Matt and Kenzi Komenda

Viaje Fever

2012-01-19T21:17:00.000-08:00

Every now and then I get travel fever and these pictures tipped the cup!I think sometimes you just get hungry for the chance to open your mind a little bit and understand people that are different than you and cultures that are different than yours. No better way to get away and deal with life than to get a perspective check- witness cultures outside the states and take in the fact that Heavenly Fathers children are everywhere. Having the chance to take part in things that are so important to other people and communicate with people in a language that you can both understand- love, kindness, smiling, laughing!- would be so choice:) And so much better than our well-processed and bland words we conjure up for first impressions anyway!
Oh and good food, the most healing anecdote IN THE WORLD. Way too awesome.
Oh to go to Paris...

... or here

It would also be cool to wear this (cutie cute boots)...

or this....

Or this... under this

Holding this... with this inside, to document all the adventures and life lessons! Every second as they happen.
Seriously very cool! And I am looking forward to Ecuador this Spring! I am so grateful and I know it will hold me over for a year or so.

And one more thing

Is anyone else super bugged by the awkward and crazy popular length of dresses right now?!? They are always so cute and about 4 inches too short... not even half a foot! It makes it worse and sadder that it is SO CLOSE... so close!! Not only are dresses super popular but in this length... only this length... so they are constantly having fun with new designs and pouring them into stores nearest you and I cannot partake: ( I am wanting to get some light-weight/inexpensive summer dresses to combat heat during the May to August months but it has been crazy hard. You can find me in dressing rooms around the state crying and tugging, with all my heart, at the hems of these so-freaking-close dresses. I am sure if I tug hard enough the fibers will magically lengthen those 4 darn inches and I will walk out a happy, well-ventilated, covered girl:) I need to get me a sewing machine... and maybe some lessons!

New Years 2011/2012

2012-01-06T23:39:00.000-08:00

I finally have a few New Years resolutions this year... which is a big deal! Fingers crossed we will stick out our resolutions in 2012:)

Christmas was awesome we had a lot of fun with family and friends! We did not get one picture of ANYTHING... I am so mad at myself! It was so good to see family though. Mike and Jen and Kristine and Chuck all came to AZ and it was so good to see them and our nieces and nephews (especially our new nephew Henry!). We had a great Jungle Boys party at the Komenda residence, lots of fun and so good to see everyone! AND Jose got her mission call to Farmington, New Mexico!! SO HAPPY! Love you Jose!:) They will be so lucky to have you, and I will be bitterly jealous of them! So excited for my sister.

2012 might be a long one but we have already received so many blessings! Grateful we have a job at all, grateful there is a good chance I will get to finish my degree (even though it means being apart for a semester:( it will be worth it! Right???), thankful for the opportunity to study abroad and thankful for a sweet husband that is so supportive and encourages us to achieve goals. And most of all, we are so grateful for a Savior who will be carrying us through the next 12 months.

2011 Recap

Matty's birthday 2011

End of NY trip 2011 (BB) Beginning of NY trip (TS)

Grimaldi's May

Ensenada on the cruise Janes, New Port Beach

My surfer king:) Hunington Beach Central Park- July

2nd Anni- Mesa Sweet nieces-Summer 2011

Finally having time together! Summer 2011

Halloween at home Wahlstrom Halloween Party:)

Nerds for Halloween! Fall Semester/ Matty's senior year

Med-surg clinical group!

2012 Resolutions:

Health!

I have always loved food WAY more than the idea of having a rockin' bod (I admire and am jealous of people with such amazing self-discipline though) but after being at the hospital and seeing some things, I am going to try to eat and exercise to live. I think that is the only thing that will really keep my attention. It might stick if I can think about what each bite is doing to my arteries instead of my hips- they have a mind of their own anyway:) In honor of this we got P90X for Christmas, and its been kicking my trash ever since!:) (Thanks Eric and Holls!)

Cooking/Eating

Mama got me this cookbook for Christmas and I am in love! Seriously, I have been creeped out with how obsessed I am; I carry it with me like it's a textbook or something!

There are {some} healthy options inside and it is just jam-packed with yumminess. So excited to still eat treats that make my brain happy but also eat some foods that will make my body happy too!! Notice this is not a diet, pleeeeease don't ever hold me to that.

Catch up on some reading

This book and I have a date {359 days to be exact!}. Matty got me this beautiful triple combo for Christmas, thanks babe! I needed some new ones in a real way. I am excited to get re-acquainted and soak up the goodness, and I am hoping to do more studying than just skimming at midnight, partially unconscious!

If you would like one check out this link...

http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/

So grateful for this new year,we are turning the page and hoping to become better and to endure better:) Hope your new years was awesome! Happy 2012!

** We are loving and thinking about the Amos family everyday. You mean so much to us and my family!

Quick Fall 2011 Post

2011-12-18T13:11:00.000-08:00

Fall is seriously the best season for all the right reasons. Layering without the hefty winter coat, warm/fattening food, farmers markets, colors! We are typically driving back from a hot Arizona summer come fall semester and its a big fat warm, crisp, red, yellow, and orange hug. I think we will miss it...

Every Saturday I would go for a run and end at the Farmers Market. Utah apples and peaches are to die for, so it was tradition to splurge on some yummy fruit.

The best Mexican food we have had in Utah was at the Farmers Market, it is just not right it only lasts until October! AND only on Saturdays! :(

We live just down the street from the tabernacle that burnt down last year; all of our stake conferences we had were held there. It was such a tragic thing to watch and we would drive by every day and wonder what they were going to do with the left over skeleton of such a spiritual and historical building. We were so happy to hear it would be reconstructed into a temple! Nothing could be more appropriate, there is some really cool symbolism in seeing a building that was so good and beautiful and had seen so much history in the church go through the refiners fire and be recreated in such a Celestial way. It gives me chills it is so cool! Excited to take a picture when it is done!

Here are some "before's"...

Halloween 2011:

Why Why Why does this have to end??

Mal/Molly's Baby Shower- September (I think?)

I think this little group will be the HARDEST part about this last semester, we are frantically trying to spend as much time with them as we can. For the first time in 5 years we will be separated pretty permanently and I am having a hard time accepting it! Court and Matt (just married!) will be leaving for law school this summer, Jordan and Annie for Med School (Texas), and Mal and Dal will be gone a year later for podiatry school. It is such a weird and miraculous thing we all ended up a few minutes from each other and I am in denial that this is our last semester in the loving/creepishly coincidental harmony we have been able to sustain all these years. Just love them.

Molls...

Mal and Dal's little Molly. I mean, really?!? Could anything be so cute!? She has had all these want-to-be aunties kissing and smothering her every second.

I got to go visit Ky and I had a lot of fun with him. He is HUGE right?? He showed me the ropes around Utah State and we just hung out! It was good to get to go see him, love him. Glad he escaped Mesa-town for a bit:) He is doing great!

It was a great Fall season and semester!

Last half (NYC 2011)

2011-12-16T20:57:00.000-08:00

Last little bit...

Walking out the door on our first day... we have no clue what is about to hit us!(heat was a record high that week for the entire summer! Perfect!)

Since it was so hot we did a lot of beaching!

Rockefeller Beach

Times Square/China Town

Central Park/Upper West Side

Lots of silly pictures! We Fackrell girls bring our A-game when it comes to crazy pics. Cheesiest smile and getting stung by a bee on the cheek may be found below! haha Long train rides gave us some time to let our personalities shine

New Jersey Across the Hudson

Katz Deli

Coney Island

The hottest day all summer was our Coney Island trip, and thank heaven we were by a body of water! Too bad the water felt like a hot tub and it was RIDICULOUSLY crowded! Sorry guys! It was fun though, Kennedi and I got our exercise on swimming away from the greasy Italian man haha And we rode the cyclone which is just pure body-jerking fun:)

All and all it was seriously so fun!! And soooo exhausting- this picture wraps up the trip perfectly:) Wish I would have listened in to the conversation between those other gals... looks pretty awesome haha

I am so grateful I got to see my family, they came just in time! By far the funnest was our late night on Broadway running to our favorite shops one more time before they closed. I think a lot of people go to NY to do pricey shopping but we found the funnest street to find cheap but still unique things to the city! Bonus for ladies who shop at Ross:) I loved winding down after a long day at Battery Park- the sun was setting and you could see Lady Liberty and New Jersey across the water, it was so pretty. We also loved going up on the roof at night and watching the city do its crazy thing. I am trying to remember everything I want to remember ha I wish I would have been on the ball and posted right away. I do remember it was just awesome though, end of story!:)

Now on to life lately! We have had such an awesome semester and I have so much to catch up on. We just finished finals so I will hurry and do it while I can! Merry Christmas though! We are loving the 2011 Christmas Season:)

Finally... Mama and Goosey's NYC trip, and more friends!

2011-12-08T20:40:00.000-08:00

I can't look at those weird pictures anymore:) AND my eyes are about to bleed, I am so tired of studying... so I thought it an appropriate time to update some pictures I have been needing to for 4 months!

Mama and Goosey came to visit in JULY, I can't believe time has flown so quickly! These are only about 40% of them, my poor little grandpa computer couldn't take the heat. So there will be another post with the rest (and the best pictures in my opinion!)... someday haha

Me, Goosey, Mama, Eryn (cuzin:))

All I feel like I can say about this trip is TIRED, SO BLOODY HOT AND SO VERY FUN! Seriously have never had such an exhausting/fun time. I feel like New York was made for us!! Even though everyone was about ready to shoot me in the face- there was so much to see! We were going alll day long and I learned a thing or two about hosting the city haha slow down! Make time for rest periods. But we slap-happied/laughed ourselves through it which was the best part! Thanks so much for coming! And thanks so much to the Anderson's girls for coming along and making it possible for my family to come out. You are all so amazing!

Little Italy- probably one of my top 3 favorite things about New York! This was 12 AM! And it was still so alive. Good food and really fun italiano's... I wanted to sing the "moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie" song haha whatever that song is called

Cotter happened to be across the river in New Jersey and joined us for a night. Thanks Cott and Court!

Ground Zero

Went to the Brooklyn Flea Market and mama fell in love with the walk-ups so we had to get a picture. They are pretty dang cute.

Levain Bakery

These cookies became Mama's 1st or 2nd favorite thing about NY. These cookies are sooo good! You will never find love in a cookie like this! It is on 78th on the upper west side, please go:)

Shake Shack- Madison Square

Cathedral on 5th Ave. (my favorite tourist spot, so pretty and peaceful)

And of course the temple:) The calm in the storm. So pretty!

To be continued...

AND Julie started up an awesome interior design blog/company and you should check it out!

http/www.littlefrenchchair.blogspot.com

October 2011

2011-10-24T18:30:00.000-07:00

October is my favorite month, especially in a state with 4 seasons! The mountains look like they are on fire and the air is crisp and chilly... it is the best! The layering has begun!

