cousins and the realization of how super short i am.

this photo is so dear to my heart.

but before we get to that i want to say… 

oh hey, thanks for the blessing Pope Francis.

my cousins and i are never in the same room at the same time.

unfortunately, what got us all in the same room was my Grandmothers death. 

as sad as the circumstance were it was really wonderful to spend so much time with these ladies. 

reminiscing on our childhoods. laughing at how big we each thought Grands house and yard were and  realizing how teeny tiny it really is when we went there to gather pictures. 

 (Grand hadn't lived there since 2007 and none of us had been there, our mothers had the maintenance taken care of.) Grand had a way of making everything feel grandiose.

i miss her every second. 

i also realized how short i am standing between my cousins and y'all I'm wearing heals. kristin on the right end is in flats and she was still a good three and a half inches taller. lauren, (on the opposite end) kristin's twin if you couldn't tell is just as tall when she's not in heals. and carla, (standing next to me in the center) pft! i always thought i was taller than her, haha NOT! she's a good two inches taller. 

i've come to the realization that i must just think really big of myself and my presence. 

you could call it a problem with EGO, i guess.

because seriously, i never realized how lacking i was in the height department. 

5'3'' is small.  

wishing you all a blessed weekend!

xxO

kelly

new year, new word.

monday morning, during my usual quiet time, a.k.a. scrolling through instagram, i realized there were only two days left of 2013. my next thought was, kelly you better pick a word for 2014. the thought was fleeting and i quickly got back to looking at everyones pretty pictures. 

later that morning, i decided to multitask (since the time that i should of been spending with the Lord was spent on instagram. {that was hard to admit}) and listen to the day's readings in podcast form as i did my hair. what i didn't expect to happen was the hot steamy tears rolling down my face as i realized that a) i passed 2013 with out spending very much time with Christ. and b) he smacked me up side my head with my word for 2014 write smack dab in the middle of the epistle reading.

the  reading was this,

 "But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel 

but be gentle to all, 

able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will."

2 Timothy 2:20-26

New King James Version (NKJV)

when i heard the word gentle, a warmth washed over me, my heart stirred, the tears started to roll, and i
knew gentle was My Word for 2 0 1 4.

gentle: adjective\ˈjen-t^əl\
: having or showing a kind and quiet nature : not harsh or violent 

Gentle is a reoccurring theme in my life…Kelly don't yell…Kelly easy…Kelly just talk to us, we CAN hear you. over the last 15 months my mom has claimed live gently as her motto. when gentle stirred my heart i couldn't believe it, and her words echoed in my ears.

it comes as a shock to most people when i admit this out loud, but I AM a yeller. i have been my whole life. it's not something i like to admit. and it is something that i *think about* trying to change often. but every time i *think about* changing my bad behavior my next thought is always "why should i change? i've been this way my whole life, old habits die hard, and really who cares? well self i care. your children and husband care and deserve to be treated gently." 
i truly desire to treat them gently in all that i do and say. 

as the podcast continued on, the priest gave a small homily on the reading quoting
saint john chrysostom

"Therefore let us not be provoked with these men, 

let us not use anger as an excuse,

but let us talk with them gently and with kindness. 

nothing is more forceful and effective than 

treatment that is gentle and kind."

~ Saint John Chrysostom

my momma has always said, "kill 'em with kindness" and my grandmother m always said, "you catch more bees with honey." i think its about time that i take this all to heart and live a gentle life. 

tell me what is your word for the year, or do you even do a word for the year? 

do you have and resolutions? this year i have only one, to take care of my heart: draw nearer to Christ and show love the way he does, gently.

i'm a hustler babe...maybe?

last week an uninvited guest arrived.

this guest arrives every month like clock work.

each time the guest arrives she? brings unwelcome cravings and emotions.

salty. sweet. salty. sweet. and this time the need for a pepsi everyday came along too.

so what do i do in my jacked up emotional state?

i give in to the stupid cravings and go thru the drive thru everyday for a Pepsi or a COKE.

