Tag: Joy

My Top 10 Favorite Episodes of Grey’s Anatomy: Seasons 1 – 4

by Kaylee, posted in Just Me Blogging, Top 10 Lists

Grey’s Anatomy is my favorite tv show of all time. A close second would be 7th Heaven, Full House, Reba, Judging Amy and Gossip Girl. I started watching Greys right after I got married… so since 2016. This show has not only been on forever, but their predictable yet unpredictable stories are amazing. Anything from relationships, to surgery, to trauma, to lessons; this show always holds my attention.

Since this is my favorite show, I thought it would be fun to list my favorite episodes and the reasons why. This show has 17 seasons, so I decided to only focus on 4 seasons at a time. So, here we go…

Season 1

Episode 1: A Hard Days Night

Of course the first episode of Grey’s Anatomy made the list, because it’s the first. In this episode we are introduced to the original characters Meredith, Alex, George, Izzy, Christina, Miranda, Richard and Derrick. This is where the show first began, and we are able to see Meredith and her intern buddies on their first day of their intern year.

Episode 9: Who’s Zoomin’ Who?

This episode made my list because, when I first watched it, the ending honestly took me off guard. Later I learned that’s Grey’s Anatomy for you… many, many, many episodes will catch you off guard. However, I feel this episode is a favorite because it is when we first learn Derrick and his secrets. He is married and he left his wife because she cheated on him with his best friend.

Season 2

Episode 14: Bring the Pain

In this episode, Alex and George preform the legendary heart in an elevator scene. I love this episode because we get to see George fly solo for the first time and he has always been one of my favorite characters.

Episode 15: In to You Like A Train

This episode was super memorable because not only was Meredith waiting for Derrick to profess his love for her, but a huge accident with a train occurred and two people were badly injured by a pole penetrating them. There was much suspense in this episode and what was heart breaking is at the end of the episode they were only able to save one of the victims.

Episode 25: As We Know It

This is the second part of the bomb episode. The whole hospital is under code black and Meredith has her hand on a bomb in a patient. When I first watched this episode I was on the edge of my seat, and all seemed to be okay until it exploded at the very end.

Episode 35: Losing My Religon

The season finally of season 2 was really good in my opinion. Denny gets a heart, then strokes out from a blood clot. Meredith and Derrick have to put down their dog and stop fighting the fact that they have feelings for each other. Izzy quits and the hospital hosts a prom.

Season 3

Episode 42: Where the Boys Are

I honestly really enjoyed this episode because one it was entertaining to see all the men taking a camping trip to the woods; and two because it was entertaining seeing Alex and George fight out their differences.

Episode 51: Drowning on Dry Land

This episode had me on the edge of my seat as I really thought Meredith had drowned and died. However, her doctors/ friends worked tirelessly trying to save her and eventually they did.

Season 4

Episode 69: Crash Into Me Part 1

An ambulance crash right outside the hospital caused many of the doctors to try and save the paramedics inside. This episode was very sad, but I throughly enjoyed how it all played out.

Episode 77: Freedom Part 2

Not only was this episode the second part of the ambulance crash, but also Lexie’s patient’s main artery blew and that was crazy to see.

Kid’s Corner: Color Sorting Activity

by Kaylee, posted in Kid’s Corner

This homemade color sorting game is easy to make, and a fun way for kids to learn their colors. This activity is best for children ages 3 – 6.

What You Need

  • 5 Toilet Paper Tubes
  • Pom Poms (10 different colors)
  • Colored Paper (10 different colors)
  • Storage Container
  • Black Sharpie
  • Packing Tape
  • Scissors

What You Do

First, cut each paper towel tube into even halves, as straight as possible.

Next, write the name of each color on each piece of colored paper in black marker,

Next, wrap a piece of colored paper around each tube. Use clean packing tape to secure firmly.

Finally, cut off access paper along the edges of each tube.

Place each colored tube in a line.

Instruct your child to sort the colored pop poms into the correct colored tube.

To make this activity more challenging, set a timer and challenge your child to sort the colors before the timer rings.

Our Love Story (Part 1)

by Kaylee, posted in Just Me Blogging, Love Story

In September of 2014, I was 19 and preparing to go on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Going on a mission trip was a huge goal of mine, but I had never flown in a plane or traveled outside the country. In fact, I knew very little Spanish. So, in order to prepare for my trip, I decided to take a Spanish class at my community college. The Spanish class with Professor Mulligan, changed my life. Without giving anything away, let me share the details of our love story from the very beginning…

On Thursday September 4th, 2014 I began my second year of college. I attended my second class of the day, Spanish 101. I was nervous that this course was going to be more than I could handle, but at the same time I was excited to learn a new language. When I entered the classroom, I contemplated on where to sit. The round tables were arranged sporaticly as if we would be doing a lot of group work.

