The Intentional Life

I've had this running through my head for a bit and I decided recently that I was just going to do it. I guess I'm a bit hesitant as it will involve me being committed to it for a year. I didn't want it to go the way of New Year resolutions, losing steam halfway through January. So, I did what any person in this modern age does to stay accountable: I put it on social media. I don't think that I have alot to offer when it comes to talent or exemplary attributes (I had to marry someone who had that instead!) But, I have been told by many that I have a knack for organization. And, well, I kinda like doing it. Cleaning, organizing, purging, putting things where they belong. Ask my mom: it started at a very early age. But, just like a Contractor whose own home is in need of some overdue remodeling, my own home is getting a bit, umm, disheveled. We've lived in this house for 2.5 years, and although I regularly purge and clean, things still tend to get awa

For the last 5 years we have taken the money that we would have paid for Christmas cards, pictures, and postage and put that money towards a charity.  For the last four years that money has gone to World Vision to buy a goat and few chickens for a family in poverty. This year, with the added commissions from my Rodan+Fields business, we are able to add a cow into the mix. So instead of a picture in the mail with a happy holiday greeting, you get this update. And a montage of pictures taken this past summer by my friend, Jess ( http://www.j3designsphotography.com/ ). Owen is 10 and is in 4th grade.  He is reading books at a high school level, building fantastic creations with his Legos, and aspires to be a surgeon someday. Hannah is 8 1/2 and is in 3rd grade this year.  Hannah is our in-house creative and singer.  Daily she is writing stories, drawing pictures, and creating new things out of items found in our recycling bin.  All of her requests, questions, and stories

I woke up this morning, got ready for the day....and then the 2-hour delay text came through. It was incredible tempting to go back to bed fully dressed, but I know from past experience that I would regret it later. So, I drank my coffee, did my devotion, and decided to take this little window of time to finally post my November Lookback. I know I am the one who enjoys these the most as it is myself looking back over my own past month.   Still, I thank you for walking down memory lane with me. And as I sit in this slightly chilly house, with the outdoor thermometer reading -2, it’s sort of pleasant to look back on the warmer days of November. A field trip to a self-sustaining farm, a morning drive to see the Blackhawk Christian Braves win the Championship in volleyball, a weekend trip to Detroit to sing with the church choir, many afternoons of raking leaves, taking a night walk to see the Super Moon, and of course the Thanksgiving traveling. November did

 I love October. The cooler weather, the blue of the sky, the sound of the leaves as you rustle through them. For the last several years October has also meant Race Month. The culmination of months of training ends at the Columbus Marathon. This year I did the full 26.2 instead of the 13.1. It was exhilarating. It was inspiring. It was painful. But oh, so worth it. To be able to run in support of our friends Justin and Carey and in memory of their son was an honor indeed. The month was also filled up with barn building, family get togethers, Owen's birthday, and Grandparents' Day. October did not disappoint.  Owen turns 10! I've been a mom for a decade....seems like I should have this parenting thing figured out by now but I am finding out daily I still have a long way to go.  Hannah and Madeline made him birthday gifts. Hannah made her own Lego Kit, complete with hand-drawn instructions. I think it is supposed to be a computer....? M