December 24, 2010
December 17, 2010
A Letter To A Friend: Meeting Your Baby For The First Time
Oh, how I wish I could tell you in person. There are truly no words that describe what and how you will feel. Also, you will not be able to really fully describe them to anyone. Jared took a picture of the clock at the exact moment each child was born. This has always been so precious to me to have. There will be times, years down the road, when you are thinking back on his birth, or when you are telling somebody about your experience, that the smells that surrounded you that day will encase you again. Hold on to them. Never let them out of your memory. I wrote each child the story of their birth in detailed form after we were home and settled. One took 9 months to finish, one took a year. Occasionally, I go back and write small things that come back, even now. Details that may slip your mind about that day will come back to you at the oddest moments. They say that after a while, when you don't hear a person's voice for so long, it disappears from your mind. It doesn't for me. Same as memories. They are as clear as this morning. Especially those memories involving my Babies.
I'll be honest, I am shedding a tear as I write this. I wish that I could, tonight, at this moment, describe to you the love that you will feel on Wednesday. I know you love him already with all of your being, but it is nothing compared to the feelings that will come. God knew what he was doing when he planned it all out. It is so hard to fathom the thoughts of those who do not believe in God, faith, and such, yet have children. Makes no sense.
There will be times, here shortly, that you will be tired. Exhaustion will take over your body, but your love for Nathan will overtake that. True love takes over, even at 3 AM. You will, no doubt, learn what it means to love until it hurts. You will shed tears, out of no where, and not really know why. Hormones? Maybe. I think it's pure love. I still cry, often, and you will also.
All of this really makes me think about God's love for us. Unfathomable and unending. That is how you will feel. I can't say enough. You will see, here shortly.
I am ecstatic for you both. This will be the best time of your lives. Everything in the past? It won't matter a bit. I remember your wedding day. You two are beautiful and amazing together. Keep it that way. There will be times that, due to exhaustion, etc, it may be hard to keep your marriage strong in certain areas. Work together, pray together (and alone,) and tell each other how you are feeling. Parent together. You'll do fine. I am so proud of you both, as a couple and as individuals. Please keep me updated. I am wanting to come and see you later in the week, but my car is in the shop. I hope to get it back so I can visit you. I want to bring you a little something.
You are so amazing, wonderful, and have such a beautiful spirit and soul. You will, no doubt, make an amazing mother. I can't wait to see it in your eyes.
Praying for you both.
All My Love,
Kelley
November 8, 2010
October 11, 2010
September 15, 2010
August 8, 2010
Excerpts from "A Letter to a Friend"
Dearest Friend,
We are trying to teach our Babies about simplicity and what is truly important. I have been told before that we shelter our children to much because there are some things that we don't let them do. Of course, we let them have fun and experience things, because they are kids, but many things are not worth it. Candy and TV? Not important. Fresh air nature, and learning about growing our own food? Important. (So, maybe I am a hippie. I've been called that all my life.) My kids are social butterflies and have many friends because we have taught them the importance of people and relationships. Love, manners, creativity, imagination, helping others, prayer, and laughter matter so much.
Another thing we stress is taking care of our own. We are teaching them that as siblings, they need each other and that they will always need to protect each other. We, as parents, won't be here forever, and they will remain. They are best of friends and he protects her. I will tell you some stories sometime about his sister protection. It's funny and amazing. Hayden fully understands the concept of "Ladies first, and she understands the concept of putting him first. It usually works out pretty well.
We are by no means perfect parents and our kids are by no means perfect. They get disciplined. We are old fashioned, I guess. They teach us a lot everyday. I guess what I've learned most is that you only get one shot with them. If they go into the world having been taught the right way, then they will succeed.
Having children, I have truly learned what it means to love until it hurts. I've always wondered if there is another Mommy in the world that loves their kids as much as I do. I don't think there is. OK, so I guess most Moms feels that way. Your heart aches everyday because your love for them is so strong. I've never been a sad or depressed person. I've had nothing to be sad or depressed about. The only depressing thing in my life is how fast my kids are growing everyday. But, on the other hand, I am so happy about how they have turned out so far. We are so proud of them. We work so hard everyday to teach them the right way. I hope it sticks with them. Every night when I lay down, I try to think about what positive thing I have taught them that day. I remember being their ages very vividly, so I hope they remember positive events and experiences even now at their sweet, young ages.
