Fast Foward Nearly 4 Years.... Hello Again

And I'm back!

What was intended to be simply a 1-2 month summer hiatus to settle into life post move turned into nearly 4 years.

I doubt anyone is still here waiting for me.

My oh my... so much as happened and our life is nearly unrecognizable {in a good way} compared to four years ago.

Sit back, hold on, and get ready for a quick recap of what we've been up to since my last post.


We sold our little house on the lake, purchased land, and moved into our camper for 16 months. This could fill an entire blog in itself. And while so many viewed us as utterly insane -- I mean, who chooses to move into a 26 foot long camper with a three year old -- we were completely happy. That year brought us so much closer as a family, taught us many lessons, and brought to light areas for growth in our family, marriage, and individual selves.

I wouldn't trade those 16 months for anything. Believe it or not, my husband and I often comment on how we miss those carefree and simple days. We joke about doing it again.... permanently. Instead, maybe we will be that retired couple that travels around the country living in their camper. That sounds like heaven to us.

We spent the summer and fall of 2015 clearing and prepping our land to build, adjusting to life in our camper, and spending time together as a family. I was blessed to go on a second mission trip and saw God move in ways that still impact me today.

 

 

 

Spring and Summer of 2016 brought with it the season of building. We heard so many negative stories of building from friends --- how stressful it is. Honestly, we loved this season and would build again in a minute! It was a fun and exciting season for our family. We spent our first night in our new home on July 1, 2016.

I started graduate school again to earn a second Ed.S. -- this time in the field of educational leadership and administration.

Fall and Winter of 2016 were spent settling in to life in our new home and surviving Saturday grad classes.

Spring, Summer and Fall of 2017 were spent making our house a home. I completed an Ed.S. in Ed Leadership and entered a new season in my career as I accepted a position as an elementary assistant principal. We enjoyed our first snow in our new home (December of 2017) and another big snow in January of 2018. Why would I document that, you may wonder? Well, when you live in the deep south, snow is rare and a BIG deal.

 

Spring of 2018 brought with it a new side venture for me. I created my own little cozy craft nook and began making farmhouse signs. What started out as something for our home quickly turned into a busy side business. Sterling Designs was born and has been a wonderful adventure.

I spent the most part of the Spring and Summer in 2018 outdoors either camping with my little family or gardening. I have found a love for gardening and canning. I love that my little mini-me also enjoys gardening and would rather spend her time running through the corn rows or chasing butterflies around the sunflowers than indoors on a tablet or watching TV.

We celebrated my husbands 40th birthday and spent nearly every weekend camping.

Fall of 2018 brought with it many blessings and some sorrow.

The Lord opened the door for me to move into a new position career wise. It has been the most wonderful blessing and there is not a single day that I do not enjoy my job. I work with the most amazing and talented ladies from all over the state who inspire me to be all that I can be in pursuit of helping others succeed.

We lost our sweet Bubba, who has been part of our lives since Mary Grace was 4 weeks and 4 days old. The Martins came into our lives when Jackie (aka Nanny J) began helping me with Mary Grace. They quickly became more like close family and have been by our sides through ups and downs. Bubba was like a father to Bob and I, and Mary Grace saw him as a grandfather. We miss him dearly every day and I often catch myself picking up the phone to call him. We know where he his and I cannot wait to see his face again one day.

And that brings us to where we are today... finishing the last few weeks of winter and eagerly anticipating the arrival of Spring. There are so many exciting things happening in this season of life.

Blog wise- I want to document the everyday moments and adventures that make our life so wonderful. Those milestones and simple joys that I want to remember. One of the favorite things about having a blog is the ability to go back and relive memories that I may have forgotten. I will always regret not documenting more in writing over the last four years, but today is a new day and a the perfect time to start something new or begin again.

And yes, my blog profile picture is in dire need of an update.... yikes!

Our Last Night In Our First Home

It's been an emotional weekend.  So many lasts, so many goodbyes, so many memories, and yet in the midst of it all, so much joy and excitement for this new chapter in our lives. 

