Jesus: The Perfect Gift

Tomorrow is Christmas Day, the day we anticipate nearly 364 days out of the year. Our boys are giddy with excitement. I pray the true meaning of Christmas doesn't get lost in the sea of torn wrapping paper and bows that will cover our family room floor as soon as three little boys feet hit the floor in the morning. I am forever thankful for my heavenly Father's love for me... that He loved me so much that He would send His son Jesus to earth to pay the ransom for my sins so that I may live eternally with Him. What a precious gift it is and the best part of His gift to me and to you is that it's totally FREE! There's nothing we can do to purchase or earn our salvation, it is a gift! Ephesians 2:8-10  For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
I pray that if you are reading this and you don't have a personal relationship with the Lord that you will ask Him to come into your heart and for Him to be the Lord of your life. If there's a void in your life, no one or no thing can fill that emptiness like the Lord Jesus can. Sure, it can be temporarily filled. But, quickly you'll find that it doesn't stay filled long and then you're on to the next thing to attempt to fill it again. That kind of emptiness can only be filled and totally satisfied when you are filled with the Holy Spirit. We are all created with this void. The Lord wants a relationship with us, but He will not force himself upon us. He gives us free will to choose to follow Him. It's a choice and it's FREE... don't we all love FREE things!?!? Simply ask the Lord to come into your heart:  Dear God, I confess I want and need You. I have sinned. My life isn't what I want it to be, and I'm sure isn't what You want it to be either. I willingly believe You came to earth, died on the cross, and rose from the grave to purchase me a place in heaven with You. Jesus, come into my life and take control. Forgive all my sins and save me. Let me see the reality of You in my life. I'm turning from my sins and placing my trust in You for my salvation. Share with me with Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' Name, Amen. 
I can promise you your life will never be the same! He has changed my life like I never thought possible! Thanks be to God for His Perfect Gift to me! Happy Birthday, Jesus... the best gift I've ever been given!
Merry Christmas to all of my friends and family!!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

I love putting up Christmas Trees. It's one of my most favorite parts of Christmas! This year, we have 2 live trees. The one in our Family Room is a Noble Fir and is decorated with all the ornaments the boys have made in school & Sunday school. The front living room is a Frazier Fir and has all the breakable ornaments on it that Allan & I have collected through the years. Both of the trees smell so good! There's nothing like the smell of a live tree....and nothing like the mess of taking one down! :) We have a skinny tree in our kitchen that I've labeled our Friends & Family tree. I like to display all of our Christmas cards from friends and family there. Everyone has gotten to where they send photo cards that don't "stand", so I think they look nice hole-punched & tied onto the tree with curly ribbon. I love to look at that tree & realize how much God has blessed our family with great family and friends. We cherish the relationship with each and every family member & friend that's represented on that tree. He has abundantly Blessed our family more that we could ask or imagine! Ephesians 3: 14-21 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!

Merry Christmas & God Bless You & Your Family


Front Room Tree




Family Room pre-present chaos




Friends & Family Tree



Hasta La Vista Facebook

It's true! I've (we've) been off of Facebook now for about 2 months. There are times I miss it. It was like a drug. I mean most everyone refers to it as "crack" book. I had to have a "little" everyday. There are pros and cons to being on/off Facebook. The part I miss the most is being able to keep up with family members that I don't get to see on a regular basis. Life gets so crazy and chaotic. Everyone is going in different directions at all times and it's hard to keep up with everyone. Facebook at least facilitated a glimpse into what was going on in their lives. However, it was far too often I found myself browsing people's pages that "friended" me simply because we had met once or twice or had a class together in high school like 15 years ago. My "friends" area was becoming so cluttered that I wasn't able to really "see" the ones I needed to see because I was constantly distracted by other things. Boiled down, it was just a  HUGE waste of my time. I mean, do I really need to get on to see what everyone is doing at every single second of each and every single day?? No. That's not what's important in life. I'm held accountable with what I do with each second of each day to the Lord, my husband and myself. My job is a stay at home Mom and I was becoming a stay at home Facebooker! Sounds funny, but it really isn't. What's important is what's going on with the people under my roof. I needed to be more intentional with being the best wife and mother that the Lord created me to be... not Facebooking.
I'm not condemning others for using Facebook. It can be a great tool. But, it wouldn't be a bad idea to really evaluate how much time is spent on there, what kind of things we're posting about and sharing with so many people.
After reading a book called Calvary Road on my Bible Study retreat this fall, I was very convicted in the area of "how I spend my time". So, once I returned, I deleted my account. The sad thing is that all those "friends" I thought couldn't live without my posts, pics, funny comments, etc... they really didn't even notice that I was gone! Big eye opener!
So, friends and family... that's the story behind my disappearance from Facebook. Hopefully, I can dust this ol' blog off and get her up & running again. The only people who have this blog address are the ones that really matter to me anyway.

