a missionary

Well, in honor of it being one month until I leave for my mission, I figured now is as good a time as ever to share how I feel about it all.

I received my call on September 13, 2013. I was kind enough to wait until the mailman had moved to the next mail box before I went to check it. I had confiscated all of the mail keys, so it's not like any one else really had the option to check the mail. Anywho, both of my parents happen to be home that day, and dad filmed me checking the mail. Totally worth it, because there was my letter from the Office of the First Presidency!!

Seeing my name and Christ's name on the same envelope was totally awesome and exhilarating.

Well, I had to contain all the excitement for quite a few hours. Not only did I have to work, but there was a football game some friends and family went to, so I had to wait for them to get home! But I was able to skype my beautiful friend Katie so she could watch me open it, and I called my darling Jasmine to listen. I had quite a few friends there; AJ Frazier, Emma, Claudia, and Lousia Hunter, Kayla Grover, Aubrey Snyder, Tatiana, Tenari and Brother Aiasau, and of course my family.

I have been called to serve in the Colorado Colorado Springs Mission. I leave December 18th, 2013. I'll be speaking English. I am SO excited.

I know the Lord needs me here and now. He has blessed me in so many ways to get where I need to be. I have 2 amazing jobs, an amazing family, Sister Missionaries were assigned to our ward, and so many other things that have just set everything in place. Satan is working extra hard so I can't hear my Father, but I know He is still there. I don't have to see Him to know that. I may not hear Him, but He hears me. He knows me. He loves me. And He loves you.

I'm nervous, sure. But I have no doubt in my mind that I am where I should be. Where I need to be. I am excited to grow, to learn, to endure. Most importantly, I am excited to share how much God loves us! How Christ saved us. To share that we can be truly happy, eternally happy.

Until next time,
Sister Hendricks

like mother, like daughter

So the past month was a pretty crazy one at my house! Mom was gone for at least half of it at funerals, legoland, and Young Women's camp. Obviously I survived taking care of my brothers (and my dad) but seriously, my mom deserves the superhero of the year award or something. Hopefully just a blog post will suffice!


Things I had to do by myself while my mom was gone:

• make tacos (twice!)
• watch someone else's kids to help a friend out
• get the boys to clean...
• go grocery shopping
• work
• clean all 3 bathrooms
• wash dishes (A LOT!!)

Things I can't believe mom gets done all in one day:

•  refer to list above
• everything else

SERIOUSLY! Mother how do you do it?! She is such a wonderful beautiful person that means the world to me. She is kind to everyone, thoughtful, patient, hard working, fun, charitable thrifty, crafty, talented, uplifting, spiritual, strong; she's just all around amazing! I am so grateful to have her as my mother and friend. I love her very very much. I hope I can become even half the superhero she is someday!

Love you always momma! <3

big leagues

well, I have had wonderful opportunities lately that have totally boosted my confidence like 1000%. It's totally awesome!


1. I was asked to do someone's hair for their wedding. she was a BRIDE. on her WEDDING DAY! and the next day for the reception! AHH IT WAS AWESOME! I felt so cool! I would love to do hair for a living! gah I can't wait to go to school for it!





2.  a lovely blog follower and old friend has seen my work with hair and asked me to do her hair for a fancy wedding she was going to. and makeup! hooray! I've been getting more into makeup recently (thanks pinterest) and was excited to put it to practice!
3. I've been asked to photograph a wedding. holy popsicle sticks a wedding. I'm totally completely nervous about it, but I've got til the 20th to pinterest myself up and learn what to do!

In other interesting news!


Jasmine visited. my sweet darling best friend whom I love so much came to visit! haha we are definitely craaazy, but I love her so much. We've already decided to take pre-mission photos together since she will be going on one too, rooming together in college, be in eachother's weddings, and live in an old folks home together. okay maybe not the old folks home, but you get the point. we just have to be together! I love her so much<3


My daddy has also been called to serve as a bishop for our ward. It's already a huge blessing in our lives. My grandparents came down to visit, which was pretty awesome. It's a possibility that I will be his first missionary! I'm getting shots and dental stuff done in the next few weeks and then I'll send off my papers to HQ and my call will be here before I know it! YAY!! I am so excited to serve the Lord. I know He is real and this is what He wants me to do.

