Christmas Letter

The Cleavers (oh I mean) Kelley’s

2010

Well it has been a super year, filled with happiness and joy for twelve months. Everyone is doing just fine and we are thrilled for the New Year. How could our lives get any better? I mean honestly, with a charming husband and three perfectly mannered children, my life as a homemaker is swell on all accounts.

Let me begin with my kind husband, as he is the leader of our home, and so perfect in every way. He loves his job, while I am not quite sure what he does, he is always happy to go and when he returns home to us his disposition is quite enjoyable. He is thrilled to sit down to our home cooked meal and share his day with us and then politely ask each of us about our day, he is so thoughtful. He is always so loving and kind with the children, yet he knows when to have a firm hand. Jimmy is such a good man, it really is true, father does know best.

My day is not nearly so hard it is a dream to tend to the needs of my husband and children. They are all so special to me it is truly a pleasure to pick up after them, clean their clothes and prepare well balanced meals for them. I rise early each glorious morning to help them get ready for their day, I want it to be started off right with a nutritious breakfast and lovingly packed lunches. With a kiss and a smile I send them on their way knowing that their day has started on the right foot, oh what a swell feeling that is.

Sweet Alexis is growing into quite the young women, she will be twelve this coming January and fills our home with harmony each and every moment. Lexi, as her friends call her, began 6th grade this year and is doing just splendid. She participates in the band playing the flute and does such a fine job, she is also getting perfect A’s in all her classes. This year she is also a member of the esteemed theatre club, and has the part of a Narrator in the school play. Alexis loves to watch over her younger siblings so Jimmy and I might have a weekly date, she is such an angel.

Our wonderful child Grace is six and has a great spirit for life, she smiles all day long and takes glee in spreading smiles to others. She is in the 1st grade this year and works very hard. For Grace, GYM and art class are just nifty. Grace plays just beautifully with her younger brother, always looking out for him it doesn’t bother her one bit to have him tag along behind her.

The youngest in our family, James is turning three in a few short weeks. Golly gee he is such a boy, running, jumping, playing sports and enjoying comic book characters. James is well behaved and never flips his lid. Spending my afternoons with James puts me on cloud 9 as we sit and play educational games and when the weather is nice we visit the park.

We feel blessed this year and expect great and wonderful things in the year to come. Our family has been enriched with family and friends who love and support us; we are grateful for you and hope that your homes and hearts are filled with joy and wonderment this holiday season.

Most Humbly,

The Kelley's

Keepin it real:
Jimmy is currently working at Buckley Air Force Base as a Project Manager in the Engineering department. In his off time (when that occurs) he enjoys watching Supernatural and sleeping.

-Marylin (me), this year has been quite busy with my Photography business. I made 3 trips to Vegas for photo sessions, and have more trips in the works. There hasn’t been much time for sewing or anything else really but I am working on finding that “balance” that I hear so much about. When I am not editing I love to try new recipes, go on date nights with my husband, and spend time with my amazing friends.

-Alexis (almost 12), says that “She feels as though she was always meant to be in middle school.” Her life goal is “To visit the Mall of America and then be an actress.” Lexi really did achieve a 4.0 GPA, and loves being in the drama club (very surprising).

-Grace 6 ¾, continues to be our little spitfire, she makes me laugh and lose my mind on a daily basis. She loves to laugh, and since she is now missing both of her front teeth her smile is that much more enthusiastic. School is still a challenge but she is making tremendous progress and she loves to learn, it just comes at a little bit different pace for her.

-James (almost 3), is such a silly boy. He loves to dress up as “Pider-Man” and Batman regularly, watch Little Einstein’s, and help me in the kitchen. While he can be wild and crazy, he is super sensitive and hates getting in trouble. James constantly has some new catch phrase that he has picked up from his sisters, like “That’s not fair!” or “You’re so mean MOM!” (Aww the joys of an expanding vocabulary.)

