What I Learned This Fall

Happy December! Only 22 more days until Christmas! Our family is rejoicing over our own little gift from heaven; Gracelyn Love Vanderlinda, who arrived on November 20, eight days past her "due date." I'll share more details below. In just a few hours she'll be a whopping two weeks old!

I'm joining Emily P. Freeman and other bloggers, to share "What I learned this Fall." Below are nine things I learned:

Our town has free lending libraries just like in "Chesapeake Shores!" If you've watched the Hallmark series, you know I'm talking about the cute little book holders where people donate a book and take a book. I love this more than schlepping over to Half Price Books in Tacoma hoping to get a bit of money for my books. If your town doesn't have them yet, check out this post on how to make one.

Photo source: Pinterest

Hazelnut shells keep slugs away!
While looking for some new plants at a nursery for our side yard, I noticed hazelnut shells were surrounding the potted plants and trees. They are a chemical-free solution to a big problem here in the PNW. 

Don't judge too quickly:
While in Spokane this Fall, I went shopping with my son. We put money in the parking meter and were floored when we came out and found a ticket on our windshield even though we still had time left.

I snapped photos "for proof" and we went in search of the mean/misguided traffic policeman. Well, we found him and we plead our case. He listened patiently, and then calmly explained that the ticket was given because my son's license plate tabs had expired-back in February! Yikes...

The Fall purse search is over! 
I have a hard time finding a purse due to my must-haves. Do you call them purses or handbags? I don't really like the designer's name on the outside of the bag (unless it's a Kate Spade, which I can't justify spending that much on...) I do need it to be of a small-medium size, it must zip closed, and I want both wrist handles and a cross-body strap. I know that my list can be challenging on a budget. Trust me, I've been on the lookout since my birthday in August. I was in Kohl's last weekend picking up nursing bras for my daughter (great place to buy them!) and I took a peek in the accessories department. I looked for a while before spotting "the one" in the clearance section. It had all the necessary criteria, was marked down from $69 to $20, and Lauren Conrad kept her name inside. Score!

Missing church leads to missing church:
For various reasons, or perhaps excuses or laziness, I've missed three or four Sundays at my church home. This is unusual for me. I LOVE worship and my husband and I have been regularly attending for the last thirty years of our marriage. Anyhoo...whatever kept me away left me feeling unsettled during the week. Something wasn't right. Duh, I hadn't spent intentional time in the presence of God with my church family. Whoever claims they are a "believer" but doesn't really show up to join others to worship and hear the word taught, is only hurting themselves. I MISS it when I miss. Advent started yesterday, and I loved seeing our Sanctuary gussied up with beautiful trees and lights to honor the birth of Jesus. (Our Tuesday morning lifegroup had fun decorating it together last week.) If you don't have a "spot" to call your own, I hope you'll consider popping into Chapel Hill on a Saturday night or Sunday morning to get to know Jesus. We'll all do our best to make you know how welcome you are!

There are LOTS of go-into-labor suggestions:
My daughter was eight days overdue when the baby arrived. She never did end up going into labor but needed an unplanned Cesarean. As the days marched on past her due date, she was given lots of interesting ideas. Did any of the following work for you? Eat fresh pineapple...eat salty meat like salami...run or crawl up and down stairs...do deep-knee bends...play music down near your private area...

Her name fits:
My sweet Grandchild was named Gracelyn Love and she was born at 12:08 early on a Tuesday morning. She is SO loved and her first name is a version of her Great Grandma Grace and the middle name of her Mommy's sister. She is already bringing our family so much joy! I smiled when I reread  this old poem:

[Monday's child is fair of face

Tuesday's child is full of grace

Wednesday's child is full of woe

Thursday's child has far to go

 Friday's child is loving and giving

  Saturday's child works hard for his living

 And the child that is born on the Sabbath day

Is bonny and blithe, and good and gay.] 

My favorite view has changed in the last two weeks:
It used to be the view out my window. I love the Harbor, mountains, trees, and boats. 

