May 24, 2013 By 3 Comments

Insta Friday

What a week.  It’s been a crazy and good one, that’s for sure.  And I’m pumped for a long weekend.  So here’s some Instagram pics from the past week.  If you want to follow along I’m pitterpatterart.

He kind of only wears stripes.  Like all the times.  Smiles and stripes is his go-to look…and I’m totally cool with that.

Amon love the Kitchen Aid stand mixer.  They are bffs…4-life!

Posted my first ever sun rise/sun set picture on Instagram.  I kind of didn’t have a choice.  It was around 5am and the sky looked on fire…crazy, amazing on fire.  I even stopped and got out of my car to take it.  I made sure there were no cars coming…safety first when Instagramming.

Snickerdoodles are pretty much love in baked good form.  And baked goods can change the world…or at least make your principal and vice principal feel awesome.

I told Harper she could have anything she wanted for dinner since we were celebrating the last day of school.  She said, “Anything?”  I said, “Anything.”  Rainbow waffles it was.  I like her.

I just mixed up the waffle mix, divided it out into however many bowls I needed for each color, added the food coloring and then just randomly dumped the different colors onto our waffle maker.  Totally easy.  Everyone declared they were the best waffles I’ve ever made.  Of course they were.

And the aftermath of the last day of school and soccer practice and rainbow waffles and a late night baseball game.  There are so many dishes in the pile…ugh…time to get washing.

Hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.  I sooooo love a long weekend.  Enjoy.

Happy Friday.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , 3 Comments
May 23, 2013 By 11 Comments

Be Kind

If you have a Pinterest account then you have probably seen printable after printable after printable of this Plato quote.

(I made this one using Red Stamp.)

You really and truly never know what’s going on in another person’s heart or life.  Be kind.  Two little words that can totally change a person’s day.  It’s not always easy to be kind, but how incredibly important and what an amazing way to show someone God’s love…kindness.

This blog and what you read is really just a snippet of our lives.  There is so much…so so much more going on…easy and hard, good and bad, joyful and painful.  Battles.  I choose to share some of the crazy and boring and mundane and joyful parts and some of the battles, but I do keep some things to myself.  Sometimes it’s just because I don’t feel like the world should know every little thing…sometimes it’s out of respect for the people who are on the battle field with me…sometimes it’s because it’s just too much to try and explain or share.

But today God showed our family great favor in a battle we’ve just been pouring our hearts out to Him with.  Asking and praying and petitioning Him for some amazing results.  And honestly, I prayed with lack of confidence because doctor’s said otherwise and tests were reading otherwise.  And God reminded me today that He is always in control and faithful, whether I’m confident or not.  He is God and He is enough.  Today God showed us favor with some little ears that could hear.  And a right ear that just 6 weeks ago could hear nothing.

Today could have gone differently, and you know what, God still would have been His faithful self.  And He would still be good.  And as I drove home from the hospital I thought to myself how this day could have played out way different.  And my mind immediately went to the quote above because kindness stuck in my mind.

The sweet valet guy at the hospital who said, “You are always welcome here.”  Dude could have just pointed me in the right direction and been done, but he went out of his way to speak kind words into my life when only God knew how anxious and stressed and worried my heart was at that very moment.

For close friends and family who took time to pray for this appointment and then celebrate with what I’m deeming a miracle, because I don’t care what you say, God still does miracles…big and small.

For the kind audiologist who patted my back as I absolutely sobbed in the sound proof booth after watching Amon turn his head not only to the left when he heard sound, but to the right as that crazy sweet little right ear took in sound.  That previously, completely unresponsive little right ear was hearing.

And for the kind couple on the elevator who chatted with me and said such nice words about Amon and then held the elevator door so I could get off the elevator with Amon in his stroller before the door closed.

None of those kind things had to happen, but they did and they made my day so much better.  I am thinking hard today about kindness and how we really and truly never know the battle someone is in the middle of or facing…how our kind gesture or deed or words could completely impact their day.  So let’s be kind.  Let’s make that big, important choice to just be kind to others and love with a God sized love.

