Kelli. in real life

50 to 100

Thats how many times I kiss my little boy per day. Sometimes more . Im sure of it. He's a strong willed little wise guy so I've got to discipline him a lot too. But he brings me so much joy. He makes me smile. Isn't he beautiful?

I Can't Help But Love You

This is my son. I have never learned more from anyone in my entire life. Sometimes he makes me so angry that I want to pull my hair out piece by piece. Other times he's the sweetest child, and I cry just to hear his voice or watch him play. Lately, I have enjoyed more than ever being with him. I've stopped aching so much to have another child and I've focused more on enjoying the one I have. The other day he asked about his baby brother. I said, "Canaan, Christian is in heaven with Jesus and the angels, remember?" He said quietly, "yeah." Moments later he began to cry. We were in the car at the time so I couldn't hold him, but as soon as we got in the house I laid him on my chest and we had a good cry...together. Ten minutes later, he was up running around, banging on my pots, leaving his trains in the middle of the floor, and whining because nap time had come. But for those few moments I literally felt like God used my son to remind me of his unfailing love for me, and that He too has cried to know that I have been hurt. But His love is unchanging. Its brings healing. It brings peace. 

When I look into my sons eyes and I remember carrying him for 9 months, rocking him to sleep at night, watching him take his first steps; I can't help but love him. And today I'm grateful for a God that looks at me in the midst of this process called salvation and says, "I CANT HELP BUT LOVE YOU"

I'm Back

Hi there everyone!
I'm back from a much needed vacation.
I spent some time with my L.A. sister relaxing, shopping, laughing, and learning alot about myself.
Thanks to each of you who whispered a word of prayer or thought of me during my time away.
I have lots to share with you, and I look forward to getting back into the "groove" of blogging sometime this week.

I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed myself. Don't tell my sister, but I cried a little bit on the plane coming home. But OH THE JOY that overwhelmed when I heard my son yell "That's my MOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMYYYYY" as I came out of the airport, and how loved I feel to have spent time gazing into my husbands eyes the last few hours, and hearing how much he missed me and loves me.

I feel refreshed, excited, and grateful to God for the time away, but even moreso....for a place to call HOME.

Soon,

Kelli, in real life

Homebody or Social Butterfly???

The last 2 weeks or so, I've been putting in some extra hours at work. We've got a few things coming up that require a little extra money. Instead of expecting my husband to "hand it all over', I've been doing what I can to bring in some extra revenue so we can move(in a few weeks), get some new furniture (thank God), and I'm supposed to go away with a friend for a week. (yay for mommy!)

In my free time, I've noticed I've been out and about more than usual. I'm normally the type that likes to be at home, curled up in front of the tv or reading a book; just relaxing and being quiet. (Well as quiet as quiet can be with a 2 year old).

Lately, I've been meeting up with friends for coffee, going to the movies, having playdates, or just venturing out on my own more often. It's not that I'm a shy person (the thought of me being shy is hilarious), nor am I quite the loner. But the truth is, I actually don't mind being a lone. Biologically, I'm an only child, so I'm used to entertaining myself.

What I've noticed is that the last 2 weeks have been emotional and filled with lots of ups and downs. Some of those "downs" are still kind of "up" in the air. There's been death, overdue bills, misunderstandings with loved ones, etc. Both my husband and I have sort of "taken turns" finding outlets to keep us sane. He's been playing at gigs, and indulging in a few rock band challenges with some friends. I've had more "coffee and/or movie" dates more than ever. And together as a couple, we've enjoyed fellowship with other christian couples.

It's a weird season in our lives, but both us have found strength by managing our time well, communicating honestly, and having some good, healthy fun.

How about you? When life throw's you a curve ball do you tend to stay home, or do you come out of your cocoon and socialize to keep your mind off things?

And So It Begins.....

It's official.
My 2 year old has a hero.
His name is Eli.
Eli is a big boy.
He's 3.
Oh yes, a whopping 3!

My son thinks Eli is the absolute coolest kid on the planet.
Eli likes Peter pan, pirates, swords, and all things rough.
Therefore....
Canaan does as well.

When Eli and Canaan get together, there's lots of "that's mine", "Stop", and "No"'s which ultimately results in time outs.

But they love each other.

I remember my first childhood hero. It was this lady.

Yep.
Diana Ross.
I was 3 years old, and I wanted big eyes, an afro, and a dog named Toto just like Diana Ross.
(If you're confused I'm assuming you've never seen the "black" version of The Wizard of Oz entitled THE WIZ. A MUST SEE)

Anyways,
I sure do wish Canaan would go to the big boy potty like Eli so I can stop buying DIAPERS. Geesh!

Did you have a childhood hero?

TWOS-DAYS

This morning my two year old woke up with a light fever.
I was scheduled to work, but thank God I was able to get off.
This is what took place about 30 minutes ago....

whining......

whining and bargaining

mad at mama

meltdown.....

until finally........

HAPPY TWOS-DAY!

This is me in real life (exhausted)...Kelli