Summer is finally here at the Kelley Kasa!!



We have finished all of our end of the year activities. We had Zoe's dance recital, Conner's spring concert, Colby's cub scout space derby events and Zach's last day at Guard for training. All 4 children completed their school/preschool years and will be moving up to the next grades. Last evening, we closed our AWANA year at Woodlawn Baptist Church, where Zoe completed her first year in Cubbies and Colby completed his last year in Sparks bringing home the Sparky Award! We are now ready to bring on the summer fun!

Like others, we have compiled a list of summer activities we wish to achieve. Check out some of the items on our list:

• visit the beach
• play at a splash pad
• play mini golf
• go bowling
• pick blueberries
• have outdoor scavenger hunt
• go to Carowinds
• visit Dan Nicholas Park
• visit Raptor Center
• visit Science Center
• roast marshmallows
• go to the zoo
• go fishing
• camp out in backyard
• make crafts
• go to the movies
• have ice cream for dinner
• go swimming at the Y
• family sleepovers
• Vacation Bible School
• Run for God
• Daily worksheets to keep our skills sharp
• Reading program at library

This is just a short list of our ideas. We will also be going to Oklahoma to see Zach graduate from Ft. Sill!! We are going to miss him so much this summer!!! However, we are very proud of him and know he is going to do awesome at basic training!!

Hope everyone has an awesome summer!!!!

Happy 10 Year Anniversary to US!!

I met my husband 12 years ago through a mutual friend that decided to set us up for a blind date. We spoke on the phone for several days, getting to know each others likes and dislikes, goals and backgrounds before we had the first date. I still remember greeting him at my door and seeing his beautiful smile. We decided to spend our time in Asheville at a quiet bistro and then strolled the streets for window sights. (I think he wanted to do this, because it was 20 degrees).
That date was followed by 100+ more of the best times Ive had with one person. He was, and still is so witty, confident and attentive.  He also included my children with dates that were just for them. We had fun together and there has never been a forced happiness between us. We dated for a year before Mark proposed to me. He actually got down on one knee, to which I said YES!! We were married the following summer with our family and friends in attendance. We moved to a new city/county after we were married and have been here since. We have added 2 children to our family, giving us a total of 4 together.

 Like other couples, we have had our ups and downs. I'm sure there have been days Ive loved him more than he loved me and vice versa. I know there have been times when one or the other of us has wanted to walk away for various reasons. I'm very glad we chose to stay and work it out. Our blended family has come through trials and events together that have moulded us into who we are today. We continue to work on our family dynamic daily.

I know that Mark and I have both grown in the 12 years we have been together. We have changed into different people while still loving each other and working toward the same goals for what is best for our family. I can honestly say that I love him more today than I did years ago. Its a love that grows with us and for us. I love him for who he is and what he wants to be. I love him for the husband he is and the father to our children he is. I love him for working hard to provide for our family and always putting others first. I love the way he forgives others and how he is a positive role model.

I look forward to the next years to come with our family and I pray that God will continue to bless our marriage.

Mrs. Mark Kelley

Songs from our wedding:

Bridal Entrance-given in marriage  by Zach and Conner Baker
Only Time by Enya
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNFGzxUXMog

Sang After Family Circle- This Day by Point of Grace
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxO5n_4ZyW4

First Dance- At Last by Etta James
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1uunRdQ61M&feature=related

My true friend

 Well, Ive been stewing for a few days. I have been trying to decide how to put my thoughts into words. I have huge pet-peeves with recent activity on Facebook. I can not for the life of me figure out why when I post something on someones page, they delete my comment. If I am on their friend list and they have made a comment or have asked a general question and I respond, why delete my post? I'd rather they delete me all together than to dismiss my comment. In my mind, I see that as not caring of my opinion or being ignored. I believe I have people in my friend's list that I actually care what they are doing as well as value their opinion. If not, they wouldn't be there.
I also have an issue with people that want to be my friend via Facebook, but do not speak to me in public. Why? It does not make sense to me. To me, its like they want to know my personal business, but I'm not worthy enough for a hello or smile when passing in public. I don't know, maybe its just me and my self-esteem is so low, that I am reading this entirely wrong. I mean, I do not expect everyone to respond to every single thread I start. I also realize that we are all busy with daily activities and are preoccupied. I do consider myself to be friendly and outgoing. I would do anything for anyone. Im usually smiling and trying to say hi to everyone, even at Wal-Mart when my cashier is not looking at me. It just doesn't make sense to me.
Last, but not least. Why do some people want to be your friend in private? They will email or send private message, but they do not want their other friends to know they are speaking to you. I mean, I'm not a wild woman of the world. I have lost friends because I choose not to drink and party. I do regard myself as a Godly woman and tasteful. I have excellent references.
I have been dealing with the above for a while.I was angry about these things yesterday, until I received my daily text scripture from my friend, Donna. John 13:34 As a new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. This was my God-moment. I mean, I felt like I had been slapped in the face. I was so convicted after reading the verse and realizing how cynical I have been. Who am I to question these things? So what if I get my feelings hurt? I needed to be reminded that God is in control and trivial things do not matter. If I live to show love to others as He did, I am being a disciple for Him. I know I'm on His friend list and He on mine.