Happy Thursday.

PS:  Working on my giveaway items…thank you for all the input.  I hope you will love it!

PPS:  Happy Summer!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 11 Comments
May 22, 2013 By 36 Comments

One More Day

First, I just wanted to say thank you.  Thank you for reading my itty bitty piece of the internet.  Thank you for not only reading, but for making me feel normal and for always being kind and thoughtful and sharing.  It thrills my heart when you share with me your stories and when you can relate to my words.  I like to know I’m not the only crazy one out here.  So I really do hope you know how grateful I am for you.

Second, tomorrow is the last day of school…only one more day until summer break.  I’m ready.

I recycled Harper’s birthday door decorations into “Happy-End-Of-The-Year” decorations and I bought Fruit Loops for a special breakfast.  My kids are like elderly people when it comes to their cereal, so Fruit Loops will be way super fun.

I am extremely ready for the lazy summer days filled with sleeping in late and swimming and the wave pool and grilling out and baseball and ice cream and fun trips and Gotcha Day celebrations.  It’s going to be a wildly good summer.  And it’s also sad that this school year is coming to an end…we’ve just been crazy blessed.

And lastly, I’m thinking it may be time for a giveaway…you know…to kick summer off really right.  I was thinking maybe a “Favorite Things” giveaway or a canvas giveaway or key fob and camera strap giveaway…what do you say?  I’d love to hear what would make for a killer summer giveaway in your lovely eyeballs.

Again, thank you so much for reading and stopping by.  You’re pretty awesome.  Gearing up for our big day tomorrow and trying to get just a few things accomplished today.  Hope your day is great.

Happy Wednesday!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , 36 Comments
May 21, 2013 By 13 Comments

Harper {Sigh}

Yesterday I received our CD of pictures in the mail from Cheyenne from Shots by Cheyenne.  If you haven’t heard me sing her photography praises enough, well then just hang tight and you will.  She’s amazing.  And she’s quick.  And she nails it…every time.  I love how she captures our family on that day in time.  It’s always just right and even if everyone’s not looking or smiling or not even looking somewhat normal, I still love the pictures.  They are ALWAYS just sooooo us…and that is totally perfect to me…Every.Single.Time.

I literally cried while scrolling through all the pictures and laughed and then cried some more.  I have so many I want to share, but today I thought I would highlight Harper.

I made a resolution this year that I would have more professional pictures taken and all the years following.  I got on Cheyenne’s books asap last year to make sure I followed through.  I should probably go ahead and book 2014, but don’t want to scare Cheyenne away just yet.

I take pictures all the time, but there is nothing that compares to letting someone else take the reigns and shoot our family all together.  I could never have gotten these shots on my own and as incredible as Cheyenne did.  For that I would pay over and over and over again.  Cheyenne and her talent are priceless to me and our family.  Absolutely.

Off my professional photography soap box and onto Harper:  I’m kind of hung up on her right now.  I guess because she’s finishing up kindergarten this week and she is just getting so big and it makes my heart super sad and super excited to see who God is molding her into.  I usually take Harper to school in the morning and I always pray out loud for her day as we drive through the car rider line.  Yesterday morning I started praying for her day and thanking God for such an amazing kindergarten year and for blessing us with Mrs. Tanner and I immediately just started to bawl and then Harper started crying too.  I felt so bad that I had helped push her towards tears, but she told me how much she was going to miss Mrs. Tanner and what a good year she had had and my heart was just so full.  How blessed we have been this year with an awesome school and teacher.  We really hit the jack pot.  She wiped her eyes with the palms of her hands, smiled and jumped out of the van.  She loves school and I just pray so hard she will keep that love and keep her joy.

When I saw these pictures of us last night I immediately noticed and fell in love with Harper’s joy…that’s all I could think about.  That is Harper.  Our ever running Harper quote is, “She’s just happy to be here.”

