Part 3

Celebrations
What are some of your personal and family traditions?

Pretty much for every holiday we do something with the family. It usually just includes dinner and the celebrations just depend on the year. The day after Thanksgiving we decorate for Christmas. On Christmas Eve, we always go to a movie. and then wake up early Christmas morning, open presents, and hang out. 

As for my own traditions, I go to Ihop every birthday (it was a tradition started with my  dad) I also go to I hop on the day my dad died because he and I would always go.

How do you celebrate adults birthdays?
We usually go to dinner, or else they get to choose what they want for dinner. We eat some kind of dessert and open presents.

How do you celebrate children's birthdays?
The same way, but usually they get  to invite some friends over.
How do you celebrate your anniversary?
I don't have an anniversary...


Religion
How did you gain your testimony? Write your testimony.  
It has come as I have lived the gospel. I am constantly learning more and strengthening my testimony all the time. It is hard for me to put into words, but I will do my best. I believe in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I believe that Christ performed the atonement for us to be able to repent and learn to be more like him. I believe that God has a prophet on the earth that receives modern day revelation for us. and worthy men can hold the priesthood. I believe in temple ordinances and that that is how we can obtain celestial glory.

How has the Gospel and knowledge of Heavenly Father's plan helped you in your life?
It gives me a lot of comfort. I know that I have access to the Holy Ghost that can lead and guide me in making decisions that will be best for me and will help me return to him some day. It gives me more confidence as well. 

What ordinances have you completed?

I am missing Endowment and Sealing

What callings have you had?  Which were your favourite/least favourite? What did you learn from them?

FHE mom, RS teacher, RS activity committee, dinner committee, RS missionary Counselor, RS Education counselor. I liked all of them, really...except the dinner committee...that kinda sucked. I guess I learned more patience, and about serving others more readily.

What is your favourite scripture/hymn/conference talk?  Why?

phillippians 4:13 because it always gives me strength and comfort to know Christ is on my side, and is there to help me. 

Did you serve a mission?
Nope


Home Life
Describe the places you've lived.

This could take a while...

Freedom - It was an old farm house. It was white with a red roof. My siblings and I had  our rooms upstairs. Whitney and I shared and Shane and Lon shared. It was small but cozy. I have fond memories of that house

YLP California - This house was one level house with 3 bedroom and 2 bathrooms. Behind the house was a large open field. again Whitney and I shared and Shane and Lon shared. It was  a brown house with a curvy drive way.

Freedom 2 - We lived in an even OLDER farm house. It had a zillion odd additions to the house. There were enough bedrooms for all of us to have our own room pretty much. It looked like wood paneling on the outside. 

Rapid City - We lived in an apt complex, just me, mom and dad. We had 3 bedrooms. Once you came in the door there was my parents room, then you walked down a long hall way to the kitchen, dining room, and livingroom. From there, you could turn down a short hall way to the other 2 bedrooms and the bathroom. They were grey apts

Thayne - Another 3 bedroom apt. You came into the living room and then went down a long hall way to the bedrooms and bathrooms. It was pretty junky. We had a really loud family that lived above us. The were dark brown I think...

Rigby - We moved into a big barely finished 3 bedroom house the lay out was some what similar to out apt in thayne, but it was bigger and nicer! It had an unfinished basement. Our house was white.

Rexburg - I lived in a 3 bedroom apt with 5 other girls. It was small, but lots of fun. We had living room and kitchen when you first walked in and through a door way was a hall and the bedrooms. We had a long vanity with 2 sinks and then 2 small bathrooms with only a shower and toilet inside. It was red brick on the outside.

Salt Lake 1 - I lived in a big basement apt. I wish I would have never moved from there. It was so cheap, and nice. the rooms were huge and there was a ton of storage.  It had a long open living room with a kitchen to one side and a bedroom off the kitchen.  at the back of the living room there was another bedroom and the bathroom. The house was white.

Salt Lake 2 - I lived in a newly remodeled duplex. It was very nice! Wood floors, Tile and granite in the kitchen, 3 bedrooms and a big back yard. It was green on the outside.

Salt Lake 3 - I live in a small 2 bedroom apt in a triplex. 

