Fire Station Open House

Our family has been cooped up in the house due to illness.  Unfortunately, Preston came down with strep and Flu A.  Ugh!!!  Thankfully, his symptoms didn't last long and he recovered very quickly.  So, it was time to get out of the house.

One of the local Fire Stations was having an Open House.  Visiting the Open House would also allow Preston to get signed off on a Royal Ranger Badge.  So, off we went!!!

We walked up to the Fire Station and the kids were mesmerized by the huge ladder.

Preston was super excited to put out a fire.

Then, we headed inside the station to look around.

There was popcorn and lemonade waiting for everyone.  The kids also got goody bags full of fun stuff as well as a fireman's hat.

After our little snack, we headed back outside to check out the fire truck and ambulance.

Preston loved getting in the vehicles.  Kaitlyn just looked from a distance.

Always a curious little boy, Preston had to check out every gadget, gauge, and button.

Finally, we took turns taking pictures of each other.

I just love spending time with these two!!!

New Year's Day

New Years 2013.  The Year of Home for the Kelley family.  We're going to spend more time together, enjoy new experiences, and become even more of a tight knit family.  In fact, we have 2 great vacations planned for this year and we can't wait!

To celebrate the first day of the year, we just wanted to have fun and enjoy our time.  Unfortunately, Craig had to go in to work for a few hours in the morning so it was just the kids and I.  We went to McDonald's to grab breakfast, which is something we NEVER do.  They really considered it a special treat.

Craig got home in time to go to the movies in the afternoon.  We saw Parental Guidance and it was such a cute movie.  And yes, it made me cry at the end.

We stopped at the store for some groceries and headed home for dinner.  We had grilled chicken, homemade rice pilaf, steamed veggies, and deviled eggs.  Craig heated up some black-eyed peas for himself.  I remember having to eat them growing up and hated them!!! So, I refuse to eat them again.  ;)

We ended the night playing some games together.  Even Princess, our Sheltie, wanted to join in the game. 

It was a great start to the New Year and I hope the rest of the year follows suit.  Praying for a great 2013 for all of our friends and family.

A New Year

2013.  Hard to believe that is the year we are ringing in.  Remember when Y2K happened?  Everyone was rushing to the stores to stock up on food, water, and other supplies.  Here we are, 13 years later, still living life the same way as we did in 1999.  Well, except everything is more expensive.

Towards the end of each year, I always ask God for a simple word to describe what he would like of me for the upcoming year.  What changes need to be made?  What goals should I strive for?

Without fail, God always gives me a great word and it helps me enter into the new year with a sense of freshness and new beginnings.  Without fail, our family has been able to achieve so many goals by focusing on what God has told us to focus on.

But as we eagerly look forward to what is to come in the new year, we always look back to where we've been.  We reflect on the previous year and see all that God has brought us through.  We see the blessings He has given us and we are so thankful that God has guided our steps to bring us to where we are right now.

As you look to the future and reflect on the past, look at the God moments and remember that's just a glimpse as to what God can do in your life.

"The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives."-Psalm 37:23