The Sisters Three

"Goth"am City

2009-12-09T12:40:00.005-05:00

Madelynn is A LOT like my oldest sister, Kristen, when she was little. My older sister, Kami, and I loved baby dolls and stuffed animals, little girl things, when we were little. However, Madelynn, like Kristen, LOVES make-up! Every time she sees me putting it on, she comes up to me and asks for some ... she calls lipstick is "lip", which is my favorite! Yesterday, Madelynn came up to me looking like this picture! She had gotten into my make-up and decided to try out mascara on her lips. I called Jeremiah and said we have a "goth" girl on our hands!! =)

Posted by: Kelli

Moving on Up

2009-11-24T13:39:00.003-05:00

Since my gall bladder surgery last Wednesday, I have not been able to pick up my babies. Thankfully, since this is Thanksgiving week, Jeremiah has only been working 1/2 days. Today, my sweet Madelynn Joy went to work with her daddy! She had her own desk and everything! What a big girl!

Posted by: Kelli

Madelynn at "work" - Brushy Creek Baptist, Taylors, SC

The Holidays are upon us!

2009-10-31T22:59:00.006-04:00

I have always determined the start of the holidays by Halloween. Well, according to my watch ... HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Just wanted to share some photos with you taken from tonight ... with my cell phone, nonetheless (since that's the only camera I have right now). As you can see, Madelynn was the sweetest ballerina ever seen and Nehemiah was the sweetest lion ever seen. But, what can I say? I'm partial!

Madelynn's 2!

2009-09-09T11:36:00.012-04:00

On Sunday, August 23, we celebrated the birth of our daughter, Madelynn Joy, 2 years ago (on August 18). Thank you to all who attended!

Even the adults had fun!! (Jeremiah and his brother on Jeremiah's new "toys")

Posted by: Kelli

"Bubbie the Bee"

2009-09-09T11:30:00.003-04:00

I have to brag on the cutest little boy I've ever known. His name is Nehemiah Taylor and he is my sweetest little man! This is his 10 month old picture:

Thank you Lord, for my sweet babies!

Posted by: Kelli

Coming Soon ... I promise!

2009-09-09T11:23:00.002-04:00

I want to apologize for the delay with the beach pictures. I hope to have them soon!

Posted by: Kelli

Our Vacation

2009-07-06T23:11:00.003-04:00

This past week, Jeremiah and I and the babies went to North Myrtle Beach for the week. My parents were going to use their timeshare, but decided to go to Florida at the last minute instead. My gracious parents let us go for free! I will post more about it when I get the pictures up, so stay tuned ...

Posted by: Kelli

Happy 32nd Birthday, Keeeeeeeeeami!!!!!!

2009-06-03T21:39:00.007-04:00

Well, I am a couple of weeks late wishing my younger sister a very Happy Birthday. Kami, you are approaching your mid-30's! Wow! Growing up, Kami and I argued some-the majority of it being whenever we shared a room. We shared a room in Greer-Kami couldn't stand when I would talk to Paul on the phone really late at night, because she was trying to sleep.

I remember when we lived in Greensboro, I was in 5th grade and she was in the 3rd grade at Guilford Middle School. The year was 1986 and Kami had taken a field trip that day (I think her class was going to the Natural Science Center or something). Anyway, this particular day was when the space shuttle 'Challenger' exploded in the air. I started freaking out because for some weird reason I was thinking Kami may have been on that shuttle! Duh!

I also remember this girl on our bus who would taunt us. She was a year older than me and mean as a snake! She didn't like me for some reason, so she would take it out on Kami. So, I started making Kami sit beside the window and I would sit near the aisle. That way, she would have to get past me to say anything to Kami-that was my way of protecting her as her "big sister". I also remember a time when a boy in our neighborhood was running his mouth to Kami at the bus stop one morning. Now keep in mind, this was a friend of Kami's and they used to get together and write book reports for fun. Ok, anyway, Kami and I didn't go to the same school-she was still at the middle school and I was at the high school, so she rode a different bus. She had come home the day before upset because this guy was talking about our family, saying really ugly things. So, I decided that this particular morning I was going to give him what for. There were about five or six of them waiting on the bus-I proceeded to tear out the front door, donning my curlers and marched my toothpick self over to the bus stop. With my tiny arms flailing, I told him the deal and then marched myself back home to finish getting ready for school. Wow-that felt good!!

Kami, Kelli and I all went through a lot together-moving, meeting new people, moving, meeting new people, moving, meeting new people....well, we did move a lot! I am so proud to be their big sister and they are my best friends! Kami, I am so glad you are my sister and I'm so glad God gave us to each other. I'm glad we live (somewhat) close to each other and I'm glad our children are close and love each other. You make me laugh (a lot!), you have a contagious optimism, you are so fun to be with! I love you more than you will ever know and am always here for you. You are a special gift from God.

