My Not-So-Charmed Life

No joke.

2010-04-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

April showers bring ~~May~~ April flowers. :) Look at our cute flower bed (ignore the weeds), these flowers were buds this morning, but after all the rain today, here's what they looked like...

A little slice of heaven.

2010-04-19T19:12:00.000-07:00

So I have to give a shout out to Natalie for this recipe. Really simple to make and a definite crowd pleaser. So I thought I would share. :) I'm not one to cook most of the time. I'm actually pretty good at it, and I semi-like to cook. I just don't. But I may have to make a few execptions. This is one.

I was a little bored when I made these yesterday so I did a mini cooking show, complete with pictures.

Apple Dumplings

4 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into quarters
2 cans Pillsbury crescent rolls
2 sticks of butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 can of mountain dew, ginger ale, or sprite
Cinnamon

Sprinkle cut apples with cinnamon, roll each apple quarter in a crescent roll, place side by side in a buttered 13"x9" pan.

Melt butter. Add vanilla and sugar into the butter mixture (Here's the secret: BARELY stir in the sugar, do not let the sugar dissolve!) Just stir until combined. Pour over apples. Sprinkle cinnamon on top of each dumpling. Then pour your choice of soda around the edges of the pan.

Bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees, until a golden brown on top. Cool and Enjoy!

a SUPER surprise

2010-04-18T15:02:00.000-07:00

This is a little late, since his birthday was April 6th. But I couldn't resist posting this. Luckily he never reads my blog, or else he'd kill me. ha ha

Yep. That's our "Kee-Kee Buddy". He turned the big 2-5 this year. We were so excited because we teamed up with his friends to throw him a surprise party. And we were so proud of ourselves that we pulled it off!

He has never had a surprise party in his life. Probably because he is the resident snooper in our family and seems to have a super power of finding every birthday and Christmas present. So that made it even more fun to plot this behind his back. :) The day of the party his friends all called to wish him a happy birthday and he was bummed that none of them wanted to celebrate with him. I had to try really hard not to crack a smile while he was throwing himself a pity party.

Tradition in our family is that the birthday boy/girl gets to choose where to have their birthday dinner. So he was once again dissappointed when my mom told him that he didn't get a choice. We were going to Bella's because grandpa had a "gift certificate" that he wanted to use.

To make it even better. His party was Superman themed. :) My mom and I were decorating the room ahead of time. A few workers walked in and without fail said "Aww... How old is the birthday boy?" We would laugh and say 25. We got a few weird looks and awkward laughs as they walked away.

Deep down he loved it. We all know he's a child at heart. Happy Birthday Kev!

My Valentine's Day Rant.

2010-02-12T22:34:00.000-08:00

The other day, I was babysitting my cousin's little girl, and she was telling me about a boy in her Kindergarten class that has a crush on her. First of all, sad that a 5-year-old's love life is is a bigger topic of conversation than mine. Second of all, she breaks out the million dollar question, and asks me, "Aiya, why don't you have a boyfriend?"

"Great." I think to myself. Even she realizes what a loser I am. :) So after explaining to her that, "Yes I am older than 16", (hence old enough to have a boyfriend) of course I make up some lame excuse and quickly change the subject. Lucky for me, there are many things more interesting to children that I can focus her attention on.

That was it. My breaking point. The last straw, if you will. Aside from Valentine's Day being a "travesty" of a holiday made up by the greeting card people for purely economical reasons and blah, blah, blah. The same things everyone typically complains about this time of year, I have my own reasons for hating Valentine's Day this year. So here it goes... MY RANT ON VALENTINE'S DAY:

As if being single... and 23... AND in Utah, isn't enough. Let's add a holiday dedicated to love. Great idea? I think not.

Now, don't get me wrong, I like the IDEA of Valentine's Day. And maybe someday I will learn to appreciate it for what it is. But for now it's just a painful reminder of how single I really am. It's really not necessary, I am fully aware.

Now, on to why I especially hate the holiday this year. My single friends (with whom I would normally be celebrating "Single's Awareness Day") ran off to the sunny beaches of Costa Rica without me. So here I sit on a Friday night, at home all by myself, eating take-out, blogging and watching chick-flicks. Do ya feel bad for me yet? Good... then my evil plan has worked. Mwah ha ha!