Park City Sept. 2011

I have a lot to catch up on... Matty had his birthday Sept. 23rd and we went to his favorite restaurant and then hung out in Park City for the weekend. It was so fun and so relaxing! I am happy he was able to relax for once! Happy belated birthday babe, you are the greatest, thanks for marrying me;)

Since that weekend it has been fluctuating between chilly and beautiful! There was a week where it snowed and I cried... but then it warmed up, hallelujah!

We have been having fun at sporting events and have done our best to make Matty's senior year the best he could have. No more studying at the library on Friday and Saturday nights! Wahoo!

It was so cold one night we were in need of some cocoa... we had to document our first (necessary) hot cocoa trip of the season! I love Autumn!

Quick Catch-up for myself:

We are enjoying the year like we said we would! We have tried to make more time for dates and dear friends up here, it has been so fun. Although I feel like I am a chicken running around with my head cut off... this semester has been awesome! I have loved it and I feel like I am learning so much. Did I mention I love with the girls/guys in my class?? How did so many amazing and unique people end up in my life! They have become my close friends, we are a bunch of brothers and sisters! Our clinical is up in Salt Lake at the Huntsman Cancer Center and it has been a life-changing experience. Every floor is a place of reverence, they have done such a good job at making it a place of peace for their patients. I love it and I love love doing what we do. Although I will be a double senior and I am feeling it haha I am grateful.

General Conference was amazing, we needed that. The Savior lives, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is His church, its that simple:) I will always know those things, and the fact that it is the truth makes me feel hopeful

For more about that! Go to www.mormon.org

Anyway!

I have also been able to visit Kylo and I love and adore him. He is the sweetest brother and I am excited to see him again soon! (pictures soon I hope... you have GOT to see how huge this kid is! Monstrous.)

Matty is doing great! Loving school and so so busy. He is a so smart and works very hard. He is TA'ing for some classes and hashing out the last bit of credits he has. He has been playing intramural flag football and loves it, it is really fun to watch! All the wives watch the boys play and its really fun, I will miss that. We both miss New York a lot and look forward to graduation and the big move!

Mal and Dal had baby Molly! Ahhh I am smitten, she is a doll. I wish I could squeeze and kiss her little face right now--> pictures of her and the shower soon too!

TONS of Fall activities! Wahlstrom Halloween Party last weekend, pumpkin carving with friends and the farmers market this weekend!! Very very excited!

Overall we are really happy to be here, even though it is still a little stressful! I'll try to stay on top of things but I am happy we are finally doing more living than blogging!! (goal is to have time for both... someday!:))

**We also want to send our love to the Brinton and Chiles families. We love Tate and Mel so much. Matt and I have both thought that there is something especially important going on up there, for such amazing men to be called home. You are in our prayers

Selling My W-dress!

2011-09-17T18:04:00.001-07:00

Just a shout out to anyone looking for a wedding dress! My dress is up for sale, and I loved that it was mine on my wedding day. It's a good one, and I like to think it is why Matty officially thought marrying me was an ok idea:)

It is a size 4, and really long for tall girls, which is great!

It is ivory and has a train

You can go try it on at my parents house or if you are in Utah we can work out how to get it here!:)

Its the best little dress, I am glad we get to share it with anyone that might want it!

Email me or my mom for more pictures or prices:

kenzikomenda@gmail.com

lori.fackrell@hotmail.com

Thanks!!

Brklyn Bridge/ 2 yr Anniversary!

2011-08-22T17:09:00.000-07:00

Our summer and our 2nd Anniversary have passed and school is coming up so fast... its amazing how quickly it can insert its business in your life again!! I anticipate the craziness though

[We walked the Brooklyn Bridge to consume the ever-delicious Grimaldi's pizza across the river. One of the coolest things NYC has to offer!]

I have to say though that I could not be more grateful for this summer- I didn't see Matty too often and I came to terms with the fact that we will be living that life for a little while. And I am so happy to do it and know it is right for us. HOWEVER, [Matty] you won't hear me complain one more time about school or Provo-town! Because it represents us stressed and busy together, and I never appreciated how nice it is to do hard things with his help. I will be eating up our last year as students together [tears].

We are so excited to head back to NYC for full-time after graduation but our one-dollar movie nights, midnight Smith's runs, early morning hikes, Saturday morning breakfasts, weekend library study sessions, BYU Creamery study breaks, the first snow on campus slipping and sliding everywhere haha!, Autumn drives in the canyon, end-of-semester dinner, Christmas shopping at the University Mall, and every other second of school-life will be so sweet to me this year!

AND we hit the big 2 yr mark on Aug. 15th!

[lots of two's, its a long time!]

Yay for two years! Again I hope he knows it already, but it has been the best, funnest, funniest, craziest, and most special 2 years I have had. Sometimes we drive each other crazy but I really am crazy about you Matty:) I always worried my adventures would end when I got married but you have shown me adventure with a whole new definition!! Thanks babe, for everything! Love you so very much.

Remember how we had a blast together and you came to visit me?! I will work on that documentation:)

Massachusetts, Connecticut, Brimfield Flea

2011-08-04T15:00:00.000-07:00

**Good news! Matty's internship ended Friday... Do you know what that means? Do you know what that even means!? I will be stealing my husband away to Provo where I will keep him all to myself for a whole year:) We might talk, we might even go on a date... I'll have to record the sweet reunion! Haha I might be exaggerating [kind of] but it will be so good to have the hubs back. This week with him has been so awesome with no work on either end; a Yankees game, food, family, the Late Show, the Met, food, sleeping in, food, running in Central Park, food food food! In short, its been amazing and I hope to post on that soon.

But on to a fun, recent trip! I babysit out here... that's my job:) I have been really grateful for the work and the friends I have been able to make and it's incredible to see the NYC mama's do their thing! In every sense of the word they are super mom's. Huge supporter of these super families:) Angie [one of these mama's] was kind enough to let me take a road trip to Connecticut and skip over to the Brimfield Flea Market in MA with her!! I had so much fun, huge thanks to Angie and the Hunt family for letting me stay in their fairy-tale-esque home. Loved every second! Massachusetts drive, have you ever seen such green?? I was smitten the moment I looked out the window!

The Hunts beautiful home, and more... stunning... green:)

BRIMFIELD FLEA MARKET

Calling all lovers of antiques, home, and design! You will be sitting cozy at Brimfield:) There was so much to see, so much inspiration! The whole gig has to be a few miles long and a mile deep, anything you could ever dream up exists here- good eats, antiques, furniture, jewelry, home decor, and a lot of down to earth people- home-y-ness at its best!

I hope I get to take another trip out someday, it was an experience to say the least. Next time it will be a weekend trip to Boston though, and I will be carried there by a large U Haul truck:)

So glad I got to go! It helped to stay occupied and sane for a few days haha Thanks again to Angie and the Hunts... and a big thanks to Connecticut/MA! I headed out on a Manhattan bound train filled with a lot of love for you!

East Coast Summer Fashion

2011-07-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

New York has an abundance of treasures, the city itself is just a big fat gem:) My only complaint is the sticky coat of sweat from head to toe... every single day! I did not prepare for this humidity! It is so manageable if you wear the right clothing and with my one pair of shorts and one skirt, the chances of being soaked each day rose increasingly in my favor! So really its my issue, huge thumbs down on my clothing choices

[ Exploring Central Park back in June, everyone stripped down to almost nothing to avoid the heat!]

I really hope that some fabulous designer emerges someday to cater to garment-wearers and women in general living in the east. I'm learning it requires one layer of clothing... period! No undershirts [no Shade's], no cardigans, no jeans... or anything of that length!!!, no low necks, and on certain days I am tempted to say no clothing at all! It can get so very humid!

So I think I have had to really simplify and always wear something I don't mind soaking but will soak me the least! And rarely does that mean looking stylish:) Skirts and dresses make it so much more do-able and if all of those are already sopping, thin tops and bermuda shorts have worked well too. Here are some fun examples for anyone who can't strip down to booty shorts and a tube-top!

And by the way, girls I walk past that do wear said clothing, get no judgement from me. What they will get is the green-eyed monster. So jealous

And I'm sure I could use some more flats... definitely. All I have are heels and winter boots and I don't know why I waste my money on heels! I forget that I become 6'2" in them and I am just not woman enough to brave every day in heels. So no more heels for me, especially here! I think my walking scars are finally coming in! haha So in celebration I might get myself a handsome pair of flats:)

Overall it is easily manageable and still better than my hometown AZ's climbing temperatures! As you can tell the green it produces is gorgeous so my mouth is zipped, you won't hear much whining out of me. I just have an excuse to buy some fun [humidity-friendly] items... and with mom and goose here last week, they were sure to influence me in that department. We took the city by storm and shut it down each night- Us crazy ladies.

Love you both:)

Catching up NYC- Coney Island!

2011-07-13T19:24:00.000-07:00

I have a ton to catch up on with pictures and really awesome experiences we want to remember! I hope I get around to it but if not I have a few at the top of my list and Coney Island... Oh Coney Island, I just have to document you:) This is one of the things Matt and I had to do before his internship got crazy!

Coney Island 1947

CONEY ISLAND

Birthplace of the Nathan's hot dog... mmm mmm good!

Awesome view as we chowed down on these delicious franks

Can you name the movie? Remember this guy??

CYCLONE

Coney Island is also home to the Cyclone! It is the absolute best [extremely old] wooden roller coaster I have ever been on! Nothing tops it yet, and I am a coaster girl... Trust me.

This one doesn't take much of an explanation, but it was what Matt was most excited about haha what a guy;)

We topped the whole thing off with the beach- I LOVE LOVE LOVE anything involving the beach so it was awesome! It was so cool to see it all. It has this 1920's eerie feel to it with the fair and the old coaster but we loved everything about it. And it's was really fun to experience the east coast beach experience! It was surprisingly different than our beaches out west but in an awesome way. Coney Island has made a few new friends and we will be going back before we leave for sure

And just because I am posting hungry... Shake Shack is another favorite of ours out here!

People call it a glorified In and Out but [I'm sorry] I don't think I & O can hold a candle! So good! If you goo to New York please do NOT leave without this goodness in your tummy:) and eat another for me ok?

All and all we are so loving it out here, it has definitely opened our eyes to the possibility of the east coast! I think Matt and I both have nothing but amazing things to say about living in the city, it has been so easy to fall in love with. I hope to post about my Connecticut/Massachusetts trip AND my Mom and Goose will be here Monday!! Could not be more excited to see those lovely faces.

Happy 4th of July! 2011

2011-07-06T18:03:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!

It was an amazing fourth and I feel so grateful to be an American. And we had some incredible front row seats to the Macey's firework show over the Hudson {thanks so much to the Bennett's for sharing the view!}

These were the views from their balcony, AWESOME is an understatement! The fireworks went up right over the river behind us where 6 different boats synchronized everything... truly one of the most incredible things I have ever seen!

We wanted to make the most of our 4th in NYC so we found some really neat historic sites that happened to be within walking distance from us. We walk by these places every day and had no idea they mean so much to the history of our country!