 

Tonight will be our last night in our first house.  There are so many beautiful memories this house holds. The bedroom where we brought our daughter home from the hospital. The kitchen and family room where new friendships were formed and lifetime memories were made.  The dining room where so many meals were eaten with family & friends and card & board games were played.  The backyard which was perfect for fishing, watching turtles, and Mary Grace's first swing set. The back porch where we spent many summer evenings, listening to the frogs and enjoying a slower pace of life.

 

When we first moved into this house we both wanted this house to feel like a home.  We wanted anyone that entered to feel like family.  It didn't matter if paint on the walls chipped, stains on the carpet were made, or the hardwood floors became scratched.  It was our home and those "flaws" reminded us that everything in this life will be gone one day.  What matters is the relationships we build with people, our child seeing Jesus through us, and the difference we make in someone's life.

 

  Life on the lake will always hold a very special place in my heart.  It was here that I became who I am today.  It was here where we became a family of three.  It was here where my precious Mary Grace was came home from the hospital. It was here where I built relationships with friends that became my family. 

 

As we say goodbye to our little life on the little lake, we are thankful for all the blessings Jesus showered on us while we called this place home, and we look forward to all that He has in store for us in this new season of life.

 

We cannot wait to share what this next chapter holds for us. Life is pretty exciting these days!

All Packed Up

Today was supposed to be our big yard sale day, but we have postponed it until next weekend due to the morning rain. So, we are spending the day packing, sorting, and cleaning out. 

While I still have a ways to go, apparently Mary Grace is all packed and ready to go!

Hellos and Goodbyes

Well, my dears, the weekend is quickly coming to a close. I am not ready to say Goodbye! this this wonderful weekend.

On Friday we said Hello! to Clarkco State Park. So far, this is our favorite camping spot because there was so much for the wee one to do. Our site location was nice and flat which made for a better setup (last time it was a bit hilly). Our site was located right in front of a dock and little swimming area. Mary Grace loved meeting new 'camping buddies' and had a ball slashing around in the lake. There are also several great playgrounds which we took advantage of right from the start. The only downside was the Splash Pad wasn't open- however it will be up and going Memorial Day weekend and on through the summer.

On Friday I also said Goodbye! to my car. Yes, I sold Martha White. It was shopped around a couple of places last week, someone bought it on Thursday, and on Friday we handed over the keys. I will miss my little car. It was the first vehicle I purchased on my own as an adult. I've had some great trips, car pools, and adventures in that car. Plus, it was the car I brought my sweet baby home in.

I have an idea of what I want next, but want to look at all the options out there before deciding on one. Plus, we've decided to wait until our house is built before we car shop. So until then, I'll be cruising in one of my husband's rides :)

Moving on.... Next weekend we will say Hello! to Okatibee. We've had reservations for this weekend since March and we cannot wait to head that way Friday. My mom will be joining the camping fun and Mary Grace is ecstatic about having Mima over in her 'tamper' {it's so cute the way she says it}. We are stoked about these reservations because we are right across from a new playground and just 30 yards from the beach! Score!

But before I can pack our bags and head to our happy place, I must first say Hello! Monday. I am counting down until Summer break- only 13 days left!

Bible School Talk

I came across this little jewel this morning and had to share it.

This is my first year as VBS Director, and although I've worked VBS at our church for years, it's quite different being the one managing it all.

In fact, it can be a bit overwhelming.

Okay, very overwhelming.

Our VBS kicks off on Sunday, May 31, and our classes run June 1-5.

Ya'll... that's only a few weeks away! I cannot even begin to list all the must-dos that are hovering over me. And what's more- school is getting out {which is like a frenzy anyway} and then in the middle of it all we are moving.

Moving as in we have to be out in just a couple of weeks.

Moving. School ending. Mission Trip Fundraising. VBS decorations/scheduling/meetings/t-shirt sales.... Oh my!

So.... if I seem a bit frazzled... just remember to lift me up in prayer!

I cannot ask for prayers without giving praises! The Lord has blessed me with THE most amazing assistant director ever. Like EVER. In fact I only agreed to tackle this job if she would stand beside me through it all. I honestly do not know what I would do without my sweet M. She is a prayer warrior, always seeks the Lord, keeps calm, and displays grace in everything she does.

In those moments when I am freaking out over how many bandanas I need for the VBS retreat- she keeps me calm. Or when I ask her what I should do about something- she always says pray and see what the Lord wants you to do. She is constantly helping me focus on 'the main thing' and reminds me why we are doing this mission outreach in the first place.

