Baseball with the Baileys

This could possibly be my new hobby. I kind of love it. So if you want to know what my family is like then you should watch this clip.

Click Here

They are my best friends. I love my life.

She's Back.

This night she realized all she had..and that is everything she really wanted.

Simple happenings of the day:

This morning. She woke up to an e-mail from one of her favorite people. Bradley. She misses the fun times they had together. But she is happy for him while he is serving the Lord.

She said goodbye to her best friend's husband-to-be for two years. On the car ride over, she said she wasn't really sad, but happy for him. For that reason, she didn't plan on crying. On the contrary, watching all the other weepy women, she herself joined in. Mostly it was an ache for her best friend because she knew the pain her friend will go through at his departure. She remembered the time that she too endured that. Those boys have and will do great things. She is grateful for their service; looks back with a tear in her eye and smile on her face.

She is counting days by the mail system. It's embarrassing, really. Ha. She is playing tic-tac-toe with a boy who is miles and miles away and soon will be half way across the world. She kind of loves it though. She wishes at 11:11 that he gets her letter in time to write her back--11:11 was kind of their thing. But it's weird because they are best pals, nothing more, yet she finds so much joy in hearing from him. Her favorite part is the pictures he draws. Or maybe their inside jokes. Kind of everything.

She had a really weird dream. Actually, she kissed someone in her dream. That usually doesn't happen unless she likes the person in real life. Then she told the main character about the contents of the dream. It was probably not her brightest idea. It'll be an interesting reunion this weekend--no kissing involved though, you can be assured.

She had the greatest reunion with her roommate. Only been a part two weeks and they still squealed when they saw each other. Her roommate talked some sense into her about a particular boy. It was much needed. They then talked about important things. They talked forever. Laughed and cried and caught up on life.

She will be tan for summer. She revisited a home she spent a few weeks hanging out at four summers ago. She didn't even have to ask them for the address, she remembered the way. She did a flip in the pool. She was embarrassed by the bruise she had on her leg--don't know where that came from. But she came out burnt despite the deceiving white skin she had for the whole two and a half hours. It was all of our goals to get a little sun truthfully. It's weird how fast we grow up. Boys to men. Girls to women.

She woke up and ran two miles. She is getting back into herself again. It's kind of important. We want her back.

She talked to her friend who made her realize how much she loves her dad. She has the best dad ever. Her dad is always there to talk or to help her out. Her dad would do anything for her and tonight she understood how grateful she is for a dad who cares.

She asked a boy to come visit her when she got up to school in the summer. He said he would love nothing more and would surely love to see her again. It was a better response than she hoped. Who wouldn't love to spend a couple days with an italian boy. ;)

She drove on the highway with wet hair and the windows down. Seems silly but it was so enjoyable to her. She blasted the music and let her hair air dry, it was a Texas thing. She also has kind of missed driving.

O and! She got to skype her friend from school. She took this kid for granted and now she kind of misses him. It was a good chat. He told her she was actually dorky unbeknownst to most people. She liked that he knew that but still wanted to be her friend anyway. True colors shining. She then fell asleep while they were still chatting. Oops. Kind of embarrassing.

Earlier that day, she got to help a friend who ran out of gas. She loved seeing them so she didn't mind helping out. Mother and daughter preparing for a wedding. Lovely.

All in all, she is back. I don't know where she went but she is back. xoxo

Moral: Be grateful for the little things.

Pure Bliss

Today will go down in history because of some of the events that have already taken place...and it's only 11 AM! Twas an unexpected event, for sure, but I would say it was quite noteworthy. Sometimes though, I like being kind of mysterious so I probably am not going to tell you what the event was. (Hehe) I will just say that I have some of the greatest friends and I am so grateful for them. Happy Day :)

Best Friends Forever

(Fawn and Pretty Cat)

Hi Beautiful.

She gasps...

Things change. (It begins to rain)

She gains courage...

Never mind.

Moves forward... (Into the rain)

Moves on.

Overcoming fears...

New Adventures.

Keep Calm and Carry On

It was one of those weeks.
The weeks where you learn lessons of life through trials.
The week you would never take away but never relive.
Well I guess that's a little dramatic.

