ideas stirring...hang on

I have really tried to do a few things-aka "projects" around the house. Those of you who know me...my life is consumed with "projects". Usually they are for other people so I am taking advantage of small snippets of time here and there between naps, movies, and after bedtime to do a bit. These two projects cost me pennies. I did a project with hand prints first. So easy...I do realize in sharing I am gonna see hand prints popping up in everyone's home so just be your creative selves and personalize it for your lil' babies. I love that Schafer's is smeared cause it totally shows his age. Also, I have been wanting to redo the kiddos bathroom. It is decorless (I know that is not a word). it has stuff, but it is a snoozer of a room. So, painting and design it is on a teeny tiny bugdet. But I am gonna try to work some magic. I picked a "sugar and spice & everything nice, rails, snails, and puppy dog tails" theme-in a way. Lots of patterns and colors...girly stuff meets nature if you will. I am give you a sneak peek of 2 of the 4 pictures I did to give you an idea of what I'm thinking in my jumbled head of mine. The colors and the clarity of the pictures look so much better in person, but you get a basic idea. Almost everything I am making so I will try to get done as soon as I can. I did take before pics, so I can blog later to show the after too. STAY TUNED!!!!! J/K

8 years

Yesterday was our 8th anniversity! Can you believe that! We really didn't celebrate it yesterday cause we get to go on our first date in 10 months this weekend! I know...shocking. We have done alot of "at home" dates after the kids go to bed, but it is not always the same. You get to "get out" of the house. Which is something I am looking forward to since that has been my life for 6 months. We are going downtown to the Melting Pot...I am very excited!

Haiden and Schafer got to open a couple of Christmas presents from my brother and sister-n-law this past weekend, and I caught Schafer in the act on film. I really thought to myself that he really wouldn't care or get into it, but he sure showed me wrong. He loved it! He may not remember, but I love his little outlook on life. So passionate. That little guy has been through more, experienced more, and have touched more people than I have or most people I know in his small short life. He is truely my "little man", "lil braveheart", and an inspiration to me. I am honored that the Lord has allowed me to watch him grow up- both of them for that matter. She is amzing too...she's my "little baby doll"-she has looked like one since she was born and it just stuck. I am so blessed by my family and my husband. All of this is given to me all because the Lord gave me Chris and we fell in love! God is Good!!!! Enjoy these pics!

my prodigy at work...don't ya think?

Haiden and I did an art project a few days ago for Christmas. I want to have my kiddos make an oranament for the tree every year. One that will be so special and that I really want to display (and match:) ). Sorry that is the decorator in me. Well, I thought she did great! They really do look beautiful on our tree! I told her we are making decorations for Jesus' bday party and she picked out the places on the tree to display them...she wanted them to be special for Him. So sweet. Well, enjoy!

clean house...check?!

I have several little topics that either I would love to talk about and engage with people on or do a series where it also straightens me out too. This first thought I've been struggling with mainly cause I have a toddler and a 6 month old, but a 6 month old that had major open heart surgery (which most of you know). So I have had to baby him a bit and skip out on other things around the house...which is totally fine during this season cause that is what he needs. I found a blog of this christian woman and she did a series like this and really hit the nail on the head of some of the feelings I feel...just stuck. So I have taken some of her content and added some of my own flava to it. In the begining of January I am gonna start "30 days to clean". Just after holidays and getting back into the swing of this and Schafer will be recovered then though we still have to hang around the house. Here is a sampling to get ya thinking...


The house is a mess. Dishes all over the counter tops, toys everywhere, papers askew. It’s depressing just looking at it all. "Didn’t I just get this mess cleaned up?"
When I look around at the mess, I see Mount Everest. I get stuck, I feel depressed, and I have no idea where to begin...or if I even want to. I just feel so...overwhelmed sometimes.


I can see the eternal reasons for taking care of my home and family, and the immediate gratification of a well-kept home is like the cherry on top. But, I still struggle with being overwhelmed from time to time. So, what’s a girl to do?

Here are some things I’ve come across that have been helpful:
When the house is a mess, only work on one room at a time.This little nugget of advice has helped me so much! I tend to just start cleaning, haphazardly moving from room to room, cleaning a little here and a little there. Then I started only doing one room at a time - what a difference! If I stay focused on my task, and when I’m through with one room, I can look at it and see results. Sometimes I break up Haiden's and Schafer's rooms and bath room one day, kitchen and livingroom another...ya get the picture.

