Cookies for Santa

I just had to share these pictures with you! Gabe is still not very independent when it comes to the potty, so that explains why he is only half dressed while helping me and Isabel make the cookies for Santa :)

Isabel wrote this letter to Santa on Christmas Eve...isn't she the sweetest girl? This was the best Christmas yet. I'll share more photos later, but for now, I hope this was your best Christmas, too.

Merry Christmas!

Yay, it's finally here! I think I am just as excited as my kids are this year, waiting to celebrate Jesus' birthday. This past Saturday we had our Christmas with my side of the family, and it was so enjoyable! The kids all got along great, the food was yummy, and we had so much fun doing a "white elephant" gift exchange...I think it was my best Christmas yet. I just love having all of my sisters (minus one) and their husbands and kids and our mom all together in my house...what an absolute blessing that we were all healthy and happy and appreciative of each other for a wonderful evening.

Yesterday, Isabel sang a solo in our church musical and she did so well! And I am such a total sap that I sat in my pew and cried. I am so blessed to have such awesome kids who WANT to worship in such a public way...I would be way too nervous to be up in front of so many people. Tonight, she and Elijah are going to perform in the family Christmas Eve service, and I can't wait to see it again! You know I'll be crying again...the Kleenex are already by the door.

I hope all of you are blessed with the peace of this Christmas season, and are able to enjoy the best gift of all...the grace of God through Christ our Lord. Merry Christmas!

Make a Wish!

In the morning, Isabel will be 8 years old! Hard to believe...isn't it weird how I can remember every detail of the day she was born? It was almost time for the Y2K drama, and lots of people were stockpiling bottled water and canned goods and generators for the big event. We didn't bother. Did you? Anyway, Elijah was only 18 months old, and Kay went with me to my OB/GYN visit, and helped me talk my doctor into breaking my water that afternoon. After only 9 hours of fairly easy labor, Isabel Nadine flew into the world at 8:28 pm! Dr. Stamler barely made it into the room in time to catch her, she came so quickly. She is such a sweet, smart, and absolutely beautiful girl, and we are so blessed to have her in our lives.

I wonder what she wished for...

Isabel's party

Although her birthday isn't until the 21st, we had Isabel's party last Saturday. I was so nervous about the weather (we had a winter storm warning), but all five of her little friends made it! She had such a great time...we did hair and makeup and did a photo shoot, then had cake and ice cream and opened presents. Thanks to everyone who came to the party! Look at these adorable girls...can't you just imagine what they'll be like in another 8 years?!

Snow Day pictures

Finally, I got these pics downloaded. I ended up switching photo software programs to try to make it easier on me...I am so computer illiterate! It's really quite an accomplishment for me to have this blog, as those of you close to me will be able to attest to. Anyway, hope you enjoy!

New Stuff...thanks, Joe!

Yes, thanks to my hubby, I now have a playlist like the other blogs that I love! If you don't like to listen to music while you read, then hit mute now. Otherwise, sit back and enjoy my picks. It's a great way to find artists that you may not ordinarily listen to...

Short post today, as I am getting ready to go work out at the YMCA. I have found a workout partner that I adore, and we have a great time together trying to work off those extra pounds. Gabe has a great time in the nursery, playing with kids and sharing (toys, germs, boogers) :)

Anyway, I'll be back more this week...I promise!

Changes

What a difference a few months makes! From two to three years old...a little calmer, a lot more talkative, and so stinkin' cute! I am so in love with this little boy. You know, with my first two, I was always in a hurry to get them to the next stage...walking, talking, preschool, kindergarten; with Gabe, I want to put the brakes on and enjoy each stage of his life, knowing this is (almost definitely) my last baby. And look at him, he's not a baby anymore. That's pretty much the whole reason I scrapbook...to capture these times so that I can look back and remember all the precious moments that make up our lives.

Feeling sentimental today, and the past couple of days, I guess. Must be the holiday season, so full of tradition and meaning. I love this time of year.

Hope this Christmas season is filled with love, family and friends for each one of you.

Snow Day!

