Easy Enough

'Tis easy enough to be pleasant, when life flows by like a song

But the man worthwhile is one who will smile,

when everything goes wrong.

For the test of the heart is trouble, and it always comes with the years,

And the smile that is worth the praises of earth,

is the smile that shines through the tears.

'Tis easy enough to be prudent, when nothing tempts you to stray

When without or within no voice of sin, is luring your soul away.

But it is only a negative virtue, until it is tried by fire,

And the life that is worth the honor on earth,

is one that resists the desire.

By the cynic, the sad, the fallen, who had no strength for the strife,

The world's highway is cumbered today,

they make up the sum of life.

But the virtue that conquers passion, and the sorrow that hides in a smile

'Tis these that are worth the homage on earth,

for we find them but once in a while.

-Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Who's yo Daddy?- An Ode to Greatness

Approximately 25 years ago, a handsome young man with long flowing locks by the name of Bradley Jonathan Kilburn won the heart of a stunning beauty named Jennifer Lynne Gossett. Soon thereafter they were married, changing their titles to Mrs. Jenny Kilburn and 'The Old Man.'

In 1991, I was blessed to finally meet The Old Man for the first time in the flesh. Once again his title shifted, as he became known to me as Daddy. Here's the deal, I don't mean to sound conceited, but God really nailed it when He gave me my Dad. For all intents and purposes he is a keeper.

I am not sure if it was with my first or second breath of life, but somewhere in that moment I became a Daddy's girl. From that moment on, I had him wrapped around my little finger. Secretly I think that he likes it this way. If you know anything about my Dad, you know that he is the kindest, funniest person, with a firm belief in God, and that he absolutely loves being a husband and father and adores his crazy family.

Seeing as I am many miles away from my wonderful Daddio today, I've decided to compile a list of 10 important lessons my Dad has taught me...

1. Don't complain.
My dad always has a twinkle in his eye and a belly-rolling laugh ready to lighten any situation. I have never heard him dwell in complaint. He always gets the job done, and would rather no help than disgruntled help. He has taught me to have gratitude and look for the goodness around me.

2. Love my mother.
My dad has always made it a point to show us his love for my mother. From a young age we knew not to mess with my mom whenever he was in earshot. He has always put her first, and strives to show her how much he loves her. He truly is the example of the man and husband I hope to marry someday.

3. Work hard.
My dad is the hardest worker I have ever met. He is extremely diligent in providing for his family. He never gets discouraged and never quits. He knows how to roll with the punches and use adversity to grow stronger.

4. Pray even when you don't feel like it.
This one is pretty self explanatory. My dad is a great example of prayer.

5. You need at least 7 hugs a day to be healthy.
Again, pretty self explanatory. He taught me this when I was little, and I swear it is a verifiable medical fact. The more hugs you have, the happier you feel, and the healthier you are. He is always the first to lend a bear hug to the first hug-deprived human in need.

6. Express gratitude for the things that don't happen.
This is really important to me. He taught me that while we should be thankful for the good things that do happen to us, we should also be thankful for the bad things that don't happen. We need to be thankful that we didn't get a flat tire during our daily commute, we didn't get malaria from that mosquito bite, and that we didn't offend someone by telling the truth. Some of our greatest blessings are the things that God has protected us from and prevented from happening in our lives.

7. Road trips are a time for learning, exploring, and car-dancing.
Nature is a gift from God, and my dad is the first to point out every tree, grass, bird, rock formation, and cloud we see. He is a walking encyclopedia of knowledge, and takes every opportunity he can to share 'fun-facts' with us. He is also a master of the art of car-dancing. Don't believe it? Put on 'Funky Town' the next time you are in a confined space with my dad and watch the magic happen.

8. Listen for and act on all promptings, no matter how small.
His listening has saved my family many times. He really knows what he's doing when it comes to listening to the Holy Ghost, and I hope I can be like him one day.