I am fine.
Life is good.
The weather was amazing.
But it was a different week.
I kind of wanted to be left alone...
But yet I just needed someone.
There were people who pulled through
and there were people who let me down.
Little acts of service made the day a little brighter.
I became more grateful for true friends.

Still...the aches remained.
I thought the next day I would be cured.
I wouldn't want to be left alone.

The decisions in my life have been difficult.
I was so ambitious in pursuing my goals that this block...
made me want to just give up.
Give up?
Who is that speaking?
This girl dreams big.
This girl doesn't give up.
How silly...just one little block.
Pick it up and move on, right?
Easy. Well sort of easy.
Emotional ties to plans can be hard to drop.
Honestly, I pride myself in adjusting to change.
I love change.
But it isn't always easy, even if it is a #firstworldproblem.

Guess what? We all have these weeks, the weeks where we are just a little down.
I usually pretend like they don't exist in my life.
People have other problems, bigger problems.
Who am I to have anything to be sad about, to complain about?
I wouldn't say I have the right but I am entitled to the feelings.
We need these feelings to grow.
If I didn't feel sad, disappointed or frustrated, how could I ever be happy, joyous or at peace?
I learned a very important lesson.
We can make plans but the only plan we know for sure will work is the plan God has for us.

I am trusting in the plan God has for me. I don't know what good will come of it, maybe more than what would come of my own plan.
I don't know how He wants me to choose though.
But I have faith.
Things happen for a reason.
People come into our lives for a purpose.
Great things are in store for us.
I know my divine potential.
I know that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to.
I know I am a Child of God and He loves me.

So now I have resolved to 'Come what may and love it.'

Moral: We all have those days, but ultimately, we must trust in the plan God has for us.

Learn to Discern

As we grow and become less sheltered to the things of the world,

we may be losing “innocence” but we are, in essence, gaining wisdom; hopefully we use this wisdom to discern.

~Kennedy Grace

Tender Moments

I have the best roommate ever. 

We grow and learn from each other everyday.

She is simply amazing.

Last night, we stayed up too late and had some deep talks. 

It was roommate bonding via appreciation for each other.

Laugh.

Love.

Cry.

Sing.

Dance.

Pray.

Encourage.

Learn.

Smile.

Grow.

Everyday.

Love you Victoria!

Dear Abbie...

Friends.
Best Friends.
Bestest Friends for Eternity.
If there was an extension to the last one then it would be on here.. O wait...
Abbie Reeves.

Memories:

-Yum yum when we had to drink liquid charcoal or die...
-Dressing up to go to Macaroni Grill as our Christmas gift to each other before we could drive.
-Homecoming and Proms
-Piecing the Necklace together at Sonic...awkward.
-When we would switch shoes to match and be "twins"
-Singing on park benches for our birthdays
-Both times we went to speed zone with our way good friends.
-O my gosh...Our New Years Eve spontaneity.
-Root beer and pasta mixed on the table..."We'll be three in three years"
-Hiding the Cheerios in the closet as a joke just to end up getting in trouble.
-Blind folding Abbie and making her breakfast to be eaten in the middle of the lake.
-Road trip and Taylor Swift concert with Brad and Brian.
-Making Pookies and wearing good will clothes.
-Pretending to be homeless and watching the slideshow video during the Christmas season
-Hillary Duff concert together- told the security guard I had a camera (even though the sign said "no camera")
-Playing the games in the rain storm!
-Drinking Sparkling Cider and walking down my street
-Ding dong ditching the a load of newspapers and then getting caught
-When you wished on a rock and threw it and I picked it up and it meant we were twins!
-Rice balls in NYC.
-Singing "7 Things" so many times on the road trip that Rachel almost kicked us out
-Drinking from the rainbow cup in Cali and eating PB and homemade jelly everyday
-Learning to Snowboard for our 16th birthday!
-Playing in the hotel in Park City with Olivia
-Hiding Rachel's scrunchy behind the bookcase at the sleepover.
-Crying so hard when we had to leave each other when we were little kids (And even when I went off to college)

-And sooooooooooooooooooooo many more!