BIG CHANGES AHEAD
Just in the last few days Jimmy accepted a position in a completely new line of work and in a completely new state. He will begin working from home for an internet marketing company starting in January, and then in July we will be moving to Utah (Lehi/Orem area). We are very sad to leave our home and friends here in Colorado, but life is an adventure and we are excited for what new things are ahead.

***I know it has been a super long time since my last post, if I am being completely honest I have mostly been a complete wreck, no really, I have. I think, no, I know that I allowed my photography business to take over my life. For the future I am trying to decided if there is space in my life for it, and if there is, how much. It's hard because I LOVE the art of it, but the business side kicks my trash. I already feel like I am letting my family down when I HAVE to work, but then I feel like I am letting my clients down when I HAVE to take care of my family. So in the end I am letting someone down and I end up a complete MESS, not enough time, not enough me. Forget about seeing my friends or doing anything fun, or anything else for that matter. I have never functioned well when there is too much on my plate, and this time is no exception.

The blog has been pushed to the side while I have tried to get a grip on my emotions, my sanity, and my priorities. I have missed the outlet of writing it all down and so if I were to set a New Years resolution it would be to make time to write, read, sew, see friends, work out, sleep, cook, and love on my husband and children.

I will say that one of my latest priorities has become getting back to the gym, I have ALWAYS LOVED the feeling of working out and in recent years it took a seat on the bumper (not just a back seat) of my life car. Well for Christmas I asked for a gym membership and my husband delivered. So for the last week and a half I have been working out like my life depends on it, ok so it's mostly my sanity that depends on it, but gosh darn it feels great, no AWESOME!! So this is where I am right now and for those of you that wish I were somewhere else, what can I say, but Too Bad.

Well Played!!

Husbands, they are a very "tricksy" breed!  For many years I thought they were just floating along letting the women be in charge and not paying too much attention.  Then the epiphany occurred last night "Gosh darn it, they have been fooling us ALL along!!"

The Proof:

Have you ever wished for a moment to yourself?  You think perhaps the ladies room will provide a bit of silence, but no, there they are, the little munchkins sticking their fingers under the door, turning the knob, or just walking right in.  Or perhaps a nice soak in the tub? No, there they are again throwing their toy cars into the water, wanting to get in, or needing to ask you something "VERY" important. In fact I trained my self as a young mom to be very swift in the bath and lavatory because I know that my time is limited, so you get in and get out before they have a chance to swarm.

So these men, you see, figured out eons ago that if you stay in mentioned areas long enough, or create toxic fumes, children don't even bother to linger!  So here I thought that men were just taking a long time when really they are just enjoying the peace and quiet!! DANG IT!  We have been HAD!!

A Little Lighter

First, I want to thank you all for the love and support from my previous post! I can say that I was EXTREMELY nervous about putting it out there. I have never wanted to be perceived as a victim walking around with my badge to prove it. I am so grateful for the response that was received and if it has helped anyone than that is a true blessing. I feel as though now I can share more openly my life experiences without fear of rejection!!

After a slightly heavier topic, I thought I would lighten the mood with a few beauty tips, tricks and secrets from the retired Esthetician (please note: these are things I love and work for me, you might hate them :) ).

I happen to have quite the appetite for all things Skin, beauty & makeup, the problem is that makeup and skin don't ALWAYS go together. Over the years the industry has come miles in creating makeup that won't do a NUMBER ON YOUR SKIN! Being born an albino (not really), I have VERY SENSITIVE skin, sensitive to sun, makeup, moisturizers, cleansers, air, wind and I melt in the rain (again, not really). Well when I went to school to be an Esthetician in 2001 I was fortunate to better learn the types of products that work for my skin and ones that are better in general.

Here is a little sampling of my FAVORITES, and since I have been broke at times in my life there are items at very low cost and easy accessibility. (I have not been compensated by any of these companies to promote their products, but maybe they should be)

Shall we start from the base level and work our way up, yes we shall!