Now I prefer to spend all my time gazing at my Grandbaby's sweet face. Isn't she adorable? 

Despite everything, God is STILL in control:
Things have seemed a bit out of control lately. My Mom was put on hospice back in August, and yet she's still on Earth and she just celebrated her 92nd Birthday. I thought for sure my daughter would deliver her baby by her due-date, and SHE thought she'd be in the Midwifery building when the time came, not the OB/ER. The citizens of Anchorage did NOT expect to end their Fall with a massive Earthquake last Friday. The people of California did not think the wildfires could move so quickly and devastate so many. 

We all have hopes and expectations that don't always line up with circumstances and our reality, but we can trust that God is with us through it all and knows how the story ends. Sending prayers to all who've been affected by the recent natural disasters.

What did you learn this Fall?

In His Grip,
xo Jane

What I Learned This Summer

1. Without a "to-do" list, I procrastinate.
So, I was going to link this post to Emily P. Freeman's blog like I usually do at the end of each Season, but alas, I didn't write in time even though I know Summer is over. I wrote two lists this week using apps on my cell phone; Evernote and Apple Reminders. I wanted to see which was easier to use and I think "reminders" is the winner. It automatically makes the little circles I get to mark as I complete each task. I can also use it to make shopping lists.

2. Keep at it.
When I organized and "staged" our home last Fall when we thought we were moving, I packed away items that we wouldn't need until Spring or Summer. For the life of me, I could NOT find my sandals. I had one pair and flip flops but not the rest. This went on until late July when I was cleaning out my husband's side of our walk-in closet. I spotted a white kitchen garbage sack on the floor under his shirts and guess what was inside? Yep, about four pairs of sandals. Who knows why I stashed them there instead of in a labeled box out in our garage. Speaking of our garage, that leads me to my next lesson...
Lesson Learned: Clean and purge your closet often. I love this article written by Courtney Carver (no relation.)

3. I am beginning to understand why some families have a storage unit.
In the interest of attempting to become more of a minimalist and less of a sentimental hoarder, I have been judgemental about people that have storage units. "Why would someone pay money to store things they aren't using?"Maybe, just maybe, they have a Newlywed couple living downstairs who needs to store most of their belongings, plus shower and wedding gifts, and they don't want to have it taking over their garage!
Lesson Learned: Every family has a story and goes through the changing seasons. Don't judge.

4. What? I can't hear you!
If you have a friend that smiles and nods when you're telling a story across the table and it makes you wonder if they were really listening, it could be that they have some hearing loss and they just couldn't hear what you said. I've had my hearing checked years ago but I've been getting frustrated lately that I miss some conversations. I finally made an appointment at Costco for a free hearing screening. ugh! Not sure if I'm happy that it confirmed that I definitely could benefit from hearing aids. I am NOT that old. They are NOT that cheap or covered by insurance. We'll revisit the idea sometime in the future.
Lesson Learned: Hearing aides will help but they're expensive. Boo.

6. Take advantage of opportunities!
I've been a Rachel Hollis fan for a few years. She is an author, lifestyle blogger, podcast host, and general encourager that I discovered on social media. I could almost be her Mama, but her words resonate with me. I've read her fiction books and own her first cookbook and New York Times bestseller, Girl, Wash Your Face. When I learned that she'd made a documentary movie and it was being shown one night at local theaters in early August, I bought tickets for my daughter and me.
I am SO glad we went! My Sarah was very inspired and took great notes. We definitely left feeling empowered. I've attended marriage conferences, MOPS and Southern Living@Home conventions, but the "Made For More" documentary was the first time I'd gathered with others to be inspired while watching a movie.
Lesson learned: Live conferences are the best, but any gathering of people is way more advantageous than just watching or reading something by yourself.

