Presently

The Nelson's have been back on the East Coast for two weeks now. We jumped back into reality and boy has it been fun, exciting, stressful, and crazy all at the same time. Here is what I am loving presently!

1. Succulents! Maybe its the desert-like heat in Charleston, the lack of water or the West Coast moving in, but I am in love with succulents. We even made our own garden. Maybe I will keep these alive. 

2. Reading. Jeffrey and I have been traveling a TON. We have been back and forth to Georgia, Virginia, and everywhere in between. Needless to say we have spent a million hours in the car and half a million of those are me with a kindle in my hand. Currently reading: An Ember in the Ashes and currently loving it! 

3. FALL!!!!! I saw a pumpkin at Hobby Lobby this weekend and got so excited about cold weather, leaves, boots, and sweaters! Lets not discuss the fact that it is only August. There are pumpkins out which means Fall is HERE.... almost! These boots are on my Fall "wish list"! 

4. Teaching. I moved into my new classroom and have met all of my co-workers! I am enjoying teaching again SO much! I love my students, parents, co-workers, and school! Basically I LOVE MY JOB!!!!

5. Listening to Silento's Watch Me on repeat. I first heard this song in San Francisco, so it holds a special place in my heart in addition to a groovy beat in my head. I can't help but get up and "white-girl" dance! 

I hope you're enjoying the last few days of summer. Lets all whip and nae nae into Fall with pumpkin lattes in our hands! 

Remember to refresh yourself,

Kelsey 

Lessons!

After our amazing vacation, I began reflecting on myself and who I am as a person. I have changed A LOT in the past year. Here are a few things I have learned:

1. I LOVE THE CITY! I am all about walking everywhere, taking the tram, and having buildings full of new places at your disposal. I love people watching and seeing the hustle and bustle. I even love being a part of the busy, always moving city life. Being in the city allows me to release energy which you all know I have. If you don't know me, well... I have SO MUCH ENERGY!!! My nickname was/is the energizer bunny, so the city is perfect for me!

2. I really like red wine. I was one of those that could barely finish a glass of red wine in five hours. Now, I have refined my pallet and I love red wine. The more bitter, the better. On our trip we were taught how to taste and drink wine properly. I feel so fancy now. Like I have been admitted into a secret wine club!

3. I cannot spell. This is not new to me at all. The realization is that I don't care. I am all about correct grammar and speaking well, but spelling isn't a huge pet-peeve... because I can't do it! I mean we have spell check, right!?!? Anyways, I have to embrace the fact that I cannot spell, it is who I am. Take it or leave it! Just know, when you read my blog you will find spelling errors. At least I am real. Can I get an AMEN!!!! Hey, have fun with my blog... see if you can find the spelling errors in each one (I bet there will be some driving you crazy) meanwhile the author embraces her faults.

4. I don't care what other people think of me (see #3). I have struggled with this for a LONG time. I used to care WAY to much about what others thought about me. Recently I have had the apiphony, who cares!!!!! I am Kelsey Marie Ross-Nelson. I am a 28 year old God-fearing woman who teaches elementary school who loves hiking, shopping, reading, and the city. I am who I am and if you don't like me then don't waste my time. Life is way, way to short. What a freeing feeling!!!

5. I am actually very easy-going. Remember that whole I have a lot of energy thing? Well, people mistake that for being high-strung (which I can be when I am stressed, we all can), but in actuality I am very easy going. I love just going with the flow. I have learned that I am in my element when someone else makes a decision.

6. I love people! I will be your best friend instantly from the second we meet. I love talking to anyone and if you give me the time of day, we will become besties! I am "real" and I wear my heart on my sleeve. I will tell you anything and trust you instantly. If you break that trust, I am o-u-t, out! I am so easy-going that you almost have to be "the-devil-himself" for me to "not like you". Basically, if you make me mad or if I would rather not talk to you, you're probably a horrible person (haha just joking...kind of). The point is, talking to people makes me happy and I love everything people have to say. I have learned that their experiences open my eyes and teach me valuable lessons!

7. I like taking pictures. I got this from my wonderful mom! I used to roll my eyes every time she held up a camera and said, "you'll thank me later". So, thanks mom, you rock! All of those pictures were so worth the eye rolls! You can tell how much I love taking pictures after reading this blog. 

8. I am a foodie! I don't eat gluten at all. I also try to stay away from all processed foods. Yes, I buy my meats grass-fed only, my fruits and vegetables are all organic, and my cheese is in a block from Whole Foods.

9. I love being outdoors. Hiking and sight seeing are my favorite things to do. I would rather be outside having adventures any day.

10. Coffee is my favorite drink. I cannot function without my morning coffee. On some days, I will drink two-three mugs. Yes, I know I have an addition. Another fun fact is, I drink my coffee black. Now that you know this you may greet me with a black bold blend anytime!

