It's something unpredictable...

But oh-so exciting. After 14 months of trying to get pregnant, and having one failure after another, after what feels like a hundred doctors visits and the decision to finally start on fertility medication-- we got our two pink lines. At 8pm, on a Wednesday. I freaked. We hadn't even started the medication yet-- that test must be mocking me. There is no way we are actually pregnant. But it was true... three more at home tests and a doctors office test the next morning confirmed-- Little Bean Hayes is in the making.

That was six glorious weeks ago. Since then, its been lots of morning sickness, a few doctors appointments, one trip to the ER, and seeing Little Bean for the first time. Is there anything more amazing in this world?? The first time you see your child... seems like nothing could be more right, more perfect, or more.... stressful!

So many things to do before Bean arrives. We need a house! (Which we are working on. Paperwork is in the works, and if everything goes well, we will be homeowners in a month or so...) a bigger car! (my little car just isn't going to cut it when it comes to car seats, strollers and baby bags, which is okay. I wanted a new one anyway... but we have to wait until after the house business is completed... which is stressful all in itself...) and lots and lots of patience. Waiting for this, waiting for that, waiting for Bean to get here. Its all so fun and exciting.... but patience is not where I excel.

It couldn't have happened at a more perfect time. There is a deployment on the horizon, we can see it, but luckily, its not right in front of our faces yet. We have time to have a baby and get a routine-- before we are totally uprooted and have to start over. Justin is busting at the seams with work right now, we got a decent tax return, my job is steady and stable... its all just the way it should be.

Now all we have to do it just sit back and wait to welcome Little Bean Hayes to the family.


....Sit back. Yeah, right.

Well hello, 2011.

A new year, a new beginning. Hard to believe that 2010 is behind us. Seems as if we were just having the debate of " do we call it two thousand and ten or twenty ten?" I cant believe how much Justin and I managed to do in a year, and how many things that we didn't get to that we had made such great plans to "actually do this time."

2010 brought us Simba and Nala in April, and Tango in December. 2010 brought is Brandon, Stephanie, Michael and Trevor, a move to Camano Island, and a road trip to Tahoe. 2010 brought us hopes of having a baby, and fertility treatments, doctors appointments, and the realization that keeping the faith isnt as easy as it sounds. 2010 brought us our first anniversary, new tattoos, and lots of hockey games. 2010 brought us great times with old friends, great times with new friends, and the loss of a few that we love. 2010 brought us lots of laughs, plenty of tears, long nights, early mornings, and few blissful day that we could sleep in late. 2010 brought us trials of not having enough money, learning the unemployment system, and the realiztion that there are a lot of things that we can do without. 2010 brought us growth in our marriage-- so easy to accept, and some not as much. 2010 brought us shopping trips, drill weekends, and more then one night of "I'm going to be later then I thought." 2010 brought us extreme summer heat, a snow front complete with ice and 11 degree weather, and the realization that if you dont leave the pellet stove running, your house will be an iceberg when you get back to it. 2010 brought a new job (or 2) attempts at meal planning and coupon cutting, and a few too many dinners out. 2010 brought us love, happiness, and many learning experiences, but we aren't sad to see it go, because we know 2011 is going to bring us so much more. Some that we want, some that we dont want.. but nothing that we cant handle. Hello 2011, just what do you have in store for us??

So much time has gone by...

It seems like I just posted a blog yesterday, and when I look back on it... its been months and months. Where does the time go? I wish I had more time to sit down and chat... there have been so many exciting things going on.

Justin and I moved! That's an important one. We found this cute little house on Camano Island, so we packed up... and after a lot of stress, sweat and tears... we're there. The kittens love the extra space, WE love the extra space, and the best part is the country setting. It is so quiet out there... so... simple. Things just run smoother. I think we are country folks at heart... we feel like we belong there.

Duck hunting season is upon is. I spend a lot of time by myself this time of year. I COULD go out to the duck blind with Justin and his buddies.. I just choose not to. Its cold. And wet. And I value my weekends to sleep in! Seems like the weekends always go by too fast...