I want to freeze time right now.  She is growing so big and so strong.  She is changing right before our eyes and I just want to pour into her and invest in her.  I want her to know that being just her will always be just enough for God.  That’s all He wants her to be.  I want her to know that she is truly beautiful because God created her and there is no one else like her.  I want her to know that God looks on the heart…and that’s what He most adores.  I want her to know that He is crazy about her and in hot pursuit after her heart.  I want her to know that being kind and loving and compassionate and generous is far more important than being first or smartest or prettiest or having the most of anything.  I kind of want to hide her away from the world and keep her pure and innocent, but I know God designed her to step out and change the world and not for me to keep.

I’m having to constantly remind myself that she really isn’t mine, but God’s.  He has His plans for her…He created her…He intricately and purposefully designed her.  What an honor Josh and I have.  Today as her mom I am humbled…like crazy, crazy humbled…to be her mom.  To have a chance to sit and watch His plans unfold for her and try my hardest to invest in her as God would have me as her Mom.  Goodness.  And I’m praying like mad that she keeps her Joy!

Happy Tuesday.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , 13 Comments
May 20, 2013 By 4 Comments

Random-to-the-Ness

Let’s see, let’s see.  Lots of randomness for this Monday because that’s just how today is rolling.

This is probably his favorite spot in the whole house.  He spends far too much time perched in this window sill.  I like him.

Key fob order I finished up a few weeks ago.  I’m done with all my April orders…hahahahaha…it only took me over a month to complete.  It was sad.  Life was crazy.  Now I’m gearing up for some Saturday Sales…I hope you’re as excited as I am.

Delaney and Amon’s first date.  I’m totally not against arranged marriages.

A sick kid on his last day of MDO when they are having a popsicle and pizza party is really sad.  I hated it for him, but a nap in the middle of the morning = legit sick.

Smile/Cry.

Sol got more xrays taken last Friday.  I wasn’t really thinking and let Huddy take his play western six shooter into the hospital.  No one said anything…except Sol’s doctor.  Hmmmmm.  And Sol’s 5 broken bones are now all growing new, nice and strong, so off with the boot.

Huddy: “So I guess Amon’s not a baby anymore?”

Me:  “Why do you say that?”

Huddy:  “Well now he’s a toddler.”

Me:  “You shut your mouth Huddy Kelley…you shut it right now.”

So I didn’t really say that last part, but I wanted to.  How dare he point out that Amon…baby Kelley…itty bitty baby Kelley…isn’t a baby anymore.  How did this happen?

Third time seeing the Avett Brothers.  Great show.  Every.Single.Time.  They don’t disappoint.  They have certainly arrived.

She’s big now too.  What is happening to my small Kelleys?  Time makes me want to use curse words…lots and lots of curse words.  How did she get so big?

I told you today was Random-to-the-Ness.  Always.  Hope you’ve had a great day.  Hope the start to your week has been shockingly good.

Happy Monday!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , 4 Comments
May 17, 2013 By 3 Comments

Best.Day.Ever

Sooooo, yesterday was amazing.  I love my kids, but goodness, sometimes a mom has to get a little alone time…and mine was glorious.  I had the entire day.  Like everyone was out of the house at 7am and I didn’t get home from dinner until like 11.  It was incredible.

Started my day off with some miles.

I spent time alone…in our house…alone.  No cleaning…only working on art.  Be still my heart.

I jammed to loud, catchy inappropriate music which I usually have to turn because of the young kiddos typically riding in my car.  Not yesterday.

I got my hair did.

Ate lunch alone.  Word.

Got a massage.  I wanted to stay forever under those warm blankets in that dark, relaxing room.  Sigh.

I had like a 6 hour dinner and drinks with a sweet friend.  Such yummy food.  We indulged.  Pot stickers and shrimp skewers were up first.

Raspberry goodness.

Next was fried okra with super delicious dipping sauce and then 2 plates of sushi.