Dear Abbie,
You have been my best friend since I was born. Literally. I am so blessed to have you as a part of my life and lucky to be able to call you best friend. You make me a better person and that is what true friends do. You are so beautiful, inside and out! I know I can tell you anything and you'll always be there for me. Thank you for being such a great example to me!
I love you soo much!!
Kennedy
(aka Starburst, Chinchilla, Matching Shoes, B.C. (haha) and all the other ones)

P.S. This should count as your letter, so now you should write me one and then I can finally put it in my senior scrapbook! Haha. Miss you so much! <3


Moral: Hold on to the good ones.

In Love with Love...

As I walk around campus and hear stories of marriage and people falling in love, I begin to wish for my own opportunity of true love. Even if it is just a glimpse, a mere second in eternity, I desire to have perfect love. But what does that entail?

This is my description of perfect love:

When everything seems wrong, all you have to do is look at them, and it is all right. When you are dating or “together” but they still plan out a time to go on real dates. When you actually want to cook for them and they want to take care of you. When you can sit there and say nothing, but it feels completely comfortable. Looking into their eyes isn’t awkward but rather intriguing. It is a captivating sensation between you two when you only speak with your eyes and the connection is so tangible. When you want to tell them everything and they want to hear it. When you don’t feel self-conscience about your flaws around them but yet you feel inadequate to be the person they are in love with. When you are completely stressed out, but they pull you away to take your mind off things. When you don’t have to say what you are feeling, they just get it. When they sincerely feel like the luckiest person because they have your love, but you feel the same way. When they become more attractive everyday because you see their inner beauty shine more with each passing second. When you both work together to leave the other person better than you found them. When you start seeing the purpose of life become clearer as you are with them. When they make you laugh everyday, just in casual conversation. When they are honest with not only you but with the world, and it makes you look up to them indefinitely. Whenever you are together, people can see your happiness radiating from you. When there is hardly ever a time you get upset with one another partly because your standards and spiritual cores are so closely aligned. Sometimes when you look at them, you just can’t help but smile. When they treat you like royalty and give you unmatched respect. When they bring you your favorite things (like roses) every once in a while, just because they feel like there doesn’t need to be an occasion to let you know you are special. When you want to help them reach their goals and give them everything they want. When leaving them may be sad, but they still give you a chance to miss them, which makes being together all the more worthwhile.  When you can be yourself and do those fun, crazy things that sometimes would be weird to even tell people. When just going to the grocery store together is an exciting adventure. When they compliment your appearance, even when you feel like there could be nothing nice to say. When you are sad and they just give you a sweet kiss on the head and hold your hands, look in your eyes, and tell you it will be okay. When they make you do something you know you want to do, but you just can’t find the courage to do it. When you say you want no one to find you but they come looking. When they are patient even when you are in a bad mood. When you want to be patient with their shortcomings. When they remember the little things you mentioned that you thought nobody heard. When you can’t describe how much you love them because your love is indescribable. Lastly, when we acknowledge the fact that we are not perfect but our love is. 

Kennedy's Lemony Remedy

So this week has been very interesting considering some events that have taken place. On top of that, I have been thinking a lot about what kind of person I want to be. I wanted to find the perfect balance of being a good friend, not being judgmental, and upholding my standards. I received this quote from my secret sister (Valentines thing for Relief Society) and it was exactly what I needed. This testified to me that the Lord knows us and knows what we need and when we need it. I know that He lives and loves us all. 

Here is the quote:

"There is only one thing that absolutely everyone likes- water, because it has no taste.

BE LEMONADE.

Most of us are afraid to be too intensely who we are. We're like lemonade with too much water and too few lemons. We dilute our flavor so we won't offend anyone. And, in the process, we give away our power, the essence of who we are that makes us unique and unforgettable. The world belongs not to the one who fits in but the one who stands out. Embrace yourself. Walk into every room demonstrating your brilliant, gorgeous, unforgettable self. The world is longing for you to step forward in all your lemony goodness, not in a watered down version. And not all, but enough, people will welcome you with open arms. On the days you're feeling a little less than bold, less than brilliant, less than fabulous, add a lemon."

~Gail Blanke

Moral: Don't be afraid to be yourself. When in doubt, add a lemon.

The Vow

<3 I am personally too excited to see this tonight!! <3

It's been my obsession for the past few months, let's find out if it meets expectation!