7. Fear and Chairs go together.
Every Tuesday morning I head to my friend's property for Bible study with friends. This Summer we read two great books. The first was Breaking the Fear Cycle by Maria Furlough and the next was In the Right Seat by Dean Curry. We had great discussions about anxiety, our fears, faith, and trust. We also became convicted to be ready for any conversations that God brings our way. I highly recommend both these books.

I am a bit stuck right now thinking about finding the right recliner for my husband that will look good in our great room. I am fearful for this chair! I am trying to procure a sofa, HIS chair, and loveseat to replace our broken leather sectional and stay in our budget.  I decided to be brave and reach out to one of my favorite bloggers, (Nesting With Grace) and ask her opinion. Brooke answered my email! She gave me the confidence to continue on my quest.
Lesson Learned: When I need the confidence to fight fear, just ask! Ask your community of friends or family, but especially ask God for help. He hears and he answers.

8. My family packed a lot into the three months of Summer:
We celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary, found out our first grandbaby will be a GIRL, cheered our boys and our oldest daughter-in-law as they participated in another Hoopfest in Spokane, moving our youngest and her fiance' from Spokane to our lower level, hosted a fabulous wedding at Gold Mountain, saw the most amazing view of Seattle on a dinner date at The Golf Club at Newcastle, had fun days nannying baby Hazel and celebrated her turning one, cookouts and celebrations with friends, I golfed for the first time in years, farmer's markets, walks around our beautiful town, a HARD visit back to Indiana to see my Mama, saw whales right next to our friend's boat, prayed for the PNW and California fires to be put out and the firefighters and families as we dealt with smokey skies for several weeks, and ended the season by celebrating my birthday over in Spokane with our middle two kiddos. Whew! I am blessed.

As you look back on your 2018 Summer, I hope the joys outweighed the sorrows and that you were able to make some memories. I'll leave you with some photos of what we packed into June, July, and August.

In His Grip and Grateful for Grace, 
xo Jane

Some Favorites Right Now

Happy Weekend!  This little sweet pea had to wait 9 months, but Hazel finally cut her first tooth! Her infectious smile is one of my favorite things! Below I've listed some other current favs.

We kicked off the weekend with a fun date night; pizza at our local Tides Tavern, followed by live music by Luke Stanton at Kimball Coffeehouse. Last night we had some good friends over for dinner and my live-in chef whipped up Tuscan Salmon and Bananas Plantains Foster. Tip: don't use Plantains-too chewy! Our day was spent doing yard work, housework and being grateful for the Spring sunshine!

Here are some of my favorites this week:

1. Shopping Discovery:
"Mighty Leaf" Green Tea Tropical is available at Target! I used to buy it occasionally at the Nordstrom Coffee stand after discovering it while eating lunch at the Cafe'. It was over $10 for a box. Target's price was $6.99 in-store and online I discovered other spots to order it from that are even cheaper.  Still a bit spendy, but you get 15 pouches and it is a delicious treat hot or cold!

2. Listening to the Dais Podcast by Rachel Hollis
Y'all, Rachel's book, Girl Wash Your Face, made the New York Times bestseller list this week! I'm so excited for her and I highly recommend you read it! She has done lifestyle vlogging for years and just recently started doing business-themed Podcasts. Although they are especially geared to women entrepreneurs, I feel that anyone will benefit from listening. Perhaps Rachel Hollis will convince me to become a businesswoman someday?...

3. Stitch Fix leggings for the win
I haven't done a "Stitch Fix" box for months. (Remember, my hubby was unemployed for 5 months.) I've talked about their personal styling before and how easy it is to return unwanted items. As I was updating my profile (I no longer need retail-job clothes, I need Nanny outfits and cute date tops.) I was surprised to discover this was my 14th "fix." What?! Guess I've been receiving shipments off and on for the last seven years.

I've never purchased all 5 items at the reduced rate but I always buy one or two things. This time the only keeper was a pair of legging pants; cute and comfy. The tops she picked out for me were either too close in color to what I already own, or just not pretty enough to justify spending the money. I will be even more specific in the future. Note: they really apologize if you don't LOVE it all...