9. Bald jokes = more chores.
Yup. Go ahead, comment on dad's growing bald spot.... he will love it so much he will "let" you scrub the dirtiest toilet in the house with your bare hands.

10. I am loved.
My dad never misses an opportunity to tell me and show me how much he loves me. There has never been a moment in my life that I have questioned my dad's love for me. I am grateful to have a big, happy, teddy-bear type father, with a strong outside and a soft inside. I love him so much!




So, here's to you, Dad! Thank you for all that you do for me. I love you more than words can express, and am beyond grateful that Heavenly Father put us together. You are the best dad ever!

Happy Father's Day!

Love,
Your baby girl.

Whatcha Want?

LIFE. 

I believe it is not only important to understand what you do want, but also what you don't want. 
It's a lot easier to work towards your dreams when you know what they are...

Things I couldn't care less about:

money, power, city life, keeping up with everyone else, stress, items, status, evil

Things I care a lot about:

faith, God, family, dogs, nature, being outside, America, children, animals, babies, learning, economics, agriculture, hunting, sunshine, rain, snow, nutrition, camo, Fords, pickups, guns, painting, sprinkles, sparkles, pretty high heels, boots, simplicity, freedom, happiness

Sometimes I wonder why the heck I am in college. Why am I spending so much money to learn these things when money is not my goal in life? Today I reminded myself that it is because I love to learn. I know it sounds cliche to not care about money, but truly I don't. I don't see the point in wasting the short time we have in this life doing something we don't even enjoy just to gain possessions we can't take with us. I'd rather spend my money helping others (especially children) and exploring this beautiful earth.

Sure, my dream life has never been typical, but it is still valid, and I am grateful to still have the opportunity to pursue it.

What's your dream life? 

Watch this video. You won't regret it.

-Living the Dream

MK

Notice November : Part 2

November is infamously the month of gratitude.

Here it goes...

Part 2:

Wed 11/14/12: I'm thankful for my dog. I'm thankful for her unconditional love and her high powered tail. I"m grateful for her constant need for attention and her talent of putting your hand on her head to pet her. I"m grateful for her courage and speed. I'm grateful for her constantly happy disposition.

Thurs 11/15/12: I'm thankful for vehicles. I'm grateful for pickups and cars. I'm grateful for the opportunity to see wonderful works of art. I'm thankful for technology and how much it betters our lives. I'm grateful for smart people and their knowledge.

Fri 11/16/12: I'm grateful for brakes. I'm grateful that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and that there is always a weekend despite the quality of the week. I'm thankful that I really like school and that I get to learn and grow each day. I'm grateful to love school.

Sat 11/17/12: I'm thankful for nature and the beautiful world that surrounds us. I'm grateful for changes in the weather. I'm grateful for extremes and moisture. I'm grateful for grass and leaves and birds and trees. I'm grateful for a love of the outdoors.


Sun 11/18/12: I'm grateful for temples and their eternal significance. I'm grateful for the color white and the beautiful things of the world. I'm thankful for friends. I'm thankful for caffeine and naps. I'm grateful for migraines that go away. I'm grateful for a day of rest.

Mon 11/19/12: I'm grateful for my brothers and how happy they make me. I'm grateful that my brothers are opposites yet still great. I'm thankful to have two great brothers to look up to and love. I'm grateful for their desire to become better and do more.


Tues 11/20/12: I'm grateful for tests and studying. I'm grateful to be capable of more than I think I am. I'm thankful that I can learn and that I can remember things. I'm grateful for the power of prayer. I'm grateful for a love of school and for classes that keep me excited to learn.

Wed 11/21/12: I'm grateful for my sewing machine. I'm grateful for the ability to learn new skills and make new things. I'm grateful for soft fabric and mass amounts of pins. I'm grateful for late nights and big smiles. I'm grateful for Christmas movies and hot chocolate.