I'll keep posting, but for now, keep smiling! <3

graduation

oh boy this is late! Well I graduated last weekend! it was warm, but I am grateful it was not this weekend where it's been 110 degrees! The class of 2013 was a good class. We were crazy, yes. Food fights, bomb threats, over achieving AP students, getting better at sports, but really a good class:) here are a few photos from the day!

So this girl right here has been a beautiful, wonderful blessing in my life. She's been by my side this whole year. Heavenly Father knew we needed each other in two classes this year. (He tried to put us in three, but He must have figured two would work!) We literally talked all period, both periods, some days. We've shared our deepest selves, laughed at weird things, and held each other up when we needed it the most. I am so grateful for my darling Shayli and know we will keep in touch. She will be blessed with so much in life and I have faith that all will work out. I love you darling!<3

So this beautiful woman has grown up so so much! She has already made it! Finishing culinary school, has a wonderful job. And she still takes time to hang out with me and be the wonderful best friend that she is. We kinda just understand and get each other. I know I can always count on her to be there for me in hard times and in good ones. Watching movies, going out to breakfast, making dinner. So many memories, and so much love! I am grateful to have her in my life and can't wait to see where life takes her! I love you so much my Chelle<3

 This beautiful girl has taught me so much this year. I love her to pieces! We really are the best of friends. Sometimes we seem like an unlikely couple, but seriously. We're awesome. I love having her around, laughing at funny things, melting in the heat, emotional shoe shopping. Whatever it is! She's been a blessing that I am so grateful for! I am proud of all she's done. I love her like a sister and can't wait to see where life takes her. I just know I'd better be in it! Love you always princess<3

Miriam is a truly amazing and talented woman! She was my "Anne" in the Miracle Worker, and a dear friend after that. She is so funny and quirky and beautiful. She knows how to bring a smile to everyone's face and brighten any day! She is a talented actress, technician, student, and a wonderful friend. I know she will go far in life and be blessed in all she does! Love you Miri!<3

This wonderful girl is such a huge example to me! She tries to make every situation a positive one. She loves to be close to her Heavenly Father and to feel the Spirit. She brings that into other people's lives. She is gifted in so many ways! I am grateful to have had her in my life these past 8 years! She is a wonderful friend, a strong woman, and beautiful to boot! I know life will bring huge blessings! I love you Rhiannon!<3

Goodness gracious! Isn't she just so gorgeous? My dear Madison knows how to make everyone and anyone laugh! She is sweet, kind, and fun to be around. She makes up the best songs on the spot, is a talented writer and actress, she takes everything life throws at her in full stride, has amazing theme music, and is just wonderful. We've been through a lot together, but I am forever grateful to be her friend. I know life will take her to amazing places and she will be blessed! I wish the best for her family as well! She is amazing. I love you Madds<3

There really isn't enough room to explain how wonderful, beautiful, talented, and positively amazing this woman is. really. She has brought me pure joy every day! I love to be around her. I love to do her hair and to feel her sweet embrace around me. From tears to laughs, I have grown to love this girl with all of my heart. Seriously! She is just so.. SPECTACULAR! I am in awe at her strength. I am strengthened by her testimony. I am grateful for her friendship. I will always be by her side because you just can't have someone so amazing any where else. I love her so much! I can't wait to be there when she gets married because I just have to. And of course every other moment. Thanks for all you are and do! I love you dearly Katie darling!!<3 (PS Sorry this pic is blurry:P )

MR. Q!!! The best teacher ever. I had Mr. Q two years as a student and this year as his TA. I've known him all 4 years of high school, and let me tell you, that was SUCH a blessing! He has taught me discipline, leading by example, laughter, fun, and doing the best in all you can. He has always made me feel special and given me the strength to continue pushing through. I know I've told him this like a million times, but he just made my high school years so perfect. I loved working with him and am so grateful for people like Mr. Q. I can't wait to see all he has ahead of him in the future. I'll keep you updated on how life goes for me! Thanks for being you!!






