Archives for November 2015

November 13, 2015 By 6 Comments

VOTE!!!

Our friend Nick over at Sasquatch Design Society entered one of his most awesome designs in the Design The Good contest.  Here’s the down low…Nick uploaded his design and now we vote.  The most votes wins and the winner gets to choose what charity/organization receives the moola…and Nick chose Ngugnwane.  Simple enough and to the point.  Design with the most votes wins and we really really really want Nick to win.  And come on, his design is crazy good.

 All you need to do is:

1) CLICK HERE

2)  The entry screen asks for your full name and email address…enter those and then click the bright pink VOTE button.

3)  Right afterwards Nick’s design should appear with his name in the top left hand corner.  You hit the little heart at the bottom of his design by the number of votes he already has and the number will increase by one because of your vote.  The End!

So simple.  So easy.  And whoa now, watch out Ngungwane if he wins…we’re coming for you either way.

Please take a slice of your time to go vote and share with your friends and family and co-workers and anyone who will lend you their ear.  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU in advance for voting.  We soooooo appreciate it and you!!!

Here’s to a great weekend and a Happy Friday!

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November 11, 2015 By 5 Comments

3 Exciting Things

So much is going on right now and I wanted to share 3 exciting things with you.

1.  Camp Create.  You guys, I don’t even know how I got in this lineup, but boy am I excited and grateful and exited and nervous!!!!

I was able to attend Whatever Craft Weekend way back in 2012 just days before being matched with Amon.  It was such a fun weekend, but also super emotional for me with us still waiting on Amon and Mom having died just 6 months prior.  I was still crying every single night, so I bounced between excitement and fun and grief the whole weekend.  My favorite thing hands down were the women (and Kimberlee’s cooking)…my cousin Rebecca, Meg & Kimberlee and all the new friends we made.  So in 2014 when I was invited to teach and help it was a no brainer.  Awesomeness…again, but even better because I was a different person and God had been healing me in so many ways.  I might have cried when I got big hugs and oh my, all the women were outstanding…again!!!!

I’m clearly on an every 2 years schedule with the Craft House and this time it’s for Camp Create.  I just don’t even know how to express my excitement.  It all goes down April 6-10th!!  Let’s just start with the real kicker…Kimberlee will be feeding you the whole time and holy moly you guys, everything she cooks is incredible.  Like crazy incredible.

Laura Kelley Fun Fact #65:  Sometimes I moan when I eat.  Now if this doesn’t tell you something about how much I love and enjoy food I just don’t know what would.  The very first dinner I ever ate at Josh Kelley’s house I got called out for my moaning which I didn’t even realize I was doing.  With all that said the moan factor is high with Kimberlee’s food.

   Amber Haines is our speaker.  She spoke at QWomen so I had my friend Jessica introduce me.  She was crazy nice.  I cannot wait to hear what God gives her to share with us.  Meg, Jeanne Oliver and myself will be teaching different skills and techniques.  Pretty pumped I get to spend this time with such amazing women.

The truth:  Today when Meg posted about Camp Create I immediately felt the doubt pour in big time.  Satan does this to me a lot and I know it.  I took a moment and then did my Bible journaling.  I started Philemon and only got through 7 verses…He met me right where I was.

4:7  “…I keep hearing of the love and faith you have for the Master Jesus, which brims over to other believers. And I keep praying that this faith we hold in common keeps showing up in the good things we do, and that people recognize Christ in all of it. Friend, you have no idea how good your love makes me feel, doubly so when I see your hospitality to fellow believers.”

Won’t you consider joining us for Camp Create?!?!  It’s going to be outstanding and not because of us, but because of Jesus.  Tickets go on sale this Monday, November 16th at noon CST.  Read about all the details HERE.

2.  The Made South Holiday Market is right around the corner…as in next Friday and Saturday, November 20-21.  Ahhhhhhhhh!!!!

As I type I am watching our current youngest cry and cover her ears from Josh Kelley using all the power tools working on my booth jazz.  It’s crazy up in here.  Anyways, I’ve got a fun promo code just for your guys.  GO HERE to purchase your ticket ahead of time and use the code pitterpatter and get 10% off.  Whoop whoop.

If nobody buys my stuff I am fully prepared to create yet another collage wall in our house 🙂

3.  So you all apparently went crazy on my Noonday party.  Let me just say…women are amazing and strong and courageous.  Geez!!!  I am so excited because of you and your desire to help create a flourishing world for other women across the world I will be giving away over $500 in Noonday goodness!!!!  This is insane and crazy, crazy fun.  I already had a list of things I wanted to pick out, but now I have to add to it even more.  So keep your eyes peeled.  One little sneak peak…

yes indeed!  This beautiful lady tote will show up on one of your doorsteps.  Be still my bag loven heart.