So... if you are interested in getting involved in VBS- I know the perfect little small town country church where we will welcome you in and declare you family before you know what happened!

Oh Friday, Do Hurry Please

Here's to hoping the weekend arrives a little faster than usual. In a few short days, this will be my view at Clarkco SP.

The grilling supplies are in the camper, the fridge is stocked, and our bags are packed. I have been checking the weather hourly daily, and it looks like paradise is awaiting- aka high seventies, sunny skies, and zero chance of rain.

 We are ready to unplug for the weekend!

Friday Five

Wow. It's been forever since I've joined the Friday Five fun!

Let's get started...


One. The Age of Adaline
I am dying to see this movie!

Two. The Lost Choice
I've blogged about Andy Andrews before, but for those of you who missed it, let me fill you in a bit. He is one of my all time favorite authors. I first started reading his work about two years ago when Nanny J loaned me a few of his books. He lives in Orange Beach, Alabama and I am determined to 'run into him' someday while we are beachin' it. I just finished "The Lost Choice" and loved it. So far, I haven't read anything of his that I didn't like.

Three. Clean Out Day
This Saturday we are tackling our upstairs. This is the 'catch-all' spot in our house and I have dreaded it since our house went under contract. My mom is coming over and after the three of us {the hubby included} drink a little Spark, we plan to be super productive and get everything cleaned out and boxed up!


Four. Baby Seewald
I am the biggest Duggar fan - and no, I am not the least bit ashamed! I never miss an episode and will watch the reruns more times than I care to admit. I even stalk them via Instagram :) Needless to say, I was tickled pink to hear they are expecting a sweet little one!

Five. 19 Days
All that is standing between me and summer vacation {in my camper at the beach} are 19 more school days! When my countdown hit the 'teens' I may have done a little happy dance and heel clicks!

Happy Friday, Lovelies!

Home Is Where We Park It

I have fallen off the blog wagon, but alas I am hoping to get back on track. Hey, at least I finally blogged about Mary Grace's birthday party!

 We have so many exciting things happening right now and I want to journal about this exciting time in our lives.

First off, as some of you may know, our home is selling. We are thrilled to start a new chapter in our lives and building our 'forever home'. Although the packing and moving part is getting the best of us. We are trying to enjoy our last couple of weeks in our home.

When discussing where we would live during our time in house 'limbo', we decided we would buy a camper.

Ya'll have no idea. Is it insane to love a camper this much? We have wanted one for years and decided that it would be our best investment, rather than renting for a few months.

We took our first camping trip this past weekend and had the time. of. our. lives.

We are already booked for another fun getaway on Mother's Day weekend. And although we loved Archusa, we wanted to try out some different places and explore. Bob is also looking into booking us at Clarke Co State Park for next weekend- we've been told they have a fabulous splash pad and is very kid friendly.

And yes, we are already planning to park our 'home on wheels' at the beach the month of June.

It felt like we were in another world. My good friend Sassy is always talking about how much they enjoy camping, and my sweet Aunt B has been telling us forever to dive into the 'exclusive camping club' as she calls it.

Good times ahead!

My view :)

Good times!

Squirrel watching

Our happy place!

Of course our first time out was a learning experience. We quickly realized we needed to work on our set up and entertainment. We purchased a flat screen so on our next rendevous we will have something for little miss to do while indoors at night. We are also bike hunting. I found this little beauty and kiddy bike trailer- I cannot wait to take it for a spin with my best girl! We are still looking for the right bike for Bob.

 

We are also looking into some rope lights, grilling gear, a large outdoor rug, chairs, and small tables.  I bought this little lovely for Bob's birthday to use while we camp. It's amazing! It's very roomy and the mosquito netting was a must since MG swells up like a melon when bitten. Plus, it's nice being able to leave your food/snacks outdoors after grilling without the bugs eating it all.

But my favorite thing to shop for has been the 'sign'. Everyone at our last campsite had the cutest little signs so I have been on the hunt. I've finally found a cute design and a friend at work is going to paint it for us :) I plan to have it say "Life Is An Adventure. Just Go  - The James Family". 

How cute is that little lovely?

Seriously though, we have developed an addiction to camping! So much fun!