Thurs 11/22/12: I'm grateful for my sister-in-law, Kimberly Kilburn and the love and friendship she gives me. I'm grateful for her domestic skills and her willingness to teach me. I'm grateful that she puts up with my brother even when he's hungry and tired. I'm grateful for her laugh and jokes, and her love of awesome things. I'm grateful that she is so creative and that she gives great hugs.

Fri 11/23/12: I'm grateful for friends. I'm grateful that black Friday shopping is not mandatory. I'm grateful for the ability to sleep in. I'm grateful for guns and fun and sunshine. I'm grateful for camouflage and the sheer joy it makes me feel. I'm grateful for pink camo gun cases and 30 round magazines.

Sat 11/24/12: I'm grateful for the opportunity to spend time by myself. I'm grateful for the feeling of watching old movies on the couch in your underwear. I'm grateful for a practically pants-less weekend. I'm grateful for naps, and late nights, and sparkling cider.

Sun 11/25/12: I'm grateful for school free days. I'm grateful for roommates that I love. I'm grateful to sleep in my own bed. I'm grateful to be surrounded by really great people. I'm grateful for laughter and for catching up. I'm grateful for choices and consequences.

Mon 11/26/12: I'm thankful for my sister Katie "Pretty" Kilburn. I'm grateful for her resilience, determination, and her boldness. I'm grateful for her ability to cheer me up with one simple pun or wise crack. I'm grateful for her lack of a filter and her courage to say what she feels, good and bad. I'm grateful for her desire to sleep on the top bunk and her love of nature. I'm grateful that God gave me her as my sister, even when my beautiful mother was unable to carry another child. I'm grateful for the time we get to spend together and the strong sisterly bond we share.

Tues 11/27/12: I'm grateful for my daddy and for the love he gives me. I'm grateful for 3 hour phone calls and how much happiness they bring me. I'm grateful that my dad is one of my closest friends and that he is always there for me. I'm grateful for his silly jokes and the inappropriate sense of humor we share. I'm grateful for his example of hard work and his ability to make the best of every situation. I'm grateful for his bear hugs and how he can help cure homesickness over the phone.

Wed 11/28/12: I'm thankful for adversity. I'm thankful that it is possible to reschedule flights. I'm grateful that I get to go home for Christmas. I'm grateful for my family. I'm thankful that I can shut my mouth when necessary and that no matter what my daddy will always call me 'a lady and a scholar.'

Thurs 11/29/12: I'm grateful for Alaska and for friends. I'm grateful for the opportunity to hug people I love and get a feeling of home. I'm grateful to be able to learn. I'm grateful for the BYUI Agribusiness program. I'm grateful for awesome teachers, leaders, and classmates. I'm grateful for home.

Fri 11/30/12: I'm grateful for the weekend and feelings of freedom. I'm grateful for the ability to take test, for the ability to do well, and the ability to have room for improvement. I'm grateful for laughter and hilarious things. I'm grateful for great friends and time to unwind.

Notice November: Part 1

November is infamously the month of gratitude.

Here it goes...

Part 1:

Thurs 11/1/12: Today I'm grateful for stress. I'm grateful that we are capable of more than what we think we are. I'm grateful for the friendly faces and classmates that fill my day. I'm grateful for the music room in the testing center. I'm grateful for people who understand technology and are willing to help a sista out. Most especially, I'm grateful for cows and semen.

Fri 11/2/12: Today I am grateful for bodies and all that they are capable of. I'm grateful for a sense of humor.. and for professors who don't laugh at semen jokes. I'm grateful for happiness, and for things to look forward to. I am grateful for the power of giggling. I am grateful for good friends and good fun. I'm especially grateful for hot baths.

Sat 11/3/12: Today I'm grateful for new friends, old friends, and life-long friends. I'm grateful for the earth and the beauties that I'm surrounded by. I'm grateful for Idaho. I'm grateful for old music, Britney Spears, and childhood. I'm grateful for all forms of water. Most importantly, I'm grateful for friendships that can last indefinitely.

