Motherof3brothers

S*N*O*W 2012

Finally, after the mildest December in history, western Washington got some snow. I could tell it was coming becasue the sky was so thick and pink. Something about the quietness makes life seem just perfect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

14...............

 

My middle boy is 14 today....sigh.....love him.

Here are 14 things i love about Nolen Kelly

1.He has the perfect shaped head. looks so good with a tight #2 1/2 buzz cut.

2. He is the best about making people feel special on Holidays.

3. He has the memory of an elephant.

4. he is the tallest of the three right now.

5. His favorite color is green

6. He has the sweetest birth marks on his elbow and neck.

7. He could swim all day long.

8. he tans the most beautiful carmel color.

9. He was the only boy I didn't have pain medication with when I had him...yikes.

10. He is very analytical

11. his handwriting will be perfect if he is a doctor :)

12. He is very much a creature of habit.

13. a wee bit stubborn.

14. Finally, a wee bit messy too :)

 

Thank you God for Nolen..I love him from his head to his toes,  He will do good work for YOU one day!

2012

 

It has begun..another year.  wow!!

I've thought about this day many times...seemed like it was forever away. I'd hear it happening to my friends and it seemed like an impossibility for me...but I have DONE IT.

I have turned 40..today

And although it seems like a bummer, I am spending the day in Seattle with my 15 year old getting his Infusion....it is fine by me. Any time to be with my kids is a gift. So thankful to be 40 and have this life that couldn't possibly be better. While growing up, I never could have known THIS is what God had planned for me.  I am so thankful that He has had at least 40 years written into his book beside my name. No way to know what that number is written next to SHannon Nole Young. It was decided long before I was even born (Psalm 139:16) . Becasue of that I am going to chose to LIVE AND LOVE each and every one OF THEM...days or years.

So not only do I have another fresh new year to relflect and contemplate my goals and objectives, but I have the milestone of turning 40. It takes much self control to not look around and compare myself to others, to wish for what they have, or desire their talents or gifts. It is easy to get sucked into wanting to be more like so and so, or setting my sights so far that I don't enjoy today or what I have.

And truthfully, I lack that self control often..but I thankfully, every day is a new day...and if I continue to focus on the Truth and  Strength that I know sustains me...I'll be just fine. 40 and all!

 

Right Now....

up to my elbows in ribbons, bow, photos and glue...

This year I have decided to make a Christmas album. It has been so fun looking through 15+ years of Christmas photos. The boys have grown so big... Putting this together has helped me focus on the now. Life moves so fast. I want to savor all of it. 

i love that i have started using products from Becky Higgins: Project Life. I has made a world of difference. I can whip out a page with just some cutting and writing. no worries about all the decorations and designs that got very overwhelming with scrap booking. Love the end results!!

 

 

 

 

 

Getting closer to being done...I am starting 2007. Goal is to get to 2011 by the end of the weekend. Love it!!

 

Also been working on these

130 Christmas Cards addressed and ready to be sent!! Yahoo. Feels so good to get them out.

Feels like Christmas is just around the corner. I am getting a bit antsy because I know I have ordered a few items that haven't shown up yet...this always gets me befuddled.

 

Simply Having A Wonderful Christmas Time.....

Warning: This is a heavily photographed post..but how can it not be. Christmas is simply delightful to photograph. Here are somethings filling me up this season...

{Blossom Hound}

 

{25 Christmas blessings}

 

{Nolen}

{Ayden}

{ketner} with cold ears

 

 

{past Christmas cards books, love looking through them and seeing the changes and growth of all our friends}

 

{Pencil Santa collection}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

flying by

Today is the last day of November 2011. Time is sailing past me. This morning as I was drinking my coffee and watching the morning news, a commercial for a Ford truck came on. It showed a young boy, probably 3 or 4, playing with his cars, and trucks and train tracks in his family's living room. it startled me because it was like looking back into my life 10+ years ago. Oh how different life is now. My boys are all teenagers (well almost). They no longer "play", or wrestle, or build things, or color, or need tucked in (well almost). I watched that commercial and I honestly got tears in my eyes because my kids are so big now. It made me cherish all those sweet times. Of course Nolen thought I was a dork for getting teary over a Ford commercial. But when I glance at all my boys, I faintly see my life without them here everyday. I know it is all normal emotions of watching your kids grow up. But it is hard nonetheless.

 

I am so thankful for my life. I am so Thankful for all of our health, our family who is nearby and adores us. I am thankful for God who blesses me each morning to be able to hug these boys who are all much taller than me. 

Thanksgiving 2011

{Dad and my brother Tim carving the bird)

{Cooking began early at our house. I love hosting Thanksgiving}

 

 

 

 

 

{The after-GLOW}

Here's a glimpse of what is occupying our lives right now. High School Basketball

 

 

 

 

It is our first experience of High School Sports. Long practices, even on the weekends. Traveling on a team bus. Late school nights   at an away game. Games being played so far away that it is impossible to attend. But is is also a refreshing beginning.

