Lessons I've Learned

Since my husband has been out of work for just over two years I have learned a lot about myself and our little family.

I have learned that going to a horrible job at a terrible place is much worse on a soul than not having a steady paycheck coming in every two weeks. The spirit that has filled my husband since he lost his job is such a blessing. He is happier, looks, and feels better than he did while he was dragging himself to that office everyday.

K was helping me with Marketing my aprons!
He said he had to make the "macho face" for the full effect! Pretty cute model, don't ya think!

I have learned that we don't need a whole lot to be happy. Our boys are perfectly content staying home and playing their games or with their Legos. We don't need fancy outings and elaborate vacations. The true blessing of our personalities is that we are all pretty much homebodies. So fitting since we need to stay home now!

My building boys!

I have learned that we are a very good team. K and I work very well together, we balance each other! Putting our heads together we have been able to figure out better ways to take care of our boys and our home. We invested in bicycles a couple of years ago and it has been so nice to run errands around town together. We get some one-on-one time together, some exercise, and save fuel. K has also put the word out to friends and family that he's available to help with projects or repairs on just about anything. It has been a blast helping K when one of our friends needs something done to their home.

Someday I will learn how to take a better picture of us!

I have learned that I don't need to go run errands every day. I have plenty to do at home, so using the fuel to go run around really isn't necessary. Making trips into town are much more planned and farther and fewer between. My sewing machine is my friend and we have been spending a lot of time together creating. I am hoping Amy's Monkeys continues to grow and supplement our family. Bringing extra income to our home while still being at home is an awesome thing! I never had the courage before to try to market myself and my creations, I guess I needed a push!

I have learned that it is okay to pray for us. I used to think that we were doing pretty well so other than being thankful we really shouldn't pray for specific things. Not any more, if I am having a great day or struggling or frustrated or my back is really hurting I am praying about it. I have had more conversations with God than I ever did before. Man was I missing out before. Weight is lifted from my shoulders. No more borrowing trouble for me.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,

for tomorrow will worry about itself.

Each day has enough trouble of its own. ~Matthew 6:34

This job loss has truly been a blessing to our family. We are better for it. Do we wish K had a full-time income? Absolutely. Will he settle for a horrible working environment again? I hope not. Financially it has stretched us, but emotionally it has strengthened us beyond measure! We will make it through financially, someway or another. Friends and family have blessed us and we will continue to make do!

Until next time,

Linking up:

Happy Friday

I love this song. It is spot on to life. So many of us get caught up in all the little junk that we forget all the great things that happen everyday!

I am working really hard not to forget "how big I'm blessed"!

Have a wonderful Friday!

Until next time,

Happy Things

Last weekend I was working on my computer when the most beautiful colors filled my room.

The sun was rising with the most glorious shades of pink, purple, and orange.



I had to grab my camera and capture the beauty.



This is the reason I am so glad I am a morning person!

Doesn't it just make you smile? I love sunrise, it makes my heart so happy!

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Happy thing number two came on Valentine's Day. I asked K if he remembered the first Valentine's card he gave me. He just smirked and said he didn't. Well I started telling him about the Santa in a Ford Mustang card that he had given me. It was hilarious because my husband loves Ford Mustangs, so to him a card with a Mustang was the best gift ever. He had written something on the inside about how this card was better than any old mushy Valentine card, but if I really want a mushy card he would get one for me.

The best part of the story is I had kept the card in my hope chest and was able to dig it out to show him. We were laughing and remembering. It was so much fun! I am so glad I choose carefully when I save things. It brought back a lot of sweet times!

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We may not have a fancy life or a big bank account, but we have wonderful things all around us everyday. Soaking in the ordinary is what I am focusing on in my life. These days are definitely finer things!

Linking up to Finer Things Friday over at Amy's Finer Things!

Until next time,

Making Me Smile

It was an average Thursday,
but my camera caught my eye and these silly faces made me smile...

Happy Friday everyone!

Until next time,

My Word

I have have been thinking all week about what my word should be for the year. Productive, grow, learn, intentional, better, all great words but not what I was going for completely. So what did I come up with you say??

