The Plain Side

Happy 14th Birthday, my girl!

2026-10-02T08:08:16.116-04:00

How is it possible that you are 14 years old?! We are in disbelief. Even if we've been lucky enough to be with you every day of your life, we're still surprised. Watching you grow up is the best adventure of our lives.

You are one beautiful person, Edee Lorraine! You're vivacious, passionate, clever, and bold. You're not afraid to speak your mind, which sometimes gets you in trouble but we're working on that part. Your creativity has no end. You still love music, stuffed animals, and ramen noodles. You keep saying you're taller than me but I've still got a few inches on you. :P

This is the year you found a love for reading beyond graphic novels. Maybe a little to far beyond graphic novels but we're working on agreeing on books that fit your 12th grade reading level and age. It's a balancing act, as most things are.

Your 13th year has been one of the hardest years for you and I. We went through a lot together and alone, (in separate rooms after an argument). It's not easy finding new ways to communicate and spend time together as you grow up so quickly but, we're figure it out day by day. You're still one of my favorite people in the whole world.

You've blown us away with your drawing skills and ability to sell your work on Etsy. Talk about sold out orders over night!! It was a little much for you to handle but, you persevered, even if you weren't "motivated to draw."

My biggest hope for you this year is that you stay true to yourself, you let go of the small things (like little kids that make you mad), that you continue to love books and art. I pray that you are happy and healthy the majority of your days, that you never loose your spunk.

We love you to the moon and back, bug!

What We Found On The Water

2026-08-17T08:55:42.863-04:00

The river cools our feet as we step in to steady our kayaks, before beginning our voyage; a very first trip for Grandpa, that we got to share as a family.

The cat tails along the river are so tall. I've never seen them this big. We meander through them along a river path to an opening.

It looks like an old forest that flooded. There's stumps spotting the lake with new growth on them. Like headstones of the past.

Nature is resilient.

Little blue dragonflies balance on my fishing pole.

Lily pads and soft white flowers sway as my paddle skims the water.

Edee calls to the Mama swan as she leads her babies into the water. The swan calls back, returning as many calls as she makes.

We count 8 turtles sunbathing on a log. As we get closer they plop into the water, retreating to safety. We keep saying, they're so cute!

There's so much beauty around us.

A bald eagle soars and swoops down and we watch it until it lands on the tippy top of a tree.

We stick our feet outside our kayaks and dip them in the lake to cool off, lazing in the sun and letting our paddles rest a bit.

We talk about God and the miracle of baby Jesus. We talk about Edee's love for all the animals and sharing that love with others.

The sun is warm on our skin and I soak it all in. I'm bottling up these moments. This feeling. I never want to forget this.

There's not a cloud in the sky and no schedule to keep. We're carefree and giggly.

Keep loving.

-Karlee

Best back-to-school tip EVER!

2026-08-13T11:11:50.932-04:00

When I pulled up Edee's 3-page school supply list. Yes, I said 3 pages. My first thought was, holy cow that's a lot of supplies. My second thought: How will she carry/manage all of these supplies? Several other thoughts followed like. We always have so many supplies left at the end of the school year. Will she actually use all of these? Donations? How? My giving heart wants to donate supplies to help these amazing teachers...maybe I can get a 2nd job to fund the donations list?

Am I the only Mom who had at least a few of these thoughts when you saw THE list? Back-to-school time is always a very transformational time. Moving from sleeping in and staying late, vegging out on the couch or "rotting my life away" as my 13 year old would say, to a schedule, higher demands, and all the socialization. It's a lot for both parents and kids.

As we help our kids through this transition, again this year school supplies should be the least of our worries. So, if you're like me and received a very long list of school supplies and slightly freaked out when you got it, check out my best back-to-school tip EVER:

1. Screen shot your kids school supplies list. (Assuming you're using a phone to access the list.)

2. Upload it to ChatGPT (I don't care if you're not a fan of AI or ChatGPT, once you use it you won't be able to deny how helpful it is.)

3. Paste the following into chat: "Can you combine the school supplies list and remove anything that is duplicate that my child won't need multiples of? For example if she needs pens and pencils for several classes, we'll just buy one pack."

4. Hit send and wait for the magic to happen. ✨

Our school supply list was organized by subject. There was a lot of repetitive items. What ChatGPT did in 3 seconds saved me a headache, time, and money. It did exactly what I asked it to do; organize the list, removing any duplicates that won't be needed.

I hope this is helpful! Please share with all your Mom friends.

Best of luck in this Back-to-school season!

-Karlee

PS. If you want to take it a step further ChatGPT can also find best prices on any of the school supplies at stores near you!

PSS. If you're working with a tight budget I recommend contacting teachers mid-year to help them re-stock up supplies for their classroom!

You Can't Hug A Car Goodbye

2026-06-13T14:26:37.420-04:00

It's time to say goodbye and let go of my Ford Escape. It's just a material object and yet it's so much more than that, which I'm realized as I cleaned it out. Reminiscing about the road I traveled with this car makes it all the more important to me.

My Ford Escape has been my reliable mode of transportation for 10 years. We've ridden a lot of miles together. E was in a car seat when we bought it. She transitioned into a booster seat and then into the front seat. I remember that transition well. Being able to see her next to me instead of a rear view mirror was a major upgrade. I remember her asking me what the CD player eject button was for. I asked her, "what do you think it is for?" She said, "it ejects you out of the car?" I still laugh thinking about it. A sign of the times.

I've waiting in traffic, in drive-thru lanes grabbing food on the go, doing nightly bank deposits and at stop lights thousands of times. E and I've waiting in it when it wouldn't start in 20 degree weather. That'll test your patience. I've waiting in my Escape for my toddler to practice dance in pink ballet slippers and I've waiting for my teenager to finish art classes 2 years in a row.

In my car I've read books, I've sang, I've prayed, I've cried, and I've laughed. I've gotten through my worst days and some of my best days driving in my car. I've taken countless selfies with my family, made videos when I felt inspired. I've sat a little longer to finish a song on the radio or a phone call before moving on to the next moment of my day.

My escape has taken me home to my parents dozens of times, to my siblings for coffee or puzzle time. It got me to book club once a month for last few years. Always bringing me to occasions with high anticipation for conversations and laughter. And then it brought me home, safely.

