A Post You Need To Read

It was on our last evening in Michigan that I had decided to stay up later than usual, watching my Mom prepare and bake something scrumptious for Church the following day.
She was making a Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake. (Yes, it's as good as it sounds...)

She was pulling ingredients from the refrigerator and I was painting my nails in a thick layer of sparkles-to try and be somewhat festive for coming Christmas parties....when all of a sudden she turns to me and asks;

"Do you know who you are?"

I was baffled. I can't recall anyone point blank-face to face- asking me such a simply complex question.

I asked her what she meant and she continued.

"Well. It's only in the last few years that I've finally realized who I really am.
I'm goofy and funny. I don't teach adults but I'm excellent with kids. I can't
sing or play piano. I'm not really...polished. But, that's me and I'm OK with
that. I just hope that it doesn't take you as long as it's taken me to realize that
you can't be anyone else but yourself."

I really struggled to keep the tears at bay- first because of how honest and open Mom was being with me. I love that our relationship is becoming more that way-and we're learning and understanding each other in ways that would have never been possible only a few years ago. And second, because I realized....

I don't really know who I am.

That's a pretty unnerving feeling.
I'm determined to let myself go this year- in order to find myself. I will learn to accept that while some people are seemingly perfect (in my eyes) or they have a quality or talent that I long to have- it's okay to leave them as inspirational people in my life. To appreciate them....not try and BE them.

There are things that I am and things that I am not.
We're human and that's the way things are meant to be.
Full of diverse gifts, talents, and qualities.

Find and embrace yours in 2014.

Where the Heart Is

You know how people constantly quote "Home is where the heart is" and "Home is wherever I'm with You"- ?

I've realized more and more each year that I'm away from my Family (by 12 hours, if we're being specific) that a piece of my heart is always there. I absolutely love the support, encouragement, the laughter, and the memories that come with visiting my Family in Michigan. When we leave my heart literally hurts, because I'm sad to leave.

I used to feel guilty about that. Because, man. If K is my Husband and the love of my life- I should never miss being anywhere else, right?

I don't feel guilty anymore, though. Because I love my Family. And I love my Husband. Just different kinds of love. And that's totally OK.

I hope you enjoy scrolling through these photos and are able to find something sweet about them.

Also, Happy Christmas Eve. Give your loved ones a big hug if you're so blessed as to be with them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michigan Time

Follow along on my instagram :amosven or look up #michigantime to see picture updates of our trip.

Backyard Scenes. Such a soothing view.

 

Every Year, the day before it's time to leave Michigan, I slip the idea of staying another day into K's mind and then gently (or not so) try to convince him that it's the best idea, ever.

He always says, no.

But this Year, it was a YES.

 

Christmas, made!

 

Instead of leaving early tomorrow Morning, we'll be heading out early Sunday Morning. I'm not sure you understand how excited I am about this.

 

We've had an amazing trip. It's been quick and full of buying presents (so last minute this year!!)- but there has been so much laughter. And laughter solves a multitude of issues.

 

I'll have trip-in-review posts up after Sunday, full of pictures.

 

But today, I just wanted to check in since my blog has been sleepy without warning.

The Way It Went.

Our Thanksgiving went down a little differently than either Hubs or I had anticipated.

1) We woke up moody.
2) We had scratchy throats, runny noses, and coughs.
3) We realized our kitchen was tough to prepare Thanksgiving meals in.
4) We cancelled dessert at my in-laws, so that no one else was contaminated with our germs.
5) We spilled turkey juice, all over the floor.
6) Hub's Apple Crisp. Well.  . . . . It was more like Apple Mush, bless his heart.

The whole day felt like this emotional-filled frenzy.

But a few super cool things happened, that totally trumped the ridiculous.

As I was preparing our Thanksgiving Table- I found myself staring the table down. Walking around it. Putting things on & taking things off.  Finding perfect angles with my camera. Picking the best placement for table settings and making sure we had plenty of pretty dishes for photos.

But then, I don't know exactly what- maybe God- slapped me in the face and was like, "This is THANKSgiving! Enjoy yourself.  Count your blessings."
So, instead of setting everything up for the perfect photo-filled Thanksgiving Blog today. I decided instead, to put my camera away. And dish up from the kitchen and enjoy a simply set table for my Husband and I.

It was calming.
It was peaceful.
There was good conversation.

And while that was freeing for me- realizing that as much as you, sweet readers, love photos of EVERYTHING. (I do!!) - sometimes it's nice to live inside each moment and then immediately store it in a little memory file. Instead of a blog post to amaze and astound.

One such moment, my favorite of the day, came when while clearing dishes- I handed Kyle a plate and he said, "Hey Babe? Thanks for being here. In Connecticut."

Ohhhhh my lanta.
I felt my eyes water a bit as I looked away with a smile, finding the next plate to hand over.  Sometimes, those little things-confirm bazillions of other things.

