Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Day 2

I always wished growing up that I had a nickname but because of the name I have it was always hard to have one that flowed well and worked. So, with that being said there are only a few that I could think of.

Cakey - A name I was called when I was little.
Kaye - The Bellamy family calls me this on occasion now.
Olacasinobronta - I had a good friend growing up that called me this. I called her Yongi. I can't remember how they stuck but they did for a time.
Mack - Only have I ever been called this by my good friend Amanda. She's the only one that can make it flow.
T-Mack - I'll get called this by the Bellamy family occasionally.

I think that's it. No more nicknames for me.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Day 1

I'm McKaye - lover of my handsome husband, my sweet little girl, and sunshine. Here are a few random facts about myself.

1. I absolutely love people. I wish I was able to have 100 best friends all at once.
2. I DO NOT like people touching my hair. I am extremely paranoid about grease and oils. Weird, I know.
3. I have a love for country music and hate when people bite popsicles with their teeth.
4. Chicken enchiladas and funeral potatoes are my favorite food.
5. I'm scared of the dark.
6. I have a ginormous love for babies and kids.
7. My lips are freckled.
8. I love helping people and seeing people happy.
9. My husband and my little girl are my world.
10. I love a good walk.
11. I love real estate. I am so far from having my own home but love looking at them.
12. I am a firm believer that every girl needs girlfriends no matter their season of life. I love my girl time. 
13. I love getting mail with my name on it. 
14. I love Jeeps.
15. I'm a lover of taking naps.




Monday, July 16, 2012

30 DAY CHALLENGE

I took this blog idea off the blog of a best friend. I thought it was a fun idea.


30 DAY CHALLENGE
Day 1: Introduce, recent picture of yourself, 15 interesting facts.
Day 2: Nicknames.
Day 3: Your first love.
Day 4: Your parents.
Day 5: What song inspires you.
Day 6: Pet peeves.
Day 7: What makes you happy.
Day 8: A place you’ve traveled to and where else you want to travel.
Day 9: A favorite picture of your best friend.
Day 10: Something you’re afraid of.
Day 11: A quote you love.
Day 12: Something you don’t leave the house without.
Day 13: Goals.
Day 14: A picture of you last year – how have you changed?
Day 15: Death row meal.
Day 16: Your opinion about your body and how comfortable you are with it.
Day 17: Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs.
Day 18: Something you miss.
Day 19: Things you want to say to an ex.
Day 20: Something you wonder “What if…?” about.
Day 21: Something you’re proud of.
Day 22: What do you want your future to be like?
Day 23: Favorite Movies and TV Show.
Day 24: Something you’ve learned.
Day 25: Something you are looking forward to.
Day 26: Your Dream Wedding.
Day 27: Photo of your city .
Day 28: What stresses you out?
Day 29: Who is you hero?
Day 30: A picture of yourself this day and 5 good things that happened since you started the challenge.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Little Blessings

Let me tell you one thing. I married a great guy! Last night we were at Sunday dinner at my family's house and I was one again reminded of that. I love that Zach can watch sports with my dad and brother(s) while I am in the backyard chatting with my sister. It's the nicest feeling in the world that he gets along with my family. I love that. So much.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Enjoy

A few things:

I am so so so glad that my mom is a photographer. Zach and I wouldn't have half the pictures of Sophie that we do if it wasn't for her. Last night we took a few and they couldn't have turned out cuter. Take a look for yourself.







On another note, we have a darling neighbor who let us borrow some movies the other day. I am not a huge movie person but I ABSOLUTELY LOVED both of them SO MUCH! I HIGHLY recommend both of them. Check out the links below and watch the trailers. You won't regret it.

The Chorus:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVtJgU6WTj8

Dear Frankie:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebn2eiqRA-4

Give those a watch when you have a second. You'll be glad you did. Well, think that's all for now. I'll be back later. XO

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Book Recommendations

In order to accomplish #8 on my summer list I am going to need some good book recommendations. I heard "Tuesdays with Morrie" is good but other than that I have nothing and I wanted a list to choose from. What are your favorite reads?