I've given people rides in my car, picked up my nieces and nephews in my car. I've ridden shot gun in this car when Ryan and I would have to carpool. It's saved us time and time again.

I paid off this car and many other debts as it carried me to work 5 days a week for those 10 years. When I got my Escape I was taking a completely different exit to work each day. I was a different person then. I've grown a lot in the 10 years I've been driving that car.

So much relied on my silver Escape. I relied on my silver Escape.

You know, you can't hug a car goodbye. But as I remove the stone decor from my rearview mirror and close it's door for the last time I have nothing but gratitude for my Escape. You can't hug a car goodbye, but you can have miles and miles of gratitude for it.

Always lead with your heart.

- Karlee

2011 Me Would Be Confused, But Proud

2026-05-01T11:53:36.495-04:00

Hey it's me! I have a truth for you and a long over due update.

My truth and small confession: I didn’t really mean to stop writing here. Life just… filled up.

Somewhere between raising a little girl who isn’t so little anymore, building a career I care deeply about, and finding small creative outlets like crocheting, gardening, and reading, writing slowly slipped to the side.

To be honest, I think the pressure of posting or having something perfectly put together to try to gain views became an undesirable focus, so I quit. But I’ve missed this space. I miss the act of noticing things and putting them into words to document my journey and to inspire others. Ya know, those ordinary moments that don’t feel like much at the time, but somehow become everything when you look back? Yeah, those.

Life feels different now than it did back in 2011 when I first started this blog. Who would've thought I'd start a blog right before I was married and pick it up again 14 years married, 2 houses and an apartment, 1 step daughter, 1 baby (now teenager), 8 nieces & nephews, and 3 cats later (RIP Sebastian)? I think 2011 me would be confused, but proud.

My life is fuller in some ways, heavier in others, but also more grounded. I see things differently. I move a little different. I notice more.

So I’m coming back, but not in the same way.

This space won’t be about keeping up or doing it “right.” It’ll be shorter entries, real moments like what I'm crocheting in my favorite spot on the couch, and whatever feels worth remembering like family movie nights and the day Edee decided swearing feels right. Sometimes it might be what I’m making, some weeks what I’m learning, and some weeks just a few thoughts I want to document.

And for the parts of life that are places we go, work life and all bookish things, I’ve been sharing those over at Booked In Michigan, which I’ll link here from time to time.

Here's my commitment to writing more, again. I’m really glad to be back.

As always, keep loving,

- Karlee

We have a teenager! Edee turns 13!

2025-10-02T07:24:00.001-04:00

What? 13?! You're 13 today. Officially a teenager and my mama heart is in shock. It's truly amazing that you're this healthy, tall, sassy, determined, teenager. You're making all your own choices and forging a path of your own. As your Mom, it's pretty cool to witness.

I'm 99% sure if you weren't thriving as a 13 year old my Mama heart would break because now, I can't fix everything. Cuddles and tickles once took away your tears but all of a sudden your emotions are big and "I don't get it." Even if, so much of what you're going through is like looking in the mirror at my adolescents.

With every new year of your life I learn 1,000 things, about you, about myself, about how to raise you, and how to love you best. And with every year you change so much, showing us how smart, creative and silly you are again and again.

In the blink of an eye you went from dancing in pretty dresses to singing Weezer at the top of your lungs.

You once loved the stuffed animals with "the big eyes and little bodies," to using a squish mellow for a pillow. Your stuffed animal collection never ends.

Your video game choices are typically Dandy's World, 99 Nights in the Forest, and Cookie Kingdom or something like that. Which just reminds me of Cookie Swirl C videos you and Grandma watched on repeat when you were still small enough to fit in our laps.

You remind me of your big sister, with your boy shorts and sometimes I see her smile in your smile, her personality in yours.

You went from hating school to a brand new school where you finally got excited to go, even if it means it's because you made a handful of new friends that are 'your people.' Everyone told me you just need to find your people and I thank God that day was the first day of school this year.

You're still marching to the beat of your own drum. Right now that looks like band t-shirts, fuzzy short hair, graphic novels, "Kandi" bead bracelets and coloring your nails with black Sharpie. Dad said, no more drawing all over your skin.

You're so passionate about your people, your YouTube channel and your cats (still). You are not passionate about food but we're always gently encouraging you to choose a fruit to go with your funnyuns. But somedays I wonder if you'll turn into a Wesco slushie - even if we limit them to one a week.

You asked me last week if you can take a Gap year this year. Oh bug, you're so silly! However, you are insistent you will not be going to college and you will own your own business. I have no doubt in my mind that will be true 5 years down the road. I just hope you let me design your logo. ;)

I have a feeling your going to bring us even more lessons, joy and love through your teen years. As much as I miss your chubby cheeks and toddler giggles I know I'll miss these years too. So, I'm holding onto every day of your first year of a teenager.

We are so very very proud of the girl you are and the passion you carry with you. Always sweet and creative, sometimes silly and sensitive. Happy 13th Birthday, bug!

Life Lately: Books, Seeds, Art Club, and Renovations

2025-03-28T09:17:00.005-04:00

If I've repeated anything on my blog it's probably: Time flies, or life moves quickly. Weekends move quicker than week days but, then I look back at the week and feel like it flew by. For so many reasons, including: that I haven't made much time for writing lately, I am summing up this update with a few of the joys we have had lately. I think it's important to find joy as you're speeding through the day. So here's ours:

I finished two books last week. One was a major accomplishment because one: it was an assignment for work and two: I started it in December. I learned some things, but mostly I am proud that I stuck with it and completed it. It was a big read for me. If you'd like to read more about it, I share my current reads and book finds on Instagram.

We planted our seed (starters) for our garden. We as in all three of us and E's friend. It was important to me to include the girls in the process so that they can experience growing their own food start to finish.

I am excited about tomatoes, red peppers (for Edee) and cucumbers but I am very excited about the salad mix we planted. Within 2 days we saw sprouts. On day 3 we say purple sprouts! That was a pleasant surprise. My main goal is to grow everything to make a salad. It's going to be such a delicious goal to achieve.

E joined an Art club! Talk about cool! I can't wait to see what she learns. I pray she enjoys it and find friends with similar interests. I am so happy for this quick development. I should've signed myself up.

*Update* She found her people. I picked her up from Art club yesterday and she said, "I had the best day ever!" She exchanged phone numbers with two kids and said they couldn't stop talking about all the things.