What was your favourite house?  Why?
I think my favorite house was the one in Rigby. It was very nice and comfortable. I have a lot of good memories there.

How do you like to decorate?
I like the shabby chic look. I also like the country look. I just use what I like and what looks nice.

What is it about a home that you love?

the comfort it brings. whenever I'm in a bad mood or whatever i can come home and just relax. Its a refuge.

How has your standard of life changed through the years?

Um... i dont know that it really has. the only difference I can think if is that I used to rely on my parents and now I don't

Sleep
How many hours do you like to sleep at night?

I need a good solid 8 hours to be functional. I usually go to bed at 11 and wake up at 7.

Do you take naps?

I LOVE NAPS!!! :) mostly just on Sundays though.

Do you like a lot, or few blankets and pillows?

I like a pretty flat pillow or I feel like Im suffocating. I always have to have at least a thin blanket. In the winter I love having a zillion blankets on to keep me warm.

Can you sleep anywhere or does it have to be in your bed?
I have got to have somewhere comfortable to lay down. I have a hard time sleeping on the floor. I also have to do my ritual... brush my teeth, read my scriptures and say my prayers


What are your favourite conditions for a good night's sleep?  Does it have to be completely dark and quiet?

Dark, quiet, a good temperature, rituals completed, comfortable bed and comfortable place.

Food
What are your favourite foods?

I really like Italian! Pastas, breads, etc. I also love sweets...

What are your favourite desserts?

Oh crap... I have WAY too many... I think the list would be shorter if I were to list the ones I didnt like. I guess I can generalize and say cookies.

Do you like to cook or bake?  What are your favourite things to make?

I like to bake better than cooking... cuz because I can bake better and those things taste better! :) But I dont really LIKE to do either. My favorite things to make are EASY things that dont take a lot of time.

Do you have any food allergies?

Shrimp

What are some foods you have a hard time saying "no" to?

sweets, and bread -- especially if either of those are still warm

What foods do you HAVE to have brand name?  Which can you do generic?

I think I can do generic anything...

Do you try to eat healthy?

Sometimes... haha sweets are just too tempting to me.

Do you prefer eating out?  Where?

I do just because its easier, it tastes good, and I dont have to make it. I like Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse, Wendy's...

Health
How is your health?
Pretty good. Nothing major as of now

Have you had any surgeries?
Does wisdom teeth count?

Have you had any broken bones?
No.

Do you have any allergies?

seasonal, shrimp and dryer sheets

What are you doing to keep healthy now?
I try to eat lots of fruits and veggies


Around the world
What major world events have happened in your lifetime?

9/11, War in Iraq, first black president, natural disasters

Has it affected who you are now?

im sure it has in some way

Who was the president when you were born?

Ronald Reagan

What natural disasters have you been in?
an Earthquake or 2. 

Part 2

Please see part 1 of my personal history below this post  :)

College Years
Did you attend college or a trade school?
Yes, I went to Brigham Young University-Idaho in Rexburg.

How did you choose what you wanted to be when you grew up?
I knew I liked kids and wanted to do preschool first. Then I decided that majoring in El Ed would give me a few more opportunities. Once I got into the classes I realized how much I liked it.

What did you think was the hardest thing about your chosen profession at the time?
The management of the classroom.
What dumb things did you do during those years?
Nothing really...maybe stay up too late and eat like crap

What good things did you do?

I learned a lot about myself, grew up, made some long lasting friendships, learned a lot about my profession, 

Did you live on your own? Were you prepared for that?

I lived with 5 other girls the whole time I was there. I have always gotten along pretty well with other people. I had really good roommates as well so I think I was fairly well prepared

What life lessons did you learn?
Never take out student loans, be careful with money, value friendship and the gospel.

What choices did you make that affect where you are now?

Doing my student teaching in Salt Lake is probably the biggest one... 

Work
What jobs have you had?
Housekeeper, Mortgage file sorter, day care teacher, and teacher... I had very brief experience as a phone surveyor... and I hated it. 

What did you like/dislike about each job?
um... In general, I loved the people I worked with in all those jobs. If I didn't I would quit. Both teacher jobs I loved working with the students as well. The mortgage file job I like because I could listen to music all day and no one really bugged me. 

