God Is Still In Control

When something amazing happens in our lives, we immediately thank God for our blessings. When something tragic happens in our lives, we ask God why.

But why do we do that? I guess we're human and it's natural for us to want to have all the answers. Yet, in the Bible it tells us to give thanks in all circumstances.

Yes, it hurts. Yes, we want the pain to go away. Yes, God is still the same yesterday, today, and forever.

The same God that provides for us, is the same God the comforts us. The same God that heals our broken physical body, is the same God that heals our broken emotional heart. The same God that allows us to experience suffering, is the same God that gives us peace.

As humans, we always want to make sense of any situation. We always want to understand why things happen the way they do. We want to have the answers to everything.

But God tells us to trust in Him.

God knows the plans for us, whether it makes sense to us or not. God tells us not to try to understand, but have faith. God has the answers to everything and sometimes we don't need to know them too.

Trusting in God is always easier said than done. Having faith that all things work out for good is something that's hard to believe at times.

But I do know this. God has never failed. God has always protected. God is always right.

And God is still in control.

We'll See You Again

Tragically, we lost another family member this year. My oldest sister, Trinket (real name Barbara), died in a car accident. We don't know why this happened or why God chose to take her at this time. All we can do is look forward to when we will see her again.

I was not especially close to her. However, we did reconnect through Facebook and were starting to catch up on each other's lives. From the moments I did spend with her, she had such a sweet, loving demeanor. She recently had a kidney transplant. Her husband is the one that so generously gave her a kidney. Trinket was doing recovering well.

I saw her in 2005 when she came to see me perform in The Music Man. I didn't see her again until September 26 when she came to see me perform again in Tales of Carmen and South Pacific. I will never forget the loving embrace she gave me after the show.

After what happened, I am just amazed how God orchestrated that one little moment that we had together so recently. I look back on my audition and how nervous I was at the time (I dread auditions). I look back on all those hours of rehearsals and singing those high G's. I look back at the two showtimes I had and was so excited to hear that my oldest sister was coming!

I know now that it was part of God's plan to give us that one chance to reconnect. I will never, ever forget that moment and forever will be grateful!

Trinket,
Your life was cut short and you leave behind a huge family that adores you. We are so saddened at this tragic event, but know you're in a better place. We're trying our best to stay strong and keep a brave face, but are heart-broken inside. I worry about Dad, but know he will eventually be okay. I envy where you are now and rejoice in knowing that you are finally pain free. You are finally healthy and whole. You are in the loving arms of Jesus. I love you and miss you and can't wait to see you again.
Your lil sis,
Desiree

Fall For The Kelley's

The weather has finally started cooling down in North Texas. Yes, temps in the 80's is considered cool compared to the triple digit heat we suffered through this summer. We love the fall season and our social calendar becomes full of fun activities. WARNING!!! Lots of pictures to follow. :)

First, we had to decorate the house. The kids helped me set out our fall decorations as the scent of an Autumn Sunset Scentsy candle filled the air. It certainly put us in the mood.

Here is our formal dining room. The little picture on the server is a Kaitlyn original.


This is our fireplace in the family room. Our entire family room and kitchen was painted by a friend that we hired. The color is called Velvety Merlot. It always makes the room feel cozy during the fall season. That is one of our Shelties, Lady, taking a nap in one of her favorite spots.

We went to our first Fall Festival of the season at our friend's church. The kids had lots of fun playing all the games.

Of course, Craig had to play a few games as well.

Kaitlyn is picking out her prize.

Preston made a great shot as the Cowardly Lion and Tin Man watched.

The kids loved riding this swing merry-go-round.

The kids tried climbing the inflatable wall.

Kaitlyn had a 3-day weekend so we headed to the Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch. We go every fall. It's always best to go during the week, if possible, because it's not nearly as busy. Everything is free except for the pumpkins that you purchase.

Here are Kaitlyn and Preston going through one of the Hay Mazes. It's hard to see Preston except for his hat.

There are several wooden cutouts to pose with or stick your head through.

There are also several wooden "vehicles" at the pumpkin patch for kids to climb all over.

I love Preston's face. Kaitlyn is the coolest "inmate" I've seen.

Craig told them to make a silly face.

We always ask someone to take a family picture of us in this same spot.


Those are giant pumpkins that the kids are sitting on!!!

This amazing field of pumpkins was taken from our hayride.

There are plenty of things to play on at the pumpkin patch.

Preston climbed up the hay bale and let out a big "roar" once he reached the top.

The kids love the pumpkin-shaped bounce house.

The kids are running through the maze.

Kaitlyn wanted to pose next to Hello Kitty while holding the pumpkin she picked out.

As you can tell, we've had a great weekend full of festivities already. Be prepared because we have so much more planned!

First Sleepover

Kaitlyn had her first sleepover, without Mom or Dad close by, at church. It's an annual event that's part of her Impact Girls group. She'll eventually get a badge for participating in the sleepover. Last year, I went with her and we took our air mattress (I wasn't sleeping on the floor). This year, Kaitlyn was adamant that she went by herself.