Yay, the first snow is here, and it's a great one! Usually we only get a dusting in December, but we woke up to a good three inches this morning! For some crazy reason, Lebanon only had a one hour delay, but I decided that we were going to have our own Snow Day. Isabel has already made two snowmen, which Gabe promptly wrestled to the ground in his own Snowman WWF Smackdown. I'll post some pics tomorrow, after we play in the snow some more. Even Ellie loved it...she was burying her little nose in it and running amuck in the backyard. So cute!

Hope the snowy day gets you in the Christmas spirit! Only 20 more days!

A perfect day...

A Perfect Day...remembering this day that Gabriel and I spent at the Children's Museum at Union Terminal on his 3rd birthday in August. What a great place! I just love this picture, and I can't wait to do a scrapbook layout about all the fun we had there. Playing in the water, in the trees, with the trains and the blocks and the construction equipment...so much to do for kids, and I love watching them stretch their imaginations. We are so lucky to live in such a great town filled with so many things to do with your family. Enjoy the rest of the pics.

Sick house

Yes, it's that time of the year for the return of the dreaded "stomach bug". Isabel started it last Friday, and the domino effect has continued, leaving me the last to fall. So...not a long post today, but hopefully after this weekend, I'll have some new Christmas-y pics to share. The Lebanon horse-drawn Christmas parade is tomorrow, and most likely we will have to miss it this year. It starts at 11am, then returns for the "candle-lit" version at 7pm. If you have never been, you ought to come up. Silver Street is a great place to be, near our church, Lebanon United Methodist.

Have a good weekend, and get started on those Christmas cards. I have already received two, and it's not even December! Those over-achievers!

Countdown is on!

How many shopping days until Christmas? I know some people have it all figured out to the last second...I have even received an email with the countdown to Christmas in actual time, just to stress you out a little more. It's not working, though. I love Christmas and just about everything about it...shopping for the perfect gift, decorating the house and yard, wrapping presents, making and sending and receiving Christmas cards, going to parties...but most of all, teaching my kids the real meaning of Christmas, and creating traditions and memories that will last them all of their lives (I hope!). Have you heard that song "Mary Did You Know?" ? I was driving with the kids when it came on in the van, and it got us talking about Jesus when he was a baby, and whether or not Mary had any idea what was in store for her baby boy. As a mother, I just love that perspective on the Christmas story. I'll see if I can find the video...look at the right and check it out if it's there.

Hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving. Mine was mixed...I was able to celebrate with family before and after the holiday, but spent the actual day at work having an absolutely horrible day. My prayers are with the family of my 36-year old patient, who lost her life yesterday after a tragic stroke. She leaves behind a husband, three teenaged children, and lots of other family. So sad.

Cherish these days with your family, and create some new blessed memories with your kids.

Thanksgiving

"Isabel and Gabe dancing to the music!"

I know it's early, but the next few days are going to be crazy with the kids out of school, me working, and then trying to celebrate the holiday and get ready for Christmas shopping! So, I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, and encourage you to think of all of the things you have to be grateful for. The big things (health, family, God's grace), and the little things (listening to your kids getting along for once!). The other night I was downstairs making Christmas cards, and through the baby monitor, I could hear Isabel being in Gabe's room. Just when I was ready to go upstairs and tell them to get into their beds (for the third time!), I stopped to listen to what they were saying. Isabel was praying with Gabe, and it was so precious. She would say "Thank you, God, for Mommy and Daddy" and Gabe would repeat her. They worked their way through every member of our family, and then said "Amen" together. Isabel is such a little mother to her baby brother, and he loves her like crazy. If I would not have had the monitor on, or if I would have gone up the stairs in anger, I never would have been blessed to hear that prayer. And I so needed to hear that prayer. On that note, have a great and blessed day yourself.

Happy!

You know those days when everything just seems to go the way you planned? I have been having one of those today, and I am so grateful for it. The kids got off to school without a hitch, Gabe has been in a great mood (when is he not, come to think of it!), and the grocery shopping is done for Thanksgiving! Yay! I am looking forward to working tonight...I am so blessed to have a job that I truly love.