I will be accepting sympathy gifts. Please feel free to send me flowers, chocolate-covered strawberries, stuffed animals, etc. :)

Ch-ch-ch-changes

2010-01-11T19:51:00.000-08:00

I've never really considered myself an anxious person. Until recently, when I became aware of a few changes that are to come. Can you say anxiety? Just thinking about things makes me nauseous and I get a knot in my throat and all I can do is worry about the "what if"s. Apparently I'm not a big fan of change. I guess it's a little test of faith, we'll see where these changes take me. *Gulp*

Background Advice

2010-01-08T23:05:00.000-08:00

A word to the wise. Before you change your blog background, make sure that your old one (a.k.a the one you loved) is still available to put back on in case you don't like any of the other backgrounds you try out. I learned this lesson the hard way. :(

Too Legit... Too Legit to Quit.

2010-01-05T21:13:00.000-08:00

I'm really proud of myself. Today, I have achieved a major milestone.

For possibly the first time since I started this blog, I was able to log in without forgetting my password. That's right, I'm a legit blogger now. That's all I wanted to share.

My name is Kellie...

2009-12-17T22:18:00.000-08:00

Wow. Can I say how much I do not like Christmas shopping? Yes, ladies and gentlemen. I said it. There IS a kind of shopping I don't like. I realized tonight that I am a great shopper.... When it comes to buying for myself. But turn me loose in a store searching for a gift for someone else and I'm stuck.

I have tried so hard this year to get my presents bought early. And I have attempted many times to fulfill that goal. But each time, I return home with many bags full of items for only myself. I'm running out of time! Only one week until Christmas. Ahh! Not to mention that I am running out of closet space for all of it. I think they have meetings for people like me.

My name is Kellie... I'm a shopaholic. Help.

P.S. If anyone has great ideas of what to buy my dad for Christmas let me know, he's tough to shop for!!!

"I can do all things..."

2009-12-13T17:05:00.000-08:00

I've decided that I have my deepest thoughts on Sundays. I usually hide away in my room relaxing, and occasionally reading or writing in my journal. Not that I plan it, there are things that I should probably be doing instead (like cleaning my room... ha ha). Today was an especially good day for reflecting, so I wanted to share some of the things I've found amid my reading.

God hath not promised
Skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways
All our lives through.
God hath not promised
Sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow,
Peace without pain.

But God hath promised
Strength for the day,
Rest for the labor,
Light for the way.
Grace for the trials,
Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy,
Undying love.

This is by far my favorite poem/thought/etc. I have read it so many times, I have it memorized and whenever I am having a hard time it comes to my mind. I was reminded of this as I read a quote by Bishop H. David Burton "As with most everything we are called upon to do in life, it is vital that we move forward. When we do our best, seeking both human and divine guidance and trusting in our loving Heavenly Father, He will bless the outcome."

Well, that is my thought for the day, take it or leave it. I hope that it can help someone the way it has helped in my life. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" - Philippians 4:13

Santa!!! I know him...

2009-12-10T20:16:00.000-08:00

Bittersweet Farewell to Summer

2009-09-15T20:12:00.000-07:00

Well, here it is.... The end of Summer. *sigh* And while I didn't have near as much fun as I would have liked,(work takes up all my play time) it wasn't a complete bust either. I love those warm summer nights and soaking up the sunshine during the day. This summer was my soul-searching adventure and I think I did a pretty good job of accomplishing my goal. I learned to be more self-sufficient and I learned to not rely on others for my happiness. So all in all it was a success. :)

Even though I mourn the loss of summer, I am super excited for Fall and all that comes with it! Besides the cooler days and the leaves changing, hoodie season and corn mazes, I love love LOVE Halloween... Last week, I was walking through the seasonal aisles at the store and had to resist the urge to buy costumes. Wednesdays at work are called "Dress-up Wednesdays". I wonder what kind of dress up is included? I'll have to look into that....

So, farewell summer... It's time for me to move on. You can find me in a haunted house. :)

Fiesta!

2009-05-13T16:43:00.000-07:00

Last week as you may know, was Cinco de Mayo. And since I will use any excuse to celebrate(a.k.a. Par-tay), me and some friends had a FIESTA! This has become a tradition the past couple of years. This year, we went to El Matador for dinner. Here are some of the pictures we took... Ole! :)

The whole crew.

Dr. Kellie

2009-05-12T21:39:00.000-07:00

When I'm bored, I shop. When I'm sad, I shop. When I'm happy, I shop. (I could continue on with almost every emotion.) It's a little something I call "Shopping Therapy", and it works like a charm every time. I admit that it's not the most economical option, and it really doesn't help with my saving plan. But this is what I did last night. :) I initially went to buy some new cleats for my softball league that I'm playing in... Which I did. While I was out I decided that I needed some new cute shoes and maybe some shirts too. Why not? Anyways, it has made my outlook on the week so much better! Tuesday was a great day... And tomorrow, I will be wearing my new shoes and a new shirt to work.

