The fog has cleared.

The fog has cleared. No, I'm not talking about the weather. All though, I could be as the sun is showing it's pretty little face and the snow is glistening. I am actually referring to my head. I can finally breathe and do not feel like my head has been jammed into a balloon. Honestly, people around me have been sounding a lot like the adult voices on Charlie Brown. A stuffy, runny, soar nose is something I am not fond of. But, it is finally over. The fog has cleared.

Coming out of a head cold makes me feel invincible. Not that I am going to try to fly or run a marathon but, for the first time in a couple days I feel up to writing, reading, crocheting and doing a little freelance for friends. I literally did not pick up a pen, book or crochet needle for 2 days. Going to work and taking care of a busy little E were more than enough for me.

Speaking of her, I have to say a big THANK YOU to R for taking care of E and picking up where I couldn't. You are so wonderful. I say I appreciate what you do and I do but when you step in doing everything when I can not is when I look at my wedding ring, nod my head and say, Yup! I've got the greatest husband. I chose well. Thank you. I love you.

So, here's to picking up where I left off. I am thankful for being healthier today than I was yesterday. Stay tuned for my Friday Feature and a few additions to the blog design.

Keep Loving.

It's still dark out.

When I wake up it's still dark out. VERY dark out. Is this a sign that I'm getting old? Nope. Not in my opinion. It is a sign that I have a good job. (Or the fact that the Earth is further away from the sun.)  In my opinion a good job is many things but most importantly it should be a place you enjoy going to and something you enjoy doing. It's important to have a job you like. It was a long journey to get where I am now and by gosh I'm going to enjoy it.

I have definitely been enjoying it. Until Tuesday, when my head cold got the best of me. It is only my second full week of work. This is reason enough for me to stick it out and avoid calling in sick. So I went in Tuesday morning with good spirits, even though I felt (and looked like) Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer. I knew I'd have lots of work to keep me busy. I thought I was managing well until I started getting cold, then hot, then cold again. I couldn't get warm. Not to mention the constant sneezing, blowing my nose and washing my hands afterward. I might have spent more time in the break room doing that than sitting at my desk.

So at 3:00pm I called it a day. My body needed rest. I could feel it. I knew I needed to get better but pushing myself wasn't going to help. Luckily, my boss was very understanding and I went home to rest. My co-workers were also very understanding and could see I needed rest. They sent me home with get well wishes too.

It means a lot to me that at my new place of employment I have understanding and caring people. It makes a world of difference when you just don't feel well. Not that I haven't had that at other places but right from the very start my new co-workers trust that I know what I need to do. It is rather stressful to be sick, at least for me. Something is wrong and I want to make it right and until it is I am rather discontent. But added stress only makes it worse. So the fact that my boss was understanding and co-workers were supportive was helpful and much appreciated.

I'm not quite 100% rid of this cold but I'm 100% sure I like the  people I call my co-workers.

The very first Monday Makes.

Hello readers, fans, followers, friends and family,

I want to take the time to thank each and every one of you (even if I do not know you) for following me, my story, my life. I couldn't do it (by "it" I mean life) without you. When I learn that someone reads my blog I smile really BIG. I get the warm fuzzies knowing that my story is important to not just me, but others as well.  I appreciate the comments and every single view I have received since I started writing. Especially the passed year, which as you know, has been full of downs, ups and many changes.

Speaking of changes:

You are going to start seeing a few of the changes I have been considering for awhile now. Check out this post here and this one here for more in depth detailed descriptions of why and what my intentions are.

I'd also like to add that I will be continuing to share my story because The Plain Side was never and will never really be that plain, there for it's worth sharing. But to thank my followers I'd like to offer you more of an experience when visiting my little corner of the web. Without further delay here is the first of many new additions to The Plain Side.

Drum roll, please...

Mondays will now be dedicated to what we are making...because in this crafty creative family there is always something. The features might include something I'm working on myself, what Ryan's cooking  on the stove or craft time with Maddi. Mondays will be what we are creating.  

Per request by Maddi, craft time on Sunday brought us PAINTED ROCKS. 

