Stephanie Kelley: 2008

Thursday, December 18, 2008

A Christmas Tradition

About three years ago, John James and I started the tradition of us making cookies together every Christmas. It is always such a fun time together even though Debbie and I end up doing most of the work. After school today, I went over and we baked the cookies. I always put flour on John James's face. As soon as I got there, he said, "No flour on my face this year, NeNe." I told that we had to because it was a rule. Then he said, "It's a tradition!" Well, this year he started a new tradition, putting the flour on NeNe's face. I think he had more fun doing that than he did anything else.

OUR FINISHED PRODUCT

Monday, December 8, 2008

Speechies' Christmas Party

Today the speech therapists in our district got together and had an early supper/Christmas Party at Harvey's. We don't get to get together very often because we are all over the district. It is always fun visiting especially when it is not work related.

Another Diaper Cake

This a picture of the second diaper cake that I made. One of my fellow SLPs asked me to make her one for baby shower that she was giving. The tableware that she chose had building blocks on it, so I thought it would be neat to use blocks on the cake. I think it turned out cute. If need a diaper cake or you know someone who does, let me know. We can work something out.

Monday, December 1, 2008

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Fun with Evan

I have been out of school all week this week and it has been absolutely wonderful. Two days this week, I have gotten to spend with two of my favorite people, Michelle and sweet Evan. Monday, Michelle, Evan and I went shopping in Tupelo and we had such a good time. Wednesday, I keep him because Michelle and William had to work. I really tried not to spoil him to bad, but as you can see from the pictures, he is really easy to spoil.

Go Dawgs!

Last weekend, Debbie, Carey, John James, and I went to the State game. John James loves football and knows more about it that anybody I know. He actually watches ESPN Sportscenter almost every morning and he is only six!! He has been to several games this year and not just at state. He has been to Gainsville, Tuscaloosa, and Starkville.

Even though State has not been very good this year, it has been fun watching Tyson Lee as quarterback. He is a member of my church and is just an awesome kid and role model for many people. He never lets an opportunity pass to share his faith in Jesus during tv/radio interview. I am so proud for him and his family.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Mission Friends

On Wednesday night, myself and four other ladies teach 4 year old Mission Friends, which is where we attempt to teach them about different missionaries and different missions around the country and the world. Most of the time, it really doesn't seem like anything is sinking in their little heads. But last night, myself and Leann sat down to eat supper at church with one of the 4 year olds in our class. When Leann sat down, the little boy said "There's another one of the missionaries." How true that is in all of our lives. We are all missionaries in our little world. You don't have to go somewhere to be a missionary. You can be one in your own church. So I guess what we are doing is really sinking in and making a difference.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Brunswick Stew

Last weekend, I went home to Louisville to spend the weekend. My home church had their annual Brunswick Stew Saturday night. They had activities, including a hayride, for the kids. Of course, I couldn't pass up the hayride. Here are a few pictures from the night.

Madi and Kaylee with their babies

Me and Kaylee

(Madi had to be the photographer)

Brady and Kaylee with Uncle Jus on the hayride

Jayden with her face painted

Madi didn't quite make through the whole hayride

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

My Mom

On this date , 10 years ago, my mom lost her battle of cancer. Some days, like the last few days, it seems like yesterday. I miss her so much words cannot even express. She was one of the greatest women I have ever known.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Weekend Makeover!

About a year ago or maybe longer, I found a pillow that I absolutely loved. It was blue and brown stripes. Of course, it didn't match anything in my house, so I decided to change my room for this pillow. You always hear on HGTV - "Start with a inspirational piece!" So that is what I did. This has been ongoing since then. It has taken me that long to find a comforter, sheets, etc. Well, this past week, I found the last bit of the set that I needed - the sheets. If you have ever looked for light blue sheets, you know that there are MANY shades of light blue. But I found them last week, so I decided that it was time to paint. I am so happy with the way it turned out.

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Friday, October 17, 2008

Fall is Here!