Stay tuned.....

Nate Made Dacula All Stars

Towards the end of the season, Coach Rich told us he had nominated Nate along with 5 other kids for All Stars. We found out later that the All Star coaches had been scouting the games looking for kids for their teams. We were so happy to learn that Nate had in fact made the team. It was bittersweet though because Nate was the only one chosen from his team. I wish everyone of them could have made it because our Spring season with the Angels was WONDERFUL. We had great kids and great parents. Anyway, Nate made the Blue Squad. When you're selected for All Stars, you sign a paper right up front acknowledging you are okay with 5 practices per week. So far, we've been at the park literally every night for almost 2 hours! The best thing is that Nate is totally okay with that. Even after practice is over, he wants to stay and throw the ball or practice hitting with Allan for another 30 mins to an hour! The kid eats, sleeps and breathes baseball. They had a ceremony at the regular season championship game to recognize all 24 kids who made All Stars. They all got medals that said All Stars on it. The 24 makes up 2 teams of 12 which will respresent Dacula. We'll be playing tournaments in Buford and Lawrenceville. I hope this All Star coaching will help him when he "graduates" to PeeWee this fall. I'll post more pictures of him in his sharp-looking uniform once we start games this weekend! Goooooo Dacula All Stars BLUE SQUAD!

Alex's Preschool Graduation

Time flies! My poor blog has once again been neglected. Only a handful of posts since the school year began. Now, here I am posting about the END of school. Alex had a fantastic last year at Hebron Weekday Preschool. We're so proud of him!! He was so stinkin' cute at graduation with his little flipflops. He loved them! They sang a little different rendition of Jesus Loves Me that was really cute. He's been in class with his best buddy Nicholas now for 3 years. Not sure he's going to know what to do next year when they go to different schools for Kindergarten. I pray their friendship lasts a lifetime! Dacula Elementary watchout!! Here comes another Rainey boy!!

Haitian Refugees

Back on May 14th, I had the incredible opportunity to help 13 Haitian refugees at Hebron's Dental Clinic.They were so appreciative of our help/work. After we got their dental stuff squared away, we bought them lunch. Pizza! Not quite sure what they thought of the American staple. Either they loved it or they were just hungry b/c they gobbled it up!! They all gave us big hugs when they left. Such an emotional moment for me. Break out the Kleenex! So humbled that God allows me the privilege to be able to serve people in need using my skills as a dental assistant! And to think, I thought dental assisting was my profession "pre-kids"... now I see that all along God was preparing me to use those skills serving in a different way! I can only imagine what it's going to be like once I'm in the Dominican Republic in July! I'm sure I won't be able to put words to my emotions. Anyway, after lunch, we got them together in a group where our dental leader, Paula, was able to share the Gospel with them with the help of a Creole interpreter. Our prayer is that they know how much God loves them. And, we pray they each accepted Jesus as their Lord & Savior. The little boy is 16 months old. I just loved this little guy... but I am a bit partial to little boys! :) During the quake, his house crumbled and fell on him. He was lost in the rubble for 3 days before they found him. He was such a happy little boy despite his circumstances. One of the men was working on the roof of his house when the quake hit and after the first rumble he found himself on the roof of another house. So strong it sent him flying! These refugees will be here in the States for 18 months. There are more. Originally we were supposed to see about 23, but only 13 were able to make it due to various illnesses/aches/pains. Sometime in the near future we'll be treating the others. Please keep the refugees and our clinic in your prayers! It was such a huge blessing to me! ~ Kelly

Good Friday at Verizon

Last year we went to Good Friday at Verizon to see Louie Giglio, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Kristian Stanfill, Christy Nockles and Israel Houghton & New Breed with some great friends. I really thought Jesus was coming back! The sky was a shade of red that reminded me of the blood He shed for me! There were tornadoes all around us, sirens going off, insane buckets of rain & hail. Scary. But, literally 10 or so minutes before the start of the show, a peace & calm came over that amphitheater that just can't be put into words! When they mentioned making this an annual event, we knew right away we wanted to return & possibly bring the kids!

