HomeOwners -

HomeOwners

Yes, This is real life.

We cannot explain how blessed we feel to have this opportunity. With me being in the RealEstate/Renting Industry, this came a little easy. Zach and I are so excited -

DOWNFALL? Looks like we are stuck in Idaho for a bit longer.

However, I will say that I have learn to like this place a little more. I do miss the south, and my family, and my friends, but at the same time, its good to be 'away'. It makes going home more exciting; and mostly, it makes my mom more excited to see ME:) Georgia is not on our list of places to live, unless Zach had an amazing job offer. 

Our jobs that we have right now, are truly awesome. We are so lucky to have landed in the place that we are. 

Recap of the Last Year:

           We've become GREAT friends with Jonathan           

& Kaylie Eldredge. (Kaylie is from Georgia too. We used to room together at BYUi and we both met our husbands at school. Crazy enough, our husbands hometowns are about 15 miles from each other.)

 

 We got a Dog :) His name is Hank.

 

Our Other Best Friends Jarryd & Natalie got married in December. We love them. Zach went to high school with Jarryd, and they have been good friends ever since. His wife, Natalie, is truly amazing. She was one of my first good friends that I made while living here. 

I went back to Georgia this Spring to see Emily (Peterson) and Ryan Smoot get sealed in the Atlanta Temple. They were married the year before in Utah. She also announced that they are expecting :) 

Also, when in Georgia, McRae had her third (3rd) birthday party. Karen did the BEST job ever. She had the adorable theme of Mini Mouse. Cutest decorations ever. McRae liked to play shy, but she loved it :) So glad I got to be there.

TY CAME TO IDAHO!

Both of our favorite place to eat :)

Lake Day!

PAINTBALL!

What a Stud!

• 
  

G.E.O.R.G.i.A

I cannot explain how long I had been dying to go home. All this grown-up stuff, was really on my last nerve. I was literally craving "home". What a enormous appreciate I have for my dear mother. Raising me, was not an easy job, and I didn't turn out that bad, so kudos to Mother.

Side Note::

 I am extremely grateful for my Parents. I truly have a love and appreciation for them that I cannot explain. "Distance makes the heart grow fonder" is a very true statement. But growing up and becoming less ignorant helps makes the heart grow fonder as well. :) Being away has caused a huge reality check in what parents do. Besides the roof over my head, the yummy dinners, and washed clothes, I longed for a goodnight hug more than anything. Yes I am very blunt, & rarely emotional, but talking about my parents really can bring tears to my eyes. Everything they have done for me, has lead me to where I am today. I know with out a doubt, that I would not have all the blessings in my life if it were not for them. I know that every decision they made, was in my best interest and for me to succeed. Through the rollercoaster relationship that we once had, I plan to only go up from here. I love them more than I can explain, and greatful that my Heavenly Father sent me to such an incredible family.

-----Back on Track------

It was time to visit home! Dana, my roommate from college was getting married! Whoo Hoo! It was my first time in the Atlanta temple EVER, and shortly after it had re-opened. It was so beautiful. The temple, the sealing, the happy couple, E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G! The fact that Bryan & Dana allowed me to be a part of their special day, was amazing. Thank you so much!

 

  Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Bryan Tyner

Spending time with my family while I was home for the wedding was an included bonus:) My sister and her adorable children made me the happiest girl ever. I cannot get over how fast time flies. If I wasn't playing with McRae, I was rocking baby Cannon to sleep. The entertainment was priceless.Children are precious. However, they're always sweeter when they aren't yours :)

[ In addition, I've realized I'm much to selfish at this point to have kids anytime soon. Spending time with my husband, is my number one priority...We are VERY excited to start a family, but not for many years.]

Being home was great. Between the outlet malls, lunch with mom, mom's cooking, family badmitten and nightly runs, I had such a great time. Spending time with my sister and mom was such an enjoyment. It was definitely a BREAK from reality. However, I missed Zach more than I ever imagined possible. Coming home to him, was the best peace of mind.

