Where does the time go?

It seems as though it was only yesterday that I walked through the doors of Guardian Angel Day Care to take a tour of their facility. The place where I'd send my baby boy while I went to work. In my mind it was yesterday, but in reality it has been THREE (quick) years.

There were numerous times throughout the day that I would catch myself glancing over at the clock in my classroom wall and begin imagining what he might be doing at the very moment: possibly eating, sleeping, playing with his friends, singing, learning, drawing, was he in the indoor gym or outside, ya-da, ya-da, ya-da...? I would be lying if I said it did not tug at my heart to drop him off every day while I went to my 'second' job. It was never easy and never will be. The best part I looked forward to the most was picking him up! I couldn't get out of the doors of AES quick enough to see his face light up and his infectious smile when I would walk into his classroom. He would run towards me with his arms stretched open-wide and give me the biggest bear hug you could possibly imagine!! {And I could also tell what he had eaten that day because he would wear it on his shirt} :)

We have been blessed beyond measure with the quality of care, love, and teachings(academics and most importantly, biblically) that he's received these years at GA . His teachers have been REMARKABLE. Mrs. Rita, Mrs. Jean and Mrs. Katrina(JP's teachers) hold a very special place in our hearts. They have loved and treated my baby as if he belonged to them. {That always made this momma feel good!} At the end of the year, they hold a Promotion Ceremony for the three-year olds for them to show us what they've learned through the course of the year. It was phenomenal! All six classes were 'color-coded' and every little munchkin on the stage were so cute and did a fantastic job. Their 30 minute program was filled with everyone in unison singing Bible songs, pledging to the flags(US and Christian) and the Bible, reciting their colors, numbers, parts of the body in Spanish. It is truly amazing how the soak up so much knowledge at a young age!

His days at GA are over. **sniff, sniff** Starting August 9th, he will be 'down the hill' at GACA for their Pre-K program. **another....sniff, sniff** It is unbelievable to me that my baby has become a little boy right before my eyes!

My favorite children's book, "Love You Forever," is a story of how a little boy goes through the stages of childhood and later becomes a man. The mother holds her newborn son and looks at him lovingly and softly sings these precious words:

I'll love you forever.

I'll like you for always,

As long as I'm living

my baby you'll be.

I often read this to John Parker right before he goes to sleep and I don't think I've ever made it through without getting teary-eyed. He'll be a man before I know it! For right now, I'll cherish those precious 'baby' words he says to me: "Mommy, I want to hold YOU!" He'll always be my baby!!!

You've waited long enough....here are some pics from JP's important day!

JP with his precious teacher(our friend), Mrs. Katrina

Family Photo(minus Sawyer)


The Stage

Right as they were marching in.....he glanced over and saw me!

(Kept his hands behind his back and didn't dare budge out of line--

perfect angel during the entire program)

Singing their hearts out!

Exiting the stage....still poised

Next year, he'll be wearing a cap and gown for his Pre-K graduation. I'll be a basket case. I just know it!

Six Years

Six years ago yesterday, Jeremy and I exchanged vows at Bethany Baptist Church then headed off to our reception at Hickory Ridge Lodge where we cut our beautiful wedding cake as family and friends looked on. We made our first toast to each other, then headed to the dance floor where we danced to one of Alabama's greatest hits, "Forever's As Far As I'll Go". These six years of marriage has gone by super fast, but a lot of wonderful memories made. (I think having children has helped speed up our life together).


I had the BEST time at my wedding. I don't recall a song that I didn't dance to the entire night. If you know me, you know that I love music and I love to dance. Therefore, there was no way I was going to let one of the most important nights of my life pass me by. I had such a great time that I didn't even attempt to try the meal that I had requested Mr. George and Mrs. Brenda Gantt to prepare. My husband, family and guests were able to enjoy the delicious(so I was told) meal of pork tenderloin, chicken fingers, potato casserole, lima beans, salad, rolls, and an old(clean) wagon full of a variety of fresh fruit. For beverages, we offered lemonade, sweet tea, coca-cola(from the bottle), and water. (Since I was sweating from head to toe, I made sure to keep myself hydrated). My wedding was just like I had envisioned-PERFECT! After the reception, we headed to Montgomery so we could catch our early flight heading to Atlanta and then to Hawaii. We had the BEST time of our lives during our eight night stay. First, we went to the Oahu(which wasn't that great). It was too touristy for us, but we were able to visit Pearl Harbor. After spending three nights there, we left on a jet plane bound for Maui--our fave! We rented a jeep and drove around the entire island, hiked to a water fall(where we rebelled and got in even though it said, "Danger-Watch for Falling Rocks) and many other wonderful activities. I'll always cherish our time spent in paradise!!!!

**I have pics from our trip to Hawaii that I hope to post soon. They need to be scanned into the computer....***

Although there are hundreds and hundreds of reasons of why I love, Jeremy; I'll only name a few.


I love how easily we can talk about anything and everything.

I love how his shoulders and chest make a great pillow.

I love how he takes care of me even when I'm not sick or pregnant.

I love how he understands and gets me like noone else ever could.

