arguably the best day of my entire life

I was destined to be a teenybopper. It’s a role I took very seriously from the ages of 11 to 15. I mean, keeping up with every detail of the lives of an entire boyband really takes true dedication and a lot of time. It’s not like my Justin Timberlake posters were strategically placed all over my bedroom walls by themselves. Did you know, I was honestly truly going to marry Justin Timberlake? Way before Jessica Biel. No, really. I was. My best friend, Laura, was too. Ask her.

Some might say J.T. was my first. My first lust, perhaps. But not my first love. There were four others before him. You’re probably asking yourself, “at 11 years old”?! I know, shameless, I know. But it’s true. Years before those bleach blonde curls and bright baby blues graced my life and lovingly gazed at me from every corner of my bedroom, my heart was stolen by four boys. Or should we call them men? Let’s call them Boys to Men, but we’ll add in the letter ‘z’ and the Roman numeral ‘II’, because that makes it smooooth, and Boyz II Men are just that.

When most 9 year old girls were begging Santa Mom for Easy Bake Ovens, I was ‘down on bended knee’ asking for a coffee table biography about Boyz II Men complete with 50 pages of never-before-seen family photos! And don’t worry, Santa Mom totally got it for me.

Apparently I have a passionate thing for harmonizing. And a good beat. And soulful R&B. And tacky stage costumes, but we don’t have to go into that one. I did however grow out of my “thing” for frosted blond hair and I no longer jump up and down incessantly screaming when my friends and I sneak backstage at concerts. But sneaking backstage? That we still do of course..

Oh yea! So about the best day of my life. Well, see for yourself…

I know, right?! I was sandwiched between Nathan and Shawn! Me! This was a few years ago. After watching them perform at the Utah State Fair, and singing my little heart out to every. single. song, I went backstage and MET BOYZ II MEN. I walked right up to them, hugged each one (a 45-second embrace isn’t weird, right?) and then proclaimed, “I love you SOOO much!”, to which they responded that they loved me too, and asked if I would like to come on tour with them, and told me that they’d always wanted a little sister like me, yadda yadda yadda. Okay, some of that is an exaggeration, but basically we looked each other in the eyes and we bonded. Forever. And that is that. Perhaps the best day of my life. My mom cried when she saw this picture and I told her about it. She cried! I asked her, “Mom! Why are you crying?!”, and she said (this still makes me laugh), “Because it’s one of your dreaaaaams!”. See? Dreams were reached that day. Best.Day.Ever.

So, Boyz II Men are coming to Wendover this July. That’s like an hour and a half from Salt Lake and totally worth the drive especially if you ride the Wendover Party Bus and play Bingo with senior citizens along the way. Am I going? Duh. I’m working on convincing my girlfriends that there is hardly anything in the world as fulfilling as being sandwiched between these soulful angels but who actually needs convincing, right? Also, I’ve got to come up with ideas on how to be the girl that gets picked to go on stage during, ‘I’ll Make Love to You’. Seriously.

Best day ever, round two. Here I come.

memorial day gratitude

Today, as I enjoy what is supposed to be a glorious and blue-skied Memorial Day, I am taking time to remember the ones I love, the lives that have so sweetly touched mine, the experiences I’ll never forget and most importantly the honorable men and women who have fought tirelessly and valiantly for my freedom. My hat is off to you and my heart is so full of pure gratitude and respect. Thank you. A million times, thank you.

xo,

Kait

cookie comfort

It poured rain yesterday morning for an hour or so, which in my world, still constitutes a full-fledged rainy day, and I did what my Mama so faithfully taught me to do on rainy days for as long as I can remember, I baked cookies. Oatmeal chocolate chip ones. Then I lounged on my couch, I finally finished reading, Water for Elephants, I showered sometime around 7:30 PM, and got back into pajamas. Productive? Absolutely not. But it felt oh so good and entirely appropriate for a rainy day.