Cant WAIT for us to be home at ThanksGiving.

Saving Second Base.

Some people are born with the ability to run, and others the ability to train, either way...eventually, you become a RUNNER. And that, is a big deal. Being 20 years old, 120lbs, & 5'2" DOES NOT translate into a runner. I have learned to admire those who consitently excercise. Several months ago, I got the absurd idea to start "running" on a weekly basis. And by "running" I mean walking, with a bounce. My legs are the length of your average 7 year old, which means any average adult can literally walk my running speed. Regardless, I was making an effort. A co-worker and I decided to set a goal.....the Boise:Susan Komen's Race for the Cure-5K was exactly 2 months out, and we were sure we would be ready.

I soon realized I was completely out of my mind. I started running as much as I could & eating a lot healthier. Having two jobs, and being gone from 8am to 10pm, made it extermely difficult to eat healthy. Surprisingly, I stuck to it. Running 1/4 of a mile would literally make me want to cry...The first time i ran a consistent mile, without walking, crying, or cursing, was huge accomplishment. It became motivation. I wanted to see how far I could go. By no means was it entertaining, but it made made me feel amazing. There were a few mornings I'd wake up before work, and go run in the morning. For those of you that know me, know that sleeping is something I take very seriously. To wake up earlier than normal to RUN, was the first sign that I had literally lost my mind.

Race for the Cure was almost near, as my best friend Shannon was running with me. Both of us have dear people close to us who have been affected by Cancer. To run for a cause, made it all the more worth it. The big day came, and I had never been more nervous, but excited. There was PINK everywhere! People, everywhere! To run the race with my best friend was an amazing experience. And the fact that we ran the entire way, and crossed the finish line...((NOT in last place)) made all the gross food and horrible sore muscles worth it. Yes, I understand I'm bragging about 3.1 miles, however like I said, I AM NOT A RUNNER. So for all of you that are, You are amazing.

Zach's New Pride and Joy!

So everyone knows I work all the time. From 9 in the morning until 10 or 11 at night. It's not my favorite thing in the world, but everything has it time and season. Zach goes to school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and works Monday, Wednesday, & Friday. We are both constantly busy with anything but each other:(  Zach is super lucky to have MOST of his evenings spent doing whatever he likes...(((EXCEPT being with me))).

SO....HE DID WHAT ANY NORMAL GUY WOULD DO...

He got a brand new G.i.r.l.f.r.i.e.n.d!

[[I like to refer to her as the 'other' one.]]

- He spends JUST as much time with her

-He spends JUST as much money on her

-He gets JUST as excited to see her

-AND he gets even more excited to ride her..

If you would have seen this when he originally traded his other in, you would be a little more impressed. He basically brought it back to life. I'd love to sit here and use dirt bike lingo...However, I know nothing. When i would get home from work late at night, I'd find him just getting down messing around with it, with dirt and grease from head to toe. This went on for at least 2 weeks straight. With all the time and energy he has put into this, I won't be surprised if they take their relationship to the next level soon.

Despite my whining on his obsession with 'fixing things up', it is so nice to have my own handyman around 24/7. I know his new love and I are pretty close in rank, BUT if Zach knows what's best...He'll keep me in first. XOXO

We're Still Alive.

Yes, So I've disappeared the past 3 months. You can call it 'hibernation' if you'd like, since it is now March and we are still getting SNOW. Anyway. The past few months haven't been too crazy. We did make the HUGE step of moving in with my in-laws. Yes, I know what your thinking. BUT...we figure if we have an opportunity to live rent free, utility bill free, free internet........WHY NOT! Zach and I are both gone about 10 hours a day, so it was hard to come to terms with paying rent somewhere where we were only there to sleep. So, just until the end of summer, we are living at the Luekenga's! We're pretty lucky they are even having us! People say its not easy to live with your in-laws, but I bet its not too pleasant living with a newlywed couple either! Thanks Tony and & Lez!