I started a new job about six weeks ago. Its going wonderfully, and I love the people that I work with. Its so nice to be back at a regular office job, I feel like its where I belong-- I KNOW what I'm doing here, and I am confident that I am doing it right. Its such a great feeling to know that you are right where you need to be. Could it get better then that?

Justin and I have been working on wedding stuff.... and we are kind of at the point where I think we are just going to throw in the towel. What we really want is to just get everyone together for a big celebration... so keep your eyes out for details on that. Someday, we will have the big wedding... it just isn't in the cards for us right now. Thanks, economy. ;) I'm a little bit sad about it.. but overall, I'm okay. I know that someday, I will have the wedding of my dreams.. and Justin and I will renew our vows then-- or say them, I guess, seeing as how we never said them to start with. Our relationship is so different in so many ways... but still so perfect for us!

We are working on starting a family. It has been a frustrating process. I never in my life imagined that it could be like this.... As the calendar turns the page here soon, we are coming to the realization that we have been trying for a YEAR. That just seems like such a long time. Big picture, it isn't. But to us.. it feels like an eternity. We have been doing through some tests and stuff, to work on whats keeping us from getting where we want to be... but right now, we could just use lots of prayers. We know it will happen for us.. but I find it harder and harder to keep my head up as the days go on. Its overwhelming to see all of these babies being born-- babies that weren't even though of until months after we started trying. I think it will make our own baby that much more sweet... we just need to get to that point... and be able to keep the faith in the process. <3

Its hard to believe that the holidays are upon us again. Here we are at Halloween... that means Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner. My most favorite times of year! I love spending time with family, and it will be extra sweet this year because we will get to spend Christmas with Justin's brother, and his wife and children. We can't wait to see them, and are counting down the days until they arrive! The holidays also tend to feel a little bittersweet. I think of all of the loved ones that we have lost in the last few years, and it hurts. I miss them all the time, but for some reason, the holidays make me miss them more. I miss the traditions that we used to have... and I hope to carry them on for the family that we have here... and for the future generations of our family.


Well... seems as if my ramblings have gotten long again... so I will call it a day for now. Maybe I will be back to post more often, it feels good to update... but who knows. Somehow, life always has a way of getting in the way.

The Great Recipe Share- Week 1 "Your All Time Favorite"

Its been a few weeks in the making.. thank you to all of you who have shared your recipes with me to make week one a success! :) If you would like to participate in the future, just send me a message on Facebook or email me at KaylaSHayes@gmail.com

Your all time favorite recipes:

Hamburger Tater tot Casserole:

1 lb of ground beef
1 bag of seasoned tater tots
1 can of cream of celery
1 can of campbells cheese
Line 9x13 pan with meat- slightly cooked or uncooked whichever you preferCover with frozen tater tots. Mix the cream of celery and cheese together and add one can of milk mix the celery and cheese together with the milk together to make one sauce. Pour the mixture over the tater tots. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour and serve. Yum!

- Submitted by Sara S.


Ingredients:
1 lb. Ground Chicken (or turkey, but chicken tastes better)
Worcestershire sauce
Chicken Bouillon Cubes
2 Packages of Won Ton wrappers (at haggen or other stores refrigerated)
5 eggs
Spinach
Shrimp
Boil a BIG pot of water with 5 chicken bullion cubes.Mix 1 lb of ground chicken, 2 eggs, a dash or two of worcestershire sauce, and some pepper (however much you like I guess)Won tons wrap funny, I can't explain, but you can google a video I'm sure. I honestly can't tell you, I'd have to show you..but as you wrap themboil them in batches. Put a batch in the boiling chicken broth for 3 minutes at a time and then take them out and strain, and put in a big bowl on the side.. as a batch boils.. just fold the next.. hope that makes sense LOL.Once all the won tons are cooked add more water to the potand probably 3 or so more bullion cubes.Then add some spinach leaves to the water, a lb or so of shrimp and 2 or 3 eggs (break them up since it's kinda like egg drop soup as far as that goes).Then add the won tons and walla! All done..

- Submitted by Naomi P.

