Making a House a Home

A while ago I asked the question on facebook, "If you had to choose between a fixer upper that was low in your budget or still within your budget a move in ready house, what would you choose?"

I got a lot of mixed responses. But Claudy and I knew that we weren't meant for fixer uppers. We just didn't have the time or energy to commit to it. So we went with move-in ready. However, I knew that I wanted to make it our own.

Deciding on a theme for the house was rather difficult, Claudy wanted it to feel like the Carribean and while I like bright colors, I would rather they be accents than the main colors. However, we came to a compromise and I love how it has turned out!

Here are some before and afters. (Photos taken with my iphone)

 KITCHEN

 before

after

DINING

before

after

I love this table my parents found us at a occasional sale in Zimmerman and I love my curtains from Target. 

LIVING ROOM

before

 

after

I felt like this set up the previous owners had made the room feel small and with a one year old we needed some place space, so we changed tv wall and it opened it up a ton!

The dresser was a purchase at an occasional sale in Buffalo!

 

BEDROOM

before

 after

OFFICE

before

 

after

MASTER BEDROOM

after

This took me two colors to get the feel I wanted

 

LIA'S ROOM

before

after

As you can see we went with a lot of COLOR. 

We still have to do the basement, hoping to get to that in March!!!

{25 Days of Christmas} - Day 2 Christmas Picture

If you are looking for Day 1, you won't find it. Yesterday got away from me. So we start with Day 2. 

I can't believe it has been a month and a half since I last blogged. I vowed to myself that I was going to be better about posting, but with so many things going on in my life, this blog seems to be the one that suffers! 

Do you guys do photo cards for Christmas? 

I love them! I love to send them and I love to get them. I usually hang them on my fridge and leave them up for a good 6 months! 

Thanks Michelle for taking such a great photo!!!

Here are some from the past!!

2014

2013

2012

Dear New Mom/Mom To Be....

Dear New Mom/Mom to Be - 

I by no means have this mom thing figured out...in fact that is why I am writing to you today. I am not in expert; I'll let you in on a little secret, none of us are. Until about a month ago, I struggled with so much about being a mom. 95% of that is due to my expectations that I had on being a mother and about my expectations of babies. The other 5% is my natural instincts to achieve and have everything be ideal. 

So here it is, my advice to you....

...LET GO

Let go of all of your expectations. Let go of the thought that you have to nurse, or you have to cloth diaper, or you have to feed your baby all organic food, or that you child can't have sugar, or that your baby should sleep through the night by a certain time, or sit up or walk by a certain time, that they can't watch movies, that they have to sleep into a crib until they are two, that they have to cry it out, that they can't cry, that they won't through fits, etc.

You get the gist. I had expectations about all of these things. I'll be honest and admit that none of them have happened they way I expected. It made me tired, weary, frustrated, and let done and instead of enjoying each phase, I let it get the best of me and my marriage struggled and I got angry at my adorable growing daughter. 

The last month, I've been doing my best to let go of those expectations. Lia still doesn't sleep through every night, she sometimes sleeps in my bed, she is on a mattress on the floor, I sometimes set her in front of the i-pad/tv so I can get something done, she has thrown fits in stores, she's had timeouts/spankings, she drinks pop on occasion, she eats lots of popcorn, she eats rocks and sticks, ...BUT

Since I have learned to let go, I have more energy, I'm happier, my marriage is better and I've been enjoying my daughter more. 

Don't get me wrong, I still have my moments (we all do), but I just wanted to let you know, it's ok. It's ok and at the end of the day, we are all doing our best and loving our children. Loving your child is what is important...not the expectations!

You can breath! 

 

{Friday Favorites} - September 4

Ok..ok...I know I'm a couple days late, but better late then never, right?? 

1. Last Saturday I ran in the Women Rock Half Marathon with my sister-in-law. My mom ran the 5k and my niece ran the 2.5k. We had a great little girls/birthday weekend! We both PR'd too :)

2. Evenings spent as our little family. I love us.

3. You play foosball with your child too, right?? She loves it. She is starting to try to kick the ball on her own and most of the time ends up on her bottom :) but fun to watch.

4. My hubby got me flowers for my birthday! For those that know Claudy's opinion of flowers, you know this is something special!!

5. Lia loves shoes. She brings me lots of pairs during the day to put on her or that she wants me to put on! She tried walking in my shoes!! Didn't get very far!

Hope you all have a great week!

Momfessionals

{September Goals}

Well, July & August came and went. Work was super busy and I tried to make every effort to live in the moment and enjoy our "summer". Because of that, the blog suffered! I'm back this month, and what better way to start then my monthly goals! I just had to use the fall pic of Lia from last year! Look how little she was...