A couple of weeks ago, I decorated my house for fall. It is one of my favorite times of the year. Enjoy the pictures!

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Yard Sale

About a week ago, my friend, Wahnee, e-mailed me to let me know that she was having a yard sale today and told me that I could join her if I wanted to. Well, I really did not want to, but I knew that I needed to. Since last Christmas, I have been gradually going through my stuff to see what I could get rid of. Thankfully, I already had the majority of my things together. However, I stayed up until about 1:00 last night getting things ready and got up at 5:00 this morning. Needless to say, I am REALLY tired now, but it was worth it. I made $235 today! I have been wanting to redo my bedroom for a LONG time, so now I think I will soon start. (After I recover from today!)

Friday, September 19, 2008

Birthdays Galore!!!

Three of the most important people in my life have birthdays exactly one week apart. Madi and Brady turned 4 on September 8th and John James turned 6 on September 15th. So I am sure you know what I have been doing for the past couple of weekends.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MADI, BRADY AND JOHN JAMES!!!

LOVE, NENE

I GOT A NEW CAR!!

About three weeks ago, my dad came to Columbus and after supper we decided to just ride through the Columbus Hyundai dealership. I had absolutely no intentions of getting a new car. My car has been paid for for about two year, and it has been great not have a car payment. Although I have been still making a car payment to myself to save for a new one. Well, of course, you know that I found a car that I liked. I have been saying that the next car I get that I want a small SUV, and that is want we found. After we looked at cars, I guess I got the car fever. By the next Friday, I had a new car, and I love it!!

COCO

Hi Everyone! Well, I know that it has been a while since I have updated my blog, but life has been kinda busy here lately. Not really sure where to start. I guess I can start with news about my dog, Coco.

When I was in Peru, I took CoCo to stay with my dad and while I was gone she quit eating. My dad took her to the vet and her liver enzymes were very elevated. They put her on some medicine until I could get back and take her to regular vet. When we got home, her enzymes were still elevated a little bit, but not too terribly high. So we were just going to monitor her for a while. Well, about three weeks ago, I woke up and CoCo's belly was really bloated, so I took her back to the vet. Dr. Anderson did some tests and found a mass on her liver. He thinks that it is probably cancer. Right now, we are not going to do anything except give her fluid pills and keep monitoring her. I know that I will eventually have to put her to sleep, but we are just going to wait until she starts showing signs of pain. She is doing fine right now. CoCo is 10 years old and has been with me through alot.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Kathy's Birthday

Yesterday was my friend, Kathy's 40th birthday. Tonight we had a surprise party for her at MiToro. She had an idea that we were doing something, but she just thought it was our Sunday School class. But all of her family and some of her friends (who apparently are really good at telling little white lies) joined us. We had a great time celebrating. We love you, Kathy! Hope that you had a great time!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Happy Birthday, Bella!

Today would have been Bella's 1st birthday. I know that she is smiling down from heaven today on her mommy, daddy, and new baby brother.

We love you, Bella, and we miss you very much!!

Sunday, August 24, 2008

BABY EVAN IS HERE!!!

At 10:05 tonight (Saturday), baby Evan Reid George made his appearance into this world. He was delivered by C-section. Both Michelle and Evan are doing good. He weighed 6 lbs, 8 oz. He is on a little bit of oxygen, but they don't think it is anything to worry about. God is so good and His timing is amazing. This Tuesday, August 26th, would be Bella's 1st birthday. What a gift He has given Michelle and William.

Welcome to this world, Evan!!!

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Disney

We had a great time at Disney World last week, even with Tropical Storm Fay threatening us. We were able to spend the first two days there in the parks without rain and fought the rain another day. We still had a blast. John James' favorite thing to do was to meet the characters. We also loved the Toy Story Mania ride (be ready to wait a long time if you want to ride this one) and the Nemo show. I can't wait to go back again!

Friday, August 15, 2008

OFF TO DISNEY!!!

