In My Next Ten Years...

This past weekend I had my ten year reunion! It was crazy to think that ten years ago we all graduated high school. I still have vivid memories from then, though I am learning that some memories are starting to fade, a sign that I am in fact, getting older. I would say I had a pretty average high school experience. It wasn't really life changing either way as far as being positive or negative. I was captain of the cheerleading squad, and yes, I dated the quarterback of the football team. But it's not what you think. It has always been my opinion that at my school there were no cliques or popular crowds in High School. We were such a small school that everyone had the same amount of friends. Sure, there were stereotypes that looking from the outside you could make those assumptions, but there was really not a lot of drama or typical high school attitudes going on. I guess we were all kind of boring lol.

My friend Faustino and I on Homecoming Court our senior year

Looking at the picture above, there are many things I miss about being that girl. I miss her smile. I miss her innocence, her happiness. I miss her ability to be so care free. I miss her ENERGY! And of course, her body! :)
I would have never guessed I'd have gone through the things I have. I have been to Hell and back in my personal life and struggle each day to make it a good one. I love the family that I have made with every bit of my soul, but sometimes life is just hard. Would I go back if I could? Probably not. I have become a stronger woman because of my experiences, and finally at nearly 30 years old, I am comfortable with who I am.

At the reunion with one of my best friends since I was 5

I appreciate the lasting friendships I've had with a lot of the people in my class. My favorite is my group of girlfriends from HS, we all had kids together around the same time, and make a point to have a playdate once a month. I love how my class can get together after so long and just click like no time has passed. Even seeing people I haven't seen since high school wasn't awkward in the least bit. It was like it was lunch time again and we were just catching up and about to head off to the next class.

In my next ten years I hope to gain more energy, get more organized, and live my life not worrying so much about what the next day will bring. Things I enjoy about the woman that I have become are her wit, her strength, her ability to be a great mother, her experience, and most of all the ability to not worry (as much) about what people think about her.

I had the best time catching up with everyone. I truly care about each and every one of them.

Here's to another ten years my friends!!!

Graduation day!!!

In Hawaii on our senior trip

With some of the class. Apparently my gang/duck face likes to come out when I drink. ;)

Love, 

Kailee

A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes

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This house is small. This house is nothing special. It will never be featured in Better Homes And Gardens, and driving by it, you might not even notice it's there. But at the moment, this is my dream home.
We made an offer on this house about four months ago. It being a short sale, I knew we'd be in for a long ride, but I never anticipated it would take this long. I've gone from pinning gardening projects nightly, to just now hoping we are able to move in before the rainy season hits. I got a call from the realtor the other day, and it looks like we should close by the end of September.
We moved into the apartment we live in now about a week before I gave birth to Ruby. Almost immediately we outgrew the apartment. Mark and I decided we weren't going to move anywhere else until we were able to buy a home. I really didn't want to pay someone else's mortgage, and wanted to stick it out until we could save some money. Ever since I had Sawyer, I've been more claustrophobic than ever. The only thing that is keeping me sane right now is the picture of this house as my background on my laptop.
There is a part of me that is wondering if I will miss this place. Both times I have given birth, this is where I brought them home. We have made many great memories in this apartment. I have really tried to make this feel like a 'home' for us. In my heart, though, I ache for something more. I want a backyard for my kids to play, I want a wood stove to keep us warm. I want to be able to walk only a few steps to my car, and not half a football field and up 20 stairs with two kids and groceries. I thank God every night for giving my family a roof over my head, and know that I am more lucky than some to be able to live where I do now, but we are so excited and anxious to move into this new place, a place we can say is ours. Our home.

All The Sudden I Like Oatmeal...

Isn't it funny how your tastes change? Things you used to detest as a child, you now love? Or vice versa. When I was little, there were many a Saturday mornings that my dad would fry up chicken hearts and we would eat them, much to my mother's dismay. It was our thing. Now you couldn't pay me to eat them. Though I find it funny that my daughter and boyfriend now share that same fondness for chicken gizzards...

