Telling Stories

Introducing {The Studio} Music, Theatre & Arts for Rockford, Illinois

Today, I am ridiculously excited and filled with every joyful adjective you can possibly imagine {and a little ball of nerves in the pit of my belly} to announce that we are officially business owners. 

I could blab on and on (I'm a writer, after all) but this video pretty much sums it up:

 

Though our website is in the making with many cool additions up and coming, we have some pretty exciting stuff hanging out at www.thestudiorockford.com {Classes...Camps...Art Workshops...} and we'd love for you to check it out! 

Most of all, we'd love to connect with YOU. 

Let's Celebrate!

We're spending a whole week giving away some of our very favorite prizes, both here on my blog and on our brand spankin'-new Facebook Page! 

Here's the deal. I've got both local and non-local giveaways that you can win in a number of ways. Someone might just win one for being a certain number "Liker" on our page. Someone might win for leaving a comment on this blog post. We're going to be doing drive-by contests & week-long contests so check back, like and share often! 

The first giveaway has a little something to do with this: 

Performing Arts Camp for ages 6-12.

You can read all about it on our placeholder website. And if you're local, we'd LOVE for you to sign your kids up! Because we can hardly wait to hear little tiny voices singing "Do You Wanna Build a Snowman", today we're going to give away a spot in Camp Frozen to ONE lucky Liker on our Facebook Page.

How do I enter?

Simply head over to Facebook. Like the Studio. Come back to this post & leave a comment to let us know you did and you're entered! {easy, right?} 

Maybe you, like me, would LOVE additional chances to win. I'm happy to oblige. 

1. Share this giveaway and/or The Studio Facebook page on YOUR Facebook Page, Tweet, Blog, Instagram or Pin this giveaway then come back here on this post and leave another comment for each one you do. That's FIVE additional chances to WIN!

But what if I don't live in Rockford? 

We're so glad you asked! We'd still love to have you keep up with The Studio {Especially since our dream doesn't end in our hometown...}

Follow the same rules but your prize will be a personalized original doodle art print, kind of like this one, only just for you:

AND one of these bad boys:

Our goal is to shout it from the rooftops, but we have a feeling we're going to get a little hoarse, so we need your help! (if you're up for it) 

We're so excited to spend the week telling you the rest of our story because we've got so much fun stuff planned and LOTS more to give away! 

We'll see you over on Facebook all week long. 

Oh, and thanks for dreaming big with us. 

2014: The Year of the Big Dream

Tomorrow is 1.14.14. 

So many things have led us to this point. To the point of reevaluating our purpose. To the point of standing on the precipice of that thing we've always talked about doing with the full intention of jumping straight in. 

You must know how this feels...to spend years discussing that "What if...?" dream, like horses waiting for the race to start, and to finally, finally hear the shotgun go off signaling that it's time. 

We're there. It's the start of something new. 

Something dream-worthy. 

Something terrifying, exciting, thrilling, nerve-wracking, prayer-filled and full of Jesus. {It's the only way for us to proceed, wholly surrendered and with the knowledge that HE is the dreammaker.}

I would say we've spent months preparing for this, but the truth is, i'ts been more like fifteen years. It's that thing we've always talked about, thought about, prayed about...then pushed aside, didn't have time for, couldn't see a way. 

And while I don't regret anything we've done up until this point, I can see how it just might have ALL been preparation for what's to come. It's tempting to wonder if God feels like maybe we're finally ready, and yet, I feel SO not ready sometimes, so certain there is much to be learned that I'm pretty sure that's not the case. 

And I'm good with that. I'm good being in the land-of-I-don't-know. I'm good having to wake up, hands and heart upward and ask for marching orders. I'm good not having all the answers. 

I'm safe in the palm of His hand. 

So...Tomorrow is our launch day. And while we're still in the early phases of this big dream, we are ready to celebrate...so that's just what we're going to do. 

A week of celebrating.

And since, you know, I'm kind of prude-like, that mostly means giving stuff away and spending several consecutive hours in yoga pants with the occasional nip from a ridiculously large mug of coffee. 

I'm such a party animal. 

The best part about all of this? We're doing it together. Me & Adam. Adam & Me. I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm hoping that through our new adventure those of you who don't know him might get a taste of his creativity & his heart for kids. It's something at which to marvel. 

So, mark your calendars for 1.14.14 and come back tomorrow for our big reveal, a whole lot of celebrating and your chance to WIN some very cool prizes... 

I promise we'll make it worth your while. :) 

Dream big, my friends...

 

Back to Blogging to share what's going on in Rockford, IL

It's been a long time, blog world.

People keep asking me if I've abandoned my blog. I don't know what to say. I guess I sort of did. 

I've been traveling on a road I'm still not quite ready to talk about, and to be honest, I felt that if I were to try and blog through it, it would be messy and not genuine. I don't have any interest in being the opposite of authentic. In my world, transparency matters. Truth matters. 

But sometimes we live in the clouds, covered with a hazy fog where transparency isn't an option. And that's where I've been. 

I'm starting to see them part though. I'm starting to feel hope return, the kind of hope that bubbles inside you like a geyser, just waiting for its chance to shoot out of the ground. The kind of hope that's been missing for several weeks now. 

So I'm clinging to it. I'm making myself a prisoner of it. I'm chaining myself to Hope and focusing on the good. What other choice do I have, really? 

In spite of the confusion that's been following me around for several weeks, I do feel God starting to make sense of things. Giving me courage that wasn't there before. Setting us up for something new and different. And while I prayed at the beginning of the year that we could avoid any more change for awhile, sometimes the answers to our prayers don't come in the way we want or expect. 

And I guess that takes a little getting used to. 

As for what I've been up to, mostly directing our musical, Grimm.

Adam and I wrote this one and we're directing it here in Rockford. it opens Friday and if you're local, you should come see it this or next weekend. The kids are absolutely incredible, and assuming the stars align and all things technical begin to work together in harmony, you are in for one fun show. 

It's funny, I've recently been reminded there always seem to be three constants in our life: God, Kids and the performing arts. 

Sometimes I think it helps to boil things down to what really matters. When you lose your focus, it's the only way things become clear again. These kids (and their parents) mean the world to us and theatre is just the connection point. Mostly I love to see them start to believe in themselves, to build that ever-fleeting self confidence that may just stay with them as they grow up.

Anyway. watching our show come to life like this, with these kids, in this moment...it's something I'll never forget. 

In spite of this madness, I'm still hoping to have art classes this month. I've just announced them...

I think you should come. :) You don't have to have any experience and it is a TON of fun. You'll leave with your very own artwork, created by YOU. 

I'm especially excited about Girl's Art Night Out this month because I've never done a huge canvas before, but this one is pretty big! 

Come play with paint! 

Urban Farmgirl {Rockford, IL} Open This Weekend!

Before we moved to Colorado, I discovered this local blogger called Urban Farmgirl. I didn't know much about interior design (I say that like I do now. I still don't.) but the blog was filled will pretty things I loved. 

I know what I like, I just don't always know how to put it together. But I liked the chippy white paint, the touches of gray and my very favorite color, turquoise. I was smitten. 

I *might* have even sent this girl an email telling her I was really bummed we were moving away because she lived so close all this time and I never knew her. Or maybe I dreamed that. 

Probably not though, I'm a total fan girl: 

Fast forward two years. We move back to Rockford and what do you know...I started to hear whisperings of this store that was going to open right here in town. And as soon as I heard the name, I remembered the awesome blog I'd discovered. And I knew I would love it. 

And I was so right. 

I've purchased lots of frames, the coolest red trunk, buntings for my art room. I'm head over heels for this store, and if you are local (or even within driving distance of Rockford, IL) you really should try to get your booty out here. 

PLUS. And I'm REALLY excited about this... this weekend, I've got lots of new artwork in the store:

They styled it SO cute. One of my favorite pieces (I almost didn't take it over to be sold) is this one: 

And I did a couple different versions of this one too:

My art room is totally trashed as a result, but I had so much fun making these. 

Mary, the store's owner, is a breath of fresh air for me. She's such a genuine person with a huge, ginormous heart. I adore her. And I find her talents so fascinating. I think because I don't have a knack for any of the stuff she does.

I'm so thankful to call her my friend. 

Yesterday when I was dropping off my artwork, I drooled over literally everything. The store changes every time it's open because she's hunting down great new pieces to bring in. I really, really feel like I'm missing out on the weekends I can't go. 

Plus, Mary is a Rockford fan. And I love that. Obviously we love our town or we wouldn't have moved back...and I feel like if you can celebrate the good {no matter where you live}, it becomes a happy, happy home. 

As if all of that wasn't enough...last week, I got to crash her party and meet one of my favorite bloggers ever, Layla Palmer from The Lettered Cottage, who is seriously just as sweet in person as you would think she is. 

{Me-Mary the beautiful-Layla the adorable}

She and her husband, Kevin, are brilliant, talented and inspiring...and completely and totally humble. I felt very thankful for the chance to meet them.

Plus, aren't they cute?

All that to say, head on down to Urban Farmgirl this weekend for your chance to score tons of gorgeous, one-of-a-kind items for your home...

You will be SO happy you did! 

 

Embracing Happiness {Or Waiting for the Other Shoe}

I've never considered myself a pessimist. Even when I learned that word back in grade school, I knew that was definitely not something I wanted to be. 

A Debbie Downer. 

A Negative Nelly. 

A Whiner. 

And yet...the other day, when Adam said to me, "It seems like you're kind of just waiting for something bad to happen..." I thought, "Oh, heck. I AM!" 

A few months ago, when I was angsty and worrying about whether or not to take the plunge into writing full time, I knew God was telling me something important. He's fairly straightforward with me. 

I think it's because I'm a little bit pig-headed. 

He said, "Courtney, I want to bless you, but you won't get out of my way." 

See, I was holding on to what I knew. I was clinging to comfort of a paycheck rather than having the faith that he could bless me in ways I'd yet to see...I thought I had it (and God) all figured out. 

So, I almost made myself sick with worry as I listed out pros and cons of leaving my job--a job I really liked--but one that, time-wise, made it nearly impossible for me to continue writing. I knew God had given me the go ahead...that "It'll be okay" had come to me loud and clear.

But I still doubted. I didn't doubt GOD, I doubted my ability to hear Him. So I put out fleeces. I drove Adam crazy with my lists and my worries and my "What if's..." 

And I kept shoving aside that feeling in my gut, the one that said "You know what you need to do." 

I was terrified. I don't embrace change very well, despite my track record in recent years. But our Colorado experience taught me that no matter what, God's got us in the palm of his hand. 

So finally, I did what He was telling me to do. I took a step. I'm not going to pretend I was some fearless warrior woman or even some impressive woman of God. 

I was terrified. What if I just single-handedly sunk our family? Nevermind that Adam had told me over and over that we were in this together. He knew this was what I needed, the same way I knew he needed to take the job that brought us back here. He had a list of ways to help supplement our income if we needed to...and most of them involved him working very long hours. 

We were in this together. So, I jumped. Hands over my eyes, no idea where I'd land. 

And you want to know something crazy? 

God caught me. 

A week later, I got some really cool news that I'm anxious to share...another week later, I started to see--really see--the blessing God had been storing up for us. It was like God was saying "I told you so." 

The thing is, the blessing came almost in segments, like, one right after the other...the kind that make you just stop and, well, freak out a little... the kind that allow you to know that He knew best all along...and as they came, blessing after blessing, I found myself waiting for the other shoe to drop.

I got a royalty check...that must mean we're going to have to pay HUGE on our taxes this year. 

But we had our taxes done...and we're getting a refund.

Some great things happened for Adam at work...but I started having nightmares about missiles and being accused of attempting to kill my husband (Seriously?)...so there must be something really bad coming our way.

"I feel like you're just waiting for something bad to happen." 

The words kind of hit me sideways like a bus that rounds a corner and slams straight into your car. What makes happiness so elusive? Why is it so hard to rest in the good? 

I don't have the answers, but I know that I have to try to allow myself to embrace the happy. I sometimes catch myself in the car, smiling for no reason, just thankful to be in a place I love with people I feel invested in, and as soon as I notice it, it's like  that "It can't last forever" thought dashes the happy away...

And maybe it can't last forever. But it's here for today. 

In the present, happiness is waiting...so I'm choosing to embrace it. 

Tell me, do you live cautiously, waiting for the other shoe? Or do you live fearless, ready to accept the blessings God so generously wants to give you? 

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When the Flood Waters Came...

When the Flood Waters Came...

Perhaps you remember, not long after we moved in to this house, I wrote this post about why a man needs a man cave.  Part of the reason we loved this house so much was that Adam finally got an actual recording studio of his own. 

It was on our wish list, very high up, because writing musicals requires that he has a space to really work. And the first floor is tricky given the little people who live with us. 

Wednesday night, Adam went down to work and seconds later, called me to his office. I could tell by the tone of his voice something was wrong...and I just knew it was the water. It had been raining for days and days, but Wednesday was the worst of it. 

Adam's floor now felt like a water bed and the water had seeped through to the storage room. 

Worse, I was having a major stomach issue Wednesday night so I was almost completely worthless. I woke up the next morning to discover my husband had been sweeping and sucking and wringing out water all night long. 

It had reached through the storage room all the way to my office. 

And really, there was no stopping it. His floor had started to buckle and now mine was doing the same.

Neither of us has ever felt so helpless in our lives. 

But something happened to us in that moment. We got the kids off to school, rolled up our sleeves, ate a couple of these:

And went to work. It was like we were doing battle with this water. We joined half the town at Home Depot where we bought an auxiliary pump, a squeegee mop, garbage bins and toilet paper (just because we were out, not because it helped with the water.) 

We stood outside in the rain marveling at the water that just kept coming, it was seeping up everywhere. 

If ever there would've been a time to justify a pair of cute wellies, now was it...

Our pond flooded:

Our yard kept producing disgusting creatures that made me shudder:

And our sump pump, which appeared to be slow on the draw, deposited all the water right back into the same spot...right next to our house. 

(Let me just commend the genius who decided that was a good idea.) 

We stayed pragmatic. Even when we tore out the floor we'd picked out and put down ourselves only a few short months ago. 

Even when we took a hammer and started destroying the walls we'd carefully painted in the color Adam chose.

And as we did each of these things, the water just kept coming...

Buckets and buckets and buckets full.

Until finally, Adam took the shop vac (best Christmas present I ever bought him) outside and sucked all the water away from the house. 

That was finally when we started to see some progress. When the wall stopped wailing and I started to think maybe...just maybe we would sleep that night. 

The room was a very sad state.

Boxes and boxes in our storage room were ruined...we haven't even had the heart to look through them yet. Most of them contained scrapbooking related things. 

All day Thursday, I felt like I had such a great attitude about this whole thing. I mean, there we were, watching as our home was invaded by this force we had absolutely no control over...

And we just kept pushing forward. We slept hard on Thursday night and when I woke up on Friday, that's when it hit, the emotion of the situation. I knew we were SO LUCKY (not that I believe in luck.) I knew it could've been SO MUCH WORSE. I was thanking God our computers with all of our work were spared and as far as I can tell, so were most of our photos. 

We heard reports of people nearby with FEET (like, six) of water in their basement. And that would've been us had Adam not gone downstairs to work on Wednesday night. 

I spent the day mostly depressed, feeling violated in some weird way...

And then yesterday, I found out from the insurance guy that we have to rip up the carpet in the art room. 

Yeah. The room I finished a few weeks ago. 

It's hard to focus on that silver lining, I guess...when all around me I see more and more work. (Do you know how hard it'll be to clear out MY office to put down a new floor?)  We have a son who is severely allergic to mold, a moist basement that reeks of this odd cat odor and lots and lots of work to do... 

Still, in spite of that, I feel thankful. We did battle and we came out on the other side a little worse for wear, but mostly okay. 

And knowing it really, really could've been so much worse. 

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Building a Real Life Presence

For Those Who Are Discouraged.

Building a Real Life Presence

I think I'm going through a new revelation as of late. 

I love how God reveals things to me...bits at a time. Especially things about myself, and lately, that's been happening a lot. I guess he's not finished working on me. (No surprise here.) 

I have a tendency to commit myself to things that I later wish I hadn't. I'll agree to do something and then the night before have near-panic attacks wondering WHY did I say I would do this? I struggle a bit with anxiety, I guess. 

Before rehearsals started for Hercules I had a pre-panic moment where I thought "What if this is one of those things? What if I regret doing this? What if I end up not being okay with giving up every weekened for the next eight weeks?" Two months of Friday nights and Saturdays is a lot, after all.

Don't you think it's funny how I panicked that I might panic? (I know. It's ridiculous.)