There you have it, ten new, fun-facts about me! What has changed about you in the last year?

Remember to refresh yourself,
Kelsey

WHEN YOU HAVE 600 PLUS PICTURES!

Jeffrey and I just had the pleasure of vacationing out west! Let me tell you, the west coast is really the "right coast"! They know how to do it out there. The scenery was breathtaking. It was so breathtaking, we took over 600 pictures! Now that our trip is over... insert a crying, so sad Kelsey here, we have a ton of pictures to sort through for our photo book.

You see, for every vacation we go on I like to make a Snapfish photo book. 

Reasons: 

1. They are wonderful books that hold tons of memories 

2. I cannot scrapbook (ain't nobody got time for 'dat) 

3. They remind me of how blessed we are to travel to different places

So, here I am making our San Francisco photo book complete with 600 photos! How does one sort through so many amazing, wonderful, important photos? Each one holds a special place in my heart, how do I choose?

1. Drink a lot of coffee, I am now on my third cup! Coffee keeps your energy up while you stare mindlessly into the computer screen.

2. Upload all 600 photos into Snapfish because they are all important! Then find a good season on Netflix because said 600 photos will take two-plus hours to load. 

3. Try to pick the most flattering pictures of each person at each location. 

4. Pick your top five absolute favorites from each location. Use all five!

5. Order your photo book in chronological order so when you look through your book it is like your on vacation all over again.

6. Know that you do not have to use every photo. It is ok, really it is.

7. Marvel at your new book, empty coffee mug, and watched Netflix episodes. You did it and it is oh so good!

If you have a chance to visit San Francisco I highly recommend it! My next 100 blog posts might be all about our amazing trip! 

Do you make photo books after your vacations? If so, what website do you use and how do you filter photos?

Remember to refresh yourself,

Kelsey 

5 Years of Marital Bliss

Things I have learned in 5 years of marriage

Marriage is a beautiful devotion between two people before God! Marriage is forever and in most cases only happens once. This one day will forever be ingrained into ones memory. I have no idea what my flowers looked like, I can’t remember the cake or what food we served. What I do remember is seeing the man of my dreams look at me for the first time with tears in his eyes. I remember being so nervous I slipped away from everyone for some quiet time with God. I remember praying for my future marriage and husband and feeling an over whelming happiness. I remember laughing as my father, my first love, walked me down the aisle. The feeling of my dad’s since of pride that his only daughter was getting married. I would not trade these precious moments for anything. They mean more to me than any photograph or gift.

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As I awoke today on our five-year anniversary a since of joy and pride swept over me. Five years, half a decade! I cannot wait to spend one-hundred more half-decades with this man! As I looked over to a sleeping Jeffrey I remembered our five-years of marriage. To most five-years is simple and young (and yes, that is true), but to me our five-years of marriage are full and complex. We have grown so much as a couple before God and as a husband and wife individually before God.

I cannot speak for my husband of five-years, but I can speak for myself. Here is what I have learned:

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• Never use the “D-word”. This is a nasty, not so nice word that holds empty threats and is just plain mean. I made this mistake once and I promise I will never, ever, ever use it again. We are all human and I slipped one day and used the ugly “D-word”. It was like word vomit. I hated myself for it and to make it worse, I really hurt the man I love and would never “D-word” him. So why say it if you don’t mean it.

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• There will be good times and there will be bad times, but through it all you have your best friend. When you say your vows, “for better or for worse”, they are real! Jeffrey and I have been through a lot! We have moved from GA-FL-NC-SC (and who knows where else). Basically, we have moved a lot. We have loved some places and hated others. We have made amazing decisions and some not so good ones. We have struggled and cried as well as flourished and laughed. Through it all we have done it together, side by side. Jeffrey is my partner in crime, my best friend. He is the one thing that no matter where we go or what we do, he will always be there.

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• Always “date” one another. Although we have been married, we always make time to each other without friends or distractions like TV or computers. We go on dates. We will go hiking, hit the beach, or go out to dinner. We make time to see each other and enjoy their company.

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• Listen to each other. I am guilty of not stopping from my busy life to simply listen. I am not talking about listening to their story about what happened in the news, I am talking about really listening and hearing what they feel and think about your current situation. In life there are a TON of BIG, HUGE, LIFE-CHANGING decisions you will have to make. These are the times that you should sit and listen! Jeffrey and I have made a lot of decisions together (some great, some not so great) through it all, we listened to one another and guess what? It all worked out. Although we stressed and cried (A LOT) God was at work. Jeff and I talked and strategized and planned as a team and it worked! Always listen.

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• God is number one in any marriage. Although Jeffrey is my better half, I do not idolize or worship him. Jeffrey is my partner, my equal. We are an amazing team of people under God our King. God is always first in our marriage and we always look to him for trust and answers. We seek God and ask him for abundant blessings. Jeffrey and I never looked to each other as idols. Jeffrey is not my King and I am not his Queen (this makes me laugh just typing it). Always keep your spouse as your equal. Remember they are human and will make mistakes and that is ok, love them for it!

