It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

I had my tree up before guests arrived on Thanksgiving. We usually do not have many guests in our house around the holidays so I wanted to express my holiday cheer - Christmas upstairs, Harvest down. Now I can just sit back, relax and coast through December without stressing to get up decorations.

Today it is cold. I was going to wait until December to update my blog for the upcoming holiday but since I have the house decorated, been singing carols and sending cards, I decided to post. Here's a few fun pictures of the kids gearing up for Christmas sitting in front of our tree. I will post more holiday pictures - professional, Santa and family fun throughout December.

Many blessings this Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving was a great one. I feel very blessed to have great people in my life to share the holiday with. I wanted to create a few fun traditions for the holiday so Jack could have fun and understand, so we created/purchased some pilgrim and indian hats. We hosted the Turkey holiday at our home and had some family over, all wearing the hats!

I was knocked down with the flu (so was my dad and my stepmom) so guests were dropping like flies. We managed to fit 12 adults and two kids at one table in our basement and we had a blast making memories and being entertained by Jack and Bailey.

Now it's time to decorate the house with boughs of jolly and sing holiday tunes for the next six weeks!

Goodbye fall. Hello Christmas.

The Gift of Life

November is the time to be thankful. Throughout the month I have been reflecting on all that I am thankful and blessed for in this life. Today I am grateful for the company that I keep. There is a certain reason why people are in my life, some have come and gone but for the most part the ones that came back around have made a significant impact in my soul. They are here to stay and I am eternally blessed for all of them.

This morning I was talking to a dear friend who has been struggling with pregnancy. Her and her husband have an appointment soon to review further options and it got me thinking about the gift of life. I believe God has a plan for everyone but at certain times you tilt your head wondering...these two people are destined to be parents, so why the struggle? It all comes down to faith...

I researched struggle a little bit and found this quote and it just made sense.  Once all struggle is grasped, miracles are possible. ~ Mao Tse-Tung quotes 

The gift of life is a miracle. If you could, would you give it? Think about it. Would you as a woman become a surrogate to someone so they can in turn experience this gift of pure love. To have a child that is theirs, to raise a child and know they will give it endless love? 

I would become a surrogate to certain people. To my friend? In. A. Heartbeat. This couple is supposed to be parents. She is a dear friend. I know her family as they are almost my own. They are loving. They deserve to be blessed to create love out of love and if I can pay it forward by giving that gift, I would should they decide to.

A wife's love letter to her husband

I've known you forever, in my heart. You were every man I hoped to be with and nothing like any guy I ever dated. You are the best of my father; humorous and playful. You are a little girl's prince and every Ken doll I played with. I dreamed of being a wife, mother and friend to a best friend and my wish came true through you.

I never thought I was deserving, days I still don't believe I am but then you constantly remind me. You cherish our time together. You honor me, support me, raise me up and celebrate with me. You make me want to be a better person. I owe you for all the hope you have instilled in me. For being my rock and balancing each other out on days when they were much needed.

You are my best friend. My soul mate. My husband. Half of me. You are the greatest father to our children and I fall deeper in love with you more each day when I see you with them. The light in their eyes fill when you are near and that is love. I am a witness to pure joy & love. The two lives we've created together were made out of pure love. We will raise them with pure love. And, one day we will smile at each other knowingly as they each find their own soul mate. Thank you my love for the brilliant life we've created together. Thank you for making all my dreams come true.

forever endeavors.

xxoo Kelley

Where does the time go?

I feel like time is just flying by with these kids. Bailey is 6 1/2 months and already eating people foods, drinking from a sippy cup and sitting and playing in her room solo. We recenty removed her rocker and other unused items from her room and started turning it into a play area.

Bailey just cracks us up. She is really starting to emerge into her personality and realize she has a voice. She has this demeanor about her that she gets from Brian, very laid back, always smiling and just goes with the flow. But when she wants something, she is her mother's daughter! She gives this look like, you better take care of me NOW or else. lol

Before long, she will be crawling...walking and talking (back).

Forget About It

I haven't fully adjusted to daylight savings time; yea...that's my reasoning. I had one lazy Sunday and since I have been off my mommy game. Usually I am able to juggle it all but all I want to do is to simply forget about this morning. I forgot everything necessary when I left the house to take Jack to school.

I forgot to drink coffee. I forgot I was on empty. I forgot Bailey had a doctor visit. I forgot diapers and wipes. I forgot to give her Tylenol. I forgot about my monthly visitor and had a warm welcome in the doctor's office. I forgot backup. I stole a newborn diaper for myself - classy. I forgot about timing things out. Bailey fell asleep in the car as it was time to pick up Jack. It's was pouring...Drove home only to avoid an accident and watched two cars collide in the middle of an intersection. I was their only witness. Forget sticking around, I have two kids in the car and it's near nap time. I veered and carried on my journey forgetting to look in the rear view.

I am home and back in my pijamas. It is nap time and the house is quiet. I am not leaving again until tomorow except to get my mail.

Someone was sending me yellow lights all over the place to simply SLOW DOWN. This post is your wake up call to ease into the week. I give you permission.

A Minute of Thanks

Oprah's status update on FB just asked me: If you had 1 minute to thank someone who has had a big impact on your life, what would you say?

