This week has been frustrating. We found that our buyers financing fell through- they wanted to work with the small bank in the same town where their farm is, that they've banked with forever. That bank ended up being a Freddie Mac Direct lender. Unfortunately because our house is actually a site condo, and it's so undeveloped without having a set date that the association fees would start- Freddie Mac wouldn't lend. They could have gone through another lender- but they were pretty dead set on sticking with that bank.
Luckily we didn't sign anywhere else or put any money down.
I've felt frustrated. I'm trying to move on and re-evaluate our options, and just try to figure out what's best for our family. And that involves hard decisions. It is so frustrating when you feel like your motives and decisions are being attacked or looked down upon, and I'll be honest- if I feel like my motherhood is being attacked I go alllll momma bear on whoever chooses to question it (whether intentional or not).
My son is my life. Every decision I've made over the past year has been made through the lens of my new little family. My family is what I am most proud of. For the first time in a long time, I feel really really good at something: being a mom. I'm not perfect. But I am proud of the woman I've grown into over the past 11 months. I've seen myself become more selfless and change my priorities.
I take my parenting personally. Sometimes I wish I didn't.
I read a great article written by a Rabbi and there was a phenomenal quote:
"He saw that peace was good... so he put up with carrying the load [referring to Ishmael]." Put up with what you can. Let things pass -- they always do. And learn to forget those things that have no significance for the future. Such as quarrels. Simply pretend they never happened. And get on with life."
Ahh.
I am praying over this today.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Off the radar...
WOW.
Really, Mandy? Over a month without blogging?!?! What happened, you may be wondering...
Seriously, though. What didn't happen over the past month? Everything that could possibly happen happened!
The week of my last post I had the sickest little baby around. I was home with him but had absolutely no time time to blog. He had a high fever and the Norovirus for almost a week. Luckily, that Friday he woke up fever free. However, that evening after work we were headed on our road trip to ALABAMA with some of my in-laws (so still no time to blog- okay by me! :). It was SO fun. Great walking weather, and a great time with family, some quality time with my husband, shopping and good restaurants. Everything that makes for a great vacation!
What a great week it was. Did you know that Mardi Gras started in Alabama? I didn't. I assumed it was New Orleans- but when I say these people take Mardi Gras seriously, I mean it. It's not dirty the way it is in New Orleans. The whole week leading up to Mardi Gras they had tons of parades- on Mardi Gras itself they had SIX parades. Keegan was the hit of the parade and he got loaded up with goodies and treats. We had a blast.We even got interviewed for the local news... What a joke! That is a story in itself and one of our more embarassing moments- definitely one worth asking about if we haven't shared with you yet! Maybe I'll blog it at a later date.
When we got back it was definitely hard to get back into the swing of things. I worked the entire week we got back rather than part time since I had essentially had two weeks off while Keegan was sick. By the time that week was over- we suddenly started getting showing after showing.
And big announcement on the Karolkiewicz front: WE FINALLY GOT AN OFFER ON OUR HOUSE!!!!
We just got the offer a couple days ago, and we're still in negotiations... but Lord willing we will be moving within a MONTH! It stresses me out a little because although we've had the house on the market for a year (almost) we hadn't taken the steps to get pre-approved for a mortgage or really got serious about looking at houses. We're still not quite sure where or what we are going to do. I'm not good under pressure and I'm scared I would make a rushed decision- what if we buy a house because we're under pressure and then we made a huge mistake and really regretted it?
Surprisingly, I think we may be leaning toward temporarily renting so we can peacefully and leisurely assess all our options and take our time on the next big buying decision. We shall see. Ha! Not just see- but decide. Probably this afternoon. Shhh- I don't want to think about it. It stresses me out :)
I've gotten started on some stuff for Keegan's birthday party. The date is apparently up in the air since we'd have to close and be out of our house the week of Keegy's 1st birthday. Maybe we'd move it back a week or so? I don't know. Good thing I didn't order/make invitations yet, huh?!!
Check out the cute birthday wreath I made for our family... Love it! It was really easy, just time consuming (this was about 300 balloons):
On a totally unrelated note... Check out how Keegan decided to relax while we were at the grocery store the other day:
Haha!!!! Just decided to lounge the whole time. Must've been really relaxed there? What a nut. He seriously is one of the silliest boys I've ever met.