Here it is....

I know. It's been staring me in the face every time I get on my blog! I am in need of finding balance in my life again. I have been on a quest to do so much that I am going a little extreme at times. I have been trying to get so many new things set up in our lives that I kind of missed the point about making the changes in the first place. Making my family's life better all around.

My family has been through some challenging times the last two years, but we are better for all of it. Well mostly better, some of the challenges I could have done without!

What we need now is balance. Balance between our school lives, our home lives, computer time, creating time, and being together time. I think all five of us are guilty of too much computer time, so I think we need to balance it with more together time where we are active and interacting with each other.

Finding a new rhythm will not be hard if I make it a priority in creating a better balance in our home. These days of the five of us all together are going to be gone before I know it. I want to make sure K and I are doing everything we can to make sure our little men (well Z is not so little) are ready for all the obstacles and challenges they will be facing.

Leading by example has been my parenting MO so far. According to my grandma we have done a great job with the boys, but I know there is still so much to teach them. I want them to know that balancing all your responsibilities is completely possible. You just have to make it happen!

So my friends I am striving to find better balance in my life as we begin the journey of 2011. I have no idea what is in store for us this year, but I am hopeful that a little bit more balance will make it a great year!

Until next time,


Linking to Finer Things Friday

Surprise Mr. Mom

I came home yesterday to the whir of the vacuum cleaner, beautiful shiny floors, and a hubby that had made himself a to do list! I was one happy girl! It's always a little hard when school starts back up to get to everything I want to do each day or each week. K stepped up and has taken on some tasks that have been needing to get done. That my friends is a finer thing indeed!

I always think of Mr. Mom when K and the boys are in their cleaning modes! Join everyone over at Amy's Finer Things for Finer Things Friday.

Until next time,

Cruisin'

We finally got the training wheels off L's bike last weekend and he has been a champ ever since! With his history of injuries we were hesitant to take the training wheels off for a long time. He is still learning about riding straight and using his brakes instead of bailing off the bike to stop. He doesn't get discouraged and gets right back on to try again. It has been awesome seeing my middle boy enjoying himself so much.

Not us, but wouldn't that be a great place to ride!

Now we can go riding as a family, which is just what K and have been wanting to do all summer. We actually took the two little boys out tonight and had a blast! It is a finer thing indeed to be able to do something with your family that puts a smile on everyone's face!

Head on over to Amy's Finer Things for Finer Things Friday to see what else is putting a smile on faces this week!

Until next time,

Roller Coaster

To say my life these past two weeks has been on a roller coaster might just be the understatement of the year. In the span of the last two weeks we went back to school, lost one of K's aunts unexpectedly, found out we were finally pregnant, and lost that pregnancy. My heart is breaking right now in more than one direction.

K and I have been trying to conceive since I had a tubal ligation reversal surgery 2 1/2 years ago. I have gone through months and months of disappointment waiting to finally say, "Here comes #4!" Last week after waiting several days I finally broke down and took a test. In the back of my mind I thought I was late because of the stress of going back to school, but I was still hopeful that maybe, just maybe we were pregnant.

Let's just say you couldn't wipe the smile off my face when the test revealed itself with two beautiful dark little lines. I was overjoyed and shocked all at the same time. Cloud nine does not begin to describe the feelings coursing through my body. K said it figures that it would happen at this time of craziness in our financial lives. He figured I was pregnant before the test confirmed it.

I was dying to tell everyone. This had been wanted for so very long I wanted to tell anyone that would listen. K said we should wait for a bit to make sure things were okay. I conceded, but Thursday night he said why don't you just post it on Facebook. I knew I couldn't do that, but Friday morning I began telling my friends at school. There were hugs and tears. I couldn't shake the smile off my face.

K told his mom and dad Thursday night. His mom was already telling me about a crib she had seen at Costco. Big K said he was going to retire so he could babysit for us. K's mom J said, "No, the baby will live with us and they can come visit everyday." Joy was in all of our hearts.