I hope that many of you have a day like this, if not today, then surely tomorrow or this week!

Where does the time go?

I can't believe it's been almost a week since my last post. I guess I have been busy with Stamp Camps and Elijah's last flag football game and getting the puppy spayed...the list goes on and on. Oh, yeah, and laundry, dishes, packing lunches, making breakfast, lunch and dinner; playing Hot Wheels and building pretend castles with Gabe, shopping, going to the library, making cards and Christmas ornaments...I am so lucky to have such a full life!

Please remember my grandma in your prayers. We call her "Mother", and she is 84 and lives by herself in North Carolina. She was in a car accident last week, and then she had a spell and fell flat on her face in the road a couple of days ago. She is in a hospital down in NC, and she is doing okay, but is now at the point where it is dangerous for her to live alone. She is a very independent woman, and this is very hard for her to face. My mom is going to be getting her and bringing her home to live with her soon, which will be a big adjustment for everyone concerned. So...please pray.

Just wanted to post a few random pics. Gabe in the rain; Gabe with my nieces, Katlyn and Kylee; and Elijah, Isabel and Gabe at the Pumpkin patch this fall. Enjoy.

Doughnuts and pizza

I don't know why, but for some reason I am really craving doughnuts and Larosa's pizza (not together, mind you). No, I am NOT pregnant, just haven't had breakfast yet and I am hungry. There is a new doughnut shop in Lebanon that I am dying to try out, so I think Gabe and I are going to go on a road trip. I'll let you know how they taste.

Tomorrow is my Christmas Stamp Camp, and I am so excited...I think Christmas cards are my very favorite to make. I bought this new paper, "Figgy Pudding", by Basic Grey, and the cards turned out adorable. Hopefully I can sell some of these extra cards, otherwise ya'll might be getting two cards from me :)

Have a great weekend!

Christmas cards and Puppies

This cute card was made using the "Baby Jesus is Born" set from the winter mini catalog from Stampin' Up! I got the idea off of Splitcoaststampers, which is an awesome site for scrapbookers and cardmakers alike. I am loving blues and browns for cards this year...I am an earth-tones girl, I guess. Stay tuned for more ideas. Also including a picture of Ellie...she is about full-grown now, weighing about six pounds. I am loving having a dog, more than I thought I would. Isabel takes such good care of her, and Gabe is the best playmate! You should see how crazy he and Ellie are together!

Get Ready!

So, how many of you have started on your Christmas cards? These pics are a sneak peek of ones I am considering using on my cards this year. I cannot stand to go to a portrait studio...Gabe is never in the mood to smile or even hold still, and I end up angry and mean by the end of the session...not a great way to kick off the holidays. So...I decided to try to make some memories at the pumpkin patch, and Becky Higgins has some great ideas of cards to make with your photos in the December issue of CK. Of course, by then I might have even better pics, who knows? BTW, the pic of Joe and me was taken by Isabel...pretty good, huh? I know she'll love it if I use that one for my cards; she was so proud :)

Have a great Monday, and enjoy the cold weather!

More cards!

To get you in the mood to stamp and create, I have posted a couple of card ideas. This month, I am hosting two different Christmas stamp camps, one on Saturday, November 10th and the other on Wednesday, November 14th, both from 7pm to 9pm. If you are interested, drop me a line at kelseyhs@go-concepts.com and I'll give you the details.

Enjoy your weekend! We are having our adult Sunday School class over tomorrow night for a "winery" dinner, and we even get an extra hour of sleep afterwards! How perfect.

November 1st!

November...visions of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce...yum! The only bummer this year is that I have to work a 12-hour day shift on Thanksgiving. But, the good thing is that my family is willing to wait until Saturday to celebrate, not only the holiday but also my oldest sister's birthday. I think she's turning 35 this year, right, Michelle?

