Lil Bit Country.

Weekend Shenanigans: Country Style.

I can’t believe that it is already Monday. I have been so MIA from this blog this past week, and I apologize. I have been so busy with work this past week, that I haven’t even had time to think about blogging. I wasn’t at my normal store location, where I have access to my computer; and I usually can squeeze in a minute or two for blogging. I was slaving away press side this last week, helping out the crew. I missed being over there though, I have to admit. I love the interaction we have, and the fun we have each and every day..

One: Thursday Ashton and I took the kids I nanny to the Rodeo

Two: What kind of a Rodeo is it, with out some Boots?

Three: Got my Nails done on Friday, In love once again.

Four: Ashton and I went with Kati and Casen to Sakura on Friday night.

Five: Snapchats from Saturday Night at McArthur's Cabin.

Love that all us were at the same table; Snapchating each other at the same time.

Six: More pictures and Snapchats from Saturday Night

Seven: We went bunny hunting, and the boys took the bikes, ps this photo is missing Sean and Chris.

It was hilarious, we would spot a bunny in the truck, and the boys would chase it with the bikes.

Then we would kill it. But Levi and Chris ran this one over.. Oops. So much fun!

Time for a little BLOGTEMBER catch up.

Wednesday and Thursday's topics,

well I have no favorite online shops, and I will do Thursday another day.

Friday, September 13: A self portrait

 I honestly don’t remember the last time that I took a self portrait that is worth sharing anywhere other than snapchat, but I did come across this photo that I took last Wednesday/Thursday I believe. So I will share it with you guys today

Monday, September 16: Write a public love letter to someone in your life.
(It doesn't necessarily need to be romantic.)

 Dear Kati,

I wanted to take a second to thank you for your friendship. I am beyond blessed to have such an amazing best friend in my life, and I honestly do not know what I would do without you. You are such a strong and inspirational woman; I look up to you in so many different ways. I love knowing that you will always be there for me, and have my back in any situation. Yet, you’ll be the first one to tell me when I am being dumb, and I need to have a life check. I am grateful though, because you are always honest with me. I know that I will always be able to come to you in a time of need, and I will always get the advice I need to hear. They say that best friends will be the one who will always support you in your decisions, the ones to help you in a time of need, and give you space when you need it. The best thing about our friendship though, is it’s more than a friendship; it’s more of a sisterhood in my eyes. I am so blessed to have you in my life, and I love you.

Forever Strong

Tuesday, September 10: Describe a distinct moment when your life took a turn.

I don’t remember the time of day, or what I was wearing, but I remember the doctor’s face. I remember the whiteboard, with all the scribble marks all over it. I remember the tear stains on my father’s cheeks. I remember him telling me that something went wrong, as mom laid there in the hospital asleep. He said, “Mom’s life is going to change, and it’s going to be hard for a while.” I remember grabbing my brother, and hold on to him. Nothing really set in of what was happening, until my mom woke up. Screaming from the pain, it hit me there. I cried, and I cried, then I kicked myself for crying. I needed to be strong, but I couldn’t overcome the emotions that overtook my body. I was sad, scared, and nervous. Watching my mom struggle those next few weeks; learning to walk again, and the amount of pain she endured each day, made me sick to my stomach with sadness. The day, everything changed. I was a young 16 year old girl, who had to grow up overnight; just to make sure that I could help take care of my father and brother. Keeping my family strong was my biggest worry at that very moment, because we all needed to be strong enough for my mother. My entire life changed that day, and it has made me the person I am right now. I wish it never happened, but if it didn’t, I don’t think I would be the strong woman that I am today. Everything happens for a reason, even if you have no idea what the reason is.

A "Me" Personality : ESFJ

Monday, September 9: Take this short personality test and respond to your results. (at the end, find the detailed profile of your personality account - click "click to view" under "You" and "self awareness and personal growth." You can even google your type and find more info on it!)

 I am an ESFJ type personality, better known as the Caregiver.