I love his strong arms that always holds me so tight and safe.

I love how silly he can be, and how he always cheers me up.

I love what a great father he is to our boys.

I love that he allows me to go to Zumba class so I can exercise.

I love that he helps out around the house: cleans, washes clothes/dishes, etc.

I love that he reads/prays to our boys.

I love how he knows how I'm feeling, even over the phone, or just from the way I say hello.


I love how he takes care of the boys while I'm away at graduate school.


I love how he LOVES me!



Seriously there way too many to put them all down. But pretty much my husband is the best, he was perfectly made for me.

I love him!!!!!

They love bubbles,

each other, and being outside.......

and I loooooooove them!

Ten Apples Up On Top!!!

John Parker is a HUGE fan of Dr. Seuss--as well as his mommy. We have quite a collection of these wonderful books that bring so much joy and excitement into our home. He really loves having a book read to him, and I enjoy our reading time together. So, since this is "Read Across America" week , I thought I'd share these..........

With the help of his daddy, he was actually able to balance two apples 'Up On Top' for a nanosecond before falling to the ground. He had so much fun with this little experiment.

"John Parker in the Hat"--check out JP's handwriting!!!

(the bottom one of course) He LOVES writing his own name!!!

Excited to share his funny hat with us!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lastly, I had to include some pics of my precious little one that also wanted in on the action this afternoon. (He also LOVES reading a book with his mommy and daddy!)

Kelley Compound

Several of you have asked about seeing pictures of Scotty and Micalyn's home that is currently under construction, so I though I'd post a picture that I took during our 'snow much fun day' and post for everyone to see. A lot has been done to this beautiful home 'in the making' in just a week's time. My intentions are to go over one afternoon soon and take pics of their house--front, back, and side. Scotty and Micalyn have recently disconnected their Internet because they didn't see any use in paying $$$ for something that they rarely get on due to their work schedules and home building project, etc. and I can't say that I don't blame them. But, I'm sure once they are settled, they'll be back in cyberspace with the rest of us.

I have to take a moment and brag on my brother and his skills that God has richly blessed him with. Scotty has always had a knack for building anything and everything!!!! My grandfather, Jack Kelley, who passed away when I was 6 months old, taught my father and my uncles the carpentry skill that they, too, have passed on to their sons. The majority of my childhood was spent at homes that were being built by Kelley Builders. Scotty has taken on the undertaking of yet, again, building a home on his time off from work as a supervisor at Shaw. This time it is more special knowing that he is building the love of his life's dream home. The picture that I have posted truly doesn't do it justice. I told Mic-Mic(as the boys call her) the other day that they'll have PLENTY of room to fill it up with children. Oh, how I long to see little Scottys and Micalyns pitter-pattering through their home.

Not only do I love the lay-out of their home, but one of my favorite features has to be the back porch. (So much so that I've already told my husband that in a few years that I'd like this to be added to the back of our home--along with a pool--he laughed about the pool part!) Anyways, they have a huge covered patio with a cathedral ceiling. And, to make it extra nice, a fireplace extending from the ceiling to the floor will be built at the back part of the patio. I can already envision wonderful family gatherings once they've moved in.

Scotty has always been a hard worker, very compassionate person, fun loving, and a kind heart, and am proud that he has his wonderful wife that compliments him so well. Without further ado, here is the new Kelley home in the making that is being built in the Kelley Compound. (Wouldn't you agree that my parents have the perfect retirement home with all of their children living around them?!?!?! (Now, we just have to get T.J. married and settled in with the rest of us as well......interesting to see when that happens....:)

***I can't find the other pics that I took of the house up close, but once I do I'll post them, too!***You can click on the image to make it larger so you can get a better view if you need one.***

'Snow' Place Like Home

WOW! What a spectacular day Friday turned out to be. We were overflowing with feelings of pure joy and excitement the day we looked out the window and discovered snowflakes falling from the sky. The students at Andalusia City Schools already had the day off, and we were supposed to have an in-service day, but due to the 'inclement' weather it was cancelled. Jeremy had to go into work on Friday and he woke me up to tell me that it was actually snowing. When I glanced out the window and saw the amazing sight, I knew that I had to wake John Parker from his deep slumber. He stood in the window sill of our bathroom window and stared for minutes at something he'd never seen before in his life---only on Frosty the Snowman movie. ;) He immediately began jumping up and down and with the happiest tone in his sweet little voice saying, "I've got to go outside and play in the snow and Frosty. Mommy, let's go wake up Sawyer. No, wait a minute, first I've got to get my jacket and boots." As far as he was concerned, it was Christmas ALL over again.

The last time south Alabama had accumulation of snow(and it was only 3") was in March of 93' --making me 13 years old. That particular 'snow day' is one of my fondest memories as a child. Just like that day, I was bound and determined to savor every moment in the snow with my three loves and family members. It was such a magical, surreal feeling seeing our home place all dressed in white. Most importantly, making memories in our minds and hearts. I've spared showing you all the 471 pictures that I took on that breathtaking day, but instead shared with you the ones that depicted, "Making Memories of Us"!