So, this year, we decided to take the kids & let them listen to the Good Friday sermon & dance & sing along with some of our favorite artists! We all had a great time & this year the weather was BEAUTIFUL!! We did have the red sky again for the reminder of the blood of Jesus... but it was much calmer evening!
Thank you Jesus for what you did for me! So not worthy, but oh, so grateful!! And, thank you, LORD for sweet friends to help make great memories with our family!
Here's a few pics of the boys with their friends having a BLAST!!

Dominican Republic, Here I Come!!

I am so unbelievably excited to be called to go on my 1st mission trip EVER!

As many of you know, I am involved in a fantastic Bible study class called Community Bible Study. Each year, we study of a book of the Bible in-depth. This is my 3rd year, and we have been studying Acts (the missionary work of Paul). Since I began studying Acts last fall, I have prayed for God to present an opportunity for me to go on a mission trip where I could utilize my dental skills for His glory. Well, He has answered my prayers with an incredible opportunity! I will be going to the Dominican Republic with Hebron Baptist Church and SCORE International from July 22nd -31st. Our team will be spending time doing baseball camps and games, working in orphanages, providing medical & dental care and constantly sharing the love of Christ with incredible men, women and children.

In preparation for this mission trip, I need your prayers for the trip itself. Please pray for the spiritual battles ahead and also pray for any obstacles that would interfere with our mission. Our team will definitely need your prayers in order to most effectively minister to these people.

Secondly, please pray for Allan and my three boys. Please pray for God’s perfect provision for them while I am away. For myself, I would like for you to specifically pray for the Lord to fill me with His peace. Although, I have been greatly encouraged learning about Paul’s first missionary journeys, I still have 1st time jitters. Matthew 28:18-20 says, Then, Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” In obedience, I am stepping out in faith and trusting the Lord to provide what I need spiritually, emotionally, physically and monetarily!

I am raising $1050 for the mission team. Praise the Lord, I am sooo close to my financial goal!
Please prayerfully consider investing in this mission. If you would like to help financially, please let me know & I'd be glad to get you information on how to invest in this mission!

Love, Kelly

Blue Ridge, GA Trip

Way back in October, we decided to take a trip to the North Georgia Mountains. It was to be a delayed 35th Birthday for Allan and 10 Year Anniversary Trip for us. We decided to go with the kids around Christmas since we're having to work around a public school calendar now. We didn't know then how much we would need a get-a-way at the time. Shortly after we had booked the trip, Allan ended up having to have an emergency appendectomy. No fun at all. Then we had a few trials with his car, my van, sickness, etc, etc. So, this trip was a blessing because it allowed us to get away and do some much needed relaxing! The cabin was in Blue Ridge. We got groceries on the way in and didn't leave the cabin for the rest of the weekend. It was very nice. I literally stayed in my PJs the entire time except to shower or put on my swimsuit to get in the hottub with the kids! I got to finish a whole book, had a pingpong tournament with Big Al, somewhat taught myself how to play Silent Night on the piano and take a mid-day nap with Seth & Lucy. Even had a time where God, lovingly reminded me of His sacrifice for me. (Romans 5:8) Thank You, Lord! We had a very nice time even though the boys thought it was WWF Smackdown most of the time. They enjoyed the hot tub, playing air hockey and pool. We even got a dusting of snow on Saturday night. Not enough to really play in, but enough that the kids were all excited! On the way home we stopped by Mercier Orchards. WOW.. all I can say is that place will eat a hole in your pocket if you are hungry!! So many yummy jams, preserves, chutneys, relishes, ciders, pickles, and best of all FRIED PIES! YUM! We got a whole peach pie and didn't realize it was $9.50 til we got to the checkout!! But, man it tastes so gooooood! Enjoy the pics...

Lovin' Lucy Lane

Seth Turns 3

Can't believe how the last 3 years have flown by. Labor and Delivery is so fresh in my mind that it seems like yesterday the nurses were telling me he was 9 pounds. My response, "Uh.. what?? He's 3 weeks early!" He was such a big boy and is still a big boy! Turning three and wears a 4T. Big brothers better watch out! He has brought such joy to our lives... and much laughter! Tonight, we took him to Chuck E. Cheese to have pizza and play games. He had a blast. Sunday we'll have his Birthday Party. Tonight was just our family. Fun times! Happy Birthday Elijah Seth! Mommy & Daddy love you bunches!!!

