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

A Recap: Our Village of Amazing People and a Wedding

My latest lesson learned: It not only takes a village to raise a child, but it also takes a village to put on a wedding!

It's hard to put into words all the gratitude, emotions and memories I experienced before and during my youngest daughter's wedding last Friday. Between Hoopfest weekend, then moving the about-to- be-married couple over from Spokane we jumped into busy pre-wedding activities that included errands, meals, walks, spending a night on a houseboat so the bridal party could have our home for the Bachelorette Party, rehearsing, primping, and setting up for the main event.

 

We had the rehearsal dinner at Kinza Teriyaki, which both our family's love and where the bride and groom had MANY dates through the years. Thanks, Vanderlinda family. It was delicious and fun!

As Mary Poppins often said, our daughter's wedding was "practically perfect in every way!" We were blessed with a beautiful day, spectacular venue (thank you, Gold Mountain Golf Club!) hand-written vows that had everyone in tears, and an amazing dinner. These photos don't do this day justice because they're from my cell phone. We can't WAIT to get the professional photos back. 

Our daughter and son-in-law's "Best Day Ever" would not have been possible without the contributions of many, many people. I want to give a public shout-out to ALL the friends and vendors who made this wedding so special. If I left anyone out, please know it wasn't intentional!

• Gold Mountain Golf course for the beautiful setting, service, details, and the amazing food.
• Jesse McGee, the best wedding coordinator ever!
• Anita; for altering Sarah's dress and re-making my veil for her. Such a blessing!
• Sue for sharing her lovely greenery and Dawn for delivering it.
• Sara for helping me fix my hair before I dashed out the door, and Michaela for helping with this MOB's eye make-up.
• The Davis family for loaning us their truck for the now-married couple's move across the state, and to cart home wedding decor after the event, and hosting the photographers.
• Loree at American Party Place for the pretty pink water goblets.
• Lisa at Lisa Hysek photography for the amazing macrame' hoops and vintage settee.
• Chapel Hill MOPS for the use of their lanterns.
• Mike, Evan, John, and Todd for driving guests in golf carts out to the woods.
• The bridal party for help setting up and for their love, laughter, and support.
• Olivia and UPS for the pretty programs.
• The photographers; wife and husband team. Alycia and Evan Lovell.
• Amy Barnes, from "Brier and Ivy," for her incredible flowers!
• Amanda Muchmore, the videographer.
• My neighbors, for putting up with a million cars in the driveway, noise from the "Bride Tribe" and 12 months of hearing details.
• My Bible study and Fab-5 prayer posse for on-going prayers.
• Most importantly, God. For ALL the blessings.

My Mama's heart exploded with pride as I watched my oldest son officiate the service and then act as the Emcee. During the reception, I got the privilege of listening to the toasts given by my husband, oldest daughter (the maid of honor) and youngest son (a groomsman.) So much genuine love and respect and laughter was shared!

We celebrated the newlyweds the next morning with a family brunch and time of opening gifts and reflecting on our favorite moments. 

As the wedding notebooks and decorations continue to be put away, it's time to focus on our next special event and countdown; only 122 days until our first Grandbaby's due date!

I'll leave you with the sky God painted for us last Thursday night as a gift the night before the wedding. 

Wishing you joy!

In His Grip,

xo Jane

Let's Not Be "Pretenders"

I love our Rose garden in the backyard. It was planted by someone who used to live here and we're so thankful. This summer, due to our extreme heat, the flowers have been flourishing.
As I pruned them the other day, I noticed something...

Sometimes, what looks good or pretty on the outside, does not have strength and stamina on the inside. Some of the roses looked SO pretty and smelled wonderful, but as I cut them and lifted them off the branch, all the petals would drop. (Picture the petals falling in "Beauty and the Beast")

How do you tell a good rose from one that is dying? Sometimes it's easy; the color is bright and vibrant. Other times the flowers can trick us and fall apart the moment someone touches them.

Have you met someone that seems really pretty until you get to know their character? Or maybe a friend seems like they have it all together, but at the first jiggle of circumstances, they tend to fall apart?

Do you know someone who pretends to be a Christian? Do they go to Church most Sundays and talk like they believe in Jesus? Or... do they really love the Lord and because of that (despite sin and failures) others can see a beautiful heart?

Colton Dixson sings a song about this...."Let Them See You."

Beautiful AND strong; a woman of "substance." That, my friends, is how I would like to be described. OK, perhaps beautiful is a stretch, but maybe attractive with a beautiful soul? I am still learning and growing and hope others can see Jesus in me.

Look around. As you see the people around you, consider if they are authentic, or just "pretenders." Don't be fooled by appearance~look within to their heart.

"The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

1Samuel 16:7

Who do others see when they look at you?

