Change is in the Air

Change always comes to our home with the arrival of spring. Cleaning out cupboards, closets, rooms, etc., it is one of the most fulfilling times as I love clearing out clutter and organizing. 

Having this "cleaning" mindset, I've been thinking of what to do concerning our family blog. 

When I started this blog almost 6 years ago, its purpose was to keep our out of town families up to date on the happenings of our family. With the passing of time, our lives have changed so the blog has changed. Over the last few years beside family information I've been sharing recipes, craft projects, personal changes, God moments, etc. Even more recently I've been including projects from an arts and crafts class I've been voluntarily teaching at the kid's school.
For the last month, I've been trying to decide if it is all too much! Too much information, too much to do resulting in not being able to be consistent, too much to read? Mulling all this over I've come to the realization that I miss writing and sharing all that is happening in our lives. I'm excited about the recipes I've been "testing" on the family, the crafts I've been teaching, the changes and events that our family has been experiencing, so I want to share.
I'm hoping in the near future to get together with a more computer savvy person and find a blog format where I can create specific "menus" allowing readers to choose the posts they are most interested in (recipes, family life, arts & crafts projects, etc.). However, in the meantime, I'll be writing, posting and labeling which will help with selecting reading options.
Change is a good thing and I look forward to what will come our way! I hope you will continue to join me on our life's journey as we live, love and laugh (notice the name change of the blog from "the busiest place on earth"). Oh and please bear with me as I go backwards for a little while and post items and events that occurred during my short "hiatus" as I contemplated this blog and the need for change.
As always, thanks for stopping by! 

91,663 Steps

As of today, I have intentionally walked an extra 91,633 steps.

You see for the last year, my 45th year, I have been in a struggle with my body. I've always heard that as you get older maintaining your weight is more difficult and that what you did or ate before doesn't seem to work anymore. I was sure I would defy this BUT one year has proven this to be true, at least for me. 

Sadly, my workouts had become less and less. I would get into a routine but would quickly be diverted from it due to a project, traveling, etc. - you get the idea! 45 was my year for exercise excuses. This is somewhat ironic because of how dedicated I was just a year or so before not only getting to the gym and doing additional training but following a very strict eating plan (okay, the eating plan was more a beginning eating plan that needed to be adjusted over time.) If you know me well, you know I'm either all in or all out, I'm very rarely an in the middle kind of girl. 

Because I can be an extremist, finding a happy medium has been a struggle and let me tell you my scale has not been a friend lately....it has been a foe! I know, I know, I shouldn't be "hung up on a number", "muscle weighs more than fat", "you still look the same" etc.  But here is my confession, I have always struggled with how I look. It goes back to my early teens like it does with so many girls. No, I am not going to give details because that really isn't important. I just want you to know that this self-esteem issue has been a life long issue. Now, I am a Christian and I know God makes no mistakes. I also know that I am "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14). Because I not only know this but believe it, each day I have to turn this insecurity over to God. Why? So it doesn't keep me from doing what He has planned for me in order to bring glory to Him. So, with His help, I'm working on this "struggle" trying to make exercise and eating well part of a healthy lifestyle and not a fad for a number or an acceptable look to others. 

There is a group from my church who started an early morning workout program and my one friend, Jen, is a part of it so I thought I would join in. On Thursday, August 29th, I met up with Jen at 5a.m. (yes, that is a.m.) and we did our first speed walk together. This started a whole new exercise plan for me. Now, before I go any further I have to tell you that Jen is my inspiration. She has been losing weight the smart way through diet and exercise and is a great encouragement to me. Jen is beautiful through and through and I am so proud of all she has and continues to accomplish. 

Okay, so on my birthday, Sunday, September 1st, I started my "new year" off by walking 6 miles and keeping track of the extra "steps" I'm taking toward being healthier. Out of the last 19 days I have walked 11 of those days. I do take the weekends off although occasionally I will walk early Sunday morning before church. Also, I did for one week join the church team for their strength training workouts, however, being at the park at 4:15 a.m. was hard for me so I decided to stick with my walking routine for the time being.  I'm a morning person but blame my age, I'm too old to be getting up before 4 to workout at 4:15. At least that is what my mind and body are telling me.