Laura Kelley Fun Fact #401  I’ve never eaten sushi…ever…until last night.  It was amazingly good.  I might even have it again on Saturday night.  Is my life changed?  Maybe.

It was such a good day.  All moms everywhere need a day off every now and then.  I’m a firm believer that one of the best things you can do for your kids is to take care of yourself and your marriage first.  So much easier said than done, but when a free day is presented, you grab it and run like crazy.  Enjoy it.  Make a plan.  Don’t feel guilty, feel special and loved.  Your kiddos will survive without you.  And you will be sooooooo glad you did it.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Happy Friday.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , 3 Comments
May 16, 2013 By 4 Comments

If you need me…

I’ll be alone…in my house…All.Day.Long…zero wee Kelleys to be found.  I feel like a curse word is in order…wait for it…It’s going to be a damn fine day!

I’ve already been alone in our house for an hour and I killed the largest fly I’ve ever seen that I’ve been stalking for the past two days.  Extra good day plus.  It was huge and needed to die.  Now I’m going to put on some music…I’m thinking today is a Of Monsters And Men kind of music day…and get my create on.  I also might have added a hair and massage appointment to my day…thank you very much gift cards from my birthday last November…I knew you would come in handy.  So I’m peacing out for the day.  Going to soak is up like a sponge.  And just because I have zero shame, please enjoy my ghetto super fly selfie.  And…you’re welcome.

Have a crazy awesome day!

Oh Happy Completely Alone Thursday…you’re going to be grand.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 4 Comments
May 15, 2013 By 10 Comments

Ink

Inquiring minds have been petitioning me for tattoo info.  You guys are funny.  So here’s the run down on my tattoos.  I wish I had more picture documentation of them, but I’ll do my best…and it’s hard to take pictures of yourself when you’re getting tatted up.

All of mine are on my arms and my first tattoo was my anchor.  It’s for my Mom and for Hebrews 6:18-19  “They give us strength to hold on to the hope we have been given.19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and strong.”

Josh went with me to get it.  Here we are…me waiting and him checking out the tattoo books.  These guys are crazy good artists.

Next was my ship.  I wanted a really simple ship because I feel like our family is a really simple vessel and that God is our captain.  We had experienced one hell of a year and through out that year I constantly referenced our family as a ship and that we were venturing into uncharted waters and braving some pretty major waves.  I love all the stories in the Bible about Jesus in boats…He is always in control…He is always the captain.

Brea accompanied me for this one.  And that’s James.  He’s done all of my tattoos.

I went by myself for the remaining three.

I have a sparrow.  This one is to remind me not to worry…that God has clearly got this…whatever ‘this’ is.  “Therefore I tell you, do not worry…Consider the birds of the air:  They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them.  And how much more valuable you are than birds.”  Luke 12:22-26  Also, the last canvas I made my mom was a “His eye is on the sparrow” canvas.

This is the temporary tattoo before he got busy inking it up.

I have the word ‘family’ in Amharic.  Amharic is the primary language in Ethiopia.  I don’t have a good picture of this one.  You can kind of see it in this picture.

And I have an Africa tattoo.  I wanted it to look like it was stitched because God has so perfectly stitched our family together.  Obviously, we’re quite tied to Africa because of Sol and Amon being born in Ethiopia, but we are also quite crazy about Swaziland and our carepoint Ngungwane through Children’s HopeChest.

Huddy keeps asking me when I’m going to get a United States tattoo for he and Harper :) He cracks me up.  This is really the only good picture I have of this one..it’s upside down.  The picture was taken by Cheyenne of Shots by Cheyenne.

So there you have it…some details of my tattoos.  Not really sure what else to say about them other than I really like each of them and the reasons and meanings behind them.  And they didn’t hurt that bad.  No tears.  I think the Africa one probably hurt the worst because my arm was flexed the whole time and that area is kind of boney.  This is all making me laugh now.  Any who…hope you enjoyed.

Happy Wednesday!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 10 Comments
« Older Posts