What's your word?

Have you picked your word for this year?  I'm sure, like me, you've heard about this on the radio or from your friends.

You pick just one word to describe how you'll live this year.  My friend Ann's word is "hope" which I love and almost stole.  The guy on the radio chose "deeper" which I also like.  I've finally decided on "closer". 

In 2011, I want to be closer to God
                                  closer to Zach
                                  closer to the Bible
                                  closer to Jackson
                                  closer to my church
                                  closer to Kendall
                                  closer to service
                                  closer to my friends
                                  closer to charity
                                  closer to my kids at school...
I want to be closer to the person that God made me to be.

I was going back and forth between two words (maybe one day I'll share the other word with you).  I couldn't decide and the "deadline" was fast approaching.  My decision was made for me in the drive-thru line.  I was trying to rush home to get Jackson fed before play rehearsal.  My only choice was driving through somewhere QuIcKlY.  The girl at the window told me it would be just a minute before my order was ready.  So I turned up the "positive, encouraging" radio station I was listening to and tried not to panic that we were, like always, going to be late.  A teenager was giving his testimony and said "Jesus is your best friend.  He'll always be there for you.  You never have to worry about feeling alone.  He's sitting right next to you."  At that moment, I moved my purse out of the passenger seat so I would have room to set our order down.  I turned back toward the window and the girl was looking at me like I was crazy.  I realized that she had heard the man say "He's sitting right next you" and thought I was clearing a seat for Jesus.

As funny as it was for both the drive-thru girl and me, I thought to myself, "I should always remember that Jesus is sitting right next to me."  So I chose closer.  I want to be closer to Jesus.  Hopefully, I'll remember to move my purse - it is quite large.

So, what's your word?

Verse of the day - "The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." Psalms 145:18

Blessings,
Kelli

Shameless Plug

The top seven reasons you should see "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" if you live in our area...
7. It's written by the same guy who wrote the original James Bond movies.  The script is very clever!
6. The dance numbers are full of energy and AmAzInG!
5. The songs will put you in a great mood!
4. I'm not giving anything away to say that the spies and the Baroness are very FUNNY!
3. It's super cute and wholesome - a great show for the whole family!
2. A car will "fly" on stage!
1. Jackson has a part as one of the children!

And on a completely unrelated note...If you have not heard the song "Come Home" by Luminate yet - do it NOW!!!  It's my new favorite!

Verse of the day - "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8

Blessings,
Kelli

And now for your halftime entertainment...

Yes, I'm aware that she's too cute for own good.

 

I am also aware that she dresses way cuter than any two year old should!



However, I was not aware that when given a balloon by her Yommy during halftime at Bubba's game that she would stick it up her shirt!



Apparently she has a hidden love for Dolly Parton!



And now she's dancing because all the fans are laughing at this most inappropriate scene.

Oh, baby girl - you are truly one in a million!

Verse of the day - "You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound." Psalm 4:7

Blessings,
Kelli

You are never going to believe this...

Guess what?  My kids sometimes don't get along.  Shocking, I know!  Sometimes, they even fight (GASP)!  I laughed for about an hour when Zach asked me if it was normal for siblings to argue and fuss like our two.  Granted he doesn't have any brothers or sisters, but it was still really funny!  I remember VIVIDLY the "tussles" my brother and I had growing up.  It's a wonder my mom and dad still claim us as their own.  But now, Timothy is one of my best friends and I would fight to the death, not with him, but for him. 

So yes, my children argue, fuss, yell, make faces and fight with each other. But that's only about 20% of the time.  The other 80% of the time, they are kind, loving, caring and helpful to each other.  And I have to remind myself in that 20% of the time, this too shall pass.  And that they are learning life lessons and conflict-resolution skills.  AND to keep my patience and calmness intact even when they do not. 

Because we do have moments like this...



Leaving church a few Sundays ago - I couldn't resist!  I wanted to freeze-frame time.