Beginning with Cleansers:














On the Left we have the well known Noxema cleanser, I used this for years when I was younger because it is mild and kept my skin clear. You can find this at just about any grocery store, drug store, snack shack and lemonade stand for about $3.99 (Wal-greens)

On the Right is my most FAVORITE cleanser that I have EVER used! Dermalogica's Special Cleansing Gel, and boy is it SPECIAL!! I began using in while in school (Esthetician school) and have never gone astray. It is more expensive but it lasts a VERY LONG TIME and it keeps my skin feeling and looking great! It runs about $30.00 and can be found in many fine salons and at Ulta.

Next up Moisturizer:

(let me say first that I also suggest using a toner but as I only have one that I like, I felt it wouldn't be fare, if you must know it is also a Dermalogica product)















On the Left we have Active Moist by Dermalogica. I realize that I have mentioned them several times, but their product is fantastic, and I stick to what I like. OK, well, Active Moist is a light moisturizer, perfect under makeup! It has a small amount of SPF in it but they don't list it, if memory serves me right it is SPF8 so you will get a little protection. It is not greasy or heavy but it gives great moisture to that middle of the road type skin. Found in "fine" salons, I like saying that, and in Ulta (about 37.00 for 1.7 oz)

On the Right we have Olay Complete, I love this moisturizer, in fact I have been using it for the last several months since my Active Moist ran out. It has sun (spf15) protection, is very light and non-greasy and inexpensive (about 7.49 for 4oz bottle). It is a great option for someone on a budget, which I think many of us are, yes?


Make up is next, (tip: you will always get better results with makeup when paired with well moisturized skin.)














On the Left is Bare Minerals makeup. I began using this years ago when the infomercials ran on late night television. Now you can find it in many "fine" retailers such as, Ulta, Sephora, and Nordstrom. It runs about $20 for one container (.42 oz). This a great product because is has SPF, it's light and hypo allergenic.

On the right is Physicians Formula Mineral Wear, I discovered this little number a year ago when money was tight and I didn't feel justified in spending on my makeup. I found it at Target for $12.69 (.49 oz) and I used a coupon for 2 dollars off. It has lasted nearly 8 months and I still have about half of it left. I will say that the coverage with this product is not as much as with Bare Minerals and I don't like the brush it came with so I use my Bare Minerals brushes to apply it. It is still a great product that I would totally recommend.

(tip: to keep your make up from forming bacteria, and to keep your skin clear, make sure to WASH your brushes every 10 days or so, use a mild soap and warm water and then lay out to air dry)

Next are some of the finishing products that I have come to LOVE and NEVER LIVE WITHOUT!!




























The LashBlast Fusion Mascara ($7.29 at Target) is a new favorite! Covergirl recently came out with this new mascara and since I had been using the Original LashBlast for quite awhile and loved it I figured I would give it a try. It doesn't flake and makes my lashes thick, long and luxurious ;)


Another new product from Covergirl is the LiquilineBlast eyeliner ($7.49 on Amazon), I LOVE LOVE LOVE this eyeliner! I have tried MANY different brands and types and this one is by far the BEST, it glides on smoothly not pulling the skin and it gives the look of liquid eyeliner without the mess (plus, I don't know about you but I am the biggest DORK trying to apply liquid eyeliner)! The bonus is that it also has a blending tip on the other end which works like a charm!


The blushes and Eye shadows are all Avon, in fact they make several of my most used products. I LOVE their shadows and blushes, the above are just a few that I have tried. Avon is priced well and easy to come by since their are online stores, kiosks, and Avon representatives located in every city, town and bush!

Tip: For the sake of the thin skin around your eyes, and to help hold of those crows feat, having a gentle yet effective eye makeup remover is VERY IMPORTANT. I love this one by Avon ($1.99 on sale or $3.99 regular price)















Well I hope you have enjoyed this list of my favorite beauty products! If you have favorites I would love to hear what they are, I am always up for a new one to try!!



I mean seriously is this the face of a Covergirl or what!???? If these products can do this for me, just imagine what they can do for you!!! :)


PLUS A BONUS: A GIVE AWAY !!! The WINNER receives a tube of my FAVORITE MASCARA and a little extra surprise!!!!

