Hi Friends!
I'm just checking in to say hi. I'm still popping in and reading your posts because I miss my time of blog reading while I drink my morning coffee at home. Hawaii is beautiful and we are having a blast. I can't wait to post pics when we get home. Have a wonderful day!
Much love,
Katie
Monday, January 30, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
these times, they are a-changing
Bob Dylan could not have said it better.
My life is about to undergo an enormous change in one week.
I interviewed for a long-term substitute position for the rest of the school year at my boys' school on Tuesday.
I got the call today and was offered the position.
As you may know, teaching jobs in California are obsolete. I never imagined that being the case when I left the profession to stay home with then just Luke, and eventually Charlie and Jack.
However, I have always left the possibility to return to work IF it was at their school. I want to see them during the day, attend their performances, drive together, etc.
The extra income will be beneficial for us as well.
Although, I'm thrilled with the opportunity ahead of me, I am anxious about the change from stay-at-home mom to working mom.
Being home with my boys has been my everything. I am clinging to our routines and way of life as we have known it.
I am anxious about the impact it will have on the boys, our family, and truthfully...me.
But life is about change. It is not easy, but that is the way life rolls.
And as it so happens, we are leaving for Hawaii tomorrow morning and coming home after midnight on the 2nd. I will show up to teach a few hours later.
So I am rolling with it because when we are confronted with change we can cling onto the past or roll with the future.
Yes, I'm rolling.
So Mr. Bob Dylan, you're right. These times they are a-changing.
Much love,
Katie
My life is about to undergo an enormous change in one week.
I interviewed for a long-term substitute position for the rest of the school year at my boys' school on Tuesday.
I got the call today and was offered the position.
As you may know, teaching jobs in California are obsolete. I never imagined that being the case when I left the profession to stay home with then just Luke, and eventually Charlie and Jack.
However, I have always left the possibility to return to work IF it was at their school. I want to see them during the day, attend their performances, drive together, etc.
The extra income will be beneficial for us as well.
Although, I'm thrilled with the opportunity ahead of me, I am anxious about the change from stay-at-home mom to working mom.
Being home with my boys has been my everything. I am clinging to our routines and way of life as we have known it.
I am anxious about the impact it will have on the boys, our family, and truthfully...me.
But life is about change. It is not easy, but that is the way life rolls.
And as it so happens, we are leaving for Hawaii tomorrow morning and coming home after midnight on the 2nd. I will show up to teach a few hours later.
So I am rolling with it because when we are confronted with change we can cling onto the past or roll with the future.
Yes, I'm rolling.
So Mr. Bob Dylan, you're right. These times they are a-changing.
Much love,
Katie
Sunday, January 22, 2012
a weekend proving we are nuts
Luke turned 9 last week. The kid loves Harry Potter books. He plows through them like they are going out of business.
It only seemed natural to pick Harry Potter for our theme this year.
It could not have been more fun! The kids didn't think it was too shabby either.
But, with a fun party comes a lot of work. Fortunately, we had rain on Saturday so we had to postpone the party until Sunday. Instead of being bummed, we were thankful for an extra prep day.
Trust me, we needed it. We needed the rain. We needed a comfy day at home together.
We needed time to catch up and time to create.
We needed to time to crash on the couch and admit that we are nuts when it comes to party planning.
Back to the party...
We love our tradition of making our kids' cakes or cupcakes.
As usual, I come up with the concept or borrow it from online, and Kevin being the artist, throws down.
He was even willing to take on fondant and he rocked it.
You have to love a man who is willing to spend hours with fondant. He is good like that.
I took over prepping wands for the kids to paint...
As for the party, the pictures tell you more than my words ever could. Bliss, I tell you. Pure bliss.
It was a lot of work. But Luke is worth every ounce of it. I love that kid.
Much love,
Katie
Linking up with sweet Heather.
It only seemed natural to pick Harry Potter for our theme this year.
It could not have been more fun! The kids didn't think it was too shabby either.
But, with a fun party comes a lot of work. Fortunately, we had rain on Saturday so we had to postpone the party until Sunday. Instead of being bummed, we were thankful for an extra prep day.
Trust me, we needed it. We needed the rain. We needed a comfy day at home together.
We needed time to catch up and time to create.
We needed to time to crash on the couch and admit that we are nuts when it comes to party planning.
Back to the party...
We love our tradition of making our kids' cakes or cupcakes.
