T'was the Night Before Christmas......

And all through the house...not a creature was stirring not even a mouse....well maybe a cat! :)

As I lay here and watch the Christmas movies on TV tonight and my baby girl is asleep in her crib on her first Christmas Eve...I can't help but think what her Christmas would be like if my dad was here with us! This is really hard! Everyone said it would be hard and it is...I miss my dad so much! I feel bad as I have been a little irritable today and I really didn't want to be but as sad as it is and as hard as it is I am a little angry! I still don't understand why my dad had to leave us? I know God has a plan for each and everyone of us and I know God has a plan for my dad but I really miss him and I know it is ok to feel this way. I just remember last year at this time it was my Dad, Nick and I and we had a very simple Christmas and is was nice. If my dad was here tonight I would tell him I loved him and I would tell him what a wonderful father he is and was. Dad I love you! Merry Christmas! We wish you were her! XO XO

Kate & Ella

Kate & Ella Playing while the Mommies & Daddies have some eggnog!
It is hard to get a picture of two little girls! :) We tried! :)
Hi Everyone! Our Mommies are making us pose! Hmmmm let's open these presents! I love Ella!!!

XO

Kate~

Baking Cookies with Nana & Kate

Yesterday was Baking Day at the McLeskey-Dolata Household! Nana, Kate and I made some Christmas Cookies! We had quite the time!
Getting Started!
Rolling the cookie dough...
Nana...this sure is fun! Can't wait till I am older and can do this! I am sure I will make lots of messes! Wait....mommy says I already do!
These are our cookies! Notice the pre-made cookie dough in the background! We were going to hand make it however Nick went to the store and bought the pre-made and so we had to use it. Next year the cookies will be handmade!
DELISH~! I love being the taster!!! I love sugar cookies!!!

HO HO HO Merry Christmas!
Love,

Kate~

A Little McLeskey-Dolata Holiday Decor

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas......

Tis the season!!

This year has been really fun celebrating Christmas with Kate! I have enjoyed so much all the little things we have done together this year! We went home to Yuba City for a few days and went to the Christmas Stroll on Plumas Street and then to the Childrens Christmas Party at Hillcrest Plaza! Kate had her picture taken with Santa and she just loved him! I actually have a cute photo and she is smiling!

We have been to church every Sunday to celebrate the season of Advent and Kate truly loves church! She actually tries to sing along to the songs! It is so cute!

Along with all the joy Kate has brought to our holiday season this year I still am very sad that my dad is not here with us! The holidays just don't seem the same without him! I miss all the things we would do together! I thought a lot about what we use to do as kids with dad around the holidays and here are a few memories I have of time with my dad at Christmas

1. Dad making the family eggnog and I loved to watch and pour all the ingredients (alcohol) into the bowl. He took such pride in making the eggnog.

2. I remember going to pick out the perfect Silver Tip Christmas Tree...I have a fond memory of going to the place in Marysville at the base of the 5th Street Bridge...the Levee House Restaurant was next door and it is that beautiful brick building next to Lucky's (at least it use to be called Luckys) Anyway...dad always had a great eye for the PERFECT Silver tip! He had to make sure there were no kinks in the trunk and that there were enough branches! It was always fun trying to get the tree home.

3. Dad never put a single thing on our Christmas tree except for this beautiful gold birdcage ornament that was his since he was a kid. He would sit there and tell my mom how to hang the lights and if she missed a branch and then he would tell us if our ornament was in the wrong place! :)

4. Even though I was asleep for this memory I still love my mom telling me the story of how dad put together our play house from the inside and could not get out. There is a photo of it and it really cracks me up! I love mom telling the story!

5. Christmas Dinner.....Mom and Dad both would make the best Christmas Dinner! We would always dress up so fancy for dinner and mom would bring out all her pretty china! I loved eating in the dining room with the Fancy Table!!!

6. I also remember our Neighborhood Christmas Parties and always had so much fun!

7. I think the thing that I remember the most about being a kid is that my dad would always take me shopping the day after Christmas to hit all the "SALES" this would be a trip that he would be so excited for and thought it was so great that we could shop and spend the day together....now you are probably wondering why I don't sound more enthusiastic about this shopping spree....well it was for HIM not me! We would go to The Men's Warehouse, Lohmans, Macys and Nordstroms and he would buy all his suits and clothes for the year and I got to tag along...now I didn't always enjoy this trip but now it is a priceless memory that I cherish so much. At the time I thought oh no another boring day in the mens department but what I wouldn't give to have one more of those days!