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Summer To Do List

I love lists as some people may know- shopping lists, grocery lists, to do lists, and lists in general. I thought it was about time I get my summer list going before summer passes me by.

1. Hike Mount Olympus. I've wanted to do this for years and never have.

2. Hike Mount Timpanogos.

3. Hike the Pipeline trail up Millcreek Canyon.

4. Hike the Rattlesnake trail up Millcreek Canyon. This is a must. I do it every summer.

5. Go to the temple.

6. Swim.

7. Watch a good movie.

8. Read a book.

9. NOT get burned.

10. Sit out under the stars.

11. Roll the windows in my car down.

12. Get a Bob's Brainfreeze. A summer staple. Summer is not summer without a Bob's.

13. Take lots of pictures.

14. Play night games. I may be too old, but I don't care. FUGITIVE.

15. Go on a drive. Preferably in the evening.

16. Paint my toenails.

17. Take a walk with Sophie.

18. Eat tinfoil dinners up the canyon.

19. Go to a drive in movie.

20. Go out for breakfast.

21. Make s'mores.

22. WICKED. I can't wait for this. I've wanted to see this for years.

23. Jackson Hole. My favorite place in the world.

24. Heber.

25. San Juan Islands.

26. Eat a Papa Murphey's pizza.

27. Go bowling.

28. Watch fireworks.

29. Visit my Grandma and Grandpa Parker.

30. Make a wreath for my front door.

31. Go to a dollar movie.

32. Have a game night.

33. Hike to The Living Room.

34. Hike Ensign Peak.

35. Have a picnic.

36. Make a summer campfire.

So here is my list. Anyone care to join me? Zach's finals end Thursday and then it's officially summer - in my book anyways. Let the fun begin!

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Random Ramblings

A few random things have been floating through my head.

1. I got called to the relief society presidency and after our first meeting last night I feel 100% inadequate for the job. I left our cute president's apartment and wanted to cry on my way home. I have no clue why I was called to this calling. If you only knew the ward I was in you would understand that I am highly under qualified. We have some of those most amazing woman. Beside the feeling of inadequacy, I am so so so excited. I am sure it's going to be a calling where I grow, which I am excited for.

2. I took Soph outside this morning to swing on the swings which she absolutely loves. I wish I had my camera with me. That little lady can't get enough of them and smiles and laughs the whole time she is one them. As we finished up and were walking home I couldn't help but absolutely love the apartment complex we are in. Our little court is nothing close to luxurious or glamorous. In fact, it's old an falling apart but I love it so much. I love how safe I feel here. I love that we are all students and all married. I love my neighbors. I love the mornings that I look out my window and see a million little rug rats running around on the playground in the center of the court. I love my ward. I love my friends. I love the little bubble we live in. It's like nothing can harm us. I love this season of life. I've heard older couples say they are so glad that they have moved on from all of that but I think they day we finish school and buy a house will be bittersweet. We love it here and we sure are lucky.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Love Birds

I've been blog stalking, as usual. I've come across a blog that I am quite liking - not because it's above and beyond other blogs but because when reading it you have absolutely no doubt in your mind that her and her husband are 100% in love. It's obvious in her posts and pictures, and her honesty about marriage and life is kind of refreshing. It's sometimes nice to read that someone else's life isn't rainbows and sunshine all the time. She's honest in admitting that there are arguments and tiffs but is so good at showing that their love is deeper than that. I like that.

I hope that when people look at our little family and our little love, they can see we are so in love, so happy, and best friends.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Baby Blue Eyes


This girl has the bluest eyes and I hope they never change. Maybe it was the light in our apartment this morning or maybe my camera - I don't know - but her eyes turned out especially blue in these pictures and I absolutely love it. When I tell people about Sophie I tell them that she has bright blue eyes and brown hair...but...after looking at these photos her hair looks rather blond. She's turning into a little Zach baby!!