CITY HALL

Nathan Hale Statue

Nathan Hale was caught as an American spy and said before hanging, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." What a stud:)

Also the Declaration of Independence was read here in this very park! After its final edit. And a mass execution of American soldiers occurred here too- we were walking on sacred ground for sure.

ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL

President Washington came here to pray right after his inauguration as the 1st President of the U.S. This is also the church people came to during and after 9/11. There were pictures of victims and letters written about people's experiences that day everywhere. They even left the wooden benches scuffed up by the firemen and their equipment. Super emotional

FRAUNCES TAVERN

Washington and other important figures met here to discuss events during the Revolutionary War. The Longroom (inside) is where General Washington had an emotional parting with his closest friends/other amazing Revolutionary War heroes! They made it sound like it was the first time any of those men had cried:) haha

FEDERAL HALL

Pres. Washington's inauguration was held here, at this very spot! It is so awesome to think these amazing men walked the same paths that we do! Especially Pres. Washington, because... if you haven't already caught on... I am really obsessed with him:)

We also walked by Ground Zero... which is always so sad. I try to avoid it, but we absolutely had to on the 4th and it was awesome. We then lightened the mood with some Shake Shack! It was an amazing day. We had fun and Matt had the day off which I loved! But it was also a very sobering experience. We are both so grateful to all those who sacrifice for our freedom

P.S. We were also a little sad because we missed out on a great 4th in Mesa where the Komenda's have gathered for Mel and Tates wedding... TOMORROW! We are so excited for them and love them both! So sad we couldn't be there, love you guys!

Tribeca

2011-06-11T15:26:00.000-07:00

We finally feel settled here in the Big Apple! We totaled out on grocery needs and the basics for survival (like a freezer full of ice cream:)) and since we will be without in the TV department we had temporary high-speed internet installed for 2 months of huluplus and internet in general, which is great!

For now we call home

Tribeca.

It is a borough of its own kind and the more I explore the more I absolutely love!

Its been hard to walk around without being ridiculous with the camera... everything is picture worthy! I left it at home for a week or so but I am now rethinking my strategy- I'll just keep it on me, always:) I will keep overwhelming my camera memory with pictures of things that I fall for and maybe you will love Tribeca as much as we do!

The smaller alleys have the uneven cobblestone streets, which I love! It feels and looks European and so very pretty

Colors!

These ice cream carts are all over the place- its so cute to see a little girl take her ice cream with a whole row of business suits lined up behind her. I'm telling you ice cream is summer's magic for all ages!:)

A Uno Tribeca

These are all pictures of the heart of Tribeca- she is super cute and has a fun little vintage aspect to her! I never feel bored with all the eye candy:) And whats even better is that she sits right along the edge of the Hudson... another gem in New York I have grown attached to! All in all we are happily adjusting to our new summer home. Tribeca sends her love!

Loved the break...

2011-06-02T14:00:00.000-07:00

Another long post-

We had a really nice break before we headed out here for Matt's internship. I am lucky to get an amazing summer of fun, even my job{s} out here are really fun, but every summer has been nothing but work for Matt and I am happy he got to put his feet up and relax!

We rolled out to Cali for a week and had SO much fun with Allie, Mark and Mac-boy! Thank you for the delicious food, daily movie nights and all the time you spent on us! We loved it and miss you guys so much:)

We tried out surfing for two days, which is Matty's dream. We both got up! But, Matt, in a much more awesome way than me haha

Most handsome little boy ever:)

Janes corn dogs

We made a friend walking along the board walk, so cute! I wanted to jump in and swim with him but Matt thought it a bad idea... so I refrained. Probably smart:)

Got to see Kennedi in Downtown Disney! {Sad we missed you Jacob!} Which reminded me how much I loooove Disneyland. Ever since then I have been wishing I was Rapunzel, watching Tangled all day long and eating up anything Disney!

Goose I really miss you!

Mark's softball game, Allie with baby Mac

I took sooo many pictures of Mac! Poor little man kept getting my super bright flash in his face and tried so hard to keep his eyes open for the picture! haha I am in love

Allie built a fort for Mac- She is such a cute mom

After our time had ended we jumped on our cruise with Eric and Holly and had so much fun with them! Thanks for being willing to come we are so glad we got to see you!

Catalina Island

Holls is pregnant with a little boy, BTW! Look at her cute little belly... We are so excited for our new nephew:)

Dinner on the cruise, Yoseph was the best and Arnold, we can't forget Arnold- they hated me for moving my cup and loved loved Eric

we were all burnt!

Ensenada

La Bufadora

Mango and cucumber cups for the girls:)

Ignore my awkward face

Free Market

We had so much fun with our family and are grateful for their willingness to spend so much time with us! I am especially glad we took a trip so Matt and I could spend some time together, I soaked it up. Good thing too, because it appears that the summer of lost-husband-to-internship has begun! I love him and am so grateful he works so very hard for us!

Much love from NYC

2011-05-22T13:27:00.000-07:00

We have been having a lot of fun here in the city and finally found a place! We love it and got such a good deal. We are feeling the blessings, 110%!

New building going up at ground zero... we are right by it!

Magnolia Bakery

Bleeker St. Pizza

Since we came out here without a place... :/ .... Mike and Jen have been so nice to us in letting us stay for a few nights. We love them and love seeing our nieces!

{Grace and Claire}

They adore Matty, can't blame them really:) Prrretty lovable

It has been such an adventure trying to find places, seeing family and visiting so many parts of the city looking at apartments. I have to admit, the Big Apple has stolen my heart in a big way! It is an adjustment I am welcoming with open arms.

Posts might slow down for a bit so hopefully I'll get back on track someday:)

HAPPY SUMMER!!

I join the many...

2011-05-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

Matt will be so embarrassed for me... and him... when he sees this post! Although I missed out on all of the pre-royal wedding festivities and even the wedding itself, I was glued to the TV watching the highlights after the glorious thing was said and done.

How can you not want to stare at her though? She is so attractive! And her dress was truly the most beautiful and elegant wedding dress I have ever seen. I just got married but watching everything (and by everything I mean her, she is just so cute) makes you want to have another one! I will take the horse drawn carriage, my Prince and Duchess Kate's dress in my size-
Thank you:)

Thank you for the cutest fairy-tale-esc wedding William and Kate! Although I am embarrassed and my husband ashamed, I admit I am the hugest fan and will keep tabs on you love birds:)

Fun few months

2011-04-28T21:30:00.000-07:00

The past few months have been jam-packed but oh so fun, and I bet you can guess why? We have been seeing a lot of family! Nothing is better- it definitely dulled the pain of school/finals:)
All the Uncles took us to The Roof on Conference weekend, leaving us girls to explore Salt Lake while all of our favorite guys were in Priesthood. Fun fun fun. Thank you so much for dinner!:)

Hello handsome family!

And I have had so much fun cuz love with Jame and Paigey, AND Jamie got her mission call!

Rochester, New York!

I could not be happier for her and I know we are all going to miss her so much. Since she is leaving so soon I have really been grateful for the time I have had with her this semester!

(nose -bleed seats)

Morning she went through the Logan Temple.

(Besides my closed eyes haha please look at my hand! So white! I look like a dead corpse. Some sun is much needed, end of story:))

Jamie love I am so excited for you! I love and adore you more than you will ever know.

And Kelly Allen left on her mission as well!

I was so glad I got to see her a few hours before she entered the MTC, she is going to be the most amazing missionary. I miss her already, this girl is golden in every way. I am eternally obsessed and grateful she landed herself in my life:)

Overall a really great semester, Matt and I both learned so much! But neither of us could be happier it is soooo over.

We survived it all by gorging ourselves with (again) the best cupcake ever- Sweet Tooth Fairy's Toasted Coconut Cupcakes

My mouth is watering right now! So yum

We are doing well, enjoying a break from school and work, just relaxing:) We got to spend Easter with the Komenda's and Pollock side of Matt's family which was so fun! We loved seeing everyone. Having Kyler here has been the absolute best, love him and love seeing him; getting to see more of Aunt Megan and Uncle Jeremy has been a huge added bonus as well

AND we have lots of friends graduating! Heather Feather, Katelyn, Brad and Tiff, Lee, Kelsey, Mally, and Court to name a few! So excited (and sort of bitterly jealous:)) for all of them.

We will also be heading out to the Big Apple for the summer in a few weeks and have a birthday-surprise-cruise squeezed in between from the greatest husband a girl could have. (Maybe we can fix my pasty skin!) Things are going really well and we are so excited to see what the next few months bring!

Most Important Thing to Me...

2011-04-03T19:55:00.000-07:00

General Conference was just the best; we had the opportunity to go to the afternoon session and it was so very good:)

I am just so grateful for the gospel, it is the most important thing to me. I hope it is becoming who I am

If you haven't experienced the wonders of GC, you should look at this! It has been a reminder to me that the Savior lives, He is in control, that families can be together forever, that there is a plan for us. And that Heavenly Father loves me {us} enough to send a Prophet. I love Him so much. I think you'll love it too:)

http://lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2011/04?lang=eng

Check it out

2011-03-26T12:01:00.000-07:00

Two of the absolute best things about my family is that most of the beauty/primping luxurys girls love but can't always afford, are available and $free.99!

Aunt Ceely is an incredible cosmetologist, Aunt Megan is an amazing esthetician, and Goose is seriously the most creative and talented pedi/mani provider...

(because I'm sure that is the professional name)

On that note, I am one proud sister and feel like everyone is lucky that she is doing it for so cheap to raise some extra money!

She did my toe's/nails almost everyday over Christmas break, no joke. And I ate it up, I could not believe how talented she is! AND even crazier.... she LOVES it
(it's almost everything she got for christmas; new polishes, glitters and gadgets for her new artistic passion!)

So if anyone is interested skip on over to her blog and check out a few of her millions of designs and prices. She really can do anything you want AND do it so well...

http://kennedifackrell.blogspot.com

I think prices start at $5 and end at $10... pretty sweet!

P.S. While we are on the topic, Aunt Ceely my hair is crying for you! It feels amish-ly long, fried, and needs your tender love and care:) Save. Our. Souls. please... Can't wait to see you!

Sweet Things:)

2011-03-12T21:35:00.000-08:00

Remember this sweet place?

Sweet Tooth Fairy Bakery

Or how Matty and I have dreams about their delicious cupcakes? Seriously they are the most delicious cupcakes! We always end up going at 10:00pm because our sweet tooth kicks in late at night. And they are probably thinking YOU ANNOYING FATTY COUPLE... GO AWAY! We are closing! But to our faces they are so seriously awesome:)

This same routine occurred last night and we happened to be the two lucky people sitting inside as THE Sweet Tooth Fairy Owner, Megan (isn't she gorgeous!?), walked in.

Despite her kids waiting out in the car and her rush to grab some things and get home she just sat in front of the store with us and talked! The next thing we knew she was filling us a box of cupcakes to take home and calling us by our names haha She is such a beautiful woman; we talked to her for 10 minutes and I have fallen in love with her goodness

Thanks so much Megan for taking the time to answer our silly questions about our favorite cupcake shop!