But a funny, awesome, amazing thing happened...I LOVED it. I mean, I didn't just like it a little bit. I LOVED it. There was never a rehearsal that I dreaded. Even the one Adam couldn't come to (and I'm aware that I sometimes use him as my crutch.) But it stretched me. And I LOVED it. 

For two years I blogged from Colorado about being agorophobic, about loving my yoga pants, about holing away in my house and preferring to be alone... and I did. And I think maybe I needed to. See, those years were about deprogramming, about re-learning who God really is, about reconnecting with my purpose. Those were quiet years in which I discovered that it really doesn't matter what people think. I'm here to serve ONE master. 

And He doesn't judge or criticize. He loves and loves and loves. 

Near the end of our time in Colorado, I realized I was ready to love that way. I was ready to encourage and uplift. I was healed enough to be able to look a child in the eyes and promise them God made them for a reason. 

And there's nothing quite like that. 

I've spent a couple of years working on an "online presence" only to realize that while I will continue to work on that for the sake of my writing career, nothing even comes close to a "real life presence." Nothing matches real faces and real hugs and real moments. 

I have a lot of thoughts tumbling around about those Colorado years...I'm SO thankful for them because they did so much good for us. There isn't a single doubt in my mind that for a number of reasons, we needed to be away. But my heart is so full with gratitude that God brought us back here, back to discover that we're meant to rejoin real life. 

Regardless of our old hurts or our trust issues. Regardless of the ways people have let us down. Regardless of the fact that yoga pants are actually the most comfortoable clothes on the planet. 

And I for one am thrilled to be among the land of the living again. 

****

In other news, today is the first day of another new adventure...my Beautiful Girl Art Workshop is this afternoon, and I can't wait to give you a recap later this week! (Email me if you want to be on my mailing list for future classes. I have limited space and the classes have sold out fairly quickly, but I've got lots more in the works!)

****

And finally...the Winner of Jerusalem Greer's A Homemade Year is Patti at Pandora's Box! Patti, email your address to me at courtneycrops {at} msn {dot} com and we'll get your prize shipped out! :) 

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Blessing Your Home {DIY Living Room Renovation in Progress}

Every time we've moved, there has been one thing that's kept me sane...adding touches of "me" to the space we live in. 

Making our house homey hasn't always been on the top of my priority list, but it's quickly moving there now. It's important, I think, to fill a home with things that mean something to your family. For me, that's meant dabbling in ways to bless our house and scratch that creative itch at the same time. 

You might remember our ugly living room. 

Gosh, I hated this room. The dark, dark walls and dark, dark carpet just made me cranky. So, for Christmas, I decided to get serious about re-doing this room. 

I was going to wait until it was "all finished" to blog about it, but considering we're on a spending freeze thanks to Dave Ramsey, I just don't want to wait that long. So, I'll share what we've done so far...

First, we painted the walls: 

Instantly, I liked the room better...but the hunter green carpet still needed to go. Thankfully, I have a birthday in December so guess what I asked for? 

Let me just say that this is NOT the floor I expected to get. I thought we'd go with a dark wood floor like we did in our Colorado house. I loved the way that looked, but for some reason, we fell in love with a hickory floor and it was a lot lighter than I had intended. 

As is customary in our home renovations, we put our kids to work: 

They actually had  blast cutting up the carpet and hauling it out. 

No, really. They did. 

Next, we put down the underlayment and went to work on the floor.

I won't tell you where we bought the floor (Lumber Liquidators) or that we ended up having to return a box and a half of defective product or that they charged us a restocking fee to return that box of defective product. Or that I don't think anyone should ever go to Lumber Liquidators that place if they can help it. 

On my birthday, we had the new floor installed...and I instantly fell in love. 

Eventually, we'll move this furniture out of here (though I don't know where we'll go with it because I know from the hole in the wall it does NOT fit in our lower level...) but for now, this is what we have. 

The white chairs were my grandma's. They have little pink flowers on them, but I kind of love them anyway. I covered them both with favorite blankets and they do me just fine. 

Of course, I'd love new tile and lighting around the fireplace and the mantle is always changing, but I'm loving pulling in the natural elements like my dad's handmade candle stick and my hand-painted sign. That stained wood with white and wicker and twine is just working for me. 

This was a sign I painted for my Home Blessings Class at Big Picture. This is a piece of maple my dad used to teach me to plane, sand and route...and I LOVE the way it turned out. 

I still need a rug, window treatments and artwork on the walls, but for now, I've settled in to the vast improvement and am so thankful we no longer call this room "The Green Room." 

Little by little, I'll make it a home...

Urban Farmgirl in Rockford, IL {Well worth the trip!}

This weekend was a really busy, really fun, really laid-back one for me. That's rare. The past several weekends, I've been working like mad to finish the rough draft of our upcoming musical, Grimm. I turned it in and I still have a HUGE to-do list, but I needed a mental break...

Lucky for me, I found one, courtesy of The Urban Farmgirl. 

I first discovered Mary's blog before we even moved to Colorado. In fact, I was really bummed because I found it just as we were leaving...and found myself thinking, "Such a cool person was right here all along and I didn't even know..." Funny the things you think when you're moving away. 

Anyway, I also noticed that we also share a lot of the same blog-friends,  so when I saw that Urban Farmgirl was about to be a real, live store, I got a little giddy. 

I showed the blog to my friend Beth, whose cottage inspired my Sweethaven novels. She's got a killer sense of design style so really I was just hoping some of it would rub off on me. (I'm still waiting for that to happen.)  

Anyway, for two weeks or so, we've had this weekend on our calendar, and Saturday we finally made our way down to the store to see it for ourselves.

It was perfectly swoony.  I absolutely would've dipped into the education account had this piece not already been sold:

(I would've put it in my dining room, which is NOT the room we're in the middle of redoing, but I would've because I'm excited at the idea that I have a dining room now...) But alas, it was spoken for.

There was SO much to drool over.

Like this...which, if I had a spot for, would've probably come home with me (though I'm pretty sure Adam would've given me the stink-eye if I spent our flooring money on anything other than flooring.)  

I'm not the kind of person who has great vision when it comes to my house. I usually have to see something before I really "get it" but this store has me excited to keep working on our house, making it homey because good grief I'm not moving again. 

She also had jewelry and little trinkets around the store that were just so unique.  I'm already clearing shelf space for when I go back on December 12th. 

Personally, I'm kicking myself for not buying this Coke crate: 

And I'm considering buying a few of these, making a little collection on a shelf in the living room: 

And I just want to point out the salvaged floors and the WALLS in the space... how awesome are they?!

More eye candy: 

My friend Beth took this beauty home (it's going to go in her cottage! Yay!) I've decided to call it "The Sweethaven Chest" but I think she's calling it "that dresser type thingy."

Either works. 

The MOST fun part was meeting Mary in person. She told my I looked familiar and I said "I have that kind of face." Then I told her we have some of the same bloggy friends and found out that she happened to be in Barnes and Noble when I was doing a book signing and posing for a photo with our mutual friend Shannan. 

It was one of those "small world" moments...but then I mentioned another friend, the fabulous Becky at Farmgirl Paints and discovered that Becky is now represented right here in Rockford!

Incidentally, I've decided to change my name to "Poser Farmgirl" just so I can fit in with these three legit "farmgirls!" :) 

How's that for awesomeness? {PS. Becky has such gorgeous cuffs in her shop. Check it out!}

It was SUCH a fun trip and it won't be my last...I'm already gathering people to join me for the next trip (December 12th or right around there)...I know a lot of people have a lot to say about Rockford, but I love it here, and I consider The Urban Farmgirl to be one of the best little gems in town! 

Come visit if you're in the area...it's WELL worth the trip!

Urban Farmgirl is located at 2202 Rural St. in Rockford, IL

DECEMBER 'OPEN' DATES: 
Dec 12th - 3-9
Dec 13th - 10-6
Dec 14th - 10-4
Dec 15th - 10-4

Follow her on Facebook for store updates!

The Big Idea Festival, Nesting & Another inappropriate story...

I guess I needed to take a little break? I went a lot of days in a row without blogging, and it felt strange, but necessary. Sometimes I think you just need to ponder. Or nest. And that's mostly what I've been doing. And no, I'm not pregnant. 

Just a new homeowner...on a mission. 

We spent the weekend chasing down our to-do list andI'm happy to say it's all coming along. Adam's recording studio is nearly finished (except for the shopping) and I've mentally moved on to the 'green room." 

This is what it looked like in the Realtor photos:

I really think they kind of pulled it off, but it's not working for me at all. In fact, I've taken to calling it the "Poo" room because honestly the color on the walls really reminds me of a baby's diaper.

A dirty one.

My mom is shaking her head. I can hear her now... "You really need to learn to censor yourself..." 

I'm currently in the indecisive "what color do I paint, my whole life depends on this decision" phase.

Which has led me to the "but I just did this, for the love of Pete. Why do I have to do it again!?" phase of self pity. 

Mostly I'm at war with the fun, vibrant, color-loving side of myself and the "it's time to grow up and choose neutrals" side of myself. Trouble is, I'm drawn to lots of different styles...so it's difficult to pick and choose and commit. 

I'm still gathering my thoughts on the subject (as if my decorating skills, or lack thereof, need to be psycho-analyzed?) 

Anyway. I'm also choosing winners for all kinds of goodies today (stay tuned!) But in the meantime, I wanted to tell you about this: 

I'm still kind of floored that I get to be a part of something so amazingly cool. Have you been over to Big Picture lately? There is SO much to learn and what a great place to do it! 

Click on the photo to read more about the Big Idea Festival! 

In short...this is a FREE 14-day festival filled with big ideas, big prizes, and big fun!

Grab a front-row seat; you won't want to miss the spectacle of the season. Seven of your favorite BPC instructors are teaming up with seven surprise instructors—who will be unveiled on opening night—to share their biggest big ideas with you.

While we can't guarantee that there will be elephants and acrobats, there will certainly be energy and excitement to spare. Register now for your chance to join in the hullabaloo and share your big ideas, too.

Check this out!

 

I'm still sort of shocked to see myself with these girls. They're fabulous in every way! You can come get big ideas from Ali Edwards, Cathy Zielske, Stacey Julian, May Flaum, Karen Grunberg, Amy Sorenson and myself. 

The festival is 14 days straight of  daily challenges and amazing giveaways...and did I mention this is FREE?! What? 

So no matter what kind of papercrafter you are, this is a GREAT opportunity to join in the fun! 

And as a side note...

Sam's been really into his muscles lately. The other day he lifted up his shirt to show me his 4-pack. At the risk of writing yet another inappropriate blog post, I have to tell you about our ride home from my parents' house last night. 

Adam likes to play car games. I won't tell you that I loathe them because I don't want everyone in my family to call me boring and because it keeps the kids occupied. 

And because every now and then, we get a little gem.

Yesterday, they were playing "Person, Place or Thing" (which is basically "20 Questions". Or in our case, "152 Questions.") 

So, Sophia has chosen a "Thing" and we're all guessing. 

Ethan: Can you buy it in a store?

Sophia: It depends on who you are. 

Me: Is it prescription medication? (No wonder I hate these games.) 

Sophia: Um. No. 

Adam: Is it man-made? 

Sophia: Yes: 

Sam: It's BOOBS!

Don't worry, after I wiped the tears of laughter off my face, I did reprimand him for being inappropriate. I'm sure it made a huge impact. 

Sometimes I feel sad that time goes fast...and other times I find it impossible to not be so thankful for this exact moment right here...because these moments are just so fun, and I am just so blessed. 

Hope you had a good weekend! 

Scrapbooking Studio Makeover {My Work Space}

A big part of the reason we bought the house we did was because it had everything on our wish list, including office spaces for both Adam and me. Because I work from home, this was non-negotiable and while I could've turned the upstairs dining room into an office like I did the last time we lived in Illinois, the truth is, I didn't want all the clutter in that front room. 

Let's face it, some of us don't put everything away when we're done with it. 

My lower level office is perfect for me...or at least, it would be...eventually. The previous owners LOVE earth tones, which I happen to really hate dislike, so you can imagine there wasn't a lot of creative juice flowing when I worked in this space: 

I've already recounted my previous office spaces, so I had a really good idea of what I wanted (and didn't want) moving forward with this room redo. 

I knew what color I wanted. I knew how to do it without spending hardly any money. I knew what to fill it with to make me feel inspired. And I do believe an inspiring space is a beautiful thing... especially when you spend the bulk of your day there. 

I put on my hot paint clothes and got to work. 

It took the whole family and a few weekends, but I'm mostly finished now...mostly. I still have some artwork to hang, along with a repainted memo board and a few other details...so these are my in process photos.

The other thing I had to keep in mind is that I not only need scrapbooking space, I need writing space... it's tricky to combine this much "stuff/clutter" with the clean slate look I need when I write...

Anyway. This is may main work space:

Those cubbies are meant to sit on the floor, but Adam used L-brackets and affixed them to the wall. Works like a charm. My only gripe is they aren't 12 inches wide or deep, so they don't work well for some scrapbooking product. 

Still, each drawer houses a product that needs to be hidden away. One has paint supplies, one has extra adhesives, one has stamps and ink, one has mailing supplies for my books etc. They are great for catching the little miscellaneous things.

I have two different sizes: 

That little decorative chair is from Pier One. I love it, but I feel like it's a little small. I've got a few boxes of mailing stuff that still needs to be put away there, and I'm currently working on a large canvas to go right above that chair.

If it turns out, I'll show you some day. 

If it doesn't, we'll never speak of it again. 

This is one of my favorite things...

Because I'm in the basement, I didn't want a heavy curtain. I made this ribbon valance as a project for a book I was working on, and rather than stash it away somewhere, Adam hung it here. I LOVE it! It's fun and colorful and light can still come through. 

On the other side of the room, I have the beginning of a "message center". The big white board is perfect for keeping me on task, and when I'm plotting a book, I'll use it to help me visualize a story's arc. 

I've been wanting one of these forever. 

You can see I still have artwork and stuff to find homes for...it's on the list!

Then right as you walk into the room, I've got my stand-up art table. Looking at this photo, I think I'm going to hang some fun art all around the shelves and just make an eclectic gallery wall of color... 

Underneath you can see my baskets. One is full of letter stickers (I'm addicted) and the other is full of chipboard (equally as addicted.) 

To the left of this table there's a closet with some great shelves, the breaker box and a big pipe right in the center. My plan is to find some really bright, fun curtains and hang those here rather than re-installing the boring old doors. 

We've since moved on to Adam's studio...which I can't WAIT to finish and show you...but I'm still plugging away on my space and will until it's completely finished... 

What about you, where do you work? 

Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {Inspired by Leslie Ashe & Wendy Sue Anderson}

Before I begin, I want to note that I'm giving away a copy of A Sweethaven Homecoming on my Author Page over on Facebook. Just in case you want to enter! :) 

Ok, enough of that!

The other night, Adam and I got to talking about how "off" things feel right now. This whole summer has basically been one stressful, crazy event after another, and I think because I've moved so many times I sort of forgot the very real trauma that's associated with that. 

In fact, moving is one of the most stressful events in a person's life (this is not me saying this, there's some statistic out there.) And I just don't think I gave myself enough time to get settled. 

People sometimes ask that question "Are you getting settled?"  The answer always pops in my head, "Not even close," as I smiled and say "Well, we're getting there..." 

But in the midst of the chaos, the thing that's struck me lately is that I want to do better. Mostly, as a mom. In the craziness...are they the ones getting shoved to the side? 

Sometimes you have to reasses your priorities. 

What helps is having friends with kids at different stages. My friend, the incredibly talented Leslie Ashe, created this amazing Sweethaven-inspired layout on the topic of motherhood...a theme that's heavy in all three books in the series...

I fell in LOVE with Leslie's layout from the second I saw it. I love the design, the texture, the way she captured this sentiment perfectly...

I love how scrapbooking helps us reflect on these moments...the heart stoppers and the every day. 

Go visit Leslie's blog for tons more inspiration AND she's doing a giveaway of A Sweethaven Homecoming, Step Up Your Supplies  (My e-book with Ella Publishing) AND this gorgeous collection of Echo Park goodies:

...which brings me to the third inspiration layout for the day...

I think it's interesting how the search for peace, that desire to slow down, seems to be inherent in all of us...whether we want time to slow and our kids to stop growing or we just want to get out of the rat race for a few hours (or days)...we can all relate. 

Wendy Sue Anderson (click hre name to visit her inspiring blog) created this Sweethaven-inspired layout:

...which makes me feel peaceful just looking at it. I love the whole idea of having a "spot" where you can go and feel that peace, find that calm...whether it's on a mountain, near a lake or out in the woods somewhere...