Saturday started out great. I was sewing and getting things we had saved from the boys out of storage. The washing machine, sewing machine, and my hands were busy busy. Then my world came to a screeching halt. Spotting started. I literally looked up to heaven and said please don't take this away from me.

Panic filled my heart. I looked it up and found out it was not uncommon to spot, but my heart was worried anyway. Sunday continued and Monday the same. I called my OB's office and was told to go into the ER, since Dr. wasn't in the office that afternoon. The ER worked quickly to get labs and ultrasounds completed, but it took 4 1/2 hours to tell me what I already pretty much knew. I had lost this pregnancy. I was devastated, but didn't cry until I got back out to the car to call K.

Almost as quickly as it began, it was over. I don't know why things happen the way they do and I guess I never will. The old saying, "That which does not kill us makes us stronger" keeps racing through my mind. I know we are never given more than we can handle, but seriously somebody up there thinks I can bear an awful lot!

I was embraced and surrounded by love from people all around me as I gave the news. People I work with that I am not necessarily close to came up to me with support and words of encouragement. I never realized how much the people around me care about my well being. It has helped my heart begin to heal more than they will ever know.

So today as my life is being redefined I am encouraged that hope and love are the best cures for any heartache you may feel. I have joined a band of mamas I never really wanted to, but I will be stronger because of it. My love for my husband, my boys, and the people that make the fabric of my life is stronger than ever. I have hope for a chance to carry another little one in my arms and no one can take that from me.

Being reminded of the power of faith, hope, and love is a finer thing indeed.

Still full of hope,


This post is linked to Finer Things Friday at Amy's Finer Things

Virtual Baby Shower

My friend Amy (can you guess how we became friends?? Yup, she's an Amy Lynne too!) over at Amy's Finer Things is expecting baby number 4! Donielle over at Naturally Knocked Up is hosting a virtual baby shower for our friend! Every day next week there will be a giveaway for some fabulous gear! The best part is Amy gets one of each of the giveaway products too! So join all of the bloggy friends as we celebrate this new little one!

Until next time,

A Time for Reflecting

I have been noticing something around here that most people would not suspect in a houseful of boys...peace and quiet. I know it's a strange concept, but it has been happening a lot around here the last few days. I will be working in my sewing room and then realize there is no noise. Fortunately for me my boys are at an age where silence does not automatically mean trouble is brewing. I just stop for a moment and enjoy the peace.

We are in the last 2 full weeks of summer vacation. I am trying to get my head on straight to go back in the classroom, but I am struggling with it this year. With budget cuts and larger class sizes, it's a real effort to find the good. I know I will have some more challenging kids in my class, because I am "good with them". That part of school is fine by me because I love getting through to those kids no one else can reach. I guess making school a great place for those kids is what I need to focus on most!

The boys are excited to go back to school. Z will be at middle school this year! L and N will be at the same school, but will now be on different schedules for dismissal. I am not sure how all of their schedules will work logistically, but I am starting to get a plan together! They are such good boys that I know it will all work out just fine.

K is probably going to head back to school too! He doesn't have a lot left to finish his degree, so this is the perfect time for him to get it done. I know he has struggled with going back to school, but I think it is the best decision for all of us . It will be great for our boys to see their dad working hard to make our lives better!

Changes are heading our way, but I think it will be a bunch of positive changes! We are headed into a season of growth as a family. I am savoring the last days of summer, but I am also looking forward to our new journey. Life's pretty interesting right now!

Finding good amongst chaos is a finer thing! Head on over to Finer Things Friday for more good things.

Until next time,

Happy Anniversary

Five years ago today I married my best friend, my boys' daddy, and a truly honorable man. We've had some hard times and some really good times. Our life together is all about being a team! When we work together on something it gives us both a lot of joy. Our conversations have gotten so much more interesting over the last 14 years. I look forward to being able to talk with K the rest of my life.