I’ve been a bit isolated lately. A recluse in my own ways. Not for any reason in particular, sometimes it’s just what I do. Part of my ‘rejuvenating process’ perhaps. It’s space I appreciate and quiet moments with myself that do my soul (and mental state) so much good. I have wonderful adventures and experiences to look forward to in just about every aspect of my life right now, and that excites me, but it also takes my breath away in that kind of ‘oh-my-goodness-i-don’t-even-know-where-to-begin-or-what-to-do-I’m-so-overwhelmed’ kind of way. Most of the time I have to force a step back and take a big deep breather and time for myself. Phew. And then other times a really good lazy rainy day comes along, I bake some chocolate chip cookies and come to find out what I should’ve known all along, that’s all I needed. A good day, soaking up my home, on my couch, and some warm home baked cookies. Battery charged.

Friday’s Letters

Dear Glee, or more importantly, Dearest Mr. Schuester and New Directions, (go on, judge me) The last few years spent together have been a real dream. True friendships like ours, well they’re not easy to find. I’ll be singing our memories forever. Dear Downtown Salt Lake City, You rock and last weekend’s annual multicultural festival, always a fave of mine, was even more interesting than I expected it to be. Honey and I may or may not be considering becoming masters in the skillful art of Japanese Drums now. Dear Kaits (that’s me!), Yeaaa guuurl! Keep those legs runnin’! It feels great, right?! And even though no one else can tell yet, I can tell, and progress is being made! (that was a public service announcement from me to myself reminding myself to lay off the lazy and ditch the “winter warmth” that’s been loitering on my thighs) Oh and also! You! Don’t go spending any money this week *side eye glare*  I mean it. Summer adventures are fast approaching. Speaking of, Hey there Summer! You’re here! You’re really truly here! And my head is spinning with endless wild ideas for me and you, most of which include globs of SPF, sugar-free Slurpees and bright nail polish. Wahoo! Dear Last Wednesday, You were lots of fun. Cheers! Sweet Frankie, I wish you were an outdoor cat too. I do. Only because I want you to run freely through tall green grass and roll around in fields of lavender, not because I want you to bring home innocent and unsuspecting feathered (or furry) conquests. And I see it. In your eyes. You would be an honorable feline warrior. But I like you just fine as my sweet loverboy. And until we live on quieter streets, we’re going to make the best of your days within the patio walls, okay? And since we’re talking about the patio, Dear Dr. Greenthumb a.k.a Honey, Your urban (and organic!) tomato garden is looking mighty and strong and making my mouth water just thinking about what it’ll soon produce! Yummmay! Yo BFF’s, I should have gone to Moab. Have fun *sniffle* and be safe and wear yo sunscreen! xo Dear Weekend… at work, I’m going to hustle you. And I’m STILL going to do something exciting, so take that! Happy Friday!

total eclipse of the heart

I’m somewhat obsessed with the happenings of outer space, and it’s totally in that ‘weirdo’ kind of way, but whatever. Since falling under the fascinating spell of Ancient Aliens (it’s true), I’m even more mesmerized with what goes on beyond our atmosphere in this incredible big huge universe that we’re a part of. So last night, we enjoyed ourselves a rare treat. The moon passed in front of the sun creating an annular solar eclipse, and Honey and I saw it all happen through great big telescopes and special glasses. I had been looking forward to it all weekend, in fact, I even revisited those old “Bill Nye the Science Guy” days and created my very own pinhole projector. Science rocks. And that solar eclipse. Well, it was everything I wanted it to be. Astonishing. Really, it was so awesome. A magnificent sight. And watching that dear old sun slowly gobbled up made me realize just how much I love that sun (love you too, moon. don’t worry). But I do. I really love that majestic ball of fire. So, hallelujah Summertime! And thanks for the show, Sun and Moon. There’d be no life without you. Haha… no really… there wouldn’t.

xo,

Kait

over the river and through the woods

    
Reasons I Love Utah #354: Hiking. There’s virtually a hike awaiting you around every corner in this place. And now that the sun is beginning to make more of an appearance, I’m itchin’ to feel my thighs burn and view the world from up top more often. Last weekend, Honey, Little Bro and I turned our backs on downtown for a moment and trekked up to Ensign Peak, which by the way is not nearly as treacherous as I had remembered and didn’t exactly call for 6 water bottles, a bag of fruit and 4 Clif Bars, but hey, we were prepared. We got to the top in 15 minutes flat, and enjoyed looking upon that lovely little city of ours. Then we skipped back down and went and got ourselves the best burgers in town. Awesome day if I don’t say so myself. I’m hoping to find some time this weekend to march my buns up another one of those great mountain trails. And while I’m thinking about it, there is supposed to be a rare solar eclipse this Sunday. Ooooohhhhh… check your solar calendars (or the www.) Happy Friday!