So since I have so many memories and I could go on forever....I thought that this year I would do something special to remember my dad and all the wonderful times we had together. So this year at the table for Christmas there will be an empty seat. That seat will be set for my dad and he will have a placecard and a special rose and candle so we can always remember him and know that he is with us this Christmas in Spirit!

Dad...I love you so much and miss you this holiday season!

XOXOXO

Sick

Well for the last 5-6 weeks I have been battling one heck of a cold. Just when I think I am getting better I am sick again! It has just been awful. I have never been sick for this long! I finally went to the doctor on Thursday and he put me on ZPAK I was hoping by today I would start to feel better but I feel about the same! :(

I am so sad to because tonight was Emily & Travis's Texas Christmas Party! Last year we had so much fun and I was so looking forward to it. Plus Kate was going to go and there were going to be about 20 other kids there and Kate just loves kids!!!

I really hope you all are feeling great and that you all are having a wonderful holiday!

XO

Kelly~

5 Years Ago Today

REMEMBERING MY GRANDMOTHER

Gladyce Irene Breedlove

5 years ago today my grandmother passed away. She is now in heaven and I know she is my guardian angel! My grandma and I were very close! I consider her my best friend! She was always there for me no matter what! We had so many great memories!

These are the top 10 wonderful memories with my grandma:

1. Late night uno/rummy matches

2. Watching Dallas & Falcon Crest on Friday Nights

3. Minestrone Soup at the Uriz on the wrong side of the tracks

4. Summers up at Lake Francis

5. Denio's Flea Market

6. Our cruise to Catalina Island and Ensenada for my 13th Birthday

7. She taught me how to drive when I turned 13

8. Grandparents Day at Lincrest School. I was so proud to bring her to school with me

9. My grandma got bit by a duck when I was about 2 years old when she took me to feed the ducks

10. The unconditional love she gave!

Grandma ...I love you and Miss you! Though you are not here in person you will always remain in my heart and my life in spirit! I LOVE YOU GRAND!!!!

Life

Life is full of so many adventures, choices, happy times, sad times, challenging times and learning experiences and I feel so much of this year has been just that! I feel that I have learned so much about life, balance and taken the good with the bad.

I keep saying I can't wait till 2011 and that I just want this year to be over with. However what I didn't stop to realize or think about is all that I am thankful for and all the good things that 201o has brought to us. I have a beautiful little girl, a wonderful husband who loves me unconditionally, a wonderful family and a successful business. These are all things to celebrate and be thankful for.

This year has had it share of heartache, sadness and challenges both personally and professionally but what I am learning is to trust in myself, my beliefs and trust in our lord. He has a plan for me, my family and our lives he will not guide me in the wrong direction and the obstacles, challenges and heartache and sadness I have experienced are all part of his plan. Sometimes I wonder why all this has to happen? But I have to trust GOD and believe that he truly has a plan for me!

I have been faced with some very challenging situations and I truly am putting it in GOD'S HANDS. I have to believe he will lead me to make the right decisions and he will be my strength through it all.

One of the things I am most proud of and excited about this year (other than Kate's birth) is that I have chosen to become Catholic. I am in the process of taking my classes to convert to Catholicism and I have learned so much about God and Jesus and the bible in the last 7 weeks, more than I have known in my entire life. I know that is sad to admit at 34 years old that I didn't really know a lot other than the 'BASICS" but I have fully engaged myself in this process and I am learning so much. I feel that GOD is guiding me as I need this in my life and I truly feel better late than never! Today I did my Rite's of Acceptance and stood before the entire congregation as they accepted me into the program! It was such a wonderful feeling I can't even put it into words! I am so excited for the next 6 months and as I grow in my faith and grow in my relationship with Jesus Christ! This truly is something so exciting for me and it is something wonderful that is happening in 2010! I started my journey toward accepting the Lord and Savior into my life!

So when things seem like you just want them to end....there are always new and exciting beginnings! So for this I am celebrating this year and excited for all that is to come next year!!!

XOXO

Happy First Day of Advent! This Truly is The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

SNOW DAY Part 1

This was Kate's first time in the snow and boy did she love it! I had to post these photos in order as James took them one right after another! It is cute how it almost shows the movement! Kate is such an adventurous soul. She loves almost everything and tries everything! She just amazes me everyday! I love it that she loves to explore new things and isn't afraid to try them.