Our Family Picture November 2009

We did not come quickly to marriage, but we will work for it for how ever long we are on this earth. I am hoping to begin sharing our story, but I have to find the right words to capture everything that lead up to us becoming Mr. & Mrs. K. Marriage is a special and sacred commitment between two people. Our commitment is forever!

I love my husband and my best friend with all my heart. I am so proud to be Mrs. K! Happy anniversary to us! Here's to a lifetime of tickle fights, smiles, tears, and love!

Sharing your life with your best friend is absolutely a Finer Thing! Join everyone over at Amy's Finer Things to find out what is making people smile this week!

Until next time,

A Few of My Favorite Things

This week has been fun for me because I have been sewing and baking. Anyone that knows me knows those are two of my favorite things to do! Nothing makes me happier than seeing a big old stack of beautiful fabrics or a big batch of cookies cooling on the racks. Pure bliss I tell you!

Summer is my favorite time of the year because the days are pretty much mine to do with as I see fit. We purposefully don't plan a lot, so we can just hang out and do our things. It is our time to giggle, build, veg out, create, and play. Exactly how summers should be!


I am getting ready to open up an Etsy shop to sell some of my creations, so keep an eye out for that! K has been having fun taking pictures of me in the finished aprons. He acts like it's a fashion photo shoot. All I know is it makes me laugh hysterically!

Enjoying the summer with my family is definitely a finer thing in life! Head on over to Amy's Finer Things to see what everyone else is celebrating this week. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Until next time,

Garden Harvest Time!

There is nothing finer in life than heading out to your own garden and bringing in goodness to feed your family!
This is what we brought in today.

There are so many reasons backyard gardens are great! My favorite reason is growing our own food, our own way! No chemicals, no craziness, just nature working it's magic to bring forth nourishment. Our family worked together to make this garden happen and now we are reaping its rewards. Love. It.

The second biggest reason is the savings to your grocery bill. I don't know about you, but I am always looking for ways to save. My garden has taken some of the weight off of my farmer's market budget. For example, right now I don't have to buy peas, lettuce, squash, or red potatoes. I have them in my own yard! Yippee!! The initial work is definitely worth the savings we're seeing now.

I am really looking forward to all of the veggies and fruit we're going to be getting the rest of the summer! How are your gardens coming along? Anyone else in harvest mode?
Until next time,

This post is linked to Finer Things Friday and Frugal Fridays

Growing Up

Yesterday marked the end of Z's stint as an elementary student. That's right he's moving on up to middle school. Did you hear that?!? MIDDLE SCHOOL...how did this happen? I swear he just started kindergarten like five minutes ago! Well life is happening and what a ride it's been! This happy little kid has turned into an opinionated (no idea where he gets that from...ehem), brilliant, funny, and pretty cool kid.

Z's first day of kindergarten

My favorite part about my big guy...he still likes to hug his mama in PUBLIC! I kid you not, this almost teenager still likes his mom and dad! I guess we must be doing things right around this crazy house! Anyway I just have to say being able to witness this kid growing into a pretty amazing man is definitely a finer thing in life!

Z's last day of sixth grade. Don't you love the tie!
I know his hair is too long, but we figure if that's the one crazy thing
he wants to do we're pretty lucky!

My boys are the joy of my life and seeing all three of them changing and growing makes my heart so proud! L and N have grown up a lot this year too. Their great personalities, loving hearts, and smarts make my life pretty sweet!

My fellas

I hope you all have a great weekend! We're officially on break now, so we have a whole lot of nothing planned! Gotta love summer!

Until next time,


This post is linked to Finer Things Friday.

School's Out for Summer!

After having an interesting school year I am pretty happy to see my summer vacation finally here! At 12:30pm our kids and staff will be doing the happy dance inside and out!

I love teaching and my students have learned so much, but our breaks are my time to regroup, refocus, and recharge for the next group of kids. I think I can safely speak for most teachers by saying... summer vacation is definitely a finer thing in life!

I guess the look on my face shows how much I am looking forward to just being mom for the next couple of months! Head on over to Amy's for Finer Things Friday to see what everyone else is doing the happy dance about!

Until next time,