packing with nowhere to go

That's me, packing with nowhere to go. We are hoping to find out this afternoon which house is going to work for us. At this point, I really just want to know. Forget space, forget a garage, forget Michigan winters...where are we going to be living?!

I am currently channeling Sienna Miller in the above photo.

friday night

Nothin' like a little lowfat strawberry milkshake to get the party started.

(in my karlee engraved beer mug, of course)

I also rented The Lovely Bones. I've been warned that I WILL cry, but that's ok because I could use a good cry.

Then tomorrow, I'm off to Grandma's surprise 80th birthday party. But don't worry, I'll be back to my chipper self by then.

Rock on, friday night.

emotional.

I find more and more how emotional I am. I can cry at the drop of a hat. It really freaks my husband out. Like, a good commercial can bring tears to my eyes in seconds. I cry when I hear a sad story about a complete stranger; Someone was mistreated, someone was abused, someone didn't feel loved...it all brings a storm of sad emotions. But then there are the happy ones- the story of the couple who tried getting pregnant for years, were almost finished with the adoption process, AND found out they were pregnant. You might as well hand over an entire box of kleenex because I'm going to need it.

But I've also found that I get great ideas, or make some decisions based on emotions. Like the fact that I'm totally obsessed with living on a farm in a big white house. I probably saw a beautiful white farmhouse one day and the idea took off from there. Next thing you know, I'm wanting to raise chickens! I can read a book about the way poultry is raised in the U.S., or how many hormones are injected into the meats we eat, and decide I want to be a vegetarian. It all depends on the day:)

Or I can see this picture and decide I want twin boys..badly.

(and pray I look that good afterward.)

Are other women like this, or is it just me?

If you're in the mood for an incredibly poignant read, go to Kelle Hampton's blog and read her daughter, Nella's birthstory. It is amazing, and I cried for 2 days:)

"make yourself happy"?

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Phil 4:6-7

A couple of nights ago, I had a conversation with one of my dearest friends that inspired a few thoughts. We discussed whether or not his restlessness for a new start and a new city was warranted. Moving from city to city, and state to state in search of a great job opportunity and lasting relationships isn't ideal, however, I found myself telling him, "Make yourself happy." Now, don't be alarmed, my advice didn't end there.

I am certainly not one of those people who believe you should make yourself happy no matter what. Example, a married woman with 3 children comes to me and says she's unhappy in her marriage. My advice would never be to just do what she has to do to "make herself happy." That, my friends, is called being selfish.

But in this particular friend's case, I don't think there is anything wrong with leaving another job, another, city, and another state for a place that truly lets you enjoy the small things. There's no wife or child to think about..take this time and make yourself happy. If that means living somewhere else, where you're financially secure to do the things you enjoy, and visit the people you love...then do it. If you're not hurting anyone, and honoring God in the process, then just do it.

Don't worry friend, I truly believe you're too responsible to end up a gypsy:)

So, his predicament got me thinking...am I able to enjoy the small things where I'm at? I often feel anxious for no apparent reason (Beth Moore says that's a sign of insecurity...but I never thought I was insecure?? And you're thinking 'you're a woman...Duh, you're insecure.') But God says, be anxious for nothing. And I believe He's also saying to me, "enjoy the small things I've given you, and the big things will come." Big things like job promotions, moving south, and children.

So, what are the small things that I genuinely enjoy? I'll list a few:

Warm, sunny days
Rainy Sundays, cuddled up with Jake on the couch
The way Layla shakes her butt at me when she's excited
A really great conversation
A newborn baby
A warm, comfortable bed
An ocean view
The feeling after a good run
A brand new puppy
A hot shower
Wearing heels
A homecooked meal
Getting the family all together
A great new song
Driving with the windows down
Singing in front of the mirror (don't judge.)
etc.

I'm sure I could go on and on with this list. Those are just some simple things I enjoy. Most of them on a daily basis. What do I have to be anxious about? I'm luckier than most. Let me encourage anyone reading this, to enjoy the simple things, and wait patiently for the big, lifechanging blessings bound to come your way.

the early bird catches the worm?

I SO wish I was a morning person. That I loved to arise before the sun came up, brew a fresh pot of coffee, watch Good Morning America, and play with Layla, ALL before I had to go to work.

That is SO not me. I get out of bed 30 minutes before I have to leave, wash my face, brush my teeth, throw on some clothes and a dab of makeup (if I get that far), and am out the door. It was no different this morning. The alarm went off at 6, 6:05, 6:10, 6:15, and again at 6:20 (I had to be gone by 6:40 this morning). Finally, Jake said, "Are you ever going to get up? Your alarms gone off like 10 times." A bit of an exaggeration...but yes, it was ridiculous, I agree.

This morning, around 7:30, as I snuggled with Paige on the couch, tried to catch a couple winks while she watched "Handy Manny", I made a decision. When my alarm goes off in the morning, I am going to attempt to be annoyingly peppy. I'll say to myself, 'I can't wait to get up and start my day. Thank you God, for another day.'

Cheesy? Maybe so.

But I have never done it, so why not try? I'm tired of being the girl who needs time to "adjust" and grunts at her husband if it's anytime before 10 am.

Mind over matter, right?

A Brooklyn Office

I've felt a little "uninspired" this week. I call it a "funk", but let's just blame it on the weather. I'm doing another office post, to hopefully motivate me to finish mine.


I was checking out Adventures in Renovating a Brooklyn Limestone, when I came upon their office. Which is a room I'm a little obsessed with at the moment:) it is beautiful.

I'm loving the stainless steel desk and wall color. Of course, the zebra rug just makes the room.

What a fun way to display office supplies. Sure beats a crowded, messy, desk drawer. I may have to attempt this one.

Another office I LOVE. Obviously I'm a "black and white w/a pop of color- girl"

via mandarinastudio

Again, minimal. But no one's desk really stays like this, obviously?!

                                                  


                                                  

Black monday, you can't get me down...

I had a great weekend, but it's back to the grind. Here's a recap of the last two days:

Jake decided to rearrange the furniture in the family room so he and Layla could watch television from their favorite leather chair.

Here is Andrea and I, in our jams, enjoying our surprise treat prepared by my sweet husband. (chocolate fondue and strawberries at midnight..mmm!)

Sunday morning, Andrea and I are drinking coffee and reading the Record Eagle (wow, we're old), when all of a sudden we hear a loud, crashing noise. An enormous layer of ice fell off the roof in the front of the house. So, you know how your roof is supposed to be snow covered in the winter? Which means your house is well insulated? Well, all my neighbors have a thick layer of snow atop their houses...not us. Our house is made of concrete. And they forgot the insulation. Hello, high energy bills:)

And here is the chunk that landed RIGHT in the middle of the walkway. Thank God no one was standing there.

Listen to "Black Monday" by Christa Black. Let's put this day in perspective!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHPo6PMRYbc

tuckered out

I have had kind of an exhausting day..one thing after another. No energy to write tonight. I leave you with this:

cheer up, charlie

I'm a little sad about my current car situation. But I have learned some valuable lessons.

1. a lease is not for me

2. warranties are not all they're cracked up to be

3. and Saturn went out of business for a reason

Ok, I vented. Now some of my favorite pictures--sure to cheer me up!

Good times:)

This girl always puts a smile on my face

Baby Layla. She was so irresistable.

This pic always makes me smile.

Another fave. A pretty accurate depiction of us on a happy day!

...I feel better already.