 I'll admit, I'm completely one of those people who will say they hate something before they even try it, or automatically be disgusted as soon as I find out the contents of my food. There are a couple things, though, I may never get over. Onions and mayonnaise. Mayo, okay, I can handle that SLIGHTLY, like I can scrape it off and I'll be fine. But raw onion? Fuggedaboutit. Every time I get a Subway sandwich I can tell if there's been cross contamination with some raw onion. It ruins the whole damn thing.

Kill me...

So imagine my surprise when I wake up one morning and decide this looks good to eat:

mmmmm?

Oatmeal has been one of those things for me. The texture, oh GOD the texture. And the blandness, but mostly, the texture. I kept looking at these little oatmeals and would think 'If I liked oatmeal, those would sound really good.'

Then I just thought I would try it today, and it's effing delicious.

I can't even tell you what's good about it. The texture? Hardly. It's just as mushy as any other oatmeal. It has raisins? Who the hell likes raisins!? Maybe it was the surprise of stirring it up and getting all the yummy goodness from the bottom. I don't know, but it was good.

Now I like oatmeal.

And yes, that's a Team Peeta sticker on my laptop. Don't hate.

Love,

Kailee

Movie Review: The Odd Life Of Timothy Green

While in New York City, I was very fortunate to be invited to attend a screening of the new Disney movie, The Odd Life Of Timothy Green, starring Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton, with adorable CJ Adams as the title character. In the movie, Cindy and Jim Green (Garner and Edgerton) have infertility issues that progress into an emotional scene where they imagine every characteristic of what their child would be like. In a fashion that only Disney could pull off, Timothy Green is 'born' out of their garden, where they had buried their hopes of having a child.



Was this movie predictable? Yes, but it was nonetheless absolutely heartwarming. Garner gives a beautiful and real performance as a mother, and Adams is inspiring and on point. He lets his character be himself and teaches us all the art of acceptance. Edgerton lets his character become the dad to Timothy that his never was. It is very fulfilling to watch this family come to fruition and thrive in the love they all have for each other. As Timothy showcases each of the characteristics his parents had dreamed for him, there is a twist in the movie that I invite you to go and experience first hand. This movie made me laugh, cry, and appreciate my family more than ever.

The Odd Life Of Timothy Green hits movie theaters August 15th.

Socks and a notebook I received at the screening.

Disney has also teamed up with Hanes for Operation Sock Drive, where you can find a location near you and donate new socks for families in need. Click the link to find a location near you!

Love, 

Kailee

I'm Back From BlogHer!

Oh, Lordy!

My roomies Liz from Yes/No Films, and Jenn from Also Known As...The Wife

The past five days have been a whirlwind of fun, friendships, learning, and laughter. I have no regrets and am so thankful for the opportunity to go to New York and meet some of the coolest people on the planet. I will do bigger recaps throughout the week, but today this mama is exhausted and will just do a little teaser for ya!
This picture is from our first night in NYC at happy hour at Old Castle Pub, located around the corner from The Hilton. $5 Absolut drinks in NYC? Yes, please!

I jokingly dubbed myself the 'Swag Mommy'

The day I left. My roomies kept asking the entire time how I would fit all my swag in my bags. Very carefully my friends, verrry carefully. Don't mind the vintage suitcase on the right, it's a long story! Haha...
I had the perfect amount of time away from Oregon. By the time I was ready to go, I was READY to go! Sunday was probably the longest day for me. The worst part being the drive to the airport (crazy taxi drivers getting me car sick), and then some flight delays caused by some weather debauchery.

View from the plane

Right as the pilot was informing us of delays, rain poured down and thunder struck. I prayed we would get home safely, as well as all the other flights that night. We waited a little over an hour before we were cleared for take off. We were able to watch satellite TV, though, so I caught some of the Olympics, which was nice. Also, when I got on the plane I noticed that Carrie Brownstein from Portlandia was on my flight!
I made it home in one piece and Mark was waiting for me at the gate. I was sooo happy to see him again. We promptly drove home and I passed out cold.
Today I am recuperating from a great trip, but I will be posting more the next couple of weeks, including a couple of small swag giveaways! I will be doing reviews of some of the products I received as well.  I can't wait to share with everyone about this experience!!!

Love,

Kailee