Mom...this is fun! Thanks for letting me play in the snow!!! XO

SNOW DAY Part 2

Thanksgiving Day

This year we spent Thanksgiving Day in Alta, California! We went to Nick's Aunt & Uncles house and had such a fun afternoon and evening. The Sierra's had just gotten a huge snow storm so there was so much snow in Alta. Kate was able to play in it and she just loved it! Those photos will be in another post! :) The holidays much like everything else in life goes by so fast! You wait for it to get here and then it is gone before you know it! It is just so nice that we have family to share the holidays with. Here are a few of the afternoon! Enjoy!

Kate playing with Aunt Linda's things! She had fun!!!
Sandy (Aunt Linda's Sister) and Kate hanging out together! They were the best of friends!!Edith (Aunt Linda's Friend) and Kate hanging out and staying away from the Doggie or as Kate says...OGGIE
James & Kate! James is responsible for the fabulous photos of Kate playing in the snow! He was teaching mommy how to use Papa's Fancy Camera!!! James is Sandy's son!
The Gang! This was the second time we have spent Thanksgiving in Alta and it was so fun! It was a little bitter sweet as the last time we were in Alta we were with my dad. I sure do miss him and he was really missed on Thanksgiving! I know he was with us in spirit! It is just so hard sometimes when you lose someone you love so much!! I truly am thankful for his life and the time God gave us together!

After dinner we headed to Reno to see my family and catch the tail end of their Thanksgiving dinner! They all celebrated at my cousin Gary's house! It was so fun to see both of our families!!! We spent a couple of days in Reno and did a little shopping and a football game (more to come in another post)

We hope that all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!!

Happy Holidays!

The DoLaTa's!

Going Private

Hello All!

I just wanted to let you know that as of December 1, 2010 I am going PRIVATE with our blog! If you read our blog and want to continue to read it please just email me kelly@asavvyevent.com and I will add you to the list! :)

Thanks!!

A Visit to New Mexico to see The Christians!

So a little over a week ago Kate and I got on an airplane and headed to New Mexico to surprise my niece Ashley for her birthday! We got there and the kids came home from school and Kate and I were sitting in the house! They were so shocked and so excited to see us! We had a really great visit even extended our trip a few days and then.......Kate and I both got really sick! :( We both had the flu and I had worse than Kate. My sister was a dream and took such great care of us! We had to extend our trip a few more days because both of us were too sick to fly home...but it was so nice to spend time together and see the kids! Ashley had a great 11th birthday! Here are a few photos of some of the things we got to do together when we weren't sick! :)
Lunch with Allison at her school! It was so fun to eat in the school cafeteria with Allison! I miss being in elementary school!! Kate loved seeing all the kids.
Buddy and Kate! They are the Best of Friends! Buddy loves her so much!!! He walks around saying "baby kate" " love her" too cute!!
This was Kate's first bath in the big tub and she HATED IT! That truly is an understatement! She screamed the entire time! Buddy was quite content and so wanted Kate to have fun but she wanted no part of it!
Can you believe my little girl??? She is climbing on everything!! She is just getting too big to quick! AYE AYE AYE!
Look at her she climbed up the stairs and is getting ready to go down the slide! WOW WEE...!

Another Recipe to Try!

Ok...so I have been blog searching, hopping, reading etc...today! Thank goodness I am not at home as my husband would probably go nuts! I use to read blogs ALL the time....and I haven't in so long and well I have had a hay day today seeing all the fun neat things out there! I have an idea I am working on and the blogosphere is great for getting ideas etc....anyway....stay tuned more to come on that...but as I was searching I came across two more recipes that I am going to have to try and thought I would share them with you all! :) As soon as I get home I am going to try these out! :) I can't wait!

CHEDDAR CHEESE SOUP

1 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup bell peppers, red & yellow, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup butter
1 cup flour, all-purpose
4 cups chicken broth
1 1/4 cups cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 cup half & half cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Optional toppings: peppers, sprig of basil

Saute the onion, peppers and celery in the butter until soft. Then stir in the flour until well blended. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Add the cheese and the wine, stirring until thoroughly blended. Cook over low heat until the cheese has melted and the soup has thickened. Add the cream and stir. Heat until very hot, but do not boil again. Yields: 8 to 10 servings

BUTTERMILK CORNBREAD STICKS

1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups buttermilk
2 cups white corn meal, self-rising
1 egg, beaten
3 tablespoons melted bacon fat or butter
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar

Dissolve the baking soda in the buttermilk. Add the corn meal, egg, butter, salt and sugar. Beat well. The secret to good corn bread is beating it well. Pour the mixture into a corn stick pan, sprayed with cooking spray and bake at 400 for about 15 to 20 minutes or until golden. Yummy served warm!