 

Years of Preparation

We are finally here. After years of practicing, sweating, working, competing and growing, these boys have their first week of High School Tryouts. Gone are the good Ole days of just joining a team. We were blessed to have joined together with these boys way back in the 1st grade. I can truly say I L*O*V*E* each of these boys. Their parents are all some of our closest friends.

It is bitter sweet that this time is here. Many boys will not make the team. I heard there are like 53 kids trying out! However it works out....the ride up until this point has been worth it. All of the talks about perseverance, character, determination and faith will all be relevant this week.

Best of luck boys!!!!!!!!! Work your butts off. Show em whatcha got!!! above all, be a good team mate. Love you all!

 

The mission continues

Last night, our India group had an opportunity to get together and share our continued vision and support to end human trafficking. Tomorrow morning, Rani is headed back to India to continue her mission. She is meeting with many dignitaries and UN officials. As we sat and talked and learned about the continued efforts of the tronie foundation, I was just amazed by the work she is doing. Last spring, when we were preparing to go , the details and the preparation  were overwhelming at times. But at that point, I was honestly preparing for MY comfort. "what can I bring if this happens, or that happens.."

As we were getting an update from Rani, I realized that without a doubt, our hearts have all been changed by our experience. Her stories and updates were now PERSONAL. The kids she was talking about we knew, the people she will be meeting with, we had met. The places she was going, we had been. It is amazing!! India is now engraved on our hearts...all because of one person....

Rani is once again headed across the world

 and I was reminded what she is preparing for. She isn't preparing for herself, she is preparing to be a voice for all  of the children we met with, played with, cried for and prayed for.

 

 

She is headed back to continue to do great things.

For the next 2 weeks, mighty things will be happening. I am so honored to even have been a small, small part. 

It is well with my soul

Remember this post from Feb. 5, 2011??

 

 Right after this game, the families were all milling about, basking in teh afterglow if you will, and something traumatic happened. I was in using the restroom and my friend Carolyn came in and asked if I would look at one of our players dad's. I of course in my labor and delivery humor said "what am i gonna do check his cervix?" As I turned the corner I saw our friend sitting on  a bench pasty white and sweating. As I was assessing him he said his chest was hurting and he didn't feel well at all. Moments later he collapsed...full cardiac arrest. No pulse, no respiration's...and I tell you, God took over for me. I began compressions ("get on the chest, stay on the chest"), I did 2 breaths and started compressions again. Felt his sternum break. He started to wake up, slowly. The paramedics arrived and took him to the hospital where he was placed on a nitroglycerin drip and  had some angioplasty and a stent placed. He is alive and doing so well. I saw him just this week.

After the event, I think I was still in adrenaline mode because it really didn't hit me. I have only ever done compressions on a newborn. There, I just use my 2 fingers. I have help! I have equipment! I have anything I need when I resuscitate a baby. Been there, done that. but a adult, whom I have grown to love, a parent a know? never. All i had was my two hands.

 

And God. And it was enough!

 

Well that same sweet man passed away this morning. I have to say that the past 9 months we all witnessed a changed Gary. He was so much more at peace and mellow. He knew he had been given a gift last February. He retired in June. Was enjoying every bit of his life. The two of us obviously had a relationship beyond any other and I will cherish his friendship forever.. So bummed that he will be missed so greatly here, but know he is jabbering away with Jim Huggins about sports.

Love you sweet Gary Johnson!!!!!!!!!!! 

The last one

This past weekend we celebrated a milestone. Our youngest baby boy turned 12...This my friends means that out of the 6 grand kids

 all but 1 are teenagers. 1 left. that's it. I feel like I can almost hear the clock ticking that this whole childhood thing is drawing to a close. I mentioned it to Alex and his response was "don't say such a thing!" I cannot believe we will have all teenagers in the coming year. It leaves me speechless. I know that throwing a tantrum won't help, but sometimes I think it might be worth a try.

 

So as I said, Ketner Alex turned 12 on Oct. 15 at 3:33pm. It was a different birthday for him I am sure as it was our family's first formal dance later that evening. We did all the traditional things we do to celebrate Ket.....we decorated his place at the table with a Happy Birthday Balloon, flowers and warm Cinnamon rolls. But also we got haircuts, mowed the lawn and cleaned the house...bummer....

Doesn't take away from the fact that I am utterly, wholly, fantastically in love with this boy!!!

 

Man does he ever melt my heart!!!

SO happy Birthday Schmarm!!!!! We couldn't adore you more.

 

 

{homecoming}

We did it, first formal is under our belt. The evening was beautiful. Almost as beautiful as the couple

 

(i know, my eyes are tearing as we speak )

{this is my favorite, by far!!!They just look so darn sweet all laughing and nervous}

 

so MUCH FUN!

And shut the front door...look at this:

seriously??? I have never seen cousins look so fabulous!