Sun 11/4/12: Today I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm grateful for a loving bishopric. I'm grateful for laughter and happiness. I'm grateful for a brain and the ability to write. I'm grateful for the opportunity I have to learn. I'm grateful for amazing roommates. I'm grateful for the future. Most importantly, I'm grateful for the cozy feeling of hot cocoa and flannel nighties.

Mon 11/5/12: Today I am grateful for relief. I'm grateful for the silver lining. I'm grateful for cars and telephones. I'm grateful for smiles. I'm grateful for George Straight, Johnny Cash, and Shania Twain. I'm grateful for my daddy, his love, and his example to me. I'm grateful for his knowledge, patience, and work ethic. I'm grateful for his tacky jokes, his love of headlamps, and his love of me. I'm grateful for the best dad a girl could hope for.

Tues 11/6/12: Today I am grateful for America. I am grateful for the privilege and duty we have to vote. I am grateful for opposition. I am grateful that presidents can only serve for 2 terms. I am grateful for the Constitution. I am grateful for canceled classes. I am grateful for absentee ballots. I am grateful to be alive. Today I am most especially grateful for a Heavenly Father who looks after and will always protect the United States of America.

Wed 11/7/12: Today I am grateful for my Grandpa Jim. I am grateful for the relationship we were able to have. I am grateful to still be able to feel him near me and hear his voice and laughter. I am grateful to be able to visit him and feel his presence. I am grateful for the beautiful gravestone he has, and for his newly installed military service plaque. I am grateful for my grandma Donna and her sweet spirit. I am grateful for her love and her kind heart. I am grateful that she can open up to me about how she is feeling. I am grateful that she loves me. Most of all, I am grateful to be able to listen.

Thurs 11/8/12: Today I'm grateful for a conscience. I am grateful for the ability to do what I need to do to be who I need to be. I am grateful for my life. I am grateful that life gives us ups and downs. I am grateful to be alive. I am grateful for my little brother Matthew and his free spirit. I am grateful for his example of uniqueness and creativity. I am grateful for his thoughtfulness and love. I am extremely grateful to be both a big sister and a little sister.

Fri 11/9/12: Today I am grateful for my mom and her example of courage and strength. I am grateful for modern medicines and advances in technology. I am grateful for resilience. I am grateful for Alaska. I'm grateful that my daddy gets every other Friday off. I am grateful for my car and it's awesome gas mileage. I am grateful for fast freeways and oblivious troopers.I am grateful for strangers.

Sat 11/10/12: Today I am grateful for temples and the joy they bring us. I am grateful for the beauty inside them. I am grateful for sunshine. I am grateful for the jokes my parents carried throughout my childhood.  I am grateful to have many homes and families. I am grateful that the feeling of home can be felt whenever you are with those you love.

Sun 11/11/12: Today I am grateful for Veterans. I am grateful that so many business publicly thank them. I am grateful to be in the first war/conflict of the USA with an entirely volunteer military force. I am grateful for loving roommates and 'welcome home' notes. I am grateful for hours of new, old, and obscure Christmas songs. Today I am most especially grateful for the selfless service offered by courageous humans.

Mon 11/12/12: Today I am grateful for my big brother Ryan. I am grateful for a newly working heater in my truck. I am grateful for love. I am grateful to have such a great example to look up to. I am grateful for veterans. I am grateful that there are so many people willing to sacrifice everything for the freedoms and safety of the United States of America. Today I am most especially grateful that God gave me the best friend and big brother in the world, and that we get to live so close.

Tues 11/13/12: Today I am grateful for love, the ability to give and receive love, and the ability to fall in and out of love. I am grateful that I have the power to make my own choices. I am grateful to be reminded that making the right choice isn't always easy, and sometimes you hurt. I am grateful for great and happy opportunities always waiting around the corner. I'm grateful for humbling reminders. I am grateful for God.