I got a GROWN UP JOB! It is so fabulous. I now work at a Property Management Company, currently part time, and I absolutely love it. Having my own desk and computer, you can imagine all the fun I had shopping for "office supplies". I still work at Maurices, part time as well, about 4 days a week. Between Zach's school and his job, and my two jobs, it is a little stressful for us, however it makes us appreciate our time together SO much more!

INSTEAD of chopping off my entire head full of hair.....We decided to CHOP the bangs first. Oops. Just got bored. && besides....it's JUST hair :)

www.myfitnesspal.com

I have started a new workout and diet plan. By no means and I declaring I am overweight, however I have never seen my body change so much! Whether its being married, birth control, always on the run nd hardly ever eating a good/healthy meal, or POSSIBLY the fact i love cookies,candy,&anything else unhealthy. I am going home to Georgia the first of June for DANA&BRYAN's wedding, and i MUST be back at my Senior Year/Cheerleading body weight! Any tips on excercise or healthy snacks would be GREATLY appreciated.

Lastly,

"Don't worry about your clumsily expressed feelings. Just talk to your compassionate, understanding Father. You are His precious child whom He loves perfectly and wants to help. As you pray, recognize that Father in Heaven is near and He is listening."

-Richard G. Scott

I am so very grateful for the opportunity we have to communicate with our Heavenly Father. Prayer is a sure way to strengthen ourselves and our relationships with others. Having daily prayer is such an easy way to assure happiness in my life. I love my Heavenly Father and knows he listens and responds.

..."Growing Up"

Okay, okay...So I'm only 19...BUT HELLO! I'm married, work 2 jobs, school is on its way, I write checks monthly for bills, I've got my own insurance plan, and I live 2000 miles away from home! So, do I feel 19? Negative. These past 4 months, I have definitely learned the meaning of "growing up". This was the first Christmas and Thanksgiving that I've ever spent away from Georgia with my family. Talk about weird! We wanted to...Wait, I mean I WAS DYING to go to Georgia for at least one of the holidays, but making TWO trips there this summer, it just wasn't in the cards for us. Understandable. I just got a new job at Maurices, as an Assistant Manager ((which ROCKS))..as well as working at Tucanos still, and with Zach working two job as well..there was just no possible way to make it happen. Christmas Eve was spent at Zach's parent's house with all the siblings together. Luckily, I had that night off. We ate lots of yummy food and played the Newlywed Game. Zach and I being the youngest and most recently married, were just thrilled that we didn't lose! It was such a good night to spend with the Luekenga's.

It was great to wake up Christmas morning to Zach who was grinning ear to ear about having Christmas together. We both went into separate rooms and grabbed each other's stockings that `Santa` had prepared and we brought them in at the same time. Christmas music was playing and we opened our gifts. Zach was super surprised with a new GUN, a tool set, and his favorite; Clothes. (Sarcasm) Santa left him some Root Beer by his stocking, socks, candy, and a couple new ties. I was super stoked to find UGG boots :)- which I have NEVER liked, until recently, on many people, especially myself; BUT hey, I live in Idaho. We had a great Christmas and are so lucky and incredibly blessed with the jobs we have!

To add to the fact of me 'growing up'...we even have Christmas cards made for our extended family and close friends. First off, who all do you get Christmas Cards from? OLD people with families; Until now. Yes, I know...How retarded are we to make a Christmas card of us two? Slightly conceited, eh? ...Well calm down. I'm homesick like crazy and wanted to be a part of my family's Christmas SOMEHOW! AND we only printed 10 cards to send out...to people that we NEVER get to see. So we aren't THAT lame. I am so grateful for everything and everyone in my life.  I love my family more than they know, and distance DOES make the heart grow fonder, but I've had enough distance. I miss my niece and NEW nephew a whole lot, along with my sister and awesome parents. I can honestly say I would be going MORE nuts if we didn't have Zach's family close by.

Happy Holidays && A Better New Year!