 And this...

This morning after church.  Kendall's been wanting to wear her hat all week.  I let her wear it church and she left it on the whole time!  An added bonus - she was a big hit with the over-80 crowd!

We've also started a family devotional at dinner time.  We really love it!  Jackson gets into the discussion and answers the questions.  Kendall's done a great job of listening and sitting still. 

 
Each day has a little story and related Bible verses.  It also has discussion starters and questions.  Each day's devotion is the perfect length for young and school-aged children.  I highly recommend it!

Years ago, my friend Cheryl gave me Feathers From My Nest by Beth Moore on CD.  I cannot tell you how many times I've listened to it and loaned it out to family and friends. It is AmAzInG!!!  In the book, she talks about journals she kept with her two daughters.  I'm going to do some mega-paraphrasing here - she would write a bible verse in the journal each day, they would read and discuss it.  Then they would all sign it to signify that they would try to live that particular verse out that day.  I've been wanting to do this for a long time and FINALLY we started this year.  The devotional book above really lends itself to this activity as well.

Just a simple little journal...

 

Our Bible verse for today.  Yes, even Kendall "signs" her name!

By the way, today's lesson was about planting seeds of peace in your heart.  Totally tying into...fighting with your sibling!  Need I say more?

An update on Yvetta - she was released from the hospital late Wednesday and is doing well.  A speech therapist did a swallowing evaluation on her.  She has completely lost the muscle strength needed to swallow.  The speech therapist said this was due to her Alzheimer's.  So, she will be fed 23 hours a day through her feeding tube.  They have hooked it up to her wheelchair so she can still be mobile.  Thanks again for the prayers!  We are blessed in so many ways!

Verse of the day - "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11

Blessings,
Kelli

Hands of a fighter

Have you ever seen the hands of a fighter?  I have...

They look like this.

Yvetta gave us quite a scare!  She got choked at the nursing home while eating supper.  Lots of questions still remain about that part, but right now we're just focusing on her recovery.  The nurses and the medics were pretty sure she wasn't going to make it because she had stopped breathing and turned completely blue.  Thankfully, one of the medics cleared her airway and saved her life!  It truly must not have been her time!  I'm not sure how many other 93 year olds could make it through something like that.  The paramedic that saved her turned out to be someone that played football with my brother in high school.  We had the opportunity to get his number from a mutual friend and call and thank him personally.  It was a very emotional call for both him and Zach!

She's still in the hospital being treated for aspiration pneumonia among other things, but is doing very well considering how bad it could have been.  They have ruled out a stroke which is fantastic news!  The hardest part of her recovery now is her mental state.  She is so very confused.  I can't imagine how she must be feeling.  Yesterday, she rested comfortably most of the day.  She gets scared when people come in to take her vitals or give her breathing treatments, but most of the time Zach is able to calm her down.  Even though she doesn't know "who" he is, she knows he is someone that loves her!  This morning she sat up straight in bed and tried take all of her IVs out - I'm telling you she's a fighter in every sense of the word!  The care we have received at the hospital has been absolutely AmAzInG!  Please thank a health care provider or paramedic if you get a chance - they have to be called by God to do their jobs day in and day out!

I can't begin to say "Thank you" enough for all the prayers we have been receiving.  We have felt each and every one of them!!!  We know that God has us wrapped in His powerful hands!  Zach has some very difficult decisions to make about her quality of life.  If you could, please add him and Yvetta to your prayer list for a while.

"Jesus, let me walk with you although my steps are small.
Stay beside me, hold my hand,
and never let me fall."

Verse of the day - "Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16

Blessings,
Kelli

P.S.  I also need to say a HUGE thank you to my parents for keeping the kids for us!  Not sure how we could have done it without them!!!  They're the BEST!