Happy, Happy Birthday!!!!!
I love you!!

Dit

posted by: Kristen

The Love of my Life

2009-04-23T15:20:00.003-04:00

Jeremiah, I love you! Thank you for loving me! I prayed for you long before you were 'mine'. God gave me my heart's desire when He gave me you. You are more than I could have ever dreamed. Thank you for giving me the 2 most beautiful babies ever. You are amazing and I am truly blessed!

Ever Thine

Ever Mine

Ever Ours

Yours

Posted by: Kelli

Daddy's Girl

2009-03-27T13:03:00.008-04:00

Well, I think I have finally come to grips with the fact that our little Madelynn Joy is a 'Daddy's girl'. She is crazy about him. When he comes home, she runs to him, when he leaves, she cries, and when he holds her, I think she is truly in bliss. She loves her daddy! Maybe I've been in denial, but the picture to the left says it all. It's precious and I wouldn't have it any other way ...

... the reason being is because I, too, am a 'Daddy's girl'. I love my mom and she's one of my best friends, but I think there is something special between a daddy and his little girl. I am so thankful God allowed me to give Jeremiah his little girl.

Posted by: Kelli

Do You Know These Women?

2009-03-26T16:18:00.003-04:00

Our church's "Ladies Night Out" is all about getting to know the pastor's wives.

I'm so nervous ...

Posted by: Kelli

And the Beat Goes On

2009-03-26T00:26:00.007-04:00

Wow, it has been forever since I've written on here. Part of the reason is because my laptop power cord has a short in it and I have to hold the cord just right with my left hand and try to type with only my right hand. It's difficult and time-consuming. The other part is ...

... I have a 6 month old,

a 19 month old,

AND I watch my 2 year old niece, Carra, Monday through Friday while my sister-in-law works.

Things get pretty hectic around here with all the lunches, the feedings, the fights, the toys, the "Olivia", the cleaning, the naps, the arguments, the crying, the falling, the boo boos, the "Dora", and wheww ... so much more!!! But children are a true gift from the Lord and I am so thankful for mine! The Lord has allowed something to happen in each of my children's lives to make me fear my Lord and love my children more than I knew I ever could. Most of you know when Madelynn Joy was born, she was quickly taken to the Special Needs Nursery due to complications at birth. Jeremiah and I had never been so scared in our lives. Thankfully we have the best pediatricians who saw the big picture and knew it could have been a tragic occurance but God is good and Maddie Joy had just had a tough 'birth'day.

Now, our little Nehemiah was diagnosed on Thursday with asthma. I never knew before this how dangerous asthma can be. Saturday was the scariest part of the whole ordeal. Nehemiah woke up with panic in his cry and was having a tough time, but once again, God is good! Nehemiah came through and it is our prayer that he will grow out of this.

Won't you pray with us?

Posted by: Kelli

Me.....According to my Five Year Old

2009-03-02T20:00:00.010-05:00

Noah, 3/2/09

There is a questionnaire going around on Facebook for you to get your children to answer. So, this is how my five year old son, Noah, views me. Some answers made me laugh, some touched my heart.

1. What is something your mommy always says to you?
That she loves me.

2. What makes your mommy happy?
Hearing me say I love her.

3. What makes your mommy sad?
When I am naughty.

4. How does your mommy make you laugh?
By telling me jokes.

5. What was your mommy like as a child?
She liked to play with toys.

6. How old is your mommy?
15.......haha, that one cracked me up!

7. How tall is your mommy?
20 inches tall.......this one made me laugh, too.

8. What is your mommy's favorite thing to do?
Play with me and cuddle with me. (made me smile)

9. What does your mommy do when you're not around?
Play with daddy.......that response made Tom and I both laugh.

10. If your mommy becomes famous, what will it be for?
Making a show.

11. What is your mommy really good at?
Making hot chocolate.

12. What is your mommy not really good at?
Nothing. She's good at everything. (Made me realize that he probably won't see me this way forever, but right now I am happy that he thinks I can do anything!!)

13. What does your mommy do for her job?
Work.

14. What is your mommy's favorite food?
Mac & Cheese. (That is HIS favorite food.)

15. What makes you proud of your mommy?
She makes me laugh.

16. If your mommy were a cartoon character, who would she be?
A Little Einstein.....that was good for my ego, haha.

17. What do you and your mommy do together?
Play & Read

18. How are you and your mommy the same?
We both love each other.

19. How are you and your mommy different?
I am a boy and she is a girl.

20. How do you know your mommy loves you?
I hear her tell me all the time that she loves me. (made me smile)

21. Where is your mommy's favorite place to go?
To see her mommy and daddy. (Nana & Papa, thought you'd like that one)

Posted by: Kami

Diamond Anniversary ... almost!

2009-02-10T10:57:00.008-05:00

Happy 58th Anniversary Maw Maw & Paw Paw! We love you very much and are thankful for the influence you are and the example you are making for us, your grandchildren.