Here are my tips if you've never tried Stitch Fix:
1. Be very truthful about your style and SIZE when filling out your personal profile.
2. Make a Pinterest board of favorites so the stylist can see what you love.
3. Write a detailed note on each order of what you need or hope for. Ex. Once I said sneakers and a cross-body purse, once I said ALL tops, once I asked for cute summer dresses.
4. If you love what your stylist sends, ask for the same person by name for future boxes.

If you use my referral number you will get a $25 discount. By the way, they now have fixes for men and maternity too!
Here is my referral Link: https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3186352?sod=w&som=c

4. I'm Hooked on a new TV series:
I binged on the new NBC show called Rise. It's about a high school drama teacher and is WAY more realistic than "Glee" ever was... It has the same producer as "Friday Night Lights" and "Parenthood" and stars Josh Radnor who you'll know if you were a fan of "How I Met Your Mother." One of the lead High School singers was the voice on "Moana." Check it out, but be prepared for some heavy situations.

5. I stumbled onto a New Skincare Line, "Farmacy"
While at Sephora with my daughters last weekend, my cute daughter-in-law introduced me to the "Farmacy" line of skincare products.

Here is the company's description:
 'We harness the healing powers of farm-fresh ingredients with cutting-edge science to create clean formulas for naturally glowing skin!

I wanted ALL the products, but I could only purchase one, so I chose the "Dew it all" eye cream. I love their packaging, smell, and affordable price.

Do you remember the story of The Princess and the Pea? My husband often refers to me as a princess and it's not always a compliment... Well, now I am sure I am one! The other day I was kneeling with baby Hazel at her house and I felt a sharp pain in my knee. See if you can discover the reason in the photo below:

Do you see that tiny little un-popped kernel hiding in the carpet? It felt like a ROCK to my old knee. Yep, I must be a princess. I do know I am the daughter of the KING.

"And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty." 2 Corinthians 6:18

I have my laptop back 24-7 so I will attempt to write and post more often.
(I mentioned earlier this week that I no longer had to share my MacBook with my husband...)

Thank you for stopping by "See Jane Learn!" Enjoy your week!

In His Grip,

xo Jane

How About You?

It's only January, but on my walk the other day I discovered a Forsythia in bloom! For all of you who live in the Midwest or on the East coast, I'm so sorry for the awful Winter weather you've been enduring. I'm flying back to Indiana next week and my fingers are crossed that the roads won't be too treacherous since I'm out of practice driving in anything but rain. Around here it's been in the 40's and we've had quite a bit of rain and some sun-breaks. Typical PNW weather.

Here's what I've been up to the last few weeks:

I attended the "Gathered" women's retreat at our church Friday night and Saturday. The teaching was on Isaiah 43,44 and 55, and everything about the talks, food, worship, fellowship fed my soul. I love learning more about God's love story for us! We also were inspired by Kelly Welk from Cider Press Lane to do what we love and allow God will use it to bless others. Check out her website here and see how their joy of hospitality has grown into a way to fight against human trafficking.

Around my town: It was like a ghost town at Safeway the other day. Where have all the shoppers gone? EVERYONE in my town has decided to check out the new Fred Meyer. As someone who doesn't deal super-well with change, I'm not in love with them closing MY Freddie's and closing Main and Vine (miss my Wednesday $5 salads!) and then opening a mega store. No more zip-in and zip-out. Now you have to pray for a parking spot and weave your cart around a billion people. Who are you? Where did you come from? 

Around my home:
How come I've gained weight since my husband has been unemployed?! Well...we now eat lunch together and it's probably more calorie-laden than I used to eat, plus at night our dinner portions are about the same size. He goes to the YMCA every day and burns lots of calories through lifting and cardio.  I take walks. Shoot. This can't go on! There are only 166 days until my daughter's wedding!