37 years - They've only just begun

Today my parents are celebrating their 37th wedding anniversary.  37 years - WOW!!!  I am so amazed by their love for each other!  I only hope Zach and I can give our kids the same wonderful example of marriage that they gave (and continue to give) me and my brother. 

I obviously need to take more pictures of my parents WITHOUT my children. 
I'm going to seriously work on that this year!

I have been thinking a lot about legacies and generations lately.  Just today in a professional development meeting, the speaker- who was AmAzInG by the way - said that "when we teach, we are not just changing kids, we are changing legacies".  I thought this was a great way to describe my parents too.  They didn't just raise us, they taught us how to continue their legacy of love and start our own!  Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!  You guys are an indescribable source of strength and support.  I love you more than words!

And while I wasn't there 37 years ago - I believe this Carpenter's Song was...

"And when the evening comes, we smile
So much of life ahead
We'll find a place where there's room to grow
And yes, we've just begun"

I can't wait to see the next part of their love story...

Verse of the day - "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." Proverbs 3:3

Blessings,
Kelli

P.S. Any guesses how they celebrated tonight?  Yep, they went on a date...to Jackson's basketball game!  That's true love!!!  (I hope they are cheering loud because I'm at home with a little girl who has goopy, yucky pink eyes!

January Nights

I'm so glad it's finally cold here.  Yes, our skin is dry and we have to wear some extra layers, but it is nice to finally wear a sweater and not burn up in it.  Plus, it feels more like winter and we get to enjoy hot chocolate and snuggle under blankets.

And Jackson gets to learn about false advertising...



Do you see any marshmallows in this hot chocolate?

Really, are you sure? Because this is the box it came out of...

5x More Marshmallows!?!
Well, I guess 0 times 5 is technically 0.

And when we're not at home, we're usually at Bubba's basketball games.  Bless the Bobcats' hearts - they haven't won a single game!  We thought we might have had a chance last Saturday when we scored 10 points for the first time, but nope - we still lost.  At least they keep trying, I know a lot of adults who could stand to learn that lesson. 


I was so proud of Jackson during this game.  The kid he had been guarding was aggressive all game - elbows, hips, you name it.  Finally, Jacks had enough.  When they lined up for a free throw shot, Jackson boxed him right out the lane for the rebound.

 

Getting instructions from coach

Usually, Zach takes Jackson to basketball practice and I do homework and piano practice with him.  It's a pretty sweet trade-off!  While Bubba and Daddy are gone to practice, I get to spend some one-on-one time with Kendall.  On Monday night, I decided we would have a beauty night.

First, we did our hair.  Again, I'll save you the pictures of myself.

She's really digging "clippies" these days.

Next, I painted her nails.

She chose pink.  I painted a hand and a half pink when she said, "I not like this pink.  I want orange."  Luckily, I had orange in the drawer from college.

 

Orange nails!?!


She wanted the orange off about 20 minutes later.  Oh well, I had fun spending some girl time with her.

Most of our January nights end like this - pajamas, snuggles and hot chocolate.


What are these three watching on television?

  

Andy Griffith, of course! 
Jackson likes Andy and Opie and Kendall LOVES Andy and Goober. 
Yes, we DVR it - Yes, we know we're dorks!

And to add a little more randomness to this post...It is College and Career week at school.  Mrs. P brought her mortar board cap from college to show her kids.  She took pictures of them wearing it and they wrote about what college they wanted to attend and what they wanted to be when they grow up.  Seriously, they are the cutest things ever - not sure why I didn't take a picture.  Anyways, she let Jackson try the cap on and I couldn't resist taking a picture.

Meet Jackson McCammond - College Graduate Class of 2026 (deep breath, *tears*)
Wants to attend: Texas Tech University (brainwashing, anyone?)
Career Aspirations: Judge (this is a new one to add to the ever-changing list)


Verse of the day - "Ears to hear and eyes to see--both are gifts from the LORD." Proverbs 20:12

Blessings,
Kelli

Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens...