Or maybe it's a place in your house where you can curl up with a good book? The older I get the more I think peace is a state of mind...but it sure helps when your surroundings help you get there, doesn't it? 

My hope for you today is that you get a moment to stop and pause. To take in the peacefulness around you, even in the midst of chaos. To reevaluate priorities...because your to-do list will still be there tomorrow...but that child will be one day older. 

How will you love them today? 

A Sweethaven Homecoming, A present in the trees, A place of peace

Before I ramble in typical fashion, I have to say thank you to everyone who has shared about my latest book...

How can I really say thank you? I mean, word of mouth is the BEST way to get a book out there, I think, so if you've shared with anyone...thank you. thank you. thank you. I was really overwhelmed yesterday by the support you guys have shown me, and I really do hope you like returning to Sweethaven...

And don't forget, there is a great prize on the line:

Scroll down one post to enter.

I also realized I haven't said a peep about my upcoming book signings. You can see them on the Events page of my website HERE. They're August 11th and 18th both in Rockford, Illinois and I'm working on another something in Dixon as well. Because I'll always be a Dixon girl at heart. 

Speaking of Dixon...

A few weeks ago when we were staying with my mom and dad, my mom and I were sitting on the back porch chatting and getting a much needed break from the air conditioning. 

It was probably the hottest week of the summer the week we moved, but you can only sit in AC for so many hours a day. Their porch juts out into a sea of trees and their yard extends back and then down a hill, butting up to a corn field. 

Yesterday I asked where you go for peace. 

This is where I go. 

For me, Illinois, and more specifically, my parents' house, is a place of peace. Inside, outside, upside down...when I'm there...I can relax. 

That night, at dusk, we were chatting and I was facing the back yard when I saw something in the trees. Not like a chupacabra or something that would show up on Ghost Hunters...a real, live something...and it was indescribable. 

I literally gasped. My mom turned around and I said "I think I just saw an owl." 

I've never seen an owl. And the wing span on this bird was unbelievable. 

We stood there for a few minutes until we spotted him...perched proudly up on the branches, head turned ever so slightly as if he wanted us to admire him. 

Somehow I felt like a little kid watching him. He was bold, yet elusive, and it was almost like he knew it. He knew how beautiful he was. How rare. 

I admit, I am jealous that my dad is the one who took these photos...but I am the one who discovered this bird back there, living in their trees...and tonight, I hope to see him again. And this time, I'll have my zoom lens. 

We're heading down to my parents' house because my sister and her houligans are here from Georgia. This means I have happy campers...

They've been counting the days. And after a ridiculous drive of unmarked road closings and bridges out, we finally got to see them last night...

It was a good reunion. 

Lots of happy. 

And yogurt.

And realizing that the older girls aren't going to cooperate for photos for very much longer...

And rolling down the hill in spite of the dead grass.

What can we say, Illinois? You need water. 

Enjoy the last bits of summer...they are yours for the taking. Perhaps a good book and a chair in the shade would do your soul good? I happen to know of a new one...

Too much? :) 

It just flies by...or does it?

It's easy to look back over the last two months and feel like summer is just flying by. In a lot of ways, it is... but I think it always feels that way. Unless you sit around and watch TV all day. 

Which is something I only dream about. 

In retrospect, July was quite eventful...

We packed up our Colorado house (gosh that makes it sound so easy) and moved our weary selves across the country...

I drove a Penske truck from Colorado to Illinois... (I am a self-proclaimed Penske rock star.)

I found the words I needed to hear in one of the most stressful times of my life...

And clung to them like a bird on a wire. (Do birds cling to wires?) 

We rolled into Illinois and took in one of the most peaceful views. A soul-feeder to me...

I lamented about my ridiculously dark roots. (Who knew my hair is practically black now?)

And discovered my mom was driving around town with this on her back window:

I marveled at the fact that people actually buy this carpet (they do, the sales guy told me.)

And rejoiced when I found some REALLY good reading material at our local Chrsitian bookstore.

We moved into our new house, thanks to some VERY amazing people...

...and then realized we have a whole lot of work to do...

We put it off to play hoops with our kids. It turns out I'm still not good at sports. 

We said goodbye to my grandma's husband, Ab, a WW2 veteran...

...which made me realize how much I still miss my grandma. 

I discovered sugar free, dairy free, gluten free ice cream isn't so bad...

...and bought a pair of jeans the next size down. I won't be lounging in them anytime soon, but they fit. And they were on sale. (This is my surprised face...)

We started construction (ha) on my new office...which is almost finished and I am in LOVE with it:

And A Sweethaven Summer hit the NYTimes bestseller list. It also made it to #1 in Christian Fiction and Women's fiction on amazon, though I don't know how long it stayed there. I took a picture to remind myself. 

I opened a Facebook author page (which was hugely nerve-wracking.) If you want to join, I'm going to be doing more fun things there...

I traveled in to Chicago for CHA and met/re-met some beautiful friends...

I got to launch my very first E-book with Ella Publishing:

I sent my kids off to Spotlight Youth Theater summer camp and was wowed by their showcase Friday afternoon. Also wowed by Adam's mad photo bombing skills. 

This weekend, when my kids went outside to play, the masses of children descended upon our house...and they all found friends in our neighborhood.

And, perhaps one of the most exciting things of the summer...I am preparing to release my second novel on Wednesday...

To celebrate, I announced a big, fat giveaway...

Scroll down to enter! 

So, yeah, it feels like it went fast, but it's been a jam-packed summer. In the upcoming weeks, between book signings, the wedding of a very good friend, a visit from my sister & her family and back to school shopping, my goal is to take it all in. To plan a few FUN things (for the kids) and to relish every one of them. 

What about you? What are you doing with your last few, precious weeks of summer? 

Scrapbook Space Makeover {in progress}

So, we've lived in a lot of houses. And every time we moved, I have the task of redoing my office/scrapbook space and it's usually high up on the priority list. Working from home on a built-in desk, I don't have much choice. 

Everywhere we go, I tweak just a little bit...keeping in mind the functionality of my space. How does this room need to work for me? 

This is the first real space I had. In our first house, we finished a big room in the basement, but I never really got it together. This space, someone else put together for me:

It's still among the most amazing blessings of my life. I started working in the scrapbooking industry shortly after I received this gift from Cropper Hopper and Creating Keepsakes, and I'm convinced I never could've done any of it without their organizational expertise. 

Then, we moved. Here is a cleaned out version of my space in the next house. I didn't get time to paint, and frankly, at that point, I was terrified to put paint on the walls of a new house. This was the front room of the house, so as soon as you walked in, you saw it. And believe me, it was often a disaster. This is where I worked when I was a contributing editor for Memory Makers. 

I missed the color. A lot. But because the desk is built in, it would've been such a pain to move it out and paint. Plus, there was carpet. 

And then, we moved again. This time, to a rental house in Colorado where I worked at the kitchen table. It was always a mess and nearly impossible to stay organized. I know if it had been a long term arrangement, I could've made it work, but thankfully, it wasn't. 

We moved again. The basement office in our Colorado house was a priority because shortly after we moved, I started working for Webster's Pages. I decided it would be okay to use the leftover yellow paint from our kitchen. I thought I would love a bright, yellow space. 

For the most part it was fine, but I hated the yellow. The room was small, and honestly that didn't bother me...but the color really did. 

So, we moved again. (sigh) This time, we're back in Illinois and I have yet another basement office. I didn't want it to feel like a basement, and I knew from experience that color on the walls was important. 

So, yesterday, without much thought, I started the project. This is the space:

Obviously, these are "before" shots. Sleepy Miss woke up and stumbled down to my office. She said, "you already painted?" I was like "HUH?" This is GREEN. Not my color! 

Everything in our new house is earthy and masculine. Which is great if you're Bear Grylls. 

I am not. 

I put on my best painting clothes and started priming. 

Sophia helped. After about five minutes she said, "This isn't as fun as I remember." 

I said, "yeah, I said that every time I had a baby." 

Sam helped by narrating his Lego playtime right outside the door. 

It was a stream of consciousness kind of story. 

I also decided to paint the trim. Our lower level is the only area without white trim, and I wanted white. So, I sanded. 

Then primed. By the middle of the day, I think everyone must have missed my smiling face because they all showed up to help. 

(don't your kids stay in pajamas all day?) 

Thankfully, Adam did all the parts that touch things that aren't supposed to be blue. For instance, the ceiling. A steady hand I do not possess... but he sure does. I stuck with the roller...

So, it's coming along. We're trying to create a space that's functional for both scrapbooking and writing... which isn't an easy task, we're finding.

All be the final coat of trim is up and tonight (I hope) after his first official day on the new job, Adam is going to install my desk and shelves. I'm already excited. 

A question for you: Do you prefer a colorful work space? Or are you more of a neutral-lover?

The home projects are underway...pass the coffee!

The Reality of Moving {It's Ugly up in Here}

I could tell you stories about how much we're loving our new house. We've all decided it's our favorite of all the houses we've lived in, even though there is MUCH work to be done to really make it feel like home. (A task I've been given by my wonderful husband who does not want to be saddled with such things.) 

I've accepted the task because I don't want to see what he'd do with the place without my input either. It's good when we agree. 

We ARE loving the house... and the two fish we inherited in the pond out back.

Ethan and Sophia named them "Oscar" and "Molly" and Sam said "If there's another one in there I'm gonna name it Spongebob." 

I could tell you all about how wonderful it is to be through the hard part (because it is) and how excited I am to dive in to the painting and updating and making a home here (because I am...)

About how fun it is to explore a new place even when you discover your shower faucet is broken and the power in your bathroom goes off for an inexplicable (and so far, unfixable) reason. 

I could tell you all these wonderful things about the new house, and they'd be true...but they'd only be half-true. Because then I'd stumble upon the reality of what I'm dealing with right now...

This is the room we call "The Green Room." It has green carpet and another hue of (non-matching) green curtains with a deep khaki colored paint. It's the room that makes us sneeze because even though Stanley Steemer came out to clean our carpets (which I paid them to do) they most certainly did no such thing.

(Yes, they are coming back. I was beyond upset.) The Green Room has no furniture. And by that I mean, we have no furniture for the Green Room. None. Not even a chair. 

And this is our dining room. Do you like what we've done with the place? It's the box collection room. We don't really NEED a dining room, but should we keep it? What else will we do with it? In the past, I would've turned it into an office like I did in our other Rockford house...but I have an office...so...?

And have I mentioned if I run into ONE MORE BOX or hit my head on one more light...well, I'll be mad, that's what. 

This is the "front room." I'm thinking I want to turn it into a sort of "study". No TV. Computer (maybe) for the kids. Lots and lots of books. But here's the kicker. This is the only room our ONE piece of furniture (the sectional) will fit in. 

It's also the only room I don't want it in. 

The kitchen is coming along swimmingly...

I think this is a good look, don't you? 

(We did change out all the hardware last night. Those monster black drawer pulls were KILLING me.)

This is the reality. And it does overwhelm me. I'm not a "one room at a time" kind of girl. Last time we did this, I wasn't working and I wasn't on deadline so it wasn't a big deal to take every single day in June to paint, pick out appliances, shop for flooring and whatever else we had to do. This time, I am working, on deadline AND my next book comes out August 1st. 

Did I mention in my last post what a whiner I am? I'm a whiner. 

But...in spite of the craziness surrounding me (there is much)...I still got to enjoy this last night:

The sun sets out back over the corn field, and I have to tell you...it does my little Midwestern heart GOOD. It fills me up and reminds me not to lose the calm I've been searching for. The peace we so desperately need...I'm convinced that's something you can grab onto, but you have to still your mind to do it. 

So today, instead of letting it overwhelm me...I'm setting my mind on the good...because there is much to be thankful for...

and the rest will work itself out. 

We're still standing...

We're all still here, still kicking, still alive.

I am amazed by the people that came out to help us, and totally humbled by the whole experience. Asking for help is hard for me so when people we haven't seen in years volunteered to come help, I didn't quite know how to express our gratitude. 

Lunch and homemade cookies seemed so inadequate. The real thing that I've taken away from living out of the state for two years is that family is so important...and while some people let you down (it happens all the time), there are SO many people who will show up for you when they really have no reason to...just because they're good people. 

Those are the people to focus on. The ones who love and lift up...that's the kind of person I want to be. I want to be someone who just shows up for someone in need...as the one who has been in need, I've seen what a huge blessing this is...

For me and for our whole family. We are now IN the new house (pictures to follow...) but we're definitely not settled yet. We'll get there. Eventually...

Today I am just filled with gratitude. Overwhelmed with the blessing of good friends and family. Thankful that even though this move totally STUNK in so many ways...it was stressful and hugely expensive and overwhelming (and still is in many ways) but more than that, it restored my faith once again. 

I'm just really thankful. 

And I'm also BEYOND grateful that people are sharing about my book being 99 cents for Kindle and Nook. HOW do I say thank you for that? It means everything. To a writer, the best thing you can do is share, chat, gab about their books...and I'm HUGELY blessed by it. 

Once I process this move, I'm sure I'll have more to say...I'm chatty that way... but for now, I just have two words. 

Thank you. 

To everyone who helped us move, expecting nothing in return... to everyone who shared about my book...to everyone who prayed us through the chaos. 

Thank you. 

Kids & Moving

So, we're buying a house today. 

The closing is at either 9, 10 or 11 a.m. We figured we'd show up around 10:18 and hope that works for everyone. Truly, we've gotten conflicting times from everyone. Our Realtor called yesterday and said "Do you know what a pain in the butt you are?" (She's my friend so she can say things like that. Ha.) Goes to show you how incredibly annoying this whole process has been. 

It's filtering down to everyone we work with. 

Run. The. Other. Way. 

When we were moving out of our house in Colorado, my mom said, "Isn't it funny how the kids can just sort of go on about their day...there's all this chaos around them and they can still play?" 

Say what?

Yesterday, in this 105 degree heat with 1000% humidity (which, by the way, I actually kind of like...what is up with that?!) my boys played outside for the entire afternoon.

It was a good thing too because if they didn't remove themselves from my presence there would've been some serious trouble. We've all been cooped up for too many days (I don't like the humidity THAT much) and I was just not having it.

Plus, it took a good two hours to figure out how to get our money from Colorado to Illinois. Thank God Adam handled that. I might not have survived, and I KNOW I wouldn't have been pleasant on the phone.

 

Moving makes you really cranky. If you know someone who is moving, just say a prayer for them right now. They may turn into Mr. Hyde tomorrow and you want to make sure the change isn't permanent. 

This is Sam's serious face:

Because water ballooning is serious business. 

Anyway, I'm thankful that it's not as difficult on them as you'd expect it to be. And it sure isn't as difficult on them as it is on us. 

Today, we're dragging them to our closing, taking them up to the new house where we'll let the maid service in (Yes, I splurged. I tried to explain to Adam it's sort of like when you're the one that has to prepare dinner and touch raw meat...even after it's cooked, you don't really want to eat it. I thought it would be the same for the house...if I see other people's yuck, am I really going to feel like it's CLEAN?) 

His response: "That analogy makes no sense." 

My response: "Whatever, dude."

This morning I woke up horribly overwhelmed with the reminder of everything we'll need to do to update the house...it might take some time for me to get on board with the whole plan. I'm taking tips on thrifting from my friend Shannan because we only have enough furniture for one family room (we gave a bunch of stuff away before we moved).

How are we going to fill three living rooms? And a dining room we'll likely turn into a "study room" for the kids. 

No clue. 

Exhausted thinking about it. 

Pretending none of that's on my plate and going to hang out with my houligans. Here's wishing you a very relaxing, wonderful weekend! 

Hope you get to spend it with some goofballs.

10 Random Things {Or Musings from Limbo Land}

It's a strange feeling being in limbo in almost every aspect of your life. 

We're staying with my parents until after we get moved this weekend, which, for me, is wonderful. It's really the only place I can relax, though I haven't quite figured out why that is. Still, it has its challenges since the kids have no toys here and we are totally invading my parents' personal space. 

I work from the kitchen table (on my mom's laptop since my computer is packed) so not only is my stuff all over the kitchen table, but I've completely stolen her computer. 

They should be sainted. 

But why blog about that?  I'd rather make a list of random observations as of late. 

1. My book is on SALE! A big sale! Woohoo. Just in time for summer, right? You can get it on the Nook or the Kindle for only 99 cents. How can you turn it down for only 99 cents?! 

The great thing is that A Sweethaven Homecoming  releases August 1st so you won't have to wait very long to find out what happens! {I could tell you but it's better to find out for yourself.}

2. My parents' water goes from frigid to scorching suddenly and without warning. This makes for an interesting shower or dish washing experience. 