Lucy Lane

On Sunday, October 11, 2009 we had a new "baby" join our family. Her birth name was Sugar and we changed it to Lucy Lane. She is a 1.5 year old female Boxer. We adopted her from Atlanta Boxer Rescue. Check them out http://www.atlantaboxerrescue.org They have so many great looking Boxers that need homes.
I drove out to Newnan where she was being fostered by Katrina & Tom to pick her up. I am so thankful for the opportunity to meet them and be able to bring home our sweet new girl.
She is such a sweet dog. The boys just LOVE her. She loves to give big ol' Boxer kisses and loves to lay & snuggle beside ya.
She has adjusted well in our home. We have had a few casualties... a Spiderman flipflop, a USB cable, part of a New Balance shoe, an el cheapo ball glove and nearly a Mickey Mouse Croc! We were warned she still had a bit of puppy in her and that her chew toy of choice was shoes. But, really she is good. I've noticed she only chews when I get on the computer. So, maybe I should refrain from goofing on the computer as much. She rides with me to take the kids to school and to pick them up. She loves to ride in the front seat and it cracks me up because she looks like a person sitting in the seat, just taking in the scenery. She's been to PetCo and loved shopping for new toys! Hope you enjoy the pics of her. She's so pretty.

North GA Mountain Fun

Labor Day weekend our family decided to take a trip to the North Georgia mountains. We had the best time. Visited Anna Ruby Falls. Of course, Allan & I have been many times, but this was the boys first visit. They loved it. We saw 3 snakes while we were there. They were laying on rocks near the falls and if it hadn't of been for people pointing them out, we would have never seen them. They were definitely camoflaged in their surroundings. Kinda scary though. Then after the falls, we let the boys play in the creek. They had a great time & the water was freezing cold. On the way home, we stopped by Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen. No trip to the Helen area is complete without a stop there and loading up with pounds of sugary goodness!! The boys picked out a 2.5 foot long gummy snake. Allan & I had a variety of chocolates for the ride home. Good times and very little money spent!

First Day of Kindergarten

Hello my Friends!
Today was Nate's first day of Kindergarten. He was such a big boy walking in and finding his seat. He was super excited about his Star Wars lunch box. Can't believe this day has come... seems like just yesterday he was born. Thanks to all of you who prayed for me this morning! I was a big girl and didn't cry!! :)
I got all my boohooing out on Wednesday evening. Bawled my eyes out at my 'baby' growing up too fast. I've tried so hard to shield him from some of the evils of the world and I feel like today that veil is going to be ripped off and he'll be exposed to so much. I pray that what Allan & I have tried so hard to instill in him will show in times of testing. It was extremely hard when talking about good touch/bad touch. He so innocently asked what it meant. Still, I think what we talked about was over his head. I am praying for a hedge of protection around his heart, mind and body!!
He had a yummy pancake breakfast with his PancakeName and a big K for Kindergarten. He was very excited.
I hope & pray this is going to be the start of many great years to come!! Enjoy the pics!
(the last pic is a picture he drew on orientation day of him & daddy fishing)

Home Sweet Home

Well, we finally arrived safely back home last night around 8:45PM. Soon after we hit I-85, Nate says from the back seat, "So, we decided to take the long way home, Mom?"... mind you this was after 8 hours of driving. Pretty funny.
Anyway, our last day (Friday) was spent at Epcot. I wish I had some good stories for you Lisa H., but not so much. It was scorchin' hot again and the boys were pretty bored. They enjoyed the Soarin' ride & even got to ride twice since we did rider switch. That was nice! We went through Living with the Land & The Seas with Nemo & Friends. The boys really enjoyed Turtle Talk with Crush. It was pretty cute, but I was bummed I couldn't take any pics.
We walked around all the different countries & for the most part, the kids weren't into the masks from different countries. Alex & Seth did one in Mexico, but weren't that into it, so we skipped it in the following countries. Allan & I ate yummy fish & chips while in United Kingdom.
The best part of the day was the park wasn't crazy crowded like the other parks & we got to walk right onto rides that normally require a fast pass. And, somehow, we managed to miss all the downpours. Another great thing was the character meet & greet. They got to see Mickey, Minnie, Goofy & Pluto all in one place. They loved that & Seth was so cute lovin' on all of them. Sweet memories! We didn't stay long enough for Illuminations show, so we'll have to see that next time. We had to get on back to the condo to start packing to get ready to come home.
Saturday, after leaving the condo, we thought we'd tucker them out at the pool for a couple hours so they'd sleep on the ride home. Not so much. They decided they'd stay awake for the whole ride. They might have slept 20 mins or so.
So, in a nutshell, it was fun, slightly stressful & definitely exhausting vacation!! It'll be a couple of years before we decide to go back!!
Kelly