Show me the Bon Bons!



It has recently been brought to my attention through my ex-husband that I am lazy, conceited and sit on my butt all day eating bon bons. As a stay at home mother (by-choice), I would love to explain to him what being a parent entails and give him a copy of my daily schedule. Yes, I know it is none of his business what I do all day(he is the ex and for a very good reason). I would love to eat bon bons daily(and probably look like it lately). I also have been called lots of things, but never conceited. I consider myself to be very friendly, outgoing and someone that anyone can approach.
I dont understand for the life of me why he has this idea that stay at home mothers sit down all day. I mean, who cleans? cooks? becomes chauffer? nurse? educator? counselor?
Im awake daily at 5:00 am to wake my husband and get him ready for the day. I iron his clothes EVERY morning, wake the children, feed them, make sure they are dressed, have sparkling teeth and smell good. I then drive them to school and return home to begin duties to maintain home. I dont know about other homes, but mine seems to always have something to clean, wash, mop, and organize daily. While Im cleaning, Im preparing dinner, folding and sorting laundry. I then retrieve my children from school, begin homework, feed them snack and later dinner, bath time, book time, devotions and then they are off to bed. I then clean kitchen, pack lunches for following day and pick out everyone's clothes for next day as well. I also assist my husband with Real Estate leads and run a direct sales business from my home. If one of the children become sick, its my place to take them to doctor or dentist. I am buying groceries weekly and yes I am using coupons(I forgot, I have to clip those too and its takes a while). I teach 4 year old Sunday School class, TNT leader and help in nursery at church as needed. It just makes me so mad for him to assume I do nothing. This wonderful personality of his is starting to rub off onto our oldest son. He is beginning to speak to me with no respect, calls me names and repeats things his father has said. I have tried my best to speak with each of them separate and together. I have been praying and will continue to pray for both of them. Is this the norm for teenagers today? I would have never spoke to my mother the way my older two children speak to me. I am their biggest cheerleader and fan and I thought I was doing a good job of parenting. I read all the books, I would seek advice if I didnt have the answer. I spoke with professionals in education and in the medicine fields. While It seems Im using my blog to vent about "life", I ask that you pray for our blended-family. We need guidance and wisdom during the upcoming years. I did work out of the home for years and I did complete the same things I do now as stay at home mom, so why judge me because I stay home? I want to be with my children before they begin school. I want to be the one who picks them up from school with snack ready. I dont want someone else doing what I want to be doing for them. If I were in a position that I had to work out of the home, I would do that. I would try my best to balance work and home like other working mothers do. Im hoping to be a good mother to my children in staying home. Im not asking to be their hero(however that would be nice). I want them to know while they are school, Im at home waiting. I want to be able to attend fieldtrips, volunteer in classes and help at preschool. I want to be the one they come to when the have a problem.



YES! I am a Jesus Freak too!



I have to admit, I have not been a very good blogger. I forget to take the time to complete updates. I will try to do better. I do try to think of really awesome topics to blog about, but cant seem to come up with anything where I wouldnt offend, be judgemental or hurt someone's feelings yet. I have to stick with my family and I know you LOVE hearing about them, I mean its not like you cant read my updates on Facebook, right?

So-I found a topic that I think alot of others deal with or face...
My oldest daughter came home from school Friday in tears. It seems that another student called her a Jesus Freak. She was saddened by the fact that he was yelling it in her classroom and that he thought it was a bad thing. I asked her how it made her feel and she said, "I dont know why he thinks it a bad thing to be a Jesus Freak". YES!! I was so happy to hear these words come out of her mouth. I explained to her that I too have been referred to as a Jesus Freak and I took it as a compliment. Yes, I have lost several friendships over this past year due to this very thing. I think back now and see they werent really friendships at all when you get right down to it. I should have tried better to witness to these friends, been less judging and prayed for them more than I have. This was my advice to her too. PRAY for this student and others like him that fall to name calling because they are confused, embarassed they dont understand or do not attend church or have never read the Bible. I also told her to be a light for Jesus and let these people see her and the way she acts and how happy she is and see the twinkle in her eye that I see. Im proud to say I love Jesus and that my 14 year old gets it as well.

