Tis the Season

Well, now that it is officially December, I can post some pictures that are full of holiday spirit!  (even though I have been listening to Christmas music since before Thanksgiving)  This Tuesday Kasey and I set up our tree!  It looks beautiful and it was so much fun to open ornaments that we have bought eachother over the past 3 years.  Each one has a little story and brought a smile to our faces.  Kasey also put up our Christmas lights on our house.  They look awesome!  Today, December 5th, Kasey and I celebrate 3 years of being a couple!  I figure we are still allowed to celebrate dating anniversaries!  =)  We are going to Disneyland tomorrow rain or shine to celebrate!  Other than that, the semester is winding down, I have one more paper to write and a BIG Psychotherapy Conference to attend next weekend, then I'm done for the year!!  We wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Our family

Our gingerbread home.

the tree!

"6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn" (Luke 2:6-7).

"8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night... 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people" (Luke 2:8,10).

"And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger" (Luke 2:12).

"6 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince Of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

R.O.X.Y.

Meet Roxy.  She is a new member of our family.  We have been looking for a dog for about a month and just fell in love with her.  She was found a stray in Compton and put in a high kill pound.  She was going to be killed last Sunday, but the shelter "Love 4 Canines" boarded her in a shelter because they thought she was a cattle dog.  After being boarded for a few weeks in Rancho Palos Verdes we went to visit her.  Kasey and I fell in love with her floppy and excitable demeanor.  She is about 1 year old and still a puppy. She is a gentle giant and is still figuring out how big she really is.  She LOVES the dog park and going on walks! We just love her and cannot wait to take her to the desert and dog beach. She is looking forward to meeting you all!

Kasey and Roxy. (his second favorite female)

  Here is how Roxy sleeps...on her back, spread eagle.

Mama and Roxy.

Roxy Keller

Praise God for Doctors

So just wanted to praise God for how he puts people in my life to make me more usable to further His kingdom.  Many of you know how I hurt my neck a couple of weeks ago.  I visited our new doctor and he  told me that I wasn't experiencing migraines, (thank goodness) but rather, I was having tension headaches due to EXTREMELY tight muscles in my shoulders and neck.  He prescribed me medication that relaxed my muscles in my neck.  He also asked me to put heat on my neck and stretch my shoulders and neck three times a day.  AMAZINGLY... I only had to take the medicine for three days and I felt 100% better.  Even more of a blessing is that I have not experienced ANY anxiety or any of the symptoms of anxiety since I have been stretching my neck.  So far I feel great, and I am continuing to pray for a life free from anxious thoughts and feelings!

God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. I'm an open book to you

even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking. 

   You know when I leave and when I get back; 

      I'm never out of your sight. 

   You know everything I'm going to say 

      before I start the first sentence. 

   I look behind me and you're there, 

      then up ahead and you're there, too— 

      your reassuring presence, coming and going. 

   This is too much, too wonderful— 

      I can't take it all in! 

Something I need to live by...

Ephesians 4:26-32  NIV

In your anger do not sin.  Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold...Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit who listen...Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving eachother, just as Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4:26-32  The Message 

Go ahead and be angry.  You do well to be angry--but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge.  And don’t stay angry.  Don’t go to bed angry.  Don’t give the Devil that kind of control in you life.  Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth.  Say only what helps, each word is a gift.  Make a clean break with all cutting, backstabbing, and profanities. Be gentle with one another, sensitive.  Forgive one another, as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.  

I love the differences in the translations. I love what it tells me. I love that I can hurt and not have to be angry.  I need to remember that each word is a gift. I need to be compassionate and forgive others. Why?          Because God said so.

Jesus Would Have Rode a Harley

Here are some pictures of our exciting weekend with Todd and Julie. We rode Harleys from Folsom to Reno to Virginia City to Tahoe and back!

Street Vibrations, Reno

They had tons of Biker stuff for sale at booths.

I ate a foot long corn dog; fair style.

There were 100 tattoo stations.

We made it out un-inked.

.King of the Road.

Riding through Nevada.

Todd and Julie.

Good pack Leaders.
* happy couple *

Harley Freestyle competition; kinda cool.

VERY HOT.

We couldn't hear very well after a long ride, but thank goodness we got earplugs!

Lake Tahoe: So Beautiful!

We ate dinner at Harrahs "Fridays" Restaurant. So yum!

GREAT WEEKEND.

Beginnings

October is the start to yet another journey in my life. Plato said “The beginning is the most important part of the work.” Right now, I am in the process of applying for intern positions at Clinical Psychology agencies in my area. There are five that I am interested in. I have my resumes and cover letters ready. I ask that your prayers be with my applications as they meet the supervisors at the agencies. Pray that the agencies can see the talents and blessings God has given me, so that I can help promote positive change in the lives of others. Pray that as I interview at these places I would be confident and wise. Pray that I would be placed at an agency that fits my personal style. Pray that God uses me in an awesome way. This is an important time in my life; the REAL start of gaining experience for my career.

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3

Group Therapy

Oh those Israelis are too funny! I love this video. It made my day.

Backpacking in Jennie Lakes

The girls: Jenny, Megan, Lisa, Tricia, Delaney (the dog). It was Jenny and Lisa's first time backpacking, and they were troopers!

The group resting halfway up "Pooped out Pass" for some lunch.

Our awesome campsite... Right on the edge of the lake, fire place, flat rock table, three perfect spots for tents, and tons of bathroom worthy trees and caves.

Kasey and I on the second day... just relaxing.