on wednesday we went to taco bell and i wish i could tell you that this song had just come on the radio and i was just about to change it because no sane person would allow their child to listen to it even if it was the clean version but it didn't. i deliberately downloaded it on iTunes and deliberately put it on my iPod and deliberately played it in my car....when the taco bell dude opened his window leans my way to hand me our drinks hears the song and says, "oh thats my sh*t"
my face went white um hello my kids are in the back seat dude
then it registered. i'm no better. what the heck. i'm letting my kids listen to this sh*t. OhEmGee!!!

on saturday pronounced saturdy. my oldest and i went to sonic. happy hour. happy check book.
am i right?
i pull up and sonic dude says, "ooh i like your scarf it makes you look pimp"

what the heck???
i'm not a pimp!
and i will have you know this time i was listening to ingrid michaelson.  def. not pimp music.

but
i started thinking...
am i a pimp. a hustler. i don't know. i was listening to rap and wearing a bandana on my head.
(i was thinking more rockabilly when i put the bandana on...) i surely don't want to fool you into thinking that i am this great amazing christian when behind closed door i am allowing my children to listen to rap. Uh No! i want to be the girl that is what you see is what you get inside and out. one who love the Lord like CRAZY who is thankful for his awesomeness and blessing and faithfulness each and every day so...
here's the thing
i want to glorify God in everything that i do and if i'm getting what feels to me like negative comments maybe i need to look inside and make a change. to be renewed. more literally Anakainosis. change sometimes is hard but oh so Good.

are you taking part in she reads truth?
 Living The Surrendered Life was ahhhmazing
these are the things that have smacked me in the face over the last week.

wed. july 4. day 14. if you can't say anything nice don't say anything AT ALL.

fri. july 6. day 16.  keep your heart right and treasure the word of GOD.

sun. july 8. day 18. guilt paralyzes. conviction motivates.

needless to say I AM CONVICTED.


i am seriously loving this study. a new one starts tomorrow (thursday). go here and join the party. it's worth it i promise.

but in the mean time i will blame my unwelcome guest for my destruction.
                                                ( fri june 29. day 9. DO NOT BLAME if you fall into sin OWN IT) 
                                                                                                                CONVICTION
                                                                                                               i really don't like that monthly guest.

i will not become paralyzed with guilt. nope. each day is new. and today is a good day to make some changes.

so bye-bye huslter. i don't want to outsmart people and make them think i am something i am not. i really do love Jesus and i want it to show in all of my actions. :)

thank you Jesus for enlightening me over the week. 

i needed it.

“Wherever your treasure is, 

there the desires of your heart will also be.”

Matthew 6:21


linking up here

a me date

isn't summer lovely?

kids are home. it's hot. you're a servant for days without rest. it's hot. you just got to the best part of your book and you hear  "MOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMM" gah! you put the book down and ask why "WHY can't you just get along with your brother?"

ok enough of that
this post isn't meant to be ho hum it's meant to be fun.

and for the record i really do love my kids to be home. 
it's just that sometimes being on all day everyday gets the best of me and i have a melt down.(just keeping it real)

on friday my husband was off. he was busy with something and each of the boys were busy with something else and i realized i was just waiting around for something to happen.

how silly of me. 

so i decided that before any bombs went off and let me tell you in a house full of males they are liable to i'd better leave.

i grabbed my key and purse and booked it out the door.

i went on a me date. 

i did the things that i wanted to do that nobody in this house enjoys doing but me.

thrift stores

antique stores 

just me 

alone with my thoughts

looking a beautiful treasures

no interruptions

it was heaven 

i saw this display and i really thought for a second that i was in heaven. everything was so dainty and sweet. oh so sweet. 

Oooooooh if i had a daughter...

i also had this because you know calories are free on a me date. 

i encourage everyone to go on a me date it's good for the soul.

it's all about balance. ha!

what do you for yourself in an 

attempt at keeping your sanity? 

linking up here

my birthday. 32 things...

who the eff i is 
oh you don't like that song?
speaking of songs why is it that the worst part of a song always get stuck in thee head???

