I just pushed backspace to delete something, and it deleted my whole post... Ugh... Here we go again.

What's been happening in M&ms world....

McKenzie taught her first piano lesson. It went well. I hope I'm a good teacher. It's sort of intimidating.

Marcus has gone to school 4 days a week and worked the other 3 for the past 2 weeks. Unfortunately this will continue until this semesters over.. 5 more weeks... Then he'll be doing clinicals and no longer working.

McKenzie watched C4 (Caitlin, Collin, Corbin, Conner) while their parents went to the temple for their anniversary. We decided to go on a picnic... We waited ever so patiently for Marcus to get off work, but eventually gave up and went without him. We got there, ate, and they played for a few minutes, and C1 decided she needed to go to the bathroom.. The park didn't have any restrooms, so back home for us. On the way home she crashed and swore she was never riding her bike again... I wonder how she got to school this morning...

Marcus was excited to find little sprouts in our garden. Apparently the radishes and something else are growing. I'm amazed he is so interested in it... He won't eat ANYTHING we're growing. Silly boy.

McKenzie beat Super Mario Galaxy on the Wii. Not 100%, but beat the big Bowser. I was pretty excited. We also watched The Time Traveler's Wife... Weird movie, and I Hate Valentine's Day. Definitely a chick flick. I'm surprised Logan sat through both of them back-to-back!

McKenzie's Mom is addicted to Webkinz. She has a friend who is SUPER addicted to Webkinz, and that's where Mom's love affair started. This lady decided that both Heather and McKenzie needed their own Webkinz too. GREAT! Just what I need. Something to get us addicted and/or in trouble at work. She gave us a pink poodle... So Marcus named her Pigmy the Pink Poodle. We will not get addicted... We will not get addicted... We will not get addicted. It's a kid's website for crimany sakes!.. But it's not blocked at work. Something to do =) Yay!

Wow. Our lives are boring. I'm blogging about Webkinz. Geez. Gotta go. Bye!

Our blog is still boring...

Still no pictures. Marcus' camera is dead now. BUT... here are a few things that might be exciting in our life.

-I went to lunch with Kari! Haven't seen her since her baby was born (a year ago now). I had so much fun, and don't feel like such a loser now :)

-Marcus got his midterm grades and is passing with all A's and B's. It's quite the accomplishment because their grading scales is 85-93 is a B, 94 and up is an A.

-Neither of us have had an accident commuting. Thankfully! (Knock on wood)

-Mesquite has gotten lots of rain. It's been nice. There was thunder on Saturday, and it was shaking the house. Pretty scary!

-We FINALLY finished our Rook "tournament" with G&g. It only took a year! We won, 14-9, now we get to go to dinner with them Ü

-We (mostly Marcus & my Dad) got our garden planted in the rain and wind. Hopefully we get lots of good stuff out of it.

-Biggest Loser wasn't on last week and won't be on this week :(

-We're doing good and can't wait until we have more time to spend together ♥

New Year, New Life

Happy New Year! The starting of this year almost feels like a new life to me. I don't know about Marcus, but it's definitely different. Not very many things have stayed the same these last few months.

In December I started working in St. George rather than Mesquite. They closed the Mesquite branch of the credit union, but I was lucky enough to keep a job. I work in the call center. I generally answer stupid questions all day, but it's a job that keeps me busy, and I love it. There are 3 other ladies in the call center that are all over 50 (I think. I've worked there for 3 weeks, and that's the conclusion I've come to. I'm smart enough to not ask.) then me. It's interesting listening to them. Most of the time I have no idea what they are talking about. I sit in my little corner and will the clock to move faster. I'm the only active LDS member that I have figured out. They talk alot about old celebrities, singers, and things I didn't learn in my little, sheltered, LDS upbringing, but that's alright with me. I wouldn't have it any other way.

We moved in with my Mom and Dad at the beginning of December. I thought I was going to lose my job for 2 weeks, and that was the most logical decision money-wise, so we started moving, and decided we are going to stay and pay off at least one car while living here. Wish us luck! Car payments are the pits! We have a bedroom, and share the bathroom, but that's OK. As long as Marcus is here, I don't mind. It's weird now though, we do have to make sure we close the doors when we change and things, because just being the 2 of us with hardly any visitors, we didn't have to worry about that kind of thing. (Oops... TMI, sorry.)