We finished season two of "The Crown" on Netflix. I won't spoil it for you, but it has definitely caused us to discuss healthy and unhealthy parenting and marriage relationships, and the Monarchy.

I grabbed what I thought was a matchbook out of my husband's bathroom drawer so I could light a candle for my bubble bath. Upon opening, I discovered not matches, but toothpicks. Is this a new thing? Now that smoking is no longer allowed in most places (thankfully!) are restaurants giving out cute toothpick packs? When trying to research, I did find an article on the history of matchbooks.

Did anyone else ever read the former online magazine called "Matchbook?" I loved their tagline; "Field Guide to a Charmed Life." I miss it! Bring it back!!!

I'm knitting again! Yay for yarn and little projects! I sent the girls of my family this blog that talked about the value of creativity and The Creator of all.

I'm back into menu planning and trying to use what we have in our freezer and pantry. Last night's Chicken Marsala was yummy, and I made One-Pot Kielbasa Pasta for a family who just had a baby. 

We've moved my husband's office upstairs to what used to be the guest room, and that is now on the lower level. We have some more projects to complete and then we're possibly going to make a stab at having an Air B and B. 

How about you? What have you been up to this month? 

In His Grip, 
xo Jane

5 Favorites

Happy Saturday! I hope you're enjoying this second weekend in December. The photo above is from a post I wrote many years ago, "Mrs. C and Me," explaining all the things I have in common with Mrs. Claus. I LOVE Christmas! I still have and occasionally wear that hat!

One of my sisters asked if I had put my personal family photos back out since our home is no longer "on the market." The answer is no, not yet. Half our garage is still filled with boxes that are packed with personal items, excess decor, out-of-season clothes, etc. Whether we get to stay in the house or not, I'll eventually go through all the stuff and hopefully pare down even more. We've decked-the-halls in a minimalistic, yet cozy way, and I'd better get busy since I'm filling in at Charlie Barnes for a few hours this afternoon. Come visit the baby store if you're in the Gig Harbor area~lots of adorable items for littles.

But first, here are my current favorites:

1. Yay for body butter from Trader Joe's:

I use the Coconut body butter all year, but THIS Warm Vanilla is new and only available for the Holiday season. Rush~there weren't many jars left yesterday! Only $4.99 and healthier than Bath & Bodyworks lotions.

2. The Sample Dinner Ideas from Trader Joes:
In the back of the University Place store, a friendly woman prepares yummy samples using about three ingredients found in the store. Yesterday's menu was roast beef and brie on French bread. My tip is to take a picture of the recipe that they write on a little chalkboard so you can remember what to buy in the future.

3. Seeing familiar faces around town:
One of the big reasons why I love living here in my Harbor town is always bumping into people I know when I run errands. (I may or may not remember all their names, but I know their faces!)  I have a history with lots and lots of wonderful people that I've met over the last twenty years. At Target I saw at least six friends, then caught up with a bestie at Michael's craft store.  I walked into two local shops Friday morning and had the joy of being recognized, welcomed, and known. 

4. Flashback Memory:
When I was a tween and teen, my Dad, who worked in Indianapolis (about 30 minutes North of our home in Carmel) would take me with him downtown for a special day when school was out for the Holidays. I'd get to Christmas shop in L.S. Ayres and Blocks Department stores (think Nordstrom or Macy's) ALL  BY MYSELF! I loved the festive window displays, the gift displays, feeling grown-up and then meeting my Daddy for lunch at the Press Club. I moved away from Indiana in 1994 and my father passed away the year before that, so it's been many, many Christmas seasons since I've had those special times with my Dad in the Hoosier State.

5. Having an unexpected "Holy Moment" in my kitchen.
I had asked "Alexa" to play holiday songs by Michael W. Smith and the song "All is Well" sung by Carrie Underwood and Michael came on. OH. MY! It stopped me in my tracks! SO beautiful and perfect peace for my heart. Praise for their goose-bump talent giving glory to Jesus! Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvYJ4SPfqTk

We're praying for the fires in California to be extinguished, (thankfully our oldest son's apartment isn't affected) for healing for our friend's toddler, Caleb, and a new job for my husband, yet rejoicing that there are only 16 days until Christmas!!

