Been Wanting To

I have been wanting to update the old blog but it's been a little tricky, you see my sweet 3 year old removed ALL of the buttons from my laptop, the dear boy, and I haven't been able to recover them completely and some no longer push so well. So if you notice a missing 'F', a Comma the numbers 4 or 8 it's because pushing the little hole is a little bit of a pain. The other reason I haven't updated (if I am choosing to list my excuses, wait good idea I will list them)

Reasons I haven't blogged;
1. Missing buttons on keyboard
2. Been over the top sick with Pregnancy
3. I'm a sell out

Yes for those that haven't heard, I am a sell out, I tend to check in on the Book of Faces more these days instead of hopping from blog to blog, which at one point I enjoyed.

Oh the other little issue is this pregnancy is straight kicking my trash!! I have always said I was blessed to have had great pregnancies, I thought that by acknowledging the fact that I was blessed would protect me from said sickness while in the "family way". Apparently that tactic didn't work and this time around I have been sooooooo soooo sick, I mean morning to night nausea and on occasion sudden bouts of throwing up. I can't eat anything, well except for crackers, soup and Rice Chex cereal. I do have random times where something not easily attained will sound good and my fantastic husband has gone above and beyond, driving to places like Quiznos (there cheddar broccoli soup), Sonic (their cherry limeade and ice), Olive Garden (Minestrone soup) and Target many times for crackers and anything I can think of that I might be able to eat. Let me also say that we don't really live near anything, most places are a bit of a drive so his efforts to take care of me have been greatly appreciated. If I am in the mode of bragging let me list all the outstanding things he has done in the more than a month of time since I mostly been good for sitting on the couch and laying in bed.

Husbands Awesomeness;
1. Cleaning the house
2. Dishes
3. Laundry
4. Getting the kids to school
5. grocery shopping
6. Helping with kids homework
7. Bringing me a drink or snack
8. taking care of James during the day while working from home
9. Getting our kids to all their activities

I mean the list could go on but this gives a good example, he has turned into a full time caregiver and single parent. We live far from family and we hadn't told friends so it was all on him. He even still loves me after everything and he's sweet about helping me. I know that I am blessed to have a husband who works from home and has had the charity and love to take over all of my "normal" responsibilities without resenting me.

Things really took a nose dive when about a week and half ago I came down with a severe head cold which turned into a sinus infection, so not only am I
nauseated but I can't breathe and my head is riddled with headaches for days on end. And then our sweet 3 year old ended up in the hospital with pneumonia a few days ago, that night I managed to drag myself out of bed and be at the hospital with them while a friend stayed with the girls.

I have wondered how my husband is still standing after this many weeks of doing it all. He was already my hero but he has expanded on that notion and inspired me with his acts of selflessness and service. It's quite astonishing that he is the one doing all of these things and when I cry to him about feeling guilty for being sick or crying because I am sick he still stands in and comforts me.

The good that came from my ongoing sinus infection is that when we went to the quick care yesterday the doctor was kind enough to give me a prescription for anti-nausea medication on top of the other medications. I am really grateful for that and hope that once my sinuses clear I will be able to function better during the day relieving my honey of his posts.

I don't like to complain and I am not great at asking for help, so I feel mixed about sharing all of this because I know there are others in the world with greater hardships. That said I have to acknowledge the great man that I married, who has been a true captain in the midst of our family battle. He has kept the troops going and the fort hasn't fallen all because of his efforts and sacrifice.


(Jimmy cuddling with Buddy when he wasn't feeling so good.)


(Buddy receiving oxygen)




(Buddy waiting to have x-rays done)

I promise you don't want to see any pictures of me, but I can create a good mental one, right now I am laying in bed with my handicapped laptop, tissue shoved in my right nostril, with large gray sweat pants and a red shirt with no bra, no make up and I don't remember making it to the shower today.

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.

New Skin!!

I am taking a mini break from editing to post. Recently James got some new digs and he LOVES them, he wears them all the time, as if he has found his new skin!

Oh and I got some fun new items as well

It's true. I love Football season, especially the Denver Broncos!! I have been a fan pretty much my whole life, I even had a poster of John Elway on my wall in the 4th Grade!!