Today was our first day as non-sunbeam teachers. We got to go to Sunday School for the first time since we were married, and attend Relief Society and Elder's Quorum. It was different. We couldn't pull out snacks to share when our tummys started growling, we couldn't talk while the conductor/teacher was talking, and it was quiet. It's going to take some getting used to and some discipline to get us (well, at least me) back into learning mode, rather than babysitting mode. We both already have calls. I guess that's the way it goes when you live with the bishop. Marcus gets to teach Elder's Quorum lessons on the 2nd and 3rd week. I am... I really don't know my official title, but here's what I THINK they called it... Relief Society Meeting Assistant Coordinator. I really couldn't tell you what I'm supposed to do... Something with our Tuesday night activities... I'm not really sure.

Marcus got 2 weeks of for Christmas Break, and he's had fun doing nothing. I wish working people got Christmas and Semester breaks. Sheesh!

My posts have been really boring as of late. My favorite part are the pictures, and since our 4th of July trip and insane hail/sleet/snow/rain storm, our camera has not worked. :( I thought I might get a new one for Christmas, but I didn't... Hopefully we will be proud new owners of one soon.

Biggest Loser starts Tuesday!

Lately I have been trying to turn off the noise in my life. I realized that most of my day consisted of working or sitting on the computer or Wii. It hasn't been as hard as I thought it would. I have realized that things I made a priority in my life... Facebook games, blogging, giveaways... we're really that important. I don't know what I do with all the time I don't spend doing those things, but it's been nice.

We are SO blessed!

Marcus and I were both stressed out for the better part of November. I had no ambition to do anything, and just wanted answers. Well, we finally got them! I am so happy, I really hate suspense, and don't have much patience.

I was told in the middle of November they were closing down the SouthWest Federal branch that I work at, along with laying off 16 people... Holy crap! I thought I was working for a stable company... I was included in the 16 people being laid off. Marcus is going to school and only working one day a week... It doesn't take rocket science to figure out $200 every two weeks isn't going to pay the bills. My parents offered to give up their last bit of extra space to us, and we decided to move in. We started moving things in one laundry basket load at a time.

On the day before Thanksgiving, I was working, and got a call that they would like me to work in St. George in the Call Center, rather than laying me off. *PHEW* He didn't know all the details of it, but I had a job and didn't lose my insurance. Happy Day! I am still not sure of all the details, but I do know I am going to be full time and answering phones. I am taking a pay cut, and we still moved in with my parents. I am so happy I have a job. Almost losing my job made me realize that although my job may not be the best, most appealing job, it was a job and I could support my family. It really changed my outlook, and I'm going to try and keep this attitude while I'm driving to St. George for the next who-knows-how long.

Thanksgiving was a blast! We got to see all of my family and eat dinner with them. My Grandpa and Grandma Mickelson and Alicia came down for Turkey dinner with us. It was quite fun. That evening, we went over to Mike's house and hung out with Marcus' family there. Pace, Liz and Kairi stayed at our apartment. The weekend was filled with playing games. If you have never played curses, get a group of friends togther and play. It's hilarious!

We got all our big stuff moved into our bedroom, and now we just need to get all the little stuff taken care of and other stuff put in storage. Hopefully we can get that done soon.

Marcus passed his first semester of school! WOO HOO! He thinks his next semester is going to be harder than this one. He has physics and anatomy and physiology. I know he'll do great. He is loving school, and takes every oppourtunity to tell me the names of bones that he's learned. The other day I hit my elbow, and he rattled off, that's your so and so. He is doing great! I love him so much.

When all is well, look out for the storm

Life was going well for M&m. We had money, jobs, school and were happy with where we were headed... Then my manager threw a curveball and said that my branch of the Credit Union is closing, and we won't have jobs any longer. It's been a long 2 weeks, and we still have a LONG 2 weeks (or more left).

We have decided that it is inevitable... We will have to move in with my parents... Yes, I know, I said this wasn't an option with Logan and Heather living there, but it is what has felt like the right thing, and the most sensible. It will help all parties involved (except for maybe Heather and Logan). Hopefully we can get moved in not long after Thanksgiving. We will have the back room, which will be nice... As long as we can fit our bed, TV, Computer and all the systems, games and movies in there, Marcus will be happy.

Marcus has finals this week and next. He got an 88 on one, and I did really well on another. He thinks he pulled Bs in both Medical Terminology and Intro to Radiography. Today he is taking his Anatomy & Physiology final. We'll see how that one goes when he gets here. That's the class he says has been toughest.