Your 3 oldest granddaughters,

Skoochie, Smugs, & Good Time

The Miniature Earth

2009-02-09T15:05:00.001-05:00

This will make you even more thankful for what God has given us!

Posted by: Kelli

The Greatest Gift

2009-02-05T12:25:00.009-05:00

In view of Valentine's Day coming up, I want to reflect on what love truly is ...

"1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love."

1 Corinthians 13 - NKJV

"1 If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. 2 If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, 'Jump,' and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. 3-7 If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up.

Love cares more for others than for self.

Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.

Love doesn't strut,

Doesn't have a swelled head,

Doesn't force itself on others,

Isn't always "me first,"

Doesn't fly off the handle,

Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,

Doesn't revel when others grovel,

Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,

Puts up with anything,

Trusts God always,

Always looks for the best,

Never looks back,

But keeps going to the end.
8-10 Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled. 11 When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good. 12 We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us! 13 But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love."

1 Corinthians 13 - The Message

Posted by: Kelli

Fun Facts about Kami

2009-01-31T09:10:00.014-05:00

Alright, here are my 25 Random Things About Me. (I added a 26th!)

1. As a child, I wanted to be a pediatrician when I grew up.

2. In my opinion, TiVo is the greatest invention.....EVER!

3. Peonies are my favorite flower.

4. I HATE scary movies.

5. I cry when I get angry/mad.

6. I could look at house floor plans all day!

7. My dream vacation would be two weeks in Nova Scotia.

8. I love to color as much now as I did when I was a child. It relaxes me. My mother-in-law actually gave me a coloring book and crayons for Christmas this year. :)

9. My sisters are my very best friends.

10. I did not meet my husband's family until after we were already engaged. Luckily, they liked me!!

11. My sons give me more joy than I could have ever imagined.

12. I wake up in the same position I fall asleep in.

13. My mom can fix anything. Seriously!

14. Bad thunderstorms still scare me.

15. I take scalding hot showers.

16. My husband and I married only a year after we met.

17. Noah starting kindergarten this Fall scares me to death.

18. I don't love easily, but when I do, it's forever.

19. I absolutely hate to cook.

20. My father is a pastor and the most compassionate person I know.

21. I love to travel but I do not like to fly.

22. I am a dreamer.

23. I am very forgiving and never hold grudges.

24. I am very shy/quiet/reserved around people I don't know well. My family and close friends know I am actually very loud/outgoing/talkative.

25. My husband, the love of my life, is the smartest person I know.

26. I am terrified of spiders. I get my Arachnophobia from my PawPaw!!

Posted by: Kami

Fun Facts

2009-01-28T19:03:00.011-05:00

The "25 Random Things" about yourself is something going around Facebook. I have to admit it is pretty interesting to read facts about people ... weird facts, especially. I know I have some peculiar ones, so I hope you enjoy getting to know me a little better!

1. I love any kind of animal, and my husband would say I am an Animal Rights Activist ... but I'm not a vegetarian!

2. There is only one place I would consider a "dream vacation" ... Italy.

3. I love to have fun and laugh. I sometimes get in trouble for both (even as an adult).

4. I celebrated my 22nd birthday in Tokyo, Japan.

5. I had my jaw broken at the age of 16.

6. I play with my hair constantly, especially in the car.

7. I have pregnancy-induced OCD and am taking medicine for it.

8. I can't stand when people do not signal when driving.

9. I can stand in any store and look at notebooks, pens, and make up/toiletries for hours!

10. I get so excited about going in Walgreens, CVS, or Target, I have to immediately go to the bathroom once inside the store (and it is limited to those 3 stores - weird, I know).

11. When I sleep on my left side, I rest the back of my left ankle in between my first two toes on my right foot ... and vice versa.

12. My favorite drinks are: sweet tea, Coke, Mountain Dew, and chocolate milk ... and I could live on cereal & milk alone!

13. I never knew I was capable of the amount of love I have for Madelynn & Nehemiah.

14. My husband and I only dated 3 months before he proposed ... and we didn't say "I love you" until he proposed ... he said it first.

15. I am the most impatient person I know ... but God is working on me.

16. I got saved when I was 10 years old at Gate City Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC on December 4, 1988 when the Site Sisters were in concert.