And of course my parents! Life isn't always easy and I'm not always the most patient and compliant daughter. But my parents still love me. And I know they always, ALWAYS will. They want me to be happy. They care about me and want what's best for me. I've shared plenty of laughs and fun memories with them. I am grateful for their love for me and support throughout my high school years. I love this picture. It makes me so happy! It's beautiful and shows their love for me. I love you guys so much!!<3

 I made it and I am excited for the future:) working at JCPenney, Mission bound, BYU-I cosmetology school, getting married, all that fun stuff;) It's weird to think we're all kind of adults in a real world. Still seems like we're playing dress up sometimes.
To the future!!

inspiration

Yeah hard times will be there- that won’t change. Hard times will consistently be there. But so will Christ. And with Him are we able to overcome & conquer.

-Al Fox {{check her out!}}

There are some days that are more difficult than others. I've been through a lot and sometimes it's hard to get over it. Days seem dark, lonely. But oh my goodness how I love Al Fox. She is a convert to the Church, baptized about three years ago. She has wholly and completely put her faith in God. She has come so far in life. She speaks to youth groups and uplifts all those who hear her words. She is so sweet and cute and fun. She is engaged to her best friend Ben, and I am so happy for her. She has become an light and inspiration to uplift me in the darkest time. I know that Heavenly Father is real and answers prayers because she answers prayers for me in all of her blog posts (wow I'm tearing up!)

I love Al Fox, even though I do not know her personally. She is my spiritual sister, and I am grateful that I have been able to see her grow. I hope life blesses her with all things wonderful!

Thank you Al for your inspiration. I aspire to be someone who's faith is as strong as yours, who's love is as deep as yours, who's light brightens all those around it. You are beautiful and amazing. Stay shining bright!<3

Take a few minutes to check out her blog. It's wonderful<3

xoxo Kay

april showers bring may flowers!

So I didn't update much these past few weeks. Or this month. So I figured I'd just give the lowdown on all the sweet things going on in my life lately! Just to name a few:

This is my dear friend Crysta. She and I have been working together since March on a show called Proof. It was a student directed show. Crys was director, I was stage manager. Our cast was positively fabulous. We performed this weekend, and it was great. I don't think we could have asked for a better first student run production at the high school.
Crysta is a beautiful and amazing person. Her strength is beyond description. She is hard working, diligent, and never lets anything stand in her way. She makes this world a brighter place! I am grateful that we've been able to grow closer this year, and I hope that we maintain our friendship far into the future!

My dear youngest brother, Logan, was baptized on Saturday! He's the littlest and last one of our family! CRAZY! In our church, children are baptized at the age of 8 or when they are accountable for their sins and mistakes. It was a really sweet day. My oldest brother, Nate, was old enough and had the right authority to baptize him. Pretty awesome! Logan was baptized along with his little friend. It was so cute! I'm glad I was able to be and be together with my beautiful family.

Our high school varsity baseball team finished off their season strong with the final win of the season. They had a great season and a fabulous 4 years! We are all proud of them and wish all of the seniors the best of luck in their future endeavors!

Of course there was Mothers' Day as well! I am so grateful to have my beautiful mom in my life. She is so patient and kind. She's really become a true friend to me. She listens, looks out for me, protects me, cares for me, dreams for me, and does everything I cannot. She is amazing and wonderful. She has such and open and giving heart. I hope I can someday exemplify her best virtues in my own life. I love her and am so blessed to be her daughter. I pray one day I can become the mother she was for me for my children. I am grateful for her example and love her so!

Big and bright things are ahead! I will continue on, fight for the faith, and love and let live<3

prom, round 2

so prom was definitely like a month ago, but oh well. Life gets busy, and I have to update eventually! so here are the hair styles I did that day!

 she changed it a little from her original idea, which means I have more to learn! but it turned out cute anyway:)

 I love her hair all ombre right now. It looked fabulous all curled!

 She looked so pretty! her hair is soooo long. It's gorgeous!