I'm so ready to be done with SouthWest Federal. I try to have a good attitude, and then get to work and realize I'm going to sit here and do nothing for the whole day just dampens my spirits. I wish we still had access to Facebook :) I came to work on Tuesday, and decided I really didn't want to be here, so I went home sick. It was the best day of the week so far :) If the job with Becky turns out to be full time, there is a good chance I will apply for it. If it's part time, I probably won't. I'll look for other jobs (if I can't work at another CU) and babysit Conner.

Right now we would like this 2 weeks to be over, and know what's in store for us, but we are supposed to be learning patience I guess... UGH! I don't have much of that.

HELP!

MCKENZIE IS IN SERIOUS NEED OF A NEW JOB.

IF NO NEW JOB IS FOUND SOON, SHE MAY LOSE HER SANITY AND/OR JOB FOR NOT BEING ABLE TO HOLD HER TONGUE.

IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT ASAP.

(And in case you're wondering,... I'm currently biting my tongue so hard it's bleeding!)

I Need a Boost

I'm in a funk. I didn't want to get out of bed this morning, and definitely didn't want to come to work... I got to work, and my "funkiness" just got worse. I have been in this "funk" all day, and I really need something to make me happy. So, I'm going to try and see if what I did last time works this time. 10 things I'm grateful for...

1. Marcus Scott Kennedy
2. Having a place to call home
3. Knowing I get to see my Grandpa Abbott and (and everybody else that's in Heaven now) again
4: My Mom and best friend being the same person
5: Marcus getting into Pima
6: Having only 30 minutes of this awful work day left
7: Recognizing familiar friendly faces in strange places
8: My addiction back (Biggest Loser Ü)
9: Nieces and nephews that always seem excited to see me
10: Vacation time so we can visit family this weekend, and make this work week shorter.

*SIGH*

Ever have one of those days where you don't want to go to work, your co-workers are more worried about other things than following protocol, and you get stupid people or jerks every time you answer the phone??

Today is one of those days... Wish me luck.

*Sigh!* Now I feel guilty for complaining, so here is a list of things that I am grateful for today...

-I HAVE a job to go to that can support my family.

-I have the ability to hear stupid jerks on the phone.

-I'm stuck in the teller room ALONE :)

-My manager trusts me.

-I have already helped 2 people. (Yes, that's good)

-I can actually blog at work and release my frustrations.

-Only 9 hours until I get to see Marcus again!

-My house is pretty much clean for me when I get back home.

-I get to teach people how to save $$ today.

-I know my Heavenly Father loves me, no matter what mood I'm in!

I feel better already! Thanks for listening.

Life is Crazy!

I didn't realize how long it's been since I've posted. Life has been kind of crazy around our neck of the woods. I feel like I never slow down, until it's 10:30 or later, then I crash!

Marcus is loving school. If you know him, that's weird to hear I'm sure. He doesn't mind the drive to and from Vegas. He put the Lord of the Ring book series on his iPod, and that keeps him entertained. He is also working one or 2 days a week at the golf course. He doesn't make the schedule anymore. I really cannot wait until the day we can say good riddens to that place.

In an effort to make that happen, I am going to teach grocery smarts classes. It is basically the right way to use a coupon, and YES there is a right way and a wrong way. Whether you're interested in grocery smarts or not, I can probably get you the best rate on newspapers all over Utah and Nevada. Just let me know :) I have been consuming my free time with getting everything ready to teach my first class, which is Thursday. It's a lot more work than I expected. Hopefully it has the results Marcus and I are looking for.

Work at the Credit Union has it's good moments, but I am seriously counting down the weeks until Marcus graduates! I am so over sitting here and accomplishing basically nothing all day. Today I did get a loan approved, and got this post written, so it wasn't a TOTAL waste :) You all probably think I'm exaggerating, but I'm not. Everything in there is the truth. Sometimes I worry about my job and how long it's going to be around. I hope for at least 92 more weeks!

I started a financial counseling course to become a... financial counselor. I have a hard time finding time to read it. The time I do have is consumed with laying there with my eyes shut. I have a sinus infection that's killing me. I get a headache pretty much everyday, and they don't go away, even with medicine. I just finished a round of antibiotics, so it looks like I'm headed back to the doctor to get something else.

We haven't even gotten to visit our cute little niece, Zoi, because I've had this stupid thing for so long. She has a trach, so I'm afraid of getting her sick even if I feel a tiny bit ill. Hopefully these dang headaches will go away so I can do something better than complain.