I decided to sit at the front table, while many other classmates made their way to the back tables. It was looking like I was going to be the only brave soul to sit at the front of the room. This was actually fine with me, since I am a huge introvert and shy when meeting new people.

I was content with the realization that I would likely be sitting by myself the entire semester, however right before the class started, my thoughts were interrupted by a guy sitting next me. I immediately felt the awkwardness of just the two of us sitting at the front table.

I tried so hard not to make eye contact with the stranger. He was a little taller than me, black, glasses, thin, and he had a cracked phone screen, large backpack and a skateboard he carried with him. The stranger tried to make eye contact with me and said.

“I don’t like seeing people sit alone.” He continued staring and waited for my response. What do I say to that? I thought.

“Oh” is all I could say, as my thoughts were clouded by the intense feeling of awkwardness.

As the next couple weeks went by, Charles continued to sit next to me everyday in Spanish. Since we had our Spanish class 4 days a week, we quickly got to know each other as well as our professor. Our professor was one of a kind. He often went on bunny trails telling story after story of how he had embarrassed himself many times in the Spanish language. He had a love for Spain and Costa Rica. He loved talking about Spanish cusines and how we should all take a trip to these amazing places.

On one of the first days of Spanish, our professor said something and to this day it still sticks out in my mind. As he shared about his many years of teaching Spanish, at one point he said:

“I have had 5 couples in my class meet their spouse. And I have been invited to 4 of their weddings.” After saying this, he looked at both Charles and I sitting at the front table. I instantly thought welp that’s not going to be us…. it’s highly unlikely. As I thought this, Charles just looked at me and shrugged his shoulders.

About 3 weeks into the semester, I started to open up to Charles. I tried my best to ignore him and not talk, but in Spanish you are forced to practice the language you are learning, so that meant I had to talk to Charles. But since we were forced to talk in Spanish, it some what broke the awkwardness when we tried talking in English.

On Thursday, at the end of Spanish class Charles tried asking me a question in Spanish. I had no idea what he was asking, and I kept asking him to repeat it. When I realized what he was asking I still played dumb, because I still was feeling shy. Eventually, I mustered up some courage and repeated the question back in English.

“You want my phone number” I said actually feeling quite flattered. He said yes, and I took a chance and gave him my number. I was shaking as I wrote down the 9 digits on a piece of notebook paper, because I had never given a guy my phone number before. I started to feel the sense of awkwardness again as he looked at the number and smiled. I said “Feel free to text me, but I’m super busy and bad at texting back.” He said he understood and we told each other to have a good weekend.

What I said to him wasn’t entirely true. I was busy with school and two jobs, but at the time I loved texting and usually texted people back right away. I said it to Charles though because I didn’t know how I felt about him yet and didn’t want to feel obligated to text him back. He made me very nervous, and I didn’t know if it was because I liked him, or because I didn’t know him well enough to trust him yet.

Regardless of my mixed feelings, I still obsessively looked at my phone that entire afternoon, hoping he would text me…. and he did.

Nacho Flavored Popcorn Recipe

by Kaylee, posted in Recipes

Another November recipe!

Popcorn is one of my favorite snacks! I love popcorn, and even more… I love making my special nacho cheese flavored popcorn.

Ingredients

1. Plain Popcorn

2. Butter 1/4 stick

3. Chili Powder 1 tsp

4. Red Pepper Flakes tbsp.

5. Garlic Salt 1 tbsp.

6. Parmesan Cheese 1/4 cup

First pop the popcorn and place it in a large bowl.

Next melt butter in microwave for 15 – 20 seconds.

Then pour melted butter over popcorn.

Sprinkle parmesan cheese, garlic salt, red pepper flakes, and chili powder over popcorn.

Mix and Enjoy!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

by Kaylee, posted in All Things Fall, Just Me Blogging

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone has a great day despite this crazy year!

In the midst of cooking and eating a ton of food, I thought I would share 10 things I am thankful for this year.

I am Thankful for…

  • Family
  • Friends
  • My Job
  • My Kiddos in my Class
  • My Kitty
  • Jesus
  • A Steady Income
  • My Readers
  • My Health
  • My Safety

Happy Thanksgiving!!! 🍁

Christmas Decorating 2020

by Kaylee, posted in Home Decor

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! This year has been quite crazy, I can’t stress that enough. So, I thought my home was in need of a little Christmas cheer. Many times I try to wait until after my anniversary (mid November) to decorate my home for Christmas. But this year, I decided to go ahead and decorate my home a little early. With a new apartment, a fireplace, and some extra time off… I figured why not.