Slacker Blogger!

Just call me Slacker! I totally deserve it for the fact that my blog has been left soooo alone in Bloggy Land! I could tell you that the reason is because all I do now days is work work work! My photography business is hoppin and so it takes up all my time, not just spare time, but ALL my time! I could also say that when I am not taking or editing pictures I am taking reprieve in some reading and time with my laundry and Scrubbing Bubbles, not to mention my husband and children!

However I am not going to tell you that instead I will say that I am still alive and breathing most days. Having a slight mid-life crisis? Still deciding on that one since I am not sure if you can have one at not yet 32!! I have lots to show and tell about some projects that have squeezed a little time out of me! So don't give up on me just yet! Now I have to go deal with the almost 12 year old and her parent teacher conferences!! Good times!

Oh and since my friend Rachel is much better at getting pictures on her blog than I am lately I stole these from her! Thanks Rach!! :)

from a fun day picking berries with Buddy!!

Another fun day out at the Zoo with my friends Rachel and Michelle! Thanks Rachel again for the stolen pics! I swear one day I will get my act together (probably not, but it's fun to hope)


OH AND GO VOTE FOR ME Don't tell them though! - Do Parents Really Know Best? | iVillage Parenthood Contest

Do I Dare.....

Even try to catch up at this point? We have had such a busy Summer and especially the last few weeks since school started, I haven't had the chance to blog about it all!!

First off I am thoroughly enjoying the "back to school schedule", we are up and going early every morning and the day just feels more, and is more productive! Lexi has to be to the bus by 6:40am and then Grace is there at 7:40am so by 8am it is just buddy and I!

Lexi went back to school on Thurs. Aug 12, she started Middle School and was BEYOND
excited!! For the first time she has a locker and she was even able to "open it on her first
try!", when she got home that afternoon at 3:10pm (they have longer school days here than in
Vegas), she told me she felt like "she had always belonged there" (only slightly dramatic). Lexi
has always been a bit advanced maturity wise, so I think getting out of Elementary school is
exactly what she needed!


She is playing the flute in band, which makes me happy since I also played the flute, (which I
would still have if I hadn't traded it in for a guitar in college, but don't worry I don't have the
guitar anymore either since my mom decided to give it to my BIL, whatev, I'm not bitter or
anything. I kid I kid). Back to Lexi, it was fun to show her how to hold the flute and help her
figure out some notes, she felt really good the next day when she was "the only one that
knew how to hold it!" I love that as a 6th graders she still gets excited and impressed with
just the simplest of achievements, she must be like her mother! Yup, that's us, just simple girls!








Grace had an assessment day on Aug.12th, but she didn't officially start until Monday
Aug.16th. Grace is in the 1st Grade and after the second day she told me she "wanted to go
back to Kindergarten, because it is more fun." It has been a huge adjustment for her,
going from half days to full days, she is exhausted after school! I have been surprised by how
much she loves sitting at the table with Lexi after school doing homework, I think it makes her
feel like a "big kid", but hey no complaints on my part!

So far it is going well for her, she likes her teacher and she is making some new friends. I love my
sweet Grace, school doesn't come so easy for her, as we were walking to the bus stop on the first
day she looked up at me and said "You know what I dream about mom?, I dream
about being the SMARTEST girl in the world!" with tears coming to my eyes I said,
"Well if you keep working hard you CAN be the smartest girl in the world." which
she responded with "Or I could just wish on a star." touche Grace, touche. I pray that
things will start to get a bit easier or that she will at least be given the strength to overcome her
struggles.

(and if my Spunky girl wants to be colorful and bright who am I to say no)

Just A Simple Girl

I have been trying to convince my husband for years that I am just a simple girl, no need to try and move the earth for me, just a little TLC, and not the "Say Yes to The Dress" kind. I find myself smiling and happy at the most unexpected, yet pleasantly surprising things. So as once perfectly stated by a nearly nun, children loving, border crossing Maria "Here are a few of my favorite things"


Men standing in line to use the bathroom

A vanilla ice cream cone from Goodtimes

Sitting on a bench and "people watching"

Walking around Home Depot or Lowes looking at power tools

Garage sales/Craigslist/thrift stores

Trying a new recipe for dinner and my family LOVING it!

