December 31, 2013

2013

As I sit here trying to think of a post that doesn't sound full of excuses for lack of content, something that doesn't sound over the top with cliches about what a wonderful year this has been, I think about all the things that have happened this year. On December 31 of every year, we all review the past twelve months. The good, the bad, the difficult, the emotional, and every year I say "I learned so much" and "It was an amazing year".

The secrets of life are hidden behind the word "cliche". No one likes to use them because they're overused and just so, well...cliche. Things like "never give up", "just believe in yourself", etc... And so as I joyfully welcome in the new year, I'm going to be cliche. Because you know what? It's a wonderful life, and I don't care how many people have already said it!

My Cliche 2013...

A year of difficult changes.

A year of learning to be alone, and "on my own" more than I ever have been before.

A year of making new-ish friends.

A year of stretching myself.

A year of growing up.

A year of realizing just how small we are.

A year of contemplation. 

A year of smiles.

A year of even more tears.

A year of beautiful changes.

A year of stepping outside my comfort zone, inch by little inch.

A year of finding a peace that can only come from God.

A year of getting comfortable in my new shoes.

A year that went by way too fast.

This year was wonderful. It was incredible. I missed people. I cried a lot of tears. But I learned. I got tired of being alone and sought out friendship from people willing to give it, I just hadn't looked before. It was amazing. 

As I went through changes, I was afraid. No one enjoys the unknown bleakness of the future. But as I stepped into it, I realized that God is already there. I'm always nervous entering a new year because we don't know what it holds for us, but as I listen to the fireworks going off outside, I know... He's already here, too. The unchangeable. The steady. My rock and comfort.

2013 was a wonderful year. It's a wonderful life. May each of us resolve to make 2014 even better.

Happy new year, dear readers! :)







December 26, 2013

Merry Christmas!


We wish you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

Hello.
My name is Kelley and I haven't been blogging a lot lately.
I'll get around to it soon, please be patient with me!

December 3, 2013

Thanksgiving 2013

Phew! I sat down to write this post a week ago. I was going to list all of the things I was thankful for, and things kept popping up and I ran out of time. Then I was going to do a recap of our Thanksgiving day(s), and once again, something else popped up for me to do. I realized today while I was out Christmas shopping that I need to do a November recap, but I'll get around to that sooner or later!

First things first: Thanksgiving Day and the day after. What did we do?

I slept in! (YES!) And then we put up the tree...


Then we ate, and we didn't stop for a good long while. Jacob smoked a turkey and it was the best turkey I've ever eaten - super moist and flavorful! Christine brought a pumpkin pie - hers is my favorite - and my mom provided all the rest! Mmmm...


After lunch Jacob and Christine took the boys home for a nap and we put up the rest of the Christmas decorations and our outside lights.


They came back over that evening for leftover turkey sandwiches and chips, and the boys got a bath in jacuzzi and put on their pajamas. They love the tree with all the "pretty lights". :)


Friday was spend in McMinnville with both sides of our extended family.  First was Mama's side for lunch at noon (aka 1:00). Full blown Thanksgiving meal for lots of hungry people! Grandma's dressing and rolls, Mama's hash brown casserole, Heather's cranberry salad....and I can't even remember what all else because I ate it so fast, but it was all so delicious!


For supper at 5:00 we got together with my dad's side of the family and filled our stomachs to their capacity with more turkey, dressing, corn, and dessert. Before we pray over the food, we all get in a circle and count ourselves, then we join hands and pray together. I wish I had a picture of it, but it's not a good time and my hands are being held anyway. We counted 65 or so, and several more showed up later. Out of the ten original children, only two weren't able to make it!



And then we went home, drank some 7-Up, and went to bed. ;) Just kidding. We went to WalMart and got some more icicle lights for the house, skipped all the Black Friday deals, and went home to bed.

Saturday was a day of catch-up around the house, but we called it an early evening and watched our first Christmas movie of the season, Holiday Inn - one of my personal favorites!! Every year around this time Bing Crosby comes on the radio and melts my heart all over again. His Thanksgiving song in the movie is "I've Got Plenty to be Thankful For" and I sure have plenty to be thankful for! An amazing, loving family, and all of you. Thank you for reading!!