All My Love,
Kelley
July 28, 2010
Lots 'O' Photos of Sweet Summertime
The Babies and I spent last weekend, with my parents, relaxing at the coast. We were blessed to spend some quality time with my Grandma and with my Aunt Susie and Uncle Stanley. They were so kind as to invite to us for an afternoon of swimming, and to venture out to see their new boat! What an amazing vessel!
Here, at home, we have been enjoying the intermittent rain showers that we have been blessed with. The kids have enjoyed turning the sandbox into a temporary beach, complete with shells! On the days that we are not able to swim, for whatever reason, we venture out to our private beach and spend the afternoon covered in mud. What a wonderful way to cool off on these sweltering summer days!
It has become a daily occurance, here recently, to watch the summer storm clouds roll in each afternoon. Hayden and Jared enjoy this little bonding time, science learning time, "look at what God has done for us" time together. Each storm cloud has been beautiful!
Both kids have begun swimming without life jackets this summer, and are both becoming extremely comfortable with and in the water. Hayden is now tall enough to stand in the shallow end, and Kaylen Rae is, well, absolutely fearless.
We have spent quite a bit of time with some of our different "buddies" that we don't get to see very often (see photo of Sweet Jules telling Hayden a story!) We are looking forward to several more get-together's with friends in the coming weeks.
Swim lessons begin next week, Jared turns a year older, and Round Rock Fit marathon training begins. Life is good!
Enjoy the photos.
Night, Friends.
July 14, 2010
Summer 2010
We're still here, chugging along like normal and enjoying these fun summer days. The time that I had, for several years, designated for blogging, recently, has had to be replaced with other things. Things in which, not only took time, but thought, prayer, silence, rest and solitude. But Friends, we are back.
Our last several months have not, in all areas, been particularly glorious, as we have dealt with several blows within the family that have taken their toll on us, as a family, as well as individuals. Thus, we stand strong and tall, together. Our learning's over the past months have been many, and they have developed into lessons that I will keep close until my final day arrives. I, by no means, am a complainer, and I refuse to use our family blog as an out for thus complaints, nor you, my friends and family, as punching bags for said stress and hardships laid upon us in recent months. Those of you close know circumstances in detail. Deaths, negative diagnosis, the brutal sickeness and hospitalization of a child, the sickness of some of our older generation, the near fatal wreck of another child; must it all continue? I believe that with Gods promise, his help and love, as well as constant prayer, the love of others and each other, Ladies & Gentleman, we will survive!
So, we begin.
We are loving summer at our house. Our garden has been plentiful this year, providing us with many different foods to enjoy. Gardening has really become enjoyable for the kids, and they are learning quite a bit about the Earth, how to protect it, and Gods plan for us. We are learning that, just like the garden, if we focus on the right things, and God's plan, our lives will be plentiful.
As every summer goes, we have been swimming as much as possible. Last week, Hayden decided to shed the life jacket, and begin his underwater talents. This, being after several summers of swim lessons. Hopefully in lessons this year, he will shine. Kaylen Rae has also decided that swimming is an enjoyment for her as well. Hopefully, she will "loosen the floatie's a little" this summer, as well.
Jared & I happily celebrated 10 wonderful years of marriage last month. As I look back on ten amazing years, it feels like 50. Not really. Just kidding. We have been through a lot in ten years, but have held on together and have had a blast, and two kids!
Having been away from home for almost a week, I am limited on my photos, which are on the external, at home. Next week, a blog containing pictures. I promise, Folks. The one thing not lacking this week? Actual time to blog! Yea!
I hope you all have a good rest of the week. It feels so good to be back in the blogging arena.
Good Night, All.
January 9, 2010
Fall & Winter 2009
Our fall season began Kaylen Rae turning the big 2. We had a fun little party at home, just us four, followed by a “friend and family party” at our house that weekend. All she wanted for her birthday was (and I quote) “A black cake, with pink and red, with crayons and a book.” Guess what? That is just what she received! Talk about a girl who knows just what she wants.