We have a HUGE Michigan State fan in the 

house so we added our own little twist and turned

 it into a State VS Michigan Tic-Tac-Toe game. 

Simple steps:
Collect rocks. We used flat rocks.
Rince and dry rocks.
Choose your colors and/or theme. Examples: bugs, monsters, polka dots or your favorite sports team.
Paint with acrylic paint. We painted 2 layers.
Wait to dry.
Paint a top coat of mod podge, which you can find at any craft supply store, to avoid scratching.

Playing board:
Cut felt square and 4 felt strips
Glue felt strips onto felt square with fabric glue.
Wait to dry.

Then: PLAY!

I can imagine the possibilities are endless. I hope you have fun with this kid friendly craft. If you find time to make your own I'd love to see what you come up with.

Pop in tomorrow for Tuesday's reveal!

Keep Loving.

Father's Day celebrated The Miller Way

*Shew* An eventful weekend has made this Mama very tried. I feel like I've been swimming laps, trying to stay afloat all day. But, I have decided an eventful weekend is definitely worth dragging my feet just a bit today.

We have Maddi Wednesday and Thursday through the Summer. When it is our weekend to keep her we will have her Wednesday through Sunday. We are very excited about this, but it takes just a little bit more energy to care for her too. This is not a complaint at all. I enjoy seeing her face more often.

Father's Day was a huge success, if I do say so myself. I might be tooting my horn just a little bit.
Sunday morning started with a trip to Meijer for eggs and oil to go into the fun-fetti cupcake mix Maddi picked out on Friday. I also needed strawberries to go with the layered parfaits I planned for breakfast. So Daddy slept in and the girls and I gathered the things we needed at the grocery store.

Maddi did a wonderful job assisting me in the mixing and making of the cupcakes and parfaits. I was surprised she didn't want to decorate them, so I got to have a little fun with colorful sprinkles. Then we woke up Dad for breakfast. He was all smiles and thanked all of us several times for the fun little surprise. 

Then Maddi and I drew picture clues for our BIG surprise. Ryan had already guessed we were headed to the zoo but he didn't know for sure until he uncoded the pictures we drew. And the smiles lit up his face all over again. I also invited the Evans/Stevens family and The Hardy Boys, which just so happened they wanted to celebrate Father's Day at the zoo too.

And it was lots of fun! HOT! But, fun. The John Ball Zoo has a lot to see. Camels, bears, lions, birds, penguins, alligators, fish, sting rays (which you can pet), frogs, snakes, monkeys....I know I am forgetting a few. I, for some reason, really wanted to see the komodo dragon. I am still amazed by the size of this over grown lizard. It was huge. Edee could have taken a ride on it!

I think we all had a great time. Before we knew it 6:00 rolled around and our group was ready to call it a day.

Making time for special occasions to celebrate the man Maddi, Edee and I love and appreciate and can't live without is definitely necessary.

Keep Loving.

A walk. A talk. A day with friends.

I'm sitting here in a tank top and my favorite pink yoga capris. The slow breeze passes through the wide open windows. The sun is slowly sinking beyond the tree line in our front yard. Good weather is finally here. Like the springy step I feel on the weekends here I am feeling giddy. The weather alone inspires me.

Day off. Two words and I am sure you know exactly what I mean. All though I was spoiled to only work one day before my day off today I still REALLY appreciate an entire day off. Because it's an entire day spent with Edee. An entire day to do as I please. And you better believe doing what I please is exactly what I did.

Okay, I didn't go on a shopping spree or treat myself to a giant chocolate cupcake, BUT I did go visit Sarah and Jackson. And that was just as great! There are very few people I can talk to about everything under the sun. She is one of the (new found) few. When hanging out with Sarah we ping pong our thoughts and stories back and forth.  Before you know 4 hours have passed. It's wonderful having someone on the same page. I feel I've found a really great mommy friend. I'm so thankful we've finally connected. And we honestly have. How bizarre it is; the things we have in common.

I can't wait for summer adventures with the little ones. There are sure to be many.