Funny who this is the topic for Blogtember today, because I feel like I have been learning more and more about myself in the last 6/7 months. Rediscovering, I like to call it. I think I have always had a sense of what my personality is really like, but it’s funny when you take a step back and really start to understand why you work the way you do. I’ve always been a “watcher” kind of person, I sit back and analysis before I proceed into a group of people. It’s almost like I have better control over the situation that way. I have to take a second to breath, gather my thoughts, when I am mad. I am the first person to help someone out, but the second you burn the trust; it’s incredibly hard to get back. I am a good listener, and I like to think that it is easier for me to understand multiple views of people. I am a strong woman, with a strong background, and I have standards which I let myself live by. It’s hard to overcome something, when I let my own self down. I am a dominate person. I am me, I am McKenzie.

 I have always said that things fall into place when they are meant to be there, and door will open when they are meant to not. Life always has a funny way of throwing curve balls in your path, especially when you just get comfortable in your own skin. I think this is such a good thing though, because then you are constantly learning and growing.  I found this, and it pin points my personality of a ESFJ to the T, kind of creepy. Haha. It has some really good information though.

I hope you all have a splendid Monday.

Mine will be sure bliss, haha, not.

Monday's are Monday's.

Much Love, Kenzie.

Sheer Panic

Friday, September 6: A story about a time you were very afraid.

There has to be a time in your life you can think about when your heart is racing,

 your body is shaking, and your mind is going “what is happening right now?”

Imagine this. It is a beautiful and sunny day outside; the lake water is just crystal glass, and all your friends’ laughter just in the background. Not a single care in the world, then it hits. The shiver and shake of the body, mind rushing thoughts, heart racing and pounding so hard I think it may jump out of my skin. Sheer panic. Slight movement of the wake surf, sending me straight at the swim platform; head first I ascend into the water. When I come up from the water, my body is shaking profusely, and I can’t control my breath for anything. Kati rushes to the back deck, taking my hands and just looking at me. Starting to mimic her breathing, I calm myself down. For that single moment, I had no idea what overtook my body. Something that has happened time and time again just sent me into an awful panic attack. It honestly took me hours to get back to normal, and my heart still races to this day thinking about it.

 

 

I started having really bad panic attacks, about a year ago. Before this happened, I had only had 2 major attacks. They scare me so much though, something so unfamiliar that just completely takes over your body. Learning to cope and understand my body has been a difficult challenge, but it is something I really take seriously. I am so grateful for the amazing family and friends I have in my life, who at any time, will stop and help me out in a time of need. That is what friendship and bonds are all about.

That one time I was a Blonde.

Time for some

 Throw Back Thursday Photos

Back to the days where I was Blonde. Like really blonde.

And,, This girl and I bought four, yes four pies.

Cause when you go to Veyo Pie; It's hard to decide on just one pie.

Honestly, my favorite pies in the entire world!

Now Blogtember:

Thursday, September 5: Pass on some useful advice or information you learned and always remembered. 

 So my grandma always used to tell me to “paint the town red” and I seriously think this is the best advice for life. Never hold back and always give your hundred percent in everything you do. Take the opportunity when it arises, because you don’t want it to slip by you. Smile and forget about grudges. Remember this, Have Fun!

If you could...

Wednesday, September 4: 

If you could take three months off from your current life and do anything in the world, what would you do?

 

 

First, I would travel. I really want to see this world. So I would go to places like this..

Scotland

 

Second, I would enjoy more time with my family. I want lots of pictures, like the one below. Looking back at memories, always brings smiles to faces. Plus there will never be enough family time in life.

 

 

Third, I would take a day or two, for myself.

 

Fourth, I want to eat this.

 

Gelato in Italy

Fifth, I want to drink this.
 

 

on the beach

Six, and finish off my time with one of these.

just like it says., maybe in Paris, Milan, London, New York..

well that's it for today guys..
Check out Blogtember with Jenni
Story of My Life
 

Who Am I.?

 

Tuesday, Sept. 3: Describe where or what you come from. The people, the places, and/or the factors that make up who you are.

 I was raised in the Heart of Dixie; St. George, Utah. The scenery here in St. George is nothing short of breathtaking that for sure. I grew up close to so many different places that I have grown to love so much; Zion’s National Park, Lake Powell, and Snow Canyon State Park. I am an outdoors person in so many different ways. I love nothing more than a beautiful summer’s day when I can be outside enjoying the weather and the sun in kissing my skin. Lake days are by far my favorite thing, and I have grown to appreciate the beauty that the water has. I think one of my favorite things in this life is; waking up to watch the sunrise on the glassy lake.