17. I never have more fun then when I am with my sisters.

18. I love reality crime shows: The First 48, Cops, Life in Prison, City Confidential, American Justice, etc.

19. I love organization (see # 7).

20. My husband was the first (and only) man I've ever kissed at the age of 24!

21. I love to kiss my dog's feet.

22. My Paw Paw and Daddy are my heroes.

23. Nothing is worse than waking up hot.

24. There is NO PAIN worse than a tooth ache!!!

25. I can't believe how blessed my life is!

Posted by: Kelli

Ode to Joy & Philip

2009-01-27T15:48:00.006-05:00

Most blog entries have an interesting and clever catch-phrase, but this one is different. This one is totally and completely about thanks and gratitude. Just to jump right in ... my parents are absolutely amazing! I know that I know that I KNOW my parents love me (and my sisters) more than anything in this world ... except for our children, maybe, ha ha! They raised, in my personal opinion, 3 incredible women who found 3 wonderful men, who in turn have 2 unbelieveable children (a piece). The Crews', the Howe's, and the Oliver's would not be if it weren't for the Whitt's (which my sister's and I, all 3, kept as our middle name). Now, being a mother myself, I know how much my parents really do love us and everything they did, and everything they sacrificed was because of their love for us.

Momma and Daddy watched my babies (17 months and 4 months) and my dog this past weekend while Jeremiah and I went on a youth trip. My parents are not old, by any means, but that's a lot of anybody to take on (have you been around my daughter!?!)! I could never express how much I appreciate or love them in this lifetime. Hopefully my life has and will show them. Thank you so much, Momma and Daddy!

I am beyond proud to be the daughter of Philip Kelley and Joy Garner Whitt.

My parents

Posted by: Kelli

Lunch with Jeremiah

2009-01-10T11:55:00.009-05:00

Jeremiah and Kami - Senior Year

I grew up in NC and by the time I was in the 9th grade, I had a very close group of friends. I had great friends at church and great friends at school (most of whom I'd gone to school with since the 1st grade). So, when my dad told us that we were moving to SC the summer after my 9th grade year, I was a little upset. No one wants to leave all their friends behind. But, as a pastor's kid, you understand that you go where God leads.

We moved the summer of 1992. I made some amazing friends at my new church. My first friend was Melissa Stepp. We don't see each other much now that we're all grown up, but I still love her dearly. I had all summer to spend with my new friends at church, but sadly, none of them went to my high school. So, 10th grade was difficult. I met some nice people, but made no real friends. Lunch was even harder. I usually ate in the hallway because I didn't know anyone that had the same lunch period as I did. I didn't care, though. It was a good time to get caught up on all my homework.

Well, a guy named Jeremiah Oliver and his family went to my church. Jeremiah and I were the same age and although we weren't that close, we saw each other a lot. He transferred to my school in the 11th grade. Finally, someone familiar! I can remember walking in to 3rd lunch (we had four different lunch periods) and seeing Jeremiah standing there. I was so excited. I said, "Wanna eat together?" He said, "Sure." Those were probably the last words we spoke to one another. We sat together every day that year and never said a word!! It may as well have been "silent lunch." HAHA Well, we may have made occasional small talk, but not that often. We rarely even made eye contact. To think about it now is hilarious to me. But just to have someone to sit with that you know and feel comfortable with was wonderful. Little did I know that ten years later he would marry my little sister and be the father of my niece and nephew.

Every time my family all gets together, we laugh and joke about my silent lunches with Jeremiah. Jeremiah and I are now very close and have absolutely no trouble talking with one another. He makes me laugh probably more than anyone else does. If I had only known in high school how funny he was, lunch would have been a little louder. It's funny how things change. I never really got that involved at school.....my dearest friends were in my youth group at church. Thanks to Facebook, we are all reconnecting and it's wonderful! Then, the best thing happened my senior year.....I had lunch with my little sister!! :)

Written by: Kami

There's No Place Like Home!

2009-01-04T11:03:00.010-05:00

The Lighthouse at Oak Island, NC

Well, the Whitt's have returned from another year at the beach the week after Christmas. We, as a family, started the tradition in December 2003. It is a time for us as sisters and in-laws to come together and spend time with each other. Since Kristen, Kami, and I all 3 have husbands in the ministry, it is difficult to get together at any time at length other than Christmas. This year we went to Oak Island, NC. We stayed in a beautiful 5 bedroom 4 bath home shaped like a lighthouse. By far, my favorite since our tradition started.

Dosher Memorial Hospital

Southport, NC

This year had a more dramatic approach to the week. Mine and Jeremiah's son, Nehemiah, who is 3 months old, was the source of that drama. Christmas day, Nehemiah starting coughing. And since his big sister Madelynn was getting over a cold, nautrally I thought Nehemiah had caught what Madelynn had. The first night there, Nehemiah didn't sleep well and seemed uncomfortable. After waking up several times between 2 AM and 5 AM, I noticed he seemed to be working pretty hard to breath. So, around 6 AM Sunday morning, after much talk with my sister Kami and Momma, Jeremiah and I drove 25 minutes to the nearest hospital in Southport, NC to Dosher Memorial Hospital. There, he was given steriods and a breathing treatment. The ER doctor released him but wanted us to come back in 6 hours to see how he responded to the treatment. Jeremiah, Nehemiah and I all headed back up to Southport at 4 PM Sunday afternoon. Nehemiah had actually gotten worse. The ER doctor felt it was best for Nehemiah to be transported to New Hanover Medical Center in Wilmington, NC; about 40 minutes away.