Halloween was so great last night! The kids had a terrific time trick or treating and getting gobs of candy (which will probably last us until Easter!). Even Gabe was excited this year...much better than the screaming and crying last year. Elijah was a Bengal's player, Isabel a rock star and Gabe an alligator/T-Rex, depending on his mood. I loved my nieces' costumes...Kylee was an adorable cow, and Katlyn was a scary vampire. Too fun!

These are some of the promised pictures that I finally uploaded. Halloween, our pumpkins, a trip to the pumpkin patch, and Gabe with E.T. (who is still sleeping in Gabe's Thomas bed every night, BTW). Enjoy!

Happy Halloween!

Next to Christmas, I think this is my favorite holiday! We carved pumpkins last night, listening to our Halloween CD on the stereo and roasting pumpkin seeds while Joe worked his magic. He is so artistic...my talents are limited to cards and scrapbooks, I'm afraid. I promise, tomorrow I will post pictures of everything I have written about lately! Stay tuned...and in the meantime, have a Happy Halloween! (If you have any extra Heath bars that no one wants, you can send them my way).

P.S. Thanks for the Happy Birthday comment, Michelle!

Birthdays!

Yay, today is my birthday! I'm not sure how old I'll be when I don't want to celebrate this special day anymore, but I know I'm not ready for that yet. I love being 25! (Ha ha). Really, though, I have had an awesome day, and it's not over yet. Joe and the kids were off school today, and Kay was off work, so we headed to Cracker Barrel this morning for a yummy breakfast, then to my favorite store, Hobby Lobby, to spend my giftcard. Then, we took the kids to a great pumpkin patch and picked out two pumpkins to carve, took some great pictures that I'm hoping to use for my Christmas cards, and had some delicious apple cider slushies...YUM! Tonight I get to go to the Outback for dinner with friends, then to Kings Island for my first ever visit to Fearfest (or whatever it's called this year). Elijah is afraid that a scary creature is going to take me away...sure hope not. I feel so blessed to have so many people who love me and want to help me celebrate my birthday.

My camera is dead right now, but I'll charge it up for Halloween, then I'll download some pics. Have a great Autumn day!

Busy week!

I cannot believe it is already Friday! This week has flown by, between Isabel's jazz class, stamp camp on Wednesday (thanks to everyone who came over, hope you had a great time!), and taking Gabe to Shaw Farms for a hayride and pumpkin patch yesterday. Now here it is almost time for me to go back to work for the weekend. I hope all of you have a great weekend, especially Michelle and Morgan. I read your comment, Morgan, and I am searching for just the right photo for my blog. You may have to send me one on my email, then I will paste it here. Something sophisticated and brilliant, okay?

So, my friend, Jen Campbell, is having an Open House in Anderson on November 30th, and she has invited me to take part. I am thinking that since my scrapbooks sold better than my cards at the last open house, I am going to focus on making gift scrapbooks and similar items. Still some cards, but not as many. I will keep you posted on the details, if you want to attend.

Have a great Friday, and I'll post more later!

Thanks!

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Open House on Saturday! (A big thank you to my sister, Michelle, for coming with me and helping me set up and supporting my business just like she always does...I love you!) We had a great night, with wine, great food, even better company, and lots of goodies to buy and order. I met so many neat women, and it was fun to just have a night out! Thanks to Cheryl and Jenni for hosting...can't wait to do it again next year!

Another Open House Sneak Peek

Just a short note today...things are a bit crazy around here. I have made over one hundred cards and three custom scrapbooks, plus door prizes for the Open House tomorrow night. Here is another sneak peek of a Christmas card. Love to see you tomorrow!

Rain...yay!

Finally, some much needed rain! I love staying home on a rainy day, baking and scrapping and playing with Gabe and the puppy. Once I got Elijah and Isabel off to school, I made a yummy breakfast for me, Gabe and E.T. (for some reason, Gabe decided that our 3-foot tall talking E.T., a gift from my dad, was going to be his best friend today). E.T. has gone potty with Gabe, played army guys, got dressed, and is currently eating Hot Wheels cookies and watching Scooby Doo Zombie Island. I got some cute pics...I'll share them at a later date, when I have time to download them. Right now I use Adobe Photoshop, which is okay. What other programs are good for downloading pics? I have a birthday coming up, and that may be a good gift to ask for from Joe.