3. Sophia watches Food Network on a consistent basis. The result? Food. Namely, sugary foods that I can't eat. At this moment, I'm being tormented by a plate of cupcakes. Seriously. 

We bought her some piping bags and while she didn't quite put it together correctly the first time, she did end up getting the hang of it. 

We really want to get her in a cake decorating class because how fun would that be?

And how happy does she look?

4. Trying to plan a closing for your house is worse than planning a wedding, directing  a show or giving birth. No joke. Everything about moving is hard. And it's not just me...it's everyone that's moving. We're all having a hard time. 

5. The thought of painting/updating our new house SHOULD excite me, but truth be told, I'm horribly overwhelmed by the whole idea. Having done this last year, I know the amount of work it will take to paint every room and get it the way we want it. All I keep thinking is "When will I have time to do any of that?" 

6. I am a whiner. Someone should do this to me. 

Course then there's payback. 

7. Sam sings when he goes to the bathroom. He also wraps Ace Bandages around his head and pretends he's a Ninja. Sometimes he even wears sunglasses with the Ace Bandage. It's quite a sight. Don't believe me? PROOF.

8. I'm very particular about my cup of morning coffee. My dad made my coffee for the first few days but after my not so subtle hints that it wasn't strong enough and I don't like Folgers, I've woken up to empty carafes. See #6 for what my dad must think about this. 

9. These gluten free, sugar free brownies are really good. I used 1/2 agave and 1/2 honey and no dark chocolate chips (a few milk chocolate ones, so I guess they're not totally sugar free). Sam and I have treats now and they are really good! Plus, he got to lick the beater, which he NEVER gets to do.

10. You don't do yourself any favors when you let your ridiculously dark hair air dry. It begs a constant internal chant of "do not let yourself go..." over and over again. 

Picture will not be provided. 

Moving: A Comedy of Errors

(And by "comedy" I mean "that thing that's not funny at all")

Oh....where do I begin? 

It's been a few days since I've posted because we spent the weekend moving from Colorado to Illinois. This all seems so very familiar, doesn't it? Perhaps you remember two years ago (almost to the day) when we packed up and moved from Illinois to Colorado?

Yes, we've been here before. 

I've come to the conclusion that moving is a lot like childbirth in that you delude yourself into thinking there was never any pain. Then you do it again and you think "Oh no. I forgot about this part." 

That's what happened with us and moving. I'll give you the short version. And if you think you hear annoyance in my voice, well, you'd be right. 

This whole thing has made me downright feisty. I get that from my dad. 

Last Thursday, our buyers walked through the house. We were surrounded by boxes and chaos so naturally it annoyed me they were even there. Especially since I was told their Realtor just wanted to check to be sure we'd fixed the concrete patio. Oddly, their inspector had come out the week prior to check the same thing. 

It was still fixed (surprise). 

Anyway, as they left, their agent said "And is the attic fan fixed?" 

I said, "What attic fan?" 

Here's what I've learned. When an inspection comes back with four things that need to be fixed and you say "What fan?" you should actually NOT SIGN anything until your Realtor finds out what fan they're talking about. Also, you shouldn't say you'll fix it (no matter what) because it's a fan. Not a safety issue. When people try to make you think you're going to lose the deal over a fan, ignore them. 

It'll cost you $250. It'll change all your plans. It'll make you realize that your Realtor's "I need this signed today by 5 p.m." is not okay since you don't have all the details. 

So, now that we actually had the answer we'd been looking for for at least three weeks, we had a fan to fix, and we were ticked. A fan? Really? We'd fixed everything else (also not safety issues) on this house...and on their way out the door, they made sure they were also getting the extra paint. 

The trouble was, we couldn't close till the fan was fixed. And how were we going to get that done with only ONE work day before we moved. 

This is where the stress began. 

(I'll continue including serene floral photos on this post to counteract the torrential downpour of stressful emotions.) 

Friday, we had an early birthday/going away party for Ethan. We ended up calling several electricians to install this ridiculous fan but had no luck. All the while, I'm still packing with my mom's help. 

Saturday, I woke up and Adam said, "Okay, you need to sit down." 

This is never good. Turns out  our moving truck (graciously supplied by Adam's new employer) broke down in Iowa and our friend was now stuck there with no way to get home. (His story is a comedy of errors in its own right...I guess the police in Iowa get suspicious when they see a guy unloading moving equipment into a rental car.) 

Now we had to pay him for his time and pay for a new moving truck. And pay for a tow dolley for the car since Adam would have to drive the truck. And pay for a fan. 

We managed to get the LAST moving truck in the area and the last tow dolley. We drove to Greeley (about forty minutes), picked it up and drove back. It's record-breaking heat in Colorado so we got a taste of what we were in for. 

Got home, parked the big truck and discovered the tow dolley was broken. 

Called Penske. They tried to blame Adam for breaking it. Eventually, they realized there was no way he broke it and they sent someone out to fix it. We started loading. 

Sunday morning, some saint-like friends came and helped us load. We truly, truly, would never have been able to do this without these guys. Some of them we didn't even know. And it was 108 degrees. 

The bad thing was that all of our stuff didn't fit in the truck.  I started finding things to give away, but it didn't help. We couldn't leave the grill and the riding mower and our first born. We had to face the reality that we needed another truck. Our first plan (which was really about our fifteenth plan) was to put our stuff in our friends' garage and then Adam would drive another truck out next week. 

As they put that plan in motion, I took my very weary mother to the airport and dropped her off. Five minutes later I got a call that her flight was over three hours delayed. She wouldn't get back to Illinois till after 1 a.m. and she'd still have an hour drive. 

I turned around and swept the puddle that was my mother into the front seat of the van and we drove back to Loveland. Now we had our sixteenth plan. She would drive the van. I would drive the small Penske truck. Adam would drive the big one. 

In a way, that was a blessing. I can't imagine Adam having to drive back to Colorado next week. 

But the ridiculousness wasn't over yet. 

It was all the little things that were going wrong... we checked my mom into a hotel (our beds were all loaded). The last hotel room probably in the whole city. We walked upstairs to the room and the key didn't work. Back downstairs. Back upstairs. Still doesn't work. Back downstairs. Found a sweet maintenance guy who let us into the room. 

I should've slept there. Sleeping on the floor at age 10 is one thing. Age 36? Something else entirely. 

I didn't sleep well at all. 

The worst part was, there was NO way my mom was going to get a hotel room the following day. It was clear we would have to take off Monday afternoon (which was our original plan, though we didn't expect such a roundabout way of getting there...) 

In the end, we signed the papers early, got a wonderful guy to come and fix the fan that makes me want to lock myself in the garage and say not nice words, and headed out of Loveland Monday evening. 

I'm not going to lie, everything that could possibly go wrong did, and it was one of the most stressful things I've ever lived through. I was sick most of the day yesterday probably because of the stress leaving my body... 

 

To make matters worse, we walked through the new house last night and discovered the upstairs carpet is all stained (there's even a huge black paint stain in one of the bedrooms. We hadn't planned on replacing that right away.) Sigh. 

When it rains...

I'm looking for the silver lining, I promise I am...but at this moment the only thing I can muster is this: I'm never moving again. 

The Emotion of Moving

I'd be lying if I said this move was all working out exactly according to plan. 

It hasn't. 

I'm remembering how very much like childbirth this whole process is... you go through the most agonizing pain of your life, but once you have the child (or the house), you forget how much work it actually was. This week has me repeatedly saying, "I'm never moving again. Ever." 

And "There's so many details." 

You know, you don't think about paying bills once you've closed your bank account. Or what if all your stuff doesn't fit in the truck you've got? Or why does the buyer's agent need to walk through the house today...in the middle of the move, adding more pressure and making me feel like I need to clean. 

There's no time for cleaning until the end and that's just a fact. 

Last night, after everyone went to sleep, my house was quiet, and I walked around for a few minutes, thinking about how it looked when we bought it. For a few long minutes, I looked around at all the work we'd done and I was really happy that we were leaving something better than it was when we found it. 

I want to do that with everything in my life. Especially kids. Mine, of course, but the ones we get to work with too. I want them to be better for having known us. 

I'm trying to focus on that and not on the things I'll miss about Colorado. 

Like getting a call from Adam that he's turning around and coming to get me so I can see these right down the street from our house:

There's no doubt that the climate is nicer here. And yes, we've made some really great friends. 

I tend to be pretty good at setting aside my emotions when I need to, of convincing myself that it isn't hard. That it won't hurt. That it'll be better... 

But just because something is better for you doesn't mean there's no pain in saying goodbye. 

We're going home, so in that respect, I know we'll be so happy...Adam's job is a huge opportunity for him to really do what he's been created to do, so I know he'll be happy...

But moving is traumatic in its own right, whether I want to face up to it or not. 

I'm not leaving Colorado the same way I came, and while I'm thankful for that, for the lessons I've learned, for the truths I've finally seen, for the peace that it's brought me...in some ways I'm sad to see it end. 

Maybe this is why I choose to focus on the details and the parts of the plan that aren't falling into place...because if you can busy your mind, you don't feel the band-aid being torn from bare skin. 

When You Walk Through the Fire...what will you learn? {Or When Faith Grows, Pt. 3}

And so the story of a house continues...

We did what the seller's agent suggested. We made an offer. But we made the kind of offer we never would've made had we not known their situation. 

I'm not going to lie, more than once I felt like it wasn't fair. Because the house was worth more. 

It's just that we couldn't offer much more. 

We crunched numbers and crunched numbers and knew we were very close to our high. In these situations, if there's one thing I've learned it's that you have to be willing to walk away. My dad always used to tell us this, and I never got it. Until this time. Finally, I knew that while this seemed like the perfect house, there was the possibility that it wasn't. 

And I'd accepted that...maybe because I'd already entertained every other possibility. 

Somehow, I just knew it would be okay. Whether we got the house or not. 

So when they came back with their counter offer, we almost walked away. They didn't seem nearly as desperate as their agent made them sound. We came up a very little and conceded on half the closing costs but we told our Realtor "We really can't do anything else." 

This is when it's important not to let emotion come into play. You've started the negotiations, so it's easy to think "We can come up $5K more...oh, we've already come this far, we might as well up it just a bit..." 

This has been my pattern in the past...and this time, I was actually willing to walk away. 

They countered again, but we said that was our best offer. And we knew they most likely weren't going to take it. We explained that we never would've made the offer if their agent hadn't called...we were prepared to walk away. 

And that's where we had to rest. 

For the better part of last Saturday, I assumed we didn't get the house, and yet, I had this strange feeling like we were going to. I didn't say that out loud, but somehow, I just knew. 

At one point Adam said, "I'm so proud of how level-headed you're being about all of this." 

Had the lessons of the previous years finally made their mark?

So when our Realtor called and let us know they didn't want us to put an offer on anything else...they were trying to make it work...Adam and I looked at each other and I think we both knew. We were going to get this house for a ridiculously low price...all because just a day before, we'd gotten bad news from our banker. 

The really funny thing is that having been working out the loan details for the better part of this week, we also discovered that the banker here in Colorado just didn't have the best price. Our small, hometown Illinois bank is saving us even MORE money. 

What if we'd called her the day we wanted to make the offer? 

We'd have a much higher loan, I can tell you that. 

At one point, I remember walking away from everyone in the house, closing the door and saying "God, why are you always so good to us?" We don't deserve it. We're just normal, flawed people..." I've never felt gratitude in quite such an overwhelming way.

While we've seen our share of heartache, especially over the last few years, more than that, we've seen his hand on our lives. 

With each grown-up decision we've made, he's been there. 

When I was younger, I saw this quote "I am the master of my fate and captain of my soul." 

Oh, how I loved that quote. Meant to empower, I took it on as a motto almost... but now I see how very misled I was. I'm not the master of anything, and my soul knows only one captain. And you know, that doesn't make me weak. It makes me strong. It gives me hope. It's brought me peace. 

To know that every disappointment has had a purpose. That every bit of pain has taught me something, brought me through something, changed my life... 

I'm not naive enough to think I'll ever enjoy the trials... but I am grateful for what I've learned because of them. 

I am living proof that sometimes...you have to go through fire to find your faith...it's not wasted if you can come out on the other side of it stronger and wiser and more trusting. He has a plan in everything he's doing...to help us seek. To allow us to grow. 

What is he teaching you today? 

How is he building your faith? 

When God's "No" is really "Not Yet..." {Or When Faith Grows, Pt. 2}

Finding the house you want is just the beginning. 

Buying it is considerably more work. And, let's just say, considerably more nerve-wracking. Or at least it would've been in the past. 

Here is the truth. We found a house we loved. 

And while it largely resembles the house we moved out of, well, it's just not. 

This is what happened. 

I was standing about here: 

when I realized this was the house. It really wasn't even about the house so much as it was about this porch and this yard: 

While I was standing there, the other houses I'd seen sort of fell away, and in my heart, I knew this was our house. That morning, I'd prayed again for a closed door if this wasn't what God had for us. I prayed that it would be so clear... and here I was with that feeling again. 

This is going to be my home. 

I called Adam and it was funny because he said, "Yeah, that's the same one I picked." 

You know the ridiculous dream list we made? This house had every single one of those things. Even a studio for Adam. Even a 3-car garage. But more than that, standing outside in this yard, I just felt the peace.

The peace we'd been praying for. 

When I got back to Colorado, I still had visions of the family room dancing in my head:

It was the perfect space, adjoining the perfect office and the perfect studio. We knew this was it. 

But then something happened. As I was getting off the plane, our Realtor called. She told me another couple was going for a second showing. And that, my friends, is usually the point when my nerves go all kinds of crazy. 

And, I'll be honest, it did light a fire under me. We got home and immediatley began plans to secure the pre-approval letter, crunch numbers and all that obnoxiously boring stuff. How much would we need to put down to get the payment where we wanted it, etc...

And something happened. 

We realized that with the insanely high taxes in Illinois, we could get this house...but we wouldn't be living comfortably. Unless we offered them a ridiculously low, offensive offer...we weren't getting it. 

End of story. 

That night, we called our Realtor and said it wasn't going to happen. We were going to have to find a different option. We knew what we were comfortable paying, and neither one of us wanted to be house poor. 

We discussed our options (we're grown ups now) and decided we'd move back into the house we already owned. I can't say whether or not this felt right...it just felt like the only choice. And surprisingly, I didn't mourn the loss of the house that had everything on our list. 

I just had this overwhelming sense that everything would be okay. And, I had to admit, we'd prayed for a closed door. 

Because of what we've been through over the last two years, I've learned (deep down, in a place that's not often accessed) that God really does know best. So when you ask for something and he seems to answer...you can't whine and complain because the answer wasn't what you wanted to hear. 

Finally. Finally, I get it. 

But what about the insane peace I felt on the back porch of the house I thought was ours? The plans I'd already made for outdoor parties and family gatherings? Did I miss it, God? 

Funny, but those things (for the first time) didn't cross my mind. I wasn't beating myself up for missing it. I was finally able to stay calm and go with the flow. 

So. 

I woke up the next morning, and for some reason the peace I'd felt in our decision to move back into our previous house was gone. I started thinking about the amount of money we'd be spending on gas just to get the kids to and from school. Not to mention their activities (none of which are anywhere near this house.) I started thinking about telling our tenants we had to ask them to move out...they've been amazing tenants, and this is their home now. 

God...is there any other way? 

So here we were...not settled on the house we already own. Not able to buy the house we really wanted. 

An impasse. 

That's when the phone rang. It was our Realtor. She said, "Well, this is interesting." 

Let me see if I can explain it. The sellers were relocating, and they had a certain amount of time to sell their house before a relocation company bought it for a VERY low price. If they sold it, they got a bonus. If they didn't, they'd lose a pretty good chunk of money. 

Their deadline was less than a week away. 

"Tell your people to just make any offer," their agent said. "We'll make it work." 

About this point, I started to think about how if we'd gotten the news we'd hoped for from our banker, we would've made an offer that was nearly full price. We would've made it immediately because we were concerned about the other couple doing a second walk through. 

If we hadn't trusted God, and maybe if we hadn't grown up, we might've convinced ourselves that we could pull off a higher payment...and we would've regretted it. 

Even though we loved this house. 

And that's only part two of the story. 

The New Beginning of the Story {Or When Faith Grows, Pt. 1}

A week from today I'll be headed out of town toward Illinois, all our stuff packed in a truck or two, leaving a little part of ourselves here in Colorado. 

Over the last several months, I've done a lot of thinking, mostly trying to figure out why it was we had to leave Illinois in the first place if only to return two years later...and I've come to the conclusion that the reason is really simple. 

God was building our faith. 

