end of August this is what actually happened....

Moved home (couldn't find housing I could afford) thinking "Oh I'll find something around the beginning of October. Girls are always getting married!"

About a week and a half ago I decided that I needed to stay home for this semester...not on my to do list.

Working Tuesday mornings at the Golf Course.

Transferring to Weber in the Spring or next Fall

Enrolled myself in a FITNESS CHALLENGE!
Winner wins a Cruise for two.

One week ago, I decided that I am going to transfer to the new Legacy Village in Layton.

The company offered my boss Jared the new Administrator position in a brand(spanking) new facility! So when the opportunity arose for me to go work for him down there--I felt great about it!

Surprised? Me too!

I feel quite blessed right now to have the opportunities aries as they have! It has definitely been an unexpected change, but I am quite content about it. It has definitely taught me to rely on the lord and put my faith in him that everything will work out.

And so it is...

My life as of late!

Thoughts and Mumblings

It has been ages since I have posted anything! This post is mostly for my personal use mostly so I don't forget. Sorry for the lack of pictures! Life has been crazy, busy, exciting, interesting, and a whole lot of fun! This summer has been filled with game nights, late night drives, music, laughs, work, sleep, North Carolina, lack of sleep, cliff jumping, sunburn, dreaming, wishing, and looking forward to new horizons!

North Carolina was a BLAST!! My cousin Krisha and her family are living there and I was fortunate enough to go spend two great weeks with them! I loved every minute--except for the effects of the sunburn! Unfortunately I kept my camera in my bag the ENTIRE trip!! But it was only because I was having too much fun! Thanks Krish for letting me come!

I have been on this cliff jumping kick the last week! Three times in one week; it is a very nerve wrecking experience. I always act tough right up until it is my turn and I'm standing on the edge looking down a 20 foot cliff and I start to second guess my decision of even agreeing to come! Also, no pictures from when I have actually gone! But hopefully we will go again so I can actually get some!

This is Greg jumping, it kind of gives you an idea :)
From the time this picture was taken to when I jumped today, the water had dropped about SEVEN feet! Before it was about a 15-18 foot jump, today about a 24-25 foot jump!


I am loving my work--more than ever! It has been so great to work with the people here, residents and employees! I work with some of the sweetest girls, some not so sweet, and some just flat out AWKWARD! But all in all, I love my job! I truly feel like this is my 'calling' if that's what you want to call it. I feel drawn to working with people and helping them in ways they cannot.

Music--I love you! This summer has brought some GREAT songs to life! My new favorite is Lady Antebellum-Our Kind of Love. I cannot even tell you how many times I have listened to this song (3 times since I started this post!). I love summer and the music it brings. I feel like lately has really been speaking to my soul. Sounds odd I know but a good song just really makes me think about my life and all that I am doing with it.

Mary-

She deserves a post in and of herself! My blessed roommate who has been wonderful! I am so sad she will be leaving me to continue her schooling at the University of Utah. But I am so happy for her! She will be a great therapist one day, I know because I consider her mine! This summer would not have been the same without her! I am so grateful that we have been able to live together before she moves! She has helped me to realize so much about myself and the person I want to become! Even if she doesn't know it--she definitely is one of the greatest people I know!
Love you Murry!

A few things I have become very grateful for in the past two months:
-The Priesthood. Knowing I have an amazing Father and Brother who hold the priesthood is so comforting! Also having some great friends that are worthy to hold it isn't a bad idea! :)

-Prayer
-Love and Support from my Mom
-Encouragement from my dad.
-Being able to experience the gospel in a new setting.
-Finding Strength in myself
-Learning to rely on my Father in Heaven

Here is a random picture of me and Jess (my other roommate) at a BBQ with some friends!


I will work on the whole picture thing, but for now, this will have to suffice.

Making It My Way

Today I was thinking about how much I need to make things the way I want them to be. I cannot just 'have' things my way. I need to 'make' them so. I am talking about my life here...making someone out of myself. If I want something, I need to make it happen. The Lord isn't just going to give me 'all things' unless I put hard work and sacrifice into it. I am the one, the one who needs to MAKE all my dreams come to life. I know that if I put my trust in the Savior he will guide me along, as long as I am doing all I can to put forth the effort to get there. The Savior is there...knocking on my door and let me tell you what, life is so much easier when you keep that door open, so he can always be welcome.

Maybe this is just me mumbling but I just felt I needed to write it down! :)

Random Funnies:

On Monday I along with a few of my roommates went to Cafe Sabor here in Logan. On the way there we drove past a funeral home and I thought to myself "I wander why the parking lot is so full at the funeral home..." Then I opened my mouth and asked this question to my roommates....yep! I sure did! I had to say it to understand my thought, then I laughed.

Went to dinner with friends from work at Texas Roadhouse, a successful night! We went to dinner then over to Ivy and Greg's (Ivy is the Asst. Resident Coordinator at my work, and she is so great!) apartment. Most fun I have had in a long time! Many inside jokes and giggles. A first night of laughs with many more to come.


(From left: Jamilyn, Ivy, Greg, Steph, Me, Jared, Erin)


(Steph! She is going to be my roommate next year, love her!)

Work...Alzheimer's Unit...Enough Said. I love these residents, I cannot help but giggle once and a while at the comments they make to me and/or others. Never a dull moment!

Well for the Summer I am planning on staying up here in Logan! I here it so much fun and I am very excited!! I will be living with one of the greatest girls on the planet...Ms. Mary Yates! I also am quite excited about it!

Until next time,

Love Me

Grateful!

The last few days I have felt the need to be more grateful and appreciative for all that I have been given in my life. There is so much I take for granted and just wanted to take a minute to make a list of all the things I am so blessed to have in my life!!

