First Christmas in our own house!

After having Christmas in boxes last year, we are so excited to actually get to celebrate Christmas in our own house in Knoxville. We went and picked up a Christmas tree yesterday after church and I immediately began decorating. Casey was less than excited. I guess its a girl thing. I mean when I lived with Allison Reed, Christmas started after Halloween! :)

I had to whip out the Home Accessories Department from Potterybarn. haha. Thats what I like to call it, since I have pillows and botanicals for each season. Thanks PB for the amazing discount! Our friends, the Accardi's, are on Young Life staff in Oak Ridge/Clinton, TN and we bought some amazing fresh garland from them to help send YL kids to camp. Our house smells amazing! Stop by sometime this Holiday season and see us.

Merry Christmas Friends!

LjC

Jelley Jam 2009 - How grateful I am!

It was another Thanksgiving to remember as 50+ Jelley's gathered in Decatur, AL for the Annual Jelley Jam! We stayed again at Joe Wheeler State Park on the lake in cabins.  It was so fun to be with everyone, especially for Casey and I since we hadn't been in  2 years.  All of the kids are so big and more are being added every year.  We were often asked when we would be adding to the number.  I guess we'll have to keep everyone hanging on that one.  Hopefully, we will have a boy one day so little Andy won't be all lonely being the only baby boy!  

We had to leave Kirra home while we were away.  She had to get spayed.  She did great and is at home recovering.  She gets her stitches out early next week.  She's getting some rest right now as I blog. 

I thought often this weekend about all that I am grateful for.  What a gift to think about those who have spoken so much truth and love into mine and Casey's life.  We are so thankful for each of our dear friends and family that usher us into deep friendship and a closer relationship with our Savior.  And how thankful I am for Jesus choosing to tabernacle inside of me and taking me from death to life.  And as we say in the presbyterian church, Thanks Be To God!  I'm so excited for the season of Advent that is ahead and am thankful for God's precious gift.

Happy Thanksgiving Ya'll!

Caroline, Courtney, Emily and Maggie Beth looking through our scrapbook of past Jelley Thanksgivings.

Me and Blythe hanging out on Thanksgiving Day

Baby Andy was very enthralled with Stella. So cute.

The boys playing a little football before Thanksgiving dinner.

Katie, Susannah, and Blythe.  These little ones were inseparable!

*Kirra Graduates from Puppy School*Magna Cum Puppie

I feel like such a mom.  I mean, not a real mom, like most of you... but a puppy mom.  Normally when I go see all of my friends blogs, I get to see your babies, since most of you have them.  And sometimes I think to myself, your baby is so cute... but what have YOU been up to.  I'd love to see a picture of YOU too!  

And now, I'm sure you are all saying, I wish Laura would stop putting pictures of her dog up. Because every time you come see my blog you get to see my baby dog!  I mean, I thought I would love my own doggie, but I officially think I'm obsessed with Kirra.  So, I have to brag on my pup!  I mean if I love my puppy this much, I can't even begin to think about how much I will love my baby.  (Mandy, thanks for the reminder of loving those in our lives ALOT!)

So, our sweet Kirra just graduated from her 8-week puppy training class.  She was amazing.  Lots of stuff that we went over in class, Kirra already knew how to do.  She's such a smartie!  But she did learn new things like, loose leash walking, not jumping, not barking and coming when called.  At the conclusion of her class, each pup got to show their tricks.  Kirra's were definitely the most advanced.  She does a routine of: sit, shake, down, play dead, and roll over.  Its incredible. She can't wait for you to come for a visit so that she can show your her whole repertoire!  

Love to you all from the Cutter Clan!

Kirra is a Big Girl!

I love my Kirra!

Our baby dog is turning into a teenager!

It's Football Time in Tennessee!!

I still can't believe I get to live in Knoxville for football season. It is so fun! I've gotten to go to all of our home games so far except one. Its been incredible! Our friends Matt and Anne Walker and their new baby Kenley came out for the season opener. Casey had not been back to a game since, until this weekend. The crowd was ElEcTrIc!! And we KILLED the Georgia Bulldogs, which never stops feeling good, no matter how many times the Vols win. Case says, since all the home games we have won, he's been at, that he's the good luck charm. Well, I guess he'll just have to keep coming back and we will see.

