2015 In Review...

2015 has come to a close.

I really can't believe it's over!

Our family is truly blessed.

I am halfway through my fourth term at WGU and am planning to graduate either in the winter of 2017 or spring of 2018.

Evan has finished his third semester at GVSU.

Nate is halfway through his freshman year in high school.

We are all buzzing along!

My baking business has slowed down a bit (by choice).  I am still taking limited orders, but with working full time outside of the home (oh, that's another story!) and going to school full time, it just doesn't leave the time for a lot of orders.  In January of 2015 we rang in the new year quietly.  I celebrated another birthday in February.  Nate had band concerts in March.  The winter came and went without much new.  In April, I attended a cookie baking conference where we learned loads about cookie decorating and even making cake pops.  It was great to meet all of the ladies I knew from our baking groups online in person.  There were ladies from Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Canada.  May brought Tulip Time once again.  Nate marched with the band in the parade and also in the Memorial Day parade.

 In June we went to Mackinac Island for a family vacation.  It was a lovely time.

July Fourth we stayed home this year due to Jamie's new job.  Oh yeah...he has a new job!  He has really  been blessed by the position he was offered and we were excited about that.  In August, we took another trip to the Island.  This time we went with my parents.  It was a lovely time.  August also brought about some challenges in our lives.  Although I have always heard and read a lot about spiritual warfare, I never knew the reality of it until this past year.  I never knew that the enemy could use people for such evil and wickedness to attack others.  We went through a real attack this past year.  I went through a period of anger, sadness, depression...and overall desperation, not eating or sleeping much.  Surrounded in prayer by our friends and family, we came through victoriously.  God was with us the whole time.  I will never fully understand why we had to endure such awfulness, but I have to believe that God has a plan in everything.  My challenge now is forgiveness.  What we went through was so awful...I know God wants me to forgive...but it's hard...and I'd appreciate your prayers.  It will take time...a lot of time...

August through October were tough...but God got us through.

On a happy note!

By October, I had been doing a lot of thinking...and decided it was time for change.

I decided to look for a new job.

Ever just KNOW that something is a "God-Thing"???

I applied online at a local company.

I was called the next day for an interview.

That day they asked me to come in for testing.

At the end of testing, I was told I was hired!

Originally, I was told that the way things worked was that I'd be hired in as a "temp" for three months and I'd have to work third shift.

I got a phone call the next day with an offer for a "direct hire" with the company on FIRST SHIFT!

Was that God or what?

It just doesn't happen like that people kept telling me!

Although I was hired in directly, for me, it's just a temporary job...two years max...until I finish my degree.  I will work here until I start my student teaching.

Pretty cool!

October was a pretty blessed month!

November we spent Thanksgiving evening with my family playing games and having desserts.  It was a great day.

December brings us to the end of the year...we had a lovely Christmas with extended family and also the four of us.

Tonight we close out 2015...

I am looking forward to 2016!

I do not make resolutions.

I tend to feel like a failure when I don't keep them, haha.

I just wake up each day and give God my best for that day...or at least I try! ;)

Wishing you and yours a very safe, healthy, and happy 2016!!!

TTFN...

Melody

July And August...Family, Feasts, the Fourth, and Frivolous (stuff)...

Mom, cousin Tiffany, and me.

 I can't believe I didn't write one post during the month of July.  That can only mean one thing...either I'm TOO OVERLY busy...or...NOTHING AT ALL is happening.

I think it is the first.  Too much going on.

I will warn you...these events are COMPLETELY out of order because I posted the pictures backwards, LOL!

Last weekend, my cousin Tiffany and her family came up to Michigan from Illinois to visit.  On Saturday my sis invite my family and my parents up for a cookout so we could all visit and catch up.

Logan, Raegan, and Ben

 We had a fabulous time.  We had burgers and dogs, fresh veggies, watermelon, chips, and dip.  We all chatted and the kids played and then we took them down to the subdivision's pool later for a dip.

Me and Jess.

 Sisters...friends.

Raegan, my niece, with her "name cookie" that I baked.

 For dessert, my sister had butterscotch chewies, strawberry rhubarb crisp, ice cream, monster cookies...and then I brought along some of my decorated sugar cookies.

Summer Lovin' cookies!

 I went with a summer theme for this platter and made one with everyone's name as well.

You can check out all of my creations on my baking blog here:
http://sweetivyconfections.blogspot.com/

My flowers and patriotic decor

 Like I said, this post is out of order...forgive!

This year instead of planting my old stand-by (petunias)...I went with geraniums and dusty miller.  They have done really well, even though we haven't had much rain.  I've been consistently watering them daily, but they seem to be more forgiving than petunias if I miss a day.  This was the first July 4th in YEARS, that we haven't spent the week at Mackinac Island.  Due to hubby and Evan's work schedules, we had to take a June trip instead of a July trip (BUT WE'RE GOING BACK IN AUGUST!).  Anywho...I put out some patriotic decor since we were home this year.  Some little flags and red/white/blue hearts in the window box.

My garden flag and more flowers!

 Oh!  I also got marigolds!  I almost forgot.  They are doing exceptionally well too!

I put two pots of those on each side of the garage.

The deck

 Last year, we had to have all of the wood trim replaced around the sides of our garage.  That is where I had my bracket/holder for my flag.  Well, we had to take it down during the construction...and...it never got put back up.  Soooo...I now hang my American flag as a banner on the deck during the patriotic holidays.  I added some red/white/blue bows as well.