That’s it for today.  3 exciting things.  Feel free to share away!!

Happy Wednesday!

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November 10, 2015 By 2 Comments

Crafternoon: House Pillow

Back in August my niece Meiya celebrated her birthday.  She’s one of several crafty nieces I have, but Meiya loves to sew.  I love to give good gifts and while on the hunt for just the right birthday present I found this Crafternoon House Pillow kit at Joanns by Amanda Rydell.

I knew immediately it was perfect!!!  Harper was with me while shopping and thought it was the greatest thing ever so I secretly snuck an extra in my buggy.  They were not on sale at the time so I cashed in on two Joanns coupons to make this an even sweeter gift.  Meiya loved hers and later I surprised Harper with her kit too.  We spent just a few hours one afternoon getting the pillow almost complete, but then had some where to be so we had to leave it as is.

Harper’s favorite part was hand sewing the button door knob.  Now I feel like I should get her hooked on cross stitching or something 🙂

This weekend we came back to the craft and Harper finished it up.  This is totally a craft a kiddo can do on their own with just a little bit of assistance.  Harper did all the sewing, cutting, gluing and stuffing.  She read through all the directions.  I helped with pinning and that was about it.

What I love about this craft is if we hadn’t had somewhere to be Harper could have totally finished it up in an afternoon…holding true to the name Crafternoon.  The directions were clear and not complicated. The lines were all simple for young sewers.  And the end result was freakin’ adorable.

She was crazy proud of her finished house pillow.  This project is tons of fun for those little sewers in your life.  I highly recommend this craft, so grab one and gift away. Those kiddos will be crazy excited.

Happy Tuesday!

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November 9, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Things I Need To Tell You

So I feel like there’s all this stuff I need to report to you about.  So I’m going to jump right in.

Saturday I went to QWomen.  My friend Jessica Honneger was speaking and sent me a message telling me about the event.  Several friends went too which was super fun.  I was slightly relieved not to go alone, but after seeing the lineup of speakers I was going one way or another.

It was awesome.  I loved it.  Like loved loved it.  The speakers were great and I loved how diverse the perspective was about mostly the same subject…your calling.  I wrote note after note after note.  Then I got home and recapped all my notes to Josh Kelley.  He’s a good listener.  I also spent today making art pieces from most of my notes.  Ha!  Maybe my favorite thing said…and really I have lots, but this one has just stuck like glue in my head…was by Deidra Riggs…”God is in the wilderness.”  Now I need to write an entire separate post on that line alone.

Also Patricia Jenkins-Armstrong…a Freedom Rider…was there.  A Freedom Rider you guys!!!!!!  Hold the freakin’ phone.  She was lovely and amazing and I held back every tear in the world.  Simply astounding.

Some of my favorite companies were there as well like Noonday Collection and Fashionable.  I don’t even want to tell you the sales they had going on because you would flat out die…no resuscitating.   And then my friend Chelsea bought me the Lalibela bracelet…it’s made in Ethiopia and insanely beautiful…and Chelsea is ridiculously kind.  I was all mulling it over with our group…should I get it, should I not.  It’s made in Ethiopia so I pretty much need it.  I was all talky, talky, talky and then Chelsea turned around and said “Here.  I bought it for you.”  Hahahahaha.  You guys, I wore that sucker along with my already full arm of bracelets and stared at it all lovingly all night long.  I sent Josh Kelley a picture of my new bracelet and told him what she had done…insert teary eyes…I was a lost cause.  Gah!!!

I seriously took maybe 2 pictures while I was there.  I was so off my picture game, but my friend Brooke snapped this amazing picture of me taking the center piece from our table.  For the record…they told us too…I am not a centerpiece stealer.  And I am obviously sending lots of “creepy lady” vibes because hello lady behind me.  Now I really hope that one single lady reads my blog.

Moral of the long story…go to a QWomen, buy all Ethiopian jewelry without hesitation and be creepy with all pumpkin centerpieces you are toting around.  You will not be disappointed…oh and they had cupcakes.  I ate 5.  They were mini so really that’s only like 2 normal sized cupcakes, right?!?!?!  Right.

Moving on…calling all world travelers…we are officially on the books for another Swaziland trip with Children’s HopeChest and you are totally invited.

When: May 29th-June 8th 2016

Where: Swaziland, Africa

We are headed back to Ngungwane and I could not be more excited.  We’re starting to assemble our team and maybe you will be one of them.  Shoot me a message HERE if you are interested.  Several of our last year’s team members are in again because this country and these people are simply amazing and beautiful.  I cannot wait.