New Hanover Medical Center - Betty H. Cameron Women's & Children's Hospital
Wilmington, NC

We waited a few more hours at Dosher until VitaLink showed up to transport our little bity, 11 pound, baby in this ginormous ambulance. Nehemiah was put on this regular sized stretcher, but with a special twist. This particular stretcher had car seats straps built in. Four grown men tending to an infant is a precious sight!!

VitaLink (New Hanover)

Jeremiah and I followed the ambulance to New Hanover in Wilmington. We parked and met the guys at the pediatric entrance. The sweetest thing I have EVER seen was about to happen. It sounds small but in my eyes it was the sweetest thing I've ever seen. As the 4 guys were leading us to our room, Nehemiah grabs hold of the driver's, Scott, finger and doesn't let go until we arrive at our room. I wish I could thank those 4 men personally for their compassion to my son.

Dr. Patricia O'Brien

Once we arrived and settled into our room, Dr. Patricia O'Brien came in to check Nehemiah out and hear our story of all that had happened. After much conversation and evaluation of Nehemiah, he was diagnosed with Bronchiolitis. Bronchiolitis is an infection of the bronchioles , the small air passages in the lungs. It is common in young children and is the leading cause of serious lower respiratory illness in infants. It is usually caused by RSV, but in Nehemiah's case it was not. In infants, labored breathing exhausts them and they usually just stop breathing. Where as adults will continue to work hard at it no matter how exhausted they are.

Dr. Joseph Pino

Dr. Joseph Pino was Nehemiah's other doctor at New Hanover and after breathing treatments every 4 hours, serious, heavy duty, electronic, nose sucking (YUCK!), and IV fluids, Nehemiah was released to go home Tuesday morning.

After saying all that, there is nothing I can say to all the doctors and nurses at Dosher or New Hanover to show my gratitude for all they did to care for not only my son, but for my husband and I as well. They all will hold a special place in my heart. God is good ... all the time and He is the ultimate Healer!

Whewww, what an expensive vacation!!!

Posted by: Kelli

God is small enough ...

2008-12-16T01:29:00.001-05:00

... and big enough! There are times in our lives when we feel we are all alone. We all have our own 'Goliaths' that others may not understand. However, we serve a God that is ALWAYS there! Be encouraged by the words of this song!

I've Been Tagged!

2008-12-15T23:23:00.005-05:00

I've been tagged by my wonderful friend Hana! Here are the rules:

* Go to your 4th photo folder on your computer
* Select the 4th photo w/in the folder
* Post and explain
* Then tag four more people to do the same!

Here's my photo:

This picture was taken in February 2008 at Bald Rock (SC) when my husband decided to get me out of the house (I was so incredibly sick at this time in my pregnancy with Nehemiah). I could chew on Madelynn's double chin! Thank you Lord, that the 4th picture was NOT of me!!!

I'm tagging: 1. Momma 2. Kristen 3. Kami 4. Alison.

Posted by: Kelli

Children are Truly a Gift!

2008-12-08T10:25:00.005-05:00

Momma & Daddy came over Friday night, December 5, to watch Madelynn and Nehemiah while Jeremiah and I went to our Sunday school Christmas party. I asked her to take some pictures for our 2008 Christmas card this year and all I can is WOW! I know I am partial but my children are the most beautiful I've ever seen! Enjoy!

Nehemiah Taylor

Madelynn Joy

Posted by: Kelli

Wootie's 30!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-06T09:31:00.006-05:00

This past Wednesday, December 3, was our youngest sister, Kelli's, birthday. She turned 30!!! Wow, Mom and Dad, all three of your girls are in their 30's now. Just think, in 10 years, we'll be able to tell you that all three of your girls are in their 40's!! That ought to make you feel really old! Kami and I don't call her Kelli, though. Her nickname is Woot. That can be translated into Wootie, Wootie Tootie, Aunt Wootie, Wootie Tootie Fresh and Fruity. That nickname has stuck since she was a baby. When daddy was pastor at Riverside in SC, our youth pastor at the time was walking around one Wednesday night trying to get a count of who would be going to summer camp that year. He came up and asked me if my sister was going. I said, "Who, Kami?" He said he had already talked to Kami. He was talking about my other sister. I said, "Woot?" He said, Yes, but what is her real name?!! Everyone knew her by 'Woot' there, it was a while before people realized that her real name started with a 'K', too!
Growing up, Woot and I never really fought or argued a whole lot. We never went to the same school at the same time. When I was more interested in hair and makeup, she was over at a neighbor's house mastering her trampoline skills! When I began dating Paul, she was only 11. She doesn't really remember life before Paul! When I got married, I moved seven hours away from my family. I had never been away from home before. When in college, I commuted. I didn't realize until I left home how fortunate and blessed I was to have such wonderful parents and wonderful sisters, who are now my best friends. When my children were very small, Paul was on the road a lot preaching and leading conferences, youth camps, etc. He was home every other week for about two years. Woot was always there for me. She helped me in more ways than she knows. She was always there to fix a bottle, change a diaper, rock somebody to sleep. She was also there for me to talk to, exercise with (the Firm, baby!), stroll babies with and just hang out with. God had her there at the perfect time, when I needed her most. Now my babies are no longer babies and she has babies of her own. Unfortunately, I can't be there physically like she was for me, but, Wootie, I'm still your big sister and will do whatever I can to be the support to you that you were to me.
I love you more than you know.
Happy 30th birthday!!!

