I think someone needs a hug...

Keli

Game Night

Seriously.  There is nothing better than hanging out with family and friends.  We were invited to game night with friends from church.  We all brought snacks and our kids. Notice I said snacks first...I love me some snacks. We had the normal introductions and then we filled our plates.  MMMMMMMM!  Someone made spinach dip w/ Hawaiian bread, cheese dip, Robert Redford brownies, veggies/dip, fruit, peach pie, etc.  I love snack foods.  I think I tasted a little of each.  Don't judge.

Then we moved on.  Karoke with the kids.  Do you know how cute it is to hear little ones sing The B I B L E? And Jesus Loves Me?  Of course everyone was watching smiling, laughing......Me?  I had tears in my eyes.  I'm such a cry baby.  When things are cute, funny, precious and involve little ones, I boohoo.  I can't help it.  So darn cute!

Then we broke up in teams and played Pictionary.  Fun fun game!!  We involved the kids and had a blast!  Cracks me up to see what people draw for their word!  hahahaha!

Kids played Twister and then we moved on to a game called Spoons.  Ever played it?  I had not.  You need spoons and a deck of cards.  Very easy to learn but can be very violent!  People really want a spoon!  My Dad even snatched one from a small child!  And he wasn't giving it up.  LOL! Bummed that I forget my camera! 

We had a great night.  I wasn't feeling that great when we headed over but laughter really is the best medicine.

Thank God for family and friends.  Good times!

I hope all of you are having a great weekend so far!

Keli

A Vase.

Hello Peeps!

Even if yall have done this forty eleven times, do NOT burst my creative bubble.  Are we clear on this?

I had a vase to wrap.  Wanted a cool, different look.  You know, not the ol' standby bag.  So?  Here it is. 

The Masterpiece.  WAH LAH!

 Amazing what a little tissue paper and a strip of wrapping paper can do. 

Happy weekend!

Keli

2010 Mommytography 365 Project

I've decided to join the Mommytogrpahy 2010 Mommytography 365 Project! For this year long project I will be posting 7 image a week on Sundays, to get me out shooting, using my camera and learning new things with it daily. Anyone interested in photography can join, no need to be a Mommytographer. We have teens to adults, male and female, as well as people from all over the world. Come join the fun! So...today is Sunday.  I will post 7 of my most recent photos.  Hope you enjoy!

This is Maeci up to bat.

First session of softball EVER. She loved it.

Took this shot while we were in Chicago at Oz Park.

Maeci's Mysterious Look.  HaHa.

Sister of one of Maeci's friends.  She's a doll.

Snake. Nuff said.

Softball

The Red Shoes in Oz Park in Chicago.

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Keli

Parenting

I've been thinking about so many things lately.  Does anyone else stress and worry about the path their kids will choose?  Do you worry that you made mistakes in how you've raised them?  Do you pray that things that you have said to them were the right things? 

As most of you know I have a 10 yr old and a almost 19 yr old.  I am so very thankful for my kids.  I can't imagine life without them but whew....there have been some trying times.  How do you do it??  I'm going through normal trials, I'm sure.  Maeci (10) is a fun, caring mostly quiet girl.  Most of my time is spent with her laughing.  She gets A's and B's, never gets in trouble, worries herself sick if she thinks she's not going to get a B or above, etc. But dang the girl is MOODY! 

My biggest test right now? Jake.

Jake? Almost 19? Did you know he's an adult?  At least that's what he tells us.  He's a great kid.  Very moody, comes with the age. Loves joking around, has lots of friends, a girlfriend, a job, etc.  Jake graduated in May of 09.  He made the decision not to go to college.  I would have preferred college for him but it was not my decision to make.  He has worked since he was 15, which I'm so very proud of him for.  BUT (this may just be me), when you make the decision to not go to college after graduation, LIFE has begun.  Right?  You need to get serious and pay your own bills.  Don't get me wrong, I know how exciting it is to graduate and be FREE of the responsibilities of school.  Been there done that.  But play time stops at some point and you have to become responsible. 

We gave him the talk about finding a full time job, putting some thought into your life, your career.  So, time has gone by, he's looked for full time work periodically...nothing.  We told him he should be looking daily and not just at the places you think you want to work.  He rarely asks for money, buys his own clothes, gas, etc.  He just doesn't seem to get the importance of applying to jobs every single day.  It's frustrating, stressfull, worrying.  We've talked until we are blue in the face about the importance of being RESPONSIBLE. I will confess, I am a little lienient, he's my baby.  But it's gone on long enough and I have to get tough.  I'm not sure that's possible.  I get scared when I think of him out there on his own, without me, all by himself, alone.  Silly? 

He has wanted to be a Fireman for a very long time and I'm good with that.  He has a plan!  His CPR class is February 9th and EMS training starts February 16th.  It's all in motion!  Then he will take a Paramedic course.  YES!!!  He will be able to start applying at fire departments when he turns 21.

But you know what is so so so frustrating?  Me:  "Jake, are you excited about getting your classes started?"  Jake: "No."

Sigh......

Why is parenting so hard?  Why didn't someone warn me?  I pray alot and I know God will help us through this.

He's just like me when I was 18. Then End.



P.S. If you are still with me,  suggestions welcome.

SSSSSSSSSSS.....

Just wanted to share what I think is a cool shot, even though I H.A.T.E. snakes. I took this at the Indianapolis Zoo.

Hope your Wednesday was great!