3 Month Recap!

Busy, Busy, Busy.

It has almost been three months since Zach and I got married and i think we have finally reached the stage where it actually FEELS like we are married. Its no longer weird to say "husband" or "wife" out loud, in public, and in front of others. I have finally gotten my signature down to a 'T'.. and let me tell you "Luekenga" isn't the easiest. I've learned that when people ask for my last name, there is no need to say it, I just immediate begin with "L-U-E-K...E-N-G-A". That helps to avoid lots of awkward silence, questions of the orgin of the name, and spelling of course.

W.O.R.K

Zach and I are seriously working our lives away. He works construction with his Dad and Brother, as well working at Costco. I have been workin at the Brazilian Grill; Tucanos in Boise as a server for the past few months. Zach is a construction man through and through. I love being a waitress and meeting new people every day. DOWNFALL? Well, like most restaraunts, the money making is at night time. Not only is it a more popular time to eat, but the prices are higher, which makes checks more, which means tip is more; usually. Zach however, works the day shift...always. 9 to 5 it is. If it isn't construction, then it's at Costco. We have complete opposite schedules and it couldn't suck more. I am almost gone to work by the time he gets home. I feel like a LOSER. Sometimes I'll have a warm dinner waiting..but not always. I am grateful for the jobs we have and know that we will ONE DAY have a set schedule....One Day.

Back on the restaraunt:: I have come to have a great respect for everyone in the restaraunt industry. Things I've Learned:: Bussers work so hard...especially for those huge mormon families with LOTS of kids with HUGE messes...[which isn't all that bad if they tip well, but don't count on it]. Servers work extra hard multi-tasking, remembering 876,398 things, and always smiling. I've come to believe that when some people are angry, they deliberately come into restaraunts to be rude, knowing that the server cannot be rude back. I've learned that it is not my job to make pissed off people happy. I've come to the realization that some people are just cheap, despite how awesome their service is. I've learned that lots of people eat out at expensive places, who in reality cannot afford McDonalds. I've realized that many asians do not like to tip. I've learned that no matter how many coupons you have, it is only fair to tip on the ORIGINAL charge before the discount is deducted.And I've decided to write a book titled..."You know your gonna get a bad tip when..."

Zachs Jobs:: He says everyday how much he cannot wait to graduate college and have a real job. Oh how we BOTH long for that day. We both know that money doesn't grow on trees, but oh how it would be so so nice. He is such a hard worker. How lucky I am to have such a hardworking, strong, and handsome man:)

 

 What Zach Has Learned About Kelsey::               

• Her closet will never be clean
• She cuddles too much when she sleeps
• Her shoes are found in my closet
• She makes noises without realizing it
• When its quiet, she breathes really loud
• She likes to come home to a clean kitchen
• She'll wear my sweatpants before her own
• She wants anything that is mine, because she insists on being like me
• She will critique my outfit...Everyday.
• Insists I shave every 3 days
• She is always cold
• She takes the hottest showers ever; she'll have heat rash afterwards
• She likes to cook for me, after she calls her mom to get a recipe
• She's the nicest and sweetest person...when she's asleep.

What Kelsey Has Learned About Zach::

• He won't clean the sink of after shaving, Unless I'm in there
• After using the last of the toilet paper or paper towels, he won't put out a new roll
• He drinks milk like the last gallon on Earth is in our fridge
• He always apologizes first
• When he wants to make me happy he cleans the kitchen and lights smell-good candles
• He owns every tool in HomeDepot
• He is never cold
• Couldn't pay him to wear True Religion jeans
• He organizes the nightstand ((cell phones, chapstick, misc. change,)) before getting in bed
• He hates hates hates skinny jeans. On anyone :(
• Gets giddy and acts like he is 7 when he is excited
• Could live off peanut butter and honey sandwiches
• Is very meticulous

We continue to learn new things each day, and know this is only the beginning. We are very happy and couldn't be more pleased with our big decision to tie the knot.