Only Four More

Rather than stress my life away about how the election went and what it means for America, I've decided to list some things I'm grateful for...

1. Only 4 more years of Barack Hussein Obama.

2. I'm finally understanding the saying, "Once you go black..."

3. When I smile my eyes squint like an Asian. I'll fit in perfectly when China owns us.

4. I voted, thus I reserve the right to occasionally be disgruntled.

Unfortunately we chose something that will challenge us more; fortunately we will undoubtedly have opportunities to grow and become better. Since when are we supposed to give up when challenges arise? That is not the America I believe in.

Good news! There is a Prophet of God on the earth today! President Thomas S. Monson is here to guide and direct us. He is here to warn of impending danger. He is here to help bridge communication with God to the world. All we need to do now is heed his advice and do better to be better. The Lord will always protect us if we put our trust and faith in Him. 

Good news! Nothing can hinder the will of the Lord.

Now is not the time to mourn and think of what could have been. Now is the time to rise up and be who you need to be.

God bless the USA.

One Nation Under God

 WARNING: The following post is highly opinionated.

      To say that I am a highly patriotic person would be an understatement. I'm grateful for this wonderful country that I have been blessed to live in. I believe that you can never fly too many American flags, support too many veterans, or encourage too many people to vote. 

      This beautiful land has been preserved as a place for Christianity to spread as God is freely worshiped and freedoms are granted. 

      I think that the biggest problem in the United States of America is the spirit of entitlement. We seem to forget that freedom isn't free, and that we need to actively work for it by being productive citizens, honoring/serving in the military, and voting...

TOPIC 1: Voting

Voting season is upon us! This may come off strong, but I have a low tolerance for people who are not politically active. All it takes is simply EDUCATING yourself and voting.

     It's simple.... but something that people seem to miss. I don't care who or what you vote for, as long as you educate yourself prior to voting. I hate when people just vote for the "popular" candidate or vote for the candidate their friends like rather than learning for themselves.

     Fact is, the candidate who wins may not be the true country favorite. The candidate who wins is the one receives the most votes... meaning the one with the most active supporters. So go vote.

TOPIC 2: The Pledge

      I feel the Pledge of Allegiance is slowly exiting our lives and I don't like it. I sent in a request to the Student Representative Council (SRC) at BYU-Idaho requesting that we say the pledge at our weekly devotionals. Reasonable, right? 

      Here's the response I received from a member of the SRC (unedited)... "One of those problems is that Devotional is that it is planned out time wise so that it is not to long, so adding the pledge would make use start earlier or end later and that is something that the administration does not want to do. Also, we have many International Students that attend this university and this might make them feel a little uncomfortable."

     My thoughts:
1. It takes less than two minutes to say the pledge.
    We have time.
2. International students may feel a little uncomfortable? I don't care. At all. If you can't respect this country then leave. International students  are here to utilize the freedoms and opportunities we have. You don't have to say it, simply stand and show respect for the country you are furthering your education in. People die every day to ensure our safety, how about we show gratitude?

       

I'm sorry if I've offended anyone, this is just what's on my mind.

I hope ya'll take a few seconds to vote and give your country some loving. 

Living the Dream,

-MK

I'M SOOO HAPPY!!!

EVERYONE! The day has come. I SAID YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't be more happier right now! His name is CC. And he's made me the happiest girl EVER!!!!!!

Here is a picture of my ring-

We've been dating for about 3 days now- and it's been amazing. I'll tell you the story in my next blog post, promise. But now, I have to tell you something even more important. 

So let me tell you. I have the best roommate ever, well apartment mate. Her name is Megan. She's the coolest ever. I worship her. I wish I could be as awesomely cool as she is. She's my idol. I just love her so much that it's hard to describe. She's beauty and she's grace, she's Miss United States! I'd miss her even if I hadn't ever met her. I love her, most ardently. She's the best.

I love her more than I love aardvarks, and that's saying how much I really do love her.

