Time to be BRAVE!

It's been a busy week! Got my folks off this morning and this afternoon my mother-in-law flew in. I feel like I own a bed and breakfast...seriously:) Tomorrow I pack and it's off to Idaho on Tuesday! Never flown by myself, never been to Idaho, never met any of these people before... What better way to become brave than to attend Brave Girl Camp:o I'm so excited and nervous I can hardly stand it. Here's to praying that this week will be more than I could have ever hoped, dreamed, or imagined. Stay tuned...

Have a blessed day.

Both images Flickr- suitcases

Warm fuzzies

This weekend we made the trek to our favorite Fall tradition...Emma Krumbee's. They have a scarecrow contest, strawberry patch, general store and restaurant. We go every year and pick out all of our Fall decor. It's a great place to take pictures. But getting these cute pictures was not easy! We have a little problem when it comes to picture taking...

LITTLE CHICK!

Poor thing...no matter if the sun is shining, if we are indoors or out, she almost always squints her eyes and cries. It's really frustrating and I get mad. I'm sorry, but I just lose my patience. So most good pictures come only after I have threatened her and made her cry. Isn't that a warm fuzzy memory!?

My dad and I trying on warm fuzzy hats:)

Finally a smile. Amazing what threats will get ya:)

Honey Crisp apples. They are sooo good.

My find of the day...Peter Pumpkin Eater. Folk Art by Janell Berryman ... Isn't he cute in a weird strange kind of way?:)

The weather wasn't very cooperative. We've had lots of rainy and blue days. They were out of mums too, so mom and I found a little farmer's market a couple of days later and hit the jackpot...tons of gorgeous mums and specialty pumpkins, even some quirky kale. Did you know you can keep kale outside all winter and it won't change? I think it's beautiful. Love the crisp temps and gorgeous colors right now.

How do you decorate for Fall??

Have a blessed day.

Truth be told

There are two kinds of people in this world...the private and the open door. I'm definitely an open door. There is just not too much that I won't reveal about myself. My husband on the other hand is more private and I respect that, so for the last several months I have spoken in code. Only giving out tid bits of info regarding our "struggle". Well this week it finally came to a resolution and I have permission to share details...be still my heart:)


My husband has been working on a sinking ship for months and months now. When the economy tanked, so did the company he did taxes for. They are/were a commercial real estate development company. In the boom time they did marvelous, but over the last year or so they have virtually lost everything. Knowing the time was coming, Honey has been diligently seeking other employment opportunities. He started talking with a local head hunter back in April and interviewing with a firm in May. He has gone through countless interviews and homework assignments. For months now we have been on the edge of our seats waiting for a yes or no from them...without the prospect of another opportunity. Meanwhile he got his end date from his current job and the clock started ticking. It has been a major test of our patience and faith. When one week would come to a close another excuse would emerge and at times it seemed just too much. What excuse can they possibly have to delay this any longer??



Then finally he got his/our answer. The offer came! It wasn't what we were hoping for, but it was a job. Thank you Jesus for a job. I know this topic is close to many of you. Finances are tight, jobs are being lost. People are hurting in a way we haven't had to deal with before. Job related stress is a major deal. The fear and panic are real. Many are having to make tough decisions... leaving their families, friends and homes behind. My heart hurts for you. I am so grateful that our answer finally came. God is good. This testing time has been hard. It has taught me to appreciate every little thing. Made me open my eyes to all that I take for granted daily, and that in itself is a huge gift. Thank you so much for all of the prayers and well wishes over the last several months. Prayer really does work!

Have a blessed day.

Mission Accomplished

21 days ago I set out to make some new habits, develop some discipline and become a better me. In the past 3 weeks it has been really hard to stick to, but as of today Friday, Oct. 2nd I have accomplished what I set out to do. I completed my 21 day challenge!! What a great feeling to finish...to succeed! I have successfully given up sugar and diet soda. Almost every day, except for 1 or 2, I got in my 3 miles in one way or another. I read my bible and created every day. This was a huge life changer.






I really don't want to revert back to my old ways. I hope and pray that I will be able to continue with my dietary changes, because honestly it has helped me in more ways than you can imagine. Last month I wept on the phone to a nurse about my hormones being out of control. The doctor prescribed YAZ for me to help with the PMDD (severe PMS). I purchased the medicine, but after reading the reviews and worrying about the side effects, I decided to wait on it. I'm glad I did. This month come PMS time I literally had one day of bloat and then started. I didn't feel crazy, weepy or irritable and that never happens. It was just a non-event and normally it is a major event with me.




I also commonly have headaches. I pop Ibuprofen all of the time for them. During the last 3 weeks, I only needed it to relieve my cramps...no headaches. Now if this alone is not reason enough to stop the sugar and diet soda then my 3 pound weight loss is:) I lost 3 pounds without being hungry at all. I ate whatever I wanted with the exception of no sweets and I still lost weight. And when I refer to no sugar, I just mean the sweet stuff...ice cream, pudding, cookies, cake, chocolate etc... That's 3 pounds of pure sugar fat;) It's enough proof for me to continue on this path. I will indulge for special occasions and birthdays, but I feel like some answers have come my way regarding my health and I want to pay attention.





Thanks to all of you for cheering me on and supporting me. I feel like I just crossed a finish line and you were all waiting at the end carrying posters and jumping up and down for me. It's exhilarating.



My mom and dad are driving up today for an 8 day visit and then my mother-in-law arrives the day they leave to help care for the Chicks while I go to BRAVE GIRL CAMP. I am beyond excited for this next adventure. I just know God's got some great things in store. So for the next few weeks I am going to take a breather. I might post a few times, but I probably won't be commenting. It's really hard for me to step back because I love blogging so much, but it will be nice to take a little break. When I come back I'm sure I'll have lots to share with you.

Have a blessed day.

All images from Rhonna's Design