Today, we took the babes for a walk. Jackson was a little busy body in his Momma's arms the whole time while Edee (a bit spoiled) fell asleep riding in the stroller. It's time I get my own easy-to-pack-and-go stroller. All though I greatly appreciate those that let me borrow theirs for the walk. :)

Now we are all home. All though my 4 hour visit didn't fell quite long enough Edee has an opinion of her own. She is finally settled with a full belly, sleeping in mommy and daddy's bed.

So, today was a good day. Wait....great day.

Keep loving.

Shaping our future

Apartment life is going to forever change the life Ryan and I will live together. All though we hoped to be in a house after living on Bluebird Road for a year we are...sigh...in another apartment. Instead of looking at this as calamity I am going to show you how apartment life is shaping our future.

If you've been reading and following The Plain Side for awhile you have probably gathered that Ryan and I are the budgeting type. We live rather simply and spend little. I think we are (most of the time) okay with this, because when we look at our BIGGEST goal: to be in a home, we know we make these decisions for a better tomorrow.

So we share a car, a cell phone, a bathroom sink and chores. We don't eat or drink out but find enjoyment in a glass of wine or the current seasonal beer at home with friends. We are rather careful in where our hard earned pay check goes.

To be honest, some days are easier than others. Sometimes I find it fun to make a full menu for the week under $50, (check out an earlier post here all about it), or challenge myself to take advantage of my craft supplies to repurpose glass bottles into decorations instead of buying brand new ones. But I'm only human. There are days when I just want to spend, spend spend. I want to replace my hair straightener I've had for 6 years or buy cute curtains for the girls' room. Starbucks always sounds good when I'm up early in the morning. But, I survive without it. I honestly do.

Another thing.

The apartment we just moved out of didn't have a dishwasher, washer or dryer. We let this hinder us the WHOLE time we lived there, complaining about the pile of dishes that spilled out of the sink onto the countertops. Do I sound spoiled? Because I realize "back in the old day," they had to scrub every piece of clothing by hand. AND ring it out. Living in this modern day of now, now, now sneaks up on me. When I become accustomed to so many commodities that make life easier it makes life seem difficult when I don't have these things anymore. When it's really not difficult, it just takes a little more time.

When I look at the big picture I realize a family can survive without a dishwasher. And now that we have a dishwasher in the new apartment I appreciate it so much more. I feel like these little sacrifices are going to make us much more appreciative of the things we will gain from a home. More storage spaces, piece and quiet, our own door way, a washer and dryer, pretty painted walls that we don't have to repaint white, etc. Just as having a tight budget will make us appreciate when we can spend a little. What we purchase or do will be that much more significant as well.

"It's the little things in life, 

that mean the most."

This one I call bittersweet too. I know that as we shovel the driveway, mow the lawn, pay to replace ANYTHING we will look back at apartment life and appreciate these times too.

Keep loving.

Where do I begin?

Where do I begin? Where did I leave off? How do I find all the right words to tell you the story of our lives over the months that have passed?

I've been contemplating how to begin writing again for a couple days now and it was keeping me from doing just that. And still I sit here wondering how I begin again....just do it! Right?

First, life for the Millers has changed and continues to change. Each little change is an improvement, that brings us closer to our goals. Ryan has a strong sense of improving our quality of life. Therefore, so do I. And why not? So, change is always occuring.

Secondly, I'm officially working two jobs. I switched to a day time job, part-time, so I can spend more time with Ryan and Edee at the same time. We also needed more consistency in my income for budgeting purposes. But, I pick up shifts at the restaurant at night, which we can treat as extra income. It's not forever, just for a short time. But, technically, that's two jobs right? (And that doesn't count being a mommy too.)

While I'm on the work topic: Ryan is still thoroughly enjoying his job. This is on our list when we count our blessings every night. He's worked really hard to find a job where his labor and efforts are appreciated. And they definitely are at this place. He continues to impress me with how much effort he puts in at work everyday, and I know I am unaware of half of what he does.

Third, the girls continue to amaze us. I'm so proud to have such great kids. Maddi is reading two grade levels above her own. Her vocabulary continues to grow. And so does the rest of her. She decided to grow her hair out again. It's down to the middle of her back. Blonde and beautiful as ever. We still, can't get enough time with this smart, sassy, pretty little girl.

