Happenings on the Horizon

Do you have any idea how amazing it is to be able to focus on a task for longer than a few minutes at a time {If you are a mother, you know exactly what I'm talking about!}

This past week has been full of so many new and exciting opportunities and I wanted to share with you a few of the highlights of things to come for me.  It is so cool to see how things fall into place at just the right time!

Beginning next Thursday {Sept. 6th}, I will be leading the bible study "Loving your husband" at First Free Church in Rockford.   Can I say, I was completely humbled and so flattered to be asked to lead this study.  God certainly has a sense of humor... I did this study 8 years ago and it changed the way that I viewed my role as a wife for the better!  I planned to do it again when I heard it was being offered, not because I "don't" love my husband, but because I want to love him better, especially in this season of our lives when our time together is so limited.   So when the Director of Women's ministry contacted me and asked if I would be interested in leading it, I was so honored!  I can not wait to share this time and experience with the other women in the study.

On a similar note, I was approached a few months back about speaking to a mothers group in January 2013.  I am really excited about this because it is one of the area's that my heart is passionate about.  I will be speaking about "finding the beauty within".  If you are a mother in the Rockford, Il area, check them out here.

 {image: Brave Girls Club}

AND, on the business side... this one I am OVERJOYED about!!

On October 19th and 20th, 2012 I will be taking part in the Na-Da Farm Show in Esmond, Il!!

I went to this show last year for a creative business class taught be 2 amazing artists/ business women, Jeanne Oliver and Jen Rizzo.  Of course I took time to peruse...the entire atmosphere was breathtaking!   Jason and Anne Marie have really, really put something amazing together.  It is so relaxed and uplifting all at the same time.  Everything is set on their beautiful farmland.  There are fabulous vendors, beautiful live music along with a little bakery for you to sit and enjoy a little treat and hot chocolate!  They have been featured in several publications, including Midwest Living and Flea Market Style, where they were named one of the best vintage sales from coast to coast! If you are able, you HAVE to check it out!  I will be posting soon on some of the pretty little things that I'll be taking along!

Bittersweet Segue

It is now day 3.

It has been 13 years next month, that I have been home with my babies.

This week marked a brand new chapter in our lives.

All four of those "babies" went back to school on Monday.

I am now the mother of a Senior in HS {where on earth does the time go}, a 7th grader, a 5th grader and my baby is in Kindergarten this year. 

I AM BLESSED

I am so thankful that I was able to be here for my children all of these years.

My amazing hubby is one of the hardest working people I have ever met and without him my life would have looked so different. 

I wouldn't have thought to stay at home with my children.  Work was always the only option.

I would have missed so much!

My longing has always been to create for a living... whatever that might entail... I wanted to make beautiful things and prayed that others would love to buy said beautiful things:}

So this week I have been researching, sketching, designing and networking away and am loving it, but there is a subtle void in my heart.  

I have found myself also longing for the long days of rocking a tired baby {or 3 year old}, cuddles on the couch with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, coloring and playing Candy land.  

I actually miss the "mom, can you make me a..." and "mom, can you play with me"

These times go by so quickly.

These babies grow right before our eyes.

Sometimes segues are just bittersweet.

Our lives are in God's hands and I know His plans are amazing.  

I can't wait to see what He has in store for our family