This year I was able to put 3 stockings over my new fireplace. One stocking is for my husband, one for myself and one for my kitty Rocky. My hubby and I are considering exchanging stockings this year, since we were able to hang our stockings.

This right here is one of my favorite Christmas decorations. It is a hand made, crocheted nativity scene that was gifted to us for our wedding. We absolutely love it!

My Santa Clause clothes line is an antique, and was passed down to me from my Grandma. While growing up my Grandma hung a normal little clothes line in her window over her kitchen sink. But during the holidays, she hung this Santa Clause one in her window. I love this unique Christmas decoration. It is one of my favorites.

I would say my Christmas decorations are coming along, but I’m not quite finished yet. I still have a few finishing touches I would like to add. Have you decorated for Christmas yet?

How to Have a Self Care Sunday

by Kaylee, posted in Just Me Blogging, Self Care

This year has been hard on everyone, and I know I’m not the only one in need of a little self care. Often times my work week is jam packed with endless to-do lists, meetings, daily tasks, and various deadlines that I must meet. That being said, it is no wonder why I am exhausted by the end of the week. Often times I try to reserve my weekends for self care and a chance to recharge. Sometimes that happens, and sometimes it doesn’t.

If I am unable to dedicate my whole weekend to self care, I at least try dedicating my Sundays to self care. This not only helps me to rest from the previous week, but also prepare for the week ahead.

Here are a few tips and tricks on how to have your own Self Care Sunday.

1. Wake up at a reasonable time. I’m not saying get up early, and I’m not saying sleep in as late as possible. What I am saying is, wake up at a time where you are able to sleep in some, but are not sleeping the day away. For example, during the week I usually wake up at 5am and go to bed at 9pm. On the weekends, I try to sleep in until 8am and go to bed at 10pm. This allows me to sleep in some, but not feel like I am missing parts of my Sunday by sleeping.

2. Plan your day. Every morning, I review my planner, rearrange what I need to , and prepare for the day ahead. This allows me to know what I want to accomplish in the day. Often times my weekend to-do lists are things that I neglected throughout the week. Since this happens, I also choose to schedule in things that will allow me to have some self care. For example, I may schedule a nap on Sunday. I may schedule a reminder to write a blog post Sunday night.

3. Wake up slow. Allow yourself to wake up slow. For example, on Sundays I’m in my pjs at least until 11am, unless I have to go somewhere. I also take my time sipping my coffee, watching the sunrise, and catching up on what’s going on in the world.

4. Do something productive before you do something super relaxing. This is a hard one, but it honestly helps. I have found that if I do something productive, before I get comfortable and relax I feel more accomplished. Whereas if I relax and take a nap, or get into a really good tv show, then I will not get what I need to accomplished and feel defeated. So whether it’s those dishes in the sink, the laundry piling up, or the trash that needs to go out, I highly suggest getting it done first before spending the rest of your day relaxing.

5. Lastly, consider doing a relaxing activity before going to bed. Some ideas could be… yoga, prayer time, taking a hot shower, knitting or crocheting, painting, writing, reading, coloring etc.

Taco Baked Potato Recipe

by Kaylee, posted in Recipes

Ready, Set, Here’s another yummy recipe!

Taco Baked Potato (Serves 2)
Ingredients

Skillet

Cooking Spray

Sauce Pan

Water

Medium Bowl

Potato Masher

2 Potatoes

Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Butter

Sour Cream

1/2 lb. of Ground Beef

Taco Saesoning

Lettuce

Diced Tomatoes

Black Olives

Jalapeños (optional)

What You Do…

First, spray sauce pan with cooking spray and place on burner over medium heat. Place unthawed ground beef in sauce pan. Let cook until browned. Mix in taco seasoning.

Next, place two potatoes in sauce pan, and add water 1/2 to 2/3 of the way full. Place on high heat and boil potatoes for 20 minutes. Check potatoes to see if they are softened. If still not softened, put in boiling water for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Once potatoes are soft, cut in half with a knife and place in a bowl. Mash potatoes with a fork, knife or potato masher inside of bowl.

Next, add two teaspoons of butter and spread evenly over potatoes. Then add taco meat, lettuce, black olives, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and cheddar cheese.

Top with sour cream and enjoy!