My kids eating popcorn while watching me do Zumba in my office

Riding my cart through the parking lot at the grocery store

Reading in bed while my husband works on his laptop next to me

Tim McGraw in a white t-shirt, jeans and his cowboy hat (this is a new find)

When my friends and family call just to say hello

Long evening walks with my man

Dreaming my way through Target alone

Listening and getting my groove on to my favorite songs while I get ready

The few hours in the afternoons when two kids are at school and one is asleep!!

Google-ing all the places I want to visit someday

...and knowing that in just a few days I get to see my Mommy and Daddy!!

(thanks Rachel for the photo)

See I am TOTALLY A Simple girl, no, really, I am!!!

Spiderman in THE HOUSE!!!

Having a little boy has brought so many new things into our house and lives! James is ALL "Boy", he loves dirt, swords, guns, cars, sports and comic book characters, especially a web flinging, wall scaling, red suit wearing Spider man!!! I MEAN HE REALLY LOVES HIM, in fact he thinks he IS him, no, really, he does! He tells me several times a day "I Pider man, mom", he thinks he can climb walls, mirrors, ceilings, and when he watches it he sings the theme song! A week or so ago we got him is very own Spider man action figure and for the following several hours he just kept repeating "Pider man, Pider man, Pider web, Pider man...." over and over and over as loud as he could! We LOVE our "Pider Man" and I am so glad he decided to stay with us!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Sunday Scripture: Forgiveness

D&C 64:9,10

9 Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.

10 I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.

I have often thought of myself as a forgiving person, I try not to take offense too easily and let things go.  Though recently I have discovered there is a great deal of pain that is still unresolved from a long time ago.  In my previous "legal obligation" I was repressed and suppressed, and I think that in some ways in order to punish myself and him I take it out on others, namely my husband and kids.  I realized that forgiveness isn't something you just say or do in one swift motion but that you have to work towards it, and that sometimes long after the offense, there is still a required effort to forgive and then, let go.  It is hard when the one that has hurt you is not there to see the pain they have caused, they aren't there for you to tell them, and most likely they are living their lives without ever thinking about it.  The responsibilty falls on me to pray and seek the ability to forgive.  I am the one being damaged by the lingering anger and pain, and I must make a decision to forgive him, to forgive myself, and replace it with the love of my Savior.  I am not there yet, but I will keep working on it.

All my Love,

Coming to the End of Summer

Well this past week I had aspirations of doing some fun things with the kids since it is their last full week of Summer break before school starts.  It didn't really go as planned but I think we still got out and did a few things, Monday we went swimming with our friends the Andersons and the kids LOVED it!  Grace had been anticipating the Ward Swim Party the previous Friday but when the afternoon thunderstorm moved in it was canceled, which for Grace, means devastation so when my friend Jen asked us to come down to their community pool I was ALL for it!

And if your sister won't let you out the gate when you want out........

.......it makes you sooo mad!!!!

This little love is my friend Jen's daughter Lucy and I just want to eat her, so funny and so expressive!

Tues and Wed we played at the park and hung out at the house just chillin! I must say that while I like to get out sometimes, I am kind of a homebody and I don't mind having days where we aren't scheduled and busy! However I have had TONS of editing to do so that took up much of my time.

Thursday evening we went over to the Kelley's for a birthday for our nephew Jr., aka Baby Will, aka Little Will, aka Little Willie, seriously the poor kid won't know his name because EVERYONE calls him something different lol, he turned 3 so we went over for a mini party.

Friday I woke early to head out to some garage sales, my true love, (it was a friends that is moving) where I ran into a new friend, Michele, from my ward, she and I headed to another garage sale and then back to my house to hang out for a little while. Michele has the cutest little girl my kids were wanting to hold her and love on her, poor thing. After they left we all got our chores done and headed to the library, where I had to handle some mean girls that were playing tricks on Grace, James was addicted to the water fountain, and Lexi wanted to check out every book they have. Since I am already reading a few I restrained myself from checking any out.

