Life Lately: Books, Seeds, Art Club, and Renovations

If I've repeated anything on my blog it's probably: Time flies, or life moves quickly. Weekends move quicker than week days but, then I look back at the week and feel like it flew by. For so many reasons, including: that I haven't made much time for writing lately, I am summing up this update with a few of the joys we have had lately. I think it's important to find joy as you're speeding through the day. So here's ours:

I finished two books last week. One was a major accomplishment because one: it was an assignment for work and two: I started it in December. I learned some things, but mostly I am proud that I stuck with it and completed it. It was a big read for me. If you'd like to read more about it, I share my current reads and book finds on Instagram. 

We planted our seed (starters) for our garden. We as in all three of us and E's friend. It was important to me to include the girls in the process so that they can experience growing their own food start to finish. 

I am excited about tomatoes, red peppers (for Edee) and cucumbers but I am very excited about the salad mix we planted. Within 2 days we saw sprouts. On day 3 we say purple sprouts! That was a pleasant surprise. My main goal is to grow everything to make a salad. It's going to be such a delicious goal to achieve. 

E joined an Art club! Talk about cool! I can't wait to see what she learns. I pray she enjoys it and find friends with similar interests. I am so happy for this quick development. I should've signed myself up.

 *Update* She found her people. I picked her up from Art club yesterday and she said, "I had the best day ever!" She exchanged phone numbers with two kids and said they couldn't stop talking about all the things. 

Our bedroom renovation project is underway. Ryan has been up to his elbows in planning for it. We're converting our garage into a master bedroom. Currently we're sleeping in the smallest room that will eventually be an art studio. As we work through the process of the renovation my goal is to remember how much we hoped and dreamed and planned to be where we are now. I remind us both that this is all supposed to be fun. We get to choose paint colors, carpet and lighting. We get to choose and make our dreams real life. 

Well, there it is. books, seeds, art club and renovations. I can't wait to see where each of these things leads because you know, there's so much transformation happening in these joyful things. 

Keep loving,

Karlee

15 Reasons Why I Choose To Love You Every Day

15 years ago I gave you the key to my apartment, a day we'll never forget because it was also the day I gave you my heart. I've given it to you every day since. Because, like they say, love is a choice. Once the butterflies have settled it's ultimately choosing to love that makes a relationship work. Here's 15 reasons why I choose to love you every day:

1. You're committed. Committed to us, our dreams and our family. 

2. You're funny. You still make me laugh, even on the hard days. 

3. Because you love the outdoors.

4. You see me for who I am but, also call me out when I need it. 

5. Because you're a loyal guy.

6. You're Edee's Daddy. 

7. You're a great cook! I'd starve without you.

8. Because doing life without you would be boring.

9. You add the element of surprise to regular ol' days.

10. You listen.

11. You keep me safe.

12. Because we're growing together.

13. You love to drive and you're good at it, too.

14. You're smart.

15. You make life interesting and fun.

It should come as no surprise that we're standing the test of time but it does. I still feel luck to be your wife and to call you my husband and my Valentine.

Happy 15th Valentine's Day, Ryan!

We Bought A House!

 Thursday, August 15th | 3:25pm

Well, followers, we're finally here. We finally made it. House shopping!! We got our pre-approval yesterday! To be honest, I almost didn't believe my husband when he told me we got pre-approved. (Although it was in my email inbox, too.) It's just been a VERY long journey of trying to get to this point. Sometimes just paying debt and saving money felt suffocating. 

But, it's time to believe it's true because we're going to look at a house tonight. One that is in our price range, too. Don't get me started on the housing market. 

10:10pm

Okay, we not only saw one house, we saw three houses!! They just got better and better as we went down the line. From not enough space but a great location, to cramped and a nice yard to absolutely perfect! The 3rd house we looked at has the right size of yard. It's on a quiet street. It has a beachy feel, new appliances and it's completely redone with the right amount of space to make it our own. 