He loves commercials. He will stop whatever he's doing if he hears a catchy jingle come on T.V.
Keegan took a couple steps on his own the other day. HOWEVER... He realized what he did, and I don't think he loved it. Since then, he likes to have limp legs if we try to stand him up and practice walking. What a goof.
He's eating like a super big kid. He eats regular dinner with us, and eats pretty much everything. He doesn't seem to have any food that he dislikes and I am so proud of him for that. We even started giving him fish while we were in Orange Beach- he even likes that!
Just a quick update since I accidentally skipped his ten month post:
Anyway, life is good. Please keep us in your prayers- for clear direction and discernment as we look to the next couple years ahead! :)
Really, Mandy? Over a month without blogging?!?! What happened, you may be wondering...
Seriously, though. What didn't happen over the past month? Everything that could possibly happen happened!
The week of my last post I had the sickest little baby around. I was home with him but had absolutely no time time to blog. He had a high fever and the Norovirus for almost a week. Luckily, that Friday he woke up fever free. However, that evening after work we were headed on our road trip to ALABAMA with some of my in-laws (so still no time to blog- okay by me! :). It was SO fun. Great walking weather, and a great time with family, some quality time with my husband, shopping and good restaurants. Everything that makes for a great vacation!
What a great week it was. Did you know that Mardi Gras started in Alabama? I didn't. I assumed it was New Orleans- but when I say these people take Mardi Gras seriously, I mean it. It's not dirty the way it is in New Orleans. The whole week leading up to Mardi Gras they had tons of parades- on Mardi Gras itself they had SIX parades. Keegan was the hit of the parade and he got loaded up with goodies and treats. We had a blast.We even got interviewed for the local news... What a joke! That is a story in itself and one of our more embarassing moments- definitely one worth asking about if we haven't shared with you yet! Maybe I'll blog it at a later date.
A BIG thank you to our wonderful hosts! :)
When we got back it was definitely hard to get back into the swing of things. I worked the entire week we got back rather than part time since I had essentially had two weeks off while Keegan was sick. By the time that week was over- we suddenly started getting showing after showing.
Last week we had five showings...
And big announcement on the Karolkiewicz front: WE FINALLY GOT AN OFFER ON OUR HOUSE!!!!
We just got the offer a couple days ago, and we're still in negotiations... but Lord willing we will be moving within a MONTH! It stresses me out a little because although we've had the house on the market for a year (almost) we hadn't taken the steps to get pre-approved for a mortgage or really got serious about looking at houses. We're still not quite sure where or what we are going to do. I'm not good under pressure and I'm scared I would make a rushed decision- what if we buy a house because we're under pressure and then we made a huge mistake and really regretted it?
Surprisingly, I think we may be leaning toward temporarily renting so we can peacefully and leisurely assess all our options and take our time on the next big buying decision. We shall see. Ha! Not just see- but decide. Probably this afternoon. Shhh- I don't want to think about it. It stresses me out :)
I've gotten started on some stuff for Keegan's birthday party. The date is apparently up in the air since we'd have to close and be out of our house the week of Keegy's 1st birthday. Maybe we'd move it back a week or so? I don't know. Good thing I didn't order/make invitations yet, huh?!!
Check out the cute birthday wreath I made for our family... Love it! It was really easy, just time consuming (this was about 300 balloons):
On a totally unrelated note... Check out how Keegan decided to relax while we were at the grocery store the other day:
Haha!!!! Just decided to lounge the whole time. Must've been really relaxed there? What a nut. He seriously is one of the silliest boys I've ever met.
He loves commercials. He will stop whatever he's doing if he hears a catchy jingle come on T.V.
Keegan took a couple steps on his own the other day. HOWEVER... He realized what he did, and I don't think he loved it. Since then, he likes to have limp legs if we try to stand him up and practice walking. What a goof.
He's eating like a super big kid. He eats regular dinner with us, and eats pretty much everything. He doesn't seem to have any food that he dislikes and I am so proud of him for that. We even started giving him fish while we were in Orange Beach- he even likes that!
Just a quick update since I accidentally skipped his ten month post:
- He wears size 3 diaps still, and
- 12-18 month clothes.
- He's a size 3 shoe now.
- He crawls everywhere, but we're practicing walking.
- He says "Dada" all the time, and is working on "Dogs" and "Mama."
- He still sleeps like a champ, and
- now has 4 teeth- they're coming in really randomly though!