When we left Illinois, I was full of panic and fear. About everything. I was convinced that I couldn't hear God, couldn't make a decision on my own...that other people always knew better. But I don't feel any of those things anymore. 

Now I know that God wanted to pull us out of our comfort zone to help us heal, to help us learn and to instill in us the kind of faith he relies on. 

I'm starting to understand it now. 

I know I've said when we listed our CO house I had the most extreme peace that it would sell. I can't explain it, but for the first time in my life, a potentially scary situation didn't scare me at all. Our house sold in four days and my response was "Yeah. I kind of knew that might happen." 

And then...a lot of extreme gratitude for the Big Guy. 

Deciding where to live in Illinois was significantly more difficult. See, we already own a house there. It's a lovely house. In a lovely neighborhood. With lovely renters.

When we left, I thought I was leaving my dream house... but for a number of reasons, returning to this house isn't ideal. I won't go into the details, but suffice it to say, we wanted to ensure that this move was a move back but not a move backwards.

 And everything we'll be doing is about a half an hour's drive from where this house is located. 

So, we made the crazy decision to buy another house in Illinois. We asked God from the start to close the door if this wasn't what he had for us. And then we made a list of the things our new house would need. A wishlist, if you will...and boy, were we picky. 

See, we weren't going to buy unless we could find something we loved. 

Here it is: 

1. Privacy.

Houses in Colorado are not private. At any given moment five different neighbors can see into our house. Outside on the patio, we can hear four different conversations. We're used to life in the fish bowl, but we're tired of it. We need a little privacy. (And I like to walk around in my pajamas for the better part of the day so this was number one on the list.) 

2. Four bedrooms.

Could our kids share? Of course. They did in our rental house, but let's just say...it was a very long year. Ethan falls asleep within three minutes of laying down. Often, Sam will still be awake three hours later. This is not a good fit. 

3. An office space for me.

We knew four bedrooms AND an office space were a tall order... but I work from home. Not only writing novels, but for Webster's Pages. I need a dedicated space to get this done. (Incidentally, Adam is talking about completely redoing an office space for me. Apparently my scrapbook room "isn't a room for a grown-up." 

I said, "we're grown-ups now?" 

He nodded. 

I said, "Does this mean we can't shop at Ikea?" 

He walked away. 

4. A studio space for Adam.

I know. Now we're just getting ridiculous. Our Realtor probably wanted to smack us. But Adam has recording equipment that's just plain ugly. (Sorry, hon) And beyond that, it's hard for him to record music for the shows we're writing when he's in the midst of the craziness  that comes with having three kids. So, we knew it was a long shot, but we put it on there anyway. 

5. A big yard. Preferably fenced.

I know what your'e thinking... But it was a dream list so we decided to dream big. We actually wrote these things down and sent the list to our Realtor. 

Adam later added "a 3-car garage" to the list, but not surprisingly this was never part of my search criteria. 

We knew what we wanted...a house that lives well, and since we always had it in the back of our mind that we didn't have to buy, I never felt crazy pressured...and that was a very nice change. 

Adam flew out to see the first production of Hercules, the latest show we wrote, and while he was there, he saw fifteen houses. 

He narrowed it down to five. I then narrowed that down to three. (One had cats and smoke...both of which I'm allergic to. One was too expensive.) 

A week later, I returned to Illinois and look at even more houses, including the three he'd seen. I narrowed it down to two. Both of which were on Adam's original list. 

I slept on it and went back the following day...and while I loved the #2 house, I knew the #1 house was the one. You know how you just know? 

Well, I knew... 

But that, my friends, is just where the story begins.  

He's Got the Moves Like Jagger {eat your heart out Adam Levine}

When you're moving, there are random moments of peace. They're few and far between and often hard to recognize, but when they hit, you embrace them.

Usually in those moments, something strikes you. Something you hadn't thought of before. Something like, "Wow, when we move, we're going to have to reprogram the DVR."

Again.

There are so many little details about moving that you forget about. This week alone, I've remembered 162 of them, including:

• We have to cancel/reschedule all of the utilities.
• We have to withdraw all of our money from our bank accounts and get set up again in Illinois. (This doesn't break my heart. It's a pain, but I hate our bank here.)
•  We have to figure out who is going to set up our television and internet in the new house. And when. 
• We have to pack up my scrapbook room. Again. (I do realize this shouldn't have been quite the shock it was, but what can I say? Denial's not just a river in Egypt. (Isn't that the saying?))
• We have to coordinate our closing date with our loading/moving date and figure out what to do with our stuff until we figure out where we're going. And when. 

You know...the list goes on. You don't think about all these things when you decide to move. You think about the big picture things. 

How are we transporting our stuff? Since we don't know that many people here, can Adam lift the entire couch on his own? Who is paying for all this crazy moving nonsense? 

And those, on their own, can overwhelm you into a fetal state. 

It's in times like this...times when I'm on the verge of meltdown that I do the one thing I know how to do. 

I turn on the music...and make my children dance.  There really is no other cure for this kind of stress. 

Ethan responds with "Um. I'm not really...a dancing kind of guy..." 

But Sam pulls out the moves like Jagger:

 

Love the way he blends so many different genres together, don't you? 

Things to note: 

1. This was at around 2 p.m. and yes, he IS still in his pajamas. He doesn't like real clothes. I have no idea where he gets this (says the girl wearing yoga pants.) 

2. At the beginning, you can hear me laughing. Then you'll see his whole demeanor change. He plays it off, but let me tell you, that kid wanted to be mad at me. I have since stopped laughing for any reason ever. 

3. The leg and arms moves and the big finish are worth putting up with all the butt spinning. 

4. I love this kid. 

Back to the boxes, the packing and the craziness that is our vagabond life. 

Have a great weekend! 

Six Things {Or Free Association}

I do know that it's important when blogging to have some semblance of a point...even a theme or group of topics you regularly write about. 

This is one area where I often break the rules. 

I think I'm unfocused. 

Today, all I have is a list... because there's just too much going on to make sense of any of it. 

1. We spent the better part of the weekend negotiating an offer we put on a house in Illinois. I'm not ready to discuss all of that yet, but believe me, when I can, I will. I have a big mouth. 

2. Adam left the house Friday (I think?) morning...or maybe it was Saturday... and saw this: 

The High Park Wildfire in full effect. While I'm glad we no longer live in the rental house for many reasons, this weekend I added this fire to the list. It's really close to the foothills in Fort Collins, and so is this fire. So far, it's burned over 37,000 acres, over 100 structures and they're saying there is no hope of containment. 

Yesterday, I went to Fort Collins to see a movie with some friends and I couldn't stop staring at it. It's the scariest, most ominous thing I've ever seen. 

We're south of the fire, on the west side of Loveland, but there are so many homes, the fire is burning out of control, and I have no frame of reference for something like this. Can they stop it from engulfing an entire city? How? Can we help the people who are being evacuated? If we were evacuated, what would we bring and where would we go? 

This is our family up at Horsetooth last year. It's beautiful there...and right now, the west side of the reservoir is in flames. 

It's really scary right now. While I don't feel like our home is in danger, it's rapidly encroaching on the area where we lived last year...and we (especially my kids) have friends up there. 

If you're the praying type, please pray for rain. Lots and lots of rain. 

3. This weekend, I got a text from a weary traveler. My best friend Mindy and her family were forced to stay over night in Denver when their plane was delayed out of Seattle.

They were just coming off of a 7 day cruise. For years, we've been talking about getting the kids together again... and I have NO photos to prove to you that we did. They couldn't be an hour from where we are and us NOT secretly pack clothing and swimsuits and secretly drive our kids to a hotel where we promised "Lots of fun"...

I do have photos to show you that our kids stayed up VERY late...

They were not fun to deal with on Sunday, but it was worth it. We have few friends I could go that many years without seeing and pick up like we'd just hung out the day before...but these guys are like that. Our whole family had a blast. 

Even when Adam asked the too-young-to-be-acting-like-grown-ups couple in the swimming pool to stop making out and groping each other, our friends didn't run the other way in embarrassment. 

(Since when did Adam get so bold?...and when did I stop caring if he embarrasses me?) 

4. I read a REALLY good book to and from Illinois on the plane. (This is when the 2.5 hour delay worked in my favor.) 

Susan Meissner is one of my favorite authors, and she wrote this amazing book called A Sound Among the Trees. The book blends a contemporary story with a Civil War story, and Susan, of course, does this beautifully. 

I was equally as engrossed in both stories, and found myself completely intrigued. The thing is, the book is so unique, and the historical tie-in is fascinating. I HIGHLY recommend this book! I loved it. 

5. I get to share another Unity Stamp project today over on the Unity Blog! 

I am loving trying new things with these stamps...and they are SOOO fun to use! 

6. Finally. I love this guy. We have been through some CRAZY times and moving back to Illinois in two weeks and all that entails ranks right up there. 

I can't wait to tell you the latest development in the crazy story of our life. It's a good one...

But papers need to be signed before I can spill the beans. 

Pray for rain for Colorado, please. We really need it. 

In Search of Peace {and a WINNER!}

When we went up to Estes Park over Memorial Day weekend, we stopped off at this place near the side of the road. It was quiet and peaceful and I think I could've stayed there all day. 

Living in house with two very rowdy boys, sometimes peace is simply a pipe dream... but out there... it was peaceful. 

This is the kind of life I'm craving. One where you seek out the quiet. Where you make a point to find the peace. Because you can want something for years, but if you don't make changes in the way you live, you'll never find it. 

I'm reading Michael Hyatt's Platform book right now, and in it, he talks about the value in writing down your goals. I've always been a journaler, so I have many, many lists of goals. Plans. Hopes. And I have to say, it does help to focus me... but I'm adding "Seek a peaceful life" to the top of my list. 

Because even in the midst of all the goals and the plans, peace is something I crave. It's something I need just as I need to work toward my big dreams...somehow I think one will help the other. 

Today, we're putting an offer on a house.

I've prayed for closed doors if this isn't the right step for us. I've gotten all crazy and frazzled over the whole thing, like I so often do. My attitude all wallowed and ugly. I've picked fights with my too nonchalant for anybody's good husband, begrudging him his faith and trying to turn him into a worrying fool like I've been. 

He's not having it. 

There are a lot of things that need to fall into place...so today, if you find yourself with a free moment, we'd so love prayers for wisdom and direction and yes, maybe even a bit of favor. 

And then maybe an extra prayer for my husband...that he doesn't feel the sudden need to run screaming for the hills. Because that just wouldn't be good for anybody. 

Now, for the winner of my big giveaway...

is...

Chelsea said...

Thanks for the giveaway, BTW I love the new book cover!

ReplyJune 01, 2012 at 12:51 PM

Chelsea, shoot me an email at courtneyrwalsh{at}gmail{dot}com and I'll get your prizes out pronto. Or semi-pronto. Other prize winners can attest to the fact that I'm not so good with the post office. But I will do my very best! :) 

Happy weekend!

House Hunting in Illinois {A step back in time}

I'm home from my whirlwind house hunting trip to Illinois, and I saw a whole lot of houses. 

I saw houses I *should* have fallen in love with... white trim, thick moldings, glorious wood floors:

But something stopped me from seeing our family living there... perhaps the weird redo of the kitchen floor, which created a full six inch lip between the two:

Or maybe it was the ghost in the basement? I don't know. 

I saw homes that looked very familiar...with floor plans that started to all look the same:

Some with things that made them stand out. Others that blended. 

I saw houses with incredible yards:

Where I could picture myself having my morning cup of coffee... 

But the hunt was a bit more difficult than I expected it to be. And it still is, because we're still trying to make grown-up decisions (we're faced with THREE HUGE decisions right now for our family... and I have Taylor Swift's "Never Grow Up" on repeat to try and cope.) 

So far I'm just stuck at the part where she says "OH, wish I'd never grown up...wish I'd never grown up..." 

sigh.

Sometimes being an adult is for the birds. 

Anyway, there was one house we saw that was just too amazing not to share. And by amazing, I mean, we walked in and were instantly transported to the 60's. I felt like I'd just stepped back decades and woke up in the middle of a Mad Men episode. Not that I've ever seen that show, but it takes place in the 60's, right?

(Sorry for the rotten iPhone pictures...it was the last house of the night, so it was getting dark.) 

I've never seen anything like this, in all my house hunting adventures.

Here's the living room:

The furniture was in perfect condition. All of it. And it had to be original to the house. Total 60's. 

To the right, the dining room:

This house is over 3,000 square feet and it felt enormous. I'm sure we would've gotten lost in it. There were just SO many rooms. 

Here's another living room:

The curtains were the same print as the couch. The end tables were pure sixties glam. About this point, I realized my jaw was dragging along behind us. I couldn't get over the home and how it seemed frozen in time. My mind started spinning with stories, trying to figure out who lived there. And how. 

Despite my lack of knowledge that the Hatfields and McCoys were real people, I actually do love history...I was enamored with this home. 

Check out the kitchen:

Pink! The chairs were covered in vinyl.

Through one of the bedrooms we found this: 

A dressing room outside of a bathroom. 

And there were lots of bedrooms, both upstair and on the main level. Here's one:

Can't you see a little boy hopping up on that bad with slicked down hair and button down pajamas? 

This was on the opposite wall:

And the bathrooms! There were SIX total. This one, I actually fell in love with. That RED wallpaper is to die for:

And this one had a booty-cleaner (bidet). It's the thing over there on the right. (Can you imagine?)

So, then you go downstairs and you are right in the middle of a sixties party. The poker table, the pool table, the ample seating...

And this guy:

On a bulletin board across from the rec area, lots of pictures from the sixties. Pictures of beautiful people in fur coats or a group of men with rolled up pants on the golf course:

I was completely gobsmacked. 

This was what was left of a life, or lives. Frozen remnants of time. 

Original Crayola boxes still full of half-used crayons, paper peeled off of them and begging the question "Who did these belong to?" A closet near the front door still full of fur coats. 

And this:

An indoor swimming pool. 

In its day, this house had to have been THE house. The place to bring your friends, to have adult parties with cocktails and cigarettes. 

In my mind, it sort of sprung to life...

And yes, it was remarkable. 

Overall, an exhausting few days...that gave us what we thought were answers but have ended up to be more questions. If ever there was a time we needed to pray for wisdom, this is it. 

And our family would love your prayers as well. 

Moving. The House Hunt is On. {It's Complicated}

Today I'm in Illinois hunting houses. Adam went out a couple weeks ago and found a few "maybes" that I'm visiting and then we have a bunch more on the list. 

Yes, we do still own a house in Illinois, but we've got amazing renters who don't want to leave and that house, unfortunately, would be difficult location-wise given Adam's new job and commute. 

We're praying for the perfect house to magically appear so when we move on June 27th we actually have somewhere to move to. I've decided I'm going to become more social now with this move. I know borderline agoraphobes aren't typically social people, but I watched "It's Complicated" last night and something came over me. 

An entertainer's spirit, I think. 

Or an extreme love of Meryl Streep.

Or maybe this garden?

I want to BE her. Hat. Shirt. Bakery you can break into in the middle of the night because you own it and know how to use it. Love. 

Maybe this move will transform me? Ha.

Who knows? I thought Colorado would turn me granola and outdoorsy and so far that hasn't happened. I'm learning it's really not about where you live so much as who you are. And I'm more of an indoor sleeping, bug killing, don't like to get hot and sweaty kind of person. 

It is what it is. 

Anyway, I wanted to share something kinda fun. I'm the June Guest Designer over at the Unity Stamp Company Blog today. I'm kind of jazzed I get to share a little bit about my project. 

It's a mixed media canvas with a quote I kind of love. 

Used a lot of background stamps to add texture. I love the way stamps give you such cool dimension without much hassle. 

Plus, they let you get inky and painty and that's just fun. I'm not sure what time it'll go live at the blog, but I hope you'll check it out!

So, there ya have it. I'll keep you posted on the house hunt. We'll all have fun finding out where in the world we're going to end up!

And don't forget, there's still time to enter my Scrapbooking Your Faith giveaway. Trust me, I'm moving so lots of things are going to go into the winner's box! Enter! Share! Tell your friends. 

And pray I find us a house!?

7 Ways to Make Moving (or transition) Easier for Your Kids

Last night, Adam went to see Men in Black 3 and I stayed home and watched We Bought a Zoo. I'd been wanting to see this movie and now find myself obsessed with Benjamin Mee and his landmark 20 seconds of insane courage. 

There was something inspiring about the idea of walking into a place and knowing "Yes, it's crazy to the rest of the world... but THIS is what we're supposed to do." 

I can relate. 

After all, it's not everyone who makes a big move three summers in a row. 