Oh and for these! Ohhhh so gooood

cookies and cream, rasberry lemonade, cheesecake, salted caramel

Did you know they send off their extra cupcakes to homeless shelters and charities each week?

If you get the chance to visit this beloved store, do yourself a favor, and do that! I say this not only because I have fallen in love with the owner, but because REALLY they have the tastiest cupcakes a human being could create. Mmmmm

Speaking of Amazing Women...

I have been so blessed to hear from amazing speakers lately, and I also had the opportunity to read this book and hear from the woman who wrote and lived it; Judy Seegmiller. She has, herself, fought cancer and cared for her husband who passed away with Alzheimers in his early 50's. Her book is basically a compilation of her journal entries throughout her husbands disease and she is just incredible. She shares her testimony and sweet/heart-braking experiences. This book absolutely changed me for the better... you should read it! You know what else changed me for the better? The warm,delicious and sincere hug I stole from her! It was exactly what I need right now... I wish we could be friends!

Thanks to these awesome women. Matty always jokes that I can be a love-slut haha but call 'em like you see 'em, I do love them:)

So....

1) Go to The Sweet Tooth Fairy and fall in love with Megan's cupcakes

2) Read Life with Big Al and fall in love with Judy and the entire Seegmiller family

Happy Weekend!

Quick Getaway

2011-03-01T17:07:00.000-08:00

Over the Holiday Matt and I were kept here by the reality that we have nowhere else to go:) We still refused to do nothing though... So we woke up Monday morning and shipped off to Park City for the day

We explored Main Street (the best part by far;)) I absolutely recommend a visit!

Eating Establishment

Ate at the Eating Establishment after watching its raving reviews on the Food Network... Pretty good!

Olive and Tweed

This cute little vintage shop was pure magic! It reminded me of Anthro but smaller and more rustic. The racks were replaced by hanging branches and everything was imperfect perfection:) I didn't want to leave

Just Super Yummy

We may or may not have stuffed our faces in some of this sweet goodness as we walked around Main, ahhh so heavenly!

We also picked up some goodies!

I finally got some cute cargo pants I have been wanting(60% off!)... they aren't these cute things but pretty close, just a grayish-blue color, the exact color I have been wanting forever

I don't really have any flowy shirts that would rock out the cargo's just right, so Im thinking in the near (or not so near!) future I'll throw a blouse like this on top

And these cutest shoes I have been eyeing on bottom!

Ross, TJ, Marshall... I hope you have these items waiting for me 1/2 price:)

I had never been to the big PC and have to admitt I loved it. School is good for us, we are counting down days, praying its end to come in a timely fashion:) And it has, it really has. Matt is doing so great, we are excited for the blessings we have received and he is loving school as usual. Besides the generals, I am too, believe it or not! haha And remember how I said the nursing home was a so-so ordeal? It has turned into a life-changing experience and I am reminded every week why this is absolutely the right thing for me, and I think that is when school starts to get, well, totally bomb:)

On that note!
Remember this beautiful lady?

She spoke to the program yesterday, I even got to sit pretty close to her! (Star-struck) She shared a lot about her experiences in the hospital and told her story, which I think we all have memorized by now! She is such a heroine, I love her more than ever after seeing her and hearing her story in person. She is just warm goodness:)

And last but not least... Happy happy March and a big happy birthday to my big bro, Kolby, on the 3rd. I love his handsome face! I will catch up on his b-day post soon... hopefully:)

Oh V-day

2011-02-13T20:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Month of Love:)

This V-day has been a little rushed and a little less planned, but we are absolutely celebrating and I absolutely have a wonderful valentine AND we are absolutely following through with our fondu tradition so that is something to look forward to!

This year we decided to exchange things we really need such as a...

Microwave

Maybe some decorative treats to spiff up the apt with, she is a little on the bland side!

(You better pray you don't get us for a white elephant gift! haha)

Best part is being with Matty, he is so nice... all the time:) I really love him and I'm excited to treat him a little bit. He works his tush off like no other, truly! So I feel a lot of love for him and everything that we have. I {and we} love a lot of people and things, but I'll spare you the list!

And just to shed some pent-up emotions:)... remember exactly this time of year last year, when I was dreaming of Mexico? Well I am always dreaming of her but in her non-absolute terror, non-death sentence days:( So I have finally accepted it and turned my head towards California... Oh Cali!

We are having our Thomas family reunion there this summer (oh heaven) and I cannot drop it! It feel insane sometimes, I really believe it is a week away (end of june) and the smell of the ocean, beach, sunkissed skin and fried food is haunting me as I inhale snowflakes and air pollution warnings. Im a whiner Im sorry! I will try and enjoy this winter wonderland for a few more months

Until then though we will thoroughly enjoy Love Day and the momentary 50 degree weather here in Provo Town!:)

Happy V-Day!

Birthday Blow-out!

2011-01-23T16:15:00.000-08:00

I have been missing some important B-days, and its always fun to update myself on their lives... just how they are right now. Sorry! This mushy gushy stuff is all I have time to blog about for now:)

NOVEMBER 25TH

Happy Birthday Kylo:)

Goodness what do I even say about Kyler? He is so cute and so sweet, I miss him. He is such a silent giant, sometimes it kills us! A word, a smile, even a thumbs up? Give us something Ky! haha Like his BIRTHDAY for example, we were in Logan for Thanksgiving and he was so quiet about it no one even knew it was his birthday, the way he preferred it (Don't worry, Goose and I took care of it. A brutal wake up call did the trick, loud singing and birthday spankings made it a memorable day haha) But when he says something it is heard... and almost always hilarious! Besides watching Lost with me until 3am, and being my favorite buddy, and opening the door for me all the time, and singing my favorite songs with me at the top of our lungs on our drives out to Maricopa, AND making me laugh allll the time, he has a mega testimony and will even have talks with me sometimes. He teaches me so much... Kyler boy I love you and hope you had a great birthday!

DECEMBER 2ND

Goosey, Happy B-day!

Ahhh this girl... I know I have already given a Goosey tribute, but I cannot say enough about her. I miss her of course, and she is one of my very silliest sweetest friends. One thing I think I have not emphasized enough is her service. She loves to paint nails and will at the drop of a hat, for everyone! She saved up all of her money and bought everyone presents for Christmas... the girl is 14, who does that? She will do anything for you, she is truly the least selfish person I know. And we are more than sisters I think, we are best friends, and that is the best. One friend that will be stuck with me forever:) She is currently in 8th grade, a dancing queen, into volleyball, loves school and is even taking spanish. (Te quiero goosey!:)) Beyond that she is a bronze beauty that couldn't care less. Happy Birthday lovey!

JANUARY 15TH

Happy Birthday Daddio!

Oh my dad, my sweet papa. I miss you and I am always thinking of you:) Looking back on life I have always always been such a daddy's girl. Remember when your parents would take you out to lunch in Elementary school. Ugh alll day long I would stare at the clock, freedom! We would normally go get Taco Bell or something sweet like that, but one time Dad picked me up and headed north on Greenfield. Try pulling up to Anzio's Landing with your dad at the age of 7! (Anzio's landing is on Falcon Field Airbase in Mesa, and very hoity toity!) I felt like a princess and he treated me like one, I think he even told me that while we were there. He took me on my first date and gives THE BEST HUGS! So comforting. He is so good at giving advice, you should try him out:) He watches So You Think You Can Dance with us every Wednesday and always takes interest in our interests. Daddio I majorly love you. Thank you for teaching me how to love people and serve. I hope you were a good sport and so happy on your birthday! You deserve to be treated!

Happy birthday to these special people! Im trying to get better, be forgiving:)

Finals, Christmas, Break- long:/

2011-01-09T18:51:00.000-08:00

2nd catch up post:)

I recall saying that I was less stressed for finals thanks to Christmas, but once they came... man!

One of these (energy) drinks and at least three baths/showers a day kept me goin... (who knew a intermittent shower could keep you awake and de-slush your brain?!)

And Matt of course was fine!

Hope the name isn't offensive haha but that last night of finals... she saved me!

We also sent our Sister Aubree Scott off to the MTC a few days after Christmas, she is doing awesome!

After finals we headed home and started the break of with a bang partying with our friends at the annual Christmas Party! Graham and Jessica planned it and it was truly a blast. Thanks for such a fun party!

Because Jessica was running the game Graham and Taylor got to be partners! haha! They were such good sports and made us all laugh non-stop!

miss them already

--------------------------------------

Christmas came so fast. We spent Christmas Eve with Matts family and Christmas morning with mine... so fun! It was so great being with family for Christmas

(And I didn't have my camera Christmas Eve so we don't have pictures of that, look at last years post though and you'll see how fun it was:) )

Kyler wrapped Mama's present in two massive gift bags! haha we could not stop laughing!

Pointing his toes in his new shoes

Dad Komenda also taught me how to make his famous homemade cheesecake, and seriously it was divine. Thanks Dad, hopefully this time I won't turn it into a sour sponge!

The masters touch

I also got to see some friends, oh and my God Child Marcie! Cutest little pig ever:)

Globe with Jose... YUMINESS

Love these girls

We headed home a few days before school and decided to be spontaneous and spend the night in Vegas about an hour before we got there! We did the roller coaster at New York New York, walked around and window shopped!

So fun but have to admitt, that place is going to burn haha... and I may have wanted to cry by the time we got back to our hotel room:) Kinda more crazy than I remembered!

We hope you all had a great Christmas/ Break!

Thanksgivin

2011-01-07T15:39:00.001-08:00

I guess I have a lot to catch up on! So I'll start with Thanksgivin'...

Welcome to my childhood!

We spent all of our Thanksgiving break up in Logan, Utah where I lived most of my childhood playing in the snow, having picnics in the canyon, staying at grandma and grandpa's magical/terrifying house(cousins should know what I'm talking about... Aunt Ceely's room? Jeremys horrifying unicorn picture, not to mention the cannery room... scary!But the magic out-did the horror haha it was the most wonderful place and I miss it every time we visit)playing at the cutest house featured in the pic below, and spending time with the people I love most in the whole world... my family:)

This is the Thomas reunion in a nutshell...tons and tons of people, huddled together, lots of talking reminiscing and laughing... allll the time!

Oh and non-stop eating, yuminess

We all went and saw Tangled (which is, by the way, the cutest movie ever. I want to be her!)

Love our littles running around everyone, these little cuties are just a few of many!

Ya Mama whipped out the violin! She was once a professional... did you know? She is so talented!

Watching family videos

Fackrell cousins... love them!

And did I mention we were all there for this handsome man!? Jake left that next wednesday for Spain and is kicking trash I know it!

It was a miracle we had almost every single relative there, including my entire family!

Just have to say, I love them so much. These people are a huge part of who I am, most of them have practically raised me too! A few times during the "get together" I couldn't help but get a little teary (surprise!) looking around and seeing the beautiful people I have been blessed with in my life. They are so very good, and so very mine, and I love them all so much. I am glad Matt got to experience it and is now one of us!

I know it was so crazy for Uncle Brad and Aunt Eileen but I am so grateful they put up with us that weekend!