These are a few of my favorite things!  Well, at least a few of my favorite gifts I gave for Christmas.  I also received a ton of great gifts, my blog would be WAY too long if I tried to include all those.  This year, I decided to give a lot of personalized presents for some reasons.  I wasn't really going with a theme, but it sort of turned out that way!

Photo books from Shutterfly...super easy and fun!

 

Calendars from Shutterfly...equally as easy and way cute for desks, etc.



Personalized bags from "my thirty one".  Great bags, totes, purses, lunch kits - all personalized.  They have all types of fabrics and fonts.  Message me on facebook if you want more information about these.

 

Initial pendant from Initial Outfitters.  My friend Mandy introduced me to this company.  I cannot describe the cuteness of the jewelry in words and the prices are very reasonable!  I love the jewelry, but they also carry soap, embroidered towels and handbags, baby items and home decor items.  This is the pendant I gave my mom.



Sorry - couldn't get a great pic without the flash!  You can choose from a ton of different font styles.



So, this gift was given by me, but was also received by me.  Don't judge!  This is from The Rusted Chain.  I have always wanted one of these "tag" necklaces, but didn't want to pay an arm and a leg.  Finally, my wish came true.  I did order other necklaces, but forgot to take pictures before I gave them as gifts. 

I love shopping!  My kids, husband and wallet - not so much!  Most of the above gifts were ordered from the comfort of my own home which make them extra sweet!

Okay, so if you are not related to me - you probably don't want to read the next part of this post.  It's about one of my kids - shocker, I know!

Jackson was named a TOP DOG for the 3rd six weeks at school.  We are super proud of him!!!



He loves the dog tags he gets with his certificate.

I've mentioned this before, but at each TOP DOG assembly one grade level is in charge of the "entertainment".  Third grade was in charge this time.  They pulled out one of my all time favorites - The Tower of Trust.
Here's the story in pictures (I got a new camera - WooHoo!)...


The students read examples of when they were trustworthy or helpful (i.e. "Someone asked me for an answer on a test, I said no," or "I used nice words when others were saying mean things.").  For each example, a block was added to the tower of trust.



For each good choice, the tower got taller...



And taller!!!  It took 21 good choices to build the Tower of Trust this high.

 

But then came the bad choices!  For each bad choice (i.e. "I helped someone cheat on a test."), one block was removed.

 

Only 4 bad choices later (Austin had the opportunity to take out the last "bad choice block") and...



The tower came tumbling down! 

What a great visual!  I pray that I remember my Tower of Trust and how quickly it can come down no matter how long I've worked on building it up!

Verse of the day - "Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered." Proverbs 28:26

Blessings,
Kelli

I'm going to miss this...

Tomorrow I have to go back to work.  Yes, I know how lucky I am to have two full weeks off at Christmas.  Yes, I know not everyone gets that much time off.  And no I'm not griping, I'm just sad. 

I've enjoyed two full weeks of spending time with my children.  Loving on them, cuddling, reading, snuggling, singing, dancing, Wii time, playing, napping, more reading, more playing, a little more cuddling - pure joy!  This post is dedicated to all the little things I'm going to miss tomorrow.  A tomorrow that brings getting dressed before 10:00 a.m., lesson plans, grading, homework, basketball practices/games, packing lunches/backpacks, ironing, and missing my lovebugs!

I will miss...


Playing beauty shop with this girl - Not quite long enough for a "pony", but we can finally get it into pigtails.  Notice I didn't include any of my pictures when she was finished with me.  Let's just say when your daughter says "Momma, you look like the Grinch", its probably not your best look!



Listening to this boy teach me about his new technology!



Finding this Baseball Santa in a million different places each day. 
You'd just never know where he might turn up!



Finding the nativity scenes all lined up by our girl with OCD issues.
Sidenote - My friend Cheryl (Jackson's teacher) gave this to Jackson in 2004 for his first Christmas.  Jackson told Kendall, "Be careful with that - Mrs. Sevigny gave that to me back when she was Chesez!"  Before this year, Jackson called her Chesez - a combo of her first and last name.