Here is a good quote to get your booty movin..."The secret of getting ahead is getting started." Sally Berger


Be generous to your trash can.Throw things out! The more things I realize I don’t need and can definitely live without, the less stress I create for myself. Just let it go! And boy do I need to do this now...I am behind! Ya know the whole, "it looks good on the outside, but don't look in the closet!"

Get rid of half the toys.Okay, maybe for you half is too much (or not enough), but the point is, your kiddos don’t need tons of things out. Grab the toys that the kiddos don’t play with all that much (or just won’t even notice there gone) and either get rid of them or send them to the attic. You can pull them out on a rainy day.'

Do the 15 minute thing.Fly lady says to put the timer on for 15 minutes and go to work, doing everything you can in that time frame. It is helpful, especially to those who like a challenge.
Just get moving!I spend so much time fretting and being overwhelmed that I stay stagnant, which leads to me feeling worse, and then ultimately, I give in to laziness and a "why bother" attitude. Just get up! Force yourself to do SOMETHING. I also turn the tv off and put music on...man I get way more done, and I have to act fast before my baby boy wakes up!

Envision the big picture.You know that warm and comfy feeling you get when you walk into a home that is well taken care of, clean, and inviting? It’s not sterile, but tidy, warm, and peaceful. That’s the kind of home I want, and that motivates me to see the big picture instead of the piles. What’s your big picture?


Get alone, first thing in the morning, and spend time with God.This is probably the best advice I can give you and myself. Spending time with the Lord before the day begins helps me to refocus, get my priorities straight, and gives me the true rest and refreshment I need to take on the day. I can’t take on my day without His strength and lately I really need Him to guide me.


Challenge for Today:
Light a candle, find a cozy spot somewhere quiet (only for 10 minutes - send the kids outside, wait until naps, or pop in a DVD), sip on your favorite beverage, close your eyes, and envision your big picture. Think about your home and what you want it to be. Do you want it to be a place of refuge? Inviting? Warm? Fun? Picture your home in all its clean and organized glory, and then burn the image into your brain and heart. Now grab your journal (or notebook, or scrap of paper) and write down your big picture. Ask God to help you physically create your vision, thanking Him for the ability to do so.
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13



This is a taste of what I would like to do in January...let me know what you guys think and if anyone is interested...cause like you can see it is alot of typing but I really need this too! I just want a little bit of order everyday where I then can focus on my family and not feel like I am thinking of the next thing to do throughout the day.



Kacie

look at me...1,2,3

I don't have any deep thoughts for the day...but two days ago I was trying to take pictures of Haiden and Schafer for a Christmas card, but their schedules were off that day and I was the mom, stylist, and the photographer so low and behold things were not jiving. Oh well, it gave me and my baby girl some fun time together, and I got to fuss with her fashion. Just thought I would share something upbeat! Enjoy! I am seriously having war with publishing these pictures right!:(

need more coffee...I guess and more hours in the day

This weekend I went with two friends to a little home show and lunch! It was so fun...it was my first outing since Schafer's heart surgery. A good "girl's day out" and very needed. When we went to the home show we got to see lots of ladies which were mostly moms that were showcasing merchandise and their talents of things they made. You hate to think it, but I was just saying to myself, "why don't I do this...I have a lot to offer!" I just got that excited flutter in me and tons of ideas that I could do flashing in my brain. One of the girls at the show I know from church came up to talk to me and she asked about Schafer first...which was so nice. Then we talked about me doing some paintings etc. for a website of hers. And that really does sound good to me, mostly cause I have been in a mural rut only, and that is laborsome, hard to find childcare for 2 now, and time consuming. Though I don't want to give it up completely, I just want to do it here and there. I just kept thinking about if I went all out and really focused on my kids paintings and some of my other ideas I really could go somewhere with it. People have me do things for them all the time and I have a waiting list right now of murals to do, but I have them on hold til I'm ready after Schafer's recovery. But it scares me to death!!! I've been really busy in seasons and I had to find people to watch Haiden, neglected my home, hard time going to the grocery store, and so much more. And that brings me to my burden..."how do I focus on a talent when my family and household are much more important?" I know this question is not uncommon. Most mommies struggle with something like this, whether out of necessity or want. I have such a burden about getting too busy I don't even make business cards cause I don't want people to think I do this full time...I know that sounds silly. I have had a few opportunities come my way, but I take them lightly cause if I don't feel like I would have control of my time...then I let it slip away over time. People have told me just keep doing what your doing and when they are in school you'll have more time, but we have thrown around the idea of homeschooling...well, and that would throw that theory out the window (but we are still praying about that topic) and some doors may be opening with heart stuff through the cardiology department at Children's Hospital too(I'll get to that soon) . This is a topic that is a huge prayer issue. Where is the balance? How do I focus on the right things at the right time if I did pursue some avenues? I really have so many questions and alot to lift up in prayer. Do you ever have struggles like this when your family is your world?!