Just so

2010-12-03T16:07:00.001-08:00

You don't have to look at that gross picture anymore:)

Happy Christmas Season!

( So cute! I love Christmas... It seems like the cutest Christmas images are from the story books my mom had growing up. All the little kids with rosy cheeks and curly hair... its warm and sweet:))

It wasn't this way last year but the Holiday feeling has really made finals and the last few weeks of school a lot sweeter... I'm not as stressed! Which may be a bad thing, but I'll take it:)

Hope you are enjoying the spirit of Christmas!

(this picture is even more cute)

And... Happy Birthday's to Kyler, Kennedi-goose and Natalie Kristine Cluff! (brand-new niece!)

We are so happy sweet baby Natalie got here safe, it is so exciting to have so many beautiful nieces and nephews. And my siblings seemed to have great birthdays haha Ill actually have real posts on their birthdays, our new little Komenda and Thanksgiving soon:)

Happy Thanksgiving Holiday

2010-11-18T12:30:00.001-08:00

(I don't know these kids but they are cute:) and I figured Matt and I's kids might turn out similarly! Toe heads! Especially the one on the left, he has my smile ha)

Hope you are having a great pre-Thanksgiving holiday, it has been good for me this week with Matty gone and all (because I hate it when he is, mostly) but we do have so much to be thankful for!

I am, of course, the most grateful for him and miss him, but you already knew that;)Not to mention trying to always be thankful for how hard he works even when it means being away

And we are so excited, alllll of the Thomas family will be in Logan for Thanksgiving, even Heather and Kolby are coming! So I am truly counting down the minutes to squeeze all those beautiful people!

Food, Family, Friends, leftovers, Our Savior, Gospel:), NO SNOW YET! Love love love.... all good things we are so grateful for

Oh and recent birthdays!
Jose:), Heath Feath, Kristine, Jaim, Bridge boy and I'm probably missing a few more:) I am the absolute worst with birthdays! But I am grateful for those people and their birth haha because they are constantly influencing my life

Sorry for the randomness of the post (nothing too new or exciting with us!) but truly truly, have such a great Thanksgiving!

AND I kept saying I would do this because I am too lazy to link blogs to mine so Kennedi-goose has a blog! check it out, she is super fun and funny!

kennedigoose.blogspot.com

A Spooktacular Halloween Weekend!

2010-10-31T18:10:00.000-07:00

With lots of pictures!

Here are just a few Fall pictures from our balcony to start off, it is so beautiful right now. Not gonna lie Mama, I know you love your AZ but I do love this 4 seasons thing:)

Our poor little pumpkin Komenda had some inexperienced face surgeons:)

This Halloween weekend appeared to be a gloomy one at the beginning. Matty was out of town again and I always have a hard time when he leaves! Luckily though some of my girlies came to my rescue, Aub slept over Thursday and Court joined us Friday... it was like Tucson days all over again!

haha they loved the big bed! It has been a nice upgrade from twin beds and our carpet floor in Tucson... which was my bed a majority of the time!

Matt was supposed to be home Saturday evening around 8 but get this... he had a lay over in Phx and didn't get in until 11! So Mally was sweet enough to invite me up to her family Halloween party, I am in love with her family!

Check out this party

Mally's Daddio- My Papa Wahlstrom, cutest

OH YA!

(I am a professor, although I'm sure you figured that out its so obvious haha I had glasses too ok:) I was somewhat ligit!)

They have a pumpkin carving contest, costume contest, scavenger hunt, movie and of course trick or treating for all of the nieces and nephews! Let me tell you a little bit about this family, they are some of the most beautiful people I have ever met in my life. They are so fun and welcoming, I feel like I am a part of the family when I am with them. They ALL dress up, especially her parents! And I think that is so fun they can be so crazy and silly! Perfect family for me:) I told Matt whether he likes it or not I AM doing it with our own family, and luckily he agreed haha Thank you so much Wahlstroms for giving me such a fun Halloween while Matty was away!

After that I picked up Matty and it was so nice to finally have him home. I am pretty pathetic when he leaves! So we celebrated Halloween and Matty's return with another big dinner with the girls and their hubbies today. Costa Vida was on the menu and it was mmmm, mmmm good!

I will never forget these dinners we have, sitting on the floor because our apartments are too small and laughing because Dallin makes funny random comments and every bite I take food falls in my hair and Matty has to pick it out!

Such a good weekend and a big thanks to all my girls, they really had my back! I love them and I am soooo happy my sweetheart is finally home... Hope you had a wonderful Halloween!

Update:)

2010-10-20T19:38:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update, lots of random little things! Its my mosaic of photos I have needed to get rid of:)

One awesome thing about living in Utah is being close to conference and mission reunions and we got to go to Matty's a few weeks ago. These are some of the other guys that were out when he was. It was so fun to meet his President and the other missionaries. I don't think I realize how much his mission means to him:)

2nd best thing about living in Utah is friends + conference! I love that we get visits all the time, and more specifically I love we got to see Jose and Tay in Salt Lake!

AND I got to eat dinner with Becca and Katelyn that weekend! I didn't get any pictures but it was so fun to see them. Thanks for spending some time with me!

Also, Aubs got her mission call! We are so happy for her.... drum roll please:)

She is shipping of to

Atlanta, Georgia!

In December! SO excited for her!

I have needed to put these up and I really miss these kids:) I have the cutest cousins ever, its true! Luckily I still get to talk to the little miss every Friday

And last random note of the day, I don't normally put recipes on here because I'm a horrible cook:) but some people have asked and I think Jenna would beat me if I didn't do it soon (Its that good!)

Sooooo good, and I don't bake! So anyone can do it!

Brooke and Paige introduced me about 6 years ago and I have been obsessed every since. Thank you! It is an equivalent to my ice cream obsession, which is saying a lot!!

Strawberries and Cream Pie:

1 package of cream cheese (I like 1.5 or 2:) )

1 c. whole whipping cream

Almond extract

1/3 c. of sugar (or to taste, I always add more!)

I package of strawberries

1 tbs. shortening

Chocolate Chips

Mix soften cream cheese with sugar and almond extract (1-2 tbs). In separate bowl beat whole whipping cream until peaks form ( I always add sugar to that as well, to taste! If you are a health nut I recommend not eating with us!:) haha) Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture. And its ready to place in pie crust.

Cut of tops of strawberries, align strawberries bottom up. Melt 1/2 c. chocolate chips and shortening and drizzle over tops of strawberries. Let pie cool 30-60 min in fridge.

Wa La! Best dessert ever. Hope you get to try it, it's yummy!

Matty's B-day

2010-10-10T15:20:00.000-07:00

This is so belated, he has already been 24 for 2 weeks, but we had so much fun on Matty's birthday (at least I did!)

We did a little scavenger hunt and it was so fun to prepare, big thanks to the Komendas and Fackrells for the help!

First off to Sports Authority to retrieve his gift card, and some fun things from his family

I heard the Sweet Tooth Fairy was really popular... (they have cupcakes named after Stephanie Nielson, so cute) Anyone that knows Matt knows he LOVES cookies.So he was directed there!

They had a gift card waiting there for him and some things from my family. He didn't even get cookies though! haha

We have spent a lot of late nights at the dollar movie (obviously this is not it! haha) so this was his last destination!
He was given some money to spend on movies or a day golfing and some awesome basketball dvd's his mom had found for him. So fun:)

Finally he was directed home, and we were off to Tucanos for dinner!

It was so good! So much good food, and we even splurged and got their brazilian coconut lemonade! Delish

My camera died before I could get a picture of all the employees singing to him and beating on instruments of all sorts, but I was sure to sneak a picture of Matty with his tamborine:)

He wanted a "chocolate pudding pie", it was a disaster ha but he made a good choice!

Matty Happy Birthday! I am so lucky to have you, and you have already heard the most of it. But I am grateful for SEPT 23rd because you came into existence haha and now you are mine:) I love you so much, thank you for all you do for me!

And so it begins!

2010-10-07T21:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Autumn!

Matt and I kept knocking on wood talking about the great, prolonged warm weather we have been experiencing! And it creeped up on us in a day's time:) And so it begins, it is now officially Autumn and I love experiencing the change in leaves, the crisp smell in the air, scarfs and yummy warm food! Its just the aftermath (winter) that gets the best of me:) I do love 4 seasons though

I am so excited about doing fun things this Autumn. We bought some Brats (Matty's favorite) and are going to go up to the canyon and throw the "pig skin" as Matt calls it:) (Apparently that is football, if you didn't realize like me!)And yes its just me and him haha throwin the good ole pig skin. Sometimes I feel bad he has to be married! He needs his friends... but I am going to really, really try

We are also going to go to a pumpkin patch with some of our friends and pick out our very own Pumpkin Komenda. And make a yummy Autumn meal and caramel apples after! Food makes me so happy, if you didn't know:)

I will be hiking the Y on Saturday and I am hoping Matty will accompany me to take some beautiful pictures of the changing leaves.

I am whipping out the boots and scarfs, so fun. Speaking of which, here are some friends I wish were warming me this Autum!

These are so cute and ridiculously out of my price-range,

but just looking at them keeps me warm! Wish you were 99% off, and then mine:)

-Still have to do a small catch up of Matty's birthday and some fun visits from friends. Hopefully soon! We are loving life and crazy with school, sometimes I feel like our apartment is rotting from the inside out but we try our best:) Hope you are well!

Oh Goosey

2010-09-26T21:07:00.000-07:00

Im missin this girl today...

Her real name is Kennedi but I don't think I have called her that since she was little... Around these parts she goes by Goosey, and I love me some goose, always:). I love this little babe

Just thinkin about her and sisterhood, I missed her today! Matt is out of town and I would have loved to play with her. My mom and aunt are crazy close, they love each other:) They are C-R-A-Z-Y haha I hope Goosey and I are crazy too.

Christmas 07

I do so love this girl, completely. I begged my mom to hurry up and have me a little sister fast, it took a while but I would like to think I willed her into existence haha (I know I didn't, but I think it!) This little miss is so forgiving and loyal, she will keep a secret and take it to the grave. I have learned to really cherish that as life has continued, I'm grateful she is that way. It takes some nudging, but if she trusts you she will tell you everything:)She is one of my absolute favorite people and very best friends!

I love that she knows who she is, and I miss her quiet confidence:) She is sooo the calm in the storm, and the fun in the party! Down to play and be silly, I think I am at my goofiest when I am with her, we laugh non-stop! At the same time though she is the most steady, easy-going girl I have ever met. I hope she always stays this humble and sassy... yes at the same time!

Example: About two years ago I borrowed her beautiful diamond company dance earrings for some performance of sorts. I came home the weekend of her dance concert and forgot them! I didn't remember at first that I had STOLEN the jewels and Mom was NOT happy. She was pretty upset with Goose for losing her earrings and after about an hour of silent Kennedi and scolding mama.... CLICK, I remembered.(love you mom:)) So I dragged myself over to Kennedi and told her I forgot them and how sorry I was. She looked at me with her sweet eyes which were quite wet after such a stressful afternoon and in the sweetest quiet little voice she said, "Its ok Kenz" and hugged me. (Ahhhh! I = yucky sister!!) I got a little teary myself and squeezed her beautiful body dry and then made my way to mama to explain... Looong night for me ha but I learned so much from my sweet little sister.