Our bedroom renovation project is underway. Ryan has been up to his elbows in planning for it. We're converting our garage into a master bedroom. Currently we're sleeping in the smallest room that will eventually be an art studio. As we work through the process of the renovation my goal is to remember how much we hoped and dreamed and planned to be where we are now. I remind us both that this is all supposed to be fun. We get to choose paint colors, carpet and lighting. We get to choose and make our dreams real life.

Well, there it is. books, seeds, art club and renovations. I can't wait to see where each of these things leads because you know, there's so much transformation happening in these joyful things.

Keep loving,

Karlee

15 Reasons Why I Choose To Love You Every Day

2025-02-14T13:25:00.006-05:00

15 years ago I gave you the key to my apartment, a day we'll never forget because it was also the day I gave you my heart. I've given it to you every day since. Because, like they say, love is a choice. Once the butterflies have settled it's ultimately choosing to love that makes a relationship work. Here's 15 reasons why I choose to love you every day:

1. You're committed. Committed to us, our dreams and our family.

2. You're funny. You still make me laugh, even on the hard days.

3. Because you love the outdoors.

4. You see me for who I am but, also call me out when I need it.

5. Because you're a loyal guy.

6. You're Edee's Daddy.

7. You're a great cook! I'd starve without you.

8. Because doing life without you would be boring.

9. You add the element of surprise to regular ol' days.

10. You listen.

11. You keep me safe.

12. Because we're growing together.

13. You love to drive and you're good at it, too.

14. You're smart.

15. You make life interesting and fun.

It should come as no surprise that we're standing the test of time but it does. I still feel luck to be your wife and to call you my husband and my Valentine.

Happy 15th Valentine's Day, Ryan!

We Bought A House!

2024-10-18T13:12:00.006-04:00

Thursday, August 15th | 3:25pm

Well, followers, we're finally here. We finally made it. House shopping!! We got our pre-approval yesterday! To be honest, I almost didn't believe my husband when he told me we got pre-approved. (Although it was in my email inbox, too.) It's just been a VERY long journey of trying to get to this point. Sometimes just paying debt and saving money felt suffocating.

But, it's time to believe it's true because we're going to look at a house tonight. One that is in our price range, too. Don't get me started on the housing market.

10:10pm

Okay, we not only saw one house, we saw three houses!! They just got better and better as we went down the line. From not enough space but a great location, to cramped and a nice yard to absolutely perfect! The 3rd house we looked at has the right size of yard. It's on a quiet street. It has a beachy feel, new appliances and it's completely redone with the right amount of space to make it our own.

I'm head over heels. I'm freaking out. I'm jumping up and down while also trying to keep my cool. Can you tell keeping my cool is not working?

The very small percentage of my brain that is logical knows there can be bumps in the road in the next steps of the process but the rest of the part of my brain (all emotional) is freaking out! It's just gorgeous! I have to believe it's true because this week my mantra is 'believe in yourself.' I have to believe we are finally here.

We both agreed that it feels right. I prayed God would let it be if this was in his plans for us. I will continue to pray and have patience with a little excitement but I have a deep feeling this is it, people!

August 16th 1:00PM

We met with our realtor and reviewed possible hiccups and put in an offer. Fingers crossed, people!

August 17th 4:00PM

What a let down. Our offer wasn't accepted. I'm sad and annoyed. And that's all I have to say about that.

A few days later

The house we wanted went pending. I guess that's officially official that it's not our future home. It would've been perfect.

August 21st 8:00PM

We caught the sunset on our way back from seeing a house, another cute house, that feels just out of reach. Is it my fear to repeat the past? Is it the truth?...

Sept 7th 9:00PM

Well, it's been about a month long rollercoaster of back and forth debates between living in the same town or moving towards work, buying a fixer upper or not. We toured a few more houses and made an offer on one that got shot down. I probably would've cried if we weren't surrounded by friends playing board games together when we received the news.

It's been an emotional and exhausting ride. Currently I feel like throwing in the towel and renting for another year. I don't know what the right thing to do is. I don't know if we can handle another tour, another house we can picture as our home, another denied offer.

Friday, Sept 13th, 5:00pm (Yes, Friday the 13th)

Our offer got ACCEPTED!!! I'm not lying! Even if it is Friday the 13th.

Okay, pause. Back track.

The 3rd house we fell in love with that we saw on the first day of house hunting went back on the market. We jumped on it!

Ryan did some researching, okay a lot of researching, on things we thought were keeping us from getting this house: remember those hiccups I mentioned above?

He also spent so much time on the phone with our lender and realtor. Thank God for him. Thank God for them.

Sept 17th, 9:20PM - Home Inspection Day

Today, we took our lunch break and met the inspector. He was pretty cool. I just really wanted to see the house again but we learned a lot as he went through his review.

And the inspection was positive! There were 2 minor things and that was it.

I texted Ryan a few hours after our inspection and said, "do we really get this house?"

Yes, we really get this house! Belief is a beautiful thing.

October 10th, 2023 5:45pm

We got our last approval! And we found out our interest rate lowered as well! We got the call from our lender while at a work function in Grand Rapids. We were already having a fun evening and this news quickly added to the joy of the evening. We're so EXCITED!!!

High fives and hugs and congrats all around. We finally made it! We close on the 18th, just 8 days away we get the keys to our new home.

October 14, 2024 6:30pm

We got the Clear to Close! On Friday we sign the paperwork and get the keys to our new house!

Ryan is ready to move right in. I thought it would be a slow transition. He said, "it's been a 6 year transition, let's go!" He's right!

I've been methodically packing 6 years of our lives into totes and boxes. Thank God a friend let us borrow totes so I'm using those temporarily for the things that will get unpacked right away: dishes, food, bedding. I'm rather proud of my process so far. My brother was right when he said packing happens pretty fast once you start.

What a wild ride, though! We're finally getting a house! Leaving our apartment will be bittersweet. We've had great neighbors and have made so many memories here. We have family and friends that live in the complex too. It's been a really good apartment for us but we're ready!

October 18th, 2024

We closed today! The house is officially ours! We did it! I have so many emotions right now but the biggest thing I feel is grateful. Grateful for our patience, perseverance, and hard work. Grateful for answered prayers, our realtor and lender and their assistants. Grateful for our team at work and our friends and family! The home shopping and buying journey wouldn't be the same without all the love and support we've received. We're so grateful!