Creating a Vision

by Kaylee, posted in Faith, Goals, Life After Miscarriage, Self Care

A longing to be a mom is something I have had for a very long time. I’ve struggled the last couple years with anxiety, depression, hypothyroidism, possible endometriosis and recurrent pregnancy losses. It has been challenging to say the least.

Recently, Charles suggested that I create a vision board… something that displays my many hopes and dreams of being a mom, whether it’s through pregnancy, IVF, surrogacy or adoption.

Today I spent at least three hours creating my vision board. I found it very therapeutic to create an art project that in many ways encompasses the desires of my heart.

This vision board now holds a gentle reminder to keep the faith. Somehow and some way I feel called to be a mom. I believe someday Charles and I will make amazing parents. I don’t know how or when, but I know we will one day raise children of our own.

So for now I am going to focus on my vision, keep the faith God has given me, and hope that there is goodness coming. Good things come to those who wait. ❤️

Happy Fall Ya’ll

by Kaylee, posted in Home Decor

I just love Fall! The changing colors in the leaves, the smell of pumpkin, and apples, the crisp air in the mornings… it’s all my favorite.

Something I look forward to each year is decorating for fall. Part of the reason I decorate is because it makes me happy and I love doing it, and the other reason is because I have some decorations left over from my fall wedding four years go. These pumpkins on my entertainment center for example were some of my wedding decorations.

This leaf garland I recently bought from Hobby Lobby, and I absolutely love it! It fits perfectly over my fireplace.

This centerpiece is a combination of new and old decorations. The bouquet for example is actually my wedding bouquet. The pumpkin, gourds and straw are something I bought this year.

Thanks for checking out my fun fall decorations! It has been so exciting to be able to decorate my new living room for fall!

My Balcony Reveal!!!

by Kaylee, posted in Home Decor, Just Me Blogging, Plants

Hello friends! If you’ve been following me for awhile, it’s a safe bet that you’ve seen pretty much every part of my apartment since I moved in March. You’ve probably even seen parts of my balcony since I’ve shown you my many plants. However, I haven’t yet done a balcony reveal. So, without further or do, I welcome you to my balcony.

My balcony is full of plants, a lawn chair, a bike and storage. I love our balcony, as it is spacious and welcoming.

I can imagine I will be storing much of the items on my balcony, this winter. But for now, I am going to enjoy my current balcony set up.

Our balcony has a great view of the other buildings in our complex as well as the wide open sky. it’s so fun to see storms roll in, and beautiful sunrises early in the morning.

Recently, we bought a storage unit/bench we are able to store our pots and planting through the winter.

Last but not least, our balcony is accompanied by our large slider door. This door allows for gorgeous natural lighting into our living room and a wonderful view of our plants from the inside.

Thank you so much for checking out my balcony reveal! I only have two places in my home you haven’t seen… can you guess what room I’ll show you next?

My Summer 2020 Bucket List: Review

by Kaylee, posted in Goals, Just Me Blogging

Today’s the day! It’s August 30th, which was the deadline for my summer bucket list. To be honest, I did not get nearly as many goals accomplished that I had hoped. However, my summer has been quite more busy than I anticipated as well. So, I’ll take what I can get. I hope everyone’s summer has not only been productive but also restful. The following is a list of my summer goals, and how I may or may not have accomplished them.

Goals Met This Summer

1. Grow my Plants and Produce Fruits, Veggies and Spices

This summer, I am proud to say that I actually had a successful garden. I think I planted a total of 13-15 plants since April. Out of all of those I have had about 7 survive. And considering the fact that I used to kill all my plants I ever owned, I would say it was quite an accomplishment. This summer I was able to successfully grow and produce a ton of chives as well as four green peppers!

2. Visit the Lake Shore At Least Once.

In late June, I was able to complete this goal when going on a weekend vacation with my friend Alli. It was warm, beautiful and wonderfully relaxing.

3. Have a Game Night with Friends

In June, Charles and I also had a dinner and game night with friends in our apartment. It was fun to be able to entertain and visit with company.

4. Create and Commit to a Yoga Routine.

This goal was hard to complete, but I would say I have definitely gotten a routine down and completed this goal. For a while, I was very unmotivated to do yoga. I was exhausted, eating junk and living off caffeine. So much so, I forgot how to breathe and how to relax. But now, I have been doing mini yoga workouts a few times a week. I have even taught my preschoolers a few poses.

5. Write and Publish a Children’s Book.

I think everyone knows I completed this goal, and I am so excited for it. My book launched at the end of July and has been pretty successful. I am so thankful I have been able to create something in honor of my babies, and in order to help families who are coping with pregnancy loss.