We suddenly and unexpectedly dealt with the sudden death of Jared’s grandfather. There truly are no words that can be written or said about such a man. Earl Senter was a man who loved and lived for God, his country and his family. Granddaddy will be truly missed for decades to come by all who knew and loved him, and even by a few who were never blessed to be in his presence. What shoes to fill. At the time of his sudden demise, we were actually headed his direction to visit, stopping by on the way to Arkansas. Although the planned visit never took place, I am confident in the last conversation that we did have. Even though I am truly saddened by his passing, I am at ease with the last words that we did speak to each other, and where he rests easy today.
At the time of this sad news, we were on the road to Arkansas the wedding of a dear friend from church who moved there several years back. What a beautiful event in such an amazing part of the country. The wedding was located in a three story log cabin in the Arkansas mountains next to Mt. Maumelle. The scenery was breathtaking and truly refreshing. With the sadness of Granddaddy no longer being around, it was nice to be surrounded by nature and all the beauty that God created. It was just what we needed, and at the perfect time.
Since we combined these two trips into one, we were away from home almost two weeks. We returned home just in time to begin preparing for the Thanksgiving festivities. We spent Thanksgiving with the Senter family, having a wonderful time visiting with Jared’s parents, his brothers and their wives, and Great Granny Beth, whom we don’t see as often as we would like.
We spent one weekend evening getting together with my Mom’s side of the family at my aunt and uncles house down on the coast. We learned that a very special wedding will take place in the spring, as my cousin proposed to his girlfriend, and two new bundles of joy are joining our family in the summer.
One Sunday was spent with my Dad’s family. I truly enjoyed seeing cousins that I have a lot in common with, but just don’t see often. Although it was only for an afternoon, it could have gone on forever. The conversation was nice and everyone had a wonderful time. It was good to see the younger generations playing so well together.
Santa came to our house several days early this year, fulfilling the wish lists that were given to him when we saw him at Sysco, at WCP, and during prayer time around the dinner table. I guess he somehow knew that we would be at the Sneed’s for Christmas this year. He delivered many wonderful toys to two exceptional kiddos who well deserved these gifts. There were only minimal threats made a few days before, that he may not come due to nasty attitudes. Those attitudes cleaned themselves up really fast! Oh yea, and did I tell you? I have the best Santa in the universe! I was totally shocked and surprised to recieve a new camera! We had been looking for some time, but decided ( I thought) to wait another year and continue to check prices. Let me just say, for the record, AMAZING piece of equipment! I have enjoyed learning all I can about it! Thank you Santa Man! You're the best!
We spent Christmas with Mom and Dad this year and had an amazing time. It was wonderful to get to spend a few days with my siblings and their kids. The Sneed family and kinfolk seem to grow in number every year. My brother and his wife are expecting a sweet new baby this summer. The grandkid total will then be – drumroll please-11! Amazing.
New Years was spent in Krum, Texas with the Senters, Wigintons, Lakes, Orndorffs, and Great Granny Beth for the Senter Christmas. We had a great time sitting around reminiscing about old times, eating party mix, watching movies, and watching the kids play. They really enjoy playing together and look forward to the next opportunity that they can see each other again. Hayden & Kaylen Rae enjoyed their first trip to the bowling alley. They both got the hang of it pretty quickly. They both played a better game than I did, and that was with bumpers and a roller. It was amazing to see two people so tiny that maneuvered bowling balls the way they did. What a sight!
This past Wednesday, one of my dearest friends in the world, gave birth to her first child, a beautiful, healthy baby girl. I was so honored to be a part of this wonderful day. It was amazing to see the light and glow of motherhood in the her eyes for the very first time. She and her husband will be amazing parents and are sure to raise this sweet baby, and future babies to come, in the way that God would want her to be raised. I have no doubt. I look forward to many future years of watching our children play together.
It has been an amazing 2009, but we, here at the Senter house, are ready and excited for a new year, a new time, and for new events to take place. I am anxious to see what and who, 2010 brings around.
Night All.