XOXO,

Karlee

A Month of Celebrations

2024-10-07T08:09:00.003-04:00

October is a month of celebrations.

It's the month I joined the MIG team,

The month I became a Mom,

and it's the month I married the love of my life.

This month I am fortunate that I get to celebrate commitment, dedication, honesty, hope, growth, health, faith, joy and my favorite, love.

11 years serving others, growing my marketing and design skills, growing in leadership and relationships with people I happily call my team. I read a saying the other day about make sure you work with good people then going to work is good too. My Grandpa always said, do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life. Some people are so wise. I find both things equally true. Not every day is perfect but, I do work with good people and I do love the work I do.

Edee turned 12 on the 2nd. A friend reminded me on her birthday that the day is important for me too because it's the day I became a Mom. We celebrated in so many fun ways for her but I celebrated too. Seeing her happy, healthy and loving life is the best gift I could receive every year.

And last, but not least, my wedding anniversary, which just happens to be today. Today we celebrate 13 years since we tied the knot, made the choice of a lifetime and said I do. I look back at our year together and remember times we laughed, times we cried, days we traveled far and days we stayed home, nights we were together and night we were apart. I know we had arguments, I can't event tell you what about. I know we had happiness and joy and love. I can tell you what that's about because I felt it through the days and still feel it now.

Now you can see why October is my favorite month! It's a time of celebrations for so many beautiful reasons.

Happy 12th Birthday, Bug!

2024-10-02T07:25:00.000-04:00

August 8th, 2024

I decided to start your birthday post early because leaving one week to sum up a year of you is really difficult. You're eccentric, what can I say.

Meeting Charlie the Parrot at Lake Schnepaho

I was just recalling shopping downtown Grand Haven. We wandered around this small boutique store, I was looking at jewelry in the back of the store and you were apparently making best friends with the owner (when did being apart from each other in stores happen anyways??) as you were going on and on with her about Touch Land Hand Sanitizer. When we checked out the cashier said, 'When you are old enough and start looking for a job, I have a spot right here for you.' Your knowledge and ability to connect with people is so cool! I admire this in you.

Selling Bracelets at Coast Guard Parade

You just returned from 7 days with Grandma. I missed you with my whole heart but only told you once because I wanted you to make it the full week and I knew if I told you just how much I missed you, you'd come rushing home. It took years, but it seems like just days, for you to go from no sleepovers to a week away from us.

First Day of School Selfie

September 11th, 2024

Yesterday we went to your 6th grade orientation to meet your teachers and learn about what to expect this year. Before we left, you quickly grabbed the bracelet you made for your home room teacher who, you bonded with very well. You wrote her a little note and packed it with stickers and candy. You see, you had a hard time at lunch today and your teacher let you sit in her classroom for lunch recess. Then, your teacher listened when you talked about having a hard time with a friend. It meant so much to you that you gave your teacher a handmade gift.

You have such a big heart at 12 years old. I am so proud of your big heart and how you show love and give love to people.

First Day of 6th Grade

Also, it's worth documenting that making clay bead bracelets and now "candy" bead bracelets have been your jam for a solid year now. Your creations continue to amaze me.

Dave & Busters in Tennessee

S'mores in Copper Harbor

September 27th, 2024

You're counting down the days until your birthday and asking for all kinds of presents and reminding me of this plushy, and that kind of string for bracelets. You can't wait to go to Lewis Farms and I can't wait to spend the day with you.

Running at Ottawa Sands Park

October 1st, 2024

12 years ago today my water broke, right on schedule. I was so scared and so excited to meet you. When I think about being your Mom in these upcoming tween years those same feelings are still there. Yes, I am scared but I am more excited than anything to see you become a young woman. One thing that hasn't changed is my love for you.

Happy Birthday, sweet girl!

I Love You The Most

2024-09-16T16:48:00.005-04:00

13 years ago today I took this photo and posted it to social media. One of the many reasons I love social media is the memories that I shared, but that's a story for another day.

Today I just want to reflect on us. 13 years ago you were off to your Bachelor party, I stayed behind praying you'd be safe. (Your friends can get wild.) I stayed behind and somewhere deep down I knew you'd be loyal. I love these things, yes both of these things, about you; your loyalty and your wild side.

Even if you go poop when I'm taking a shower, grab my butt a lot, and are really loud on the phone. Even if your mountain bike accidents scare the living daylights out of me, even if you find my yarn collect annoying...

Because honestly, I love all these things about you, too. Just like our wedding vows, you still make me a better person. You have taught me so many things about life, trust, happiness, myself and more things than I can probably list.

It's so awesome, how we're still doing this life thing together. I am so lucky to be able to reflect on the moments we've shared whether online or between just the two of us.

In less than a month we get to celebrate 13 years of commitment, loyalty, growth, life and love together and that's so amazing to me.

I'll always remember the feeling of being your fiancé. I'll always remember how head-over-heels in love with you I was because today, I still am. I love you the most.

Karlee

11 Things on Your 11th Birthday

2023-10-02T12:41:00.010-04:00

Happy Birthday, sweet girl! Today you're 11! This day jumped out right in front of me and took me by surprise. I'm not really sure how eleven years flew by but, here it is. Here you are! 11 years old!

To look at your beautiful face as it's changed has been an incredible experience. Watching you learn and grow is a gift you've given me every single day. Summing you up into 11 things may not be easy but, I'm going to try.

1. So freaking creative

Your creativity continues to shine through in all you do. This year you found a love for paper puppet dragons, YouTube short videos and painted masks. You continue to draw and write stories, sometimes in collaboration with your friend, Olivia.

2. Soaring through 5th grade

You are acing your tests and school work so far this year. After watching you struggle in 4th grade, then push yourself for major growth it's been awesome to see you ease into 5th grade! You think you have this grade handled and asked us to move up a grade because it's so easy.

3. Growing Friendships

Your ability to make friends has grown a lot in the last year. Gone are the days of being scared of talking to a complete stranger. You met your BFF, Maddi at the pool this Summer and have been inseparable since. You also met Olivia at writing club and had a sleepover with each of them. It makes my heart so happy you've found friends that fit your personality just right.

4. Singing

Still, you're not afraid to belt out a song at the top of your lungs. You still ask to turn up the radio every time a good song comes on and catch onto the lyrics easily. I'm still not sure if you're on key but, you chose choir for your music elective so I'm sure you're voice is about to grow even more.