Anyway, here is another Christmas card idea. I just bought a new magazine, so after my open house this weekend, I'll make some cards from there. CUTE ideas! It is the new Holiday Cards edition from Paper Crafts. I picked it up at Michaels yesterday.

Enjoy your day!

Open House Reminder

Just a reminder that this weekend is the Lebanon Open House that I am a part of with several other direct sales merchants. It starts at 6pm and lasts until 9pm. I am making white chicken chili for a hearty appetizer, and there will be plenty of other snacks to munch on while you're browsing the tables. I have made lots of cards, both Christmas and all-occasion, and lots of other items as well. There will be door prizes given away every hour from each vendor! Hope you can come! Here is a sneak preview of one of the cards that will be for sale!

Monday, Monday...

Mondays are my tired, not-quite-in-my-right-mind days, but it's hard to stay that way today when it is such a beautiful day outside. I had a great weekend at work, working with friends and not being too busy at the hospital, and this morning we went to First Watch for breakfast. Yummy! Bacon cooked perfect and banana chocolate chip pancakes...can you tell I'm hungry?!

Anyway, I hope your Monday is a great kick-off to your week! Take care.

Happy Friday!

Although for me it means laundry, cleaning, and going to work tonight, I'm sure lots of you are glad it's Friday, so...Happy Friday! Since Gabe is working hard at making a big mess in the living room, this is going to be short. Here are a couple of cards to inspire you for the weekend. Have a great one!

Criss cross card

For this technique, log onto http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ and go to gallery, then techniques. This is a fun card to make, and even cuter in person. Don't be intimidated by the instructions...they are really quite easy to follow. Good luck!

Just a short post today; I have to go to Christ for Education Day this afternoon, and have a lot of errands to run between now and then. Have a great day!

It's Here!

What's here? Fall!!! I finally turned off my a/c, and I refuse to turn it back on until next year! The temp is 67 degrees and we are finally going to get some rain today. Yay! Gabe and I are putting on our hiking shoes and hitting the hills (in our backyard, anyway). I love crunching leaves and windy days.

Okay, I'm going to try to post one card a day for the rest of this week. Hope you see something you like!

Enjoy the day..."this is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!"

Halloween and Fall cards

Finally, I have downloaded some of my cards, and I have been busy making Christmas cards, too, so those will come later. Enjoy!

Global warming

Okay, so it's days like this that make you believe in global warming. My thermometer on my deck says it's 99 degrees...isn't it October 8th today? It looks like we're in for a reprieve after tomorrow, and it can't come soon enough. I just hope we get a little bit of fall weather before the cold hits. Although right now, even 30 degrees sounds great!

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Elijah had his first flag football game this Saturday, and they won! The YMCA league doesn't officially keep score, but you know those boys do. They scored three touchdowns, and the other team didn't, and that's how you know. It was fun to watch, although Gabe yelled at me to stop screaming in his ear (I get a little excited, I can't help it). Kid sports are so entertaining, when it's your kid out there on the field. Maybe we have a future Carson Palmer on our hands :)

Does anyone out there know a good family physician located in Lebanon? We are in the process of changing insurance (oh, goodie), and I would like to find someone closer than Cincinnati. I still have my pediatrician, so it's really just for Joe and me. Post a comment or email me, if you know of anyone. Thanks!

Have a great day! Talk to you soon!

Eleven Years!

October 5th, 1996, 1:30 pm. The day I began my journey as Mrs. Joe Kelsey. What was I thinking?! Just kidding. I truly do love married life, despite or maybe because of , all the ups and downs. We have moved a dozen times, but are finally settled here in Lebanon. We have three awesome kids, a cat and a puppy. Our cars are almost paid for, we are all healthy, and we have lots of friends and family close by. Lebanon is a great town to live in, and I am so glad we moved here. Eleven years have gone by quickly, yet it feels like such an accomplishment to have made it this far. When God is involved in your marriage, it is amazing what can be done! Here's to another year!