*The Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ
* The Book of Mormon
*My Family
*My mother's patience
*My mother's love
*My father's forgiving heart
*The Atonement
*The love my Savior has for me
*Forgiveness
*Prayer
*Grandpa Pete and his solid Testimony of the Gospel
*and the desire he has to share it with everyone!
*The way Grandma Pete shows her love without saying a word
*Her desire to see each one of her grandchildren succeed
*Opportunities I have been given to obtain an education
*That I have the opportunity to work and love my work
*The sunshine and warmth it can bring to a soul
*The yard I (my parents :) ) have to work on and beautify


Today I was reminded how much I need to live this gospel, how much I need it in my life to keep my feet grounded. How much more I need to rely on my Savior. I love this Gospel more than anything!

PS. School is out in 21/2 weeks.

Happy Spring

"Does that woman ever shutup her weeping?"

This is what one of the residents (in the Alzheimer's unit) asked me last week. She was referring to another resident who had indeed been crying all day. Believe it! ALL DAY LONG!! I seriously feel this woman's pain...the crying was quite annoying, however I love the one that was making the ruckus!

My point: I feel like someone should be asking this question about me this week! I found these funny little comics today and thought they fit my current feeling right about now




I highly considered printing this beauty and putting it on my wall:



It is indeed THAT time of the school year...not to mention I worked 45 hours last week! It hasn't really affected me until now...working full time that is. So I am taking extra days off work to keep up with my school at least until finals are over!! Which is in 5 Weeks!! Yippee!! :)

Back to the books...

Arthritis and Gray Hair

Them bones them bones....

(Picture from a Geriatrics Night we had last semester!)

This picture is about how I feel today! It was such a long day at work today! My bones feel like there is arthritis growing by the second! My legs feel like there should be Tedhose (compression socks) on account of the swelling in my ankles. Why are my ankles swollen? Because I sat down for a total of about 10 minutes today!! Ah! Don't get me wrong I love to stay busy, but today was a little too much. :) Just a look into the future I suppose!

Random, but I love love love this picture. Just wanted to share it!


I have felt very blessed this week at work, two new opportunities have arose and I am taking them both on! I am currently working as a CNA, but starting in March I will be working with the Activities department and as a CNA. This happened this past Thursday while I was talking with the Activities Director about the open position they had. I told her I might be interested, next thing I new she said she pretty much said she was putting me on the schedule for March. Just as I was getting used to this new idea, our Nurse asked me if I would be interested in becoming a Med Tech (so I can pass pills). This is something I wanted to do in the future, but wasn't planning on it this soon. So when she asked me I felt a little overwhelmed about doing all three! But I feel like where she asked me to, she must trust me enough and think I am ready to do it. I am excited to start and will hopefully be done with my book and training so that I can start working as a Med Tech in April! I am real excited about this new adventure!!



Also, I just wanted to say that I miss these two girls like crazy! I met them while in Rexburg, I love them dearly!

Until next time...

Dear Life, Slow down

Well life has been a little crazy lately! I am keeping busy with school and work; I am working anywhere from 30 to 40 hours a week! I am really enjoying my work though.

Christmas was great! I love being able to spend time with my family! I had to work Christmas Day in the afternoon, but was able to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas morning at home. I am so blessed to be a member of this wonderful church and know the real meaning of Christmas and the 'reason for the season'. It is such a blessing to have this wonderful knowledge of eternal life...as long as I do my part. I am grateful for the family I have been blessed with, they are AMAZING! They have done so much for me, for which I am truly grateful!

School has started (an entire month ago!) and is in full swing! I am only taking 6 credits so I am not too stressed this semester. I am loving my classes, which is a great feeling!

Well that is the small update! I will try and get pictures, but words are all I have right now!

ps. I went to the doctor today and I have an ear infection!! Blah! zero fun!

California and an Update

Well life has been a 'little' crazy since my last post. Since then I have been to California (for Thanksgiving) and back, moved to Logan, registered for classes, paid tuition (barf), played, got the house ready for Christmas, played with my sweet Evva, sent packages, went to my sisters COLLEGE GRADUATIONS!!, received much needed letters, and some other things that can't or won't cross my mind. :)
Here are some pictures from California:
California was a great little trip/vacation!! It was only Tyson, my parents and I, but it was still good. We went to Pinole where my mom's brother lives. Pinole is just across the bay from San Francisco. It was fun to spend time with lauren and Nicole, and of course Tio tito and Aunt Sharon. I wish we could see them more though!



Me and my AMAZING Mother! She is so great to me, I
love her so much and truly and deeply appreciate all that
she does for me.


Me, Lauren and her lover boy Chris. Love them both!!


Me and Lauren, love her :)



Nicole, Lauren, and I. I miss them so much! Wish we
lived closer!


At Gabby's home, all of us (minus everyone that
wasn't there)!


Tio Tirso, my mom, Tio Tito (my mom's uncle and brother)


Cousins!


Lauren and Chris


The most nasty bathroom ever! We went to Coit Tower,
which is actually really cool and historic. But dang, the
bathroom was so sick! So we took a picture! :)


Me and Mariana(Laurens friend, love her) at the Golden
Gate Bridge lookout.


Lauren and I at the AT&T Park, where the Giants Play!
It was like 10:00PM and my tio asked us if we wanted to
go into the city. We just couldn't pass it up!


Me and Lauren, Again! :)


The Spread!! Complete with arroz con pollo. (Rice with
Chicken-it is a delicious Honduran dish!)


Aunt Sharon, Me, Mom, Tio Ricky


Me, Tio Ricky, Tyson


Me, Ricky, Tyson


This is for my best friend Matt! He is serving in Riverside
California, which is near Sacramento. This is the road
that the mission home is on...where I send all his letters!
So naturally I just had to take a picture!

Until Next time,

Love, Me