5. Born Leader

Your preschool teacher called you a born leader and that's still true today. You love to take the lead and struggle when you have to follow. We're working on that.

6. Sensitive side

Even though you have confidence and determination, you still have a sensitive side. Your tears, few and far between, still break my heart. You're still so much like your Daddy and so much like me.

7. Boba Tea

Your love for Boba Tea, always watermelon milk tea with no ice and passion fruit popping pearls (a rather tall order, if you ask me) is your favorite. I might even say you're obsessed.

8. Cats...correction, Therian.

To be honest, I think this new love for dressing up and acting like a cat is weird but aren't we all a little weird? And still, I love watching you play pretend. I just hope walking on all fours doesn't mess up your body.

9. Little, yet big entrepreneur

This year you made over 100 clay beads bracelets and set up a booth at Merchants & Makers. At the end of the show you put money into savings and some back into your business. Watching you sell your creations has always brought me joy. This experience was beyond that! I am so incredibly proud of you for sharing your creativity with the world.

10. Bedtime passionate chats

I'm still trying to figure out what it is about night time that brings all the deep thoughts out of you. You tell me the bad things and your worries, you ask me deep questions about purpose and if the planet will die. I decided to write all these things down so we can talk about them when we're not so tired.

11. Miss Personality

You have a big big personality! People love it, family and strangers a like and 99.9% of the time I love it, too. As you grow it grows and your understanding of the fine line of being respectful and not too wild comes into focus. You keep me on my toes, striving to be the best Mom I can be for you.

Happy Birthday, Edee!!

I love you with all my heart,

Mom

Early Morning Thoughts

2022-10-21T11:33:00.002-04:00

Sometimes I just want to share my thoughts with the world, just sometimes. These are a collection of my random thoughts in the morning that I had throughout the week.

I need to always remember how much I enjoy the buzz I feel after a yoga session. It's wonderful.

It's lotion season...already.

Words of Affirmation go a long way in any relationship. Boss to employee, coach to player, parent to child, between significant others.

I can't believe a box of cereal is $4.99.

And eggs $3.50/ dozen!

It's Day 7 of our be active every day challenge. Ryan and I have a friendly competition to see who can be active the most days in a row. Who do you think will win?

I bought these socks on Prime Day and love them!

Why don't they make Yellow Out anymore? And why can't I get stains out of whites like my Mom does.

Our new hair routine with Edee has lost it's appeal. Send help.

The Fall colors are incredible. Every year it's like a brand new thing. Like I'm seeing it for the first time.

I want to read an entire printed book before the end of the year. I've listened to 15 audiobooks this year and I am ready to challenge myself to read an actual printed book.

That's all for now! Keep Loving!

- Karlee

7 Things on The 7th of October

2022-10-07T07:57:00.003-04:00

1. 11 years

Today I celebrate 11 years of marriage to my man. 11! Last week I was shocked that E is 10 and now I am shocked all over again that it's already been 11 years since we said I do. The way time seems to disappear makes me want to hold on to every single moment that much tighter. This year we plan to celebrate with dinner together; simple and just what we love: time together.

2. Curly Hair

We had a break through with Edee's hair that feels revolutionary! After my sister recommended using some sort of product for curly hair I turned to my curly haired friend and asked her for recommendations. Introducing Cake the The Curl Friend, some very useful tips on how to manage curly hair (something I've never had to do) and ta da! No more fights, yelling or upset child. I was excited to find the hair product on sale at Rite Aid, which was cheaper than Amazon's price. Woohoo! I also grabbed some mousse and my curly haired friend gave us leave in conditioner. E is going to be all set.

3. Ugly Love

I just finished my 14th book of the year - Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover. Yes, I am a fan! I just added this book to my top 5 favorites list! I highly recommend the book. I read it in less than a week, which is a new record for me. Most of the time I am the caboose in my Book Club, finishing the book last but this book, which I read outside of the club with a friend (my curly haired friend in fact) was so good; the words, the descriptions, the story line, the ending - all of it. I finished it in less than a week.

4. Speaking of book club...

I love love love my book club or as we call it The Mama's Reading Club. I enjoy the chatter about books, the food we share, our discussions and also catching up with the ladies on life stuff. I also really like that some of us are reading even more books than we ever have before. The more we read, the more we want to read. It's amazing!

5. My Crochet World

I am currently on a yarn buying hiatus. I have limited myself to using only the yarn I have. I say 'limited' but honestly, it's been rather inspiring and freeing to choose from the colors and weights I have at home. Plus, I am saving money. During this hiatus I have found a love for creating book cozies. Each one turns out different, which makes them one of a kind! It's so much fun selecting each color, crocheting them together and watching the cozy come to life. I think in some ways it's an art form.

6. Work-a-versary

Yesterday I celebrated 9 years at Michigan Insurance Group & Strategic Consulting with my team. We had Panera (still my favorite) but today is my official anniversary. Again, looking back, time seems to disappear. I am enjoying my job still, probably because every day is new. Learning new things about myself, the team and the industries. It keeps things interesting and I am never bored!

7. October

October is my favorite month. It's full of celebrations, if you couldn't tell! And change. The biggest change is the seasons. My drive to work is changed because of the rainbow of colors along the highway. The yellows, oranges and reds are glorious and at 5:00 the colors beam. It's truly a sight to see. Anniversaries and birthdays are reminders to reflect on how far we've come, how much we've grown. It is a perfect reminder of how lucky we are to have what we have.

10 Things On Your 10th Birthday

2022-10-02T16:41:00.000-04:00

Wow! You are 10 years old today! Double digits! Even though you've been counting down the days and reminding me for months it still surprises me. Since the day you were born, the very first time I looked at your sweet little face, till now seems to have flown by. Loving you has been the grandest adventure of my life. Here's 10 things to remember for your 10th Birthday:

1. How we celebrated you turning 10: Class treats on Friday, Sky Zone on Saturday with your friend Graeden, Grammie Diane, Aunt Kacey, Lucy and Lowen. What a blast! And Sunday a hot cocoa bar and gifts with Mia and Penny!

2. What you wished for: Time with friends, squishmellows, dragons and a Rainbow High Doll Mansion (Thankfully, that last one was on sale!)

