friday night lights

I am so totally slacking on my, Thirty Days and Thirty Thanks, and it's not because I have a shortage of things I'm thankful for, it's just that I'm a slacker. Working on that.


This weekend was one of those weekends you can't help but feel so lucky to have had. Beginning with the obvious, Thanksgiving Day, the weekend opened with the year's feast of all feasts. There's really not much better than that.
And then came Friday night which was just so bright. And so awesome.

Some of the cousins and their cute families came over for hot cocoa, apple cider and vegan-unfriendly goodies (it's the holidays, gimme a break).

As if we hadn't gorged ourselves enough on Thursday, we continued to stuff our stomachs full of rice krispy ornaments, cookies and brownies, then we took our hot cocoa to-go and bundled up for the trek across the street to admire Temple Square's Christmas lights. I've been watching them string these bad boys since August. That's a long time to be up on a ladder, but obviously so worth it.

As usual, Temple Square put together a magical display, but as far as brightness goes, I'd say our smiles had those lights beat. Haha, I'm such a cheeseball. 

Yes, I seriously left the house still wearing my house slippers. Gasp.
Hehehe...

Let the festivities begin!

Happy Holidays,

Kaits

Happy Birthday, Mama!

We celebrated Mama's 53rd (I mean, 23rd) birthday this week. Oh, how they grow up so quickly!

I love my Mom. Words can't express how wonderful she is. I'm one lucky girl to have her as my own.

And she's one lucky Mom because I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning baking these bad boys just for her...

Nutella cupcakes with vanilla cream cheese, almond buttercream and nutella cream cheese frostings.

I know, right?!? 

We spent the day scoping out the finest local garage sales and I must say, I should've become a frequent "garage saler" long ago. Then we spent the evening together as a family barbecuing and hanging out. Mom loves being with her kids and we love being with her. How freaking cute is she?!

Happy Birthday, Mama!!

Always,

Kaitlyn Marie

Home Sweet Oakley

I spent the Fourth of July weekend at Nana's home in sweet Oakley, Idaho with my mom, sisters and brother-in-law. We did what we always do in Oakley, wandered around looking for great photo ops, and it was as charming as usual. We even hit up the local pool, and although Lyndsey was the only one there in a bikini (Shelbs and I are smart), we still had fun playing "tea party" and dunking each other amid all the stares from the local families.

Mama got lost in Nana's yard, a task that Nana was always so good at and loved dearly. It was good for her to have time to garden, and great for us too. I worked hard trimming down the hedges and basking in the sun. Sweetie even came along to help!



We've been lucky to be able to spend so much time in Oakley. It truly is one of my very favorite places. The Oakley home was built in 1896 by my Great-Great-Grandfather, Hector Caleb Haight, and it is among many historical sites in Oakley's historical town. Nana did such a beautiful job with this house. She truly turned it into a home. Decorating the walls are pictures of our ancestors and the home really is filled with the sweetest feeling.



It was a wonderful weekend spent together remembering our sweet Nana and feeling close to  she and our ancestors. I reflected on my life and the lives of those who have come before me and I am striving to live a good life spent with the people I love dearly. I'm grateful for such a strong family history and for the great individuals who have made our family so wonderful. Being the Fourth of July weekend, I also had time to feel grateful for the place that I live and the beauty that surrounds me. Lucky me!

Lovingly,

Kaites



You Can Count On Me Like 1, 2, 3...

After weeks of waking up to text messages, from Lyndsey, reminding me of the days left until the Bruno Mars concert, the day finally arrived. I really was excited, partially because I know every word to his album (big surprise, right?), but mostly because my sisters and I had planned this "Sister Date Night" for months.


And so it arrived, and we did too... like six hours early.


Apparently we were among only a handful of people as enthusiastic about this event as we were, so we decided to leave and treat ourselves to some good Spag Fac before heading back to wait in line.


After our carb overload, we headed back to find that the small crowd of people had grown significantly larger. I've been to a good amount of concerts in my life, most of them with my best friend, Laura, who happens to be the ultimate concert queen. Having learned from the best, we slithered our way up to the front part of the line, where our handful of enthusiastic friends were. We waited, and waited, and waited some more. Finally the doors opened and we raced to the front of the stage... no really...

See? We really were one of the firsts on the floor. We had hit the jackpot, or so we thought...

Note to self: My days at the front of the stage are over (Unless I'm on the stage, of course).

Everyone there, except for myself, was under 21 and totally obnoxious. We made it through the first act before I decided to exit the crowd, mostly because I feared what I would do to those around me if I continued to be pushed, shoved and groped. So we exited and met Jacks and Lou in some comfortable (and bright) assigned seats. 

We watched Janelle Monae from above and I was pretty entertained by her, but by the time Bruno came on, we couldn't keep our dancing feet still and had to get closer. We dared to venture back onto the general admission floor and found ourselves a sweet little dancing area back and center, which in my opinion kicks front and center's butt.

We danced our hearts out and we had SO MUCH FUN! Seriously. We belted every word and moved to every beat. I knew it was going to be a fun night, but I wasn't prepared for such an awesome overdose of excitement. I really have the best sisters in the world and I am so grateful for them and all the fun that seems to follow us.

Now I can't wait until Justin Bieber comes to town.... 

Kait

The Best Piece of Booty is in Diapers

I've been spending a great deal of time with my nephew, Hunter, this summer. He's quickly becoming my favorite partner in crime and puts a genuine smile on my face way too often. It's safe to say we are developing a relationship based upon the truest form of love. What a lucky guy.

Anyway, we've been thoroughly enjoying our summer together by hitting up the trendiest hot spots including, Steiner Aquatic Center, the gully, Nordstrom, Gateway Mall, and Canyon Rim Park. We've also been working on our tan lines, dancing, logging some quality marathon training miles, and getting a high dose of beauty rest together, all while delighting in each other's company.

I just can't seem to get enough of his stinky ass.

And I'm perfectly okay with that.

♥

Kindly,

Kait

Happy Birthday, Sister!

"Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of. You know whatever you do, they'll still be there."

My Lyndsey is growing up.

Too fast, if you ask me.

I thought she'd always be mine, but now "Naughty Conradi" has come along and plans to steal her for "eternity".

Let's be honest...

Losing my sister to a wedding ring is slightly heartbreaking,

but I'm dealing.

Anyway, on this day, twenty years ago, my first little sister came into my world. Since then and forever more, she'll always be my "almost best friend"...

even after "Naughty Conradi" whisks her away.

So, to my sister,

Although today is your birthday, it's a special day for me as well and a day that marks one of the most precious moments in my life. There is no better friend than a sister, and there is no better sister than you (and Shelby, wink wink)

Happy Birthday Lynds!

Kindly,
Kait

Dear Mama,

I don't show you or tell you often enough, but I hold you on a pedestal that is too high for me to express in words. You are the most amazing woman I know and ever will know. Your love for me is unconditional, and I know that is true without any doubt. You have never failed me. Please know that you are so precious to me. I’m ashamed of ways I’ve treated you in the past and am consciously trying to honor you the way you deserve to be honored which is with all of the respect and love that I possess. I love you more than I’ll ever be able to verbally express. I am unsure of what I did to deserve the privilege of being your daughter, but for that, I am forever grateful.


♥
Kaitlyn