To tell you I'm all fine and dandy with it would be a lie. Even in the knowing, there is still sadness. Even in the excitement, there is still grief. I drive down our Colorado street now and fall in love with our little town all over again... and I find myself whispering prayers asking God to make this easier, to make all decisions clear. 

And I believe, in time, he will. 

But what about the kids?

In three years, mine have had three different schools and are preparing to go back to their first one. Forget 20 seconds of insane courage...to me, these kids have had months of it. 

First day of school this year. 

Change is inevitable...when it comes, how can you make it easier on your kids? 

Here are seven ways:

1. Talk to them about how you feel about the move. And be honest. You may be tempted to "put on a brave face" for them. Don't. They need to know they aren't the only ones with a weak stomach when they think about making such a huge life change. Tell them what you'll miss. Tell them why it makes you sad. Then spend some time talking about all the reasons you're excited. In "We Bought a Zoo," Benjamin Mee had a sense of adventure...tap into your inner explorer and get ready for the ride of your life!

2.  Pick a day and go do all the things they want to do before you move. We keep thinking of things we want to do before we move away from Loveland, but what do your kids want to do before you move? Even if it's "We should go out to Jumpin'" (a big open space with tons of inflatables)...let them do it. And make it fun!

3. Let them get an email account. While it's awfully daunting to have your kids online, there are some really great things about allowing them to have an email account. We let Sophia get an account, but we require that she gives us the password. More than once I've read her email. She knows whatever she writes at this point is fair game.  It's worth it for her to be able to maintain friendships with kids at her various schools. 

4. When you arrive in the new place, take them in early to tour the school and meet their teacher. Part of what's hard for me with this move is that we LOVE our kids' school. On the last day, they broke ground for a building expansion and Sophia was one of three kids chosen to give a speech. 

They've truly thrived here. Spiritually, the school has been amazing. I've seen so much growth and encouragement, and I don't think they felt like the "new kid" for more than a day. Before school started, I took them both in for a tour, they met their teachers and even saw photos of some of the kids in their class. It really helped. 

5. Make the actual trip fun. My kids know we have a 16 hour drive to get back to Illinois and they claim if we can go to "the hotel with the waterpark" that will make everything better. Might as well give it a try. 

6. Be especially in tune with their (mis)behavior. When we first told Ethan about our move, he acted very nonchalant about it. Sophia took it all in stride, but Ethan started getting in trouble at school. At first, I was kind of hard on him, but then it dawned on me that this wasn't about him misbehaving...this was about the emotions he couldn't process. Be more aware than ever... you don't know HOW a child is going to react to change until you see it. Don't let them get away with their bad behavior, but be there for hugging, talking, random ice cream trips. It's okay every now and then to be a softie. 

7. Throw them a party. I know it may seem indulgent, but a going away party with all their friends is a GREAT idea. Take lots of pictures and let them have a guest book to record addresses, emails and well wishes. I admit, this is going to be really difficult given all that we have to do in the next month, but I think it's worth it. 

Also, as a bonus, don't make promises if you can't keep them. Don't promise to visit the place you're leaving "every summer" unless you're sure you can. Kids will remember. 

Now...does anyone have any advice on making this easier for grown-ups? I'm all ears. 

Memorial Day in Estes Park

This weekend, I had an edit to do on my second novel, A Sweethaven Homecoming. It's releasing in early August, and I'm thrilled I got to revisit these women, their scrapbooks and explore their stories a little bit more. 

But by Sunday night, I was near meltdown state and Adam knew exactly what I needed: to get out of the house and away from my computer. 

Let's face it, writer friends...sometimes we need someone to hold us hostage to make us quit working. 

One of the things I have loved about living here in Colorado is that we have access to so much beauty. This is the view at the main intersection near our house: 

 
Gorgeous, right?

But beyond that, we're less than an hour from both Boulder and Estes Park with Denver just a little bit farther away. Now that we're moving, we've started our "before we move" list...things we have to do before we head back to Illinois. 

Something about it is a little bittersweet. 

Anyway. Yesterday, we made the drive up to Estes Park. Spotted this guy (and three friends) along the way:

Whenever there are cars pulled over on the side of the road, you know there's an elk or a big horn sheep or something equally as cool hanging out in the woods. 

Driving into Estes is pure magic:

I mean, it really is breath-taking. 

And yes, it gets my writerly mind racing. Most stories I write start with two simple words... "What if...?" The next sentence is often met with a scowly look from my better half, at which time I continue to search for MORE "what ifs..." just so I can set a story in such a remarkable spot. 

Yesterday, we had the good fortune of being in town for Memorial Day:

It was beyond cool. 

Perhaps you'll remember about my dad being a war hero (something I didn't really even know until about a year ago...he doesn't like to brag.) 

Maybe Memorial Day means a little more to me now. Maybe I can be especially grateful that we aren't remembering him, but thanking him. 

Memorial Day in Estes Park meant an Art show in the park, lots of tourists and a ton of fun. 

And my borderline agoraphobic self didn't even have a meltdown. Go figure. 

We ate at an overpriced restaurant...

(where the food, sadly, wasn't even really that good...) 

And talked about this new adventure we're on...

And I realized how thankful I am that I got to spend two whole years living in a place that allowed me to breathe again. 

So, what about you? What do you do when you need a change of scenery? 

 

It's Just a House...

Adam started putting boxes together, and I've started mentally saying goodbye to this house. We worked so hard on it before we moved in, and while we still had some things to finish up, for the most part, we'd made it largely what we wanted. 

I've never had the courage to make this many changes to a home before. Always concerned with resale value and whether or not another owner would like my choices. 

How ridiculous is it to plan your decor around what the next person might like? 

Somehow, this house was like a blank canvas, and I guess we did okay because we got an offer only a few days after we listed it. 

Truth is, even though I know moving back is what God wants us to do, there is a part of me that is very attached to Colorado and what it meant for me and for our family. This whole experience was about refocusing, reprioritizing. It brought us closer together, through challenges and changes. 

And frankly, the weather is so much better here. 

When I think about moving back, I hesitate. You know, things in Illinois aren't like they are out here. The housing market isn't doing well. Higher taxes and unemployment rates. Gas costs more.

And while those things don't appeal to me, they make me think perhaps there's a bigger reason to move back than there is to stay put...perhaps stretching our wings with this new plan will benefit someone else more than we could hope to if we stayed where we are. 

I keep reminding myself that it really is "just a house..." and I've loved many houses before... 

But this one got into my heart a little bit, and while I can usually shut off my emotions pretty easily, I'm having trouble with this today. 

Moving here changed me. I'm not going back the same person I was. I feel stronger and more focused, more in tune with what I'm supposed to do. More value on the things that really matter and less on the things that don't...

And while I take all of that with me, there is much that I'm leaving behind. Good friends. Beautiful landscape. A town that makes me happy. 

And just for today...just for a moment...I'm feeling a little sad about that. 

A little sad that while I know it's God's plan, what we're doing...I'm thankful for the opportunity we had to live here for a little while. And in some ways, I wish we could take it all with us. 

It'll be hard to say goodbye.

How the Terror of Selling a House Has Changed Me...

Our house in Illinois was truly a dream house for me. 

It represented something I'd strived for somehow. We were adults. We were grown-ups. We were doing okay... 

But even when you're in the surroundings you thought you wanted...things can go wrong. You can wake up and realize that you aren't living the life you were meant to live. You can find yourself going through the motions, detached and not plugged in to what God's saying. 

Because sometimes the things he says are hard to swallow. 

Sometimes you don't want to hear "This really isn't your forever house. " Even if it's followed up with "I have something better for you." 

At least that's how it was for me. Because I'm stubborn. 

And I liked my house.

When we listed our Illinois house, I was instantly panicked. I knew we were going to have to file for bankruptcy (and oh, no, what would people say? "Are you sure you heard God?" "Surely God wouldn't ask you to do something that financially destroys you."...)

Because 1. People would say those things and 2. I would've cared. 

But this time? Not so much. This time, we listed our house with the calmest peace you can imagine. Partly because the housing market in Colorado is doing really well, but also because I just know that God's in control. 

For once, I can say worry is not in my wheelhouse. 

We are not kindreds, the two of us. There's no Anne Shirley/Diana Barry love going on here between me and worry.  

Since we listed this house, we've had five showings with another one tonight and a 3-hour evacuation for the Realtors to walk through tomorrow. We've gotten some good feedback. We've gotten some interest. 

We might actually be okay...but the truth of the whole thing is, I'm just not worried about it. 

And wow. That. is. freeing.

See, sometimes, you just have to go through it yourself. It's storming and rainy and horrible and you're sure you're going to drown, and then this crazy thing happens. God steps in. He brings you fabulous renters. He gets you across the country. 

He brings you work when you're sure you won't be able to pay the bills...He's with you every step of the way. 

So when the next storm kicks up, you can remember how faithfully he saw you through the last time and somehow...this storm pales in comparison. "God's done more than this already for us," you think. Because inside there's this knowing...

This knowing that you can't really explain, no matter how hard you try...

And that knowing can only come with growing. With getting older. With age. 

And I have to tell you, that while it wasn't easy in the middle of the storm...in the middle of any of the storms...I wouldn't trade them for anything. 

Because if this is the kind of peace I get to have as a result...it was worth it. I promise you. In the end. It'll be worth it. 

What storm are you facing today? Is worry your kindred, or are you resting in the knowing?

 

How Our Move is Hitting Home {hard}

It's hard to explain how a son can steal your heart unless you have a son that's stolen yours. 

bad iPhone photo. It is what it is.

The relationship between mother and son is unique and different and very special...at least around here. Ethan is my most sensitive child, but he's also my least verbal. At least when it comes to talking about his feelings. 

Oh, he loves a good rambling round of Twenty Questions (in which he asks approximately twenty questions on the same topic before moving on to a new topic and starting over...) because he's curious and intelligent and likes to dissect things. 

But ask him how he feels and he clams up. Cries. Struggles.

A few weeks before we really knew we were moving back, I started probing the kids. Ethan came with me to run an errand and when I wouldn't let him get something in the gumball machine he said, "You know Grammy would let me get it." 

Uh-huh. But I'm not Grammy. 

He sighed. "I know." (Read that with an extreme amount of disappointment. Because that's how he said it.)

I said, "You miss Grammy and Poppy?" 

He nodded. 

"What if we lived back by them, would that be a good thing?" 

He thought for a second and said, "You know, I never really wanted to move here in the first place." 

So I thought we were golden. It was the girl I was worried about. 

Then we explained to the kids that this was a very real possibility, and as I suspected, Sophia cried (she has this great little group of friends at school...) 

And Ethan said "Okay. Can I go play the Wii now?" 

But then a few days passed and Sophia remembered the good things about Illinois, including her friends there...

And CYT and the school she'd loved...

And Ethan still said nothing. 

Then I started getting emails from his teacher. Bad behavior. Wild. Talking out of turn. 

At first, my inclination was to punish him. No kid of mine was going to be the troublemaker. I don't care who his daddy is. 

But after a couple of days of emails like this, it dawned on me. For all of Ethan's "not caring," I knew that somehow, inside, he was having trouble processing this. In three years of school, he's had three different schools. And the one he loves is the one he's in at the time...which right now, is in Colorado. 

I sat Ethan down and told him I'd had another email from his teacher. We talked about his behavior, and then I dug my heels in and tore the band-aid off. "Is something upsetting you? Because usually you only act up when you're upset about something." 

It took a minute, but then he burst into tears and said "It's just hard that we might be moving back to Illinois." 

I said, "But I thought you were excited because you never wanted to come here in the first place?" 

And he said, "But then I started thinking about all the good friends I have here." 

And what could I say? Because I've thought about all the good friends I have here too. I've cried over the distance we're now putting between us and them...I've hated how flighty we seem to keep traipsing across the country. 

I've had dreams that we're doing the wrong thing mixed in with dreams we're doing exactly what we're supposed to...but more than anything, I've lost sleep worrying about these kids. 

I switched schools exactly twice in my life. Once in 2nd grade and once in 9th. It was traumatic both times. Kids are resiliant, yes, but how do you, as a parent, explain that this is the right decision for our whole family...not just for the grown-ups? 

How do you give them a chance to explore feelings they're much too young to have when really, you want to be wild and talk out of turn and throw your ball at your classmates just like they're doing? 

I know he'll be okay...but he's still processing right now...and so am I. My feelings are so mixed in spite of being so sure we're in the palm of His hand...

And I suppose that's normal...but that doesn't make it easy. 

I have no conclusion today. Just ramblings. Just questions. Just typical mom-worry...

And the hope that when all is said and done...we're going to be okay...

Truth Is Power {Lost and Found by Ginny Yttrup} Part Two

There's so very much I could write about "Lost and Found." In so many ways, this book opened my eyes to my own issues. The way I've allowed myself to be too caught up in the world's opinions. The way I've maneuvered my life to try and become who I am expected to be. 

If there's one thing I've learned over the past five or so years, it's this. 

Truth is power.

I think we have a tendency, as humans, to hide our mistakes, our sins, our evils, and then they become the thing that plagues us. The thing that could easily take us down. 

But when you speak them out, when you confess your issues or shed light on your sins...a funny things happens, they can't hurt you anymore. 

Light and darkness cannot co-exist. So, when you pull something out of the darkness, it's filled with light...and while the process can be painful, the truth of it brings power. 

Once there's light, there's hope...and that thing you've been hiding can't hurt you anymore. It's no longer a weapon that can be used against you...

In Ginny's book, there's a paragraph I circled: 

It is so like her to act as though nothing has transpired between us. To move forward without a backward glance. An apology. An acknowledment of any sort. These are the times that leave me feeling crazy.

And that's how it can be when you're unsure, when truth isn't prominent in your mind. You allow other people to dictate the things you believe, regardless of what you know to be true. 

Why do we do that? 

Why do I do that? 

Reading the words in this book opened my eyes and helped me realize that while I've felt like something was wrong with me all this time, in reality the only thing wrong is that I wasn't allowing the truth to have the power in my life. 

Like I said yesterday, I feel like this book was a gift to me. A way for me to fully embrace the things God's told me to do and allow them to be the only thing that matters. 

And the scary part is that I expect to be tested with this again. And again. Until I get it down. Until I can fully embrace this revelation. 

To that end, here's what I know: 

1. I'm first a wife and a mother. My family is my #1 ministry. Anyone who tells you differently (in word or in action) doesn't have your best interest at heart. 

2. I'm called to be a writer. 

3. Not everyone in the world is going to like me. And that's okay. 

4. I can't worry about the opinions of others...because if I please one person, I'll likely not please another person. There are, after all, as many opinions as there are people.

5. God has a divine purpose for my life. (And yours.) 

These are some of my truths. I have to stay focused on these and not get diverted watching enemy missiles firing at me. 

In a few short months, I'll be walking back into familiar territory. The place where people know me as the person I always was, and I'm tasked with the trial of staying true to what I now know. And it may be difficult not to let myself get tied in to the things that used to be such a huge part of my life. 

You know, it's kind of like trying to change your personal style...if I started wearing dresses everyday, would people think "Who is she trying to be?" 

Maybe. 

But the fact remains that the hard lessons I've learned over the last two years are in me now. They can't go away just because I'm shopping at the same Target store I used to shop at. And I think, in many ways, Lost and Found taught me that. 

That it's okay to seek the truth. 

That it's wise to hear God's voice and act accordingly, regardless of what anyone says about it. 

That sometimes speaking your mind, when done with grace, isn't a bad thing. 

This is my truth. 

What's yours? 

By the way...you can visit Ginny on her website/blog HERE.

And you can buy your own copy of her incredible book HERE. 

When God's "NO" is a much-needed detour {the next part of the story}

So...where was I? 

A funny thing happens to me when I sense God is doing something. That we're on the edge of change feeling takes over and I find myself looking for it everywhere. Like Sherlock Holmes, I try to deduce where God is taking us, as if it's a mystery to be solved. As if I can't wait another moment for the answers. As if He's not going to show us in His time. 

In the case of our move here, it was the pervy pastor. 

In the case of our move back home, it was something else entirely. And I was bummed out when I decided that I must not, after 36 years of trying, be able to hear God's voice after all. 

As a wife, I think it's safe to say that I can spot discontent in the man I married. He is, by all accounts, incredibly laid-back. Otherwise, I'm certain there's no way he could live with me. When I started seeing his discontent, I started to wonder what we were going to do...but then he'd have a great day (usually off at a video shoot or something) and it would be fine for awhile. 

But then, it wouldn't be. 

I'm not sure which one of us handled this worse. (Yes I am, it was me. I handled it worse.) Because I hate seeing him unhappy. Knowing what he can do and how good he is at what he does, seeing him spend his days doing something other than that just about killed me. 