In His Grip and trusting All is Well with you,
xo Jane

Listening With our Hearts and Minds

it

"Your ears will hear a word behind you, "This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right or to the left." Isaiah 30:21

If you drive by our house you might notice that the "for sale" sign is missing. No, it wasn't taken, and no, our house hasn't sold. As my husband puts it, we've had a "course correction." We've come to the conclusion that our idea to move wasn't meant to be. At least not right now. No doors were opening and we just weren't getting any confirmation.

Sometimes it takes some time and a journey to realize that HOME is right where you are! We had prayed, discussed, worked hard to prepare our home to sell, and truly thought we were heading in the right direction; moving East to Spokane where three of our four children currently live. During and after our fun Thanksgiving weekend there with our kids we were feeling unsettled and second-guessing our choices.  God whispered to both of us, "stay where you are, I have more for you to do in the Harbor..."

We were terribly excited at the idea of living close to our children and spending time with them often, and selling the home to become debt-free would have been excellent. Yet, the idea of saying goodbye to our beautiful community, our church, our friends, and the life that we've built over twenty years just seemed wrong. Especially since we returned here from Illinois because we missed it so much! (Here's an old post I wrote about selling our home in Glen Ellyn, IL.)

When we called our kids to explain our change of heart they were disappointed we wouldn't be coming but VERY understanding. We have the most amazing children ever! Our friends who supported us in our move decision made us feel loved with our stay decision. We certainly have and will be a slight topic around town~those crazy Carvers!

Our future is still a bit unknown since the paychecks stop in a few weeks, but my husband is whole-heartily focused on finding his next job, and we trust God with all our tomorrows. I can enjoy ALL the fun December things without quite all the anxiety; preparing for parties instead of preparing for "showings," baking, deepening friendships, and anticipating our kids coming home and enjoying a pitcher of margaritas with them! (see link above)

We aren't the only ones who turned things around! Since our brand new washing machine was delivered, every time I took our wet clothes out I wondered why they were HOT. (Our rinse cycle is always supposed to be cold water.) In a moment of "I'm not so blonde after all," I asked Mike if there was any chance the delivery man connected the water hoses incorrectly. He had! The cold and hot water hoses were hooked up wrong and needed to be corrected. For two weeks I've been shrinking our clothes. Boo. 

Lesson Learned: Good intentions don't always mean good decisions. Sometimes things need to be corrected.

We are very thankful for the graciousness of God as we move forward, right here. We trust we will flourish HERE and can plan visits often to see our precious children in Spokane and L.A.
Thor is super happy his cat condo is back where it belongs:

 In His Grip and Choosing Joy,

xo Jane

Thanks for reading SJL!

photo source: http://americanhistory.si.edu/press/fact-sheets/ruby-slippers

5 Favorites

Happy Saturday! I didn't get a chance to post this yesterday because we headed up to the wonderful wine area of Woodinville to have dinner with friends. Thanks to a break in the rain, I took a sunny walk Friday morning with Sydney, and the photo above was one of the beautiful sites I got to enjoy. The views in my current town will always be my favorites! Here are five other favorites:

1. Event

This week's list of favorites begins with an invitation. If you live anywhere near Gig Harbor, Washington, you need to pop over to the Festival Of Hope, which takes place today and Sunday at Chapel Hill Church. Check out the link, and then come purchase gifts with a purpose. 

2. Beauty Product
It was time to buy a new mascara, and since I'd read good reviews about L'Oreal Voluminous Paradise Mascara I decided to give it a try! The cashier at Bartell's said everyone raves about it. The price was under $9 and it really is a great product. "Take your lashes to Paradise?" Yes, I did! Now, can I please take my whole self to Paradise? Maui perhaps? A girl can dream...