So, we got out our rolling suitcase and packed her necessities. She picked out her pillow, stuffed animal (a penguin), and sleeping bag and she was ready to go.

I took her to church and she barely said bye to me as she found a spot to lay out her sleeping bag. I left the mini brownies that I made for everyone with the leaders and went out to dinner and some shopping with my two favorite guys.

When I picked her up, she was busy hanging out with the other girls and barely noticed me. She told me she had a great time with all the activities they had. I think it was a good thing for her to do on her own. She needs time away from the family sometimes.

So our little girls is growing up. She's going to sleepovers on her own. Next summer, she'll go to Kids Camp on her own. Who taught her to be so independent?

Oh, that's right. We did.

Homework

Both kids have homework this year. Preston has been working on writing his letters. Kaitlyn has been working on spelling words and lots of reading. They are both progressing well.

Last year, I made these homework boards from project boards I saw in Family Fun magazine www.familyfun.com (look up Homework Central). They each have their own little space to do their homework and it keeps them from distracting each other. Though you can decorate it however you'd like, theirs is just white with the basic school supplies.


Kaitlyn and Preston are at to work on their homework. When they get home from school, they may have a small snack, rest time, and then start on their homework.


Preston's board has clothespins stuck on foam squares to clip any papers he may need. A pencil case with a pencil, ruler, kids scissors, glue stick, and pencil sharpener hang from a plastic hook. I have a bunch of notepads from when I worked in family practitioner's office that I gave to the kids. We hung a pad on the board for them to use as scratch paper.

Here is Kaitlyn's board. They both have identical supplies. I also put velcro tabs on one side of the board to attach a calculator and container full of rubber bands and paper clips.

This seems to keep them organized with all the supplies close at hand. We also started an incentive chart. I printed off a monthly calendar for each of them. Each day they do their homework, they get to put a sticker on that day of the month. After 10 stickers, they can either get $1 prize from the store, a movie night, or a game night. So far, so good.

It's Showtime, Folks!

I did my first show after a 4 yr hiatus. In fact, the last show I did, I was pregnant with Preston (so he kind of had a part in the show too). I auditioned with Regal Opera Co. since I know the Musical Director and Stage Director. I knew if I got a part, I would feel comfortable working with them.

We performed "Tales of Carmen and South Pacific". Act I had songs from the opera Carmen. Act II had songs from the musical South Pacific. There were some characters throughout the show that tied it all together. So, after two months of rehearsal, this weekend was performance weekend (Fri and Sun only). Both shows were great! I was cast in the chorus and had a minor solo and two short speaking lines. Just so you know, performers always count how many lines/words they have.


My parents came in town to see both performances. I also had a couple siblings, Craig and kids, and lots of great friends from church show their support as well by attending. Thank you all for coming!!!

Kaitlyn and my mom are waiting for the curtain to open. Kaitlyn enjoyed the entire show. Preston had a hard time staying still for the opera portion.

Act I-Carmen. I am to the right of the gentleman with the brown skirt. I had a dark curly hairpiece in my hair. I'm holding a prop cigarette since our characters were called "Cigarette Girls". There's some type of powder substance that made smoke come out when you blew on it. During the show, I never put it in my mouth.

I'm striking a "Spanish" pose during Habanera.

Act II-South Pacific. Craig tried his best to get pictures that weren't blurry. I was moving around during this whole song so it was hard. I'm in the center with the lime green shirt. We had towels around our neck since we were singing "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out Of My Hair."

I'm singing my sassy solo and I swing the towel around my head (my direction was to be sexy).

Preston took a picture with me after the show. Craig and the kids brought me a bouquet of mixed flowers. My parents and brother brought me red tulips. They always give me flowers on opening night.

This is the cast in one of the dressing rooms (everyone was dressed) waiting for our cue to head backstage.

This is the beautiful Jillian that played one of the roles of "Carmen". We took a picture of each other taking a picture.

It was so much fun being on stage again and I'm so comfortable doing it. I'll probably do another show or two next year. As for now, it's time to stop pretending and get back to reality.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Here's another dessert recipe. This came from Nestle Toll House Best Ever Cookies recipe book. There are a lot of great recipes in this book. I actually bought my copy at a garage sale for $1. Great deal!

Here is what the bars look like fresh from the oven.


Let them cool, cut, and enjoy!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

3/4 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter (I use creamy)

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 egg

2 cups (12 oz pkg.) semi-sweet chocolate morsels, divided (I actually used Kroger brand and they were just as good...and cheaper!)

Combine flour and baking soda in small bowl. Beat granulated sugar, peanut butter, butter and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Beat in egg. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in 1 1/4 cup morsels. Press into ungreased 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Sprinkle with remaining morsels; press down slightly.

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes or center is set. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Chill for a few minutes. Cut into bars.