She Works Hard for the Money

So here I sit, another Saturday night... working.  That is if you call watching Dan in Real Life on the tele and blogging- work- I do, since it's still not "home."  This is the 3rd weekend out of 4 that I have spent a free night back at work, which is only complain-worthy since I already work a more than adequate 50 hour work week, every single week.  On the bright side, my work involves making gingerbread men and building forts... not a bad deal at all.  

Thankful for so much

Since I didn't have a free minute to post anything yesterday, I thought that I would list a few of the things that I am thankful for today.

I am so, so, so, so thankful for...

My job.  One that I love, most of the time.  (Nobody loves their job ALL the time, right?)

Having a roof over my head, a car to drive, and a bed to sleep in.

My family, friends, and boyfriend.  But especially my boyfriend, since he has to deal with me the most!

My dog, Kona.  Unconditional love.  Even if we sometimes forget to feed her for a day (oops!) or leave her home alone for 10 hours on Thanksgiving.

Being able to buy Christmas presents for the ones that I love.  Last year I wasn't able to do a whole lot, which leads me to...

Our new x5 that we will be, who am I kidding- Justin will be, driving home to Colorado in a few short weeks!

Being able to go home for Christmas for a whole week!  So excited!!

Hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving and filled up on all the good stuff!  I'm already planning on making a green bean casserole tomorrow- so delicious!  I will leave with a few pretty Colorado pics that I never got around to posting last time. 

Horses down the road from J's parents home

Chickens!  I am terrified of birds, but the chickens didn't scare me too bad.  Might be the wire fencing seperating us!

Colorado sunset

Diana's (J's mom) new doggy Oscar.  So sweet :)

Until Next Time...

xoxo Kaylee

I miss home

I realize that I have been putting off posting on my Colorado trip, partly because my laptop is not working (and I really hate using the desktop), and partly because I don't want to talk about it.  No really, we had a great time... but that's the problem.  We have been in Las Vegas now for  1 year, 2 months and 13 days- not that I'm counting- and it seems to be getting harder going back home.  I guess in the beginning it was fun and exciting to be away, and now I just really miss being around people that love me :) and people that I love too.  I realize that it is a hard thing  to figure out where you are supposed to end up and thankfully I get to make that decision all on my own, as opposed to listening to the military or workplace decide for me.  We are still happy here, but once we take further advancements in our personal lives, then we will see where we stand and weigh the pros and cons.  

On a lighter note... today I thought I'd leave you with a few parenting tips that I've picked up since becoming a "full-time SAHM" Ha

• Do not EVER leave the house without fruit snacks or a lollipop

• It can be very difficult to convince a 3 year old that "No, a cactus will not come out of the toilet and chase you" and "No, statues cannot step on you, it's just a dream!"

• If all else fails... bribe

Promise to post more in a day or so... until then...

xoxo Kaylee

I have a problem

Ok, I'll admit it.  I am totally addicted to Trader Joe's vanilla meringues.  In all honesty, I am really addicted to Trader Joe's and could pretty much pick anything in there that I couldn't live without.  The first few months that I started making weekly rounds there, I did pretty well at avoiding the frozen meals/packaged candy aisle, but obviously it didn't last long enough.  I bought a tin of these meringues a few days ago and forced myself to throw them away today (since they were half gone and I had yet to share with anyone else.)  First step towards recovery!

It all started with the green tea mints, which I have been buying religiously for the last 6 months.  Justin has 1 mint for every 4 or 5 that I have... I am a true sugar fiend.  

On another note... today is Friday!  I am so anxious to fly back to Colorado tonight that I have been eyeing the clock nonstop today... the worst thing to do when you are hoping for time to pass faster.  Wanted to leave you with a few things that warmed my heart this week-

1. Justin bought me flowers, for no reason (except maybe a few relentless hints.)  It may be no big feat for others, but I haven't received flowers since... before we moved here?  He is great at expressing his love in other ways, but random gifts don't happen too often (except backrubs, of course!)

2. Little Jack has teared up nearly every day this week when 5 o'clock rolls around and I start to gather my belongings and head out the door.  Of course it pleases it me that he wants me to stay, but I hate to see him cry, so it's bittersweet I suppose.  

3. Nicholas will often say "Kaylee?" (which sounds more like Kay-dee) to which I'll say, "yes?" and he responds with "I love you."  Awww, I hope this phase lasts longer than most!  

Hope everyone has  a great weekend!  Can't wait to post some beautiful Colorado pics when I get back.  

xoxo Kaylee

Next holiday please...

So... I had a lot of fun during Halloween week, but I am happy  relieved that it is over and now I can relax a bit more. 

Dinner and piano bar for Darla's birthday

Painted pumpkins for the kiddos

(they added their own artwork later, but I forgot pics)

Dragon boy in the ball pit at MYGYM Halloween party

Knight in shining armour

Popeye and Olive Oil

Sumo Dad and girls

My brother-in-law as Elvis

Fortunately, we had a fairly low-key evening with dinner and a few drinks, and didn't run into any too many crazies... it is Vegas, you know.  This weekend Justin and I are heading to sunny Colorado to watch his parents perform in their church's production of Fiddler on the Roof.  I am SO excited to go home, even if it's only for 2 days!  Friendly people and fresh air- here we come!! 

xoxo Kaylee

Halloween Treats

A few weeks ago I discovered Bakerella's cake pops and thought it was the greatest idea!  Although they take some time (and patience) to make, they are so fun and unique and you can customize them for any holiday or occasion.  Here's a quick how-to:

Ingredients:
13x9 baked cake, any flavor
3/4 can frosting, any flavor
2 packages of chocolate melts (I used wilton's from Michael's)
wax paper
lollipop sticks
sprinkles
small treat bags
ribbon
styrofoam block (must have for chocolate to dry)

1. Bake cake and cool.  Crumble in large bowl (as fine as possible) and mix in frosting.

2. Cover 2 baking sheets with wax paper.  Roll out 1 inch balls onto the wax paper. 

3. Melt a few chocolates in a small bowl.  Dip lollipop stick into chocolate and then place in the ball.  Place in fridge or freezer for 20 minutes to set.

4. Melt chocolate (I use the microwave) in 30 second intervals.  You can add a little bit of vegetable oil (yuck, I know) if the consistency seems too thick.

5. You can either roll the chocolate pops in the sprinkles or just sprinkle on top.  Place the pops into the styrofoam block to dry and put in the fridge until ready to wrap. 

6. Wrap in plastic candy bags and tie with ribbon!  Enjoy :)

I made these for a Halloween party this weekend, so luckily I won't be allowed to eat most of them like I did with my trial batch a few weeks ago... oops!  Don't forget to check out Bakerella's site, she has a ton of other fun recipes I would love to try, but have not been ambitiuous enough...yet.  This 12 Layer Cake looks especially delicious, but really I would just like to try it out sometime to see if I could really do it (I'm not much of a baker.)  Might have to find someone else to eat it though... :)

xoxo Kaylee

Carving out a good time

My Dad and stepmom Darla came into town this weekend.  Justin and I picked them up Saturday afternoon after a day of running errands.  They are staying at a time-share 1.5 mi from our place, which is SO convenient... we really wish we could trade our shabby apartment for their swanky condo!  We had a few great meals together and a fun day of carving pumpkins (and cutting hair, of course!) at my sister Adria's house. 

Justin and I are home now trying to relax with Kona before getting back to the grind tomorrow.  Dad and Darla will be here through Halloween, so we have an eventful week ahead of us!  Birthday dinner for Darla, piano bar, Tournament of Kings, Halloween fun... and we will see what else heads our way :)  More pics to come....

xoxo Kaylee