Found the recipe HERE

Day # 5 of Giving Thanks:

Today I am thankful for the life of my dad! I am thankful that he was my dad and that god gave him to us! I miss him every day but I cherish everyday I had with him and the good times we had he was a wonderful dad and an amazing Papa!!! I miss you dad!!!! Thank you for being my daddy-o (that is what I would call him)

A few more things I am thankful for, for my dad...I am thankful that he had so much passion for life and people. My dad was such a positive person and always offered great advice. My dad could walk into a room of strangers and know at least one person and usually walk out with a roomful of friends. My dad had a love for Boise State Football and I am thankful that he was able to go and see the games with his friend Ron. No matter what circumstance that was thrown his way medically or physically nothing came in the way of Boise Game or Boise Bowl Game.

My dad truly loved his grandchildren and even though he didn't get to see them all the time they brought so much joy to his life and his face would just beam with love and happiness when he would see them! I am just so thankful that I had the time that I had even if it was cut too short in my opinion! I love you dad today I give thanks for you and your life! I can't wait till we meet again!

Day #4 of Giving Thanks

Today is day #4 of Giving Thanks....
Today I am thankful that even though one of my biggest fears is to fly I still travel and go places. I am thankful that I don't let this fear stop me. I don't plan as many trips as I would like but I try to go at least 2 times a year on a plane. I know for some that is not a lot and for others that might be too many! I so wish that I could over come this fear but so far I have not been able to do that! Maybe that is something to work on for 2011. But just for now I am thankful that even though I am fearful to fly today I am getting on a plane with my daughter for the first time the two of us together without daddy and going to visit my sister for a week! UP UP and AWAY......

I Had to Share

So I just saw this on a blog......

SWEET & SPICY Mac n Cheese....

Well if you know me you know I love Mac n Cheese and I love all things sweet and spicy! So when it was combined with mac n cheese I thought YUM... so I googled it and found this recipe on Deschutes Brewery Website! I hope I can try it soon!!!

Recipes


Sweet and Spicy Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
4c. Penne Pasta
2 Cups Tillamook white cheddar, Grated
½ c. Bread crumbs
4 c Heavy Cream
¼ c. Sweet chili sauce
2 Tbl Siracha

Mac Sauce

In a heavy Bottomed stock pot reduce the cream by half. Add the Sweet chili sauce and Siracha and mix thoroughly.

Mac and Cheese

Cook Penne until al dente. In a casserole dish mix penne, cheese and Mac Sauce. Sprinkle top with bread crumbs and bake uncovered in a 350º oven until browned, about 20 min.

Serves 4

Giving Thanks Day #3

Day # 3 of Giving Thanks!
Today I give thanks for my mom because without her I don't know where I would be? She has guided me through life been there for the good times and the bad times and even though we don't always agree most of the time and I say MOST she is usually right!She is the most amazing Nana ever and she is always putting others first. She is always there when I need her and her love is unconditional. I love you mom! Thank you for you and being the best mom a girl could ask for! XO

p.s. I update these on Facebook too but I don't have as much space so I try to expand them just a little bit more on here! :)

Giving Thanks Day #2

Today I am thankful for my beautiful daughter! I don't know what I would do without her and she brings such joy to my life! I count my blessings every day for her! Thank you God for giving her to me I love being her mom!!

p.s. One of Kate's favorite things to do is go to the park and feed the ducks and swing!! She loves it so much and just giggles the moment she sees the park! It truly is the cutest thing!

Giving Thanks~

Since Thanksgiving is in November I thought it would be appropriate to give thanks each day of the month for something in my life! I feel that so many times in life we focus on the bad, the negative and not the positive. I feel that if I can give thanks for one thing each day this month it will help keep a positive mind set and help us all really appreciate what we have in life!

I hope you will join me in giving thanks for the things you are thankful for in your life!

XO

Kelly~

Day # 1

Today I am thankful for my wonderful husband because without him I would have not gotten through this past weekend. I love you! For those of you that don't know I injured my back and my daughter was really sick and I couldn't get out of bed for the last 3 days! Nick was amazing through the entire weekend and helped me so much! Thank you my love! XO

Halloween 2010~ Kate's First

So I tried to narrow down all the photos from Kate's First Halloween and there are still a lot but she had a good time for being sick! Kate had her first illness this weekend (murphy's law) and she was feeling better for about 45 minutes of pretend TRICK or TREATING! There is a cute picture of her playing with a candy bar but we didn't let her try it! Maybe next year!!!

Hope you all had a SPOOKTACULAR Halloween!