After a pretty terrible week at work, I am off to Disney with my second family, Debbie, Carey and John James. I know that I keep saying this but God continues to amaze me. He is in control of our lives. We planned this trip back in the summer and this was the only week we could go. I truly believe that after this week at work, God knew that I would need a vacation this week. I need to get away from the situation and just have a good time. Who better to do that with than John James? I have been babysitting him since he was 8 months old and I probably have been begging Debbie and Carey to take him to Disney since then (that a little bit of an exaggeration). But I told them when they went that I wanted to go with them. Thankfully, they have been gracious enough to let me go too. I am probably as excited as John James if not more.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

My Devotion for the Day

This is the daily devotion that I received in e-mail today. I thought it was pretty appropriate for my situation. Isn't it amazing how God does this? I know that I am not the only going through difficulty. I hope this brings encouragement to some of you.

Thursday August 14
In the Midst of Painful Trials
Genesis 39:6-20

Joseph's enslavement lasted for 13 years and went from bad to worse. He lost his favored position in Potiphar's household and went to prison when the master's wife told lies about him. His hope for release from jail died when the king's servant forgot his promise (Gen. 40:14, 23). The future looked bleak.

Despite the evidence of circumstances, God was carrying out His plan to bless Joseph and benefit his family. Joseph was His appointed person to rescue them from the coming famine. To accomplish this, he had to learn the Egyptian language and culture, develop leadership abilities, and mature spiritually. The Lord's plan accomplished all of this.

Joseph learned two helpful lessons. First, the Lord is a faithful companion who uses our troubles to prepare us for His work. When the time came, Joseph was fully trained to become second-in-command to Pharaoh--the Egyptian king even testified that God's presence was with Joseph (Gen. 41:38). Second, when the Lord accomplishes His purposes, the difficulty will end. At God's chosen moment, Joseph was freed from jail, rewarded with a high-ranking appointment, and reconciled with his family. Though his boyhood was gone, he was greatly blessed by living in the center of the Father's will.

Adversity can be painful, but the Lord uses it to further His purposes and equip us to carry out His plan. What is He trying to teach you in the midst of your trials? Are you cooperating with Him? Remember, even Jesus suffered in order to fulfill God's redemptive purpose (Matt. 16:21).

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Pray, please!

Work has been really difficult for me the past two days. My position has drastically changed and I am not happy about it. I have always worked with preschool students, which I honestly believe is my calling, and today that was taken away from me. I am angry and hurt about how all of this came about. (very long story!)

God has really been doing some amazing things in my life lately even in the midst of all of this. I have a peace in my heart that God is in total control of this situation, but it is just hard sometimes understanding why this is happening. Please pray that I can find forgiveness toward the ones that have hurt me and strength to continue to work with those people.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Michelle's Baby Shower

Today, my friends, Kelly and Dana, and I threw Michelle her first baby shower. I have been looking forward to this day since Michelle found out she was pregnant with Bella. I never got a chance to give Bella a shower, but I was able to do one for our little Evan. Let's just say I went a little crazy, but I wanted everything to be perfect for Michelle. She deserves this so much! She is using the Rainforest bedding for Toys-R-Uz and is crazy for monkeys, giraffes, etc. Therefore, we had to have a jungle baby shower.

This is Michelle at 32 weeks. Evan is measuring about 4 1/2 pounds and is doing great!

The diaper cake that I made. I have never been real crafty, but I was really impressed with myself for making this. The things I try to make never come out like I envisioned them to, but this really did.

So many people have been praying for this child and Michelle and William.

This was the sign-in table and the pictures are sweet Bella and her new brother, Evan. I should have put a sign stating "Read with Caution-Crying Will Occur." The poem is below.

Read with caution.

My precious little baby

I have loved you from the start

You are a tiny miracle

Laying closely to my heart
Each day I feel your presence

Each day you quickly grow

Each day your heart beats softly

As only I could know

So I'll keep this in a special place

And remember each year through

Of this very special time in my life

The months I carried you.