3. Red Blend
I've always liked "14 Hands" wines, so when I saw this new blend called "Run Wild" I had to try it. WOW. Just like the label says; Juicy and fruit-forward. Such a great affordable red wine! 

4. Country Singer
I obviously haven't been keeping my radio tuned to Country music lately, because not until I watched my recorded "Country Music Awards" show did I rediscover Maren Morris. (I love her song "80's Mercedes.") During the CMA's, Maren sang a duet with Niall Horan, who used to be with the band One Direction. (He's a cutie and talented!) Check out "I could use a Love Song" and "Seeing Blind."

5. Our Thanksgiving Traditions
I love Thanksgiving!  We I watch the Macy's parade, and we normally watch football while preparing our feast. Our family's menu: turkey, Carver stuffing/Story dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, cheesy green beans (not the mushroom soup recipe), rolls, cranberry relish, and pie or pumpkin bars with cream cheese. Our vegetarian daughter will whip up something delicious too. We ALWAYS listen to the "Nutcracker Suite" music while we eat, talk about what we're thankful for and looking forward to, and sip yummy Pinot Noir or Riesling wine. 

For the last twenty years, we've lived too far away from our parents and siblings to be together on Thanksgiving except once or twice. As I reflect on our time in the Harbor, I'm so thankful for good friends who have invited us over when we were in-between houses or without kiddos (thanks, Davis and MacIntosh families) and hosted our children when we were back in Illinois. (Thanks, Fullertons!) We also spent many evenings joining our former Life Group for a dessert potluck. It's such a gift to gather around the table to others!! 
How do you spend your Thanksgiving Day?

I'm looking forward to popping over to the Festival of Hope, and joining the mommies I mentor in MOPS for a girl's night in Tacoma.  I'm not looking forward to cleaning again for our Open House tomorrow, but I am HOPEFUL that our buyer will walk through the door and fall in love! Have a great weekend!

"I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of your wonderful deeds."

Psalm 9:1

In His Grip and grateful for grace,
xo Jane



photo source:https://img.makeupalley.com/hwthumb/980/980/2_9_3_5_3196465.JPG

Here We Go...Again!

Do you know anyone who decided to sell their home last Friday and got it ready to show in one week? Well, you do now...

Back in September, I wrote about how much we LOVE our Harbor home. We just celebrated our third anniversary of moving here from Fox Island and I really thought this was our forever home. God, however, has a different plan for us.

My husband and I have both been feeling weighed down by our debt and feeling like God was nudging us to consider a new adventure. After lots of talks and prayers, we came to the conclusion that we need to sell our "dream home" and then move across the state to Spokane.

God has been preparing us and whispering to our hearts for months. My job situation changed, Mike's might very soon, and we realized there won't be many times when three of our four grown children live in the same town. It's no coincidence that my bible study has been focusing on Abraham's trust and obedience to God's call, and every podcast I listen to talks about GOing and obeying.

Once we made our decision and shared the news with our kids, the hard work of purging, staging, and cleaning began. I'm becoming a regular at the Goodwill drop-off, my house no longer has ANY family photos (so sad) and our garage is overflowing with packed boxes.

We adore our community of friends and our Harbor town, but we are trusting that God has gone before us and will help us find a spot to rent, church to attend, friends to do life with and possibly new jobs! I will never be able to replace my sweet sisters in Christ I have here, but I will visit often and keep in touch via texting and phone calls. As I look ahead, I hope I can become involved in a MOPS group or maybe mentor some Whitworth University students, but if I've learned anything lately, it's to let God lead and then join Him.

Yesterday our photographer-friend sent us the shots he took yesterday and we're waiting for Zillow to activate our updated information. Our neighbor-friends helped my husband with a couple last minute outside chores and signs are now in the yard and down the hill. THIS IS HAPPENING!