We are also partying again.  First, thank you for all you shoppers who bought at our Noonday party.  The party closes tomorrow so if you wanted to grab something now is the time.  GO HERE and place your order.  After tomorrow I am going to place my order for all our free goodies and as soon as they arrive the giveaways will begin.  Holy cow I can’t wait and who doesn’t love free Noonday.

Second, there is not much I love more than gathering women together and purchasing with great purpose.  I love finding companies who are so much more than themselves and because I have had so many people ask when we were having another Timbali party we are now on the books.  So go ahead and mark your calendars again.

When: Thursday December 3

Time: 5:30-8:30

Where:  Our house.

I placed my order this week and I have a ton of stuff coming our way.  I mean tons.  The party will work the same way as last time…no ordering, you leave that night with all your goodies.  This is Christmas shopping prime time.  And first come, first serve.  Once an item is gone, it’s gone…or you can order on your own online.  I’ll have cosmetic bags (like the one I use for my Bible journaling supplies), shoulder bags, sling bags, market totes, wristlets, zipper pouches, Mega Totes, drawstring backpacks and doll dresses. There also might be some aprons.  Again, think Christmas shopping…mom, grandma, sister, aunt, cousin, teachers, friends, neighbor lady!!!  Pretty much anyone would love Timbali and the money heads back to the sweet Swazi ladies who pour their hearts into these products.  Of course there will be lots of yummy food and drink and laughter to keep you company while you shop.  Feel free to tell your friends.

The Ngungwane Garden Fund is coming right along.  We are currently at 57% which is awesome, awesome, awesome.  This is such a great place to make those end-of-the-year donations.  All donations are tax deductible.  Please consider helping us help our friends with this garden project which will provide lots of new and healthy veggies for these kiddos and community.

I have been cooking like a person I don’t even recognize.  When I find a good recipe which is easy and good I just must pass it along.  This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies is easy and waaaaaay good.  We actually had it tonight and will definitely be fixing this again soon.

 And lastly…here are some Kelley kids because, well, I like them and think they are pretty grand.

Happy Monday!!!

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November 6, 2015 By 3 Comments

Cupcakes Take The Edge Off

Soooooo our house is a tad in disarray over this dang leaky bathtub.  Turns out there was nothing to die over upon removing the tub, but the installing of a new one has been crazy-to the-town.  It’s how we roll…it’s just what we do…we don’t do anything the normal way…ever!!!!!  Old floors and old walls and all the quirkiness which is a house from the 40s…ahhhhhhhh!!!  I slightly wish we just stuck with our leaky tub and let our kids be amazed one day when they got their own places that bathtubs actually are meant to hold water.  Gah.

The house is a mess.  There are tarps everywhere.  Dirt.  Dust.  Tools.  Boot marks.  I’ve showered once this week…don’t even ask me about our kids.  I plea the 5th.  Today we’ve been without water all day so there’s that fun fact.  I’m taking pictures of art on tarps because they are everywhere.

But, and it’s a big one, I did make cupcakes today.  Maple Bacon Cupcakes to be exact.  And oh glory, glory hallelujah!!!  Clearly they are not sugar detox approved, but today I was all “who gives a flip” and I ate two.  And they were delicious.  I sent the rest with a friend for another friend’s baby shower which we can’t attend.  I gave strict instructions not to refrigerate the bacon because then it gets soggy, but let’s be honest, I’ll eat any kind of bacon, but this was for the better of mankind.

So you should probably make these this weekend.  You will send me emails and comments and tell me how thankful you are and that maple bacon cupcakes really took the edge off for you too this weekend.  We will be kindred maple bacon cupcake spirits and the world will be peaceful and full of cupcake splendor.  Yes, this is exactly what will happen.

Happy Friday!

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November 4, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Six Things

1.  We are starting back Bible journaling classes in January.  We realized something had to give with the chaos we are in the thick of right now, but today I spoke at a local church about Bible journaling and ahhhhhh, it’s just one of my most favorite things to talk about.  I love it so much.  I cannot wait for the videos to be done and for January to roll around.

2.  So how was your Halloween?  Our’s was grand.  I am the person who loves Halloween.  Like loves loves it!  The kids were in full force and we had a sweet extra guest for the weekend which was too much fun for Harper.  Our littlest was the cutest black cat you’ve ever seen…every witch needs a black cat 🙂

3…which could really be apart of 2.  You may get tired of my sappy foster care stories, but I keep praying these special moments will never get lost on me…that I still get emotional and teary and my eyes and heart see and feel what God desires me to.