Im praying for her and hope she will always be this strong throughout her life. I want her to know the truth and be able to back it up when she is faced with rejection, name calling and broken friendships.

Tis' the Season to become ORGANIZED!



Getting ORGANIZED in 2012!

I am following along with others this new year to become more organized. I actually started last year and maintained things pretty well. I started in my kitchen with the pantry. I hit Big Lots and bought cheap Rubbermaid containers, filled them with cereal, flour, sugar, wheat flour, brown sugar, and snacks. I used baskets for veggies, drink pouches and popcorn packets. I also purchased a label maker and got slap happy. I was beyond giddy when finished. The pantry has stayed neat, organized and functions well for the 6 of us.

I also cleaned out all the cabinets, organized each into categories IE: children's cabinet (includes cups, plates, bowls, utensils and candy), Cups (all, plastic, glass and measuring cups too), Plates, salad plates, bowls and serving pieces filled more space. I have cabinet for holiday items too, Easter baskets with grass, Valentine's Day cards I got on sale last year for .27 per box, Christmas goodies, Christmas Cards and Halloween buckets. I then cleaned all the drawers, including the several junk drawers. They are all still doing well, my favorite is a drawer I created just to pack lunched everyday. In this drawer, I have plastic spoons and forks, individual wet wipes, napkins, Ziploc bags in several sizes, brown paper bags(for field trip days), marker and lunch box notes. I love how easy everything is, and all in one place, makes packing lunches a snap.

I continued with this routine throughout our entire home. I organized all our clothes by color in our closets, arranged shoes for everyone on shelves, hung purses, I used shower curtain rings on one hanger to store scarves(stole this from Pinterest this year) and even organized our linen closet. I love the outcome and love the neatness. The children's closets were done too, all toys have a home or they got to go to a new one.

So this year, I want to tackle the garage. I have been dreading it for a long time and keep putting it off. So, starting Monday, I'm digging in. I want to purge Christmas items, label all containers. I also want to organize the sports equipment, bikes, riding toys, etc. I plan to gather ideas from Pinterest again and make my garage as neat as the inside of our home.

Following the garage, I want to start with the outside of our home. We have worked very hard to get the grass to grow within our lawn. Finally! We got grass this year. So now, I want to focus on landscaping the perimeter of our home, by adding flowers, mulch, lighting and laying pavers for firepit. Its going to be a long process and I look forward to the challenge and the outcome.
What types of things do you use in your garage to keep things organized?

I'll post pictures later. The ones of before and after are on disc I need to upload to computer. I will be sure to get the ones from the garage taken on Monday.


Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

My Next 40 Years...



One year from tomorrow, I will turn 40! I have to admit that I am not looking forward to that day. I have 1 year to check the box on forms 40 and under or choose the category for mid-30's(yes, I still choose this one). Its my perrogative. I have been upset this entire week just thinking about it. I know there are several ways to deal with it, crawl in bed and hide(have to come out sometime, I like to eat too much and I have to pee alot now), Face it head on and throw a huge party to celebrate with my friends and family, or try to accomplish things I haven't thus far in my life. That is what I'm choosing to do(not that I'd turn down a party, hint hint honey). If you need ideas-think Tiffany's!
 I feel very blessed to have given birth to four beautiful, healthy children and am married to the man of my dreams, finally. I have several college degrees that allow initials to follow my name. I have been saved by the grace of God, Baptized and realize I'm in my temporary home, so while I wait for Jesus to come back and continue to grow older, I want to do things Ive never done. I made a list of 40 things I would like to do before I turn 40. Some of them are silly, some are adventurous and some are likely to kill me. They are in no certain order of importance.

1. Custom bra fitting-I figure after breastfeeding 4 babies, the girls need some loving and some L*I*F*T. Id really like augmentation, but cant get Mr.Frugal to agree. I need to venture to see Victoria, so she can help me with this

2.Sing karaoke! I so want to sing "I Will Survive",( chose this as my year anthem) karaoke-style. I could sing at home to my children, does that count?

3.Camping in the wild-No, not the Hyatt. I mean under the stars, moon and with public restrooms. Makes me giddy just thinking about it, not! I am so not camping material. I think I should try it once though-so I'm going to give it a try, maybe

4.Laser Hair Removal-There are too many places to count where I need/want this done. I want to make sure my children know too, so when they throw me in nursing home, someone needs to keep this up for mom!

5.Take a stand! I want to join a civic organization and fight for a cause

6.Run 5k-Ive been training and let me tell you, winter is bad time to start-its cold outside. I'm having to adjust with my nose running, having to pee from running and the wind-its tough stuff.