If you know anyone who is house-hunting in the Gig Harbor, Washington area, please contact me or comment below. We plan on holding our first (and only?) Open House today from 1:00-4:00. We'll have the Seahawks game on so you won't miss a thing!

So that's whats been happening in my little corner of the world. I'm glad we got to turn our clocks back last night and get an hour more to sleep! In the last seven years, I have packed and moved five times. I'm tired! 

 “All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.” Psalm 25:10

In His Grip,

xo Jane

(The photo at the top was looking out my kitchen window two weeks ago before all the wind blew the leaves down.)

Signs are Everywhere

Election Day is only 12 days away. There are signs posted all over my town, ads continue to show up in our mailbox and our ballots have arrived. Although I am not going to discuss candidates or who I may or may not vote for, I AM ready for the signs to go away in both public and private areas.

When I take walks around my neighborhood, where the current Mayor lives, there are signs for her and lots of signs endorsing her opponent up and down her street.

I envision an awkward moment if someone were to knock on the Mayor's door asking to borrow something. "Can I borrow a cup of sugar even though there is no way I'm voting for you?..." 

A friend of mine mentioned she and her husband never put any political signs in their yard. Why? They don't want to post anything that might act as an immediate turn-off to some of their neighbors.

"The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." Mark 12:31

What if we found out what we have in common with who we live by before we delve into topics of how we might believe differently...

This isn't the first time I've had negative feelings concerning signs. When I was living back in the Midwest seven years ago I wrote a blog entitled "Reading Yard Signs" and you can read it here.

In other news... a couple Fridays ago I went out to Happy Hour with some girlfriends for dinner, and when I returned I walked into a bit of a crime scene... I wish I'd taken a photo, but just picture this; glass all over the living room rug, glass all over the kitchen floor, and some splatters of blood on the cabinet door. No butter was left anywhere. What?!

I put my "detective hat" on and concluded that my naughty kitty Thor had hopped up on the island and knocked the butter dish down whereupon his accomplice, Sydney played a little soccer with the remains, attempting to get every little bit of butter. I never did figure out whose blood was spilled. Both my pets seemed fine and showed no remorse.

Kinda hard to ignore the SIGN of broken glass even if I was impressed that my pets worked on the same team in their campaign to enjoy a treat.

If you drive by my house you might catch a glimpse of a sign. Just trying to keep my naughty kitty Thor safe...

I also love the sign/artwork that hangs by my back door. These words speak to my heart, bring me joy, and help me put everything into perspective~even politics.

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." Romans 13:1

How do YOU feel about political signs? Thanks for reading SJL and enjoy the last few days of October!

In His Grip,
xo Jane

Happy House Anniversary!

Labor Day weekend marked our third anniversary of living in our current home! Being the "name everything" person that I am, originally I named it "Cloud Nine" and then renamed it "Carver Cottage." Do you name your homes and cars?

My three teacher kids are back in the classroom, mornings are cool and darker, and Fall is in the air. (Right now smoke is in the air from the fires being battled in Cle Elum, WA. Praying for the firefighters and people who have lost their homes.)

We've had a wonderful summer here in the PNW, and even though I love Fall, I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to sunny days and riding around with my convertible top down...

My rock-star husband has continued to beautify the yard, he built a shed and is almost finished upgrading our deck railing to metal and cable. Here's how it used to look:

It is ALMOST finished...

Here are some things I LOVE about where we live:

 The view from our deck:

Beauty on my walks:

Living near the park and Civic center:

That one winter day we got snow.

Hosting fire pits:

These two seem pretty content:

 Our kids enjoy coming home to visit:

Thor is loved.

My favorite room is still our Master Bath:

We love being able to walk down to community events with friends:

Last night we celebrated the end of Summer by having our next door neighbors 

over for a Labor Day "shrimp boil!" New Tradition!

Note to self: Do not leave leftover food on the table, and the dog alone in the house while you have dessert on the deck...

"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Joshua 24:15

Choose and scatter JOY!

In His Grip,

xo Jane