As usual, I come up with the concept or borrow it from online, and Kevin being the artist, throws down.
He was even willing to take on fondant and he rocked it.
You have to love a man who is willing to spend hours with fondant. He is good like that.
I took over prepping wands for the kids to paint...
As for the party, the pictures tell you more than my words ever could. Bliss, I tell you. Pure bliss.
It was a lot of work. But Luke is worth every ounce of it. I love that kid.
Much love,
Katie
Linking up with sweet Heather.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
what I've learned in 9 years
My firstborn son turned 9 on January 18th.
NINE.
I truly don't know how we got here so fast.
While prepping for parenthood, I considered all the things I would teach my son.
Never did I pause to consider all that he would teach me.
Happy Birthday, Luke.
Thank you for teaching me greater compassion, patience, to never say never, and how to think outside of the box.
I could not be more proud of who God has shaped you to be.
Much love,
Mom
NINE.
I truly don't know how we got here so fast.
While prepping for parenthood, I considered all the things I would teach my son.
Never did I pause to consider all that he would teach me.
Happy Birthday, Luke.
Thank you for teaching me greater compassion, patience, to never say never, and how to think outside of the box.
I could not be more proud of who God has shaped you to be.
Much love,
Mom
pretend shopping
I'm off for some pretend shopping. Care to join me?
First we'd stop at Nordstrom and buy this handbag...
We could grab lunch afterwards and then I'd splurge on this just because...
Then I'd stop and buy this outfit. Because it is such a spectacular day, I'd fit in a size smaller than my normal size of jeans...
After our long day of shopping, we'd pick up the key for my new house. I'd invite you in for some coffee or tea. Maybe we could even nibble on a cookie or two...
Yes, when you are pretend shopping you can buy a house.
Happy Wednesday friends!
Much love,
Katie
Linking up:
LeeLala
First we'd stop at Nordstrom and buy this handbag...
Source: nordstrom.com via Katie on Pinterest
We could grab lunch afterwards and then I'd splurge on this just because...
Source: jewelry.1stdibs.com via Katie on Pinterest
Then I'd stop and buy this outfit. Because it is such a spectacular day, I'd fit in a size smaller than my normal size of jeans...
Source: simplyme091909.blogspot.com via Katie on Pinterest
After our long day of shopping, we'd pick up the key for my new house. I'd invite you in for some coffee or tea. Maybe we could even nibble on a cookie or two...
Source: witanddelight.tumblr.com via Katie on Pinterest
Yes, when you are pretend shopping you can buy a house.
Happy Wednesday friends!
Much love,
Katie
Linking up:
LeeLala
Sunday, January 15, 2012
thank you
I am overwhelmed by the love and support I received after sharing this post.
I have to admit that sharing about my own personal struggles is brutally tough.
My thoughts flow so smoothly when I share about our struggles with my husband's battle with metastatic melanoma or our oldest son's journey with Asperger's Sydrome.
But, when it comes to me, I hide.
I almost deleted the post. It felt good enough to get it out and see it in words.
But there was a nudge to be bold and push publish.
The wave of love I received washed over me and renewed my spirit. Your prayers were felt.
I suddenly didn't feel like I was walking this path of illness alone.
That is exactly what this blogging community is all about. Although some may not understand why we blog, we get it. We know that it provides an outlet. It gives us an opportunity to connect with one another. And through those connections, true friendships are created.
For that I am thankful.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Much love,
Katie
I have to admit that sharing about my own personal struggles is brutally tough.
My thoughts flow so smoothly when I share about our struggles with my husband's battle with metastatic melanoma or our oldest son's journey with Asperger's Sydrome.
But, when it comes to me, I hide.
I almost deleted the post. It felt good enough to get it out and see it in words.
But there was a nudge to be bold and push publish.
The wave of love I received washed over me and renewed my spirit. Your prayers were felt.
I suddenly didn't feel like I was walking this path of illness alone.
That is exactly what this blogging community is all about. Although some may not understand why we blog, we get it. We know that it provides an outlet. It gives us an opportunity to connect with one another. And through those connections, true friendships are created.
For that I am thankful.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Much love,
Katie
Thursday, January 12, 2012
pushing through--need your prayers
I'm struggling with my health lately. Lupus is sometimes like my dark secret. I put on a brave face and say that I am well.
Lupus is not something I write in depth about often.
I keep it quiet. I don't even share with my family. I push through because I want to seek the normalcy of life and not let the discouragement that comes with chronic pain overcome the beauty that God has given us. I want to conquer it.
