STITCHENACHS!

I've been knitting a lot lately, and reading Outlander. This has led me to join a bunch of lovely ladies in Outlander Pattern Central on Facebook. We knit and crochet Outlander inspired items. Cowls, scarves, arm warmers, fingerless mitts. We even have an Outlander craft swap going on right now! We are affectionately known as The Stitchenachs, a take on Sassenach. Here are a few of the Claire inspired cowls that I have made. Everyone seems to love them, and I've got requests and orders flooding in! TO THE YARN!

 

back to school

We've been mighty busy this last month preparing for Isaiah and Eleanor to go back to school! Isaiah will be in 1st grade, and Eleanor will be in kindergarten. They are both very excited! School starts next Tuesday.

Last week the kids got back-to-school haircuts! We also picked up school supplies and backpacks. Isaiah chose a Mario one, while Eleanor picked out one with rainbow colored butterflies. Jackson picked out a small backpack with sharks on it (I couldn't say no. the big kids were getting a bunch of new fun things!..and it was only $4)

We took a trip to the school yesterday to meet Isaiah and Eleanor's teachers. Eleanor has Isaiah's kindergarten teacher from last year, whom i absolutely ADORE. She got to see her cubby and where she will be sitting. Her table has a red triangle on it, and she is very happy about that!

Isaiah has 2 teachers again this year, one for first grade, and one for special education (SE). Both of the teachers are new at the school this year, so it will be a little bit of an adjustment for him. His two classrooms are connected, which is awesome. He will be spending most of the day in his first grade class, and just a small part of the day in his SE class. (Last year it was the other way around) 

Isaiah is most excited about having his own desk in first grade! (They sat at tables in kindergarten) He is also excited about getting to play on the big purple slide at recess.

What are some of your favorite things about back to school?

-KA

The Lauens!

Meet Marshall and Ashley! Two of the sweetest Godliest people on this earth. They are dear friends of MT and I (even though I just met them for the first time last week!) They have endured more than any young married couple should have to. Shortly after they married, Marshall was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. (You can read more about that here on their blog The Lauen Life) 

Today they are happy to announce that Marshall is in REMISSION and is CANCER FREE!

If that wasn't awesome news in and of itself, today is also Ashley's 25th Birthday!

We love y'all so much, Lauens! Your unwavering faith is such an inspiration, and your testimony is mighty. We are blessed to have you in our lives! 

Happy Birthday, Ashley! And Marshall, #beardstrong !

A day at the Lake

We were invited to a family BBQ today by my sweet neighbor's Aunt Olga. She lives on a beautiful lake about an hour from where we live. Jessi and I could barely drag the kids from the water to eat (the food was DELICIOUS, by the way! The lobster and crab pasta salads were among my favorites...and the peanut butter pie!)

Many memories were made, and I am looking forward to making many more! 

Thank you, Aunt Olga, for opening your home to us! We are looking forward to visiting you again!

The Journey | Nikia Jade

Let me just take a minute to brag on my sister, Nikia. She just completed her 4th 5k (and first mud run) last weekend. I'm so proud of her! She is completely transforming her body and her life. 

Nikia has lost 46 lbs and 9 total inches since she started her journey in July of 2013. How amazing is that?! 

Her transformation is extraordinary. Not just physically, but mentally as well. She meal preps, eats clean, and runs everyday. Best of all, she finds time to inspire other women and motivate them to start their journey to be healthier too!

I'm proud of you, sis. Your dedication to being healthy, and staying that way, inspires me everyday. 

It takes a village|Jessica

This is Jessica (or Jessi for short) Super Momma of 3 AMAZING kids, avid coffee drinker, yogi, nail polish enthusiast, scarf collector, one of the brightest souls on this earth. 

If we are friends on Facebook, you've seen me post about how wonderful she is quite a bit. (It's true, y'all. I can't contain how awesome she is!) 

Jessi and I were childhood best friends, so you can imagine how overjoyed I was when she moved in right below me a few weeks ago! We pretty much spend all of our free time together, hanging out with our combined 6 kids, drinking coffee, laughing, and loving life. 

We have coffee together EVERY morning after we drop the kids at school. (Yes, every morning!) We have dinner and coffee together every evening too. (When your neighbor makes you coffee and leaves her door unlocked for you, you know it is a rare kind of friendship!)

(Jessi's three amazing babes)

You know how they say "it takes a village to raise a child"? I absolutely agree with that. Especially in the case of us moms (like Jessi and I) who are doing it single. 

(And before I catch heck for it, YES, my kids do spend time with their dad every week)

Jessi is one of the most selfless people I know. She has watched my kids last minute several times so I could pick Isaiah up from school, do some last minute cleaning, throw a load of laundry in the washer..I could go on. I'm happy that I can do the same for her. 

Watch all the kids so you can take a shower in peace? No problem!

Watch the baby because he is sick? Why would I say no to extra snuggles?!

Need a night out? GIVE ME ALL THE BABES!

I'm happy to say (with complete confidence) that we would do anything for each other and our kids. I'm encouraged daily by my friendship with this woman. She is radiant and bright. I'm happy that we are part of each other's "village". 

Good with the bad

I've always been told "You've got to take the good with the bad". I hate this. Why can't we just have good, with no bad? I suppose that this is a question for those well above my paygrade.

This week seems to have lived up to that expression. I received some devastating news Wednesday night, that Jeff, who I spent four months working in New York with, passed away on Tuesday night. Having spent so much time working on the road with him, I consider he and his wife, Linda, to be family.

I've spent the latter half of the week reflecting on Jeff, and remembering the good, and being thankful that I got to visit with them just three short weeks ago.

However today we celebrate KA's birthday! She's an amazing woman, that's for sure. A loving mother, a great girlfriend, and tough as nails.

So, while the pain of Jeff's passing is still fresh, I celebrate Kristance's birthday. It's weeks like this that I'm reminded to be mindful and thankful for the time that we have. Take time to see an old friend, and take the time to celebrate with your loved ones.

-Matt