Have you used any of that knowledge in later years?
Oh yeah, having a job teaches you all kind of responsibility

Who were your bosses?  Did you like them/get along?
I liked my boss at the first and last place I did Housekeeping. I hated the one in Teton Village... I dont even remember her name. She was always so rude to me and I'm pretty sure she hated me too. I didnt mind my boss at the mortgage place and my day care boss it would just depend on the day. Now that I am a teacher, I liked one of my principals, and not the other.

How did you get along with your coworkers?

good!! I never had problems with the people I worked with. I got along well with other people.

Which was your favorite job?

Probably either the day care, or my job now. 

How many years until you retire?
Who knows....  

Do you have any big plans for your retirement?

um... travel?

Marriage
How did you meet your spouse? Was it love at first sight or did it take some time?
N/A

How long did you date before you were engaged? How long was your engagement?
N/A

How did you get engaged?

N/A

Who did most of the wedding plans? Who helped?

N/A

Who were your bridesmaids?  Bestmen?
N/A

Describe the details of your wedding: the colours, the cake, the decorations, etc.

N/A

Where did your wedding take place?  Who performed the ceremony? Do you remember any of the words of advice given?

N/A

Who attended your wedding?

N/A 

Where did you go on your honeymoon?  What adventures did you have?
N/A


Children
N/A


Grandchildren
N/A

Personal History of Sorts...Part 1

WARNING --- Novel length post!!! My good friend Emme did this on her blog and I thought it was a really good idea! I kind of use my blog as a journal, so having this history and information written down will be fun to go back and look at, or even for future generations to read. If you don't want to read, I won't be offended... :) Also, Its long so I split it into the same sections she did... Pretty much  I'm an Emme copy cat... Thanks Em, I always looked up to you! :)

Your birth and family
What is your full name and how did you get that name?

Kelsey Colleen Hokanson
I guess my parents just liked the name Kelsey. They never really gave me a particular reason why... just that they liked it. My middle name, Colleen, was my maternal grandmothers name. She always kind of spoiled me because I was her namesake. :)

What are you parents full names and birth dates and places?

Lin Dee Hokanson - Born in Afton, Wyoming on August 30, 1954

Annette Asplund Hokanson - Born in Logan, UT on May 9, 1953

What is your date of birth?  Where were you born?  What are some of the circumstances of your birth?
June 15, 1987 in Afton, Wyoming. I was born on my due date because my mom had to have a C-section with all 4 kids.   

What are your siblings full names and dates of birth?

Whitney Lynn Hokanson Whiting (sheesh) - July 20, 1981

Mark Shane Hokanson - December 29, 1982

Lon Dee Hokanson - January 15, 1985

How was your relationship with your siblings and parents?

I remember being happy as a kid. I was the youngest. My siblings always said I was spoiled, and I always felt picked on, but even still I remember admiring all 3 of them so much and wanting them to think I was cool. I loved it when they took the time to play with me... Even when my brothers version of playing with me was making me be the GI Joe with no arms or legs and then blowing me up in the first 5 mins... Or singing "stick her in the foliage" while marching around the back yard in California. My sister was always too cool for me when she lived at home. The only time we really got to spend time together is when she let me paint her toe nails. I got to be quite good because I would ask her if I could redo them all the time. I even did them for her wedding. I remember wanting to redo them because they looked really bad but she was sick of sitting there forever. HA 

I also remember playing alone a lot. We had a lot of land behind our house in California and I would just go wander back there. Probably into other peoples yards, but I remember it being a really cool kind of forest-y place and I would just wander back there for hours. There was a little stream I would play in. There was also 2 mean dogs that lived across the street and would chase me. Sometimes I would sneak back behind the house to get home to avoid them. Other times I sat on the curb til my dad got home and could walk me past the dogs. and still other times I would just stand at the end of the road and yell until someone in my family would come rescue me. 

I always got along pretty well with my parents. I always wanted to please them and make them happy.  I rarely did anything I knew they wouldn't like because I was so worried about disappointing them. I was a Daddy's girl and a Momma's girl. My siblings say I was spoiled -- I say I just learned from their mistakes and knew how to word things right to get my way.... 

What are some lessons you've learned from your parents?