 5-strand braid. Simple enough that she could play with it, but out of her face enough, it worked. cute!

 She looked so pretty. I kiiiinda made this up while I was working on her hair. Turned out way adorable! She is also beautiful with beautiful hair. That helps. A lot. haha

 She had the idea from a picture online, and it looked great with her hair! Lovely!

 haha she was excited her hair looked so full! It looked great with her dress. Very classy!

My favorite from the year. She looked amazing, and her hair was just pretty and worked fabulously. So glad I could work with it this year!

I love to do hair so much! I plan to eventually attend cosmetology school. So it is always great practice to do everyone's hair for prom. Each of these princesses looked great! Thanks for letting me do it!

xoxo Kay <3

a testimony

This past weekend was fully and completely amazing for me. I know what I am doing with my life now! I understand my Heavenly Father's love for me. I know that He gives strength to ALL who seek it. No matter who you are. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is our brother. "The best big brother ever," as a dear friend Aubrey once said. He really is the best! He gave His life so we could gain eternal salvation. We do have prophets today. The scriptures, oh my goodness. AMAZING! I love to study my scriptures. They are calming and eye opening. The Book of Mormon is true. The Bible and Book of Mormon are companions in their testament of Christ our Savior. I LOVE THIS CHURCH! I have so much to learn. So so much. But even as a beautiful, strong, unwavering tree grows from a tiny seed, so can my testimony.

live a happy life!

changes

Today I had the lovely opportunity to go to General Conference. Conference is where all of the leaders of our Church gather in Utah and speak to the members of the Church. It is broadcasted on television as well as in certain church buildings. There are several sessions of Conference. 2 for all of the members of the church on Saturday as well as 2 on Sunday. On Saturday evening, there is also a session for men ages 12 and up. I decided to attend conference at church this year. I have a lot of questions for my Heavenly Father I was hoping to find answers to, and I wanted a place where I would not be as distracted. It was a wonderful choice. I really felt calm and had my heart open to the words of our prophets and leaders. I needed it.
So what does this have to do my new {{and hopefully long-lasting}} blog name? Well, it really stood out to me how much our Heavenly Father loves each and every one of us. One of my favorite talks given several years ago discusses how we are each princesses in our own story {{this was given to the young women, ages 12-18, leaders and parents}}. YOU can read it/listen to it here! It's fabulous!
Anyway! You are a princess {{or prince}} and I am a princess! And this is my once upon a time, full of "adventure, trial, and opportunities for greatness, nobility, courage, and love."
So here is to my adventures of the past, and the changes to come<3

a little break here and there

we're about {this} close to spring break! but that also means projects, homework, sugar headaches and late nights:P oh well! we're about 40 (school) days away from graduation! whoo! oh boy I cannot wait!
I pretty much just needed a break from Psychology research. had too many jelly beans {{honestly though, 1 jelly bean is too much for me}} so I kind of have a headache, but I'm hoping a little break might help to make it go away!

I'm researching the psychology behind business and photography, which is really interesting to me! as I was researching, I was looking at how to find a distinct style and such. and I started to think about mine. I really love light, especially backlight. I know that's hard to capture sometimes, but I love the way it brings reflection, silhouettes, and just fun! {{I also love personality in photos, but right now I'm talking light}} so I've decided to start focusing on that a bit. Light.

here are a few examples of mine.

Raindrops on the Window

Golden

This one is definitely my favorite. I call it "A Streetlamp Named Desire" yes that's a play on words. No I have not read the play. I just like the title. And in my case, I realized a desire I had {photographing light} because of the rain, the window, and the lamp across the street. I'm actually kind of excited! I have a few photos with people in them as well, but I need to upload them and stuff. I'll get that done soon:)

The next thing I would love to learn is photoshop. But I'm holding off on getting a decent program until post mission, mid college, so that I know what's best and how I can use it to my full potential.