After our little walk to the other side of the lake we decided to get some group shots.

Our camp is in the background on the other side of the lake.

It was perfect weather. We couldn't have asked for a better weekend!

.Old Town Orange Street Fair.

Labor Day weekend in Old Town Orange

Hot Hot Heat

This past weekend our friends from Folsom came down for a visit. We rode bikes around Balboa and Newport, until the heat got so intense we all wanted to jump in any body of water near to us. In reality, jumping in water would not have rectified the situation because there was literally 98.9% humidity that day, on top of 99 degree heat. Regardless, we enjoyed a little exercise, LOTs of Mexican food, and a hootenanny later that afternoon, all the while sweating profusely. Kasey won the salsa making contest (not to brag). It is so good to reconnect with friends from far away. We MUST do this again sometime!

Our friends; Todd and Julie

cheese.

*people watching*

.newport pier.

Huey

Introducing a new addition to our family...

he's pretty cute.

Twenty Percent Chance eh?

This past weekend, Kasey and I decided it would be a good idea to leave the real world and go backpacking for the weekend with our dear friends Scott and Tricia Matsuda. Our destination... San Gregornio Summit. Being August, we figured we should pack "ultra-light" to make it easy on ourselves. We stripped the tent of the rain fly, decided to wear cross trainers instead of hiking boots, skimped on food, and created a strong rationale that a fleece was all that would be needed on a hot summer night of backpacking. Our packs weighed in at a record breaking 20 and 25 pounds with water... (super light). Us in our shorts, t shirts and running shoes set off on our adventure.

The hike on Friday was beautiful. Six long miles later, we were sweaty and excited to sit at the high camp overlooking Redlands. It was such a beautiful sight... truly a multi-million dollar view. Its amazing how you can so effectively separate yourself from the comforts of home but still be reminded of how beautiful things are. We can look at something from a distance and more tangibly appreciate it than when we are so close we can touch it.

After a wonderful mexican rice and beef meal, we ate a Pop-tart for dessert. Jasmine green tea warmed our bodies to a comfortable temperature.... 9 pm...it was time for bed. Snug in our down sleeping bags, we drifted off to sleep, only to be alarmingly woken by the 40mph winds pummeling the sides of our tents. Needless to say, sleep was not possible in the foreseeable future. It would be a long night. Hours pass, it is now 2 am....drip, drip, drip.... is that?.....no....it cant be... the weather man said only 20% chance of rain....

It rained for 6 hours. Must I remind you, we did not have rain flies. The result was wet packs, wet dripping tents, puddles under our sleeping pads, and soaked mummies. After waiting the rain out for about 6 hours... We packed up to head down the mountain, our hopes at summiting shot. Granted we were somewhat unprepared for the weather at hand, our lack of preparation provided and adventure that was enjoyable and worthy of a re-tell.

A day with my Godson Ryder

Today I got to spend a whole day with my cute little Godson Ryder. He is a precious little prince. We had alot of fun together, minus his teething pain =/ Poor babe. Here are some pictures of our day!

Happy dude

playing with toys

taking a nappy poo

he fell asleep in my arms =)

Just the two of us!

Hard Things

We made a difficult decision to give our little baby away. Bailey is a wonderful dog, and we are lucky enough to have awesome friends that love her and want to take care of her. We were able to give Bailey to the loving Matsuda home where she has another dog to play with and alot of people to give her the attention she needs. She is now receiving the same love we gave to her; just from a bigger family! =) I am extremely sad, but at the same time I know that we made the right decision and it is what is best for my baby. It's funny how doing the right thing is sometimes so very hard. Please pray for my grieving throughout these next couple weeks. Thank you!

In remembrance of the first puppy to truly steal my heart. She will always be a little part Duggleby and a little part Keller...

The Keller Estate

Kasey and I live in Old Town Orange, right near the circle in the Historical District. We love where we live, and most importantly, we love how safe it is. Anytime of the day I can leave the house and go for a run with Bailey, without even a worry. Better yet my wonderful husband has created and built the most amazing white picket fence around our little cinderblock house (with the help of friends and family). Also, GREAT NEWS!! We finally got grass!! This weekend we laid sod in our front yard and it looks incredible! Our house is coming together and looks like a perfect little cottage. We do have alot of random crickets, but hey...if that is the worst we have to deal with, we are okay with that! =) Here are some pictures of the house when we first got it. I will post updated pictures with the fence and grass later so that you can see how it was a work in progress.

Our house from the front, with the garage on the right.

The grass and tree we eventually tore out

A handsome man sealing the deal =)


The picket fence my awesome husband built for me!

Our newest addition! GRASS!!!

Honeymooners!

After the wedding, we went on our Honeymoon to Secrets Resort in Maroma Beach. This resort was INCREDIBLE. We loved every second of it and truly experienced pure relaxation, (which was much deserved). We were lucky enough to be upgraded to the Honeymoon Suite, and we were treated like royalty all week long. We returned from our vacation fully relaxed and ready to get back to the daily grind. Here are some pictures from our Honeymoon for you to enjoy...

Our Wedding

Kasey and I got married June 13, 2009. Here are some of the highlights of our wedding day!

When we first saw eachother

*happiness*

us

Our Wedding Party

"The Kiss"

Double Decker bus to transport the wedding party to the Reception

Mr. and Mrs. Keller

The rings

Our first dance to "I Can't Help Falling in Love With You"- Elvis

A toast to us.

.groovin.

Bon voyage a Cancun!