a new chapter

Do you like change? I do not. Like not even a little bit. True story: right after Austin was born, I went through a troubling phase in which I ate a hot dog {no chili}, fruit, and chips with salsa for lunch. Every. Single. Day. To be fair, we had a new baby, had just moved to a new city, and were looking for a new house. I needed something that would be the same when everything else was complete chaos. I like routines and knowing what to expect each day. Obviously. 

Over the years, God has been very patient with me when change is looming up ahead. Usually He prepares me in advance. Because He cares about the people in my life that have to deal with me on a daily basis. 

Once again, I find Him preparing me for yet another change. For the last couple of years, Luke has talked about having some sort of family business, but financially, it just didn't make sense. We have kids. Kids get sick. A lot. So insurance is kind of a big deal. Not to mention all the perks of having a paycheck you can count on each month. I'm sure you can guess my reaction to walking away from all of that. We both knew it wasn't the right timing, and if it was something God had for us, He would have to pave the way. 

This year started like any other year. We spent the first part of 2015 with Luke's family. All of them are self-employed. So everyday, Luke would get up and drive downtown to his job while everyone else walked down the hall to their "office." And then I heard the words "family business" being thrown around all casual like we were just talking about the weather. PEOPLE, let me be a truth-teller in your lives. THIS IS NOT THE WEATHER!! We are talking about change and unknown things and taking advantage of Obamacare! I can't even.

 One night Luke mentioned to me that he might be interested in doing some accounting stuff with his brother on the side. The best of both worlds, right? I was totally on board for that. But then he called me one day and told me that his dad wanted him to pray about being a part of the new company he started about a year ago. I wanted to make sure I was hearing him right so I said, 

"Like leave AT&T?"
"Yes."
*crickets*

Needless to say, we talked about this decision AD NAUSEAM for days and prayed. There was quite a bit of praying. We were excited and a little terrified. We definitely felt like we were crazy. Still, everything seemed to be falling into place, and as scary as this life change appeared, we both felt a peace about the decision to start a new chapter in our lives. That's big considering that we're both the oldest children in our families, which basically means we're super responsible. Risk is something we don't typically do. But this has been a dream of Luke's for quite some time. If there's one thing I know about our Heavenly Father it's that He cares about our dreams. And then He dreams BIGGER than we could possibly imagine. He's awesome like that.

Today is the last day of the known, and tomorrow is the first day of the unknown. We've asked ourselves a million times if we're crazy to walk away from the benefits of working for a large corporation. We are crazy. AT&T has been a wonderful to Luke. They truly care about their employees, and we are so grateful for the opportunities provided to Luke while working there. 

But here's the deal, God is crazy. He sent His Son to die on a cross for a bunch of sinners that were undeserving of such an extravagant love. So no, I don't love change, but I do love my Heavenly Father. I know He's calling us out of the boat into a place that requires greater trust and a deeper faith. I keep telling Him I'm not ready, but I don't think we're on the same page. Per the usual. Oh, and also, I keep telling Him that it doesn't feel like we're stepping out of a boat. It feels more like we're jumping off a cliff. 

{via}

I guarantee you those people are NOT oldest children. No way would we jump off a cliff and destroy a dress that cost our parents an arm. And maybe part of their leg. For all that's good and holy, preserve that thing in your attic. It's the responsible thing to do for crying out loud. 

I know it won't be easy. Luke will be out of town for a week every month. There will be long hours and sacrifices on both our parts. But we believe it will be worth it. Luke will be working from home with a more flexible schedule that will allow him to be a part of more family activities. He will get to work with some of his favorite people, which is exciting and a prayer request all at the same time. 

In the words of Michael Buble "it's a new dawn, it's a new day," we're feeling mostly good. Here's to new chapters, taking risks, and dreaming God-sized dreams!

life lately

So far 2015 has been busy and full of fun. We celebrated the new year in Colorado...

We spent some time in Denver with Jared, Lindsay, and Matt followed by time in the mountains with my family.

