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"!

Typical

Just a swingin'!

Not a pacifier---ring pop!! ;)

Ready for a game of ball

daddy's little man

precious face

sweet sugar

I love you!

Let me help wipe the chocolate off of your face!

silly boys

up the hill he goes.....

JP was running away from Sawyer

cruising in his F150--notice his sticker?

(we need to get him a National Championship one now!!)

Typical behavior on my part that I haven't posted any pictures or words of our fun, yet busy, months that have passed us by so quickly.

Right now both the boys are battling the 'crud'. Sawyer has been coughing up a storm since Monday and has been enduring breathing treatments every four hours while he's awake along with antibiotics. As for John Parker, he has been a healthy little guy for a while now until today when he tested positive for strep. (Sawyer had strep for the first time a couple of weeks ago so I had already made my mind up that his turn was coming. And, indeed, it has). Despite feeling under the weather, both of them are in good spirits. They still partake in the 'sibling' rivalry of every day life and continue to bring joy, laughter, time-out and spankings in our home.........Never. A. Dull. Moment.

Besides sickness, I'm ready for, "Out With the Cold, and In With the New!"--the new being the warmer weather!!! My boys, as well as your children I'm sure, love every aspect of being outside. I've come to the conclusion that there isn't any reason to buy children toys because they have the whole outside world to run, romp, and play until their little heart is content. (After all, I grew up with three brothers and we spent(what seemed) like every waking moment in the great outdoors). The last time we enjoyed a beautiful FULL day outside was on MLK holiday. It was perfect. (I need to credit my mother for having those impromptu picnics with my brothers and I when we were growing up. Those are some of my favorite childhood memories and now I'm glad to be able to do the same with my children). Hearing the excitement in John Parker's voice when I tell him we're going to have a picnic, and seeing the glimmer in his eyes when I spread the blanket on the ground makes it all worth while. Not only did we 'picnic', but we also jumped on the hay bales that my daddy had set out in the pasture that our home looks out upon. We rode around on the trails with the Ranger and went through the mud puddles(JP made sure I didn't miss NOT one--typical boy behavior). I love days spent with my little guys!!!

Our time out has been limited to the dreary cold that we've been dealing with in LA, so we've been enjoying our time in spurts. Nonetheless, I do wish it would snow for their sake--my camera included. LOL!!! ;) Hope you enjoyed some shots of our "Fun Day" outside and the short, sporadic afternoon play times.

***(Any of you momas and babies that want to come play in the snow tomorrow with us are more than welcome to head up to Hardy Hill. We'd love to have your company......just be prepared to be photographed!!! :)