We love to have visitors, so Colorado friends, come see what SEC football is all about! And friends from the south, come see Neyland and hop on the Lane (kiffin) Train!

Happy Fall Friends!

Laura and her friend Samantha at the Vol Walk.

4th of July - The Jelley House - Old Hickory Lake

We spent a wonderful 4th of July weekend with my parents in Nashville. We took Kirra on a road trip and she had a blast hanging out with our minature Daschaund, Ellie. (Ellie, Ellie, Ellie, her last name is Jelley! Thats for you Allison!) Ellie taught her the ways of the water and Kirra got to take her first Jet Ski ride. She was as cool as a cucumber. We spent the days on the lake, learning how to wake surf for the first time. Its so much fun! My favorite lake sport I've done! Casey was great at it too, of course, carving all on the wake.

Robina and I made lots of yummy food, and we also had a fun afternoon of shopping. We spent the evening of the 4th with my parents neighbors who have kids our age. They are from California so Case had lots of surfer talk to have. It was just a great weekend of being together.

Check out some of our pics below:

They thought they could surf on the lake. Once they paddled out they realized there were no waves to catch. How ironic!

Kirrra's first Jet Ski ride.

Casey, wakeboarding.

We took the boat out on the water to watch the fireworks show. So fun!

Me and Robina relaxing on the boat.

Please be praying, our youth group at CSPC will be LINKING with a team from London, England that arrives here in Knoxville today. We will be living life together and serving together over the course of the next 11 days. Pray that our 2 teams would be unified and that we would have an incredible time of giving back, learning about what God is up to in our lives, and that we would be on the lookout for the gifts that God is going to give us along the way.

If you want to follow our journey this week,

check out our LINK09 Blog: kellylondonmission.blogspot.com

Our new baby dog... KIRRA!

Finally, Casey and I have an addition to our family.

Our new golden retreiver puppy, Kirra, has arrived.

She is 13 weeks old and soo cute.She started out really shy,

and slept ALL THE TIME. But has come out of her shell.

She is in full swing of puppy life, chewing, playing and eating.

We got her in the water for the first time and she wasn't phased at all.

Her doggie paddle is excellent! She hopes to meet you all soon!

C H A R L E S T O N ! ! !

We finally got a chance to head back for our first trip to Charleston since we moved back to the south. It was a GREAT weekend! We stayed with our good friends Michael and Amanda O'Neal. Saturday was the perfect day to go out on the boat! We hung out in the harbor and Casey even learned how to wakeskate, its like surfing on a wakeboard, which is right up his alley. :)

We got to the go to the College of Charleston Alumni Gala on Saturday evening. The Blue Dogs played in the Cistern at CofC and we got to catch up with a lot of old friends. It was a blast. On Sunday, we helped throw a baby shower for my roomie from college, Allison and Garrett Reed. Their new little one, Emerson Grace has been born since then. She is healthy and we are sooo excited for them.

Its just so nice to be back home. I recently started a new job as Women's Director of High School Ministry at Cedar Springs Presbyterian church here in west Knoxville. I am soo excited that the Lord has called me back to full time ministry. It has always been my hearts desire and I am so grateful that the Lord has taken us back to that place. In Isaish our Lord says this in Isaiah:

God is not finished, He is waiting around to be gracious to you.

He is gathering his strength to show mercy to you.

God takes the time to do everything right - everything!

Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.

We feel so lucky. We are so glad that we waited on the Lord to take us to the right place. We have not only moved to Knoxville for Casey's job, but for mine too. What a gift it is to be right in the middle of the Lords plan. He is sovereign. So if you are struggling with where you are, wait. That is all the Lord asks, because he is waiting around on us to lavish his grace.

love you all,

Laura

Orange and White Spring Game at Neyland Stadium

Casey and I had a fun weekend here in Knoxville. Friday night we went to dinner at a fun new restaurant downtown in Market Square called Cafe 4. We met up with some new friends, Adam and Jennifer Luttrell for a yummy meal and night out on the town.