Manicotti:

for manicotti (or for stuffed shells) i get the pasta (i usually buy ronzoni or publix brand, not picky about that part at all) and i put them in boiling water with a lil salt and a lil dallop of EVOO (so they don't get super sticky) and i boil them really al dente (not soft at all). so keep a close eye and pull them out while they're still firm.
the cheese:get two containers of ricotta cheese - i always mix one skim milk and one whole milk. you can go either way, but i think the 50/50 mix is perfecto.i plop about 2/3's of each container into a big mixing bowl.i add in a bag of shredded mozzarella cheese. if you got a block, i'm sure one block would be sufficient.then add about a cup (maybe even 2 cups) of parmasean. like the kraft kind, the grated stuff. if you use the real stuff its stronger, so maybe less.i mix up that cheese.then add some oregano, some salt and pepper, a raw egg, and i sprinkle in some bread crumbs (just the regular kind).then i taste it. (i know, i know... raw egg) but if you taste it, you can kinda tweak and adjust as needed. at least that's what i do, then i add whichever cheese is lacking, or maybe some more seasoning. oh, if you have "italian seasoning" - that works too. just a lil touch!then i get out the casserole dish, and i fill the bottom with jar sauce.(now, my fav sauce to cook with is ragu old world style. everyone has totally crazy differing opinions, so i say use whatever jar sauce you know you like. if you want a recipe for homemade sauce, i have an actual recipe... but it takes hours to make).so fill the bottom with sauce, then start packing in your stuffed manicottis. i literally just use a spoon and smoosh the cheese mix in the shells, and then cram them in there. they can be touching, its cool.then i cover them and fill the casserole dish with sauce. (it probably takes more than one jar if you're using a good sized pan/dish).sprinkle some shredded mozz or "italian cheese mix" (the pre-shredded bag kind) over the top.throw that junk in the oven baking at like 400-ish degrees... and when the top looks all done and beautiful, its done! the cheese on top will be all brown and baked and pretty.i hope this works for you. i know my method of cooking is a cluster, but its always worked for me
EDIT:btw, this is my cheese mix that i use in lasanga too. i just get the lasagna noodles from the store and put them in the pan UNCOOKED. no matter what brand, even if they aren't the "non-boil" kind, you don't have to boil noodles first.then i do the layering. sauce in the bottom of the pan, then a layer of noodles.the next layer is do is meat. i just brown some ground beef and while its cooking i throw in some worstershire and garlic. i do not cook the meat all the way, because it'll cook more in the lasagna.spread the beef on top of the noodles, add some sauce. (and i am SO BAD, i add pats of butter sporadically across the top of the beef!)then on top of the beef and sauce, i add more noodles.then i dabble some sauce on top of the noodles, smear my cheese mixture on top again and then add more sauce one top.add one final layer of noodles. add some more sauce (the trick is to always place the noodle in sauce, because it'll sop up the liquid to make the noodle cook right).then i sprinkle some mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top so when it bakes you get the beautiful brown gooey cheese layer. amazing!

-Submitted by Rose D.


Jason's Tortellini Soup:

2 - 7 oz boxes of tortellini (I like multicolor)
2 - 23 oz boxes chicken broth (or equivalent)
2 reg cans of diced tomatoes
1 box frozen chopped spinach, you can use a bunch or small bag of fresh baby spinach
1 med or 1/2 large onion, chopped
2-3 cloves of garlic, chopped, sliced or crushed
1 stick of butter (yes, a STICK, as in 4 oz)
6-8 oz shredded parmesan
crushed red pepper flakes if desired (don't want it super spicy but a kick is nice)
extra virgin olive oil if desired

In a large heavy pan, melt stick of butter. Add red pepper flakes, maybe black pepper to taste. Sweat onions & garlic til tender but don't scorch. Lightly browned butter is ok, adds flavor. When onions are tender add tomatoes & spinach. When frozen spinach block comes apart add chicken broth & bring to a light boil. Stir in tortellini. Keep liquid bubbling but not boiling over, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Tortellini will expand; if it seems really brothy, you can throw in a handful of another kind of pasta like ditalini or rotini. Not necessary if you prefer this more soupy.When tortellini is done, serve with lots of shredded parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil on top. Pasta will continue to absorb liquid. This tastes better & better. Makes GREAT leftovers.If you're squeamish about too much butter you can use half, but the flavors all come together to make a very satisfying bowl of yumminess.