My family is the glue that keeps my life together. I have always believed that family may not all be blood, because family are the people who keep you going and always are there to hold you up. I don’t know what I would ever do without my family. My Mother and Father have taught me so much when it comes to hard work, and always doing your very best. My Father has taught me to be strong and never let anyone stand in the way of what I want in life. My Mother has taught me to always believe in myself, especially when times are tough. My Brother will always be my protector, and the one person that will do absolutely anything for me. It doesn’t matter the time, the day, or the place; if I need him, he is there. I hope that one day; I will find a man who will treat me like my brother treats me. My Sister Torie is the funniest person I know, honestly though. I never know what is going to come out of that woman’s mouth. She has been the most help when everything went south bound in my last relationship. I was trying to understand my depression, and without asking, she helped me understand so many different things. She took it upon herself to help, in whatever way she could. My Best Friend Kati is my other half. Seriously, that is the only way to explain it. She is the person who I can trust with anything, and know that no matter what I have done, she will have my back! She knows exactly what to say, and when to say it, when I need to a help. I love how close we are, the jokes we have, the bond we have created, and knowing that we will always be there for each other.

My family is huge into Humanitarian Aid and Service Projects. I think that this is a huge part of why I am the person I am. I have gained so much appreciation for the thing s I have in my life, due to the service we have given. There is nothing more humbling, then helping someone in need. Near or far, it will hit you like nothing else will. When we started helping elementary schools in Costa Rica, I was at the very young age of 6/7. I remember going to this one school, and we helped supply them with computers that actually worked. The guy who went with our family, took apart the computers, and made 3 very good computers out of 5 bad computers. My Mother and Father were able to talk with some of the families who had children in that class we helped so many years ago. Because of the help we have supplied these kids of the years; 3 of the children went on to college. These once children are now a doctor, a lawyer, and very well known chef. It is absolutely amazing to me that we helped these kids grow up to be such inspiring people. Hard work and dedication, only pays off in the end.

Well that is just a little about who I am..

Much Love, Kenzie.

Birthday Celebration..

Yesterday I turned 24. Yesterday was My Birthday. That one day a year, that I share with a few other people, that we get to celebrate our day of birth. Usually my family all goes out to do dinner and celebrates, but this year was a little lower key than usual. My parents had just gotten back from Costa Rica the night before, my brother had to work, and I have this stupid cold to top it all off.  The girls from work, like always, spoil me with some kind of sweet treat. This year was my favorite, Sweet Tooth Fairy Cupcakes. Then Kati, Breighn, Wyatt, and I went to Kneaders for some soup. With a throat that hurts like mine, that is the only thing that sounded slightly appetizing. So even though it was really low key, it was so nice and relaxing. My parents got me a new coffee mug to go, so I guess I can now stop stealing my fathers. A gift card to Starbucks, yessss!! Levi,, says I have to wait till he takes me out to dinner to get mine.. But I can already tell you what he got me, just not exactly what. He got me a new purse. I have wanting one for a while now, something for fall/winter. He is just the guy to do it, he has the best taste in purses; I kid you not. So here is to being 24, single, and ready to enjoy my life.!

Hope, Peace, & Love.

Words of Wisdom: Seeds of Hope Foundation.

My family and I are really big into service. We believe that you should always lend a helping hand to someone in need; whether it is near or far. My family has a special place in our heart for the people in Costa Rica. We as a family have been providing different kinds of humanitarian aid projects since I was very young. Last time my parents were in Costa Rica, they came across this foundation called Seeds ofHope. It is a foundation that provides shelter, medical attention, schooling, and other necessary needs for girls who have escaped from human trafficking.

This is the first shelter in the entire country of Costa Rica to supply help of any kind to these kids that have been sexual exploited. And they need our help. The girls who are in the shelter cannot work, because they are under the age of 18. That right you heard me, these girls are under the age of 18 years old. So to collect money they sell these amazing bracelets on their website. Let me tell you, they are beautiful. I have a couple of the bracelets myself, and I wear them all the time. It is a daily reminder that I am helping these girls, and these girls really do need my support.

