twentythree

On Wednesday, I celebrated 23 years of life. Just 23 short years ago, I got to make Terry & Kimberly Kennedy be Daddy and Momma for the first time. In those 23 years, God has blessed me with an inspiring family, awesome friends and incredible opportunities.  If you have played a part in any second of the last 23 years, thank you. God blessed me from day 1, allowing me to take just a single breath. Since then, every breath I've taken has been filled with excitement and adventure, and I promise you, I will continue that with every breath I'm given. In 23 years, I've had countless prayers answered, dreams realized and goals accomplished. I've learned that with God on my side, no mountain is unconquerable. I've learned that having faith and trusting will lead to great things, even if the thought scares you to death. And I've learned that at the end of the day, there's no place I'd rather be right now than sitting at the kitchen table and watching the beautiful sunset...Except maybe outside by the pool.

The last week has been filled with fun - not a better way to celebrate your birthday week! (And it's still not over - my family is coming over tomorrow to officially celebrate!)

  
My week started off last Saturday watching Bear & Shane play baseball on Shane's senior day!



On Wednesday, I was surprised at work with flowers from Daddy, Momma, Kaden and Kale. You can't tell here, but they GLITTER! My coworkers made sure my day was special by taking me to lunch, getting me a cookie cake, and buying me a cute card and present! They're the best! :) Caylee sent me a special birthday wish as well... somehow it didn't get lost in the air! And to end the night, Laine took me to dinner and gave me The Adventures of Princess and Mr. Whiffle! Now he just has to read it to me :)


On Thursday, I got to attend the Chickasaw Nation Hall of Fame event for the second year. It is so amazing and humbling to see the dedication of the individuals honored to the Native American tribes. It is very inspiring and I look forward to attending again next year.


Also Thursday night, Caylee and Oakley came to town! Caylee and I went to Grady's Pub & Grille (YUM!!!) to watch the Thunder game with Chase. Oh. My. Goodness. I LOVE GPG! If you live in the Tuttle area, check it! It's a fun atmosphere and the food is great. Molly and Oakley fought for attention but got along beautifully :)


Didn't I tell you this week was exciting? The reason Caylee & Oakley came to town was because Hollee graduated! Hollee was one of the original Swim House members and I know her through Caylee, who was also a Swimmie. All the Swim House family has now graduated :( Good luck Hollee!!!


It wouldn't be a weekend in Stillwater if I didn't stop for a Barn Coke. After mom getting them all week (she was in Stillwater with Kaden for his TSA conference - where he did AMAZING! If I learn enough about it I'll tell you more.) and rubbing it in, I had no choice. Also, I woke up this morning and found out I won Cassie's contest! I'm not sure what all it entails, but I'll let you know. Also, happy belated birthday Cassie!

I think you can tell I've been blessed this week - but just know this is a tiny snapshot into my life, I am one incredibly blessed girl.

#ThunderUP

I don't claim to be an NBA expert or superfan, but I am a fan and I am pretty super, and if we're honest, we all know I have lots to say, so there you have it.

Round 1, game 2, Thunder-Mavs. Nothing brings people together quite like the love of a game, and I [actually] enjoy putting aside our state-dividing orange and crimson line for a moment to cheer for the Thunder Blue!

What a game. But really, what a year... We know this team is capable of awesome things, so awesome in fact that I have decided to refer to these things as Thundersome, which is, as I explained to a friend^*, like awesome only better.

It seems, though, that we get roller coaster games frequently as of late, as in these recent Thunder-Mavs games - the deciding shot was literally down to the last second. But something I tend to forget in the frustrating moments of these games, where I'm like "Seriously, KD, a three?!" is the age of most of these players who are carrying the excitement of a city on their shoulders.

In two days, I'll be 23 (yay!). These guys are literally my age. Nine out of the 15 on the roster are 25 or under. I am just so thankful that I'm not the one carrying that weight! It's been an absolutely incredible season. I'm so excited to continue watching and cheering on our Thunder through the playoffs and in the coming years. They hold so much promise and such an exciting future.

So, Thunder boys, on the off-chance you accidentally stumble across this little blog of mine - mad props. You, gentlemen, are Thundersome, and I heart you. Espeically on Thunderful (wonderful) nights such as this.

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A real Thunder blog can be found here.

*Hey Chase, here's mention #2.

"Love...will always prevail over evil."

Today was the 12th annual Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. I didn't count how many of us went, but just off the top of my head, I think about 25-30 of us met at AmPo high school at 4-ish this morning to drive up together. Amazingly, "our parking lot" was available - I'm not giving away the location but I'll just say it's awesome enough that I'm amazed we get to park there every year. We walk to remember Blake Ryan Kennedy.

The Kennedy kids & friends who participated in this year's race, surrounding Blake's chair. 

Blake's cousins Kolby, Avery, Addison & Ainslee

Blake's family members who participated in this year's race.

Earlier this week, I also was remembering my sweet cousin Cameron, who went to be with Jesus 10 years and two days ago. This time of the year always brings about memories. My heart hurts and I still don't understand it. But I look around and see the green grass and the blooming flowers this time of year also brings, showing me a promise. A promise that though I might not ever understand the storm, the pain, the tears, God will bring beauty, hope and comfort to those who are faithful.

Quote from the announcer prior to the beginning of the 5k.

don't forget...a very special 31 special!

Help me celebrate turning 23! :)

mythirtyone.com/shaeken

PS - If you need Mother's Day ideas, let me know... I have plenty, and they're personalized :)

#throwbackthursday

Weren't we cute, awkward outfits and all?


This was before she turned rotten. Kidding!


Also, sorry for getting this stuck in your head all day... Mmmbop
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(The "when you get old and start losing your hair..." line CRACKS me up)