I have a lot to learn, but I'll make it through!

well, goodnight<3

late night distractions

eeep! okay so I started out with the intent of submitting my scholarship application, then heading to bed. but oh my goodness why would I do that when there are so many things to look at on the BYU-I website? Goodness gracious I am so stinking excited for college! Looking at rooms, laptop rental (because I want to go on a mission first) classes, work opportunities. I am just so excited and happy! I can't even contain myself! It's 11:25 on a school night, but I don't even care! I just know this is the right decision. I feel it.

I still want to go on a mission first of course:) actually, one thing I'm really looking forward to is getting my endowments, being able to go to the temple. I just. ahh it's so special. I am so excited:)

I've had a lot of trials come up in my life, and sometimes they're so difficult, I just don't know what to do anymore. But I know that as I rely on the Lord, He will get me through. It's sometimes hard to knock on the door, but it makes things easier when you do. The same will go for college and missions. I just know that I am to look to Him. He will guide me through and help me grow.





BYU-I bound
but most importantly
{{TEMPLE BOUND}}
hooray hooray hooray!

love always!

writing on a wall

it's a been a while, and this will be a pretty serious post. but I think it's worth writing.

So on Friday, there was writing found in a bathroom stall that [from what I understand] was a threat to the school. Administration took action and involved the local police department. The PD found no immediate threat. Rumors began to spread on social media sites. Now there is a fear that tomorrow there will be in danger with a possible shooting [according to rumors].

I will admit, this is fairly frightening. However, I feel that we are pretty safe tomorrow. Our administration wouldn't ask us to come to school if we weren't going to be safe. We have plenty of police officers that will be there tomorrow and we have teachers who know how to protect us in case of a lock down. I pray that we will be safe and that whomever this was, their heart may be softened. I have faith in the Lord that we will be protected.

I believe that we need to be aware of the rumors that we listen to and spread ourselves. More importantly, I want to point out something my English teacher pointed out today. We need to be aware of how we interact with other people. Words really can hurt other people. But so can the things we don't say. Everyone is important. We don't know and likely don't understand any one's story but our own. Not everyone has great parents, home life may suck, or they have no home. We don't understand. We just don't. And sometimes we just need to reach out and smile. Say hello. Let people know we genuinely care. People need that. We need that, I need that, you need that. The real message in the writing on the wall wasn't that we're all going to die. It was that someone out there needs a friend. Someone feels that their life is so awful, so terrible that they feel the need to just be done with watching everyone else walk by and end it. I hope I'm not one of those people.

I say we need to show others we care. It's a simple as a smile.

Tomorrow, I pray that whoever needs a friend will be found. So that we may show them the love that they need is here. It's in us. It's in you. It's in me. We are the love. Cheesy as it sounds, I am. The world isn't going to change tomorrow. But one person can change a life. And life and love is the world.

a day at home

I didn't feel fantastic today, or yesterday. Or the day before that.. but that's alright:) just means I stay home!
I decided to go on facebook. Now for the record, I'm not all that huge of a fan of facebook. People just post silly things sometimes, and then other times, I really miss people. And lately I've been missing my shotgun girl.

This is my Jasmine. She and I have a wonderful relationship. We might be over 700 miles apart, but we're still the best of friends. It's been a long time since I've seen her.. But that's alright we've got enough memories to get us through. She's even more grown up and beautiful now since I saw her last July. She's got a job, wanting to go on a mission, boyfriend. All that fun stuff. And she's got new friends, and so do I. But we're still best friends at heart. Honestly, that's what matters most.

Thank you Jaz, for all you ever do. You're wonderful and amazing<3 Stay strong! I love you!!

