Hello.

My friend (and boss) Mike told me today, "Kelly. You know what surprises me? You are WAY behind on your blog!" So Mike, here's your update. I've got a lot going on in my mind right now it seems but nothing clear enough to blog about. And to be honest-- if you read this blog, chances are, you're probably on facebook, too so there's not too much I could write that wouldn't be something you already know! But here goes.

My baby turns one year old in less than a month. I'm sad about it, but excited, too. I really can't believe it's already been a year. I love taking part in her amazing little life. I still can't get used to how cute she is some times, and I still really can't believe that Billy and I have been entrusted with her care. Yes, I am very aware that this all sounds very cliché. But what can I say? It's all true.

Here's a picture of her from our recent 4th of July trip to Chicago.


We had a great time in Chicago, visiting my uncle, aunt, and cousin, as well as our friends Josh & Candace, who we know from college (Billy knows Josh from high school, though and they were best friends in high school). Josh & Candace are a part of the Reba Place Fellowship in Evanston, IL. Our day spent with them was much too short, but gave us a lot of things to think and pray about as Billy and I continue to have conversations about where God will lead us once I graduate from seminary next May. We stayed with my uncle Stan while in Chicago, and well... it was truly a vacation! Some people just have the gift of hospitality... Stan and Tanya definitely do! We felt very well loved while we were there. Hospitality. It is a dying art. It was great to experience such generous hospitality while with our family, and to be challenged to give generously ourselves.

We returned late Sunday night, and on Monday I got to spend the day on the lake with the church pastoral staff, on a staff formation day. We relaxed together, fished together, talked, and laughed together. It is these shared experiences that really strengthen us as a ministry team. I like these folks I get to work with! Here's a picture of my big catch from Monday. Ha ha. Okay, it wasn't a big catch at all, but it was still fun!


Fear. I've been thinking a lot about fear this week, since the last session of the bible study I've been doing this summer. I've been thinking about my fears (And it seems there's so much more to worry about now that I'm a mom). Anyway, this week I've been thinking about all of that, and really praying for God to move in my heart, to move in my soul. And to free me from fear. Worrying/fearing. That's no way to live. Love DID find me, afterall. And there is no fear in Love.

May 13th. Really?

May 13th. That's the last time I blogged. But here's what I've realized-- facebook, picasa, tumblr, twitter, and a blog-- that's a lot to keep up with. It's ridiculous really. I tend to think in 140 characters or less (you Twitter folks know what I mean) these days, and blogging sometimes seems like a chore. But here's what's happened since May 13th:

- I finished up another semester of grad school. I graduate next May.
- We watched some dear friends graduate from Asbury.
- We said goodbye to some dear friends who have moved away, either just for the summer or for good. (This also means I have shed a lot of tears.)
- I made preparations for Vacation Bible School 2009.
- I sent my husband and daughter off to Texas for a couple of days, so Billy could be there for his grandmother's funeral.
- I kicked off our week-long Vacation Bible School, and got to enjoy having my sister here to help me with it. She leaves tomorrow and I'll be sad about that.
- I have rejoiced for 5 kiddos at VBS this year saying "yes" to Jesus for the first time, overwhelmed by the power of God's love in their lives.
- We have watched Eisley grow a couple of new teeth, and we've watched her get awfully close to walking. Not there yet, but soon maybe.
- I've started participating in a new women's bible study here at church. Loving it so far-- it's nice to have conversations with adults!
- I've completely neglected my blog. But I'm enjoying life, so I don't regret it all that much.

Until next time.

Conversations with Grant

My cousin Jessica recently started a blog. And it's one of the BEST blogs I subscribe to! The blog is basically a series of conversations that Jessica has had with her 6 year old son, Grant. Grant is hilarious, insightful, and at times, incredibly profound. I know you may not know Jessica or Grant, but if you want to add some humor in to your day, go ahead and add her blog to your Google Reader.

Click here to get to the blog. And here's a great story from today that I just had to share:

Grant brought me one of his dry erase boards and asked me to draw a picture of a bug. I was in the middle of cleaning house before 30 or so people arrived for his big birthday event, so I quickly jotted something down and handed it back to him. And so the conversation begins…

Grant: What’s this???

Mom: It’s a spider.

Grant: It only has six legs?

Mom: What? Oh. Sorry. I was in a hurry. Just pretend it’s a make believe special spider.

Grant: (exasperated!) How can I pretend that? It’s not a spider if it only has six legs.

(At this point, I stop what I’m doing because I feel an after school special moment coming on. Grant has very little understanding for those who do not do things the correct way (his way)…imagination or not.)

Mom: Grant, it’s just a pretend spider. It doesn’t have to be perfect. That’s the great thing about pretending and using your imagination. You can chose for something to be whatever you want it to be.

Grant: (exasperated again) Mom, I know how to pretend. I just don’t see the point of pretending something incorrectly.

Mom: Just give me the spider. (I draw two more legs)

Now, knowing my son as well as I do, I know that this is not the end of things. And I was right! Two days later on the way to school...

Grant: Mom, do you remember the other day when you drew that spider with only six legs?

Mom: Yes Grant.

Grant: Did you just not know that spiders have eight legs?

Mom: No Grant. I am aware that spiders have eight legs, but, honestly, I was in a hurry.

Grant: Oh. But you understand that it wasn’t really a spider until you put the other legs on right?

Mom: Yes Grant. I understand.

Grant: Ok. Good.

Oh Grant!