All my love

Kinked!!

Well I am an awesome mess right now, yesterday I woke up with a kink in my neck! You see, it happened like this, for some reason Grace and James decided that 4:30am was a good time to start the day. They were making quite the ruckus so I went to check the little jabber babies, they had turned all the lights on in the girls room and were pointing flashlights in Lexi's sleepy eyes. I ever so "patiently" directed Grace back to her bed and brought James with me to my room when he then said "Foood, pweese Mom." in which case I headed down stairs with him got him some crackers and we sat on the couch watching Go Diego, Go. After a little while my eyes were becoming quite heavy and I told James I was gonna go back to bed, he then responded "James, mom's bed." so we both headed back up stairs and cuddled in my bed, well his favorite way to sleep in my bed is with his face on my face and you see, this my friends, is where the kink began.
I woke up to kiss Jimmy goodbye at 6:30am and that is when I felt it, the pain was debilitating and I wanted to cry! I found a more comfortable position and that is where I stayed ALL day yesterday and most likely ALL day today, other than a few trips to the restroom. This kink forces me to keep my chin to my chest, so when I decided to try and take a shower last night I nearly drowned (OK not really, but kind of). I mean just imagine how silly I look when I try to stand, it's like the Hunch Back of Kelley Dame, and the worst part is that all I see is how badly the floor needs to be vacuumed !! Thank goodness for Lexi or I would be in real trouble because she is totally taking over care of the younger two and brings me water, grapes, cereal, yogurt, whatever I need!! Eating is also a challenge, since I can't extend my neck up I have to lean out like a turtle to put anything in my mouth and then it often dribbles down my chin, just check me into an old folks home OK!!


So here I lay in my bed with my husbands laptop on my stomach, my pillow propped behind my head so all I see is how far down my boobs sag, and the computer screen, again, I am an AWESOME mess!! Ibuprofen doesn't seem to help and we don't own a heating pad, and the attempts by an 11 year old to make one were unsuccessful, sweet, but unsuccessful. Lexi has taken the kids down the street to the park so the house is quiet for now, seriously I highly recommend everyone get an 11 year old, especially for times like this, they are so handy! I will have to really do something nice for her once I am able to meet her gaze again.

Oh wait!! I almost forgot, in an effort to boost my spirits yesterday, my husband surprised me with really good tickets to see LADY ANTEBELLUM (my fave) and Tim Mcgraw the end of July, it totally worked until I shifted my head in the excitement and then I had to cry a little.

Shoulda Knocked On Wood!!

Last week I was feeling a bit down, ya know "I'm so fat! I'm so dumb! I have gray hairs! I'm so ugly!, all the things you tell your self when you feel less than peppy! Well after a late night talk with my wonderful husband, who spent the entire conversation reassuring me that he loved me and that he would never leave me for some hot little number named Shirley with perky boobs and a flat stomach. Before I went to bed I thought I would stand before the mirror and make myself find at least one thing that didn't suck about me, it took me a couple of times going in and out of the bathroom to remember why I was staring at my self, and then I thought "I like my skin."

Well the universe has a funny sense of humor because the next morning I woke up with a GIANT RED ZIT in the dead center of my forehead!!!!! I surrender, you win!!!! lol (p.s. I am feeling better this week, I am not any thinner but I have found that if I just wear yoga pants all the time I don't notice as much tee hee hee)

Tide Me Over

When I am feeling blue I try to think of things that make me happy or give me a little smile, you know "things to tide me over" until the Sun comes out again!!

