Panic mode!

So I know I haven't really updated my blog for a awhile and I think with good reason. this year so far has been amazing, wonderful, stressful, and challenging all at the same time.
To start things off, I have been to visit my Dad in Philadelphia where he is receiving rehab for his Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). It is such a blessing to see the relationship that has formed and developed between me and my dad but it is still very difficult to see him suffering, knowing the road to recovery will be long. But all in all he is in fairly good spirits and I cherish the time I get to spend with him. This most recent visit was especially difficult because I am no longer able to visit him d/t our little bundle of joy arriving in a mere 10 weeks and I wont be able see him again until we fly out in August so he can meet his new grand baby. But I know that GOD is watching over him and he is good hands with his therapist! Here is a picture of me and my dad on my most recent visit:

While in NJ I also was blessed to have a fantastic baby shower in honor of Baby Mia given by my cousins and Aunt. It was so fabulous and such a huge blessing! Mia will be the best dressed baby on the block! We got lots of great items and lots of clothes! and it was so GREAT to spend time with family and friends that I don't get to see very often!

My wonderful cake that my mother-in-law got for me

Opening gifts with my little helpers! I wasn't opening the gifts fast enough!



And most recently we got to celebrate with my BEST friend Alexis as she tied the knot on February 20th to Vincent LaVella! The wedding was so beautiful and she was such a gorgeous bride! The only downside...I was 6 months pregnant and I didn't realize how difficult it would be to dance! Needless to say I spent the reception enjoying watching everyone else on the dance slightly envious of everyone else! :) I wish both of them a lifetime of love and happiness! They are wonderfully people and a great
couple!
Me and the beautiful bride!


baby Mia's first wedding!

The happy couple!

In addition to all of the traveling we have been doing this year we have also purchased a house! We will be closing on the house March 8th and have til March 15th to be out of our current apt. Of course I have all these fantastic decorating ideas that MUST be done before we move! ha! My husband thinks I am completely irrational :) And since I am now only 10 weeks away from baby Mia's due date I have reached panic mode with everything going on and still to do before baby makes her arrival. I just pray that she comes in due time and allows me to get done everything that needs to be done prior to her arrival! In the midst of moving, we also have a one year old birthday party, a baby shower for a friend, Easter, and my 26th birthday, not to mention finding a day care center, preparing my job for my maternity leave and preparing for the actual delivery! Panic mode has arrived! But I have FAITH that it will all pan out smoothly....:)

I have not forgotten...

Alas, I have not forgotten about my blog. 2010 is turning out to be quite a fantastic year for us with lots of new developments. I promise that I will update my life soon (hopefully this weekend) but for now, here is preview:

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We had a great Christmas this year...just take a look for yourself!







Travis and Mom came to visit for Christmas this year!





Abe made out the best with all of his gifts including books, puzzles, toys, and Pottery Barn chair! As always he was the life of the party! I hope you all had a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! now I am off to set my goals for 2010! This year will definitely be life changing for the Kelso Klan!

"not me" Monday

Today is my first not me Monday! Keep reading...


Not Me! Monday is a blog carnival started by MckMama; a way to admit our faults while not admitting anything. Click the link above or the box below to see everyone else's non-confessions.


This week, I did NOT eat an entire can of Pringles by myself in one day, that would be completely un-healthy and a very irresponsible thing to do for my growing baby!

While stopping a Target for just 'a few things', I did NOT see a co-worker and her spouse and make a complete u-turn and head out the door as fast as I could. I would NOT avoid someone I know simply because I was embarrassed by the way I look. Furthermore, I would NOT go to the store looking like a hot mess in black sweats and brown purse and NO makeup! I am much more put together then that!

Finally, I am NOT looking forward to seeing my family this week and picking up my brother from the airport tonight. I am NOT anticipating a great week with some great food!

Dare to Hope

Robert Rogers visited our church today and spoke with a profound message of hope. Watch his story on the you tube video below and keep the tissues nearby!



"Out of every great test comes great testimony!" What an amazing way to look at life! Lamentations 3:19-21 says, "The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words. I will never forget this awful time,as I grieve over my loss.
Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this."

Throughout the hardship and difficulties Robert Rogers faced and as he portrayed them to the audience he kept referencing 1 Corinthians 7:17 which says, "Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you, and remain as you were when God first called you..." no matter where life finds us, GOD wants us to ask NOT how can I get out of this BUT WHAT can I get out of this?

In the deepest and darkest of troubles God does not abandoned us Isaiah 43:2 says,
"When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown..."
But we can rejoice when we go through suffering because Psalm 71:20-21 says, "You have allowed me to suffer much hardship,
but you will restore me to life again
and lift me up from the depths of the earth.
You will restore me to even greater honor
and comfort me once again."

Robert Rogers lost his entire family in a matter of seconds, but he has taken that loss and turned it around to glorify GOD! He is now in the process of sponsoring 5 orphanages in honor of his 4 children and wife that he lost! He has a great book called :

Into the Deep that recounts in detail the trials and difficulties he has faced and overcome. Because God is merciful and full of love, Robert is now remarried and has 2 children, and a 3rd child (his new wife recently miscarried) is now in heaven with his other children! God is STILL good!

Fall Festivities

Here are some photos of our recent adventures this fall:
in the beginning of October we went apple and pumpkin picking with some great friends


My friend Charity and I (she will be leaving me in January and I am already sad just thinking about it)



As a tribute to fall here is my favorite tree from the neighborhood. The leaves were both red and yellow it was so beautiful! and good thing I had Pat snap the picture from the car because the next day the wind blew all the leaves off!



My mom came to visit a few weekends ago, so Abe, DJ and Lindsey came up for a visit. Unfortunately when babies are involved they seem to get all the photos taken of them :)


My favorite picture of Abe from the weekend!


On beggars night, we dressed up the kitty's and here are the results of our attempts to capture their costumes...Diego was Super cat and he strutted around all night like he was king of the castle


Cleveland didn't like his costume and it had to be put on 20 times that night! It says "Bite me" on the back with a gingerbread man missing a leg :)


My cooky pumpkin


And Patrick's annual pumpkin. The kids get a kick out of his pumpkin and their reactions are priceless!

Meal Plan Monday

So I know this is super exciting and I obviously have little else to talk about so I will again blog about the upcoming meals I plan to make this week :)and hopefully soon will upload pictures of fall festivities!

Monday: Chicken Teriyaki stir-fry

Tuesday: BLT sandwiches

Wednesday: Baked chicken with stuffing and green beans

Thursday: Pork chops with rice

Friday: Spagetti with tossed salad and rolls

Saturday: Breakfast for dinner

Sunday: Chicken and dumplings with Ted and Charity