"I vow that we will always find a way back to each other."

My Personal Life Museum

There are so many beautiful pieces of art in this world.

Beyond imagination, really.

But everyone perceives these pieces differently.

Our tastes differ because “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”.

That is what makes artwork so unique.

I appreciate many beautiful masterpieces.

But just because I can identify the magnificence, doesn’t mean I want to buy it.

Although sometimes tempting, the exquisiteness isn’t defined on pure attractiveness.

It is a combination of desirability AND how well it can mold to me.

I would only buy a painting it if it fits in my home. (They do say home is where the heart is.) It has to be the right size for my walls, match the furniture and be something I am willing to look at forever. The painting itself must portray ideals that match up with my own principles in life. If I am going to spend my money and put “all my eggs in one basket”, it’s has to be the best. Since artwork is so different, when I say “the best”, I mean the best for me. This painting must be inspiring, something that keeps me moving forward and reminding me to pursue my dreams. The painting must speak to my soul and be one with me; it will bring peace and leave me better than it found me. The process won’t be easy when deciding because the beauty is endless. There will be one though, and it will be all worth it.

 Moral: Appreciate beauty, choose wisely.

Ice Cream Crash

Discouragement.

None are exempt.

Choosing to change.

Hard.

Ultimate Happiness.

It’s yours.

Reflective mood.

Lately… trying to change.

My age and experience= stand still.

Stand still = discouragement.

I am tasting flavors but not ready to choose.

I love ice cream but there are too many flavors…

Why do I have to pick?

I don’t.

Not now anyway.

People think I may change my mind about "now".

I might.

It won’t change the way they think it will.

Time and patience is the key.

Right now, I want to give up ice cream.

I don’t want to offend any flavors.

I find that after a spoonful, it melts away.

I then have to decide to take another bite.

I am only supposed to take another spoonful if I like it enough.

Enough? What’s enough?

I do like it. Sometimes a lot.
But it takes me time to decide the "enough"; it melts before I get a chance.

If only there would be a flavor that wouldn’t melt away,

Then I wouldn’t have to worry about what is enough.

But they say that is a rare type of ice cream, almost non-existent.

The rest just…

                        Melt.

                                    Melt.

                                                Melt.

There are a few “rarities” that will be constant flavors in my life.

I may not be in love with them but I can always count on them to taste great.

That flavor may not be very attached to me either but it just cares.

I appreciate the ones that don’t melt away on me.

We need more of them.

Those flavors make everything a little more peachy ;)

Moral: Be her friend.

(Also choose not to be discouraged)

Simple, Easy, and Fun

We like this picture because it makes Joseph Stone look tall ;)

(We are with "Coach"-a character in the Sundance Film)

First date? Sort of. 

Best friends? He doesn’t have best friends. Ha J

Brother? Pretty much.

Pals for life? Most definitely.

The Night’s Undertakings:

*Throwback to Last Semester

*Change of Plans

*Holding our Breath Through Tunnels

*Sundance Film

*Campfire and Guessing Constellations

*Jammin’ to Country Down the Canyon

*“Sound of Music” Stroll

*Shared a Malt and Ate Way Too Late

*Nice Chat with Sam!

Highlights:

-Previous to date: Calling for Brad Paisley

-The thrill of possibly missing the film

-Ice skating on our fake pond

-“Smoke follows Beauty”

- Always laughing at silly things

Moral: Keep good friends around because it makes life simple, easy, and fun. :)

A Brightened FriDAY! :)

Hello February:

Since it is now February, I thought I would make my next few posts centered on acts of kindness and sweet friendships. On Valentines, I may even post something a little more on the “lovey dovey” side. ;)

Little Background:

So it’s Friday and I am banking on having a good day; I have my night planned and I am feeling content. As the day progresses, I find myself a little more uneasy. There seems to be a lot to get done and on top of that my health seems to be diminishing with every passing hour. This makes it even harder to get done the work I have ahead of me. Everything seemed a little stressful and there was even some contention between people, which was affecting me a little bit. But I knew it would still be a good day, and it was better than I expected.