Here we go with those goals!

1. Work trip to Florida

2. 100 of 1000 gifts

3. Help 5 - 7 more people reach their health and fitness goals

4.  Build my Beachbody Team

5. Attend a football game - I love football!!!

6. Take a family picture - Seriouslly we have like 2 total and they are selfies :(

7. Read 1 non-fiction and 1 fiction book

8. Another Round of 21 Day Fix - Want to do it with me? 

9. No spend September - Only spend money on the necessities. This is hard for me, I love shopping in the fall (reminding myself that we wear these clothes for 6 months)

10. Participate in Bible Study

11. Get Lia to sleep through the night  - Help this mommy needs sleep!!

 12. One date night before Harvest

13. Friday Favorites blog every week.

What are your monthly goals? 

I can do it all...

I was raised to be independent. For that I am grateful. It's what got me through college and through my 20's. I was taught that I can't isn't a word, it's not in our vocabulary. As an educator, I wish more students were being taught that same thing. There is nothing I dislike more, than when a mom calls to tell me her child needs help and then hands the phone to the student, or when a parent tells me, "they can't do that, they'll never be able to do that..." People will only go as far as they think you believe they can go. I fully believe we need to set high expectations.

All of that to say, being strong and independent isn't a bad thing.But, sometimes I get caught in my "I can do it all" mentality. When we first got married, Claudy would get so made at me, because I wouldn't let him help me. I've had to learn that letting people help you, doesn't make you weak or dependent, but actually there is freedom and joy in it. 

This week, I was sitting on the couch, and I heard the voice in my head saying..."Why can't you keep Lia home, you should be able to work and be a stay at home mom. You should be cooking every meal and cleaning the house, Claudy shouldn't help with that." 

They just kept coming one by one. 

I had to tell myself to stop. It isn't true. Community and allowing others to help you is a good thing. There is freedom. We were designed for community.

Giving It All Away

I recently purchased the devotional "Jesus, I Need You" by Zondervan

They are quick 2-3 minute devotionals. Today's topic was "Giving It All Away". 

They write: "Jesus, I have a confession to make. I feel afraid to entrust everything to You. I know that You love me and want only the best for me. Still, it's so hard to give up total control of every aspect of my life....Help me give You my everything." 

The truth....

I've learned this lesson over and over again....

I'm a control freak...

In my heart and mind, I know I don't control everything, but in my heart, I want to. 

The truth is...my desire to control really comes out of a spirit of unhealthy fear. Fear that life isn't going to go as planned, fear of failure, fear of the unknown. 

I need to work on giving up control in my marriage, parenting, my future, my walk with God, my work, and my relationships. 

The truth is...control sucks the life out of me. It takes up so much energy, trying to be perfect and trying to hold on to everything. 

The truth is...I'm really saying and portraying that I don't trust God, I don't trust my husband, I don't trust my friends and family...

The truth is...I've sinned against all of these people. This is not my desire....

The truth is...I do trust God
I do trust my husband

I do trust my friends and family

The truth is...I will try to let go!

{Happy 1st Birthday Lia}

Happy 1st birthday baby girl. 

I'm not sure how it is possible that a year has already passed by, but you changed our world and we've loved every minute. 

I love you more than I ever dreamed possible. I've tried to enjoy the last year: the sleepless nights, the snuggles, the cries, all of your firsts...knowing that it won't last forever. You are so independent, I know there will be a day, sooner than I would like, when you will say, "Mommy I do it myself." Part of that will break my heart, even though I know it is a good thing. 

You like to play in the water, you like to climb, you like to read books, you like cows, you like to play the guitar with your daddy, you like to be chased, you like to give hugs and kisses, you like mac and cheese, you like fruit. you like to drink out of a straw, you like to talk and you like your Nuk. 

You are independent, social, determined, and spunky. Your smile and eyes dance...you make people smile. 

I pray for you all the time. I pray that God will draw himself to you and turn your heart to him. I pray you are content and selfless. I pray you have a desire to give to others and that you learn to love. I pray you fear the Lord, but live with a reckless abandon towards Him. 

I love watching you grow and getting to know more of your personality.
God created you to be you! You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are not a mistake, you were planned and knit together by the All-Knowing God. 

I love you more than you will ever know. 

Mom

{July Goals}

Why is it that the summer months always fly by? I love Minnesota Summers...The longs days, weekends at the lake, baseball at the park, boat rides, etc. with that being said, June is over...let's see how we did. 

June Goals

1. Read 1 fiction/1 non fiction book -I got through 2 fiction books and 1 non-fiction

2. 100 of 1000 gifts -I love this habit...one of my favorite things to do each morning.