However, having lupus means that different parts of your body are affected at any given time. It may be neurological one day and joints the next day. Along with lupus I have sjogren's syndrome and chronic migraines.
I have had burning mouth syndrome since Jack's birth 4 years ago. My mouth and lips are on fire ALL. DAY. LONG.
There is no relief.
My team of doctors are not sure if it is neurological since I have peripheral nueropathy. In simple terms, my nerves go haywire in all parts of body and cause extreme pain.
It could be hormonal.
It could be due to one of the dozen (+) meds I take.
So 4 years later my mouth is still on fire. I want to cry. I want something....ANYTHING...to make the pain go away.
As we continue to try and fail to treat it, I ask for your prayers.
Please pray for the doctors to be more aggressive in options. Pray for me to stay positive. Pray for me to have more patience with my sweet boys.
When your body betrays you daily, it can be a struggle to have the energy to parent the way you desire.
Pray for me to communicate my struggle better to Kevin. My heart is heavy for him and how he takes on this baggage too.
Thank you my friends. Thank you for letting this be a place where I can let it all out and not be strong. Thank you for praying.
I love you dearly.
Much love,
Katie
Linking up with Casey.
Lupus is not something I write in depth about often.
I keep it quiet. I don't even share with my family. I push through because I want to seek the normalcy of life and not let the discouragement that comes with chronic pain overcome the beauty that God has given us. I want to conquer it.
However, having lupus means that different parts of your body are affected at any given time. It may be neurological one day and joints the next day. Along with lupus I have sjogren's syndrome and chronic migraines.
I have had burning mouth syndrome since Jack's birth 4 years ago. My mouth and lips are on fire ALL. DAY. LONG.
There is no relief.
My team of doctors are not sure if it is neurological since I have peripheral nueropathy. In simple terms, my nerves go haywire in all parts of body and cause extreme pain.
It could be hormonal.
It could be due to one of the dozen (+) meds I take.
So 4 years later my mouth is still on fire. I want to cry. I want something....ANYTHING...to make the pain go away.
As we continue to try and fail to treat it, I ask for your prayers.
Please pray for the doctors to be more aggressive in options. Pray for me to stay positive. Pray for me to have more patience with my sweet boys.
When your body betrays you daily, it can be a struggle to have the energy to parent the way you desire.
Pray for me to communicate my struggle better to Kevin. My heart is heavy for him and how he takes on this baggage too.
Thank you my friends. Thank you for letting this be a place where I can let it all out and not be strong. Thank you for praying.
I love you dearly.
Much love,
Katie
Linking up with Casey.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
full
There is not much you can do when you have sick kids. My 3 guys have their 3rd cold since December, but we moms know that constant boogers and sleepless nights are part of the game. I think I must have been put on the all-star team because we are sick way too often.
To battle feeling defeated, we headed to the beach.
That's the beauty of living where we do.
Although we were bundled in our version of winter clothes, we still enjoyed it as much as we do during the warmer months.
Kevin and I sat in our beach chairs and commented to one one another how nice this new chapter of life is now that the boys are getting more independent.
This transitional time is bittersweet. I miss my boys as babes, but there is a new sense of freedom that comes with your youngest turning 4.
Such as Kevin and I being able to relax in our chairs, chat, and read instead of hovering by the littles in fear that they will go in the water.
As I watched Luke, Charlie, and Jack dig, organize construction plans, and execute sand tasks together, my heart was full.
Brimming.
It was spilling over with gratitude and joy.
I hope your heart is finding fullness today, too.
Much love,
Katie
Linking up:
Life Made Lovely Monday
Lowercase Letters
To battle feeling defeated, we headed to the beach.
That's the beauty of living where we do.
Although we were bundled in our version of winter clothes, we still enjoyed it as much as we do during the warmer months.
Kevin and I sat in our beach chairs and commented to one one another how nice this new chapter of life is now that the boys are getting more independent.
This transitional time is bittersweet. I miss my boys as babes, but there is a new sense of freedom that comes with your youngest turning 4.
Such as Kevin and I being able to relax in our chairs, chat, and read instead of hovering by the littles in fear that they will go in the water.
As I watched Luke, Charlie, and Jack dig, organize construction plans, and execute sand tasks together, my heart was full.
Brimming.
It was spilling over with gratitude and joy.
I hope your heart is finding fullness today, too.