32 words describing me...

my "eff's"
1 faithful as in Jesus Christ is my #1
2 fabulous
3 fierce
4 foxy (or so i've been told) ha! that was a joke!
5 friendly

i enlisted my family for the rest...
they are not eff words.

hubz 
6 charismatic
7 enthusiastic
8 outgoing
9 cheerful
10 ethical

big man (my 13 year old)
11 funny
12 cooler than other moms *
13 *weird (in a good way)
14 demanding
15 nice

tiny man
16 nice 
17 cuddly 
18 cool 
19 *weird (in a good way) 
20 singer (because you sing a lot)

*my boys made their lists separately, them thinking i'm weird in a good way totally makes my day!!!

mom
21 *beautiful 
22 strong 
23  intelligent 
24 wise (wisdom beyond her years)
25 *loving

dad
this is what the text i received from my dad says when i asked for 5 words describing me
valley girl (just kidding) 

~back story on this. every time my kids make fun of me / or try to sound like me they make me sound like a total valley girl. on monday we went to visit my dad for a belated father's day, {he was out of town all weekend. he went to the u.s. open. lucky dude}. anyway my kids were teasing me about it while we were there and now me being a valley girl has turned into this big thing. 

whatev!

his real list

26 kind
27 *loving
28 smart
29 *beautiful
30 important
~i think maybe he watched the help last night. ha!

*parents are supposed to tell their children they are beautiful and loving. even if they don't really think it's true. ha!
me again holla not to be confused with hola
31 funky fresh
& last but not least
32 fly like supa dupa fly. 

i'd like to say thank you to my family for playing my game. you all are the best and it's totally awesome that you all are willing to play my silly games. it was fun to see what you think of me.

also this is my all time favorite song this one is a close second

 i just thought you should know.

{via}

on saturday i turn 32. when i was little i thought 32,
 rather anything over 17 was old. 

well let me just say i don't feel a day over 17.
 i may or may not act a day over 17 either. 

*maybe that's why when were in the grocery store the checker lady always asks me if my boys are my brothers...
hmmmm!

now that's some food for thought.

wishing you all a fabulous weekend.

20 questions

is one of my all time favorite games.
SO
let's play!


i borrowed some of the questions from here.


1 Were You Named After Anyone?
   Gene Kelly. 
Weird Right…i was named after a man. my mom loved watching his (Gene Kelly's) movies she was mesmerized by his dance moves. When she was pregnant with me i moved around a lot which reminded her of Him. Therefore she named me Kelly. When I was little I wished so bad my name was Samantha like the American Girl. 

2 Do You Like Your Own Handwriting?
    It's ok 


3 What Would Your Superpower Be If You Could Choose One? 
   It would be the ability to fly. 

4 Half Full Or Half Empty? 

  These days half full! But there was a time when everything felt half empty.

5 What Is Your Favorite Vacation Spot? 

  A tiny little village on the coast of Greece. I’d tell you the name, but then I’d have to kill you.

6 What Movie Would Your Friends Be Surprised That You Like? 

   The Matrix. I'm not really sure why but I love it. Ooh I also super love Training Day and The Gladiator.

7 What Are Your Favorite Smells? 

   My boys after a day outside...Sunshine and Dirt.

8 Coffee Or Tea? 
   Coffee 


9 Wine Or Beer? 
   Wine 

10 What Is The Best Thing You've Ever Eaten? (Where?)

    Taquitos! In Santa Barbara there used to be this little place called La Tolteca right off of State Street. Oh My Gosh! So GOOD. I'm not sure what happened to it. 

11 Mac Or PC? 
    MAC 

12 What Are You Listening To Right Now? 

    I and Love and You ~ The Avett Brothers

13 What Career Would You Pursue In Another Life? 

    I don't know. I really love where I am so it's hard to think of Another Life.

