Ft. Worth Zoo

I do a music class every other week for my friend's daycare. When they have special outings, my kids and I are invited along. We always have a great time. Today, we had an outing to the Ft. Worth Zoo.

We love the zoo, but have only gone in early spring before it gets unbearably hot. Kaitlyn was in school, so Preston and I went (don't feel bad for her-she gets to do a lot of things without her brother). It was especially nice because admission is half-price on Wednesdays. The weather was perfect, we brought a sack lunch, and enjoyed seeing the animals.


Here are the elephants Preston desperately wanted to see.

In one part of the zoo, there is a play area for children. The building is shaped like a big barn and there's lots of activities for the kids and a climbing structure. Preston is crawling across the rope tunnel above me.

In the bird sactuary, you can buy feed sticks for $1 and let the birds eat off your stick.

This is a new exhibit that houses the snakes, lizards, frogs, etc. It was my least favorite part. However, there is a giant alligator that's housed in a huge pool of water. That was pretty neat

Here's a giant tortoise!

The zookeeper is tending to the gazelles.

Preston loved the flamingos.

These are bongos. They were doing this for awhile.

The zoo houses a huge World of Primates. This is probably one of the best attractions there. Here lies a tired gorilla.

A sad looking orangutan.

Here's a chimp with her newborn, Layla.

There were several chimps playing in the climbing structure.

At first, Preston did not want his picture taken.

Then, he wouldn't stop posing.

It was very fun, but tiring day. We saw sooo many animals. Thanks MalMal for the invite!

Cheer Clinic

Kaitlyn went to her very first Cheer Clinic today at one of the high schools. She's been talking about joining a cheerleading squad but we weren't sure if she'd like it. So, when I saw this was coming up for only 4 hours on a Saturday, I was more than happy to pay the $25 for it before I fork out a lot more money for 4 months.

At the end of the clinic, all the participants showcased what they learned. Kaitlyn really enjoyed it. The participants are invited to cheer at the varsity game on Oct. 29 with the cheerleaders. When I told Kaitlyn that we have 2 fall festivals to go to that same night (her school and church), she said she would rather go cheer instead of dressing up and getting candy. So, Craig and I will have the fun task of juggling schedules so he can get off work in time to take her to the game and I will take Preston to the church's fall festival.

Here's a pic of our future cheerleader. She is the third from the left in the pink shirt and black shorts.

The Tooth Fairy

Well, it's been quite an eventful week at the Kelley house. The Tooth Fairy had to make 3 visits to our house within 5 days!!!

Kaitlyn does not like to lose her teeth. She's had 5 teeth total that she's lost since February. Each tooth is a HUGE ordeal!!! There's lots of crying, shrieking, some blood, and that's just me! No, I'm just kidding. Let's just say, I'm sure the neighbors have been wondering what in the world is going on at our house.

When we first discovered that Kaitlyn had some loose teeth, we immediately ordered a Tooth Fairy Pillow from our friend Debbie at www.SharpCreations.com. She has a huge selection of pillows (and pillowcases) to choose from and she will even personalize it with the child's name. We let Kaitlyn pick out what she wanted, and being a Texas girl, she picked cowboy (or cowgirl, rather) boots. Within a week of getting the pillow (Debbie provides quick delivery service), the first tooth was out and the pillow was being put to use.

Here is a picture of the pillow. We've used it quite a bit this week. Kaitlyn's name is on the pocket of the pillow.


Now when we prepare for the Tooth Fairy, the tooth goes into a baggie that is then placed in the pocket of the pillow. However, the pillow cannot be on the bed with Kaitlyn. It can't even be in her bedroom. The pillow must be placed out in the hall on top of the toy box. Kaitlyn loves receiving her $1 from the Tooth Fairy (it was only a quarter when I was little-I blame inflation), but the Tooth Fairy cannot go into her bedroom. I actually think it makes it easier for the Tooth Fairy to do her job so she doesn't wake up Kaitlyn. :)

Here is Kaitlyn with her new smile!

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.