Much love,
Katie
Linking up:
Life Made Lovely Monday
Lowercase Letters
Saturday, January 7, 2012
competition
Kevin and I were initially planning on attending his company's work trip in Kauai by ourselves. We went to Costa Rica last year (here and here) and had the best time.
However, his company was acquired this year and the rules have changed to include bringing the kids.
One quick call to my parents who have a a time share and it was decided that we are making it a family trip.
I. Can't. Wait. Even with my extreme (and totally lame) fear of flying, I'm ready to go today.
There is one thing though that is weighing me down.
Literally.
I have 5 pounds on my body that I CANNOT seem to drop no matter how much carb dropping, calorie app computing, and exercising I do.
My body has hit it's happy place and doesn't want to budge.
It doesn't help that I'm on a gazillion meds for lupus that cause weight gain.
Health....weight....sometimes I feel like it is a hard call.
Since Kevin and I both want to drop some pounds, we came up with a competion. The person who reaches their Hawaii goal 1st gets 1 whole Saturday to themselves.
OH man I want that Saturday!
So I'm doing the stuff I usually do since I'm kinda a healthy gal to begin with....organic food, whole foods, etc. I am trying to increases my water intake and decrease my portions.
As a last resort, I may even give up my coffee creamer since it is toxic and full of empty calories.
Oy vey.
I feel sorry for my family if that day comes.
What about you? What are you doing to be healthy in 2012. Notice I said healthy and not skinny???
Happy weekend, friends!
Much love,
Katie
However, his company was acquired this year and the rules have changed to include bringing the kids.
One quick call to my parents who have a a time share and it was decided that we are making it a family trip.
Source: grandhyattkauai.com via Rosie on Pinterest
I. Can't. Wait. Even with my extreme (and totally lame) fear of flying, I'm ready to go today.
There is one thing though that is weighing me down.
Literally.
I have 5 pounds on my body that I CANNOT seem to drop no matter how much carb dropping, calorie app computing, and exercising I do.
My body has hit it's happy place and doesn't want to budge.
It doesn't help that I'm on a gazillion meds for lupus that cause weight gain.
Health....weight....sometimes I feel like it is a hard call.
Since Kevin and I both want to drop some pounds, we came up with a competion. The person who reaches their Hawaii goal 1st gets 1 whole Saturday to themselves.
OH man I want that Saturday!
So I'm doing the stuff I usually do since I'm kinda a healthy gal to begin with....organic food, whole foods, etc. I am trying to increases my water intake and decrease my portions.
As a last resort, I may even give up my coffee creamer since it is toxic and full of empty calories.
Oy vey.
I feel sorry for my family if that day comes.
What about you? What are you doing to be healthy in 2012. Notice I said healthy and not skinny???
Happy weekend, friends!
Much love,
Katie
Thursday, January 5, 2012
bring it
When the winter exchanges weather plans with spring, the beach beckons and we promptly answer.
There is nothing like the feeling of warm sand and ocean breezes in January.
As I watched my boys play, collect shells, and taunt the waves, an overwhelming feeling of joy made me certain the 2012 is sure to bring good things.
After our beach fun, we walked to the end of the pier together to eat.
I had one thought swirling through my brain as we walked hand in hand along the weathered pier.
Bring it.
Much love,
Katie
There is nothing like the feeling of warm sand and ocean breezes in January.
As I watched my boys play, collect shells, and taunt the waves, an overwhelming feeling of joy made me certain the 2012 is sure to bring good things.
After our beach fun, we walked to the end of the pier together to eat.
I had one thought swirling through my brain as we walked hand in hand along the weathered pier.
Bring it.
Much love,
Katie
Monday, January 2, 2012
rockin' new year's 2011
emailing friends mid-day to see if they have plans? check
friends coming over last minute because they're cool like that: check
good food and drinks: check
activities to keep kids busy so adults can chat: check
fierce grown-up competition: check
staying up till midnight: check
Well, it was midnight NY time, but who's counting???
leaving the mess until 2012: check
I hope your 2012 is off to a rockin' start. Make it your best year yet.
Much love,
Katie
friends coming over last minute because they're cool like that: check
good food and drinks: check
activities to keep kids busy so adults can chat: check
fierce grown-up competition: check
staying up till midnight: check
Well, it was midnight NY time, but who's counting???
leaving the mess until 2012: check
I hope your 2012 is off to a rockin' start. Make it your best year yet.
Much love,
Katie
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