Thanksgiving was sick-filled, love-filled, and apple mush-filled.

Hope your Day was just as fulfilling.

Expectations on Sisterhood

So as I've been promising, a few more details about my Sister's trip.

Sibling relationships vary so much, don't they?! I know relationships that can hardly be labeled that & I've seen siblings closer than close. 

My Sister and I are as different as they come.
We look completely different, for starters.  I used to tease that she was adopted, but in reality I can see a bit of both of my Parents in her.

I'm notorious for having expectations when it comes to most things in my life. How my wedding would be, all the way down to the looks people would give me.  How a conversation will go (my way, of course!)- or how my Sister's trip would be. I knew exactly what our conversations would be like & that our time together would change our lives.

Julie is laid back, stress free (at least on the outside). She is adventurous, a social butterfly, active- she loves to be out with friends, sun bathing as much as possible.  She doesn't feel the need to talk out her feelings all of the time.
She can leave things be.

...I can't.

As expected, we got into a pretty good argument. About something stupid, of course, but in the end- it affected both of us more than we anticipated.
There were tears, vent sessions with Parents and Spouses and Friends.

My heart was broken. For lots of reasons, but thinking back, I really think it had a lot to do with the expectations I had put on both of us- and them not being realistic with our differences.

The day before Julie left, we spent hours in my in-laws swimming pool, floating on noodles, being attacked by giant mutant flies...and having the deep conversations I had been longing for.

I came to the conclusions before we started asking about & explaining our feelings- that A) God was in control. He knew the desire of both of our hearts and B) The Bond that we as Sisters have/will have, would come in God's timing. Not mine.

And it did.

I can honestly say that I understand mine & Julie's differences and I have peace about them. I love her so much. I will protect her with all of my might (against her wishes, sometimes!) and I'm so proud of who she's becoming.

Sister Sister

I haven't seen my (little) Sister for about 6 Months- and yesterday, we picked her up from the airport so that she can stay with us for a Month. SO excited for some Sisterly Bonding and lots of laughter.

Today is our first full day together, so after trying to pick up some job apps- we decided to try a Thai Restaurant close by.
One of the reasons I love my Sister, Julie, is that we share a love for "different" cuisines. We're hoping for some Indian next time. :)

The food was delicious, the service was great and the decor was so cute.

 

 

 

Great Lakes

I've been in Michigan visiting my Family for 2 full days now, and while sickness seems to be going around, I'd be happy to stay here for a very long time. (Longer than 5 days, surely!)

(13 hour drive commences. We didn't look this great after like...two hours.)

 

I've been thrifting with my Mom & already spent my entire allowance for "whatever". (I guess that's what I get....My Mom is a "Shop Queen" !)

I bought a Farm House painting for our new house. I love it. Reminds me of the good ole Midwest!

 

My Parents adopted a second little doggy, Runway.

He is SO sweet. About a year old- and just the cutest little fur ball.

Kyle has been trying to convince me to pack him in one of our suitcases when we leave :0)

I'm thinking about it....

Being home is always so bittersweet for me.

More sweet than bitter, of course.

 

For any of you that have left your Family for another State (or Country!) you know what it's like.

I come back to Michigan and feel like myself.

Hugs and Hellos are around every corner. Familiar faces are everywhere. Laughter is constant.

It's just great.

It's hard to leave.

Every time.

It's almost Christmas, people!

Get those gifts! :0)

A Good Week

Hello Friends!

I recently blogged about a Visitor arriving ; My Mom.

I had a few requests to make sure I did a little "re-run" of what our week together was like & so...here it is!

I got Mom hooked on Lattes, which was a proud moment for me. I love having a coffee drinking buddy! :)

We did Mud Masks together.

We also visited several antique shops, my favorite which was Tickled Pink Shoppe .

We baked cookies...or rather, Mom baked cookies- and she makes the best!

We painted our nails and followed it up by taking cheesy pictures. (Posted below)

We went to a charming little Tea Shop (Blog post to follow).

Aaaand, got into my first car accident .

Overall it was such a wonderful trip. I loved having that "girl time" with my Mom to catch up & experience that familiarity that Family should bring.

When it came time for Mom to go (actually, a few days prior...) I vented to my Husband and ended the day crying myself to sleep.

Have you experienced that 'sting' of reality that being an adult slaps on ya every so often? That happened for me this week.  I don't want to live so far away from my Family. I don't want to get back to the same daily grind. I definitely do not want to wait until December to see my Family again. 

But. It's the reality of life. It's reality of being an adult. And it's just...the way it is. (It doesn't mean I need to enjoy every second of it though!!)

I've absolutely been blessed with a wonderful Family. They're always there for me, always supportive- and they always make me laugh :) Thank you, Family!

Until next time, get in contact with your Family.