Anyways,, this foundation is based out Costa Rica, but is ran by a group of people from San Diego, California. They have supplied these girls with a home, 24/7 medical and psychological care, schooling, extra circular activities, vocational and religious studies, transportation, and love. This is the kind of shelter that wants to see these girls grow from the horrible tragedy they have endured, and prosper from this. Grow into beautiful, talented, smart, well educated woman who can concern anything they put their minds too.

So,, please check out their website. I would love to hear that you have donated and bought yourself a bracelet or two, became a monthly partner, or donated in anyway you possibly can . If you would like any information on the project we are doing for them, please just contact me via email kenziespafford@live.com. We plan on making a trip to Costa Rica in May of 2014. We will be supplying these girls with all kinds of wonderful supplies for the daily lives, and for their future success.

Send me a picture of you with your bracelet if you get one. I plan on doing future posts about Seeds of Hope and our journey to help this foundation and these girls.

Much Love, Kenzie.

Birthday Celebration Vegas Edition

Hello Monday..

I can’t believe you are already here, that weekend went by way too fast for me. I wanted it to last so much longer than it did. I wasn’t ready to leave that beautiful sunshine weather of Las Vegas, and come home to the dreary rainy weather of St. George. Even though it is quite nice outside, I do love the rain. It was such a beautiful weekend; I didn’t want it to end. I had such a fun time in Vegas celebrating for my birthday that is on Wednesday.

{Las Vegas Birthday Celebration Weekend}

So Kati and I arrived in Vegas on Thursday night after a dinner at Kathryn’s in Mesquite. Friday we ended up lying by the pool all day; go supper sun burnt. We meet a group of guys from St. Paul, MN that were hilarious and awesome to hang out with. Ended up hanging with them the entire day, and even planned on going to dinner with them that night. Levi and Ashton had planned on coming later that night once they got off of work, but around 12pm Levi informed me Ashton couldn’t make the trip and it would be just him joining Kati and I. When Levi knocked on the door, I let him in and went to shut the door when Ashton poked his head in and scared me so bad I screamed. Really loudly of course; cause he serious scared me so bad. We went to PF Changs that night for dinner; mhmmm yummy!

 

Saturday: We ate breakfast at Max Brenner and then walked around the Caesar Forum Shoppes, bought tickets to the Jabbawockeez. I love that show, and was so excited to see it again! So we played in Sony for a while, and was completely taken away with this kids talent at this DJ machine. He was really good at it. You can check the video I took of him on my Instagram. That night we got all dressed up and went out to dinner for my birthday; sushi of course. This roll we got was called Hot Mess with Screaming O Sauce. Let’s just say; it was ah-mazzzing! Hot, spicy, and totally irresistible!  Then they served us this ice cream, and I wasn’t the biggest fan of it. The ice cream had the weirdest textured shell on it, I couldn’t eat but a few bites of it. Then to the show we went and like I said, I was excited because it really is such a good and completely entertaining show!

 

Sunday: Kati and I were in desperate need of Starbucks in the morning; both had pounding headaches. Which made no sense; I barley had anything to drink the day before and Kati doesn’t drink. Must have been the lack of sleep or something, anyways after the long ass line the coffee was terrible and House of Blues just sounded so good. Kati had their Biscuits and Gravy; and let me tell you, a must order item.! Delicious! To the pool we went for an hour or so, and then Kati left to go home. So the boys and I went shopping before we left town. California Pizza Kitchen was a must at the Fashion Show Mall. Then home we went.!

(dont mind that i'm licking my lips, and have to love the swimsuit and garter of the lady behind me)

Mandalay Bay really was a beautiful hotel to stay at. I love that their pool scene has a beach, lazy river, 2 regular pools, (2) 21+ older pools; one which is a toptional pool. The rooms were nice and roomy. The service was great. The restraints were delicious, and had all sorts of price ranges. I loved that they have waitresses for the pool areas, and that they aren’t over massive areas, so you actually get to see them and they aren’t overly worked.

It was such a fun and relaxing weekend, much needed for this girl. I am sad it is over, but I am so happy that it was able to all work out and we all had as much fun as we did.

Outfit Details:

All my swimming suits are from Victoria's Secret.

Floppy Hat: Target

Red Mini Dress: Victoria's Secret

Purple Maxi: 2B BeBe, similar

Much Love, Kenzie.