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

What I Learned This Summer

At the end of each season, I think back to all I've learned, and link up with other bloggers on Emily P. Freeman's Blog called "Chatting at the Sky." What a fun summer I enjoyed! Highlights included being with all my kids during Hoopfest weekend, deck time with friends, learning to eat healthier resulting in some weight loss, spending four days in Napa, and celebrating my birthday with my family in Spokane. 

Here are ten things I learned:

1. The Grammarly App should have been put on my computer years ago!

Better late than never... Grammarly helps me stop making grammatical errors when I write. It underlines words in red that are misspelled, or if I need to add punctuation. Who knew all those Happy Birthday messages I sent on Facebook needed a comma...

2. My dog Sydney is NOT a good neighbor, so it's a good thing we live where we live, and not on 5th Ave in New York City!

Have you heard of the Good Canine Citizen test that is required in order to live in many NYC condos? Check out this article. There are so many behaviors that are inappropriate in my rescue puppy. Some days, (like yesterday when our Vet bill was over $300 for her allergies and eye infections) I get frustrated. Then, I look at this face and remember how sweet she is at home.

Sydney has loved napping in the sunshine this summer (so has her pet Mama), but one day she skidded off the deck by accident. We're thankful she landed in the Ivy and didn't hurt herself! The new railing goes up this weekend!

3. Even when you know your child is about to become engaged, when it happens it is SO EXCITING!

Our youngest daughter's boyfriend (now fiance') had asked "the question" of my husband, and we knew the ring was in Nick's possession. That did not take away from the surprise of where and when it happened, (at the top of a mountain in Montana on a Sunday evening) and their JOY made me scream cheer and cry when they Facetimed us.

4. Be specific when you ask Google to find "Mother of the Bride" hats.

When my son got married I got a cute white "mother of the groom" baseball hat. It is now a traveling hat; I loan it to friends when their sons are engaged and then they return it and I pass it on...Think, "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants". Anyway, I googled hats expecting to see baseball caps with lettering but instead, I got this:

Hmmm...perhaps if the wedding next Summer was happening in Great Britain!

5. Phlebotomists can tell if you're dehydrated by how hard or easy it is to stick the needle in your arm.

When I got some blood drawn, my Phlebotomist asked if I'd been drinking enough water because my skin was "tough" to poke. Great! I suppose since I finished Whole 30 last month my water bottle isn't always by my side... (You can read about my Whole 30 journey here.)

6. Even six years after a fall on your front teeth, followed by a root canal, you still should cut up your apples.

I wondered why my front teeth have been achy this week, and then I remembered I ate a whole apple on the way to church Sunday. Normally I cut them up because my teeth are still SO sensitive due to that ridiculous fall that happened years ago...

7. Some people move before they pack!

We've moved a lot over the 34 years we've been married. I'm a list-maker and  gather supplies person, who has the boxes labeled and ready-to-go before "Moving Day." Some of my favorite Millennials do not prepare this way. When we arrived to pick up our now 28-year-old from her Sophomore year in the dorm, she'd barely started packing! When we arrived to help our son and daughter-in-law move out of their apartment and into a rental home this summer, they also weren't packed. The moves still happened. 

My heart is hurting for ALL the displaced people in Houston who were forced to move out of their homes due to Hurricane Harvey and flooding. Even if they packed a few special items knowing the waters were rising, no one could possibly be prepared for the devastation that happened. 

8. Kirk from The Gilmore Girls has two big roles in the "Guardians of the Galaxy" movies.

The actor, Sean Gunn, not only plays the Ravager named Kraglin, but he is also the motion reference actor for Rocket the Raccoon. (Bradley Cooper only does the voice of Rocket.) Sean is really talented at moving about on all fours, is most likely less expensive than Bradley, and his brother James is the director and a co-writer for the Guardians movies.

I really enjoyed the movie, and the soundtrack is SO good! "Alexa, play the Guardians of the Galaxy 2 Soundtrack please..." Shoot, I have to be a member of Amazon Music unlimited. ($3+ fee a month)

9. My family is sort of famous.

My daughters and I peeked inside a Wedding Dress store while in Spokane last weekend. I grabbed the thick, free "The Wedding Resource Guide" magazine on our way out and flipped through the pages. All of a sudden I noticed familiar faces! What a fun surprise to see my son and his bride's wedding from October 2015  featured on two pages! Aren't they adorable? 

10. Something new is in store for me.
For the last four+ years, I have worked part-time at a baby boutique and loved learning about the business and meeting all the babies and their parents and grandparents. My sweet boss needs to be in the store more, so I have to move on to another adventure... I have ZERO ideas what my Fall will look like, but I DO know that God has a plan for me and I just need to trust, obey and wait. Are you in a season of waiting?...

Here's a bit of last-minute summer joy my daughters experienced on Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho last weekend. May their joy be contagious!

Thank you for reading SJL, and please join me in praying for Houston. Our prayers matter as much as our financial contributions! 

In July, Max Lucado tweeted the following: "Our prayers may be awkward.But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do matter."

What did you learn this summer?

In His Grip,
xo Jane