xo,

Kait

mother lover

I often ponder and daydream about motherhood. What my children will be like, or whether or not I’ll let them wear cartoon character t-shirts and sneakers that light up. Will they inherit my quick wit and humor? Ha. And holy diapers! Which ones don’t cause chaffing?!  Will they look like me? Oh no! Will I think they’re beautiful?! Perhaps Honey will be kind enough to let them have his bright baby blues because let’s face it, they’d pair quite nicely with my olive skin tone and dark brown locks. Folks, this is serious. These are real questions that I occasionally lose sleep over.

HOWEVER… even though I don’t know much about my future as a mother, there is one thing I know for sure. I will make a good Mama. I will. You know why? Because I have a good Mama.

I have a Mama who loves being a mother. She cherishes her role and treasures her children, and she makes sure that we know it. I have a playful Mama, one who has been known to organize a few food fights in her day, and one who isn’t afraid to roll around in the grass and get her knees dirty. I have a Mama who laughs. All. Day. Long. And even though we tease her for it, her laugh will always rank among my most favorite sounds in the whole wide universe. I have a happy Mama. One who shines so brightly and shares her light everywhere she goes. I have a kind Mama. A Mama who sees beauty in everyone even when no one else sees it. I have a determined Mama. A Mama who sets goals and aspires to greatness, and then achieves it. I have a beautiful Mama. A Mama that cares for herself and inspires others. The kind of Mama that is so worthy of imitation. The kind of Mama that makes me have to pinch myself every once in a while. The kind of Mama that I hope to be just like one of these days.

So thank you Mama, for being you, the most incredible mother, friend and example. I love you forever and ever.

xo,

Kaitlyn Marie

it’s friday i'm in love

Happy Friday! It’s like, THE most beautiful day outside which means this post is going to be really short because it’d be a shame if I don’t get out there and soak up a little bit of that dear sweet sunshine. I’m lacing up my running shoes as I type, the ones I haven’t laced up in, oh I don’t know, a year or so. Yeah, THOSE ones. This girl’s gotta do it. Blog posts about what a miserable runner I am to come soon. So staaaay tuned.

Honey and I are going to enjoy ourselves a lovely dinner (by yours truly) and cuddle up to re-runs of, The O.C. tonight (his idea, my happiness). Then the rest of the weekend will be spent doing some serious mother loving. I’m a mother lover, are you a mother lover? Let’s all be mother lovers and have fun loving our mothers this weekend!

xo,

Kait

education matters

This weekend was chock-full of proud big sister moments, one of those awesome weekends that you just never want to end. My sister, Lyndsey, second oldest in command, graduated from the University of Utah on Friday. You see, Lyndsey loves parties, events, surprises and gifts. Oh boy, does that girl LOVE herself some gifts, but the weeks leading up to her graduation she was told that dear little (but really huge) brother would not be able to fly home to celebrate her achievements. Having been denied the best gift of all, all of her siblings back together again, she was left brokenhearted. She tried and cried and begged, but to no avail, he just wasn’t coming. This resulted in Lyndsey feeling like “no one in our family actually cared about her”. She can be pretty dramatic sometimes. Once or twice I even had to pull the big sister card and tell her to suck it up and get over it, it didn’t mean he didn’t love her.
Anyway, the big day came, and here’s what actually happened…

(BIG thanks to the ‘baby sister bear’, Shelby, for making such an awesome vid!)

…and all this time she thought we weren’t any good at gift giving. Joke’s on you, Lynds. Joke’s on you. Phew, never thought we’d pull that one off.

The rest of the weekend played out just as you’d imagine. With lots of laughs, praises, hugs, food, teasing and a few petty arguments over clothes *sigh*… sisters. And even today, Monday, I’m still just so darn proud of that sister of mine. For being an amazing teacher, for having so much passion and for chasing after her big dreams. Get ‘em girl!

xo,

Kait

And now, for the pictures, because this is a blog, and that’s what blogs are for!