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Five great lessons out of five amazing years! I am not even going to pretend like I have it all figured out because I don't. We still have a lot to learn and a lot more growing to do and I cannot wait! Thank you Jeffrey for helping me turn into the woman I am today. I can’t image doing life with anyone else. No matter where life takes us I know I have you as my partner in crime. 

Happy Anniversary!!!! 

-Kelsey 

Very Merry Un-Birthday

​Since it is July, it is 6-months from my 29th Birthday. Where is the time going? Since I am exactly 28 and a half, what a perfect time for a 30 before 30 update! I think I am doing pretty good so far.

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1. Travel to Ireland- We’re buying tickets for 9/2016!!!!!
2. Sell our house in SC and FL- We still need A LOT of prayer, but we are so close! AMEN!!!!
3. Do something spontaneous and on a whim!
4. Pay off all student loans
5. Perform in a local theater- (I will be auditioning for Mary Poppins in the Spring-wish me luck!)
6. Save a great amount of money for emergencies
7. Travel to the West Coast- San Francisco 6/2015
8. Be a mom
9. Run a 10K
10. Dance in the kitchen often –We have been killing it!
11. Laugh every day and find joy in everything and everyone I meet (stop being negative)- new look at life
12. Sing! Sing as though no one hears or cares... I already do this, but I could do it more! 
13. Have a candle-lit dinner on the beach
14. Go sailing – 2/2015
15. Eat something new
16. Take dance lessons with Jeffrey
17. Grow my relationship with God- Jesus Calling is a great daily devotional!
18. Go on a Mission Trip
19. Pay for someone's dinner to pay it forward
20. Visit New Orleans
21. Workout more
22. Find a hobby that makes me happy and do it more!
23. Kiss in the rain (again)
24. Get a tattoo! (eeek) 2 arrows on my ribs on 5/2015
25. Give up eating out and shopping for 30-days 
26. See Georgia Tech play at a new stadium.
27. Take photography classes -Taking classes 6/2015
28. Visit the Biltmore at Christmas
29. See a Musical on Broadway with Jeffrey
30. Write a children’s book

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 Remember to refresh yourself,

Kelsey 

When your parents visit!

When you live states away from your family finding time to see everyone is hard. I was blessed enough to spend one glorious month with my family in Georgia! There is nothing like being in the home you grew up in and having your mom and dad's homemade cooking and care. Basically, it is heaven!

There is something special about going home, but having your parents come to your home is even better. I loved being able to play the host for parents who always host me. They have (and still) taken care of me my entire life, I enjoy giving back to them what and when I can. I enjoy cooking for them and being the host for two amazing people I call my parents.

I also enjoy showing my parents the life I have created so far. Look mom and dad, I made it. I can take care of myself (kinda). You did a great job a parenting! It is like I am back in Elementary school showing my parents all the hard-work I did. I want to show them around where I live and yes, show them all the hard-work Jeffrey and I have done to get here. 

I look-up to my parents and love showing them our accomplishments, asking advice for our future, and just enjoying their company. While they were here we laughed, talked about future plans, and lost 4-million gallons of sweat outside. Needless to say we had a blast. I love my parents dearly and I am so blessed to spend this much time with them! Thanks mom and dad!

 I guess what they say is true, you marry a man like your father!

Here are a few images from our trip!

Go tell your parents how much they mean to you and thank them for helping raise you into the person you are today. We do not do this enough. Thanks mom and dad for working so hard to raise me, I know it wasn't easy!

Remember to refresh yourself,

Kelsey

Chopped- Nelson Style!

We had a Chopped Challenge night in the Nelson household last night! Complete with blood, sweat, and tears! I'm totally kidding there was actually none of that. Jeffrey took the challenge like a champ! He had no idea what was in the bags. I went grocery shopping that day and hide his secret ingredients in these stylish Whole Foods bags! 

Here are the ingredients for the Main Course challenge:

1. chips

2. cauliflower

3. Alaskan salmon

4. unsweetened coconut milk

The judges are very skeptical about how this is going to turn out...

AND... drum roll please!

Here it is, the finished product. The chef informed me that he made a cauliflower vegetable medley in a coconut milk curry sauce with a chip and curry crusted salmon. The verdict? IT WAS AMAZING!!!!!!! 

On to the dessert round! 

Dessert:

1. coke

2. gluten-free raisin bread

3. nutella

4. apple-wood smoked bacon

And here you have a raisin bread french toast with a peach compote complete with a coke and nutella sauce and bacon garnish. 

The verdict? It was interesting. Lets just say we did finish it. I was so impressed with the creativity Chef Nelson had! It was so cool to see him at work. Will we do this again? ABSOLUTELY! 

Remember to refresh yourself,

Kelsey