-Submitted by Jana V.


Zesty Chicken Tenderloins Marinade:

1 lb chicken tenders
1 cup Italian dressing
2 teaspoon fresh lime juice
3 teaspoons honey
Place Italian dressing into a measuring cup. You can strain the spices out of the dressing or leave them in for extra zip. Add lime juice and honey. Stir.Place chicken tenderloins in a freezer bag and add marinade. Best results is when chicken is allowed to marinade overnight, but a minimum of one hour gives a nice result as well. Grill or place chicken in a skillet. Cooking time for the skillet is about 45 minutes.

-Submitted by Devorah J.


Barbeque Chicken Pizza:

Ingredients:
1 ¼ cups warm water
1 packet active dry yeast
1 ¼ tablespoons sugar
3 ¼ cups flour
½ teaspoon salt

Preparation:
Mix together the first three ingredients in a glass container with a two cup or large capacity. Allow to sit for eight to ten minutes. The mixture will froth somewhat. Place flour and salt in a large bowl or in the mixing bowl of a mixer with a dough hook.A bread machine set to manual will also work. Add liquid to flour and mix thoroughly for four to six minutes, adding flour or water if dough is too dry or wet. The end result should be slightly stick and firm.Remove from bowl and place in a lightly greased airtight baggie, draping the bag nearly but not completely closed to allow gases to escape. Leave in a warm place for an hour and a half for proper rising. Do not allow to rise more than two hours. Bread machine users may allow dough to rise inside the bread machine.*Here is where I noticed that it is a very thick crust. I would only use about 2/3 of the dough on a pizza pan and use the other 1/3 for breadsticks of some sort.-EPlace on a fourteen inch pizza sheet for thick crust and a sixteen inch sheet for thin crust. Roll out and prick with fork. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise fifteen to twenty minutes more.Prick with fork again.Top pizza as desired. Preheat oven to 475 to 525 degrees (thicker toppings will require a higher temperature) and bake until crust is golden on the edges and cheese has browned and is bubbly.(Serves 3 to 5)
Toppings;
1/2 lb chicken breast
1 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (sweet baby rays original is my favorite)
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
Chop chicken and cook on the stovetop, season as preferred. Place chicken in bowl and toss with only some barbecue sauce. Slather pizza crust with barbecue sauce. Use as much as you'd like. Then add the chicken, onions and cheese. Cook as directed in dough recipe.

-Submitted by Erica R.

There you have it, folks.. the recipes for week one!! I can't wait to try them all out! The theme for week two is: Summber Barbeque Favorites (Your favorite item to bring to a summer BBQ or cookout!!) Please have recipes in by Sunday-- I will be out of town all weekend, but I will try to have them up by Sunday night! :)

Hard to believe that its been a year...

That's right. It has been almost a year since Justin and I got married. It was official July 23rd, 2009... though, we didn't know until over a week after that, since he was in Iraq at the time. A year. So many things have happened. We have finished a deployment to Iraq. We have managed homecoming, moving, and our first holidays as a married couple. We have managed a road trip, adopting two kittens, and all the other hectic things that come with the first year of marriage. And here we are, almost to the other side. We still come love each other, and even though there have been arguements and disagreements... we have lived to tell the stories and laugh about it. I couldn't ask for more.

... And the next years are going to bring so many more exciting things, I can't wait to see it all unfold!

In the meantime, the new job is going really well. I'm getting settled in there, and really starting to learn things, which is a good feeling. I don't feel like I'm brand new anymore, thank GOD, and I really am enjoying my role as a manager there. I think it is going to be a great fit for me. For now, at least. Who knows what life will have in store for us in the future! :)

We are going to Leavenworth for our one year anniversary, and staying in a really awesome hotel. I can't wait to go! I havent been there in a long time, and I love all of the little shops and tourist-y stuff. Its going to be a great time!