So, we still have this computer desk that's free for the taking. It's just sitting in our living room waiting for it's new owner to pick it up. If that new owner is you, let me know. It's free, so please take it!

We also got another Nephew last Tuesday. Sorry, I don't have a camera, or I would post some pictures. Logan and Heather had their baby. He is SO tiny, and so precious! I love babies, and can't wait until we have some of our own. They named him Raiden Scott. He was 5 lb 9 oz. He has jaundice, but other than that, him and his Mommy are doing great!

We got me a bike, and enjoy riding together. I am so out of shape, I probably embarrass Marcus. I had to walk up a hill he took me up on Friday. It was ridiculous. I enjoy "feeling the burn". It makes me feel like I accomplished something in my day. It also gives me and Marcus alone time, which is rare these days.

Which reminds me... Robby FINALLY decided what he is going to do. He is moving back to Virginia to work for a year or less, then off to school wherever he chooses.

I fell asleep last night just laying there wishing my headache away, and woke up at 1:30 to something wet at my feet. My STUPID dog peed on the freaking bed! At first I thought it was just a little leak or something, but it went through our blanket, which is thick, and our two sheets. I am SO mad at her. She is officially banned to the crate at night. I AM NOT waking up in the middle of the night to change my bedding. Garh!

So, off I go back to work... oh, let's be honest... off I go to sit here. The good thing is, it's 4:07, which means only 53 minutes left of this day, and then it'll be 91 weeks and 4 days :)

HOLY SNOT! I JUST SCROLLED THROUGH THIS POST, WHICH MEANS IT IS TERRIBLY LONG. SO SORRY!!

Update!

We haven't updated for a while, so here's a little bit of what's going on in our lives. I will try to make this as exciting as possible. Ü

Marcus is continuing to work at Falcon Ridge Golf Course as a valet, and will work hopefully 2 days a week after he starts school just so we can stay afloat. He starts school August 10th, and told me he was excited about it. I asked if he was being sarcastic, and he said, "No, I'm really excited to start!" I think we're both ready for a change from the golf course. Working for family isn't my cup of tea.

I am still working my life away at SouthWest Federal. Most days are slow, but some (like today) are pretty busy. We're the only open branch, so we get to answer all the phone calls, not just some of them. I am studying to be a financial counselor (IDK if I said anything about that before.) and hopefully can make my job a bit more enjoyable and busier. I am also thinking of being a grocery smarts instructor. That might be the extra boost of income we need so Marcus doesn't have to work at all. I love coupon shopping, and want to teach everybody how to save the money I do!

Marcus' brother, Robby, has been staying with us since.... um... I can't remember. It's been a while. He tends to hang out in his room and play the Xbox or watch anime. He's obsessed with Phoebe. I'm glad he likes her because now we can leave her home with him while we're at work and not have to tote her to my Mom's everyday. Robby just got off his mission in March, and is available! If anybody knows someone we could set him up with, let me know. He needs to meet people. He's 22 btw. Please don't mention I put that on here :) He'll curse me if he finds out :D

We have decided we need to sell a car... We originally intended on sell my car (Aveo) but have since decided to sell the Versa instead. If you know anybody that's interested, let me know! It's a good little car, but our new school budget doesn't allot for 2 nice cars, just 1 :(

We are currently taking a marriage class with couples from our ward. It is really fun to sit and talk to people who have been there, done that, and get their opinions. It's great to learn what we should be doing as a couple, and get tips from those with kids. It's also letting us get to know other people in our ward we wouldn't talk to otherwise.

Marcus is still dedicated to basketball every Tuesday night. He's going to end up in the emergency room one of these weeks. He always comes home with a sore leg, shoulder, bruises or other things. Or stories of people getting hurt.

Anyway, I have to go. I really should be working :)

Need a Credit Card?

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Come and get it!

That's right! Right now you can get a loan at SouthWest Federal Credit Union for 3.99%! If you are looking for a loan on a car, RV, ATV, Boat, trailer that's over $10,000, I can help you. If you currently have a loan on any of the above for $10,000+, I can get you this amazing rate. You do have to have an active checking account at SWFCU and direct deposit going into that account, but that's just a minor detail that I can help you take care of in a jiffy! Let me know if you are interested! You can go online to www.southwestfederal.com and start an application, e-mail me at mckenzie.kennedy@southwestfederal.com, or call me and chat at 702-346-6250 x1703.

Hurry! I can only get you this great rate if your application is in by July 3rd!