About you today:

3. You are determined, sometimes feisty, energetic and always creative. (We are working on that 2nd one.)

4. You love music (still). You know every lyric to your favorite songs which are anything by Harry Styles. You also have Higher Love by Whitney Houston, Sunshine by One Republic, Everybody by The Backstreet Boys and a few others on replay. We call you DJ Edee because you typically choose the music any time we are in the car.

5. You like youtube books and continue to enjoy graphic novels. You are warming up to chapter books with few pictures and we are slowly reading Mr. Poppers Penguins as a family.

6. You still love dancing in the living room and still do not want to join dance classes.

7. You love swimming more than any other sport. You tried the recess soccer team but said, I don't really like it. We plan to sign you up for swim team in November!

8. You love telling jokes, funny challenges and sharing interesting facts that aren't always true so we research them together.

9. You still have a huge heart for pets. You love axolotls and kittens the most but recently started liking snakes...

10. Your friends are Ella and Graeden, Emma and Aria who we are so lucky to live close too. You girls love selling things and playing in the woods.

You are growing and learning so quickly it amazes me you can store the information in your beautiful head. You are my greatest treasure!

Daddy and I can't wait to see what this year brings for you. Happy Birthday sweet girl! I love you as much as all the stars in the sky.

Yesterday, I didn't do my best.

2022-07-26T15:53:00.000-04:00

Yesterday,
I didn't do my best.
I wasn't strong.
I wasn't confident.
I wasn't a good Mom.
I wasn't happy.
I wasn't loving.
I was mad.
I was very sad.
I let anger win.
I let guilt seep in.
I let self doubt in.

Then, I saw this,

Then, I knew,

It is going to be okay.

I am going to be okay.

Sometimes the storms come in with waves of emotions that feel huge; too big to swim out of. Those are the days you have to be patient with yourself. Just as they teach you with a rip current, don't try to go against it. Swim parallel to the shore until you're out of the path of the current. Forcing it will exhaust you. Wait until the emotions subside.

Sometimes the calm arrives with a reminder smack dab in the middle of a painted sky. Sometimes it's subtle but, sometimes it's as obvious as a rainbow and the promise of hope, new beginnings and peace.

You made it. You won the battle.

It's time to dust of your knees and do better now.

Do better than you did the day before.

Now the real work begins.

Self doubt won't get in.

Guilt won't seep in.

Let go of sadness.

Let go of madness.

You are loving.

You are happy.

You are a good Mom.

You are confident.

You are strong.

xoxo,

Karlee

Did I know I would need this word this year? Possibly.

2022-06-02T14:00:00.004-04:00

I am currently reading (listening to): I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet by Shauna Niequest.

I had a feeling this one was going to be raw. It's why I took awhile to start listening to it. Empathy is strong ya'll. My instinct was to dive right in because Shauna Niequest is one of my favorite authors and she narrates her audio books, TOO!! 

I even purchased the book on Audible and it just sat on the "shelf." But, I knew I wasn't ready. 

Pause.

Confession: I had to dig deep to recall my word of the year (obviously I lost focus there) but the discovery that I got off track has good timing. My word of 2022 was (is): Resilience. How perfect is that?! Did I know I would need this word this year? Possibly.

Flash forward a month: 

I am several chapters into my book now. I realize the timing of this too is just right for me to devour every word.

After a lot of ugly tears last night and conversation with Ryan (he said so many wonderful things to me), I am finding my way to be okay with learning a lot of knew things at once and being okay with not knowing what I am doing all the time. 

The timing of this book in my life couldn't be more perfect. I find confidence and peace in the encouragement from my husband and team (and even Edee) as well as learning that an author as amazing as Shauna may not always have all the answers all the time either. Like duh! Who does? 

Her words are forever helpful and useful to me. I can't wait to continue listening to her tell her story.

A reminder to myself: I am resilient. I have done hard things and can do these hard things. A great reminder for the season I am in right now. 

Keep Loving,
Karlee

A New Space to Grow

2022-04-21T16:35:00.002-04:00

4/19/22

I was given a new office today, a new space to call my own. It's a sky blue and it's quiet and bright and beautiful! I am so excited for my new space.

As we grow, things shift to make room for more; more people, more opportunities, more possibilities. 

With these welcome changes I find myself looking back at the year and realize how much I learned and how much I gained on the journey to where I sit now. I am grateful to realize the importance of that journey.

All though we are told, "Don't look back, you're not going that way." I also know the benefits of reflecting on what's passed. I've been given the encouragement: it's good to reflect if it leads to good. And that's what it did for me today. 

This shift from one journey to the next is something I have been waiting and praying for, a shift I've been anticipating and have had my sights set on for quite some time. 

The year long journey wasn't easy. Actually, some days were down right hard. Without my team, weekends, throw a mental health day in there, encouragement and perseverance it would've been much harder. 

I will never forget the tough moments, the happy moments, fun days, laughter, happy hours, conversations with my team, and coffee chats. 

This journey has shaped me, as I can imagine, most journeys do. 

I realize today how important it is to pause. Reflecting on the journey, seeing the turn in the road, and starting on a new path is so important. 

Without the journey what would you miss out on?

As you are rushing towards your next goal, the next celebration, the next big thing make sure you pause and remember to enjoy the journey. 

Keep loving,

Karlee

Year 9

2021-10-22T16:41:00.000-04:00

9 years old (plus 14 days). How is my little girl 9 years old? Can I still call her little? Of course, she will always be my little girl but, she's not so little anymore.

This morning she came into the kitchen with her curly mess of hair and sleepy eyes, wrapped her arms around me to say 'Good Morning' and I realized I don't bend over anymore to hug her. My eyes fill with tears writing this. When did her legs grow so tall, when did her face thin? When did she become a big kid?

They say, life happens when you're planning for it. It's true. There are few moments I stop to revel in the moments happening right in front of me, always rushing to do the next thing on my to-do list. My word this year was/is 'worthy' but it should've be 'intentional'. In all things, I am learning to be more intentional, especially with my time and my words.

At 9 years old, E is content in her bunk bed, playing MineCraft or Adopt Me and catching up on her favorite YouTube videos. Both of which we keep a close eye on. She loves these 3 things more than candy. Okay, maybe not more than candy.