So, your advice from Dr. Kellie... Take 2 shoes, and call me next time you go shopping. :)

I don't know who I am... Or what I stand for. :)

2009-05-03T22:25:00.000-07:00

I'm not entirely sure where this sudden urge to blog came from. I haven't blogged in months. As you can see I am the epitome of a "bad blogger". (So much so, that I couldn't remember my password.) I also can't believe I feel guilty about it. :)

Earlier today, I was asked what my favorite quote is... Given some time to think about it, I narrowed it down to one that I've always considered among my many favorites. It is a quote by Dallin H. Oakes:

"It is not enough for us to be convinced of the gospel; we must act and think so that we are converted by it. In contrast to the institutions of the world, which teach us to know something, the gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to BECOME something."

So it got me thinking and I spent a lot of time wondering what I am becoming. I can admit that I am far from perfect and my spiritual life could use a lot of work. But I think this applies to every aspect of life. At least this is where my train of thought led me... I'm sure everyone has heard the saying "Remember who you are and what you stand for". I know I heard that almost daily from my dad when I was growing up. And I always shrugged it off with a pity laugh and a roll of my eyes, but there is definite truth to it. While I don't intend for this to be a "woe is me" session, I have had a few humbling experiences the past couple of months that have brought my spirits down. And it started me thinking about why I stand for the things I do.

Hopefully this doesn't sound too depressing, but I think I am having an identity crisis. :) Dramatic right? It's just, I am not completely happy with where my life is right now and I think it's time I do something about it, time I "become something" if you will. I look around at all the people that are off on exciting adventures this summer, to be free spirited and live on the beach or move to a new city/country and so on. As much as I would love to join them, my job would not allow that, and I am not prepared for such a change that would include quitting my good, stable job. So I am going to make some smaller changes instead, I won't go in to details, because this is more of a personal challenge to myself. I just wanted to have this documented for my own well-being. I am going to find out who I truly am, and I'm going to find things that make me blissfully happy. That is MY adventure for Summer 2009! Stay tuned for updates....

Tagged!

2008-12-28T21:54:00.000-08:00

The 3 faves tag:

3 Favorite Purchases
My car
Camera
my laptop... Although it was a gift. :) Someone purchased it!

3 Favorite Movies
Sweet Home Alabama
Elf
the Notebook (Really??? Only three?!)

3 Things I haven't done yet
Travelled as much as I want to... Somewhere in Central America or Europe preferably!
Gone on a serious diet...
Sky diving

3 Favorite Dishes
Turkey steak, au gratin potatoes and broccoli
Chipotle burritos!
Ritz chicken casserole

3 Favorite Shows
The Office
Jon & Kate plus 8
Heroes

3 guilty pleasures (not gonna lie... they're guilty pleasures for a reason but here are 3 i thought of that are safe to post here)
playing with kids toys... hey, I'm a child at heart!
arcade games with the cheap thrills and prizes!
cuddling :)

3 activities that you enjoy
sports... volleyball, tennis, football and many more
doing donuts on a snowy night!
shopping

3 Places I have travelled
Washington D.C.
Toronto, Canada
California

3 Favorite Treats
Cheesecake
Peppermint Pie
Lemon Meringue pie

3 Things I would buy if money were no issue
A House
An airplane and the staff that is needed to operate it. :)
Start some type of business that I could run...

3 people you want to tag
Amy H.
Chris S.
??? Anyone else that reads my blog and wants to do this...

Blogger's Block

2008-11-26T20:51:00.001-08:00

I have recently come to the conclusion that I am horrible at updating this blog... Failure? No, I will not give up! I always think I have a great topic that I can post on here but when I get around to updating.... My mind goes blank. Blogger's Block. Very frustrating, if any of you know a cure, help a sista out! LOL, anyways... This is a fun little activity for any of you to try. I was tagged on facebook to do this so I thought I would share. (I really was Laughing-Out-Loud at a few of these!)

1. Put your iPod (or iTunes) on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag 10 friends who might enjoy doing the meme as well as the person you got the meme from.

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY? "For Heaven's Sake"- Thriving Ivory... For Heaven's sake, I guess it's okay!

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY? "Talk Dirty to Me"- Poison... That's funny right there! No joke... That's what it said.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL? "Like You, Only Sweeter" - William Tell... Well, no one's been sweet enough yet.