Posted by: Kristen

Miracle at Ground Zero

2008-12-04T12:52:00.004-05:00

Brushy Creek Baptist in Taylors is having their Ladies Annual Christmas Banquet. This year in addition to the dinner, we have a special quest speaker, Leslie Haskin. Read a little about her below and pray God speaks through her tonight! (Tickets are $7 at the door - 6:45 PM - SPEAKER ONLY).

Leslie Haskin grew up in Chicago, one of 15 children born to a Bible thumping minister and his choir director wife. She describes herself as being the youngest girl, the most stubborn and the one who was ALWAYS in trouble. After college, Leslie moved to the bright lights and big apple of New York City where after a long climb up the corporate ladder, she became one of only two female African American Operations Executives for one of the largest insurance companies in the country. Leslie settled into all the perks, prestige, and power of an executive lifestyle. Then on September 11, 2001, it all came crashing down ... literally. Leslie Haskin almost lost her life. Although she survived the devastation of that ill-fated day, Leslie suffered from severe Post Traumatic Stress disorder, and eventually lost everything. Leslie Haskin became homeless. "Six years ago, I was an executive on the 36th floor of Tower 1 of the World Trade Center," Haskin remembers. "I almost lost my life, and what I thought was the end of my story actually became the beginning as I learned to trust God,” she says. Today Leslie is an author, a singles ministry leader and the founding Director for Safe Hugs, a nonprofit organization that helps victims of domestic violence. She travels internationally sharing her remarkable journey to emotional and mental healing, spreading a message of hope beyond suffering and encouraging thousands to an abundant life in Jesus Christ. Leslie has made numerous TV and radio appearances, including CNN, The 700 Club, the CBS Early Show, and American Family Radio as well as appearance at memorials honoring the victims and survivors of 9/11. Leslie says that her story is everybody’s story. “No matter what the life altering event that happens in our lives, God is faithful!"

http://www.safehugs.com/LeslieHaskin.html

Posted by: Kelli

Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T14:57:00.010-05:00

I always enjoy Thanksgiving. This year, Tom, the boys and I went down on Wednesday evening to stay with my parents for a few days. Kristen, Kelli, their husbands and their children were there, too. Nehemiah, Kelli's baby, was just born two months ago, and this was the first time I was able to see him. Needless to say, I held him every chance I got!

Thursday was filled with wonderful food and great fun! We always have a wonderful time together. Thursday evening, me, my sisters and our husbands were up late playing Balderdash. We laughed SO hard, we all had a great time! Then, Friday morning, Tom woke up at 5am to go shopping. Tom LOVES Black Friday. He loves the hustle and bustle and all the crowds. He maps out which stores he wants to go to and in what order. Before the boys were born, I used to join in the shopping. I must admit that I don't miss it. However, I am thankful Tom enjoys it because he saves us tons of money with all the good deals he gets. He spent about ten hours shopping!!

Black Friday also had another meaning this Thanksgiving. Kelli, Nathan (Kristen's son), Madelynn (Kelli's daughter), Noah (my son) and I all came down with a stomach virus. Madelynn had it earlier in the week, and the rest of us came down with it Friday. Jeremiah ended up getting it, too. As I type this, Tom and Luke are starting to come down with it. Even though we experienced some sickness, Thanksgiving was wonderful! Sadly, my whole family isn't together all that often, so when we are it is always a joyous time. The kids all play together really well, and me and my sisters are the very best of friends. I can't wait until Christmas.....we're all going to the beach together for a whole week. Yay!

Posted by: Kami

When your Bundle of Joy isn't so Joyful

2008-11-29T16:53:00.009-05:00

The holiday season hustle and bustle is officially upon us. There is nothing I enjoy more than the Christmas season. All the lights and decorations, Christmas music playing on every radio station, and holiday shopping at all hours of the day (in stores and online). This year, more than ever before, I'm excited about celebrating Christmas because of the wonderful children God has given my husband and I. Children, in their sweet innocence, remind me of what Christmas is really about, for it was a baby that came to this world to save us from our sins and to be our Savior. However, on Tuesday our sweet Madelynn Joy came down with the dreaded stomach virus. She was absolutely pitiful. She was quiet and reserved, not acting like herself, and all she wanted was to be held and cuddled. Even though she wasn't feeling well, Jeremiah and I both took advantage of that since she is a very busy little girl! There are no words that can describe how it feels when your children are sick. You want to take their hurt and sickness upon yourself (and we did - Jeremiah and I both got the same stomach virus). We are now thankful to report that our sweet Madelynn is on the mend and acting more like herself, dancing and singing and being the sweetest little girl I know! Thank you Lord, for our sweet bundle of Madelynn Joy!