Justin has been working steadily (thank goodness!) and has joined a fight gym in his off time. He's going there three or four nights a week, and at some point he will start fighting for them on the team. (MMA type fights.) He is really enjoying it, and I can't wait to start watching him fight! Its something that we both really enjoy watching, so I can only imagine that it will be better when he is doing it!

Hard to believe that it is already halfway thru July already. Where does the time go? The sun has finally come out, and I have had a couple of days that I have been able to enjoy it... I really couldn't ask for more!

In closing... I love you, Justin! Thank you for the most wonderful first year of marriage a girl could ask for. I can't imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone other then you! <3

Oh so many changes....

I can't believe that it has been over a month since I last posted a blog. Things have changed so quickly, I feel like I never have time for all of the things that I want to do-- but I suppose thats life!

First off, I have found a new job! I was shopping at my favorite store one day, and they told me that they had a management position open. Of course I applied, and after three in person interviews and a phone interview, I was offered the position. My title is the "First Assistant Manager" which makes me the first person after the Store Manager. Its at a store called maurices in the Cascade Mall, and I am really excited to be a part of such an amazing team! Working on my feet again has proven to be slightly painful, so I will be really happy when I am used to standing on them all day! So far, it has been an amazing opportunity, and I am looking forward to learing a lot more. (Not to mention that getting super cute clothes at a discount really rocks!)

The kittens are growing so quickly. They are sixteen weeks old now, and go in for another round of shots this week. We had a bit of a crisis on Friday as I was getting ready for work. I never EVER leave the kittens alone in the bathroom when I have the curling iron plugged in, and I know just how they get up on the counter, so I move the curling iron away as far as possible from that point. Well, that day, our little girl Nala decided to jump from IN the bathtub onto my counter and burned her paw. I had to rush her to the vet, and her poor paw was so swollen. But, she never cried or even limped. She just kept playing like a champ, but would shake her paw because it was swollen and felt "funny." After a few days of medicine, she is back at 100%, but I still feel horrible. I cried when she hurt herself, I felt so bad!

Add the crazyness of a new job with a lot of late hours to graduation season, the beginning of nice weather (well, sorta) and everything else that has been going on.. and Justin and I have been really busy! Last week we booked our hotel room to celebrate our one year anniversary in July. We are excited because that will also mean that it is one year until our "big wedding" which I am SO looking forward to! We have a lot that we need to accomplish to get to that point, but I know we will make it!

I'm sure that I am forgetting a hundred important things, but I guess that means I will just have to come back for another blog. Until then.... I'll be praying for more sunshine!

The Newest Additions to our Little Family.

Well, I finally caved... Justin got his cat. Kitten, in fact... two of them. We found a lady on CraigsList that had a boy kitten for sale, and so we sent her a message and prepared to pick him up. We went to the Pet Store, bought him all kinds of toys and a bed... all the stuff you need for a cat. We had even decided that his name was going to be Simba!

When we went to pick him up, I fell in love with his sister. The lady that had them (was... totally nuts, but thats a different story..) said that she had been planning on keeping the little girl... but after I sweet talked her, and gave her my sob story about not wanting Simba to be lonely.. she agreed that we could have her also. So, 20 minutes and $80 later, here we are with two kittens in a cardboard cat carrier-- heading home.

Of course, since his name is Simba, her name HAS to be Nala. And now, our little pack is up to four. Ive never had a kitten or cat before, and I am pretty scared of cats, so this has been a big experience for me. I am warming up to them, and tonight they were both crashed out on me for awhile... now I just have to get used to those claws! I've always had dogs. Dogs are easy... you know what they are planning on doing 20 minutes before they do it. Cats on the other hand.... scheme and plan, and then attack when you least expect it. I'll get used to it at some point, but for now, I have a healthy respect for that fact that I have no idea whats going on... and am figuring it out slowly.

I am looking forward to watching them grow and learn-- and eventually not be totally crazy kittens.... but its so cute for the moment. They are making their first venture to the vet tomorrow to get them signed up for their kitten insurance plans... and then a big vet check on Wednesday afternoon! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they are healthy kittens! :)

(P.S. The dark grey striped one is Simba, and the light grey petite one is Nala!)