This year we allowed her to get a (private) YouTube channel. After waiting patiently she finally has a YouTube Channel with 13 followers and a whopping 4 videos. It's pretty darn cute, though. This girl, with her big big dreams will make something of it, someday. I am sure of it.

E is still determined as she was at age 2. She is finding her way through being sensitive - another thing we are intentional with her. She is also so funny and animated. When she is ready to talk she just keeps talking and has all the stories to tell. But, be careful. She also loves telling jokes and stretching the truth just to get you to question if it's true or not.

She has a big heart and still loves cats as much as she did at age 4. Do you recall the stuffed animal kitten with the little body and big tail? The only thing that's changed is that she loves her real live cat now.

Oh! And she loves reading. A major change from the last several years. My patience paid off! I never forced books on her, even though I worried a lot about her falling behind. She didn't. What she did instead was find her own way to enjoying books. She's really great at reading, too! Last week she picked out a Harry Potter book at the school library. We made it through 5 pages as a family but she checked it out for the second time so I know we will get through a few more pages before it's due.

I am so incredibly proud of my little girl. Every year, I say this and it's still true, I can't wait to see where her determination, passion and creativity leads her.

Happy 9th year, Edee!

Love always,

Mom

Marriage is a Choice.

2021-08-31T17:30:00.001-04:00

Marriage is a choice.

It's not just a piece of paper.

(The piece of paper just makes it legal. If legal makes it official, then do that.)

But, marriage is still a choice. A choice you make Every. Single. Day.

You choose to commit, every single day.

You choose to be dedicated, every single day.

You choose to understand, to love, to care, to listen, every single day.

The butterflies of dating, of the big question and the yes, the butterflies of the wedding day, they all fly away.

Marriage is creating new butterflies.

You choose to keep the excitement alive.

You choose to see that person you fell in love with.

You choose to be intentional with your life together.

Marriage isn't for the weak. It's not for the lonely.

Marriage is selfless. It's ever changing.

Marriage is meeting in the middle. It's compromise.

Marriage means you are their biggest cheerleader, their teacher, their best friend, their coach.

You are with them on the best days.

You are with them on the worst days.

You think of them with every choice you make.

Marriage can be rewarding.

Marriage can be an amazing journey.

Marriage can be powerful.

If you make that choice, every single day.

8 Things To Do Instead of Sitting in Fear

2020-11-20T12:55:00.005-05:00

I sat in fear, exhausted, and emotionally drained for 2 days. It is a miracle I can look back a week later and realize what I was doing and that I overcame it. What pulled me out of the fear was the saying ‘Faith Over Fear.’ What continues to keep me lifted above the fear was deciding on a mantra. My husband and I decided it together, which is more meaningful knowing we are both focusing on it. ‘I am only in control of myself, no one else.’ I can think more clearly now and know we will survive this pandemic, together.

There are several things that have become even more meaningful as the virus invades our towns, hospitals and minds. I feel compelled to share these things with you in hopes I can offer you a break from the stress and the feelings that this world is just too chaotic.

Family – I have always been close to my family but have found we talk a lot more now. Video chats, phone calls and texts with them are a constant in my life. When there is lack of consistency in other areas I know they are a constant and I don’t take that for granted. Communications and genuine conversations are uplifting during this time.

Music – I am currently loving Thomas Rhett’s Center Point Road. I am enjoying soundtracks to some of my favorite movies. I listen to them on repeat! I love The Lumineers and Taylor Swift’s most recent album: Folklore. I am looking forward to a few new albums releasing soon including Russell Dickerson’s Southern Symphony. Music is freeing and uplifting.

Audiobooks – I work with my hands so holding a book isn’t an option for me most of the time, but I still love reading. I hardly read any books the last few years because they took forever to get through, ridiculous excuse, right? When I discovered the app Scribd a whole new opportunity presented itself to me. This year I have read 10 books and currently hoping to finish the 2 I am reading before the end of the year. This app is full of free magazines, books, audiobooks, news and more. If you want to try it free for 60 days ( I am not paid to advertise this but will get 1 month free) just visit Scribd.

Mastermind Groups – I am lucky to be a part of a group called Passport to Growth. It’s a group of people dedicated to personal and professional growth. We tackle all kinds of topics including preparedness, clarity, dreams and adaptability; just to name a few. We lift each other up and learn so much from one another. I’ve learned a lot about myself from this group and from dedicating time to focusing on my growth.

Podcasts – I recently listening to 2 different podcasts featuring women from my area. I feel inspired when I listen to people's stories. Whether I know them personally or have never met them I feel a sense of connection listening to someone’s story. I highly recommend finding some podcasts to enjoy.

Facebook Groups – I recently joined Mom Support: Inspired Mama and met one Mom who is a writer and a mom struggling with making her children happy. The conversation that sparked from just a few comments fuels my heart and soul to keep going. I feel better and more positive with connections to others experiencing similar things as I am.

Journal Prompts – I found a $1 bullet journal in the clearance aisle at Walmart, hopped on to my journal board on Pinterest and started writing. Sometimes settling on a single topic that is predetermined helps me focus. The decision process can be difficult to get past so having a journal prompt list means I can just write.

My Hobby - Crocheting. I can't say enough about how therapeutic this hobby is for me. Learning new stitches and patterns or just getting into a rhythm of making the same items I've made a hundred times before. Hobbies are exciting! Making something useful by putting things together is just so exciting!

Photo Credit: Rin Photography

That’s just a few of the things I am enjoying instead of giving into the fear of Covid-19. Focusing on these things feels so much better than being frozen in fear. Please, take these ideas and make them your own. Share them with a friend. Give yourself and your mind a break. You deserve it.

I’d love to know what’s lifting you up and keeping your mind fresh. If you’re interested in learning more about any of them or have questions I love a good conversation!

Keep loving,

Karlee

This time around WILL be different.

2020-10-24T13:44:00.000-04:00

We’re hopping on the home buying train!

This time we’re shopping for house #2!

This time around we know things will be different than before.

This time around WILL be different.

Part of me wants to dive in and tell you all about what we’re looking for, what we want, what we don’t want, but for now I’m just going to share that our home buying journey begins again.

Apartment life was what we needed it to be for a while.

That season is over.

We enjoyed a lot less (okay, like zero) maintenance, being closer to family and work, smaller spaces to clean, and more time doing things together.

We’ve found time to travel and went camping more; 2 things we wanted to do when we said goodbye to our first home.