Posted by: Kelli

Stop, Look, and Listen!

2008-11-17T20:38:00.014-05:00

STOP:
Anchor your feet. Avoid the mirror. Look at your toes. Grab your wrists. Check your pulse. Close your eyes. Look through your eyelids. See the blood of your life. Open your eyes.

LOOK:
See one another. Watch the infants. Gaze at the toddlers. View the elementary children. Ponder the awakening middle schoolers. Understand the teenagers. Strengthen the young people. Encourage the new families. Embrace the parents. Feel for the grandparents. Hear the sounds.

LISTEN:
What is being said? Who is saying it? What is the topic? Why the interest? Who is caring? What is your role? What can you say? Can you hear Pa-Po? Can you hear Paw-Paw Bettini?

FAMILY...
is everything. Our Father which art in Heaven ... through Christ ... we are grafted into the family ... adopted, never to be separated. Share the bond. Hold each other close. Extend the circle. Never lose sight of Him who is the center.

By: James C. Barber

(Names added by Kelli)

Posted by: Kelli

My Hubby's 30!

2008-11-16T22:31:00.006-05:00

My wonderful husband of almost eight years (will be eight years on December 16th) turned 30 years old today. Tom was twenty when we met. Ten years later he is even more amazing that I could have dreamed. You know, when you meet someone new, you always give them your best. You spend hours in front of the mirror making sure every hair is in place and your makeup looks perfect. You wax, tweeze and shave every single hair and you agonize over the perfect outfit to wear. You're flirty and giggly and everything the other person says is either brilliant, hilarious, or both. Then, you start getting comfortable and you let your hair down just a tad. You fall madly in love with each other and decide to spend the rest of your lives together. You buy a house, have babies, have more babies, and life starts looking a little less glamorous. Well, I can honestly say, Tom still takes my breath away. My love for him grows stronger every day. He is the smartest person I know. He is patient and kind and loving and extremely handsome. He adores his family and his family adores him. He seeks first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness. He prays without ceasing. He is a man of great character and loves Jesus Christ above all else. He makes me feel gorgeous and special and I am the luckiest woman in the world that God allowed Tom Howe to fall in love with me. I want to wish my husband, my greatest earthly gift, a Happy 30th Birthday! I love you, Tom, thank you for loving me.

Posted by: Kami

The Hobo

2008-11-14T15:02:00.009-05:00

(Merona 4 Poster Hobo - Black)

I am always so very happy when I come across a deal or a sale. I am usually frustrated when I see something of someones and they say they paid only $3 for something that was originally $25. I am just not a good bargain shopper. I usually pay full price for something especially if it's something I really like or want. Well, finally I now have a bargain story of my own! My Paw Paw had knee surgery on Tuesday, so Jeremiah and I and the babies went to the hospital last night to visit him. Momma and Daddy were also there, along with Ernie and Judy. We were waiting for Maw Maw outside the room when I saw, what I learned to be, Momma's purse. I fell in love! If anyone knows me they know I am a purse freak. I have almost every style and color imagineable. Goodwill even carries some of my purses now! (ha ha) Anyway ... I went shopping today for a new pair of jeans at Target and I saw the same purse. When I looked at the tag I was presently suprised to find it was on sale from $22.99 to $11.48. When I got to the check out I received another suprise ... it was on sale once more for only $5.47!!! I called Momma to find out how much she paid, and unfortunately she paid the original price. So sorry Momma, but I got a deal!!

Posted by: Kelli

The Sweetest Thing...

2008-11-13T20:03:00.007-05:00

Last night, the sweetest thing happened. I was sitting on the couch drinking a cup of coffee and flipping through a magazine. Noah came over and sat down beside me. There was a girl in a perfume ad wearing a bikini. Noah looked over my shoulder and said, "Ew, Mommy, you can see her bones!" I laughed, but secretly wished you could see my hip bones, too. Once upon a time you could. Oh, but what ten years and two babies can do to your figure!! Anyway, I asked Noah if he thought she was pretty. I was trying to see if that question even registered with him. I mean, he is only five. He said, "No." I turned the page and asked about the next model. "Nope," he said. Taylor Swift was on the third page I turned to and he said she wasn't pretty because her hair was too "wiggly." (Apparently he doesn't like curly hair, haha) At this point, I asked, "Noah, do you think any of these girls are pretty?" He said, "No, Mommy, I don't." I asked, "Why not?" That's when the sweetest thing happened. Noah looked at me and said, "Because, Mommy, I only think you are pretty. You are the only pretty girl in the whole world." Bless his little heart, he nearly suffocated at all the hugs and kisses I smothered him with. I know that one day he'll fall in love, and the girl who is lucky enough to be the object of his affection will be beautiful to him. But, for now, I will cherish the fact that I am the only pretty girl in his little five year old world!