Wearing my favorite color, Kelly Green (of course)

Watching a little Ellen

Vacuuming with this pretty little thing (yes, it's true it makes me happy)

Making salsa for my husband with this fantastic invention

Applying a bunch of this to my lashes always makes me feel better

Covering my grays with this makes me look younger and feel refreshed

Taking pictures with this brings me joy

Listening to them makes me want to sing


And sometimes I like to dance like this ( it reminds me of home)


All my love

BubbleGum, BubbleGum In A Dish, How Many Pieces do You Wish

I am a crazy dreamer! I have very vivid and bizarre dreams on a nightly basis, they tend to keep me asleep because they feel so real! Last night I dreamt that I had tons and tons of pink bubblegum in my mouth and no matter how many times I tried to spit it out there would be another wad in my mouth! I kept pulling and pulling but it was stuck to my teeth, people were talking to me and I was just standing there pulling gum out of my mouth! It got really annoying and finally I woke up and realized I was wearing my retainer!! Haa haa haa

First Class: Not Just a Better Seat, but a Better Way of Life!

At the ripe old age of 31 I was able to fly First Class for the very first time! For some this is a normality, for me, well let's just say I could totally get used to it!

Alexis and I made a trip to Salt Lake City for my cousins wedding and the tickets were courtesy of a friend at Jimmy's work. He worked for United and got us great rates for "Standby" tickets and it turned out to be the best way to fly!

We took our comfy, over sized seats at the front of the plane ahead of the business class. Waiting for us was a fresh blanket and pillow, along with one flight attendant for the 6 of us in First Class and she was very attentive. We were served our drinks and snacks promptly and offered 2nds but my bird sized stomach was stuffed so I opted for my earphones and classical music while reading the New York Times instead. Once we had reached 30,000 feet I was taken on a tour of the cockpit and even offered a chance to fly the plane. Who knew that a thin curtain had been separating me from a new life all this time (ok well really I mostly have flown Southwest and they don't have First Class, but still)!! Sitting in the warm leather chair I stretched my legs out to their full 24 inches in length and took a breath of the fresh air of high class and knew this is where I belonged. It really was so nice knowing that my Coach bag was safe in the extra storage space provided and that a full day spa was available if I needed to freshen up before landing. The only difficult part was when the remarkable journey came to an end as the wheels touched down in Salt Lake City. As I exited the plane there was a little more pep in my step and a lift in my chin, I spoke in a British accent and thanked the crew for their devoted service to my safe arrival and deplaned. We had been well cared for, and my gratitude ran deep within my being, down to every fiber.






Please tell me that you picked up on my over the top description of First Class??? You know, if you start to think about it, it's kind of true how something as insignificant as a seat on an airplane is a symbol of a "better" life, as is a fancy car, a huge house, a purse or a fantastic pair of shoes! In it of it self none of those things are bad things, in fact it wouldn't bother me at all if I was forced to fly first class for the rest of my life, nor would I feel guilty, but it most definitely does not define the quality of my life now. I believe that at any income/status level there is Joy to be had, and I have for sure had my fair share. The most important lesson is to know that "happy" isn't automatically added when more "Quan" enters your bank account, you have to be happy first, then if the money, the life, the "extras" come (through hard, honest work) it's easier to see it all for what it really is, stuff. Would it be nice, I think it would be. Do I NEED it to live the rest of my life happily, NOPE!

Ask, and Ye Shall Receive!

*(deep breath and moving on from the hard and sad stuff, for now)*

For as long as I remember being able to talk, which is pretty much since my conception, I have said that I should have been born with red, *curly* hair, and a Southern accent! I dunno why I decided that would be awesome, but I did, so I wanted it, k. Well the luckiest thing happened while I was in high school my hair just started "growing"(enter sarcasm) red, it was a miracle! Sometimes it was a slightly different shade of red, but it really has been amazing ever since. Then 11 years ago my parents had a neighbor move across the street who was from the South and between her and my Grandma & Dad who were born in the South suddenly I started having people ask me where I was from! Southern words just pop out without even trying, I guess DNA even takes into account accents now, again, a miracle! This is where it just gets plain crazy, shortly after I had James I noticed that my hair was getting kinda curly, but I figured it might just be while my hormones where adjusting, well here he is almost 2 and my hair is even more curly. The best was when I recently went in for a hair cut to a new stylist and she was like "So I see you have naturally red curly hair." and I was like "Yeah, tough huh?" then we are talking for a few minutes and she says "Where are you from?" I said "Las Vegas." she says "Oh I thought you were maybe from the South." Um HELLO my dream has come true! Not only is my hair red, I talk with a Southern accent and my hair is curly!!! C'mon now ya'll, don't hate!

