Together, Sounds Rather Wonderful

We've been home for four days now. If I didn't know better I'd swear the walls in this apartment are starting to close in on me. I'll save you most of the boring details and just say I really don't like fevers! When my girl is sick it makes me wish it didn't take my kiddo getting sick before I got to spend more time with her and accomplish a few things too.

Fevers are like monsters lingering, waiting to scare you with worse conditions. Did you know a fever, head ache and stomach ache are some of the symptoms of Strep Throat? I didn't have a clue. Learning experience I suppose. Those are the symptoms E came down with that has lead to four very long days at home.

I am so thankful she's on the mend now and we're both ready to bust out of this place. We're over movies, quiet time and playing dolls. Snuggles on the couch never get old but, staring at the same thing for 4 days sure does.

On a more positive note, it has been such a treat to spend this much time with her. Most of the time was spent relaxing but we still got to talk, play quietly and snuggle in bed. These kinds of days are few and far between because this kid is always go, go, go.

I also found time to crochet more cup cozies for Maiden Hands. If you aren't aware of my "little side hustle" I like to call it, go check it out on Instagram, Etsy or Facebook. I have also been working on new accessories to add to my shop too. I can't wait to share! Follow me there so you don't miss it.

I also found time to paint M's dresser that I sanded in the Fall. Yes, I know, sometimes I start things that may or may not ever be finished. However, this dresser we've had for years and it needed some TLC. A coat of furniture chalk paint has really transformed this old, beat up dresser. I have always loved seeing the progression and completion of a project. I loved all those things in this refurbishing project as well but, I am even more excited that it's done.

Accomplishing a few things feels good! The biggest of these things: E is feeling much better. With one week of school left she has much to do (a carnival and a field day) that she doesn't want to miss out on.

The weekend is a few hours from over. Now that I've reflected on our time together the last few days I think being home and together sounds rather wonderful.

xoxo,
Karlee

Too many hobbies.

I am not, will not, blame my lack of writing on anything. Ever since I started reading 'Pen on Fire," (yes, I'm STILL reading it.) I don't believe in writers block. There for I will no longer blame my lack of writing on writer's block. Nor will I blame it on not having enough time. The book is teaching me to take advantage of 15 minute windows of time here and there. I believe I am pursuing this goal. I just haven't been writing a lot lately and I think I've discovered the reason why (which, is not an excuse).

I have too many hobbies.

I crochet. It's a pretty new thing and I haven't even begun to exhaust the ideas rolling around in my head.

I read. Not really that much. But usually I read a topic I'd like to learn more about or a topic that applies to areas of my life I'd like to grow.

I write. As you can see. But I also, continuously keep notes on topics I read.

I freelance graphic design. Just here and there. But when I have a project I really want to be at the computer doing it.

How does one let go of the things they enjoy? Maybe there is a happy medium. Do I prioritize and do what I want to do most at the certain time? Or do I focus on only one thing until it is complete?

I can't help but mention with all these hobbies there is one thing I enjoy and love more than any of them, that consumes my time and brightens my day more than any hobby ever will: my family. I gladly set aside all of these things for them. There is no question about it. I'd rather spend a day chasing around E and cuddling with R then do any amount of hobbies.

Hobbies are just the accent to my life.

I think this is probably the best problem I have ever had. Any advice? Comments are surely welcome.

Keep Loving.

History book weather.

I can imagine someday we will all look back on the winter of 2013 and remember the polar vortex, multiple car accidents on the freeways and the single digit temperatures. This weather belongs in history books. In my opinion, the skies can run out snow any day now. 

I am sitting at home listening to the wind whip furiously through the trees. I can here the impact it makes on the side of the apartment. It might not help I'm sitting right next to a window and air conditioning unit. Just the whistling of the gusts makes me chill. 

Even though this weather has the tendency to force us indoors to hibernate I am looking forward to the next couple days; a weekend at home with my family. I've got a few fun projects in mind for the girls too. Stay tuned because I'll definitely share all about them. I think a weekend of crafts, hot cocoa and movie nights sound just about perfect. 

The week ended on a good note too. We said good bye to the blue Saab. She's going to a really nice gentlemen in Grand Rapids. All though we will miss her a huge weight has lifted off our shoulders. 

 

I also had a great 90-day review with my boss. I've been punishing myself a little too much this week and have been feeling overwhelmed. Doing a good job is important to me and I might have been feeling a bit overwhelmed. Of course there is always room for improvement so I have homework moving forward, but I got some great responses on creativity and dependability. I am proud to say I handled the constructive criticism very well and have a positive attitude looking forward. 

It's been a long, hectic week but perseverance and patience has paid off. 

Keep Loving!

Work, family and fun.

Soaking wet leaves blanketed the ground, streets, and sidewalks this morning. Last night's rain left most of the trees naked. The sky was awfully grey today and the rain continued to drip all over. The dreary part of Fall is almost inspiring, as long as it doesn't last too long.

Work flew by, which seems to be the norm at my new place. I'll accept it. I love that there is something new everyday! Today felt like a holiday as I opened the box that held my new computer. My hands were full with setting up the new workspace, some paperwork, inspiration for the newest project and communications with print companies. Oh the day in the life of an administrative assistant. This is definitely for me.

The Miller's (including Maddi) shared our evening with Grandma's Diane, which also flew by. Maddi is learning so much in school she can't get the words out of her mouth quick enough to tell us about: Lake Superior, math problems with two or more signs in them and how she helped her teacher at conferences and was rewarded with four pieces of candy. Maddi's personality grows every time I see her.

To make things a bit more fun tonight I started a story telling game. It was definitely fun and might have turned into something even better. Now, R, M, E, Grandma and I are cooking up a little something that could be pretty neat for all of us. I can't say much further. You'll have to wait and see if the (BIG) little something turns out as planned. But for now we have an interesting, fun way to spend our Wednesdays with Maddi.

Keep loving.