Getting up and walking at 5 has also allowed for me to make my spiritual life healthier too. By the time I come home from walking, I have 30 to 45 minutes before the kids start getting up for school. The quiet allows me to focus accordingly on what God is showing me in His Word and in the devotional I use. Sadly, before this routine it was easy to say, "I'll do it once the kids are at school" or "a little later in the day" which would most of the time result in me not spending time with God that day.

One humorous "revelation" of this early morning routine is that our bunny has proved to me that somehow he has to have canine blood in him. We always joke how much Mr. Jingle is like a dog, well how is this for proof? Each morning when I return home, I open the door of his cage (which is in Matt's room) to let him out. Jingle meets me in the living room and assumes his place in front of the patio door waiting to be let out. Jingle runs a few laps around the enclosed patio, running up the stairs, in the door and slides across the living room's hardwood floor. The first time he did this, I had to laugh. I though he just didn't know his speed coming in and would never do it again. Well, no, he proved me wrong.  He does this "routine" 4 to 5 times, then heads into the kitchen to get his morning meal of fresh veggies. I tell you it is like having a dog.  Even now with the mornings being cooler, Jingle still likes to go out. 

All in all these first 19 days of my 46th year have proven that I can get back to a balanced routine of exercise, healthy eating and daily spiritual nourishment. Now they do say it takes 90 days to make something a habit, so I pray that the cooler weather coming won't deter me and lead to excuses. Thankfully I have friends to keep me accountable in both area of my life - physical & spiritual. 

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Imitating: Its a Good Thing!

I've come to realize that my life includes a great deal of imitation. Imitation of ideas (crafts, decorating & recipes), people (family & friends), etc.

I remember as a kid not liking it when I being imitated. I'm sure you'll recall in your own memory saying a few times, "Stop copying me". As a kid, being copied was annoying. You wanted to be your own person and someone doing exactly what you were doing whether on purpose or not was unacceptable.

As you get older, you learn that life is a lot of imitation but it is what and who you choose to imitate that is key. 

One person whose idea I've chosen to imitate recently is my brother, Dennis. Dennis is a lover of nature and that includes birds and bird watching. On my recent visit to his home, I spent some time sitting on the family couch looking out the window at the bird feeders outside. It inspired me! Emily has always loved birds and her Uncle Dennis has sent some bird books our way that have found a permanent home in her room. For several years, I've been wanting to get a little more decorative and creative outdoors, birdhouses included, but haven't known where to start. Our yard has been treeless for 5 years now and making holes in our home's exterior for decorative purposes is not really something I wanted to start doing. In my brother's yard he had a bird feeder station. Basically it looks like a hanging plant holder but it is for tree houses. Well, I am happy to report I found one at my local Lowes and this weekend we are installing our own bird feeding station. Of course, my brother does have other attributes that are worth imitating too, like being an amazing dad and husband, a man of integrity who makes decisions and stands by them, and so many more ........ oh and did I mention he makes the most amazing tacos and chips.

Another person I've chosen to imitate often is my very good friend, Debbie. Debbie and I have so many things in common, I think we just have to be related somehow. She is my creative soundboard when it comes to working on bulletin boards, my crafting co-conspirator for making decorations for our homes, my Hobby Lobby and craft store shopping buddy and most importantly my sister in Christ who encourages me and keeps me accountable.  

Recent imitation of her has been in the area of color. My home has tended to be decorated in earth tones and muted colonial colors but oh, the color that has been running in my veins lately! For the last two days, I've been painting my home and the colors are bright and vibrate just like my friend. As a matter of fact, even her daughter mentioned that my house is starting to look like their home which I consider a true compliment. Oh and I did get her stamp of approval when I completed the color change. 