Kennedi- goose! I really missed you today. What a little babe you are! Matt and I are both obsessed with your cuteness and your suave. We just really like you! You should call me:)

A Happy Birthday!

2010-09-18T18:58:00.001-07:00

September is the month for Komenda birthdays! And Kaitlyns was today.

( On the right:) )

I am so bad at birthdays! But every now and then I will get the time and mind to blog one... Sooo a very very happy birthday to our Kaitlyn!

She is the big 1-6 and is a beautiful and talented 16 year old. Thanks for being our (my new:)) sister! You are a such a wonderful girl we hope you had a great 16th birthday! If you see her, wish her a Happy B-day for us:)

We also hope Mel (the other beautiful girl in the picture) had a great birthday a few weeks ago! She turned 21 and is a gorgeous 21 yr old at that:) We love you Mel happy belated birthday!

Utah you have been good to us...

2010-09-05T19:39:00.000-07:00

We are really loving Utah as of now... talk to me in two months:)

But we tried to do everything we didn't do before school started last year and it has been so great. Started off with family (love love:)) and ended with my sweet husband. A great start to a long semester!

Mama came down to Utah with me before Matty flew in a week later and we traveled the state like gypsies! It was such a good girls trip, mom thanks for coming with me!

Thanks Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Megan for letting us camp out at your place for a bit:)

Beautiful children, gorgeous babies!

Can't wait to watch them this weekend!

Then off to Logan...

Just have to mention I'm obsessed with this little man! I warned Allie that I seriously, SERIOUSLY have a crush on him... he is so attractive! I kissed him a bunch and didn't feel guilty!

Girls night was the best, we were so lucky to catch Allie and convince Brooke and Paigey to come up with us. I do love them so much:)

Jake you stud. He is going to Spain on his mission in November! He is such a cutie

Picture of Utah State University. Kylo thats for you, Go Aggies!

My sweet Bumpa, I love this picture of him. He looks like the sweetest grandpa and seriously is. I hope Matt and I's marraige can be as fulfilling as him and my grandma's was. And sweet Arlene has brought him and our family such a happy ending!

And his cute Arlene. They are the best:)

Finally Matty flew home to me and we enjoyed our last weekend before school. It really was heaven!

Started with a hike up the Y, too early in the morning! But we did it!

And it was so beautiful, and a little rainy. The sun was just coming up over the mountains, beautiful!

Nice babe! haha

We ended with some Jay-dogs, swimming at the pond in Mona and a lot of sleeping!

And some First Anniversary pictures for records-sake. We did (you guessed it!) a lot of eating:)

Cheesecake Factory, you are the greatest in my tummy!

We loved our 1 year, loved loved summer, and are loving school. Hope you are well!

Happy Wedding Mally Girl!

2010-08-29T15:28:00.000-07:00

As if I haven't already said enough about Mal, I truly adore her:) Mal has really opened my eyes to life! I love that about her. Her sister put her personality so perfectly at the wedding dinner, describing her as a "ball of passion, just waiting to explode!" Amen to that haha I always hope that rubbed off on me a little bit:)

Mal and Dal (even their names are cute), you two are a perfect couple! Mal see's love in such a fairy-tale light and Dallin treats her like a princess, no two could be better. We love you and can't wait to play!

Here are some pictures of the long-awaited day

WEDDING DINNER (YUM!)

The Big Day!

(Mally you are the cutest:) )

RECEPTION

Mal I love you so much, you are so special to anyone that is at all a part of your life. Thank you forever for being a part of mine:) We love the Wrights so much! So happy to have married friends!

The Big Whopper

2010-08-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

One whole year... It is unreal to me!

Well not quite yet, the 15th is the golden day actually, but we are taking a short escape to Scottsdale. And, no offense, but blogging and anyone but Matty will be the last thing on my mind;)

It has been the greatest year (the longest for him!). I have learned so much about myself, and oh so much about my Matty. Such good things

I learned that marriage is hard... can I say that?:) Let me explain that being married to Matty is not hard, he makes life so full for me. Realizing how sensitive I am, things I struggle with, that is kind of hard! All of the things I seemed to keep tame in my mind have found their way to Matt's ears, I can't keep anything from him. At first I was nervous that once he witnessed it all he would love me less! He claims he appreciates it and I love him for that.

I will also admit that sometimes we wanted to beat each other up; fists, kicks and no joke a few bites! (him laughing at me all the while, which makes me more upset!) But I can't remember one disagreement or even silent treatment that didn't end in tears(me), laughs (him) and kisses. And that's what they don't tell you I think. The phrase "being married is the best" comes as a result of something pretty hard, and that's when the fairy-tale moments set in, for us.

Matty what can I say to you about this past year that will sum up all of my 365 days love for you:)... Ill just tell you some of my favorite things I remember. (He is away from me in New York right now so hopefully this gets to him, from his husband-sick wife in little AZ)

You have kept all of your promises:) You said you would take me to the temple once a week (we had to change that to once a month pretty quick:/ haha) and get me ice cream after... check and check! Best of all you promised you would stick around if I got crazy, CHECK.

I love sleeping next to you at night:) Sometimes we are so tangled up in legs and arms you can't help but punch me in the face hahaha I would take squeezing your big handsome body all night for a black eye any day! Plus, the "sorry" "let me kiss it better" treatment after isn't too bad either!

Remember how you used your financial aid to pay for me to go to school last Fall? Just because you knew it made me sad I wouldn't be in school. Or when you did the dishes to make me feel good and it hurt my feelings, ha I really am crazy

Or how I balled my eyes out watching P.S. I Love You all over your shirt (don't even get me started) and then for Valentines Day you gave me such a great gift!:)

Remember Cancun? We were always so full! If food wasn't in our mouths a pina colada was in our hand. Soooo telling of our lives together, all we do is eat! Thanks for letting me eat all I want and never making me feel bad.

Or remember when you were so excited about Christmas and surprised me with our camera and insisted we go get a tree ASAP! You are the funnest.

You are the only person who really knows me... you know what I mean? Like how I am NEVER serious, I'm either goofy or grumpy and you are a constant calm and happy in my life.

Orrr how you get all kissy in front of your family and it embarrasses me!! Here's an anniversary secret I'm going to let you in on... I love you for that. Even though I really do get embarrassed ha I love that you love me that way.

Remember how we watched my kids for a weekend and you accidentally contradicted ALL of my answers, they were pulling the "but Matt said I could" all night and I was so mad at you! Haha you are going to be the funnest Dad

I could go on forever, but I will spare you the embarrassment! Know I really love you, a lot... like REALLY:)

Matthew Adam this past year has been hard sometimes right? But the best of my life and I can never repay you the blessings I have received from you agreeing to marry me! I know this isn't doctrine but nothing has been more fulfilling that knowing you married the perfect person for you:)As imperfect as we are. So excited to grow old and enjoy many more years of loving/frustrating bliss with you! Too much love for you in this heart

Yay for my Annie

2010-08-10T21:18:00.001-07:00

And another emotional trip down memory lane..

Tucson, how do you always get me?? Two years of my life I spent hate-loving you and I keep crawling back:)

Mama and I took a trip down the I10, Annie got married in St. David, which is only an hour past Tucson! Kill two beautiful birds with one stone!

Matty and I are BYU attendees as of now, but I can't quite cross over to being a fan, I'm a part of the Wildcat Family, its true!

This building was the first university of arizona /university in the State!

Oy Vey!

Mally, this one is for you. Thanks for all the free Jewish meals and therapy sessions!

We finished the visit off oh so right, with pizza from Frog & Firkin! ( The Pizza tastes better than the name sounds:))

We were serenaded by some Johnny Cash from the talented gentleman with the guitar. Everything about University St. was magical that night. The dim lights, subtle music, warm breeze, and yes even excited drunk students, haha, brought back so many memories. It is my diamond in the rough!

yummm!!

And finally we were off to the main event, Annie-bells wedding! This girl is a huge part of the good I experienced in Tucson. Such a special girl and married (now) to the greatest guy, we love him:) We couldn't be happier for our Annie!

Such a babe!

Annie and Jordan we are so happy for you! I love that it was the right decision for all of us to head up north, being close to each other during these special times has been such a blessing!

After an emotional day, it was fulfilling to realize that I have loved life so far:) Im grateful that every chapter of life has stolen a little piece of my heart, and Tucson has one specific piece I will never get back. So I guess im boldly confessing my allegiance to this random city and of course, my University of Arizona. I will always love you!

And They're Off:)

2010-08-07T15:11:00.000-07:00

Summer has been so fun and busy, we are loving our time with family and/or work:) and not much of anything else! Some more good news, Matty got into the business school and will be a business finance major... he asked me not to put it on here but I said no:) I love him and am so proud of him!

celebrating at Texas Roadhouse:)

We also carried out the Matt tradition and went go-kart racing at Golfland. All summer Kaitlin and Jacob have been patiently waiting for news as to when it goes down. Matt told me the day of he was hangin out with them and on his way out said bye, walked about 2 steps, flipped around and yelled "and tonight be ready to lace 'em up!" hahah Rejoice!

Being new to the event, it was interesting to see that truly, for a YEAR, they talk trash and it never ends until the brake is down and the race is over! It was what I consider INTENSE:)

Matt was especially pumped due to the losing streak he had built up:) Apparently the last few years Jacob had lapped him! So he did his research; watched the race before ours to see whats cars were fastest... and guess what!

HE WON!

him and #12, which he had scouted out... of course

Kaitlin and Kelly even made a cute trophy for the winner!

Thanks guys for the fun! and

Congrats Matty!

You Go Girl:)

2010-07-24T04:17:00.001-07:00

Its pretty late... early now:) and I CANNOT sleep! I woke Matt up like 4 times and I feel bad, he tried to help out by saying how sorry he was and suggesting I should try watching TV. I did that but much to my shagrin its not working. This has never happened to me before! So I thought I would write down some fun things I'm thinkin about...

For mutual this week we went to the temple and watched the Legacy. I forget how awesome that movie is truly, I cried through most of it but I was happy to see I wasn't alone:) The girls seemed to feel it too. I know because I sneeked one of those awkward peeks when you are crying and you shift your eyes quickly towards anyone who shows sign of an arm moving towards the face... then you cry your eyes out more openly because its a group effort! haha They are good girls, I like them a ton.

Anyway sometimes I worry that im a serious feminist because I get so pumped about the women in stories, leading role or not:) Im all about girl power! And women in the gospel = my dream girl power.

Along with that we talked a little bit about testimony. Its hard sometimes to realize that it is our only real power, the possesion we actually keep forever. Everything else is pretty disposable, even our lives:) Its scary that our bodies have potential to die and decay (as do my worldly possesions {clothing}, which I need to remember because working at Anthropologie is KILLING me! haha) but our souls are long lasting, and the women in the scriptures understood that. Im jealous of them. There is something so sacred about womanhood,and you feel that through their stories.