Halloween was yet another amazing day.  Some friends invited us along to trick-or-treat and eat dinner and roast smores.  Our littlest’s momma did not want to miss her girl trick-or-treating and we didn’t want her to miss it either.  We are a big crazy bunch to handle.  We are loud and messy…physically and emotionally 🙂  And yet our friends opened their home and arms to all of us.  The body of Christ is so big and beautiful when it loves so well…with no judgement, but open arms and room for everyone.  Her momma toted her all over that neighborhood and the next day sent me a text saying what a great time she had.  Love wins you guys…love wins.

4.  My Noonday Collection party is still open for about another week.  You can GO HERE and still place an order.  Grab some Christmas goodies and help us give away a lot of amazing Noonday items.  Hint:  There will be a bag 🙂 oh.my.goodness.  I cannot wait.  This was my bracelet combination for today…Orchid Rope Bracelet, my Mom’s bracelet, friendship bracelet made with my niece and the Metric Cuff.

5.  I’m still working like mad…like mad I say.  Made these dish towels for the Made South Holiday Market. I have never prepared for something like I am preparing for this…I even created and had printed my own fabric for a project.  It’s craziness.

And 6.  We started our thankful leaves on November 1st.  This is a long running tradition in our household when November roles around.  Each day we talk about things we are thankful for and the kids rotate…from oldest to youngest…choosing what goes up for the day.  It’s a sweet tradition I really love hearing them participate in.

 We’re halfway through the week…and that’s a good thing.

Happy Wednesday!

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November 2, 2015 By 8 Comments

Year 33

So today is my birthday.  I wanted to put “Today was my birthday”, but it currently is still November 2 and yet, hello 10pm…it’s so close to being over.  It’s been a great day full of my favorite people.  A few highlights if you will:

Josh Kelley and the kiddos gave me new running shoes which contain zero holes.  I immediately snapped a picture and sent it to Alissa (my running/work out partner) and declared glory.  My old shoes which officially contained 3 holes are currently in out kitchen trash can.

I also got a new giant Bubba cup because my last one finally bit the dust from one too many falls on concrete.  It finally completely separated from itself and it’s a staple in my daily routine of life.  I was pumped.

Every Monday morning I work at our kids’ local school after I drop little ones off at MDO.  My birthday was no exception.  This big beautiful building with all kinds of big beautiful teachers and staff and precious, brave little ones working so hard makes me all kinds of grateful.  I just want to scoop each one of them up and love their guts out.  Almost every time I leave I want to cry in my car because we are the lucky ones who get to be apart of this place.

 

It rained almost all day and it is November, but I am hanging on to my flip flops for dear life.  I don’t go down easy.

A sweet older gentleman and his son showed up at our house mid morning and did this!

Ahhhhh yes!  Happy birthday indeed.  Our leaky bathtub is officially out of the house.  Our house was built in the 40s so there was quite a bit of angst on Josh Kelley’s part about what exactly would be discovered after removing the tub.  To our great surprise just a bit of water damage and not total demise like we had worked up in our heads.  Then we headed to Home Depot to pick out a new tub.  Our children are not going to know what to do when water actually sticks around for their baths.

While out we grabbed lunch.  I totally broke the no sugar for my birthday and requested mexican with queso for lunch.  A most excellent choice if I do say so myself.  My friend Janet brought me homemade chocolate chip cookies and while making the kiddos pick and choose their 12 pieces of Halloween candy so I can rid our house of the rest so I don’t eat all of it, I might have partaken in a few pieces myself…maybe more than a few.

I contemplated cleaning my office, but then I didn’t.  It’s a hot mess.

I worked on more items for the Made South Holiday Market.  I am soooooo not a take it one step at a time kind of gal, but I’m having to really do this.  I have my list of things which need to be made and I’m going through my list.  Key fobs…Check.  6×6 canvases…check.  Buntings…Check.  Burp Cloths…Check.  And today I worked like mad on dish towels.  If I sell zero at this show I will be gifting everyone I know PPA stuff for Christmas and birthdays for the next 5-10 years.

We chilled at home all night.  Veggie chili for dinner and then the kids all enjoyed birthday ice-cream.  Then Solomon got his hair cut for my birthday.  I kept telling him how handsome he looked and how it was my favorite birthday present.  When I tucked him in bed he said “Tell me again what your favorite present was.”  Insert giant Solomon smile.  Oh that kid of mine.

And now I’m blogging and watching Josh Kelley patch some giant cracks/holes in our old wood floors with a giant pile of letters to cut out when I finish up here.  We get pretty crazy around these parts when it’s birthday time.

It was a really great day.  I’m feeling very thankful for my people and I have a sneaky suspicion year number 33 is going to be pretty grand.

Happy Monday!

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