I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH.

MANDY- ANDY

PS- Mandy- remember when you stole my computer. Well, this is what happens. And yes, I can hack more than facebook :)

America the Beautiful

July 4th is:

1. Arguably my favorite holiday.

2. Almost here.

3. Happy!

I'm really excited. In honor of this happiest of days, I propose we all celebrate. What better way to express "Happy Independence Day!" than by seeing-eating-making-doing some of the following things...

<3 MK

Blessings

Mormon Messages: In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

(this one is my very favorite!)

Blessing: a favor or gift bestowed by God, thereby bringing happiness

I believe we are all children of God. I believe that He loves us more than we can comprehend. I believe that He does sincerely listen to our prayers, and want the best for us. I believe that He truly will give us what we really need, if we just ask. I believe that the Lord has a higher, more beautiful plan for each one of us that we could imagine. I believe that it is possible to be frustrated with life, but that the Lord can help ease our burdens and pain. 

We are as blessed as we choose to recognize. There are more wonderful things around us than we can comprehend... as long as we choose to see them that way.

Mormon Messages: Thanksgiving Daily

I have a lot of things to be grateful for. 

Prayer, family, sight, this earth, angels, dogs, friends, the elements, the gospel, the ability to learn, bare-feet, green grass, dandelions, laughter, trucks, sounds, smells, rain, sunshine, clouds, calluses, snow, wind, leaves, trees, mountains, bodies of water, animals, a bed, apples, hot tamales, smiles, wildflowers, fields, hugs, thunder, lightning, books, country music, bluegrass, bicycles, plants, hands, feet, health, happiness, strength, chocolate, a place to live, an alarm clock, the ability to change, the ability to choose, the ability to be, trials, opportunities, the future.

I'm grateful for life. I'm grateful to be me.


<3 MK

These days...

This semester Diamond Rio came to BYU-Idaho!! Ryan, Kim, Jenny, and I were able to go. It was so fun to see a group that we have loved growing up. They were amazing...

Side note: Apparently people don't dance and go crazy at concerts in Rexburg, Idaho... it was a bit odd to me. It felt almost as though the audience seemed too unenthusiastic and borderline rude. Don't worry though, Kim, Jenny, and I danced our little hearts out all by ourselves.

I was able to go do the Race for the Cure up in Boise with the Perez family. It was the best! They are such wonderful people and feel like family since I've known them practically all my life. Also, it was extra happy, because this year marks Kathy's 10th year as a survivor! So wonderful! 

I had a blast and am excited for next year. 

Basically my truck is beautiful and I can't refrain from posting about my love for it. 

Ryan and I have been having so much fun with this. We've got him running like a champ, lifted with gnarly mud tires, lined the rockers and grill, and got his new sound system installed. He is coming along quite nicely and looks stinking wonderful. I realize we are complete hicks, feel free to blame my parents. 

BIG NEWS!

In 23 days I get to see my Momma and sister.

In 25 days I get to see my little brother.

In 52 days I get to see my Daddy, my dog, and be in beautiful Alaska for an entire month!

Excited doesn't even begin to describe it. My family is really important to me. Since they are now up in Alaska, I wasn't able to go home for spring break. This is the longest I have been without them, and this homesick girl is ready for some family lovin! 

Also, I just found out my grad-plan has been approved! I am so happy I could pee! 

I should be starting my internship here in September and only have a few semesters left. I feel like I have been here forever and still have ages to go... but the end is in sight!

The happiest part about this is that Ryan and I may graduate at the same time! Oh my lands! It would be the greatest thing ever to graduate with my big brother! I am the luckiest!

Life is such a happy thing. 

It doesn't matter how many strange, crazy, sad, frustrating, or downright difficult things happen, 

it is still happy and I am grateful to living and breathing it all in.

<3 Living the Dream,

MK

PS: This is hilarious. Go ahead, let yourself laugh.