14 What Sound Or Noise Do You Love? 

    My Boys' Laughter. 

15 What Your Pet Peeve?

    Repetitive noises like tapping. 

16 Mountains Or Beach?
    I used to be a total beach girl but now I love the serene-ness of the mountains. 


17 Cook Or Bake? 
    Cook. When it comes to baking i fail miserably.

18 What Is Your Favorite Dessert? 

    Red Velvet from this cute little local shoppe. Y.U.M.

19 What Is Your Favorite Fairy Tale Or Childhood Story? 

    Snow white because she has dark hair.

20 What Would You Tell The 13 Year Old You?

     I would tell 13 year old self how proud I am of you for sticking to your guns when a certain boy wanted to french kiss and you said no. Even though that lead to him breaking up with you. he was lame. not you. the end!

i was thinking about asking some of you to play and be a 20 questions guest on this here blog. any takers???

all my own

 i started journaling.  with the help of laura from along for the ride. she is giving a new journal  prompt each day this month. my hope is that by the end of the month i will be ready to set sail all alone and journal each day for the remainder of the year.

it's my little gift to me. all my own. just for me.
i'm really excited about it. i've always wanted to journal.

jamie made the below journal for me. it's fabulous! the pictures on the cover and on the inside dividers are my pins from pinterest. jamie was my journal swap partner from april's blog anniversary journal exchange. i don't know why haven't showed it before.

today my boys and i are having a Christmas do over. they think they should get more gifts. Umm NO! we are simply baking cookies and homemade pretzles. we had no time before christmas to bake. Christmas   break didn't start until the 24th this year. we had no time bake before Christmas. last week family was visiting, and have i mentioned we have been sick for what seems like forever. did you get my point???  we had no time bake before Christmas. i may make them watch polar express with me too!

oh and if you could pray that my town get some rain that would be amazing. it's been an extremely dry fall / winter. the air is so dry and dirty, and it has been unseasonably warm. a high pressure zone is surrounding us and forcing any storm that tries to come, go around the other way. everyone i know including us has been sick for over a month. just when we think we might be over the yucks we start again. so over it.

rain makes everything fresh and new. i'm ready for NEW. 

it's official...

it's JUNE

which means it's birthday month

who wants to come to the beach with 
me,
 dress like this and let the balloons 
"FLY" 
to heaven with lots of wishes of love, peace, joy & happiness inside of them?
( i know i'm cheesy )
whatev it's my birthday dream

i'm gonna be 31 on the 23rd.

yep! i'm starting to get up there.

 i'm now officially in my thirties.

aye-yi-yi!

source for all

HIP-HIP-HOORAY 


FOR


JUNE


xxO

x x O

I wanted to write about why I changed my sign off from

xoxo

to

xxO

I have always signed my letters, card, text, etc. 

xoxo

a few years ago a t.v. show called gossip girl started. at the end of the show the narrator  says 

"xoxo gossip girl."

i do not want to be lumped into a category with gossip girl (um no thanks) so it got me thinkin' i needed a change.

so i decided to change to 

xxO

here's why

i married into a european family.

each time we meet up (and it could be ten times a day) or say goodbye  we great each other with kisses and a hug.

we kiss each other on the right cheek

we kiss each other on the left cheek

and then we give each other a great big hug.

it's so sweet. 

SO,  xxO makes sense to me. it's my everyday! we see our family A LOT!