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE? "Chasing Cars" - Snow Patrol... What am I? A dog?

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO? "Come One, Come All" - All Time Low... I guess, the more the merrier!

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU? "Fearless"- Taylor Swift... I am pretty brave!

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN? "Pulling a Piano from a Pond"- Cinematic Sunrise...I don't really know that song, but it is an interesting thought. How many pianos do ya think are sitting at the bottom of a pond? Look, it consumes my thoughts already...

WHAT IS 2+2? "All that Matters" - Addison Road... All I need to know, I learned in Kindergarten.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND(S)? "Everything"- Michael Buble... I do think everything of my peeps. :) Love em!

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE? "Far Away" - Nickelback... I don't think I like someone far away??? Maybe emotionally!

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY? "Let it Roll" - Secondhand Serenade... Pretty true, nothing goes how I plan it, you just gotta let it roll!

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? "Swing Life Away" - Rise Against... Swing? As in swinging with my kids on the playground? :) I do want to be a mom. Or just never grow up!!! And play on playgrounds all day, all day. :)

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE? "I will Possess your heart" - Death Cab for Cutie... Kinda disturbing. :/

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU? “Only One" - Yellowcard... Well, I am their only daughter, and the favorite child. lol!

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING? "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" - Lady Antebellum... I'll take it, good song!

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL? "Learn to Fly" - Foo Fighters... Cuz I will be learning to fly as an angel!!!

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST? "Losing Keys"- Jack Johnson... Or losing necklaces??? ;o) Only my girls will understand that one. ;o)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET? "One of THOSE nights" - The Cab... I have many nights of secrets. Which is the biggest??? Mwah ha ha! I'll never tell!

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS? "Take A Bow"- Rhianna... They are pretty great, go on guys! Take a Bow.

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN? "Crash Into Me"- Dave Matthews Band... That would be bad! No more crashes. Please!

HOW WILL YOU DIE? "Never know"- Jack Johnson... It's a mystery!

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET? “Either Way, I'll Break Your Heart Someday"- Augustana... I always regret breaking hearts. I was cursed to be a heartbreaker. :)

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH? "Pop, Lock, and Drop It"- Huey... I usually do laugh at myself when I dance. Just kiddin, I am a GREAT dancer. ;o)

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY? "Your Love is a Lie"- Simple Plan... That would make me cry. Sounds like a bad break-up

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED? "First Date"- Blink-182... I better not get married on a first date!!!

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST? "Dust" - Augustana.... Not DUST!!!! Aahhhhhh!

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU? "Sucks to be You"- Danielle Peck... It does suck to be you if you don't like me!

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE? "Rockstar"- Nickelback... I always knew I was meant for the spotlight!

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW? "Broken"- Secondhand Serenade... Well, nothing's broken right now. But you never know with me. Give me a few weeks...

More pictures of Hadlie. :)

2008-10-24T14:05:00.000-07:00

These are just a few more cute pictures that I wanted to post here....

Macie is so excited to have a little sister! She's gonna be a big helper to her mom! :)

Aiya & Hadlie. :) She may not know it now, but someday she will be calling me Aiya too... That's the name that I am known by to Macie & Paden.

Natalie & Hadlie... She looks great! Especially for just having a baby a few hours before this!

Hadlie McKae Chamberlain

2008-10-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

My cousin Natalie had a new baby girl yesterday... She is so adorable! She weighed in at 7lbs. 5oz., 20 inches long. She's practically perfect in every way! :) I didn't want to put her down, but I guess the other visitors wanted a turn...

The gorilla named...

2008-10-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

So funny story. I took my cousin's 2 kids, Macie and Paden, to Fat Cats today and played arcade games... Well, after we had exhausted our money and energy we went to get prizes. (My favorite part) When both kids had their miscellaneous toys and what not, there were enough tickets left for them to both get a stuffed gorilla. :) Anyways, moving along... We were eating lunch and Macie was sitting with her little gorilla. And I asked what she had named it. lol, (here's the funny part) we had just been looking through the pictures on my camera and she asked what all of my friend's names were. How ironic that her gorilla happens to share the name of my friend Drew. Oh, and did I mention the gorilla is purple? Gotta love kids right?

I'm a follower...

2008-10-03T14:07:00.000-07:00

Yep... I've done it. After months of being lured into reading different blogs (Shout out to Amis), I've finally decided to join the wonderful world of blogspot.com! Who knows if I'll have enough adventures to entertain anyone. But why not give it a shot, eh? Tune in next time to see what crazy trouble I can get myself in to!