Bulleting Stories in my Book:

*Opened fortune cookies Thursday with my friend Carter and gave one to him because I thought it better suited his interests ha J (As a joke- read on to understand)

*I get a text the next day (Friday) asking when my plans started for the night, but I didn’t know, then the next text, “Are you home?”

*After I answered yes, I got the text, “O my gosh…Your fortunes are starting to come true! go check outside the back door ha”.

*This is what I found:

*“O My Gosh” is right! For those of you who don’t know: Roses are my favorite! Ha

*Then inside the pedals was the fortune:

“Flowers would brighten the day tomorrow for a friend”
(This was the fortune I gave to him the previous day)

*Day successfully brightened!! Thank you Carter!

The day was great and the night wasn’t half bad either ha. ;) Maybe I will add a few bullet points on the events that happened that night. But in a few days! Hehe

Moral: Brighten someone else’s day! It makes this place we live in just a little happier. :)

Growing in Grace

So I wanted to make a real first post...but I don't know if this actually counts since I didn't write it for my blog but I promise that is coming soon! :) I had to write this paper for my Book of Mormon class, we were asked to choose a scripture and write about it. This is what I wrote:

 “And the Lord of the vineyard said unto him: Counsel me not; I knew that it was a poor spot of ground; wherefore, I said unto thee, I have nourished it this long time, and thou beholdest that is hath brought forth much fruit.”

Jacob 5:22

The first time I read this scripture I was given a different impression than what I had learned in class. So the servant doesn’t understand why the master would plant the tree in the poorest spot and the scripture above is the answer that the master gives to him. When I read it, I felt like the servant was saying, “Why put so much faith in someone who just doesn’t have a desire to follow the Lord, someone who is so rough around the edges?” The Lord replies and the message that rang for me was that everyone comes from a different background, or has different “roots” but it doesn’t define who they are or the amount of fruit they are capable of producing. The following scripture says that even a poorer spot did he plant a tree and after a long time nourishing, it brought forth much fruit.

Sometimes we get carried away in who we think people are and we don’t give them a chance. The gospel is for everyone and it’s not up to us who will accept or reject it, but rather up to them.

I know I have been guilty of making a judgment about someone before I have really learned whom they were. My mother has the gift of discerning of spirits. She sees things in people that many don’t see, and she knows their heart without spending as much as a day with them. Although I don’t have this gift, it has taught me to give people a chance. One time, I met this girl who I would never expect to be interested in learning about the gospel. After many friends’ examples, and the missionary discussions, she joined the church. Now I look up to her and I know that she could give me some of the best advice. She leaves me better than she found me, and that’s what true friends do. Her background is very rough and it is hard to imagine that such a change took place in her heart. But that is exactly what the Lord is saying; he wants us to see that everyone has the capacity to be followers of Christ. Despite their background or how rough they may seem, they may turn out to be some of the strongest of the saints.

It is upon our head when we don’t do all we can to help our Heavenly Father bring his children home to Him again. Sometimes I forget that the person sitting next to me on the bus, smoking a cigarette and cursing at the TV behind his seat, is someone I promised that if I saw them on earth, I would teach him the gospel. I wouldn’t judge him but I would love him and remember that he is my brother, like everyone else on this planet. I am grateful for this scripture as a reminder that we need not judge others too quickly. Notwithstanding their background, they have a chance to be more than we ever imagined, and produce more fruit than ever thought possible.

Beginning the Journey...

So I started a blog for my Writing 150 class and this was my first post: Click Here
It mentions that someday I may get a blog just for fun. And what do you know? The day is here and I have officially started my blog for fun. Now, I have said in the past that I would keep a journal and I hate to admit that I have had the same journal since I was eight and it is only 2/3 full. Therefore, the likelihood of this being a consistent or reliable source for an interesting story is rare. But they say that the less words you use, the more powerful your voice becomes (actually I don't know that they say that but I did, so just go with it ;)). I can't promise that this will be entertaining, but I will do my best to fill you with provoking thoughts, funny/silly/serious stories and inspiring messages. I have to admit that I am a little intimidated to be disclosing personal narratives for the whole world to see but the purpose for this blog is that I may be able to shed a little light upon the world, even if it is from my mistakes. I will be taking you on my journey while I learn to walk with grace. Enjoy!

-Kennedy