"New.........Old Moon"

I know that it has been a few weeks since the "Blockbuster" release of "New Moon", but since life has gotten a wee bit busy as of late I am just now getting to this post. I am not your "traditional" Twilight fanatic, I am, well how do I say this, I have never read the books and when I saw New Moon I had only seen moments of Twilight. I think in many ways this made me the perfect candidate for the unbiased perspective!

My Blog, My Perspective

As a whole the movie was not bad, it wasn't the best one I had seen but I really had no complaints, but mostly due to a character by the name of Jacob!! Yowza!! (call me a cougar if you must)

A short Synopsis of each character

Edward
Oh Edward, you skinny, pasty, sparkly, scary vampire? Why so serious? You really were so much better when you were alive and your name was Cedric Diggory. Your hair was neat and your skin was warm to the touch, you interacted with your peers and your skin didn't sparkle. It was unfortunate that your death was at the hands of Lord Voldemort, but turning to sparkly Vampires for eternal life is a little desperate don't you think? Quit playing hard to get like you are still in High School, I mean I know you are, but not for the first time by any means, so pull it together man!! Your weak attempts to deter Bella are just uneducated, don't you know that if you are nice to her she will leave you alone!! Sheesh man!!


Bella,
Where to begin? Bella, you are what I refer to as a "Manipulative Damsel in Distress". You are the kind of girl that manipulates men/boys by using your depressed, melancholy ways to make them think you are mysterious and interesting. You change to be whomever you are with, I mean would you have honestly said you wanted to be a Vampire your entire life and finally your dreams came true when you met Ed? I don't think so, I think if he had been a UFC fighter you would have decided that is always what you had wanted to be. Women/girls like you are afraid to be who they really are because for some reason they think that they won't be excepted, although if you are always that much of a downer can you blame them.?! I think your character is one dimensional and needs growth!


Jacob,
Perfection! OK, OK I won't just leave it at that. While it was hard at times to not picture you with a shark fin on your back, for the most part I had no problem with you. You are the "nice guy" who isn't appreciated by the over hyped, dark and dreary girl you dig. That is why you should find yourself a nice girl who likes good guys, and while I am spoken for I have a younger sister that is closer to your age and when she brings you around just remind me now and again to wipe the drool off my chin!



Dr. Carlisle Cullen,
It is finally your moment in the Sun, or I mean clouds, since the Sun makes you sparkle! For so long you have only been known for marrying Kelly Taylor, or I mean Jennie Garth, that you have been overlooked. Well not anymore, you are the "Making a name for yourself" kinda guy, you are "bringing home the bacon" the "bread winner" and "wearing the pants", good for you! I actually enjoy your character, other than your paleness, you are handsome and soft spoken. You give a much better name to Vampires, other than the fact that you sparkle. You try not to kill people, unless it is James, who was my favorite by the way, but I guess since he was not really human than it doesn't really count, so all is forgiven.



Final Word

Since recently seeing the first movie, I am glad that they decided to spend more than 10 dollars on the production of New Moon! It made it much more enjoyable. While in many respects watching the movies has made me want to read the books less, it isn't for the reasons some might think. It's not because the movies were soooo bad that I refuse to read them, but more because it reminds me too much of parts of High School. I dated a vampire of sorts in a previous life and I have no desire to revisit that, thank you very much!

Oh and if for no other reason than the Pre-Party I will be going to see the next one as well!! Thanks Kari and ladies for making it such a fun night!!! I am a bit bummed that I didn't get a group shot of everyone, but I was too distracted by the food!!

The "Formal" cutting of the cake!!

mmmm, so yummy and Zebra striped!

Kelli how do you manage to have food in your mouth EVERYTIME!! LOL!!

Kari you really just went BEYOND!!! You Rock!! Thanks for doing all this for us to enjoy!!

Seriously glad you and I have become friends Miss Kari!!!