Anyway, life is good. Please keep us in your prayers- for clear direction and discernment as we look to the next couple years ahead! :)
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
I mean, it IS Valentines Day...
Okay, let's get a little corny.
We're not "celebrating" today because we know that while we're on vacation we're going to go on a date together. So that will technically be our "Valentines" day. However, it actually IS Valentines Day today, and my sweet Keegan Michael has a super high fever, so this Momma's home from work, awaiting a call back from the nurse at the pediatrician's to find out if they think he should come in today. So while I wait, and my very sick baby takes his third nap of the day, I will reflect on the most incredible man I've ever met:
I can't believe I get to call you my husband. I can't believe that I'm lucky enough to have you for the rest of my (ha- or your?!) life. I am so incredibly blessed to be able to rest in the fact that you are on my team. WE are on each others team. I appreciate that you support me, love me unconditionally, and that you are my defender when I need defending.
I appreciate that you didn't take the vows we made to each other lightly. I see how you prioritize me as your wife, and the way that you've continued to strive to become a better man day after day... and you have. When I first met you, I thought, "This guy is incredible. I am going to marry him." I never thought that you could get any more incredible. But you have. And I don't tell you every single day- but it's true.
You are the type of man, husband and father that I can only hope and pray that our son becomes. Thank you for your unconditional love towards both me and Keegan Michael. Thank you for making me laugh all the time.
We're not "celebrating" today because we know that while we're on vacation we're going to go on a date together. So that will technically be our "Valentines" day. However, it actually IS Valentines Day today, and my sweet Keegan Michael has a super high fever, so this Momma's home from work, awaiting a call back from the nurse at the pediatrician's to find out if they think he should come in today. So while I wait, and my very sick baby takes his third nap of the day, I will reflect on the most incredible man I've ever met:
I can't believe I get to call you my husband. I can't believe that I'm lucky enough to have you for the rest of my (ha- or your?!) life. I am so incredibly blessed to be able to rest in the fact that you are on my team. WE are on each others team. I appreciate that you support me, love me unconditionally, and that you are my defender when I need defending.
I appreciate that you didn't take the vows we made to each other lightly. I see how you prioritize me as your wife, and the way that you've continued to strive to become a better man day after day... and you have. When I first met you, I thought, "This guy is incredible. I am going to marry him." I never thought that you could get any more incredible. But you have. And I don't tell you every single day- but it's true.
You are the type of man, husband and father that I can only hope and pray that our son becomes. Thank you for your unconditional love towards both me and Keegan Michael. Thank you for making me laugh all the time.
You're the best. Ever.
Happy Valentines Day to my absolute best friend.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Four Agreements
Six or seven years ago I read a book written by Don Miguel Ruiz titled The Four Agreements. It's kind of new agey and hippy, but for a sensitive soul like myself, I like to remember these "agreements" occasionally... I wish I took them to heart much more, because day to day interactions would be so much more beneficial if I did... Here's an excerpt from a summary of the book, highlighting the main points:
"The First Agreement - Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using words to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth, of what is good, and what you want. Choose your words carefully in what you say to others, as well as what you say internally to yourself.
The Second Agreement - Don't Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering and worrying. You can simply say, "next".
The Third Agreement - Don't Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. You have to learn to ask for what you want with conviction and confidence. Others cannot read your mind. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.
The Fourth Agreement - Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. It will be different from day to day. Under any circumstance, simply do your best and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.
"As you build the habit of the four new agreements, your best will become better than it used to be."
Just figured I might not be the only one who might benefit from this reminder! :)
"The First Agreement - Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using words to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth, of what is good, and what you want. Choose your words carefully in what you say to others, as well as what you say internally to yourself.
The Second Agreement - Don't Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering and worrying. You can simply say, "next".
The Third Agreement - Don't Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. You have to learn to ask for what you want with conviction and confidence. Others cannot read your mind. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.
The Fourth Agreement - Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. It will be different from day to day. Under any circumstance, simply do your best and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.
"As you build the habit of the four new agreements, your best will become better than it used to be."
Just figured I might not be the only one who might benefit from this reminder! :)
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Lets talk about Mom Jeans....
I'm currently on a mission...
A mission to mildly revamp my closet. Since Keegan was born, I've been so much more conscious about dressing age appropriately. I know what you're thinking... "But, Mandy, you're so young and sooo thin and your boobs are in the exact same place they were two years ago." So sweet of you to say, friend, but oh so wrong.