Goals Not Met This Summer

1. Finish First Draft of Memoir

I haven’t finished this goal yet, but I have made some progress. I am strategically working on different chapters, in hopes of having the first draft done very soon.

2. Crochet a Large Blanket

I didn’t end up finishing this goal either. To be honest, I was not in the mood to crochet much this summer. It has been very hot and just not something I found myself interested in.

3. Apply and Receive my Family Life Education Certification

I haven’t completed this goal yet, and frankly I kind of forgot. It was something I put on the back burner, hoping to get to after Covid. But since Covid isn’t going away anytime soon, I guess it is probably something I should try and figure out.

4. Write and Post 200 Blog Posts.

I was so close to this goal, but I just didn’t quite make it. Including this post, I have written 180 blog posts! I was 20 short of my goal. But that’s okay, maybe next time.

5. Buy a Coffee Table for my Living Room

I haven’t completed this goal. I have had a few expenses come up including a flat tire, a kitten, an antenna etc. Eventually though, I hope to get a coffee table.

Thanks for reading! ❤️

Deep Fried Pickles Recipe

by Kaylee, posted in Recipes

Hi friends! So, if you haven’t figured it out by now, I really like fried food. It’s not good for me, and I often end up regretting it since I don’t have a gall bladder, but it’s a guilty pleasure of mine. Recently, I learned how to fry pickles. Oh my gosh, let me tell you… they are the bomb dignity!

So, if you are looking for an easy and yummy snack… try these!

What You Need

1. Frying pan
2. Olive Oil (I’ve tried Coconut oil and it doesn’t work)
3. Pickles (I prefer dill pickle chips)
4. Flour (I used wheat flour)
5. Garlic salt
6. Black Pepper
7. Basil
8. Oregano
9. Ranch (optional)

First, place the frying pan on the stove. Add about 3 tbsp of olive oil, at least enough to cover the bottom of the pan. Put on medium heat.

Next place flour in a bowl (about 2 cups depending on how many pickles you plan to make).

Coat pickles with flour and place in hot oil. Wait about 30 seconds to a minute and then flip them over. Repeat this process with each pickle until pickles are crisp and ready to be placed on a plate.

Once finished cooking pickles, place on a plate. Sprinkle garlic salt, black pepper, basil, and oregano as much as desired. Add a side of ranch dressing or other dipping sauce for the best pallet experience.

Enjoy!

Have You Ever Heard of Ipsy?

by Kaylee, posted in Just Me Blogging, Self Care

Have you ever heard of Ipsy? A friend of mine introduced me to Ipsy and it is truly amazing. No, this post isn’t sponsored and I’m not trying to sell you anything. This truly is just a cool company that I wanted to share with you.

Ipsy is a company that basically allows you to try different makeup samples each month. You first create an account, take a makeup quiz, find out what choices Ipsy has chosen for you and have it shipped right to your home.

It’s super neat. I am not a big makeup person and I like to drag my feet when it comes to buying makeup. But Ipsy gives me a chance to try different makeup products for a cheap price of $12. It’s awesome and I’m so glad I tried it. Go check out Ipsy friends!!!

A New Edition to the Family

by Kaylee, posted in Just Me Blogging

Guess what!?!? Our family has grown by four paws! As an early birthday present, Charles and I adopted a kitten this past weekend.

On Wednesday night, Charles and I made an appointment to visit with some kitties at a local shelter. We spent an hour at the shelter visiting with kitties. About a half hour into our visit, a cute little gray kitty named Breadstick made his way over to me and sat on my lap.

Within minutes I fell in love with this little guy. He sat on my lap for over a half hour giving me kisses, purring and needing me. I told Charles I was very interested in adopting Breadstick. Before leaving the cat rescue we told the volunteers that we were very interested in adopting Breadstick and wanted to know what steps we needed to take to make him apart of our family.

When I said goodbye to Breadstick, I gave him snuggles and told him that if it was meant to be, I would be taking him home soon.

The next day, Charles and I were in continuous contact with the cat rescue owners, finalizing all the paperwork. Finally, on Friday evening after work, Charles and I went back to the rescue and adopted our sweet little fur baby.

So, without further or do I would like to introduce Rocky! Rocky is a 4 month old, gray long haired boy. He’s cute, and he loves to play and snuggle.

We decided to name our kitty Rocky because of his paws. His paws are huge! They almost remind us of boxing gloves. So, we named him after Rocky Balboa the famous boxer.

Welcome to the family Rocky! 🐾