I know I ramble on about her quite often but I just can't help it. She is such a good girl and my whole day revolves around this little peanut and it couldn't be better.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

The Little Things

Having Sophie around has been such a blessing. I can't say that enough. That little baby is filled with so much happiness, laughs, and smiles. I feel so lucky.

I was thinking a few days ago about how every little thing a baby does is praised and we get so excited about it- when they smile for the first time, or learn to roll over, or crawl, or sit up... Every little step, every little moment is smiled upon and the smallest things are considered the biggest successes. I wish I was able to look at adults and have those exact same feelings when they accomplished even the smallest of things. I think not only would we love others more but also ourselves. So, that is my goal- to notice the small things and make them more valuable. I think far too often it's easy to think that we haven't done enough because we only value the big things in life. We are so hard on ourselves. Today that is going to stop. Who is going to join me?

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Playing Dogs & Rice Cereal

I must say, I love this video camera. Zach bought it for Christmas and I love it. It was a very good purchase. We have been able to capture so many fun things.

Today I tried giving Sophie rice cereal for the first time. She neither hated it or liked it. She just ate it like she has been eating it for months. I thought I would post the video. Hopefully it works! I have no clue what I a doing when it comes to these things.



Sophie is the cutest and loves people up in her face. She would be the perfect kid to own a pet. Too bad we will never have one. She especially likes playing dogs- and not just some days- ALL DAYS! She LOVES people up in her face and all over her. It makes her so happy. Here is a little glimpse. Don't mind me acting like a total freak.



I love this little lady SO MUCH! She makes me SO incredibly happy. I can't imagine my life without her.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Girls Trip

I am bubbling over with excitement. A few years ago my mom and sisters took a girls trip down to California and we had a blast... so... we decided to go again. We are heading down to California this Friday and I am beyond excited. Here's what's in the forecast:


You may be wondering what this is. It's a map of the L.A. FASHION DISTRICT. It's blocks and blocks and blocks of clothes, toys, perfume, bags, flowers, fabrics, etc. AND bartering is encouraged. WAHOO!!!

THE SAN DIEGO ZOO! Oh , I can't wait. I was looking at maps online and IT IS HUGE! I can't wait.

SEAWORLD! The last time I was here I was in the 6th grade but I remember loving every second of it. I can't wait to go back.

So, the countdown begins. In just 2 days Soph and I leave for fun with the girls. I don't know if I said this already but...I CAN'T WAIT!

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Sophia

These were taken the other day on my phone. I had to post them.



Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Miss Sophia

This girl is getting so big.




I can remember bringing her home from the hospital and thinking her newborn clothes were the biggest things ever. This girl is growing so fast and gosh, I love her. Oh, how time flies.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Random Thoughts...

I have just a few things on my mind this morning.

1. The weather is WONDERFUL today. I went out on a walk with a friend in my ward and I felt myself getting hot in my sweatshirt. Kids were out in the courts playing on the playground. It's beautiful.

2. Meet my dream house.

It's only hundreds of thousands of dollars and totally unaffordable at the time in life but it's beautiful. At night my mind will sometimes get stuck on things. Last night it was stuck on thinking about how I could get money to buy that house. Silly, I know, but it's beautiful. What a dream it would be to live in that house.

3. Weddings. We have some good friends getting married. They slept over at our house last night and boy, it was great. I sure love them so much. It makes me giddy thinking about their wedding. I LOVE WEDDINGS. I would love to be a wedding planner. It would be the best job ever. Anyway, like I said, weddings.

4. Sophie is getting so big. I can't believe it!!!

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

I'm wishing...

Sometimes in the evening I'll get a thought stuck in my head that I just can't get out. I had this happen last night and ended up thinking about this thought all through the night. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get it out of my head. My thought:

Buying some land, building my dream house, and then conjoining the backyard with whoever lived next door. Hopefully I lived next to someone I was fond of. You could have the best backyard around.