I'm head over heels. I'm freaking out. I'm jumping up and down while also trying to keep my cool. Can you tell keeping my cool is not working? 

The very small percentage of my brain that is logical knows there can be bumps in the road in the next steps of the process but the rest of the part of my brain (all emotional) is freaking out! It's just gorgeous! I have to believe it's true because this week my mantra is 'believe in yourself.' I have to believe we are finally here. 

We both agreed that it feels right. I prayed God would let it be if this was in his plans for us. I will continue to pray and have patience with a little excitement but I have a deep feeling this is it, people! 

August 16th 1:00PM

We met with our realtor and reviewed possible hiccups and put in an offer. Fingers crossed, people!

August 17th 4:00PM

What a let down. Our offer wasn't accepted. I'm sad and annoyed. And that's all I have to say about that.

A few days later

The house we wanted went pending. I guess that's officially official that it's not our future home. It would've been perfect.

August 21st 8:00PM

We caught the sunset on our way back from seeing a house, another cute house, that feels just out of reach. Is it my fear to repeat the past? Is it the truth?...

Sept 7th 9:00PM

Well, it's been about a month long rollercoaster of back and forth debates between living in the same town or moving towards work, buying a fixer upper or not. We toured a few more houses and made an offer on one that got shot down. I probably would've cried if we weren't surrounded by friends playing board games together when we received the news. 

It's been an emotional and exhausting ride. Currently I feel like throwing in the towel and renting for another year. I don't know what the right thing to do is. I don't know if we can handle another tour, another house we can picture as our home, another denied offer. 

Friday, Sept 13th, 5:00pm (Yes, Friday the 13th)

Our offer got ACCEPTED!!! I'm not lying! Even if it is Friday the 13th.

Okay, pause. Back track. 

The 3rd house we fell in love with that we saw on the first day of house hunting went back on the market. We jumped on it! 

Ryan did some researching, okay a lot of researching, on things we thought were keeping us from getting this house: remember those hiccups I mentioned above?

He also spent so much time on the phone with our lender and realtor. Thank God for him. Thank God for them. 

Sept 17th, 9:20PM - Home Inspection Day 

Today, we took our lunch break and met the inspector. He was pretty cool. I just really wanted to see the house again but we learned a lot as he went through his review. 

And the inspection was positive! There were 2 minor things and that was it. 

I texted Ryan a few hours after our inspection and said, "do we really get this house?" 

Yes, we really get this house! Belief is a beautiful thing. 

October 10th, 2023 5:45pm

We got our last approval! And we found out our interest rate lowered as well! We got the call from our lender while at a work function in Grand Rapids. We were already having a fun evening and this news quickly added to the joy of the evening. We're so EXCITED!!! 

High fives and hugs and congrats all around. We finally made it! We close on the 18th, just 8 days away we get the keys to our new home. 

October 14, 2024 6:30pm

We got the Clear to Close! On Friday we sign the paperwork and get the keys to our new house! 

Ryan is ready to move right in. I thought it would be a slow transition. He said, "it's been a 6 year transition, let's go!" He's right! 

I've been methodically packing 6 years of our lives into totes and boxes. Thank God a friend let us borrow totes so I'm using those temporarily for the things that will get unpacked right away: dishes, food, bedding. I'm rather proud of my process so far. My brother was right when he said packing happens pretty fast once you start. 

What a wild ride, though! We're finally getting a house! Leaving our apartment will be bittersweet. We've had great neighbors and have made so many memories here. We have family and friends that live in the complex too. It's been a really good apartment for us but we're ready!

October 18th, 2024

We closed today! The house is officially ours! We did it! I have so many emotions right now but the biggest thing I feel is grateful. Grateful for our patience, perseverance, and hard work. Grateful for answered prayers, our realtor and lender and their assistants. Grateful for our team at work and our friends and family! The home shopping and buying journey wouldn't be the same without all the love and support we've received. We're so grateful! 

XOXO,

Karlee

A Month of Celebrations

October is a month of celebrations. 

