The Rehearsal

So, my little sister got married...again.  Let me briefly explain.  E and D got married 10 years ago.  They had 2 kids and then divorced.  God was not done with them yet.  After lots of prayer and faith, they decided to reconcile and remarry.  

And their wedding was our big focus this past weekend.

Between Craig and I, we took TONS of pictures.  We wanted to try to capture as much as we could for a "Behind the Scenes" look.  Here are pics from Friday, the day of the rehearsal.

The bride fixing the sign behind the cake table.

Old photos from when they were dating and their first wedding.  These platters will be filled with cakes! 

 Our older sister is making the bow for the arch.

The groom is filling the sand jars.

The bride and our mom.  They are standing the same way and are even dressed alike!!!

Craig is talking with the groom's brother and his wife.

Side note:  Craig and I went to the same church as teens in El Paso.  The groom and his family also went to our church.  The groom's parents were on staff at our church and Craig's parents were the missionaries from our church.  So, we've all known each other and each other's families for a VERY LONG TIME!  

While we were setting up, some of the kids were eating pizza in the kitchen.

Kaitlyn, Preston, and their cousins just happened to dress alike.

This is a perfect captured moment of my parents.  This is how they behave on a daily basis.

We are getting our instructions from the pastor. 

Rehearsing

This is me getting distracted.

We headed to my older sisters house for a rehearsal dinner of brisket and all the sides.

Chowing down and talking.

E's bday was the day after their wedding.  So he was surprised when a cake was brought out and we sang 'Happy Birthday' to him.

Stay tuned for pics from the big day!!!

Lesson Learned #1

It's not even 2 weeks in to 2014 and I feel I have learned so much already.

I've learned I need to de-clutter and organize all areas of my life.  I don't like clutter in my house:  on counters, in closets, on the walls.  I'm not saying it doesn't happen.  I just don't like when it does.  We've been working on every room, closet, and shelf in my house (which is a lot) and we are parting ways with the things that are not meaningful, not useful, and just taking up space.

And we are doing the same thing with every aspect of our lives.

I've learned people will always disappoint you, not appreciate you, not respect you, not listen to you.  But I've also learned that I need to focus on just myself.  How am I disappointing others?  Not appreciating or being respectful enough?  Who am I not listening to?

I have spent lots of time with God, asking Him to show me these things.  And He has.  I'm not comparing myself to anyone, because their story is different.  I'm only trying to be the best God wants me to be.

So,  I'm learning an organized house makes a more welcoming home.  I'm learning what relationships to hang onto, which ones to let go.  I'm learning what passions need to be revived and which ones are okay to let fade.

And I'm learning that God has not finished molding me yet.

New Year's

New Year's Eve was party central at the Kelley house!!  

Not really.

Craig worked until 8 pm.  We also had to keep a close eye on our dog since she was recovering from surgery.  So, I made some party foods just for us (and there were lots of leftovers).

Queso

Pepperoni Quesadillas 

Baked Buffalo Chicken Strips

Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Kaitlyn went to bed about 10:30.  Preston tried as hard as he could to stay awake until midnight.  He fell asleep in Craig's lap around 11:30.  Craig and I made it to midnight, said 'Happy New Year', and off to bed we went.  We were so tired.  Plus, Craig had to be at work early the next morning.

We didn't do anything particularly special on New Year's Day.  Craig worked, I started to organize different areas of the house, and the kids just played.  We also had our annual dinner of grilled chicken, rice pilaf, steamed veggies, deviled eggs, and corn bread.  Craig was the only one to eat black-eyed peas.

Relaxing and peaceful day.  Nice way to start 2014.

Happy New Year's!!!

Happy Anniversary!

On December 25, Craig and I celebrated 14 years of marriage...in a row!!!

Craig got me a card and chocolates and surprised me with a promised date of lunch and a movie for the next day.  I enrolled him in the Date of the Month Club and you can find out the details here.

Looking back at all we've been through, it seems a lot longer than 14 years.  Through the ups and downs, trials and tribulations, we've become stronger, more united, and even more in love.

I have known Craig more than half of my life, but still feel we have so much growing to do.  We are constantly with each other, love having as much time together as we can, and are never hesitant to show affection to one another, even by just holding hands.

We have always followed the 3 C's of marriage:  Christ, communication, and compromise.  We use it in every situation and it never steers us wrong.  We constantly uplift each other, support each other, and say 'I love you' all day long.

I love spending my life with the father of my kids, my best friend, and absolutely my favorite person ever!

Good Riddance, 2013! Hello, 2014!!!

Phew! We made it!  Made it through a very tumultuous and trying year.  We have never been so excited to see 2013 end.  I know there are a lot of people feeling the same way too.  I feel like Sandy at the end of Grease when she sings her send off song to herself!

Looking Back:
2013 was the Year of Home for us.  By the end of the year, God showed us that our home, our family, needs to always remain the most important.