Of course, I imitate others...... Pinterest alone has given me an astounding amount of craft & decorating project ideas and recipes. 

My biggest source of imitation - my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I truly want to be a imitator of Him. I pray that my life shows my love for my God and His amazing love for me. The incredible gift He's given through His Son, I desire to live the life He wants me to live for His glory. I pray that He may be seen in my words and my actions. Will I always get it right? No, but living the way He wants me to He will be seen.  

So, let me encourage you to take a different perspective of being an imitator and not to be upset if you are imitated. It truly is a good thing if you choose wisely and always keep in mind the effect your imitating will have on others.  

A Little Gift

Most of you are aware of my LOVE for purses. 

Well, I'm happy to say that I have been able to get this "addiction" under control over the last year and half.  I did get one as my Christmas present (before I would just buy a purse at any time, not wait to get it as a gift).

Because of my LOVE of purses and not being loyal to using just one long term, I could never justify buying an expensive one. But as I've said, my appetite for purses has been brought under control.

About a month ago, Dave, the kids and I were at the mall.  I walked passed the Coach window and stopped in my tracks. There in the window was the most gorgeous spring purse. The watermelon color popped and oh, it was just beautiful. When I got home, I looked up how much it cost. Now you have to understand, I've never been drawn to a Coach purse, this was the first time. My eye always tends to go to Michael Kors but as I've already stated my "purse" appetite didn't justify buying costly items. 

Well, this purse has been on my mind so with the permission of my wonderful husband, I purchased the purse the other day.  How did I justify the cost? Well, I put my first bulletin board job payment toward it and it is also my Valentine's day, Mother's day, birthday and anniversary gift. The only "catch" was that I get to use the bag right away and don't have to wait until all these holiday's pass in order to use it. 

I am loving spring!!

Tacos = LOVE

Today is a day to celebrate LOVE!!  

I don't find loving my family and friends difficult but the area I struggle with most is loving/accepting myself as I am.

This isn't something I like to admit, I know this is personal weakness. After all, I believe I'm made in the image of the God who created man and He makes NO mistakes. Also having accepted Him as my Savior, I'm His child.  

Oh but that personal struggle of lack of self esteem, taking too much time to focus on my shortcomings and not on the purpose of my life which is to be in the will of God, I wish I could change that. 

Today I choose to LOVE myself.....not in a haughty, prideful way but in the assurances I have been given by my God in His Word.  He has created me just as I am....He knew me before I even existed and He made me, Me!! He loved me enough to send His Son to die for all my sins. Because He loves me this much, how can I not embrace the way He has made me, the talents He has blessed me with. He has blessed me with an amazing husband, two amazing children, extended family and friends who are family to me!!  He allows me to fellowship with and be encouraged by my church family. When I look at this and so much more, how can I not feel love, love for my God, my family & friends, my church family, others and myself.

Today I choose to LOVE. Today I decided to show myself an act of kindness or love if you want to call it that. I treated myself to my favorite lunch - Taco Bell Crunchy Taco Supreme with Salsa Verde. This may sound silly but love can be show in the most simplest of ways.  

I encourage you to show LOVE today. It can be something so simple....as simple as a favorite food.  Most of all show LOVE to God by spending time with Him. In doing so, you will receive LOVE right back!! 

The 1st Day of the Year

How do you make me a very happy person on the first day of the new year? You take me to Hobby Lobby.  

Dave, the kids and I headed about 45 minutes away to our nearest Hobby Lobby location. They dropped me off and let me shop while they went to a few stores that would interest them. After a wonderful time of perusing the store and making a small purchase (which is awesome for me), we all went out to lunch together.  

What a wonderful way to start the year.....family and Hobby Lobby!! 

To the Parents of.....

Today in the mail I received a letter addressed "To the Parents of Kathleen Wessel. 

When I first looked at it, I "misread" it. We get quite a few letters "To the Parents of Emily Wessel" that when I scanned this envelope my mind kind of  mentally corrected it thinking it was in regard Emily.  Then, as I looked at it again prior to opening it, I realize that it said my name. How weird?