3. Help 5 new people reach their fitness goals - Had a great month and I have seen people make incredible transformations!

4. Run a half marathon - Ran in Fergus Falls half and PR'd

5. Date Weekend- this is the one I'm most proud of!! We left Lia with my parents and spent a night away. We had hibachi and relaxed in our hotel!!

6. Use Wife after God book as a devotional this month. - I did this a couple of years ago, but such a great book to focus on our marriage.

7. Spend a couple nights at the cabin as a family.- We spent 2 Friday nights there! I loved it!!

WOW!! I didn't think that would ever happen...completing every goal. Here we go for July.

July Goals
1. 100 of 1000 gifts
2. Start a 1000 gifts IG account - Just an IG account to document these gifts!
3. Read 1 fiction/1-nonfiction book
4. Help 5 new people reach their fitness goals
5. Start training for another half marathon.
6. Trip to Chicago
7. Do something fun every Friday

I hope you all have a great month!!

{Happy First Father's Day}

Claudy -

When we first met, I remember watching you with kids at different orphanages or schools we would visit and thinking, wow he is so good with those kids. Then, when we were engaged, I watched you take my nieces and nephews and make bonds with them. I would watch you play with them, tease them and just spend time with them. I always thought, you would make such a good dad. In fact, when I watched you with them, you reminded me so much of the qualities I loved about my own dad.

When we found out we were pregnant with our baby, you were so excited... you were connected immediately and you would talk to the baby, etc.

Then it was time for the baby to come. You were nervous and unsure you would want to be in the room, but like any dad, she came and you did great!!!

We really had no idea what we were getting ourselves into and how hard this year would be, but we have made it!


You love our little girl so much and it shows. You take time to play with her, talk with her, feed her, etc. There have been many times that I think, "Wow, he is such a good dad." I don't always voice it out loud, but you are so good to our little girl.

I love when she cuddles up next to you in our beds and touches your face to feel you near. I love when she gets fussy in the evenings and you take out your guitar and start playing worship music and singing together. I love when you play basketball and soccer with her. I love that she goes to sleep better for you. I love how protective you are of her. I love that you are making memories and forming bonds with her.

You have grown so much in this last year. Becoming a daddy has changed you. I loved you before you were a daddy, but my love for you has grown in ways I didn't even realize it could.

I'm so glad you're the one Lia calls DAD!!

I love you!

{Lessons Learned During Motherhood}

I by no means have this whole mothering thing figured out. In fact, each day I realize how much I have yet to learn and how much I daily need God's grace to get me through the day, but I have learned some lessons even in my first year of motherhood.

1. Every child is different - While I think it is good to seek advice from others, I've come to realize that no child is the same, they all learn to sleep through the night at different times, they like different foods, they learn to be mobile at different times, etc..

2. Stop comparing - Everyone's life situations are different, but everyone is doing the best they can...stop comparing to other moms and other kids. 

3. Be intentional - While Lia is still very small, I've noticed she still desires all of me. I work from home and feel like this is where I struggle the most. Sometimes I feel that I don't spend enough intentional time with her. I've been trying in the evenings to put my phone away and just to be with her until bed time. I've noticed she is way less fussy and she loves the time of playing. 

4. Take time with your spouse - I'll be the first to admit we aren't the best at this, but it's important that my hubby still comes before Lia and it's great for her to see us working on our marriage. 

5. Don't stress the little things - My mom told me this over and over again. It's amazing how it applies to every aspect of life, including motherhood. 

6. Give your children to God - Lia is a gift...one of God's greatest gifts he's every given me, but ultimately Lia is his daughter. There is a lot of fear in parenthood, but their is freedom in letting Her go and placing her in the hands of her Father! 

7. Be consistent - Lia loves a routine and I know as we get into her life more consistency with discipline will be key.

8. I'm a work in progress - I don't have motherhood figured out. In fact, when I think I have a handle on my little girl, something changes, we have a week of no sleep, etc...Also, there are so many times, I act out of selfishness, instead of out of grace. I'm a work in progress and that is ok.

9. Motherhood is about looking more like God - I was running with a good friend a couple of years ago and we were talking about marriage and how it was refining me, it was a like a mirror looking back at me. She commented that marriage is one of things God uses to make us look more like him, then she added, motherhood will do the same. She is right, Motherhood has shown me more areas of my life where I am weak and where I need God's grace.

What have you learned about from motherhood?

A special shout out on this fine day, to my mother! Thank you for loving me, thank you for being an example of a a Godly wife and mother and thank you for your selfless love! I love you!