First of all, I'm not arguing that I'm young. Relatively, I am. But let's compare that with the age group that I HAD been dressing with... Forever 21 anyone? Charlotte Russe? Hollister? Anyone? Can you say SO college-y?! Anyway, I first had this epiphany while lugging a two week old baby in his carseat into Forever 21 while a bunch of 17 and 18 year old girls shopped around me. I proceeded to do a quick loop of the store and quickly leave. I ended at Ann Taylor LOFT and found a few nice, conservative outfits and felt so much more comfortable shopping amongst people at a similar place in life. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with those stores, FYI- I just felt like an OLD lady amongst all those young sorority girls, and I'm only 25!
Second, let's talk thin. I'm at my pre-baby weight, and have been for about 4-5 months. I think I can confidently shout that pre-baby weight does NOT mean pre-baby body. Things change. Not just the obvious... But little things, like, although I can fit in my pre-baby jeans, they're just not the SAME... Kind of in the way they fit, but also, kind of in the way I'm much more self conscious about having too low rise jeans so my muffin top hangs over the edge... HA!!! Anyway, I've got some new favorite jeans: trouser jeans! I have a couple pair that I surprisingly found at Target that have great stretch to them and are high enough of a rise so that my muffin top doesn't even cross my mind. Denizen by Levi anyone?! I just found some on the clearance rack at Target for $12! I'll take it! Woot!
Anyway, this mission has proven to be quite a challenge for me. Money is tighter now that I'm part time, and in all honesty, I just can't bring myself to pay a lot of money on clothes. I've had good luck with the Banana Republic outlet, and with Target and Marshall's.
Anyone have any awesome suggestions for some grown up, relatively inexpensive but still hip looking (for a mom-ha!) clothes?!
A mission to mildly revamp my closet. Since Keegan was born, I've been so much more conscious about dressing age appropriately. I know what you're thinking... "But, Mandy, you're so young and sooo thin and your boobs are in the exact same place they were two years ago." So sweet of you to say, friend, but oh so wrong.
First of all, I'm not arguing that I'm young. Relatively, I am. But let's compare that with the age group that I HAD been dressing with... Forever 21 anyone? Charlotte Russe? Hollister? Anyone? Can you say SO college-y?! Anyway, I first had this epiphany while lugging a two week old baby in his carseat into Forever 21 while a bunch of 17 and 18 year old girls shopped around me. I proceeded to do a quick loop of the store and quickly leave. I ended at Ann Taylor LOFT and found a few nice, conservative outfits and felt so much more comfortable shopping amongst people at a similar place in life. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with those stores, FYI- I just felt like an OLD lady amongst all those young sorority girls, and I'm only 25!
Second, let's talk thin. I'm at my pre-baby weight, and have been for about 4-5 months. I think I can confidently shout that pre-baby weight does NOT mean pre-baby body. Things change. Not just the obvious... But little things, like, although I can fit in my pre-baby jeans, they're just not the SAME... Kind of in the way they fit, but also, kind of in the way I'm much more self conscious about having too low rise jeans so my muffin top hangs over the edge... HA!!! Anyway, I've got some new favorite jeans: trouser jeans! I have a couple pair that I surprisingly found at Target that have great stretch to them and are high enough of a rise so that my muffin top doesn't even cross my mind. Denizen by Levi anyone?! I just found some on the clearance rack at Target for $12! I'll take it! Woot!
Anyway, this mission has proven to be quite a challenge for me. Money is tighter now that I'm part time, and in all honesty, I just can't bring myself to pay a lot of money on clothes. I've had good luck with the Banana Republic outlet, and with Target and Marshall's.
Anyone have any awesome suggestions for some grown up, relatively inexpensive but still hip looking (for a mom-ha!) clothes?!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Tis so sweet...
My favorite hymn of all time is 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus. I've really been meditating on the words to this song the past couple of weeks. I'm all about MY agenda in MY time. Wouldn't it be awesome if I could easily LIVE like the words to this song (shown below), and restfully rely on the goodness of the Lord and on His timing? Life would be so much more enjoyable if I really WOULD cast all my cares on Him!
’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.
’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Nine month birthday- What, What?!