BLESSED

now, when i greet my side of the family i always give them a kiss on their right cheek and go for the left cheek next. they all look at me like i'm CRAZY. whatev. when i do it to my grandma she gets super excited and says "oh i feel special" umm hello you. are. special. she's 91 and a half and she is gorgeous inside and out.

me, my gram, my cousin kristin & my baby bro!
this was her big 9-0 birthday dinner
yep! that's my grandma's beer. however miller lite is not her fave miller high life is. it was my grandpa's  fave
so i think she drinks it to feel closer to him he passed away almost 40 year ago :-(yep! those are mariachi's in the back ground that's how we roll!
i even had a mariachi trio at my big fat greek wedding. ha
more on that later.

that's 3 generations of enriquez women right there
me, my gram, & my momma

sorry i got off track for a second and threw in pics of me, my grandma & family. 
but now you know my little story about xxO


i didn't forget that i was telling you 
"OUR STORY"  
time to get real... part 3 planning the wedding. will be coming soon.
stay tunned

xxO

Tickle Me Tuesday 3-22-11

i am linking up with sarah over at  yes,teacher for her weekly 

link party

i love to party!!!

so with out further ado here is what has been tickling my fancy this week:

source

i love scarves you hardly ever find me in public with out one. i need this one!

it's from 

scoutandcatalogue

 they are currently on vacation so i guess i have to wait.

source

my bloggy friend emily @ blueberriesblog just opened an etsy shop. i am in love with these earrings. everything is sooo beautiful check out 

Picking Blueberries

and her blog!

source

not only do i love scarves but i love pearls you rarely find me with out one or the other on.

 most days i am wearing both!

I heart scarves & pearls!

when i saw this wreath from danielle's shop sugar money i fell in LOVE!

i'm sure you all know who danielle burkleo?! she blogs at take heart  and she recently opened 

 sugar money 

you should also check it out her wreaths are fabulous!

tag your it!

go over to yes,teacher and link up it's a blast!

Happy Tuesday

XOXO

Falling into to the Bloggy Bolg World.

I had heard of blogs & bloggers, but when I thought of bloggers I thought of Perez Hilton. SO Umm if you would have asked me six months ago if I would ever have a blog I would of told you:

Oh Heck to the NO

But one day while perusing through the internet I landed on a website called POPSUGAR. Well landed on it isn't quite accurate... I frequent the site. YES it was, is a guilty pleasure. Any-hoo within the site they have a tab labeled home when you click it, it takes you to Casa Sugar. When Casa Sugar popped up the first article that came up was weekend DIY's. So again I clicked. All of these delicious projects to make my little nest beautiful came up.

I fell in love with a yarn wreath so I once again clicked on it. That click led me  here to Danielle Burkleo's super awesome little blog called Take Heart. I was so intrigued by what I found. She had a couple tutorials on how to make pretty things so I tried one and made my very own yarn wreath. It was so fun to make, hehehe...

This is where my adventure started...

Over the next few days I wanted to make more pretty things so I turned to the internet for IDEAS! and boy did I find ideas tons & tons of ideas. While looking at all the ideas/tutorial on making lovelies, I noticed that   almost all of the lovely ideas I had found were on blogs...

In the mean time one of my closest friend was telling me that she made a year book for 2010 of all the things they had done. She did this using BLURB. She proceeded to tell me that she had a blog and was able to slurp all of her post over to blurb and turn it in to a book. You guys, her book is awesome.

At this point my wheels are totally spinning. I want to make a family year book... I want to join in the fun with the give aways I keep seeing on these blogs, but didn't know I could... 

SO, I started a blog.  I love it. I'm still a little shy. I haven't written anything in years, so I'm a little rusty. Sometimes my posts are silly. My Husband & My Boys are the B-O-M-B Oh, and they sometimes drop bombs... that's when I take cover and hide my nose. I love my guys even though I'm seriously out numbered around here. My brother also lives with us (or us him I haven't quiet figured that one out) and our dog is male. It's okay you can feel sorry for me. He-he. But seriously they all take good care of their lady. I  love talking about the LORD and his mercy & grace. So I think I'll stick around a while & see where it leads me.

So now you know why I started this here blog & ended up falling head over heals for the 

SUPER COOL
 BLOGGY BLOG WORLD 

It has truly been fun learning my way around here

and it's such a great creative outlet for a Domestic Engineer like me.

Next on my list of to do's is open my own etsy shop.

XOXO


I linked up to Link Love over @ Kiwi Freckles!


 Click the Button!!!