My Sweet Noah

Posted by: Kami

The Youngest Sister

2008-11-12T22:36:00.007-05:00

'Baby of the Family' is written all over me. I'm Kelli and I'm the youngest. Always considered life of the party, I never felt as though I was taken serious. However, now that I'm married with my own children (Madelynn - 15 months & Nehemiah - 7 weeks) I feel I'm treated as a grown up. I mean, hello, I'll be 30 in December!! My mom gave me the greatest compliment I think any mother could ever receive ... she said, "You're a good mom, Teense"! Thanks "Dinky Mommy"! I have the greatest man standing beside me. Jeremiah is amazing and he still gives me butterflies, even after all this time (we celebrate 5 years next August). He loves me and honors me. Jeremiah is an unbelieveable dad. He reminds me a lot of Daddy. He's very protective of his little girl. He really hasn't had a chance to be protective of our baby boy yet -Nehemiah's too new! It'll happen, count on it. We have a very busy life, as my husband is a Middle School Pastor at our church (http://www.brushycreek.org/). But we love it all! We love our blessed little life.

ME...

I love to watch movies and drink coffee. I love diamonds and pearls and my favorite is a tall iced latte. I'm usually late. I can talk someone's ear off. I can be quiet and to myself. I smack my gum and slurp my soup. I love to travel. I love my friends and no one is more important to me than my family. I'm Italian. I'm Irish. I love my memories. I cherish my pictures. I love big blankets and soft socks. I'm imperfect. I love hazelnut creamer. I love the tropics. I sleep on my stomach. I laugh loud. I talk loud. I can never get enough of Mexican food. I'm loved. I'm me. I love a girl named Madelynn. I love a boy named Nehemiah. I love a man named Jeremiah. I love my Savior named Jesus Christ.

Posted by: Kelli

The Eldest Sister

2008-11-12T22:07:00.005-05:00

Hi, I'm Kristen. I am the oldest of the sisters three. I have never blogged before in my life. In fact, I don't use the computer much at all. I log onto facebook using everyone else's username and password, because I'm one of the few in my family who doesn't have my own facebook account! I love my family-I have a wonderful stud of a husband and two beautiful children. They are in Kindergarten and 1st grade this year. We stay very busy with school, church and sports. I love my parents and I love my sissies!!! I don't get to see them as often as I'd like-we are all in the ministry. We used to fight all the time when we lived at home, but now that we are all wives and moms (and have matured a little-I think :), we are now best friends. I am the chief instigator of the three-I enjoy getting something started and watching Kami and Kelli finish it! I can't wait to spend time with them Thanksgiving. Love you both!

Posted by: Kristen

The Middle Sister

2008-11-12T19:48:00.010-05:00

I, too, seem to have more friends who blog than friends who don't. I'm Kami, the middle sister. I have MCS (Middle Child Syndrome) in every sense of the word. I am a granddaughter, a daughter, a sister, a niece, a cousin, a wife, a mommy, a daughter-in-law, a sister-in-law, an aunt, a friend, an employee and a co-worker. Most of all, I am a child of God. I am insanely in love with my husband of eight years, Tom. I have two beautiful sons; Noah is five and Luke is three. I was a stay-at-home Mom for four years and loved every minute of it. I went back to work about a year ago. I enjoy my job and the people I work with. I adore my church (http://www.pineridgechurch.com/). I live a blessed life. Jesus Christ is my salvation and the One who gives me strength. I will blog about my past and my present in the hopes that both people who read it will enjoy it. (smile) OK, enough now, more later...

Posted by: Kami

The Time Has Come!

2008-11-12T12:00:00.010-05:00

Everywhere I look online I see BLOGS! Everybody is blogging and I didn't want to be left out, but I've put it off for a pretty long time. Today, I finally bit the bullet! I started a blog. I wondered, however, what I would write, what I would share, and really, what I would title it - which is the most important part of a blog, in my opinion. So, I called my mom and my sister, Kami, for help in coming up with a creative title. Kami had a wonderful idea - she suggested that she, Kristen, and I share a blog! So, here it is - The Sisters Three. We hope to share with you stories from our childhood and musings from our everyday life, as we are all mothers ourselves now. We hope you find our blog fascinating, funny, and unforgetable. Enjoy!

Posted by: Kelli

(Kami, Kelli, & Kristen - 1979)

(Kelli, Kristen, Kami - 1983)

(Kami, Kelli, Kristen - August 2004)