7.See a movie solo-Ive always wanted to go to the movies alone. I figure my hubby will benefit from this the most, as he hates chick flicks. Id like to enjoy the entire movie without hearing him sigh or roll his eyes while I chomp on my popcorn and slurp my cola.

8.Ride/drive a Harley-shouldn't be too hard, my stepfather owns 1. Id like to drive it myself if possible. I would also like to go ahead and say- I will be fully dressed-I'm not riding Myrtle Beach style.

9.Visit New York-Id love to see the Statue of Liberty and go to top of Empire State building to see the city. Id also like to visit Tiffany's and Bloomingdale's while there-I'm not stupid!

10.Grown my own veggies! I want to grow a garden. I would even settle for container garden, as long as they grow. I think it would be fun to see the kids gather veggies and clean and eat them-so Proverbs mom, dont you think?

11.Botox! Oh yes I do need this. My girls aren't the only things sagging, my skin has lost all elasticity. sad!

12.See Broadway play!

13.Read a classic novel IE:War and Peace

14.Take a carriage ride with blanket, hot cocoa and my man!

15.Eat a tomato and mayo sandwich-I have never done this, ever. I have never eaten a tomato. Its something about the texture. I figure being reared in south, I need to try it once. One bite should do me.

16.Paint something and display it in our home.

17.Take dance lessons-couples only!

18.Take Disney cruise. M*I*C*K*E*Y M*O*U*S*E! Why?? Because, I may be turning 40 in 1 year but I'm still a kid at heart.

19.Go skiing. Ive never been to the slopes. Need to try it once.

20.See Grandfather Mountain-never been there either. I'm feeling sheltered. Need to call my mom and ask some questions. I also need to check our life insurance policy b/c I will be walking the bridge. You cant go there and not walk across, right?

21.See hot air balloon event in Troutman -fall

22.Day at the spa with mom- full treatment, mani, pedi, facial, massage and of course, lunch

23.Meet Nicolas Sparks- I love him and would love to meet him and have him sign a book from my personal collection.

24.Meet my hubby at work trench coat-style. :) picnic optional

25.Complete Project Life-include my 40 things with pictures and journaling

26.Read Bible through and journal thoughts on each book

27.Attend Woman to Woman conference and Women of Faith! Bought my ticket to see Lisa Whelchel at W2W for Feb. Can not wait to stalk meet her!! I loved watching her on Facts of Life, have read all her books and follow her blog. I'm a bit giddy about getting to meet her and yes I will beg for a photo op or I will photoshop she and I together!!

28.Visit the White House-I'm praying daily for a new president!

29.Visit Smithsonian while in DC.

30.Attend my oldest sons graduation from Army basic training in August-Fort Sill, Oklahoma here we come!

31.Celebrate 10 year wedding anniversary with my hubby! I'm thinking Jamaica

32.Learn how to knit-Id love to make some cute hats and scarves

33.Dance lessons -ballroom style only, no line dancing for this chick

34.Master latest version of Photoshop and Lightroom

35.Hire Professional Photographer to do family photo shoot- Monica Reid is my dream photographer to do this!!

36.Watch every episode of Friends in order while sporting my jammies- may have to take a very long weekend to accomplish this. Will have to send the kids away to nana's as well.

37.Host a huge 40th birthday party for hubby. His birthday is in May and I'm in planning process now. (gathering ideas, that counts).

38.Lasik eye surgery-I'm going blind. I have worn corrective lenses for years, now ready to take care of this once and for all. Will be calling Dr. Oursler Monday morning to schedule exam.

39.I would like to test drive a 50k vehicle- just to see what it would be like. I know its superficial and silly, but I would do it. Maybe I will sign up for the Susan G. Komen benefit Mercedes Drive, so its for a good cause.

40.Host a Murder Mystery Party at our home.


Hopefully my year will be filled with new things for myself and my family. I hope to be able to complete many of the above items. I know 40 is suppose to be the new 30, so I'm going to life it to the fullest!

Happy New Year!!

I hope everyone has a blessed 2012. My family and I attended a neighborhood party last night and we had a blast. The adults and kids ate so much food and we danced to Just Dance until we couldn't take it anymore. It was so much fun to see all the kids when the countdown started to drop the ball. They all stayed awake and toasted the new year with sparkling grape juice(one of the cutest things Ive seen in a long time). I'm very thankful for our neighbors and am so blessed God lead us to this house 2 years ago.

I did start working diligently on some of my goals today with spending time with family, had a walk/run with neighbor (Shannon). I look forward to the new year and what it brings.

Hope everyone had a wonderful first day of 2012.