I dont know if I could name them all!! The first thing that comes to my mind is that they taught me to rely on my Heavenly Father. My parents had a lot of struggles in their lives, at least from my point of view, but I never once saw them lose faith. If anything they turned to Heavenly Father and because stronger. They were very strongly led by him and trusted in him. I saw my parents as very faithful  people. 

How did you help in your home?

the thing I remember doing the most is setting the table. HAHA kind of strange i suppose... We would also do household projects as a family. I was usually designated hammer holder or something to that effect. When we still lived in Star Valley I remember my mom writing all the chores on a small piece of paper and we had to pick our chores that way. Every Saturday morning, if I remember correctly

Growing up, early years
Where did you grow up? Describe it.

I was born in Star Valley and lived there til I was 9. I honestly remember very little. We had a small farm house, with lots of stray cats. We had a big back yard/field that had old barns and stuff like that. We would play in them sometimes. The only thing that separated my house and my grandparents house was a field full of horses. My family torn down the old garage and built a giant new one.  Soon after that we moved to California. I have already retold my main California memories... and strangely still remember the address there... 44293 Copper Creek way Coarsegold, California 93614

What's your earliest memory?
A family vacation to Portland Oregon. We went to the beach and all I really remember was that there was quick sand or sink holes or something and I wanted to put my shoes by the sign so I wouldnt forget where they were, but Whitney wouldnt let me because she said my shoes would disappear in the sink hole. and I remember being really sad. HAHA

What games did you play as a child?
All the girly things. barbies, dolls, house, teacher, etc. I also played a lot of boy games because all the kids my age in Star Valley were boys. Not to mention I had 2 older brothers. 

Where did you go to school?

Metcalf Elementary, Rivergold Elementary, and Coarsegold Elementary

Who were your friends?
Rhoda Sevingy, Stefanie Pantuso, Olivia Pogue, Katie Peck, Lizzie -- I cant remember her last name.

Who were your favourite teachers and why?

Mrs. Rowley in 3rd grade. She was young, and new to the school and really nice. I LOVED 3rd grade. I also really liked Mrs. Coulomb. She taught 4th grade and took me under her wing when I was new to the school.

What were your chores?
I never had set chores... I did what ever I picked, or whatever I was told I had to do before going to a friends house.

Growing up, teenage years
What activities did you participate in?
I did church volleyball... our team never was good, but it was fun. My Sophomore and Junior years of high school I was a techy for the drama department and found costumes and props for all the plays. 

How did you learn to drive?  What kind of car did you have?

I feel like my parents kind of took turns teaching me. And Lon even taught me some. At first,  I drove an old buick until it died... then i drove my moms bright yellow suzuki Aerio. My first car was my dads old White Chevy malibu

Who were your friends?
Stefanie Pantuso, Mindi Roberts, Lena Rice, Sarah Schrubb, Jenny Gaither, Jenny Trevino

Did you have a boyfriend?
Ha! No. I had several crushes, but I was always to shy do to anything about it.

What did you like/dislike about school?
Friends!! That was my favorite part. I hated math. I was never very good at it. I had to retake Geometry. 

What was your first paid job?
I was a breakfast attendant for the comfort inn and suites. I just kept all the food stocked up during breakfast and cleaned up when it was done. When I was done cleaning, I vacuumed the hall ways, washed the windows to the pool area, cleaned the public bathroom, etc etc. Sometimes I helped clean rooms. I got paid $7.00 an hour

What were your chores at home?
Same as above.

Finished Project!!

Well, I finally finished my project! I have been so busy the last few weeks with a trip to Arizona, spending time with my sister, and a trip to Star Valley. I have just been working on this when I have a few extra minutes.

As you know, I got Annie Sloan's chalk paint for my birthday! I was so excited to use it! It is so great because you don't have to prime, or sand anything and the paint goes on just about anything. It was quite easy to use. The trickiest part was applying the wax afterwords. I had watched several tutorials found here and here and googled even more information. I painted, clear waxed, dark waxed, sanded, then clear waxed again. So... here is the big reveal!!!

Before:

 

 In the process: 

 Finished (kind of):

I kinda feel like the drawer pulls are too modern for the finish I did. I am trying to find other handles that will fit, and look a little better. What do you think?? Not bad for my first try right?