It's the month I joined the MIG team,

The month I became a Mom, 

and it's the month I married the love of my life. 

This month I am fortunate that I get to celebrate commitment, dedication, honesty, hope, growth, health, faith, joy and my favorite, love. 

11 years serving others, growing my marketing and design skills, growing in leadership and relationships with people I happily call my team. I read a saying the other day about make sure you work with good people then going to work is good too. My Grandpa always said, do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life. Some people are so wise. I find both things equally true. Not every day is perfect but, I do work with good people and I do love the work I do. 

Edee turned 12 on the 2nd. A friend reminded me on her birthday that the day is important for me too because it's the day I became a Mom. We celebrated in so many fun ways for her but I celebrated too. Seeing her happy, healthy and loving life is the best gift I could receive every year. 

And last, but not least, my wedding anniversary, which just happens to be today. Today we celebrate 13 years since we tied the knot, made the choice of a lifetime and said I do. I look back at our year together and remember times we laughed, times we cried, days we traveled far and days we stayed home, nights we were together and night we were apart. I know we had arguments, I can't event tell you what about. I know we had happiness and joy and love. I can tell you what that's about because I felt it through the days and still feel it now. 

Now you can see why October is my favorite month! It's a time of celebrations for so many beautiful reasons. 

Happy 12th Birthday, Bug!

 August 8th, 2024 

I decided to start your birthday post early because leaving one week to sum up a year of you is really difficult. You're eccentric, what can I say.

Meeting Charlie the Parrot at Lake Schnepaho 

I was just recalling shopping downtown Grand Haven. We wandered around this small boutique store, I was looking at jewelry in the back of the store and you were apparently making best friends with the owner (when did being apart from each other in stores happen anyways??) as you were going on and on with her about Touch Land Hand Sanitizer. When we checked out the cashier said, 'When you are old enough and start looking for a job, I have a spot right here for you.' Your knowledge and ability to connect with people is so cool! I admire this in you. 

Selling Bracelets at Coast Guard Parade

You just returned from 7 days with Grandma. I missed you with my whole heart but only told you once because I wanted you to make it the full week and I knew if I told you just how much I missed you, you'd come rushing home. It took years, but it seems like just days, for you to go from no sleepovers to a week away from us. 

First Day of School Selfie

September 11th, 2024

Yesterday we went to your 6th grade orientation to meet your teachers and learn about what to expect this year. Before we left, you quickly grabbed the bracelet you made for your home room teacher who, you bonded with very well. You wrote her a little note and packed it with stickers and candy. You see, you had a hard time at lunch today and your teacher let you sit in her classroom for lunch recess. Then, your teacher listened when you talked about having a hard time with a friend. It meant so much to you that you gave your teacher a handmade gift. 

You have such a big heart at 12 years old. I am so proud of your big heart and how you show love and give love to people. 

First Day of 6th Grade

Also, it's worth documenting that making clay bead bracelets and now "candy" bead bracelets have been your jam for a solid year now. Your creations continue to amaze me.

Dave & Busters in Tennessee

S'mores in Copper Harbor

September 27th, 2024

You're counting down the days until your birthday and asking for all kinds of presents and reminding me of this plushy, and that kind of string for bracelets. You can't wait to go to Lewis Farms and I can't wait to spend the day with you.

Running at Ottawa Sands Park

October 1st, 2024

12 years ago today my water broke, right on schedule. I was so scared and so excited to meet you. When I think about being your Mom in these upcoming tween years those same feelings are still there. Yes, I am scared but I am more excited than anything to see you become a young woman. One thing that hasn't changed is my love for you.

Happy Birthday, sweet girl! 

I Love You The Most

13 years ago today I took this photo and posted it to social media. One of the many reasons I love social media is the memories that I shared, but that's a story for another day. 