I would say this to my old boss at GMR Marketing. Thank you for laying me off in April 2009. (2 weeks after returning from my maternity leave) It changed my life. It changed my perspective on myself, my family and it brought out true colors of those I thought were my support system. It allowed me to find my passion, get creative and start my business. Most of all, it allowed me time with my family.

At first it was a hardship to depend on one income, pay a mortgage, bills and support our family. It was a very stressful time in our lives. I was fighting post partum depression, I lost who I was and was learning who I should be as a mom and wife. I was struggling with a new business, hoping it would not fail. I was lonely at home. I felt zero self worth. I missed my outlet at work.

Finally, after realizing this blessing in disguise, I got over it. I turned apples into apple juice and now run a fun successful business out of my home and hang out with my kids. I used my therapy of my new sewing hobby to make money. I got lucky. It doesnt happen to everyone, I just stuck with it and have my husband and in-laws to thank. Either way, it was my pet project - something to keep me busy and keep my mind sane. Sewing saved me. Thank you for laying me off Tony. I am happy.

Celebrating a Half Birthday!

Yesterday Bailey turned 6 months old, where does the time go? The half birthday -to me- is a very important milestone especially when they are a baby. Things tend to get easier, she is mobile and we have adapted to her cries/signs.

Bailey is a very happy and content little girl. She is always smiling. I have never seen a child light up so much when we enter a room. She is really starting to show her personality and project her voice. Lately, all she wants to do is zoom around and play in her walker - which her brother always "helps" her with.  She continues to strengthen her back muscles by being nosy and sitting up. She is playing with a few floor toys and manages to keep her brother entertained until he gets too aggressive and excited around her.

Jack is approaching his third birthday - in February. I understand it is "next year" but that is three months away. Just think how fast Aug, Sept and October went by and soon I will have a 3 year old.  Yes, I already began planning his party - TRACTORS - and am trying to get a lot done before the holidays so January I can just "coast" and soon enough enjoy the arrival of Mr. Murphy. My best friend Heidi and her husband Mike are expecting their first!!!

Another milestone approaching...Brian is turning 30! He doesnt want a big celebration, just to spend time with family. Thats exactly what he is getting, a day with the kids while I attend Heidi's baby shower! lol

We have a dinner planned with his parents and brother at Quaker Steak & Lube and I am getting some strawberry shortcake cupakes (with cupcake toppers of course). Turning thirty to us doesnt seem like a deal. I dont know why people do not embrace this milestone. I personally think that 25 was a hard one - i started forgetting my age after that birthday. Now, I will be thirty in June and am so grateful for all I accomplished, as is Brian. Bring on 40! That doesnt have as good of ring to it.

Embracing November

My favorite of all holidays is approaching, Thanksgiving. Today I stormed through Target seeking Thanksgiving decorations, cutlery and crafts to use at our home as we are hosting the turkey dinner with family this year. I was amazed how quickly everyone moved passed the November holiday and onto Christmas. There was one endcap with paperware for Thanksgiving. I refuse to overlook the day of Thanks and Gratitude. Throughout the month I am going to post and pay tribute.

It's a tough job hosting Turkey Dinner but with a new kitchen, why not? The funny thing about turkey at our house this year is that I outsourced all there is to cook. Am I being lazy? Smart? Nope, just nervous to take the plumge and cook something that everyone relies on to be good. Growing up my mom always tried new ways to cook a turkey and put too much pressure on herself. This year I don't need the pressure, just want to enjoy the amazing company that I keep.

My focus this year is creating traditions for my family. Now that Jack is old enough, he can partake in many activities...and I definitely came up with some creative things to keep that boy entertained. I have a turkey hat for Bailey, pilgrim hats, Indian feathers, a paper tablecloth in need of some hand-print turkeys and much more. Family gatherings should always be fun, low expectations and a chance to make a lot of memories. Stay tuned for a lot of "in the works" pictures of our crafty creations for Turkey time.
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Spooktacular Weekend

This Halloween weekend was such a treat seeing Jack excited about the concept of trick or treating. We we had fun sharing the event with some friends and their kids in their neighborhood and after exhausting all our outdoor energy the kids handed out candy for the emainder of the night. Good times had by all and we look forward to more memories with these friends.

Jack went as a pirate; Captain Jack Sparrow and Bailey was all snuggled in a Penguin suit. The weekend prior we ventured to Boo at the Zoo and he got to meet the "Really Tall BIG" (as Jack says) Captain Jack there. We adored seeing him in his costume and he got a lot of compliments at the zoo for his cool costume, he couldn't stop smiling when people somehow knew to call him Jack.

The Hales Corners trick or treat was on Sunday and the weather was gross. It was windy, rainy and cold but we had a few visitors at our door and a lot of leftover candy - win/win. We had Brian's parents and my dad and step-mom over for pizza and let Jack hand out candy to all the kids. He wore his pirate costume with the wig and ARRRR'd at people as they approached the door. He was the perfect entertainment!

Yesterday was Halloween and Jack wore his Spiderman pijamas all day. We had a Halloween playdate at his friend Will's house and he scared everyone with his Spidey mask. We had punch, candy, searched for pumpkins/decorated hem with stickers and Jack chased his friends for a few hours. A happy chaos moment seeing him with his friends and spending time with the moms is always a plus.