We were ready to get home and back in our own beds. Also, I was ready to feel my fingers and toes on a regular basis, which is why I was super thrilled to be greeted by a broken heater. Oh and did I mention that we were getting ready to host a house full of people? Ready, set, PANIC!! Meanwhile, Luke was calmly working in the attic to figure out what the heck went wrong while we were gone. And that's why we're a good match. I take care of the drama and he solves the problem. I'm supportive like that. 

Then we spent the next two weeks with Luke's side of the family celebrating a very late Keiffer Christmas. We got to enjoy a little Lady A and the National Championship thanks to a couple of family members blessing us with their connections. And I got to pretend I was cooler than I really am. 

Ummm yeah, that last picture proves that Lindsay and I aren't the only crazy ones in our marriages. We had the best time! And then real life smacked me in the face the next day in the form of the flu. Everyone belly up to the Tamiflu bar!! This little guy was out of school for a WEEK AND A HALF! 

Thanks for nothin' flu mist. 

Life has gotten back to normal now with school, sports, and lots of long work days for Luke. We're gearing up for another big change, but that's a post for another time. I don't have time to hyperventilate today. 

Luke and I ride the emotional roller coaster that is our daughter Brooke on a daily basis. I promise I have no idea where she gets her crazy. Austin is getting too big, but moments like these remind me that I have a little bit longer before I have to admit he's a big boy. 

The day he says goodbye to Lambie will be the day you find me curled up in the fetal position crying my eyes out. 

I can't believe how fast time flies, especially since the afternoons can feel like a sweet forever! I'm so thankful I get to call these people mine. 

fancy friday

Happy Friday, friends! I used to think that once I was working from home I wouldn't get as excited about the weekend, but I was wrong. So very wrong! Now Fridays mean just one more day until we're all home together for TWO WHOLE DAYS! And I have backup. Just keepin' it real. 

Once upon a time long ago, Fridays meant date night for Luke and me. We used to dress up and go out to eat...maybe see a movie. One thing is for sure, though, we would definitely stay up way past what our bedtime is these days. Don't get me wrong, we still have date nights on Fridays to celebrate the fact that we made it through another week. However, we usually order take-out, put on comfy clothes, and clean out the DVR. Because we're raising little people. And we're tired. Plus, I'm sure the time will come all too soon when we'll have our Friday nights back and go out to eat. You know, around 4pm with all the other blue hairs.

Occasionally, the grandparents will bless us with a date night out. We dress up, kiss the littles, and high-tail it outta there before Brooke has a meltdown resulting in the grandparents suggesting dessert instead of dinner. It's nice to relive the days when kids were just a dream, and our metabolism could handle carb loading at a fancy Italian restaurant. So in honor of days gone by and days yet to come, here are some pretty little numbers I would love to wear while out with my man.


I love this entire outfit. 

It's also really cool that she's been blessed with the kind of skin tone that looks golden all year round. I do not enjoy such a luxury. Self-tanner is my friend. 

If we were going on a really fancy date, I would definitely wear this.

With these shoes.

And these earrings.

Because nothing says fun like glitter. So much glitter! Unfortunately, the dress alone costs $900, and Luke did not pick the winning Power Ball numbers so I'm out of luck. 

Since I'm solo parenting until tomorrow night, our weekly date will have to take place on Sunday. Today, Brooke and I will be cleaning while Austin is at school. Because we love to live the glamorous life. And then I'm going to pick out something cute to wear when Luke gets home tomorrow. Apparently he folded laundry for me the other day and noticed there were a lot of yoga pants in the mix. What can I say? Some weeks I live by this motto.

To be fair, though, most days I really do put forth an effort to wear something other than sweats. I feel much better about myself if I do. Don't you? And I have to brag on my husband for a minute and tell you that he never gives me a hard time about what I'm wearing. Probably because he wants to live to see the next day, but also, he loves me no matter what. Some days it's the inside that counts. Am I right?!

I may not get to enjoy a date with Luke tonight but these two will keep me company and entertained instead. 

Our night together will probably involve me saying "no" to Chuck E Cheese and compromising on another location that serves pizza before we head to Austin's basketball practice. It won't be fancy, but it will be fun. I wouldn't trade my messy, crazy life for anything in the world!