It's a silly dream, I know. It sure is appealing though.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Bath Time



I got to admit, I think this girl is pretty dang cute. Sophie loves her baths. LOVES them. We gave her a quick bath and wrapped her up in her little robe. I couldn't help but take a picture. What a sweet girl.

The Luckiest

I have THE best in-laws. I left Sunday dinner last night feeling so so lucky. Some days I am reminded more than others. Yesterday was one of these.



Claudia: The most kind hearted woman in the world. This woman has a heart made of gold and intentions that are so pure. I admire her so much. She is always so positive and happy regardless of the situation. She is good at finding that silver lining in whatever situation. I wish to be just like when I get older.

Brian: The most genuine, sincere man. This is one of the best men I have ever met in my entire life. He has a real knack for making people feel important. Oh, how I envy that quality. He is so giving and never thinking of himself. It's something we all could work on. Oh ya, did I mention humble? I feel like he has so much to be proud of, yet I don't think he realizes how great he is.

Natalie: She is the "mom" out of the siblings and boy she is good at it. You can tell her siblings admire her so much. She makes delicious salads and is a wonderful cook. She'll tell you that she is working to be a "domestic goddess." What she doesn't realize is that she already is. I feel like she is such a good homemaker. I have a lot to learn from her.

Hilary: Knows how to be a friend. I admire that characteristic about her. I feel like I could sit and talk to her for hours about anything and still have fun. Hils also is someone who is humble when they have every right not to be. This amazes me. She has her priorities straight and is one of the best moms. I look up to her so much.

Adam: Knows how to make people laugh. This guy is a hoot. I have appreciated him so much and how good he is to me and Zach. He has such a good heart and darling boys. I've also been impressed at how hard he works to support his family. He is a good example to me and Zach of how we one day hope to be. This guy is also the champ at making Zach feel confident in his abilities which I love so much.

I am truly the luckiest. I married into the BEST family. I couldn't have gotten luckier!

Friday, February 24, 2012

On My Mind

I have a slew of random things on my mind today. Here are a few.

1. It's 45 degrees and sunny- a perfect day for a walk. Soph and I went for a walk around the village and it was so nice. It felt wonderful and some days it's nice to get out of the house even if it is only for a little.

2. On another note, I dropped off my car Monday evening to get it fixed and I still don't have it back. I am slightly frustrated. It's just nice to know if I want to go somewhere I can.

3. Sophie is THE best little button around. Oh gosh, I LOVE HER! I can't say that enough. She makes me SO happy.


4. I'm still on my house kick.

What's on your mind today?

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Dreaming

I'm daydreaming, again! I woke up this morning and continued reading a blog I couldn't finish last night. If you haven't checked out this blog then you NEED to. (http://www.71toes.com) (I tried inserting the link and even asked for help but I clearly have no clue what I am doing.) I want to be JUST like this woman when I "grow up." This lady is incredible. It got me daydreaming though about the future. I can't wait for the day that we have all the kids we planned, buy a house, make friends in our neighborhood, become a little more established- you get the point. That sort of stuff excites me. After reading the blog mentioned above and looking at all her wonderful pictures, I couldn't help but dream about that stage of life. What are you dreaming about?

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Homesick

I am absolutely homesick- and no, not wanting to go home but BUY a house. We aren't in a place to do so at the moment but a girl can dream, can't she? I look forward to the day we can. I have compiled a list of a few things I thought it MUST have. In my dreams it would have:

1. A big yard.

2. A beautiful staircase. (Every house needs one.)

3. A porch.

4. Wood floors.

5. A mud room.

6. Lots of windows.

7. A fireplace.

8. A guest bedroom.

9. Plantation Shutters.


I think that's all. I can't wait for the day we buy a house. CAN'T WAIT! I look at real estate and dream about it way too much. But as I said before, a girl can dream can't she?

What to do?