Edee spends 75% of her day on her belly. She's almost five months old and is wearing 6-9 month clothes. She loves tummy time, her fingers, story time, The Backyardigans, kicking in the bath tub and her baby sitter Stacey. I so often here, "she is such a good baby," and "she is so happy." This is another item on our blessings counted list. Happy baby makes for a happy momma makes for a happy home. *wink*

I can't wait to share more about the changes we've made and the ones we will make, the latest happenings with the girls and family and anything else related. I think you'll enjoy what is yet to come for The Plain Side.

Keep loving.

Gratitude

Good Morning world! Or if you're reading this in the afternoon, Good Afternoon, or maybe in the evening, Good Evening! But for me it is good morning. So good morning world! I shared with you yesterday a list of some of my favorite blogs. But there is one blog in particular, that I recently discovered, that I have been inspired to borrow from.

The blog is titled, Sometimes Sweet. It makes me think that life is sometimes sweet and if you don't pay close attention you'll miss out on the great moments. The author of the blog describes herself as an English teacher turned momma as she chose motherhood when her son was born.

One of the reasons why I enjoy her blog is because she reminds me a little of myself. It might even be her writing style alone. I really hope I can turn my blog into something as wonderful as hers.

The part I'm borrowing from her blog is a quote she found on a sign on Pinterest (seductively awesome site it is) that says "Gratitude turns what we have into enough." On her post about gratitude she writes how we all wish for cold weather when its warm and warm weather when its cold. And its true! Do we appreciate what we have when we have it? Probably not. Atleast I'm guilty of not appreciating things enough. So today, I want to appreciate and be grateful for the things I do have right now:

The strength to continue working 5 days a week at almost 7 months pregnant.

The foot and shin rub Ryan gave me after a long shift on my feet.

My well behaved, smart step-daughter. She might only be partially mine but I'm still so thankful for that part.

My sister, Katrina, who listens and listens and listens to everything I have to say.

The shining sun and a chance of rain.

Free time. To blog or embroider or loom or nap.

Ryan's ambition and outstanding accounting skills. He knows how to calculate us out of any rut.

All though not every minute of today is going to be what I anticipate, I know I have much to be grateful for. "Gratitude turns what we have into enough."

Keep loving.

Hint of home

Truth: I'm having a hard day. Ok, a couple hard days in a row. Honestly, I'm just trying to push through a difficult situation and in the meantime I am just going to be thankful for 2 days off and long hugs from my husband.

These days, the ones when I hold back tears at a Journey song (some might slip through), and want to hybernate are the days when the people that mean the most to me pull through and sit beside me to just listen. Maybe they know I need the company or maybe it is just a miracle. Either way, I spent the first part of my day with my sister. And whew, did I need that. I think, wait, I know she needed this too. We printed photos and well that's about it. But we could have just sat there and done nothing and it still would have been the best part of my week. Thanks for just being there Trina.

I also had a quick phone conversation with Mom today. And how nice it was to catch up. Sometimes you just need good mother daughter time. Although it wasn't face to face (oh how I wish it was) I can still appreciate hearing her voice. And then the tears start welling up again as I think about how much I miss the feeling of home. I long to be around people that listen, care and appreciate the things I appreciate. I miss being around people that are just a little bit like me. Even if it just means we have the same blood. Because, ya know, our last name isn't the same anymore.

Today at the gym (yes, Ryan and I made it to the gym), an older gentlemen came up to me to tell me the tanning bed was available. I thanked him. And then his wife, who was patiently waiting outside of the tanning room waiting to go in when I walked up to see if the bed was open, then said, oh grab some paper towel on your way in because the room is all out. I thanked them again and headed to the tanning room.

As I laid in the brightly lit, steaming hot bed I wondered if I had expressed my thanks enough. I thought what wonderful people they were for just saving me time. It was like two tips right in a row. How thoughtful and nice is that? I feel like they had a hint of home  in them and for a moment I felt closer to the place I miss.

Amazing how things happen when you least expect it.

Keep loving. And pushing through.