getting ready for CHRISTmas

Well last weekend I got a huge dent in the christmas decor. Just yesterday I added some finishing touches. It is a big job...especially trying to do it with two kiddos that are small. But this year I am just so thankful and almost giddy. I just really couldn't wait to do it After our little boy healing from this huge burden that i have been coping with for over 5 months! I know it isn't about the tree or how "decorated" it looks...but it really just makes the setting of this season. Ya know those warm fuzzies. I really love that we are celebrating Jesus' birth, but I am thankful for His life of examplship (is that a word??? or did I spell that right...ahh?) and his death for me. I know He supposedly wasn't born in December, but when then do we give notice to His coming into this world to full fill His promise? It does give me a reminder to teach my children more about Jesus. And it is getting so exciting cause Haiden is 2.5 going on 13... I promise!:) I just now have to tackle the whole Santa thing! Got to get back with you on that one. Take the time to sit down and reflect on how the Lord has blessed you and your family this season. When you take away all the petty things that bother you and you get to the basics of life...the things that really matter (God, family, relationships) you realize the amazing purpose he has for you. It is mind boggling to me, and I really am glad to start seeing glimpses of his plans! We are all so blessed and need to be drawing closer to Him.

Here are some pics of our home this Christmas...I was just playing around with my camara. Enjoy!



Kacie

p.s. I have to figure out this whole picture thing...hang in there with me!

ta da...a new journey

Hi everyone...
I decided to jump on the band wagon of bloggers too. I have been doing it anyways with Schafer's journey and I have loved putting myself out there and telling everyone what the Lord is doing and my real struggles as a believer, mom, wife, etc. I just feel that there is so much more to my world and myself than what is out there on the world wide web. Schafer's experience has been life changing in our family and I am forever transformed in ways that I have had a hard time taming. But I have this amazing daughter too that if I just typed out some of the things she does...you would be rolling...well, maybe I still may be the only one cause I'm the momma, but you get the point. I also have alot of ideas...I mean ALOT! If you know me, you know that in seconds I can rattle off your whole new decorating plan for your room or home. Or what kind of painting (mural), paintings, furniture, with accessories are needed to finish the job. Or changing up a business card, logo, or invitations for christmas or parties etc. I really sometimes have a hard time getting to sleep at night cause I can't turn it off! My new found passion that the Lord I feel is developing has spurred off from my whole experience with Schafer and living our life for 5 months protecting him from...well, everything. I really feel that thisw journey though mundane is so stressful cause there are no black and white rules or even suggestions that make you feel as a mom that you are doing the right thing. I have been writing down questions or second guesses that has a mom would make you feel like you are doing your part to save your baby. Lord knows that if I could I would have done the surgery, recovery, and everything in between to fix him myself. But I don't know the first thing to do, so alot of trust goes to the Lord, doctors I don't know or just met (I met his surgeon for the first time minutes before his surgery!!!! Yes, do ya get what I'm saying!), and making last minute decisions about if I really should take him to certain places or let people in my home. The questions are endless and I have found that there is a need for a parent to feel like they have a hold on the situation in a time where your life is turned upside down in seconds. I will have a couple of blogs on that...I know some neat things are stirring with all that. STAY TUNED!!!! Hope this is a good way to clear my crazy brain of ideas, suggestions, crafts, and life questions I go through. Can't wait to take this journey with everyone and I hope you enjoy! I will still be on the caringbridge site a tad longer before I give this site 100% so hang in there.
Kacie