Always, your bluejeans,
Kay

thoughts from the heart

so, this post today may be a little different than usual. I guess I've just had a lot of things on my mind lately, and I figured I'd write.
BYU-I has yet to contact me. A few of my friends have heard back already and I am patiently waiting.. or trying to. I'm excited and nervous for college! It's new and fun, but also kind of intimidating. I hope I do well.. And I wonder when I'll go to school! If I go sometime in January, I most likely will defer it for my mission. If I go in August, I'll go for a semester, then defer the next. I can't believe everything is so close and around the corner!
Umm I'm beginning/mid show right now. It's not terrible. I don't mind so much. I just need to continue working on keeping my mouth shut! Someone pointed out today, and it was a good reminder, she's the director. Just do as she says:) sometimes, it's just hard to remember that. I'll keep working. But it's been okay. My part is kind of funny! I like going after school too. Helps to feel like part of the cast. I do admit, it'll be nice not to have rehearsal on Saturday! I'll need the break.
My hair exploded today. I looked like Merida from Brave. But hey! She's a princess, so it works for me:)
Oh okay, so I love to photograph, but I'm not like all that fond of my photography. I feel like I have a ton to learn, and it's hard because I'm not super creative. I don't have a style yet. I love to photograph kids, and I love when people {{teen girls especially}} love their photos. I like to make people happy:) so it's nice when they feel pretty. So sorry that I haven't posted photos this week.. I just don't like them a lot.. If I do ever like any, I'll be sure to post them.
I don't have much homework tonight. Actually none at all! Just study study study!
I'm nervous for my mission.. I don't know. Just am..
Sorry, this next part will be kind of serious. It's just on my mind.
I'm not perfect. I've made a lot of mistakes in my life, things no one will ever understand. Repentance has been especially difficult at times, but I've made it through and will continue to make it through. It's still hard sometimes. But things have been especially great lately! I guess it's just taken time. Sorry that's really vague! haha I don't know how to explain it! I'm just grateful for the Lord, for my Savior, for the Atonement, and for the people God has blessed me with.
I love to serve. everyone. ABSOLUTELY EVERYONE! No matter what the circumstances. Sure I do a lot, but I wouldn't change that for the world.
I know I don't make sense. Life is crazy, I am crazy! SO CRAZY! haha but I'm still me:)

sorry it's random! I hope you are doing wonderfully:) Loves! <3

live and learn

so I have to admit, I feel that I have a lot of work to do on my photography. I want to go to school to be a photographer some day. I believe that my specialty is children, but I would like to learn to be more creative in all aspects. so here are my photos for each day of week one and two. not the best, but maybe it will give you a little insight to my life. and hopefully I can get more creative shots as the year progresses! :)

 Jan. 1 {{today}}
today was the last day of winter vacation. which therefore consisted of laying around in my pajamas all day and not wearing my glasses. I took this to kind of show that everything gets so fuzzy when I can't see, except my vision is like a thousand million times worse. hahahha oh well:)

Jan. 2 {{something new}}
mom replaced my poor worn out old gray TOMS with new gray ones! (yes those were originally they were originally the same color! hahah obviously it was time to retire :(

  Jan. 3 {{heart}}
 this is not only one of my favorite childhood books of all time, but the book that Nathan and I share. every word comes from the heart<3

  



 Jan 4 {{the view from here}}
my friday nights for.. i don't remember how long:) have consisted of driving (well Nathan driving) to the field of dreams and watching adult softball. it's actually been fun! cold and all:) this is typically my view because I refuse to sit inside by myself. it's scary!!

Jan 5 {{movement}}
odd photo for movement, I know. but my brother and I had about 12 minutes to wrap all of these presents. moving that fast deserved the photo for the day;)

 Jan. 6 {{mine}}
my testimony has grown a lot in this past year. I know the power of repentance and I am so grateful for the Atonement. I love the Spirit and always want him to be my companion. I am grateful for all I have.

 

 

Jan. 7 {{street}}
thought this was pretty cool. unique:)

Jan. 8 {{something beginning with 'T'}}
Trees!

Jan. 8 {{paper}}
This is my reminder board in my room: door, clothes pin, tape. all of the important things to remember go here.

Jan. 10 {{one o'clock}}
lunch every day with these crazy kids! haha:)













Jan. 11 {{water}}
I am growing poppy flowers! needed 3 table spoons of water, so I got this shot:)




















Jan. 12 {{surprise}}
IT WAS A MINI FRUIT SNACK!! hehehe

Jan. 13 {{circle}}
I received my young womanhood recognition medallion for completing personal progress, which is a series of experiences and projects corresponding with 8 values: Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice and Accountability and Virture :)