So, I started praying. I prayed that Adam would find the kind of job that utilized his talents--his gifts--the things that made him truly happy. Adam has star potential, and I knew he'd couldn't be long-term happy in a cubicle. 

Then our church announced that they needed a worship leader. And while I knew my husband did not want to go back into church ministry and he most certainly didn't want to be a worship leader, all I could think was "This is something he could do." 

And I felt strongly about it. And I knew this was it. And I convinced Adam to call the church. And one hour before he called, they filled the position. And I moped and sulked a little because what other option was there for us? How, God? How are you going to fix this one? 

Oh, ye, of little faith. 

Man, I had little faith. 

That weekend, we were in Illinois for some reason and I remember recounting the whole story to my mom (who, if you can believe it, worries even more than I do...hey, I learned from the best.) But while I was telling her the story, this strange thing happened...

"But you know," I said, driving toward Wendy's for my apple pecan chicken salad. "Adam doesn't want to be a worship leader. The thing he keeps talking about is theatre. Kids' theatre. Teaching music and acting and directing...that's the thing we both miss." 

And in that moment, literally, it was like oh-my-gosh-that's-what-we-need-to-do...Like a lightbulb. Like THAT was the thing that we had in our hearts--that Adam especially had in his heart...and if it weren't for my misguided attempt to force him into a box he didn't want to go in, we wouldn't have realized it. 

That's when we started discussing our options...that's when we started dreaming about doing what we'd always loved to do...something we do together sort of beautifully. 

See, sometimes, we head down a path and we're sure it's God. And then it doesn't work out. I believe that doesn't mean it's not God...it's just God's way to get you to a different place...

Adam isn't going to be a worship leader, but that closed door got us dreaming again. Outside the box dreaming...and now, months later, here we are...standing on the corner of God's Will. 

Just where he wanted us to be. 

It's easy to get caught up in the method...to look at these detours, these twists and turns and beat ourselves up because the closed doors MUST mean we haven't heard God...but I don't believe it for a second. If you surrender, he'll get you exactly to the spot you're supposed to be in. 

I'm sure of it. 

What detour have you taken lately? Is it possible that it's leading you to something bigger?

Scrapbooking Your Faith Weekly Prompts {Won't You Join Me?}

I'm interrupting my story to gather the rest of my thoughts. I'll tell you all about how this move has already been challenging in that my son is acting out in school because he can't seem to process his emotions. I'll explain what it's like when well-meaning people plant a seed of doubt in your mind and how difficult it is to cling to what you know you know...

The story just keeps changing. Today our Realtor is coming by to talk about selling the house. When we moved here, I was terrified about our house in Rockford. It never did sell, but we have fabulous renters. 

Sometimes God works things out in a way you never expected. I love that. 

Because of it, I feel like I can walk into this next season with more peace. I don't know how God will work it out, but I know he will. I rest in that. 

Anyway. Today, I want to direct you to the Creating Keepsakes Magazine Blog where I'm guest posting (yay) and sharing a layout inspired by my book, A Sweethaven Summer. (Should go live later tomorrow!) Since I haven't talked about the 'ol book in awhile, I'll put in a shameless plug here...I think it'd make someone an awfully nice Mother's Day Gift, don't you? 

You can head right over HERE and enter to WIN a copy along with some fabulous scrapbooky prizes! 

I'm also working on some fun events to help spread the word about the book because we all know word of mouth is what really sells a book. 

If you've shared it with a reader in your life...thank you. Immensely. 

If you haven't, feel free. I'll pledge my undying devotion to you if you help spread the word. 

Too needy? 

Here's a little peek at the project I'm sharing over at CK...

(It's a map project. I love a good map.)

A few weeks ago, CK Editor Extraordinaire Jennafer Martin was in town and my good friend Liz and I got to meet up with her for breakfast:

I can't resist. I have to mention how sleepy I look. Wowza.

If there's one thing I LOVE about scrapbooking it's the friends I've made...which is why I'd LOVE for you to come join me for this new thing I'm doing right here on my blog. Six weeks of journaling prompts to help you Scrapbook Your Faith. 

Now, I'm not much of a video girl (which you will soon see givent he crummy webcam I'm using, but today I'm doing something I've never done before...a video announcement to tell you more about this fun idea.

I want to stress that this is NOT just for scrapbookers...this is for anyone...and I hope you'll join me...

At the risk of looking like a complete dork, here we go...(And the freeze frame/lighting are sooo flattering.)

 

So, let's recap (and talk about how you can WIN some GREAT, awesome, wonderful stuff.) 

1. Go over to the CK blog and enter to WIN A Sweethaven Summer and a scrapbooking prize package! (Post should be up tomorrow!) 

2. Leave me a comment on this post and you'll be entered to win a copy of Scrapbooking Your Faith (and one of the five winners will get a scrapbooking mystery box as well!) (And also, tell me if you're going to join in and journal YOUR faith!)

3. Come back next week for the first "Scrapbooking Your Faith" journaling prompt! It's going to be tons of fun! 

4. Tell Your Friends! 

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! 

Yep. We're Moving. Again.

Source

If you've been following our family journey for awhile now, perhaps you remember just two summers ago when we packed up our little family and headed across the country to Colorado. 

Maybe you remember our announcement that after only two years in our Rockford house, we were selling it so we could make said move. 

You may even remember only a few short months ago, how we, after living in a god-awful rental for a year, found a house in Loveland that we loved. And we bought it. 

And found out none of the appliances worked. 

And practically gutted it, replacing flooring and paint and trim...

Going from this:

To this:

From this:

to this:

If you're just joining our journey, then welcome. It's been a wild and crazy ride. 

And it's about to get crazier.

One other thing you might be aware of is our undying affection for Christian Youth Theatre, an organization we've written and directed for for a few years now. I think Adam's first show with them was when I was pregnant with Sam in 2007 and I came on the year after. 

And since our move, it's something we've missed immensely. 

For Sophia too...

(Peter Pan, her first show, 2009)

We miss the kids. We miss the theatre. We miss directing. And most of all, we miss making a direct impact on the lives and self esteem of young people. 

We used to do that for a living, you know. 

Well, today, we're happy to announce that Adam has officially accepted a position as the Artistic Director for CYT-Chicago. And yes, that means, this little family is hitting the road. 

Again. 

I promise I don't really have a lazy eye. 

Or wait. Do I? Do I have a lazy eye and no one is telling me? 

Regardless. 

I honestly cannot WAIT to tell you the amazing story of how God brought us to this point. It's a tale of learning patience, trust and the value of not giving in to the looming mental breakdown. And suffice it to say, God is using it to teach us and build our character... 

But I know what you're thinking...why would you leave Colorado...

For Illinois...

And all I can tell you is that when God moves you, you go. 

We've learned to trust his voice, to go where the peace is.

For us, that means Adam taking this job and us moving back to Illinois. Where? We have no idea. Many things need to fall into place... but life surely has turned into a journey for these homebodies...who seem perfectly incapable of finding a home. 

So...know anyone looking for a house in Loveland, Colorado?

The Quick Drive to Boulder

To say I needed a weekend of rest would be a tremendous understatement. I've started to see something about myself that I'm not sure how to change...I tend to internalize everyone else's stress (along with my own.) What's that about? 

So, if Adam is stressed, I take that on, make it mine. I give it a home and a place to set up shop. I've got to stop doing that. I have to learn that other people--even people I love--can handle their stresses. 

Awhile back, Adam went on a video shoot down in Boulder. They filmed a girl jumping out of an airplane. But what stuck with Adam wasn't the skydiving adventure so much as the drive home from Boulder... a drive that runs you parallel to the mountains.

And while it is really brown here right now, there's just nothing like the mountains on a beautiful day. And Saturday was perfect. We all hopped in the car and went for a drive...because we'd never been to Boulder before.

And because we needed to rest. relax. recharge. 

Boulder was different right off the bat. I knew it wasn't going to be a typical town when I saw these: 

They look like little sheds, but I'm pretty sure they were some kind of eco-homes. Tiny and all in a row. Naturally, I started wondering about the people who lived up there...how were their lives different from ours? 

Did they get out and recharge on the weekends? And why had it been so long since I'd allowed myself to do that?

We knew we wanted to make our way downtown to Pearl Street:

There's several blocks with brick sidewalks and beautiful shops and restaurants, and I knew instantly I'd never been anywhere quite like it. 

We were met by some interesting sights...Like a man sprinting down the block in a dress:

(I wondered if this was some sort of fraternity prank, but the dude didn't look like he was in college.) 

And this, which I feel is self explanatory:

We parked the car and started walking...and I loved that my kids got to see all the different artistic things going on downtown. All kinds of street musicians and performers, a creepy dude making balloon animals, a kid playing a mean violin...

This guy, whose instrument of choice was a didgeridoo...

And these two, who drew quite a crowd with their music...(I'm tempted to tell you these are xylophones, but as sure as I do someone will tell me they are some much more interesting instrument...anyone know??)

We also got to see some pretty amazing architecture and art. The entire downtown area looked liked something out of a movie. 

And while we didn't buy anything except lunch, and we didn't stay for hours and hours, the time away, unplugged, was exactly what we needed. It was like a mini-vacation right in the middle of the weekend. 

And once again, Adam and I were wondering "Why don't we do this more often?" 

I think they were wondering the same thing...

My Month So Far in iPhone photos...

I have to catch my breath. The word "Whirlwind" seems to describe my December so far and I'm putting my foot down. I'm making a point to inhale the winter chill, to marvel at the lights, to feel the joy of my four-year-old as he tells me he wants to see Santa. 

I have one last giveaway before we pick the winners, but it's not quite ready yet, so I'm changing my own rules and posting it tomorrow. In the mean time, I'm sharing something I know you're all dying to see...my iPhone photos that document the past few weeks. 

Riveting, right?! I mean, where else can you see this...

Proof that I can screw up even the simplest of dishes. This Jello dessert did not make it to our Thanksgiving dinner and it's pretty clear why. What a mess. I have a feeling I won't be asked to write a cookbook anytime soon. 

Sophia, on the other hand, is taking mighty nicely to the kitchen...

...and baked Adam cookies one night after she saw how miserable my dessert turned out. 

We went to a craft show where my friend Jenn was selling goodies. I picked up a couple of these for Sophia...

She broke it the second time she wore it. 

Last year, we didn't put up a tree. It was dismal in our rental and we did nothing to help that. So, this year, the weekend after Thanksgiving, I nagged insisted we get festive...

And by "we" I mostly mean "Adam." 

I write by this in the evenings and it's the coziest thing ever. The third book in the Sweethaven series is a Christmas book, so I'm soaking up all the magic and pouring it onto my pages. 

We  started a new tradition this year of going to Target and choosing a new ornament. This was Adam's:

Those of you who know him will understand. He is often seen with a pencil behind his ear. It was fitting. I think I was wise to nag him about the tree...it's made a huge difference in my Christmas spirit. And we all know the spirit of the house comes from the mother. At least that's what I'm told when I'm in a really crabby mood. 

For a couple of days in a row after the tree went up, Sam stood in front of it, decked out in his jams and said "I just want to stand here." Remember how cool Christmas was when you were little?

I treated myself to a Clearance mug at Pier1 and have washed it every single day since so I can have my coffee in it. Suddenly my previous favorite mugs have lost their appeal. Why is that?

This photo is so telling of my days...I start each one right here with coffee and the computer...tackling the to-do list of my job and thanking God he hooked me up with Webster's Pages in the first place. 

Adam decided Sophia was old enough to watch "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Thinking back on it, I'm not so sure I shouldn't have intervened, but apparently she emerged unscathed and it was a nice way for the two of them to spend some quality time. (And suddenly she has a crush on Merry.) ha. 

Naturally, when she found these:

She wanted to buy them for Adam. I said a picture would suffice. 

I'm such an orc of a mom. 

Adam and Sophia recorded a song Sophia wrote. It's a praise and worship song. It's not done yet, but I've already asked if I can share it with you when it is. Because I really like it. And because I want to be one of those braggy moms who always talks about her kids all the time. I think I'm good at that. :) 

 

Then I threw my back out. That was fun. I was down for several days and still am not 100%. The good news was Sophia gave me a pedicure. My toes are now aqua. 

Are you jealous?

Last week we headed out to Ethan's Christmas program at school. He's a sheep. 

A sheep with glittery fingertips.

And then this weekend, we celebrated our anniversary:

Turns out we're kind of boring people who sort of relish our boredom. We had so much fun shopping, having dinner and reminiscing about all the anniversaries past...

And then deciding that the past couple of years have almost felt like a new beginning. 

And loving that. 

So tomorrow, the Big Christmas Giveaway is going live and you don't want to miss it! And I'll post winners of all my giveaways later on this week. I cannot WAIT to draw names! :) 

Thanks to everyone for playing along!

 

 

Creepy AND Crawly

At some point, I know I'm going to have to share these horrible-awful photos I have in my stash. 

No, they aren't of me barely awake and stumbling to the kitchen before I've had my coffee... they are true, honest-to-goodness phobia-inducing photos that I'm not sure I can even edit in order to post. 

No, really. It is that bad. 

I finally found something I don't like about living in Colorado...

My friends, meet the Orb Web Weaver Spider...

This guy (or girl??) lives in my back yard. 

Yes. In the yard. On the fence. And it's, er, he's still there. 

(How HOW do you smoosh a spider with a body that big? fortheluvofallthatisholy...)

I got home from ACFW last month and Adam (in all his geeked out glory) ushered me to the back yard to meet his new friend. I cannot explain how this made me feel, I am not kidding. 

Stomach knotted. Skin crawling. And I started doing that little shaky thing I do when I'm just utterly grossed out...

And yet, even I have to admit...when I look at her (or him), I am in complete awe of this creature. I am not for one second saying I want this thing in my life for any length of time... 

But you have to admit, it's pretty darn cool...

One more of God's magnificent wonders, wrapped up in a creepy crawly little package. 

And living in my back yard. 

Shift Your Focus

Yesterday was a hard day from the start. I woke up late, felt frazzled and discovered I should've done things differently last week to avoid it. 

I may've collapsed completely were it not for my husband's insistence the day before that we get out of the house and enjoy this beautiful weather. (There's a pattern here of him forcing me outside and me realizing how good it is.) 

The only bad thing was I forgot the card for my camera and only had my phone. I'm telling you, no phone camera can do justice to the beauty of a Colorado fall...

We headed up into the mountains to a park hidden off the side of the road and even I'll admit, it was much needed and well worth it. 

Right when we got there, Adam said "let's just let the kids go explore." 

And then promptly yelled "Sam, get back here." 

He was up to no good. 

It's amazing to me that after lamenting my church issues only Friday, I could get out to a place where I'm sure God spends most of his days...

And I promise Ethan is not wearing short pants...

Though you can't tell it in this photo.

I think going through this little quandry has been good for me. It's taught me that it's time to move on. It's time to stop trying to live my life out of obligation, but to tap into the God who made me...and discover what he wants for my life. 

Which I'm convinced includes a community of people...though I'm not convinced we've found the right one. I haven't abandoned my beliefs that church is important and good and valid...I'm simply struggling to find where we belong...and I know it's important to keep pushing until we find it. 

Some days, I'm just thankful I can hear the whisper of God's voice in the changing leaves of the Colorado aspens. 

And I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude that Colorado trees DO change color... and they're just as beautiful as the trees in Illinois.

I want to thank you for the emails, calls and texts of encouragement over my last post... knowing that I'm not alone has been hugely helpful... 

So let me encourage you now, in the way you've encouraged me... to keep pushing until you find your spot. If you're searching, like we are, it's out there...and it's important to move past the past to discover what God has for us in the future...

Later this week, I'm going to share a post from someone who helped me shift my perspective on the whole matter...come back for more encouraging words...

And have a wonderful Tuesday!

Perspective

Sometimes when you're just goofing around, someone's there with her camera, goofing around with you...and she captures someting undeniably you. 

It's in that moment that you realize how thankful you are...

For a new life...

A new town...

A new perspective...

But all experienced with the same old guy. 

Photo by my uber talented friend, Lyndsey.

Recognizing a Blessing

If there's one thing I've learned to recognize it's a blessing. Sometimes it's like a lightbulb that goes off. Other times it's a steady influx of data into my brain, reminding me that yes...I am insanely blessed. 

Things are very hectic right now. I've slacked on blogging because I'm feeling a little unfocused, I'm weighed down with stress and deadlines and I'm honestly not sure if I'm going to continue. I started blogging originally as a way to get in the habit of writing everyday. That's not an issue anymore, so I have to wonder why I'm doing it...I'm just reevaluating, I guess...