We’ve made friends with neighbors and enjoyed the pool almost every day last Summer (Covid kept us from doing the same thing again this past Summer.) But it was still great.

We’ve made a lot of memories in our 1,145 square foot apartment.

We're ready for more space.

We’re ready to stretch out our arms and legs (without running into something) and take on the homeownership life again.

I know it won’t be easy.

I know it won’t be perfect.

I might even wish for an apartment again…NOT!

But, it will be worth it.

I think the biggest lesson I have learned from the transition from homeownership to apartment life is too seek happiness in the small things.

Our cupboards might not have much space but we’re lucky to have full cupboards.

Laundry is always overflowing but we’re lucky to have an oversized load washer and dryer that hums instead of bangs.

The parking lot is always full but we’re lucky to have cars that run.

Someday I am going to love pulling into my driveway every day.

I realize now, there are perks to both lifestyles. There’s happiness in both as long as you’re looking in the right place.

So, I’m saving every penny, ya’ll!

Every. Single. One.

I’ve sold 3 used things online and made $17 this week. And I plan to sell more.

A portion of my handmade things will also go towards helping get us better situated financially.

I’ve tucked away my work bonus into savings.

I decided to only eat out once a week. Same thing goes for lattes, mochas and macchiatos.

Menu planning is back on too. We’re in week 3 of planning the menu for the week. It’s amazing how much time and money you save when you shop once a week instead of every day. (Living next to 2 grocery stores is dangerous.)

The journey has begun. I could be worried or scared but I'm not. I'm excited to take one step at a time together to make a big change.

We are doing this thing!

And this time will be different.

Keep loving,

Karlee

It's going to be a messy bun hair kind of day.

2020-09-16T09:26:00.006-04:00

It was 6:15 and I was running out of the bathroom, hair soaked, half dressed because my black dress had wrinkles in it. Ryan was just waking up; his alarm set 30 minutes earlier than usual because he said he’d have coffee with me. As I was heading to toss my dress in the dryer I asked if he’d make me coffee and pull out salad fixings. What would I do without him? I told him I wouldn’t have time to have coffee because I needed to leave in 20 minutes.

I must’ve reset my alarm instead of hitting snooze. I was laying in bed half awake and my brain somehow knew I was supposed to be up and getting ready for my day. I rolled over, checked my phone and found I was in fact supposed to be up and getting ready for my day. It was 6:03. I had to leave for work in 32 minutes.

I tossed the covers off in a rush and immediately started a mental checklist of how I’d make this happen:

Don’t shave in the shower, you did that yesterday.

It’s going to be a messy bun hair day

Grab a granola bar to eat breakfast on the go

Don’t cut your veggies for your salad

You have salad dressing at work.

Thank God I picked out my outfit last night or I’d be wearing a mishmash of whatever I find first.

I was zipping around the kitchen, shoving veggies in a container and didn’t even realize Edee was hiding in the corner. She was so excited she tricked me and couldn’t stop giggling. She is a morning person through and through. I love her bubbly attitude. Even when it’s 6:20 AM and I’m not fully awake, she makes me smile.

She asked for her normal bowl of cereal and went to turn on TV. I had her ask Daddy because I woke up late and had to leave for work.

On my drive in I didn’t speed. I knew I didn’t have to because I left the driveway at 6:32; 3 minutes before I usually do. On my drive in I thought about something I told Ryan last night while hugging and kissing him on my way to bed. I told him early mornings are kind of lonely when it’s dark out and I don’t see him and Edee. He hugged me longer. What would I do without him?

Somehow the universe delivered something I really needed this morning. Someone up there in the starry sky is listening. I got to see both of my favorite people this morning. Even with 32 minutes to get ready for the day I left the house feeling more prepared than ever.

I made it to work with 10 minutes to spare.

I love how we do life together. Picking up where the other left off. Our bad days are offset by the other’s good day. We lean on each other. We lift one another when we’re down. We see each other.

He always does the things he doesn’t have to do. Without complaining he handles the mundane things, too. And when I mess up our morning coffee date, he doesn’t get mad at me.

Cheers to an extra cup of coffee & to my husband, for choosing us every day.

Finding Myself, Again.

2020-06-24T08:57:00.003-04:00

June 20th, 2020

I want to share my thoughts and experiences with the world but sometimes I just don’t have the right words. Some days I feel ready to share but end up putting it on the back burner. Other days I fear my words aren’t good and I don’t want to share the bad. I want to give good to the world. I want to be the one that leaves a room better than when I entered it.

Books, conversations, and the mastermind group I’ve been attending this year helps me believe I can do this, all of this. Not just writing and sharing transparently, but motherhood, marriage, and personal growth too. Today is a good day. Today, I believe in myself. I believe my words are meaningful. I believe my journey is unlike anyone else’s journey and it’s worth sharing.

If I am talking about being transparent I have to tell you right now the last few months I haven’t believe in myself. My thoughts were down right negative. I was focusing on the dislike in every room of my apartment, in every conversation, in every person and in myself. I didn’t like the person I had become or these thoughts that continued swirling around in my brain.

My mantra for 2020 was Look Up. When Covid19 hit, I found myself doing the opposite. As hard as I tried I couldn’t lift up my head. I forgot these words. I forgot who I was. I fell into self-doubt, self-ridicule and nothing mattered. I cried every day for 5 days in a row. Who knew I had that many tears? I didn’t, until then.

Others told me, ‘Have Grace’ ‘Don’t be so hard on yourself,’ ‘When was the last time you went through a pandemic?’ The answer is never. NEVER. I picture myself during those days as a clown, balancing on a board on top of a big ball juggling multiple colored balls. And then, I fell. I lost grip. I lost focus of all the things that mattered most to me.

Today, something changed in me. For the first time since April I am looking up. I can think clearer than I have been able to since the schools, stores, towns, and countries started shutting down. Somehow, somewhere I found clarity and realized all that I have been working for this year, the last 5 years is here. What I am doing is working.

I saw an old friend for the first time in years and he said, ‘All you can do is see the good in each day. Maybe that was the meaning of all this.’ We talked about how seeing the good isn’t always easy, sometimes it takes more effort but there is good in every day. You just have to find it.

I found my good. I didn’t give up. I kept trying. I put in the work and the tears and pushed through. I know the journey is not over but I am hopping back on the path. I can do this.

. Keep Loving.