As we were leaving the library Jimmy called to say he was on his way home, which made me very happy since it was a little early. He said that he and Rob were gonna go hit some golf balls but thanks to the normal afternoon thunderstorm they changed plans and we decided to have dinner and then they went to do boy stuff at Best Buy! I got the kids to bed and then enjoyed some quiet time reading for the night!!

Saturday we were up and going pretty early because Lexi had a practice with the activity day girls who are singing in church Sunday.  While she sang, James and I headed to another Garage sale (another friend is moving) :(   we hung out and talked and James enjoyed punch and cookies.  Then it was back to pick up Lexi and home to work around the house and eat lunch, followed by an afternoon out with Daddy.  He sweetly took all 3 kids out to spend some time with him, I was able to edit and take a short nap, then we were off and headed to Granny and Grandpa's for dinner.

 After a delicious "Granny cooked meal", we played out in their back yard for a while enjoying the beautiful Summer evening!

I am gonna miss the luxury of lazy days and Summer evenings here in the big CO, but getting back to a school schedule will be nice too! 

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!!

Guest Post!!

So I was given the chance to guest post by my bloggy friend Janelle over at Queen of the House of Boys. The post is about raising boys, and while I have just the 1 son and he is a wee sprite of only 2 1/2 it felt great to say why I LOVE having my boy and the joys of raising one!! Here is a link to her blog, my guest post will be posted tomorrow but she did a small introduction on me today!!

Oh and now that I have returned from Utah I have pictures and things to post about. I know, I know don't remind me that I still haven't posted much about our trip to Vegas.

Flashback Friday: 4th of July Weekend

We started the weekend off with an adventure in Letter Boxing, it was our very first time. For those that haven't heard of Letter Boxing, it is similar to Geo Cashing, if you have not heard of either of them let me give you a brief description. Using a map provided by a website you follow clues to find a treasure, with Letter Boxing there are small boxes with homemade stamps that you stamp in your own little notebook! The kids LOVED it, it made hiking more of an adventure when they knew they were looking for something! Our friends the Clarks introduced us to this fun idea and we can't wait to go again!!

The kids getting ready for the hike
(look at the stink eye being exchanged between Sophie & James)

After a few different hikes in search of the boxes we found a great place for a picnic and ate some tasty sandwiches and let the kids play, they decided that playing in a nearby stream was just too tempting! Have I said how much I love it here lately??!!



After we filled our bellies and rested a bit we decided to explore once again and headed up a trail near the picnic site! I came upon these gorgeous flowers and sitting on them were these teeny tiny grasshoppers!! So cool!


It really was a great day and when we got home that evening the Kelley kids were beyond exhausted and slept very well!!! Thanks Kari and kids, it was so much fun!!



Saturday the 3rd we went over to Jimmy's parents house for a BBQ and fireworks! Jimmy was master of the grill and made some yummy burgers, hot dogs and a ground chicken sandwich for his wife who doesn't enjoy burgers and hot dogs!!

Jimmy showing us the "Proper" way to jump the smoke from the smoke bombs!

Great Grandpa and James making their way down to the fireworks

And of course I had everyone wearing Red, White & Blue

After the food we all went out to take part in our small firework show, it was fun until some people took a few too many deep breathes of the smoke.

After that a bunch of us piled in the cars and headed out for the Town of Parker Fire Works!! The kids were BEYOND tired by the time we found a place to park and sit, but when the show started it was all worth it!! However it did take us an hour to get out of all the traffic after wards, and then an hour back home so it made for a long night, yet again the Kelley's slept well!!

I didn't even take 1 picture on Sunday the 4th of July, I know I'm a slacker. We went to church and then had friends over for a BBQ and good conversation and a late night movie at their house for the adults. It made for a nice quiet evening.

I have a deep gratitude for those that have served and do serve our Country! I have many members of my family that have been in the military and I feel blessed to be a recipient of their sacrifice. I love being an American and living in a country where I am free to practice my faith, and believe in what ever I choose!