Mary

Mary Magdelene

Ruth

Martha

Esther

Emma

Latter-day Saints

There is something so incredible about them, I don't even know what words to use to properly express what beautiful women they are. Although I know you get it:)but sometimes you feel a little bit of their nobility. When you truly depend on the Savior there is a feeling of empowerment and love, like a humble confidence in who you are. I know Mary lived that way when she sacrificed a life's worth of good reputation and knew she would witness the crucifiction of her Saviore and Son, and Esther felt that way when she defended her faith knowing she might not live, Ruth chose those things when she forgot herself and worked relentlessly to serve her mother-in-law, Martha loved those things when she realized the better part was the Lord, and Emma knew those things when her children and husband were taken from her, among so many other things.

It is becoming so clear that Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice and Accountability, Good Works, Integrity and Virtue are all essential attributes these women mastered, which were deeply woven into their spirits and character. Their examples of modesty both physically and spiritually speak novels for their understanding of their divinity, as heirs to a King, and the sacred nature of the priesthood. Their faith amazes me; it seems all of them were constantly faced with the unknown.

They are real women. And I love them so much for that, because I look to them for so many answers! I am so excited to meet and be taught by these beautiful women!!

Im sorry to be crazy deep. Im half awake right now and might be embarassed for my ranting come morning! (ya its 5:30 right now! I feel like im on crazy pills!), but if my little gals ever get a look at this post in 20 years... I hope knowing these women makes living in this world a little less heart-braking, and a lot more exciting and challenging!!

All I gotta say is you go girl!:):)

A Rather Rebellious 4th of July:)

2010-07-15T11:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Belated 4th!!

A top notch holiday and easily one of my favorites! We are both so grateful to be citizens of this country. Its history is so rich, and spiritual... to me:)

We headed up after work on the 3rd to meet my family in Pinetop! It was so nice to get away for a few days. The weather was awesome and the perfume of pine trees and scrumptious BBQ filled the air all day... maybe thats why I ate my face off! haha

On our way up we encountered these festive lights, right over the highway! So we watched as we drove, it was actually really neat!

(We could stand to wash our windows haha we know)

Woke up to these beautiful faces every morning! Grandma always takes care of us and Uncle Dusty and Dad covered breakfast, what great guys eh?

While the boys were doing the work, Aunt neece took Mama and I for a run/brutal lunge hike! It was beautiful outside ... sorry no pictures, I was trying to stay alive!

We had a yummy BBQ ourselves. I tried to help a little bit and got handed a delicious but devilish purple onion! I am the biggest baby when it comes to cutting onions, cannot handle it!! Thanks to the sweet sunglasses I stole I made it through like a champ!

Traditional flag pizza cookie.... yuuuummmmmmmm!

Oh and the force that kept the vaca rolling.. lots and lots of Poker!

Us Fackrells know how to party right! I would like to say that more than poker occured on our day and a half stay... I would like to:)

Mama was being so funny and eating her snacks like she does in the morning. Her cute little body downed her buffalo wing pretzels, lucky charms, Lays chips and a DC like its nobody's business!! One thing after the other she requested... her armful getting bigger each time haha It makes me mad she can do that but I love to have an excuse to eat those things with her!

Now, for the All-Star Players. Their Poker Faces tell all

mmmm Mr. Kylo

Ooooo Mr. Broderick

The Goose-face

Ahhhh Neecey

Mr. Matty K

My babe is actually a really good poker player! Toward the end I was wishing it was real money haha but soon after we were humbled and realized its not for us:)

Neece and I had to take one ourselves of course, because we weren't playing but made great cheerleaders! haha

We hope you had a great 4th celebrating our beautiful country, despite the struggles she is facing. We just have to love her!

Any Poker faces shake you up the most?? I know its hard, they are professionals!:)

Just Kidding...

2010-06-17T13:26:00.000-07:00

I decided to FINALLY clean up our room and found that Matty saved the day, and remembered to bring the cord for me, snuggled up tight in his bag:) So im excited to get rid of some pictures!

Here are some of the great weddings we have been able to attend

JESSE AND AIMEE

JOSEPH AND PAIGE

CODY AND ERIKA

BARRY AND KARISSA

We got to see a lot of good friends and I happened to snap a picture of these guys! It was so fun to talk to you all night Brit! She is the sweet mama of this cute little boy below. AND that is not chocolate or cookie on his little face haha its mud! I loved that they didn't freak out when they saw him like this, he finished what was in his mouth and learned on his own! I hope I am that kind of mom:) Thanks for the little lesson Brit and Jay!

And I finally got to attend a reception with my husband! He works late so its hard for him to make it, and any other reception I have gone to I flew by myself. I've learned celebrating someone else's marriage with your spouse makes it that much more fun! So happy for these beautiful people, they are all so special to us. Love you and Happy Marriage again!

AZ

2010-05-07T11:48:00.000-07:00

Being anywhere other than home makes me either nostalgic or forgetful of what it is like to be in Arizona. These are just a few things I wanted to remember. Some fun memory's I thought about, hangin by the pool the other day:) (which is still a nice brownish-green color! haha)

* AZ has the most beautiful sunsets, even if it is due to pollution, we work with what we've got!

*I love me a summer drive to the lake. The air is still cool at night and the smell of the mountains and yes, even the lake, reminds me of dating Matty

*The waves of heat while you are laying by the pool that make your skin smell like it's been worn out that day. Chlorine and sunkissed skin haha that's Arizona!

*We live just a few miles from Falcon field. Arizona summers make me think of that sound; all the small planes flying around. It creates a soothing hum that makes it bearable to be outside

* Flip-flops! after a winter of wearing boots, I was ready to give my feet some breathing space. And I love flip-flops :)

* The citrus orchards, mmmmm yum! Not only do they look and smell beautiful, but they drop the temperature about 10 degrees. Feel free to roll down a window and enjoy the breeze when you hit Mckellips and Greenfield:) You feel like a new person when 115 degrees suddenly feels like 105 haha!

* Oreganos pazookies and pablo picasso salad; all of it enjoyed outside on their green picnic tables, under the misters. mmmm

* QT... What is it, 69 cents for a 32 oz? And all the soda, freezoni's and flavorings my little heart can imagine! (or hot chocolate for Josie, but she is crazy like that:)haha)

* The fruit stand (at least we call it that). A low key, ghetto little store that sells cheap produce and mexican candy:) It seems like we are there a few times a week to buy bags full of fruit, and nothing is more refreshing than cold fruit during an AZ summer!

* Mesa Fro Yo... need I say more?? Thank you for adding spontaneity to my life, surprising me with new (cooling) flavors EVERY DAY:)

* And last but not least the people that have always made my AZ summers great! The fam and our friends!

Hope you are enjoying the beginnings of your summer!!

Happy Happy

2010-05-01T15:55:00.000-07:00

Birthday Mama:)

It is a day late but nevertheless, a very happy happy birthday to my Mama!

As if it isn't already obvious, I love my mom a WHOLE lot and hope she had the greatest birthday celebration. I was really excited about it!

The day went something like this:

Rhodes Cinnamon Rolls for b-fast (her favorite)

Lunch at the original Rosa's (her favorite)

Dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings (her favorite)

Presents and a movie with the fam

And we had so much fun with her:) Mom I love you so much and hope you had the best day! You are my best friend, I am so grateful for all you do for me. Muah Mama bear!

Sneeky Sneeky!

2010-04-09T19:51:00.000-07:00

Things have been pretty crazy but some good, surprising, happy news has got me excited for next week! One of my best friends is getting married next Saturday:) And after missing Heathers, Kims and now this one too I have not been able to talk about it all semester. It's sad to miss your friends weddings! I got home 2 nights ago and Matty said he had an early birthday present for me....??? Hmmm, he pulled out an envelope and there was a picture of this lovely dress

(I said "... thaaaanks babe!...?" Wasn't quite sure how I was gonna pull that one off with my G's/the prom thing didn't really work on me even at prom! but for him I'd try I guess haha) However it was followed by this ticket home next week on April 16th, at which I would wear said dress to Aim's wedding, an orange bridesmaids dress!

(and Matt would like me to clarify that this really isn't the dress... Im sure Aimee would too)

Yup I cried!! Everyone was in on it too I guess, stinkers! As Marian would say haha thank you:) Thanks Matty for making such a sacrifice, I love you! Can't wait to be home!

(we also spent our Easter/Conference weekend with the Thomas's in Logan! They are the most amazing and we had so much fun with them... I will be sure to post about it soon. Thanks so much we love you!)

Sooo

2010-03-29T15:33:00.000-07:00

We started our diet last week...

Committed Monday morning, ate this mouth-full of heaven Monday night (11:30 PM!) Whats wrong with me!! I realized I'm an exercise person not an "eat healthy" person... and someday Ill start that too ha!

This looked healthy to me? Homemade Costa Vida salads with chicken is nutritious for sure! Then I slammed the thing with ranch FROM Costa Vida and... I hugged my every-growing hips good that night haha

Then off to Chili's to use our gift card and celebrate Matty's awesome test score (100%!!)

Had every intention of getting a salad of sorts... nah

I destroyed it!

We tried:)
Hope your summer trimmin' is going better than ours!

I also got to spend some time with my dear girls for Courts birthday... ahhh a breath of fresh air they are, sight for sore eyes!

A little BTS cake never did anyone any harm. Went right in line with my diet plan too:) Its always a party with them! Happy b-day Court!

And we topped off the weekend right, getting off our rear-ends and goin' for a nice Sunday drive/ walk up Provo Canyon. Everything is trying to come back to life but it is still so beautiful. Can't wait for some green!

Plans

2010-03-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

I know I keep talking about summer, warm weather and AZ... I'm sorry to bug, but I'm really excited to go home:)

I'll admit I was a little saddened by our change in plans at first. We went from a beautiful Utah summer... to an adventurous 3 months in Cali with Allie Kay... right back to AZ, where we started. But with so much going on this summer its going to be a lot of fun and I'm getting pretty excited! I am making plans for the yucky heat, it is going to be a good summer

Kyler and I are going to hang out, its his last summer before the mish, and I love him oh so much.

Kennedi and I... Oh geeeez! What a party. I called her up the other day just in an effort to confirm "girly" plans and she is all or nothin, its going to be so fun to be with her again!

Maybe I will finally get to spend some time with my brother and new sister-in-law. Hopes are to have a big Fackrell girls night and we are really excited about our new addition!

And sadly... I think I'll be goin dark (and by dark I mean my now-natural, nasty dish water hair color, not brown). I might cry! I have been a straight up blonde girl since I came out of the womb! I have endured the jokes, carried the burden (haha!) and earned my blondly-hood:) but I can't take care of it anymore. Come 9th grade or so I had to start high-lighting it, which worked great with my sweet auntie a half an hour away to touch up when necessary.