The next morning we headed downtown again to hang out with some friends on their rooftop, grilling out for lunch. Then we perused the art at the Dogwood Arts Festival before walking over to Neyland Stadium for the Annual Orange and White spring game, here in Knoxville. Over 51,000 fans were in attendance. It is so fun to be back in Big Orange Country. There was lots of hype with Kiffin on the field. At times, he was almost running the play with the guys. I thought he might try to take a hike there for a minute. I know Casey was missing his Buff's, but we sure did have a fun day.

Yesterday, we went to Cedar Springs for church, and had a realxing afternoon. Then our friends, Devon and Erin Accardi, who run Young Life in Anderson County, just outside of Knoxville, hosted a Ryan Long concert. All of the proceeds of the ticket sales went toward their high school friends trip to YL's Frontier Ranch this summer. We will get to help send Sandy to camp for the best week of her life! So fun!

Hope each of you had a fun weekend too! We are headed to Charleston this coming weekend to spend some time with Michael and Amanda O'Neal, host a baby shower for Allison and Garrett Reed and attend the Anuual College of Charleston Alumni Gala! We can't wait. More pics to follow soon!

Love!

Easter in Nashville!

Hi Friends! Spring is in full force here in East Tennessee. The grass keeps getting greener and longer, as Casey already needs to mow again. Didn't he do that 2 days ago? Anyways... We are starting to find out what kind of flowers are going to bloom in our yard. We have a beautiful Azalea that is just starting to sprout pink. Love the spring.

So to kick it off, we took a trip to Nashville this past weekend to my parents house. All of the kids were there, including my 2 little nieces. It was a blast! Not only was it Easter weekend, but it was also a celebration for Blythe and Madeline's birthdays. So in true Jelley fashion there were lots of sweets including Easter candy, birthday cakes, and chocolate delight and lots of FOOD. And eat we did! I mean, what else do you do when family is all together?

It was a little cold, but Casey made his way out to the lake and took the Jet Ski out for its first spin of 2009. There will be lots more to come I am sure. Enjoy a few pics from our Glorious Easter Morning. What a blessing it was to worship our King! May you be encouraged by what our Lord has done.

As Rueben Morgan of Hillsong writes:

Savior, He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save, mighty to save
Forever, Author of Salvation
He Rose and Conquered the grave. conquered the grave!

New House in Knoxville!!!

1205 Folkstone Place

Knoxville, TN 37931

This is the front of our casa! We love it!

The Master Bedroom

The Guest Room - This is where you will stay

when you come to visit.

The Woodburning Fireplace for a cozy living room...

The Den - our new slipcover that is the same color as the walls...

We will be painting them sage green.

Cute little Dining Room!

We hope that you all will come and visit us in Knoxville! We really love our new house and are praying to meet a great community here and find an amazing church. Casey's new job is going well,... he is actually on his way back from his first week of calling on schools in Virgina. My job at Potterybarn is great as always and I'm really enjoying working for our friend Tim, with the Ferraris Law Group. Tonight I am going to check out an All City Young Life club here in Knoxville. They are expecting around 600 kids!!! And thats just the west side of Knoxville! Its a little different from the Springs.

We haven't had much spare time to enjoy Knoxville yet between moving in and visiting my brother's family in Chattanooga last weekend... BUT we are planning on going on a date this weekend in a cute area of downtown, called Market Square. We will let you know how we like it. I got to go to the local old timey soda fountain, Longs Drug Store, with my little sis for lunch yesterday, which was lots of fun! And have been trying out the local antique stores. Still no kitchen table... hopefully we can find the perfect piece soon.

Love and miss you all! I promise to post more....

Laura

Going Away...

FAREWELL COLORADO...

well, we sure went out with a bang in CO before the move. We had a going away party at Chris and Christine Bury's that was AMAZING! Thanks friends for all that you did to make our last few weeks in Colorado so special.

We miss you all dearly.

And our YL going away party at the Strebes. Incredible. And for all of my Pine Creek Young Life kids and my Challenger Wyldlife kids. I miss you so much. My time with you was the best ever and each day I spend away from you is so hard. You have blessed my life and heart more than you will ever know.

and kimmie and kam, you will forever be in my heart! i love you both so much. plan a trip to TN soon.