Happy Birthday, Jack!

Jack turned 24 this month and I had planned a surprise for him! Those that know me best know there's another Jack in both of our lives.

Jack Bauer.

I thought it would be only fitting since Jack turned 24 to make him the star of 24 the show. Those that know us really well knows the importance of 24 in the beginning of our relationship.

24 - Seasons 1-3

24 Season 4 - 6

24 Season 7 - 8

Jack woke up to seeing these work of arts and to some cinnamon rolls.

I had his birthday off, so I started a baking a cake for him. I was nervous the whole time since I wasn't sure it was going to turn out good. But it didn't turn out too horrible.

It looks like an oreo cake,but it's chocolate with chocolate buttercream filling.

With white buttercream all over.

Since I wasn't confident in this cake, I had a back up plan.

Oh, you delicious cookie cake.

Once Jack got off work, we headed to dinner! We definitely got our steak fix in; we were full!

Yup, that is Jack's 22 oz bone in ribeye.

My wonderful, filet. Perfectly cooked. Perfectly seasoned.

Hello, chocolate molten cake.

Happy Birthday Jack!

Make a wish!

He loved celebrating his birthday with his sister, brother in law, parents and grandparents. We had a great time!

The sunset was beautiful that night, even as storms were brewing.

Happy Birthday Jack! I can't wait to see what this year brings you! Duncan and I love you!
-J&K

Spring Break - for Grown Ups

It's our 100th blog post and I can't imagine a better post to celebrate! Last week was "spring break" (which doesn't have the same meaning in the real world) and my birthday week (which does have the same meaning in the real world)! Here are some pictures from Birthday Week!

I made Green Velvet Cupcakes for St Patricks Day!

Yummy!

Never have I ever had a green cupcake!

Delicious Green Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing!

 On Wednesday, our Small Group theme was Green Food!

Green Angel Food Cake

Green Apples, Broccoli, Shepherd's Pie, Pesto Pasta

And a cookie cake to top of the night!

On Thursday, Jack woke up early and made Green French Toast! He calls it "Swamp Toast".

Definitely odd; Definitely delicious! 

Duncan celebrated by ripping up his bed to find the green stuffing.

No need to fear, I stitched that baby back up.

He didn't want to get pinched on St Patrick's Day!

We took the afternoon off work to celebrate my birthday in Norman. First Stop - O'Connell's!

Green Beer is a must.

My third year to celebrate with a green beer. I missed last year.

And what do you know - they had a shot called "Mexican Leprechaun". Perfect description of myself.

 Second Stop - The Mont! It was the warmest birthday I can remember, so we enjoyed sitting on the patio!

Home of the Original Sooner Swirl. Yummmmm.

We spent some time walking around the duck pond, trying to identify all the birds and ducks. We both hadn't been to the duck pond since about 5th grade.

We met my parents and Jack's parents at Victoria's Pasta Shop for dinner. We love this restaurant! It was great to see our parents and spend time with them.

On our way back home, we stopped at the lighthouse on Lake Hefner.

So Festive for St. Patrick's Day!

It was really windy.

I wish those people weren't sitting there; they are blocking the sunset!

 Once we got home, we enjoyed some Birthday Cookie!

We have way too many sweets in our kitchen.

My co-worker and I ordered a joint birthday cake. Our birthdays are one week a part and we thought we should split an Amy's Cake birthday cake.... so we did.

It turned out super cute! We plan on cutting it in half, each getting our respective side.

Red Velvet.

 The week came to end with the Super Moon; it was a sight to see!

I hope you got a chance to see it in person. It looked awesome.

We wanted Duncan to see it, so we leashed him up. He doesn't even know what the moon is.

I think Birthday Week/Spring Break was the best! We had so much fun with our friends and family over this week. Happy Birthday to me!

Today marks the first day of spring, which I like to call allergy season. I hope you Spring Break and St Patrick's Day was fun. 

Love,

Jack and Kayla

P.S. Now that we are homeowners, we care about our yard. I asked for a weed puller for my birthday. Odd gift? Yes. It rules.

Check out the root on that baby!

Sweet Treats

I have been in a baking mood! I'd like the blame the blizzard last month for kicking off my baking spree, but that was over one month ago - this is just my sweet tooth.

One of my new favorite blogs is Bakerella (which I just visited; she is in the hospital - sending prayers for healing Bakerella!). She is wonderful and has increased my desire to bake and create! She provides step by step instructions, great pictures, and the perfect amount of joy!

My first adventure was her (and Martha Stewart's) Chocolate Crackle Cookies!

Delicious!

Next up, brownies! Again, Bakerella inspired me to try brownies in the mini cupcake pan. I think it's my new favorite thing! They become instant bite sized delights! For my first round, half plain brownies, the other half Reese's peanut butter cup brownies!

Again, delicious!

To continue using my new favorite baking pan (which I was graciously given as a wedding present), brownies with cream cheese icing!

Oh, and I sprinkled some cocoa on top.

Delicious!

I should say these baking adventures were spaced out over the past three weeks.
With each sweet treat, Jack and I usually try one or two (sometimes six or seven) and then we take the rest to work - share the sweet treats! I have gotten some truly great compliments from Jack's co-workers.

Good luck with your next baking adventure!
-Jack and Kayla

Blizzard 2011 Continues..

We haven't left our house in two days! We have been productive, both inside and outside. Yesterday, Jack got his tools our and mounted the TV in the living room. 

Finding the studs with his new stud finder.

 While I am not ready to put holes in the walls, I was ready for these holes. In fact, I left the room. I could still hear the drill.... but I knew Jack had it under control.

It looks great! Next up, trying to wire everything.

Today, we ventured outside the house. We bundled up and played with Duncan a little bit. Jack shoveled the driveway (some of our new neighbors came over to help! what a blessing!)

Loves LOVES the snow.

Super Dog - He can do anything with the squirrel Frisbee!

Just having fun!

The sidewalk is... well, somewhere.

Here's some of the fun we had -

While Jack was working hard at shoveling (and mingling with the neighbors), I baked cupcakes (naturally).

Working on my decorating techniques.

Just some fun designs.

I had leftover icing and I wanted to fulfill my dream to make a rose! Not too bad for my first rose.

I think we are excited to get out of the house tomorrow, even if its to go to work. We have had a fun two days of snow! However, I think I heard another "arctic blast" coming this weekend... I have mixed feelings about cheering on springtime (springtime = allergies, allergies = miserable Kayla), but we are ready for some warmer temperatures!

 -jack and kayla

New Years Eve!

We had a great New Years in our new house! We took the evening off from unpacking and actually cooked a full meal!

Jack had a T-Bone steak, I had a filet. We both had baked mac and cheese and green beans!

His mac and cheese - wheat noodles.

My Mac and Cheese - regular noodles.

For dessert - I baked Barefoot Contessa's Red Velvet cupcakes.

I used a few of my new Wilton cake decorating tools to ice the cupcakes. Nothing fancy, I still need some practicing.

Duncan got a chew a little bit on Jack's bone from his steak. It was his New Years Eve treat!

We hope you had a great New Years - Welcome 2011!!

-Jack and Kayla