However... with ZZZZERO mula and no Aunt Ceely in sight, I think this summer is the one and... I might cry;( Its still up for debate because that's a scary change for me! But my bank account screams DO IT!

(Maybe something like this? A shade darker, maybe? But hopefully I'll be smiling... not as sad as she is, and as sad as I know I will be!)

Paigey if you cut your hair I will do the color, give me strength

P.S. A happy happy birthday to Mom Komenda:) Hope you had an amazing day it was so fun to talk to you last night! She is a great Mom and raised my husband who is so good to me, so I am the most grateful. Thanks for all you do for us!

Weekend Lovin

2010-03-15T22:43:00.000-07:00

and dreaming of home:)

I think Utah is like Arizona..... BIPOLAR WEATHER! {cold instead of hot, obviously :/} It's getting me all kinds of excited for a spring I will most likely not experience at the rate we are goin. For instance, today... beautiful:) a good 51 degrees the sun is shining, im loving it! But im torn. See it was nearly 60 in the morning a week ago, I came out of work and Provo looked something like this, truly!

WHHHHYYYYYY! I am forcing spring upon myself by wearing my flip flops outside... in spite of this random weather. Bitter AZ girl flaunted openly on my face:)

Despite it though we had a really fun weekend. It was the first weekend night off I had had since I started working so regardless of how poor we are, I begged to have the night for a date... and it was nothing but delicious-good fun

Nice 30 min drive to Texas Roadhouse did my belly good!

{Both of us singing "I Run to You" at the top of our lungs to keep our minds off the grumbling tummys:)}

It was crazy busy, but we had the nicest waiter, ate the MOST rolls, stuffed our faces with so much yumminess its wrong, and topped it all off with COLDSTONE, Founders Favorite... get outta here! yum yum yum

*OH and once again I out-ate my Matty by a considerable amount!*

We had a great, snowy weekend. Hope yours was good too! Between now and this next one I'll be dreaming of the beach and permanent warm weather. I might even let my dreams stray across the border... Miss it:)

Bloggity Blog Mission Statement

2010-03-07T23:39:00.000-08:00

I have finally decided

Why this blog is going to be so special to me:)

It is so fun to keep up with friends/family, but I can do that without having this little friend. I have thought a few times about leaving it deserted or maybe shutting the thing down because for a good while there... I ='ed the WORST BLOGGER {Im workin on it:)}

I was thinkin a little bit ago about why I have one? I love it and I LOVE that those close to me have them, I guess I was curious about my motives, a little bit? I already have a journal and I'm quickly learning I cannot use this as one haha There is no need for me to publicly embarrass myself with my many weaknesses! Besides, I wish I was a better writer, but I can only see a future of simplicity here at mckenzifackrell.blogspot.com:)

Im actually excited though, about things I have thought about; some reasons to hold on to this baby

I am excited this will serve as my own virtual scrapbook, for me. Legit scrapbooking is NOT an option {domestic Kenzi = never. No matter how hard I try!}. So truly, I am so grateful for this glorious blog network:)

I hope I can focus more on writing over weekly events, things that make me happy. Birthdays, fun!

I will mention the things Matt and I love, how much we love each other, what we do... so our kids will know their parents love, love each other:) and were preparing for them. I want them to see how much fun we have, that we are passionate about things, anything!

(food in particular)

{and this:)}

That we love the Lord and are happy. We want them to be happy. And hope they know that things aren't always perfect...and thats ok!

When we have the little babes, I will keep up with every move they make, so they will have it forever. I mean how neat is it to read about all the sweet Grandma's out there blogging, something their grandchildren will treasure. Maybe that will be enough of a guilt trip to get Mama to start one! I gave up begging a long time ago... who's with me!?!

Last but not least, a missionary tool. I hope its clear that I am a Christian woman {wife, mother, etc:)}

Komenda overload comin attcha!

Pleased to Annouce

2010-03-01T22:44:00.000-08:00

... we will be making our way back to Arizona this summer:) Upon return to our dear sweetheart state we expect to be welcomed with open, deathly scorching, 115 degree arms!

Although a quick change in plans has landed us in the desert once again, I'll admit im dying to see my family and we are both excited about being home. Hidden blessing that three (3!) of my best friends will be getting married this summer and another in the middle of a pregnancy! I intend to spend my time exploring AZ (finally!), attending bridal/baby showers, painting a sweet little nursery with Meags and playing in the sun til I look like leather {if Dad will clean the pool... please please??:)}

Smoldering miserable HEAT here we come:) Can't wait to see you all!

Fashion Forward

2010-02-20T23:30:00.000-08:00

With a little help from the D.I., I felt some fashion inspiration this week! and looks like Matt did too:)

I have to confess that I looooove TLC's What Not to Wear, even though they can be beyond brutal, its fun to learn from people who know something about fashion! I need some help without my sister around!

So a few weeks ago they had this alllll day finale, one episode ends and I' m determined to stop watching and be productive for the life of me.... But Matt was nice enough to let me sit there for a few HOURS and watch, point out things I like and how pretty everyone looks after... and how frustrating it is that the cosmetologist ALWAYS cuts their hair short! Despite it though, they still look amazing

I continued to comment on outfits, one cardigan and colorful undershirt in particular, and I think Matt got restless. He said "Hold on!" and in an attempt to make some sarcastic fun of these crazies I have allowed to control my day, he runs into the closet and pulls out these sweet combo's I would have never thought of!

(Notice the show on in the background)

He was totally joking around and trying to make fun but I actually wore them! He picked out the whole outfit and its true, they did look better together:)

( and p.s. yes, it is saddening that my husband can pick out cuter outfits on accident than I can trying!)

Later that day I was feelin a D.I. trip, I have also fallen in love with this beautiful place:) Its crazy the things people are getting rid of!! I just wish we had the $$$, and SPACE to take home a trailor full haha. Before we leave Utah for real life, we decided we are loading up here

Here are some of our sweet finds!

This is a lady's table, it just looks so petite and feminine to me:)

Grandma's lamp, thank you 60's!

So cool... Never seen a dresser like this

These.. I want soo so so bad!! Put them together right?? $10 each!

Matt gave me the go to get them!! I will just work one extra day for the mula... not a problem

This was another favorite! What is it?... who knows! But I thought it was the neatest thing. Impractical for now but so awesome

In the end we walked away emptied handed but I pray everyday they will last in the good ole DI, hmmmm... 3 more years;)

*But if you want to see some real and amazing interior designing, you should look at my sister-in-laws blog*

littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com

She has her own interior design company, Pearl Street Interiors, and they will be moving to New York soon! She is incredible truly:) Enjoy!

Love Love Love

2010-02-09T08:01:00.000-08:00

Happy February!

What a month... Im really getting into the crazy valentines spirit, Paige and I even did a project! Crayon shaving hearts to hang from the window. (Its a good thing she is so domestic and I am absolutely not!) It only took us a million years to finish but well worth it. Thanks Paigey:)

Romantic love is so fun and knowing me, you'll get your fill of that goodness as the weekend approaches:) But im grateful for loving people today, we really have been so blessed

Last week I had a mediocre day:) For whatever reason I was feeling sad and couldn't pull myself out of the rut. I tried exercising, praying, reading different scriptures and nothin... nothing! I went to go pick Matt up from school and found this on on our door step...

Looks like your handwriting MOM haha!

24 pack of eggs

Skim Milk

Organic (and so yummy) turkey

HUGE bag of Chex Mix

Dole Bananas

Pears

2 loafs of Whole Wheat Bread

and one GINORMOUS can of delicious peaches

A lot of love, sacrifice, and tear duct action (on my part:))

I don't know who knew how poor we are, who knew how awful our diets have been and how Matt drinks pepto-bismol like its water, OR who knew I needed an example that day, but I just cried. I have got to be better; I immediately drove to the school and told Matt, we both looked at each other and telepathically agreed

WE HAVE GOT TO BE BETTER

I can only imagine it was someone from our ward,or good friends we have up here, I could be wrong, but honestly like a single one of them is that well off either! What a sacrifice and example of compassion. Their example made such a difference to me.

They reminded me how much I

* Love my husband

* Love my family

* Love my In-laws

* Love my friends

* Love this Gospel

* Love my examples

Im sorry this is a little deep for a happy v-day post, I just wanted to express my gratitude to this mysterious savior. I will try my best to see you in everyone we meet up here.

( yes these are our WEDDING THANK YOU CARDS! But truly thank you:) And they are still on their way I promise... apparently our gift notebook ran off at the parents house but I will find it and thank every last one of you for your goodness!)

I am so grateful we have love naturally within us because of our sacred relationship with a loving Father. Although I have been a little slow, I am now quickly learning that His is the only hand that will pull us out of our rut's:) I will always love Him

So that being said haha Share the LOVE!

{and... if the culprit wouldn't mind coming forward, I would love to thank you with a delicious unhealthy treat:)}

First Sleep Over and MUCH FUN

2010-02-01T19:33:00.000-08:00

This weekend has been too much fun

After one crazy week: Matty had O-Chem and Business Writing exams and I finished trainin at Macaroni Grill (thats right, im your newest M-Grill server!), and I will have to admitt, im not very good... I already spilled a whole TRAY of dishes!

IN FRONT OF EVERYONE!! Urgh. But I survived it:) oh please never again

(thanks matty for rubbing my calfs after that week, or I guess after doing jumping jacks for like 5 min, haha get me to the gym!)

I guess i'll go from end to start because our meal on Sunday... Rockin:) We have cousin dinners every now and then and Brooke and David host. David happens to be a world-renowned chef... at least in my eyes! We ate so good and so much! Mmmm thanks so much for making our Sunday!

Besides good dinner, the company was even better:) Can't even begin to explain how much I love my family. Its like my childhood dream, to be close to them and we have had so much fun playing together (If only Logan and CA were 2 seconds away now) Here are a few photo's of the day... no food pictures sorry, I was too focused!

Things got crrrrazy, luckily they were wrestling the boys and took no interest in us girls:) except for hugs haha

Back to the start of things...

Friday night was NOT happenin' until 10 o'clock, we went to Matty's game, he did awesome and they won! Yay! And then we got a red box (Julie and Julia) and 2 full bags of fast food! mmmmm! Died and went to heaven

We just layed on our little couch, stuffed our faces wih Burger King Tacos (UHHHHH! So gross, so good) and about 4 hamburgers (and an ice cream shake... for me:)). It was bliss!

Once the movie was over (2:15am) I was dyin hyper and got to thinking, this is just like a sleep over! Like a REAL one. I jumped the gun and started hitting him with a pillow but he didn't want to do the whole pillow fight in your undies thing. Apparently thats just for girls( plus, he wasn't as hyper as me, actually he looked like this...)

So everytime he would kneel to pray I would push him over hahaha he was so tired it wasn't hard at all! He would just whine and we ended up having so much fun just laughing while he layed there entertained by me jumping on our bed...

I don't know why I was so afraid to get married. Its so HUGE, so important, so sacred, and hence scary

But nothing about him is too terrifying:)