Stolen Traditions

Hi. My name is Kelly. And I steal traditions from other families.

One of the MANY things I admire in my best friend Amanda is her ability to create memories with her kids. She has been able to begin traditions with her 3 little ones that they will remember for a life time and hopefully carry on with their own families one day. One very fun tradition I have stolen from her is CHRISTMAS PAJAMAS. I mean really...what kid does not look cute in pajamas. Then you add Christmas to it and you have memory magic!! :)

Here are a few of our 2008 Christmas Pajama pictures:

And for giggles...a few outtakes:

And for a few more smiles...one from last year:

The Half Marathon is OVER!!!

This past Sunday I participated in my first half marathon: The Dallas White Rock Marathon. I have much to say, but I am too sore to do anything right now! :) Hopefully in the next few days I can begin to verbalize this very emotional experience. Thank you for all of your support and prayers! I felt it!!

What do you think?

Each Tuesday I have the awesome privilege of meeting with a group of ladies for Bible Study. Beginning January 13th we will dive into a new study together: Desiring God by John Piper. I've never read this book, so I thought I better get a head start. I'm only in the Introduction and it's already blowing my mind! Here is a quote that I have been chewing on:

The chief end of man is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever.

I will definitely be sharing more as I get further into the book. I want to hear from you on this quote. What do you think? How does it make you feel? What is your initial, gut reaction? Even if you don't agree...I still want to hear what you have to say! :)

My New Kitchen!!

Here it is friends...MY NEW & IMPROVED KITCHEN!!!

Kitchen Update - IN PROGRESS

I've heard many times that home improvement projects ALWAYS take longer than expected. Well, we definitely proved that theory right! My sister and I are what you would call "planners." When the project began, we got out our calendars and marked the weekends that we would work on the kitchen along with what we wanted to accomplish on those designated days. Our intentions were great, but reality set in quickly...a month long project turned into a two month project! Let's just say I have a few new best friends at Lowe's!! :)

We couldn't have done this without some dear friends: Mark, who had way too much fun knocking down my wall. Jamie, who had all the right tools and experience to make it all happen. Steve & Cathy, who were grouting fools as our birthday party deadline was looming. Lori, who lent her painting talents. Casi & Matt, who offered the budget and manpower. And Alf, my husband, who dealt with the process! :)

Enjoy the "in progress" pictures! Be sure to check out the "before" pictures too!

Kitchen Update - BEFORE

In September, my awesome sister surprised me in a HUGE way! She offered me a budget to update our kitchen. Of course I said YES! There were loud screams and lots of tears...I couldn't have done this without her giving heart.

Here are some "before" pictures so you have an idea of our starting point:

Happy Birthday, Lynsey!

I wanted to send a little bloggy love to my dear friend, Lynsey, on her birthday. Because I love her, I will refrain from revealing which birthday she is celebrating today. :)

I had the privilege of spending the morning with Lynsey catching up over an awesome breakfast neither one of us had to cook. (In my personal opinion, food always tastes better when you didn't have to cook it!) As I looked across the booth this morning, I began to think back when I first met Lynsey. You know me...I have to be real! The first time I met her, her physical beauty took me aback. The real beauty is that her heart and passion for Jesus Christ and for others far outshines her outward appearance. I have yet to meet a more natural servant. She is always the first to offer prayer and encouragement in any situation. We have had numerous conversations about our struggles and even more about what God is teaching us and what God is doing in us. I am truly honored to call her my sister in Christ and my friend.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I LOVE YOU!