Not everything was bad this past year.  We had 2 great memorable vacations, Ruidoso and Anaheim/San Diego.  The kids and I finally met Craig's biological grandparents.  I became a contributor on another blog and a successful Scentsy consultant.  Preston played on his first All-Star team, which we absolutely loved.  Kaitlyn got a surprise room makeover when she returned from camp.  I've been accepted into Texas Woman's University to start college again in the fall.  These were all great things and we feel so blessed.

However, we had some major changes too.

Craig took a step down in position and is Co-Manager again.  I resigned my Sunday School Coordinator position at church.  Both were tough decisions and we prayed fervently over both.  We completely trusted God to have control of each situation.  By trusting and putting all of our faith in Him, we have complete peace.

Our poor 10 yr old Sheltie is currently recovering from surgery on a torn ACL.  In typical 2013 fashion, our garbage disposal cracked 2 days ago.

I've dubbed last year:  Teargate 2013.  We have shed so many tears over different events that transpired.

Looking forward:
Going forward with this fresh new year, fresh new options, and many new opportunities, 2014 will be the Year of Learning.  I know God has so much to teach us and we just need to be willing students.  I feel the past few months have already taught us so much, but there's more to come.

One thing I've learned is no matter how much I plan things and want everything to work out accordingly, God will always go by His plan.  Of course, His ways are so much better.  I can say we have a list of things we want to happen in 2014, but it may not match up to the ultimate Planner.

We are hoping we can travel and go on 2 vacations again.  I have a very important audition at the university.  I no longer write for another blog, but will solely focus on my own.  Kaitlyn will start intermediate school in the fall.  Craig has goals set for his career again.  Preston is hoping for another chance at All-Stars.

Whether these things happen or not, we realize how incredibly blessed we are.  On this first day of 2014, we can look back and see exactly where and how God had his hand on our lives, even though we could not see it at the time.

mysavior-lives.tumblr.com

And we are exactly where we are supposed to be.

Christmas 2013

We had an incredibly busy Christmas season.  It didn't help that we had a major ice storm at the beginning of it and delayed everything by days!!!  But we partied on and had some fun anyways.

It started with a visit to the kids school by none other than Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty, and Rudolph.  They landed on the playground in 2 helicopters and all of the kids were so excited!!!

A few days later, the kids had their class Winter Parties. Once again, since I am the Room Rep for both classes, I had to split my time between the two.

Preston's class played Bingo, drank hot chocolate,

and made a Reindeer Trail Mix.

Kaitlyn's class was so silly, wearing disguises, decorating sugar cookies,

and decorating ceramic tiles.

Due to Craig's crazy work schedule, we had to have our annual Christmas donuts on Dec. 23.  They were still just as tasty.

We also opened family gifts that day.

Christmas Eve, Craig had to work early and as soon as he got off, we were headed to Abilene.  I spent the day baking, finishing up wrapping gifts, packing, and loading up the car.  Unfortunately, I started getting a sinus infection too.  Yuck!

We arrived at my parent's house and were greeted by a house full of people,

gifts,

goodies,

and card games.

Wake up, Dominique, it's time to open presents!

Sam got an App Store gift card.

Ava got a new bike.

Preston got a skateboard (oh no!)...

...and a lot more Hot Wheels.

I made photo coasters for my sisters and their families.  That looks like Denise on the coaster, but it's actually her daughter (also her mini-me).

Craig got a Blu-Ray Player (we're finally catching up with technology!).

Kamryn also got a bike like his big sister.

Papa (aka Dad) was completely worn out by the festivities.  His dog is trying to get his attention.

Finally, everyone left or went to bed around midnight.  Kaitlyn and Preston made sure to leave Santa's goodies out.  They picked Dr. Pepper (I guess Santa likes that), peanut butter blossom cookies, Rainbow Loom bracelets, and a note.

Thankfully, Santa knew where to find us in Abilene and filled everyone's stockings.

Once we got dressed, we headed over to Denise's house for Christmas breakfast and more presents!

Later, we made the trek back to my parent's house for Christmas Dinner.  But first, the White Elephant Gift Exchange!

We always do silly gifts in our White Elephant.  I ended up with Duck Dynasty playing cards, sunflower seeds, and a Texas Longhorns cap.  Craig ended up with a not so pretty angel statue! Ha!!!

We had a feast for dinner of turkey, ham, potatoes, cranberries, rolls, green beans, corn, and more.  Sorry, I didn't get any pics of it because I was too busy eating it!

Our evening festivities included a night full of karaoke!!!  I played DJ and my laptop was synced with my mom's new Chrome Cast.  I took requests and we sang so, so many songs!!!

Radioactive by Imagine Dragons 

What Does the Fox Say? by Ylvis 

Kamryn was rocking out!

Finally, the night ended with all the grandkids playing a Right/Left game to win some chocolate.

We left the next day after more festivities.  It was a fun, casual time.  The cousins loved playing with each other.

And Craig and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary!  Stay tuned for that post.

Hope everyone had a great Christmas!!!