I have been debating on whether or not I should get rid of my Facebook. I have had these thoughts for some time now and I have been thinking more seriously about it today after a cute girl in my ward said she was getting rid of hers. It made me think of how much time I waste on that darn thing and how many other things are so much more important in this life. I figure that I will make an effort get a hold of people that are important to me. Facebook hasn't ever changed this concept. I think of all the things I would/should rather be doing. My list consists of this:

This girl is my whole world and she deserves every second of my time. I should be making memories, not stalking other peoples. There is still that little part in my brain that keeps telling myself that I will regret getting rid of it once I do. Oh, what to do?

Saturday, February 18, 2012

I am the LUCKIEST!!

I have been reminded once again that I have the best friends. People may disagree and say that they are the ones that in face have the best friend but I know I am right. I was reminded today about the friendships that are truly beautiful- the friendships that distance doesn't change. The friendships that come naturally and easy and never change no matter how much time has gone by. I find that those are the friendships that are full of true beauty. I have a few such friends. Meet Melanie Duffy and Kimmee Wade - two of my very best friends.



They are the best friends a girl could ask for. I could spend hours telling everyone how incredible they are - so I will.

Melanie Duffy: Melanie is one of the most beautiful girls a person will ever know. Inside and out. She is a listener, the loyalest of friends, easy to talk to, and brutally honest at times- but only out of love. She is in love with love and could be a model.

Kimmee Wade: If you ever need a friend with a bigger heart, this is your gal. I am jealous of Kim. She is so easily able to love- and not just some people - ANYONE! She is spunky and has sass. She is independent, smart, and is going to make THE BEST mom. That girl is more prepared than anyone I know. And, I have always been impressed at how slow she is to judge. That is such a talent.

I could go on and on about these guys. There is something so special and beautiful about them. Their friendship means the world to me and while I may stink at calling, skyping, texting, etc, I know that if I ever needed anything, they would be there in a heartbeat, and I know that no matter the time or distance, nothing will ever change with us. I find that absolutely beautiful and it's just another one of those times I feel so darn lucky.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Happy Stalking

I have always loved stalking people. Almost any kind you can think of- facebook stalking, going on a drive-by of my current crush's house (this practice has stopped because I live with mine but all girls have done it), blog stalking... I honestly love it all. As I was stalking a blog today I think I realized why. Besides all the cute pictures, fun backgrounds, and music, I love getting to know that person better. I honestly wish I could be best friends with everyone- know everything about them. I feel like reading people's blogs lets me do that a little more. I think of the relationships I have with my girlfriends. We'll send each other a text, or call, or talk online, and by the end of the month I feel like I have a pretty good grasp of how their life went that month- their good and bad days at work, drama with their crushes, what is going on with their family, stories of their professors and the annoying people in their classes, how they reacted in certain situations... you get the point- just every day stuff. I love that feeling of feeling like I actually know them- every part of them. I know their likes and dislikes, the quirky things that make them unique, how their usual day goes... I absolutely love that. It's when I stalk people's blogs that I feel like I get a little glimpse into their soul and who they are. I absolutely love that. So, I am off but maybe you won't find me as creepy if you find out I have been stalking you.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Wish List

I realize that I have way too many blogs and don't update them nearly enough. I need to do some simplifying and revamp them.
I far too often find myself cruising the internet and come across something that I REALLY want. After a few minutes of looking at the item, I seem to convince myself that not only is it a want but a NEED. Last night as I was looking online I came across a few of these items. Here is a list of all my current wants/needs:

1. Cowboy boots
2. Big sunglasses
3. Floppy sun hat
4. Cowboy hat
5. Long hair
6. To run a 5k
7. New swimsuits
8. A sun hat for Sophia
9. Sunglasses for Sophia
10. My own house
11. A "pretty" pair of wood stairs
12. Big backyard
13. Beach vacation
14. Cute guestroom
15. New sandals
16. Another baby
17. Naturally wavy hair
18. A couple new pairs of Bermuda shorts
19. A button up shirt
20. New swimsuit coverup
21. A fit body
22. More sun
24. Warm Weather
25. A nice tan
26. No zits
27. Makeup, makeup, makeup
26. Unlimited money to buy all these things