Still. That's beside the point. It's just floating around in my brain. 

In all my stress, I sometimes fail to see Adam's stress...mostly because he is busy making sure everyone is alright. 

I've gotten into scrapbooking again, and in going back through older pages, I remember why I did it in the first place. Because every once in awhile, on a night when your daughter comes to you at 9 p.m. and tells you she needs a "photo of our history" you'll start scanning images and run across the ones that remind you of things like this. 

Of things like yes, you are married to the perfect man for you. And yes, he really does love you that much. And yes, he is the most creative, talented man you know...but you're together for a reason. 

Sometimes I forget to tell him how amazing I think he is. How proud I am of his willingness to completely change our life because he knew it would be better for our family in the long run. It's been a hard, hard year, but he continues to face every challenge with such positivity. 

I never would've had the courage to jump if he wasn't by my side. 

I am not a mushy person. I'm not even really all that affectionate. I sometimes forget to speak Adam's language. I get caught up in my own bad day and want to make sure he knows it was HARD for me that I forget maybe he wants relief from the stress.

I am proud of what we've done, moving here and changing our life. I'm proud of Adam for being willing to learn something completely new...and difficult. I love that he's THAT kind of dad who comes back to the front door for "one last hug" just because Sam asks.

And most of all, I am blessed...because this man is the greatest person I know...and I get to spend the rest of my life with him. 

 

Loveland, Colorado Corn Roast Festival

I sometimes have to step back and remind myself we now live in a much smaller town than we used to. Sometimes that is blatantly obvious, like this past weekend, when we headed out for Loveland's Annual Corn Roast Festival. 

Adam joined the "corn shuckers" at work and took part in the corn shucking contest. I'm told he was the weak link on his team...which I think is funny considering we're from Illinois. 

So, they serve corn all throughout the weekend (and it's GOOOD), but I'm told that years ago someone came up with the idea of a contest to shuck the corn...

Because seriously, that IS the most annoying part.

Adam did step up his game, and the rest of his team gave a valiant effort, but they just couldn't shuck enough ears to win. 

We didn't care...we were there to take it all in, regardless...

The whole set-up reminded me of The Petunia Festival in my hometown of Dixon, Illinois. It's over the 4th of July every year and it's so much fun. Many of my best memories of living in Dixon center around that week in the middle of summer. 

I hope the Corn Roast Festival is similar for my kids. 

After shucking, Adam made a good point..."I can't leave the Corn Festival without eating some corn..." so we tried it on for size. And let me say, we've got high corn standards having grown up in the middle of a corn field and all...

I won't even tell you how they put butter on it. 

Ok, I will. They have crock pots FULL of melted butter and they dunk the ear in, spin it around and then slosh it down in a piece of tin foil. Seriously. Paula Deen would be proud.

For some of us, corn wasn't enough...which is fine because there was a whole line-up of food choices...Ethan chose well, the perfect fair-food...

Sophia got this greasy mess:

My stomach hurts just looking at it. Tater twists. They're basically potato chips straight out of the grease. Yow.

Even still, the real star was the corn...

Everyone loved it. Even this random person that Adam took a picture of.

This is why I don't give him the camera very often. 

During the shucking content, the kids spotted an inflatable and bungee jumping thing. They begged and pleaded and wore us down until finally we relented. 

It was worth it...

They had a blast. 

Ethan studied Sophia before they strapped him in...

And then took the reins. 

A huge, huge success! 

We are definitely fans of The Corn Roast Festival...next year we'll add even more activities to our itinerary...and that's saying something for this homebodied family!

 

Hugh Hefner Loves Estes Park and so do we...

 It dawned on us about two weeks ago that we live in a place people drive or fly to vacation and yet, we weren't fully taking advantage of all the beauty within driving distance. It was the last weekend before school started, the last weekend before I started my job (which I love, by the way), and we needed to escape. 

So we drove about 35 minutes up into the mountains, doubling our elevation. The air is thinner and if you aren't careful, you can definitely make yourself a little woozy, especially with all the weaving roads. Thankfully, no one got sick...

Downtown Estes Park is the kind of place novelists photograph in their mind and save to draw on for a later date.  

Even when you forget to bring jackets and have to shop the sale rack at one of the overpriced tee-shirt stores meant to swindle tourists out of their wads of cash, you can still find so much to love in this place. 

I'm especially happy with the way Sam's taken to the camera...

I know, you want a better look at the best photo of the day, don't you? Well, here it is...

Someone please tell me whose child this is.

Standing on the edge of downtown near town hall, this is the view:

...okay, that photo does NOT do it justice. Let me just say, it's stunning. And I'm so curious about the people who live there. What brought them to a touristy type town, why do they stay, how could they ever leave? 

We started with breakfast/lunch at a little restaurant called Claires:

Nothing fancy, but it served its purpose. And my fruit plate was divine. 

(I would never say that in real live, fyi. I sometimes throw words into my blog that I would never say in real life. Just for fun.) 

When you walk down the street, you see all kinds of nifty things. Like a candy shop making salt water taffy right in the window...

Eventually it becomes this:

...which I would've bought in a heartbeat if I thought I could save it until my pseudo sugar fast is over. (I say pseudo because I'm starting to relax a little bit on it, it's been about 45 days...but that's a story for another day.) 

I quickly discovered this was not the place I wanted to be if I had any hope of escaping sugarless.

(Adam actually got one of those caramel apples on the left!) He left about two bites so I tried it and said "apples are totally fine for me. This is actually health food." To which he responded with that knit together eyebrow thing he does so well.

While he enjoyed his caramel apple, the kids enjoyed handmade ice cream...

And it started to rain a little...

But if there's one thing I've learned about Colorado, it's that seriously, the rain doesn't hang around for long. 

I found this to be the most brilliant thing I spied all day:

An all-day cereal bar? 25 kinds of cereal and 25 kinds of milk?? Are you serious? Why aren't these more common? It took me back to college and the long counter of cereal choices. Ah, those were the days...(hey, cereal is expensive!) 

I also discovered there are Cubs fans everywhere...

Sam discovered the drinking fountain. (This is my favorite picture of the whole trip, I think...)

And we discovered that yes, we do have something in common with Hugh Hefner. A pretty startling realization for this prudish work-from-home mom from the Midwest. 

We were walking along and this pulled up along the curb. Clearly they weren't trying to be discreet...

The Playboy insignias all over the windows gave me pause, but it wasn't until I spotted the license plate that I knew this was the real deal. And my maternal instinct to preserve the innocence of my children kicked in. I wanted to throw my arms over them and usher them into a store but thought that might be going a little overboard. 

Just a little. 

I braced myself for the parade of boobs, but oddly, the limo just sat there, its driver running back to the back, getting in, then running back to the driver's seat...

Look at the men gawking in this picture. Geesh. 

I think they were sad when the limo pulled away, boobies and all. 

Anyway, that was the first part of our day. And we had a blast. If you ever get the chance to visit Estes Park, go! It's gorgeous! And so worth it. 

Don't forget, today is the last day to enter to win two signed copies of Deborah Raney's newest books (scroll down two posts and leave a comment!) Someone is going to be very happy! :) 

 

Back to School

My kids start school tomorrow. (We're taking a step of faith and sending them to the Christian school...) For a month now, I thought it was Wednesday, but it's not. it's tomorrow. And I'm glad I realized it before tomorrow. 

How did that happen, though? How did it get to be mid-August? We were looking at our summer, full of moving and renovating and while we did go on vacation, that was really the only purposely fun thing we did. 

The other day Adam came up with a weekend plan involving grilling out and hanging out and going on a day trip. "We live in Colorado but we don't do anything we couldn't do in Illinois." 

Touche. 

He was so right. We spend our weekends playing catch up...whereas most people out here spend their weekends relaxing...and you know what? I think they're on to something. 

As a sort of "last hurrah" before heading back to the grind, we took the kids to Estes Park yesterday. I know that it's not possible to go "away" every single weekend, but if we could, I think we'd consider it. Getting out of cell range...away from the reminders we still have trim to paint...without access to the work hidden inside the laptop...it was the best thing for us. 

But I think it made me acutely aware that in just one more day, we'll be shoving the kids out the door at 7:30 to go to their new school (again) and I'll be home without their chatter. 

Don't get me wrong. I won't miss the arguing. Or the constant questions or the "Mom, can you do this...?" which seems to happen at fifteen minute intervals. 

(Dear Courtney, please correct your posture. Signed, your backbone.) 

Back to school time is sort of a love-hate thing for me. My kids thrive in school. They love it. They live for it. It's their favorite. And I love seeing them happy. But I really do miss them when they aren't here, wrapped in our little home-cocoon. 

(Dear Courtney, please get some quality sleep. Signed, the puff under your eyes.) 

This year, I'm determined to be utterly organized. To stay on top of permission slips and paperwork. To pack lunches and lay out clothes the night before. I'm determined, I tell you. I won't let homework get away from me. I won't forget they don't have school and take them anyway. I wake up late and rush around trying to throw them out the door with a Pop-Tart.

I have better things in mind this year and I hope I can pull it off. So, come tomorrow, my house will be eerily quiet. Just me and the Hobbit. 

And I'm going to miss them...

A lot. 

What about you? Do you love or hate sending your kids back to school? What will you miss most? What are you determined to do differently this year? 

 

Musings from the Road

(Otherwise known as "Things I Learned on our Latest Roadtrip...")

In no particular order. 

1. Kids can pee their pants even while they are sitting on the toilet.

2. Courtney-coffee=Satan (That was one Adam learned.)

3. Adam in a good mood is almost as annoying as Adam in a bad mood. (He knows this. I told him many times.)

4. The real reason Adam won't let me drive is because he doesn't want to have to deal with the kids. 

 

5. Three year old boys have to go to the bathroom every twenty minutes. Which happen to alternate with the times that 10 year olds and nearly-8 year olds have to go to the bathroom.

6. If the Stormchasers' Tiv ever breaks down, they could use a Buick Terrazza. 

7. Spending the money on an indoor waterpark? Totally worth it!

8. The way there is quicker than the way back.

9. The things you've heard about rural Greeley are true. It literally STINKS. (And here's why:)

10. Iowa has the NICEST rest stops. (Sorry, Nebraska, but it's true.) 

11. 90 degrees in Colorado feels like 90 degrees. But 90 degrees in the Midwest feels like 90 degrees and a shower in a scalding hot fire hose.

12. "Everyone else on the road is an idiot..." --Adam

13. Sometimes a Happy Meal toy can entertain a kid for hours (which totally redeems the nastiness of the food he just ate.)

14. If you think you're being all rebellious by buying Mike's Hard Lemonade coolers to drink with your sister & mom, you most likely won't drink them...then you'll try and take a couple home with you and if you do, they'll break inside your cooler and make the whole van smell like alcohol, which you will all regret the entire 15 hours in the car. You'll come to the conclusion that some people simply weren't born to know what a margarita cooler tastes like...and that someone is you. 

15. It's ridiculously hard to find a good salad on the road. 

16. If a fly gets trapped in your car, it's all over. Call in the guards.

17. You CAN get sunburned in goofy looking circles right on the tops of your knees. Just go canoeing. 

 
18. Late night farts are funny for weary travelers. Especially for 8 year old boys doing the farting. 

19. Double rainbows really ARE so intense. 

20. Construction sucks.  

21. Mosquito bites suck.

22. Iowa sucks. (Sorry, Iowa...but you're a very long and horizontal state!)

23. My dad doesn't know how to whisper in the movies. 

24. Leaving is hard. The sadness lingers and sometimes sneaks up and surprises you...especially when it appears in the form of a seemingly strong 10 year old girl. 

25. There's no place like home...the one you came from and the one you're going back to...

 

 

House to Home...the Entryway

Little things like the entry way seem to trip me up the worst. We had this ugly flooring...

BEFORE:

Ok. This picture doesn't show its true ugliness. The truth is, the floor was fine, however, with our new kitchen floor, it became an instant eyesore. Clearly the two didn't match. (This is our kitchen floor on the bottom...)

For those of you who've emailed me about that floor, it's by Shaw and it's called "Mountain Lodge Durango." Email me if you have more questions!

Anyway, we had just what we wanted in the kitchen...but the entry presented a problem. This is why I love our flooring lady. It would've upped our price considerably to tear up, pull out and replace the entryway floor. Such a small space, but seriously expensive. 

By the time we were picking flooring, we were more money conscious than ever, so we were on the hunt for an alternative to transform this guy...

BEFORE:

(I wish I had a better shot of just the entry. I wasn't composing this blog post in my mind when I was taking before shots.)

Carpet/Tile Lady suggested we have the guys sand it down and stain it a color that would match the kitchen. "Because they're not right next to each other, no one will ever know." 

Genius. I mean, if money is no object, get the matching floor...but if you want to spend your thousand bucks somewhere else (I had a couch in mind...it ended up being a dishwasher and garbage disposal!) this is a great alternative. 

At first, I HATED the way it looked. I was so worried we'd made a mistake, but I think the stain just needed a couple days to settle. And now? I love it.

AFTER:

(Sorry about my pile up of picture frames waiting for homes there in the lower left!) 

We also painted the trim, the walls and changed out this light fixture. I think it made a huge difference, but it was super easy to do!

I wanted to create a good balance of light and dark so I left some of my dark elements in the space and tried to make it all flow right into our living room. Because when you're standing in the front entry, this is the view:

For now, I've decided to use my little chest (which houses important papers, mailing supplies and office type "junk" (paper clips, stapler, etc.) right here because it fits well and it's functional. However, I may replace it with a little antique bench down the road if I can find one.

AFTER:

I put a "mail catcher" basket right on the top just for bills. No other mail is allowed in there. But then, when I go to pay bills, I just take the basket with me and I'm good to go. 

For us, our home is about our family, so we want to fill it with pictures of the people who live here. Next month, we're having professional photos taken so a lot of these older shots will be replaced. I can't explain how excited I am about that!

But in the meantime, this is, I think, a nice way to say "Welcome Home."

 

House to Home...the Kitchen (In Progress)

The room that's given me the most trouble? The kitchen. Hands-down. 

It's the room that's about halfway done. 

The room that had no working appliances (except the stove.) 

The room where I knew our family would spend the most time. 

This is what it looked like BEFORE:

And I wanted to change just about everything about it. 

BEFORE:

While I surveyed the mustard yellow sponge painted wall, I envisioned something completely different. Light, cheerful, happy. All in all, I felt like the house was sad. Literally, sad people must've lived here (later confirmed by our neighbors) and I knew we needed something completely the opposite. 

Kitchen BEFORE:

The initial plan? 

• Replace the flooring
• Change out all light fixtures
• Paint the wall
• Paint the cabinets and trim (we went with a high gloss white...LOVE it!)
• Add crown moulding to the top of the cabinets (side note: I cannot spell that "molding" even though I see it that way sometimes. To me, that conjures visions of squishy tomatoes left on the top shelf of the fridge for too many days, er, weeks...)
• New hardware 
• Eventually, we'd like to replace our table with a round one (ideally a flea market find because I want to paint it. And paint every chair a different color.) 

This isn't a great shot of our eating area BEFORE, but it's all I have...

So, as you may already know from my whining, we did not expect to have to replace all the appliances right away. It was down farther on the list. But what are you gonna do?

So here is our kitchen AFTER(ish):

The thing I love the most? The floor. I am in LOVE with this floor. It's distressed, I'm not sure you can tell, durable, cleans SO easily...I cannot say enough good things about it. 

(That's our new dishwasher over there in the corner.) 

I still have LOTS to do in here, including:

• Hang some artwork!
• Hardware on cabinets
• Replace fixtures
• Paint corner round white
• Pick ONE coffee maker to declutter the counter top!
• New counter tops (we've priced them. The price physically hurt me.) 
• New stove
• New sink (ours is completely banged up)...I'm dreaming of this one:

Swoon.

Oh, and I need to seriously do something about the top of the fridge. Some of those big dishes and bowls, I'm hoping to get moved...to this space...

Along that back wall. With my dream shelves that I'm trying to convince my dad to make for me. Remember those?

Double swoon.

I have big dreams of filling it with beautiful displays. You know, eventually. 

We have a new ceiling fan waiting to be installed over the table. There's not a trace of gold on it (Praise Jesus) and it's really pretty. I know some people are anti-ceiling fan, but if it saves us from turning on the air, it's worth it. 

We are also searching for some sort of covering for the sliding glass doors (NOT vertical blinds)...

So that's the kitchen IN PROGRESS. Still much to do, but so much has been done. It's like a blur, all that work we did getting ready to move in. 

Definitely a labor of love, but so, so worth it. And now? Yes, I even love the new appliances. 

Like I said yesterday...it's starting to feel like home.