Finding lots more ornaments hung toward the bottom of the tree than the day before - hmmm...wonder who did that?

 

Getting to eat lunch with this guy during the week!



Spending lots of cuddling time in our pajamas!

 

And most of all - these smiles! 
The lights of my life!


I found a picture that sums up how I'm feeling about going back tomorrow while putting away the Christmas decorations...

On the outside I might look like Jackson and Santa, but on the inside I'm screaming like Kendall!

Wishing everyone a great first week of the New Year! 

Verse of the day - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

MMXI

HaPpY NeW YeAr!!!

Wow!  I cannot believe 2010 flew by like it did.  People always say how time goes faster and faster the older you get...boy, are they ever right!  I am hoping to cherish each moment of 2011 because it will be gone before we know it.

New Year's Eve - We spent the first part of the night over at Danny and Debbie's house.  We ate pizza, watched football and enjoyed each other's company.
 

Danny and Papa sure do make us laugh!  These four together = TROUBLE!



Happy New Year, Yommy!!!



Kendall terrorizing poor Abby Kitty.  She loves Danny and Debbie's cat - I don't blame Abby for not feeling the same way about this screaming, crazy girl!

 

Papa and Danny trying to figure exactly what that Silly Band is supposed to be...



Jackson and Debbie

 

Jackson showing everyone his silly pictures -he's not the least bit fond of this present from Yommy and Papa, can you tell?



Enjoying the beautiful fire...I found myself wishing we hadn't been so scared after Jackson's accident and bought a house with a fireplace.

 

Yommy brought "Happy New Year" ring suckers for these happy kids!

We left Debbie and Danny's and headed home before "the crazies hit the streets" (as my dad always says).  Jackson wanted to stay up and watch the ball drop.  He finally figured out that the ball drops at 11:00 instead of midnight (I sometimes miss the days before he could read or tell time).  He was determined to make it until midnight - he did, just barely.  Sister made it until 11:00 and then was out like a light!


Toasting the new year with our pajamas, milk and eggnog - You can tell we are big time party-ers!

New Year's Day - We slept in!  That's a rarity around here with Early Riser #1 and Early Riser #2.  We had to say good-bye for now to Uncle Timothy and Aunt Jessica.  It always makes us sad when they have to head back.  It was good to have them here for a few weeks.  I know Jessica enjoyed spending time with her mom and sisters.  It was their first Christmas without her dad - I can't imagine how hard that must have been.  We sure do love Uncle Timmy and Aunt Jeddica!

Timothy, Jackson and one of my furry, precious nieces - Big Mama.

Jackson has been asking and asking when Kendall could go with us to the movies.  My mom, Jackson and I took her last Christmas break to see the Princess and the Frog and that did not go over very well.  She got really scared and I spent most of the movie out in the lobby with her.  Usually either Zach or I take Jackson one on one to the movies.  Today was the day - our first trip to the movies all together.  We went to see Tangled in 3D. 
  

I never can get both of them to look at the same time.

Looking seriously cute in 3D glasses!

 My lovebugs!

Tangled is a really cute movie - I know you'll be shocked to find out that I may have shed a tear or two.  I highly recommend it!  Kendall did really well.  She left her glasses on the majority of the time and liked the "really, big TV".  I only had to take her out once - I'm not giving anything away to say that the "Mother Gothel" character is a little scary for the two year old crowd.  It got really dark in one scene and the "mean woman" was yelling.  We came back in a few minutes later and all was well again.

We had a great first day of 2011 and I pray the rest of the year follows suit!

The Verse of the Day and my resolutions for 2011 are all rolled into one today (insert Kelli for "Love" or "it" and you'll see my hopes for myself in the new year) -

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:4-13

Blessings,

Kelli