How the HECK did this happen? How did the past nine months fly by so quickly?! It seems like just yesterday you were my tiny little baby sleeping in his bouncy seat and snuggling up with Momma on the Boppy.
You're growing very well. At your nine month appointment yesterday you were 17.8 lbs, and 28 inches long. You've grown a whole 7 1/2 inches since you were born, and have gained about 11 pounds. You're in the 49th % for height, and are only in the 10th % for weight... don't worry, though, your head's still growing!! Up to the 90th % for your head! :) HA!!
We're working really hard to help you with the weight thing, though. The doctor said that she is going to have us come back in the next month for a weight check to make sure you're still gaining well, though. We are feeding you all sorts of yums to try and pack on the pounds. Today at lunch you had some Chef Boyardee ravioli and some (regular- not non-fat) yogurt. We're adding extra scoops of formula to your bottles too! Here's hoping that big kid shows some weight gain next month when we go in for the check!
You're silly, especially now that you can crawl. You follow us around the house and get into everything that you shouldn't. You like to find cords to lamps and computers and pull on them. You get very sad if Mommy says, "Keegan Michael! No no!"
You wear size 12 month clothes. You've been wearing them for a while and holdin' pretty steady in them. I'm thinking they'll last a while because the next size up is 18 months, and they're HUGE compared to your little booty. You're wearing size 3 diapers, and the older you get, the more I find that MOST diaper brands are working for you. When you were littler, there were a few brands that were just horrible for you.
You're still sleeping awesome- normally about 11-12 hours straight a night. When you teeth, you only wake up for a second at a time and will give out a cry, but fall right back asleep. We thank you for your sleeping. We appreciate it and are taking advantage of it while it lasts. Goodness knows that not all of your brothers and sisters will sleep like you, Mr. Big Kid.
You high five now, too. It's cute because you get SO excited. You're working on clapping, and working on waving. You are so darn fun now! We just have a good time hangin' out! You love to walk around with Daddy holding your hands. You're FAR from walking on your own, but you definitely think that you're ready to go! HA! SO funny.
Now you're a big NINE MONTH OLD (Yesterday)!
Let's chat about what you've been up to this month...
You're growing very well. At your nine month appointment yesterday you were 17.8 lbs, and 28 inches long. You've grown a whole 7 1/2 inches since you were born, and have gained about 11 pounds. You're in the 49th % for height, and are only in the 10th % for weight... don't worry, though, your head's still growing!! Up to the 90th % for your head! :) HA!!
We're working really hard to help you with the weight thing, though. The doctor said that she is going to have us come back in the next month for a weight check to make sure you're still gaining well, though. We are feeding you all sorts of yums to try and pack on the pounds. Today at lunch you had some Chef Boyardee ravioli and some (regular- not non-fat) yogurt. We're adding extra scoops of formula to your bottles too! Here's hoping that big kid shows some weight gain next month when we go in for the check!
Keegan Michael eating some Chef Boyardee... mmmMmmm!
You're silly, especially now that you can crawl. You follow us around the house and get into everything that you shouldn't. You like to find cords to lamps and computers and pull on them. You get very sad if Mommy says, "Keegan Michael! No no!"
Keegan at the doctor... it's a whole new adventure now that he's mobile... ripping the paper, trying to crawl off the table... Don't worry, though, there was a mirror he could entertain himself in :)
You wear size 12 month clothes. You've been wearing them for a while and holdin' pretty steady in them. I'm thinking they'll last a while because the next size up is 18 months, and they're HUGE compared to your little booty. You're wearing size 3 diapers, and the older you get, the more I find that MOST diaper brands are working for you. When you were littler, there were a few brands that were just horrible for you.
You're still sleeping awesome- normally about 11-12 hours straight a night. When you teeth, you only wake up for a second at a time and will give out a cry, but fall right back asleep. We thank you for your sleeping. We appreciate it and are taking advantage of it while it lasts. Goodness knows that not all of your brothers and sisters will sleep like you, Mr. Big Kid.
You high five now, too. It's cute because you get SO excited. You're working on clapping, and working on waving. You are so darn fun now! We just have a good time hangin' out! You love to walk around with Daddy holding your hands. You're FAR from walking on your own, but you definitely think that you're ready to go! HA! SO funny.
Thank you for being such a good, sweet boy, Keegan. We are SO blessed to be able to call your our son! You bring joy to everyone you meet with your sweet grin and friendly demeanor.
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