Today I just want to reflect on us. 13 years ago you were off to your Bachelor party, I stayed behind praying you'd be safe. (Your friends can get wild.) I stayed behind and somewhere deep down I knew you'd be loyal. I love these things, yes both of these things, about you; your loyalty and your wild side. 

Even if you go poop when I'm taking a shower, grab my butt a lot, and are really loud on the phone. Even if your mountain bike accidents scare the living daylights out of me, even if you find my yarn collect annoying...

Because honestly, I love all these things about you, too. Just like our wedding vows, you still make me a better person. You have taught me so many things about life, trust, happiness, myself and more things than I can probably list. 

It's so awesome, how we're still doing this life thing together. I am so lucky to be able to reflect on the moments we've shared whether online or between just the two of us. 

In less than a month we get to celebrate 13 years of commitment, loyalty, growth, life and love together and that's so amazing to me.

I'll always remember the feeling of being your fiancé. I'll always remember how head-over-heels in love with you I was because today, I still am. I love you the most. 

Karlee

11 Things on Your 11th Birthday

Happy Birthday, sweet girl! Today you're 11! This day jumped out right in front of me and took me by surprise. I'm not really sure how eleven years flew by but, here it is. Here you are! 11 years old!

To look at your beautiful face as it's changed has been an incredible experience. Watching you learn and grow is a gift you've given me every single day. Summing you up into 11 things may not be easy but, I'm going to try.

1. So freaking creative

Your creativity continues to shine through in all you do. This year you found a love for paper puppet dragons, YouTube short videos and painted masks. You continue to draw and write stories, sometimes in collaboration with your friend, Olivia.

2. Soaring through 5th grade

You are acing your tests and school work so far this year. After watching you struggle in 4th grade, then push yourself for major growth it's been awesome to see you ease into 5th grade! You think you have this grade handled and asked us to move up a grade because it's so easy.

 

3. Growing Friendships

Your ability to make friends has grown a lot in the last year. Gone are the days of being scared of talking to a complete stranger. You met your BFF, Maddi at the pool this Summer and have been inseparable since. You also met Olivia at writing club and had a sleepover with each of them. It makes my heart so happy you've found friends that fit your personality just right.

4. Singing

Still, you're not afraid to belt out a song at the top of your lungs. You still ask to turn up the radio every time a good song comes on and catch onto the lyrics easily. I'm still not sure if you're on key but, you chose choir for your music elective so I'm sure you're voice is about to grow even more.

5. Born Leader

Your preschool teacher called you a born leader and that's still true today. You love to take the lead and struggle when you have to follow. We're working on that.

 

6. Sensitive side

Even though you have confidence and determination, you still have a sensitive side. Your tears, few and far between, still break my heart. You're still so much like your Daddy and so much like me. 

7. Boba Tea

Your love for Boba Tea, always watermelon milk tea with no ice and passion fruit popping pearls (a rather tall order, if you ask me) is your favorite. I might even say you're obsessed.

 

8. Cats...correction, Therian.

To be honest, I think this new love for dressing up and acting like a cat is weird but aren't we all a little weird? And still, I love watching you play pretend. I just hope walking on all fours doesn't mess up your body.

 

9. Little, yet big entrepreneur

This year you made over 100 clay beads bracelets and set up a booth at Merchants & Makers. At the end of the show you put money into savings and some back into your business. Watching you sell your creations has always brought me joy. This experience was beyond that! I am so incredibly proud of you for sharing your creativity with the world.

 

10. Bedtime passionate chats

I'm still trying to figure out what it is about night time that brings all the deep thoughts out of you. You tell me the bad things and your worries, you ask me deep questions about purpose and if the planet will die. I decided to write all these things down so we can talk about them when we're not so tired.

11. Miss Personality

You have a big big personality! People love it, family and strangers a like and 99.9% of  the time I love it, too. As you grow it grows and your understanding of the fine line of being respectful and not too wild comes into focus. You keep me on my toes, striving to be the best Mom I can be for you.

 

Happy Birthday, Edee!!

I love you with all my heart,

Mom