I didn't bother looking to see who it was from I just went ahead and opened it and had to laugh.  

I've been invited to travel and study in Ireland, Wales, England and France in the summer of 2013 along with other junior high school students. Oh, to be a junior higher again but then the year would have to be 1980/81 - only 32 years ago. Ouch that hurts looking at that number!!

I would love to go ahead and travel the summer abroad but I don't think I'd pass for a junior higher nor would junior high students want to be with me. Also, I think Dave, Emily and Matt would not appreciate me leaving for the summer to travel and "learn".  It did make for a good laugh!  

The Eve of 45

In 2 hours (okay I am rounding), I will be 45 years old.  Now if you talk to my mother, she will tell you I am not officially 45 until 6:45 p.m. on September 1st. 

Does 45 bother me? No, it doesn't. I'm ready for it.  I'm ready for the year to come to be all that God has planned for me, no matter what that may be. 

He has truly blessed me with an amazing husband and two incredible kids - people who I love but fail time and time again because I try to do things myself and not turn them or circumstances over to God.  What I long to do is be a better helper to my husband and mother to my kids this year. Perfect? Not by a long shot, but all that God intends me to be for them. 

I have some amazing friends - some old (times wise) and some new. God has given me some honest friendships where we are able to sharpen each other and for that I am incredibly thankful.

My family (Papp & Wessel) lives far away in miles and yet I know that they love and pray for me, Dave, Emily and Matt and for that I will always be grateful.  I'm thankful my parents had me (one of 4 in 5 years), thankful for my upbringing and how it has molded me to be the person I am today, thankful for the Wessel's for having Dave and that my dad and his dad had the crazy idea to introduce us which in turn will be 17 years of marriage October 6th.

I'm thankful to my God!  Someone I have "known" for a long time but am only really feeling like I am coming to know personally more and more each day. For His love, His grace, the salvation He has gifted me, the plans He has for me and will bring me through.  

I have to say that most years my wish list for the year to come include "me" motivated things, like looking the best I can for my age, being more committed to things I fall short on, being the best mom and wife I can be.  What I want for this year is to know what God wants for me, for my family and to act on it.  I want to be bold in my faith and show Christ to those around me so they can know Him too in an incredible personal relationship - not one that will keep struggles, pain and hardships away but that will allow God to be seen in the reactions and obedience that stands firm in the midst of the good and the bad.

Is my goal lofty? No, not if I give it over to God, the one who loves me.  Will I struggle? Yes, because I have that human nature.  But that is not an excuse, obedience is a choice and "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". 

What I ask for the year to come is prayer. Prayer to stay in communion with God and find blessing in the circumstances that He brings my way and to my family.  

45 I am ready!!  I think I've been saying I am 45 for the last 6 months so it isn't much of a change.  :)

Times They are a Changing!!

Before Front Shot

Okay, by now you all know me as the girl who loves change.  Well, when the seasons change, I find the need for personal change too.  I can't walk into a store and buy a new wardrobe or wake up one day at my "ideal" weight so I do what I can do. I call Irene, my hairstylist!  

What I love about Irene is that she knows my hair and personality so well that when I walk in and say "I need change, big change" she makes it happen. I don't need to bring a picture, I can if I want and she will be very honest if my hair will work in that style and how much work it will take - she knows I don't like much work. 

Before Side Shot

Today was my big "change" day!! It was while she was combing my freshly colored and shampooed hair that Irene devised her plan. She went into her styling "zone" and this is the outcome. 

I love it!!! Now here is a funny thing that I've come to notice. I grow my hair during the summer (but not long enough for a ponytail) and cut my hair short in the fall/winter.  You would think I would want "more" hair for warmth during the cooler seasons but I am backwards that way. 

I am so happy with my new hair.  C'mon fall, I am ready!!!

New Hair Style Back Shot

New Hair Style Front Shot