the season starts

Last night the Christmas season began in the most wonderful way it could! Dad and I invited Jerry and Irene Conroy over for a Christmas message. After visiting with them and catching up on all the changes they are about to embark on, dad explained the concept of FHE briefly and shared with them a short Christmas story. He then added his own witness of the importance of remembering Christ this season. We gave them a C/D of Mormon Tab. Christmas music and a B of M with our testimonies written in it. The Spirit was one of peace and friendship. They were very excited to recieve the book and acted as if they would surely read it. Irene made the comment that she had some misgivings about Mormons from living in New Zealand, but since spending time with our family and attending activities with us at church she has a brand new feeling for the Mormons. She loves the people she has met and the emphasis on family shown by the Kelley's. I was very proud of your father last night!

Merry Christmas. We can't wait to be together soon for this wonderful celebration.

Mom

Carson and Me

On Tuesday the 18th at 9:15 p.m. Leah called and said she thought her water broke. I thought there was no way on earth that I would see our little Carson's birth. But dad got online and found a flight out of LAX at 10:35. Again, when we got to LAX we met several obstacles to buying the ticket. I was sure it just wouldn't work out. Dad simply wouldn't take NO for an answer and he bullied me onto the plane. I had to leave my suitcase behind, but I was on my way! At the airport in Sacramento after midnight it was near impossible to rent a car, but after meeting several obstacles, I got one. I talked to Steve when I was leaving the airport and he said Leah was dilated to an 8. I was certain I wouldn't make it for the birth and said, "Call me on the road when he is born." It was a 45 minute drive to the hospital and when I got there it was difficult to find parking because of construction work being done. When I called Steve for help he said the baby wasn't here yet. I can't believe I made it to the greatest miracle of all, the birth of a child! Leah worked hard to push little Carson out. She and Becky had almost identical labor experiences. They both did a great job. Steve was at Leah's side strong and supportive at the hospital and throughout her post partum. One of the unanticipated joys of son-in-laws has been to observe them in their new roles of father and husband. I am most assured within myself that the Lord has sent my daughters the very best!

Leah caught on to nursing like a pro. Steve was the sweetest new daddy you could imagine. We are blessed beyond measure as a family.

Thank you for the priveledge of allowing me to be a small part of this miracle.

Love, Mom

Our precious new baby

I love the sad picture of little Carson's sad face after his birth. He looks like he's saying,"Why are you guys being so mean to me? I didn't do anything!" It just breaks my heart.

A day of adv