The front porch

 My hydrangea bush seems to be struggling each year.  A big threatening "weed" or "growth" of some kind took root in there and it is THICK.  I think it may be threatening my poor little hydrangea.  It is too thick to pull out, so I have cut it down to the ground, but it still grows back.  The hydrangeas have been holding their own though and blooming beautifully each year.  I got it as a tiny little plant and now it's quite large!

 Some of you may remember me sharing, I was born in Tennessee, but grew up in Illinois before moving to Michigan at age 12.  When I lived in Illinois, we lived just the other side of the river from St. Louis...so we were always Cardinal fans growing up. (I've since been converted to a Detroit Tiger fan by my hubby, hehe!)  But anyway, my parents were headed back "home" for a family reunion and my aunt asked if I'd make her some cookies (what I do in my "free" time, lol).  These were a fun set to make and I think they enjoyed them.  They are buttery vanilla almond with royal icing.

 Ever since I got my fireplace for Christmas last year, I've enjoyed decorating it for all the holidays and seasons.  After July 4th, I didn't really have a season/holiday to go with.  So I did a "Pure Michigan" theme!

Smitten With The Mitten

Home

 Well...after many years...I finally retired "Rex".  "Rex" was my old cell phone.  The boys called it Rex (as in T-Rex) because it was as "old as a dinosaur" they told me.  I am a "little" late to the party, but I finally got a smart phone.  WOW.  Am I ever having fun, LOL!

And I am in love with my girly little case!  Ha!

Each month when I decorate my mantel, I try to coordinate my hallway chalkboard.  Thus...the "Smitten With The Mitten" (Pure Michigan) chalkboard!

 I am still plugging away at school!

I am almost done with my third term at WGU which will put me just over half way done with my degree!  If there is one thing I can instill in my sons, it's to FINISH COLLEGE immediately after high school.  I am proud of what I am doing in showing them that it's important to finish what you start and that anything is possible!  But I want them to know how important it is for them to do it right when they finish high school.  They see how hard it is for me now...working 55+ hours a week with my daycare business, running my part-time baking business, raising a family...PLUS going to school full time!  But I'm going to show them!  Dreams come true when you work hard!  I know that the day I get my diploma not only will I be excited...but I'm pretty sure I will cry...tears of joy, pure exhaustion, and gratitude.

Well...I think that catches us up 'til now!

We have one more trip to Mackinac we're taking.  I'll be sure to post pics of that when we get back.  I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!

God bless!

Easter and beyond...

 We had a good Easter.

It doesn't matter how old we get...we always dye eggs.

It's just one of those holiday traditions that I don't think you need to "grow out of".

Kind of like carving jack-o-lanterns...everyone should do it...no matter your age.

 We did "glitter eggs" this year.  I had bought this kit on clearance last year after Easter.

It was a good concept, except the glitter didn't really adhere that well.

What did, was pretty.

 The boys didn't want their pictures taken...

And they were acting all goofy.

I promised I wouldn't post them on Facebook...

But...

 I didn't promise I wouldn't post them on the blog.

It's ok boys, no one major reads my blog anyway.

 So ham it up...

We went to church and out to Logan's for dinner on Easter.

It was a good day...and thankfully, no snow. :)

Kitty is doing well.

Making her usual blog appearance.

The other day, for the first time in the six months we've owned her, she discovered the washing machine..go figure.  She was completely intrigued.  Crazy girl.

In other news...

-I passed my science exam/class!  YAY!  I've finished my first whole year at WGU and am moving right along swiftly.  I am now 40% done with my degree.  Only a couple more general education classes and then I'll be moving on to all education classes, yes!

-Saturday I'm going to my cookie gathering/convention.  It will be a day filled with some of the most amazing bakers.  Fun, food, laughter, classes, raffles, prizes, contests, swag bags, and more.  I can't wait!

-It's finally getting warmer out.  I need to make some time to go out and weed the flower beds/landscape.  Pretty soon it will be time to plant the annuals!

I think that wraps things up for now.

Will be sure to give an update after the cookie gathering Saturday!

Hope you all are having a great spring!

MJ

Mantels...

Christmas 2014 mantel

 I've been having so much fun with my mantel!

Yes...I wanted a fireplace for the warmth, ambiance, coziness, etc.

But decorating a mantel is so much fun!

Winter/Snowman 2015 mantel

 So far I've done Christmas, Winter/Snowman, and Valentine's Day themes.

I already have ideas for St. Patrick's Day!

I just think it brings so much festivity to the home.

Valentine's Day 2015 mantel

Do you decorate your mantel for each holiday/season?
If so, where do you get inspiration and ideas?
Pinterest has been my go-to thus far.
Share your blog link if you have photos!
I'd love to see!

I Feel Like A Slug...

me with my boys on vacation...approx. 9-10 years ago...

I'm not quite sure what happened.

Or how it happened.

Or when it happened.

But my metabolism just isn't what it used to be.

on a trip w/ hubby...probably 9 or 10 years ago...

 So many moms gain their weight during their pregnancy, and then have a hard time losing the baby weight.  That was never the case for me.  I only gained 19 pounds with my first son, and 22 with my second.  I walked out of the hospital after having my first son weighing one pound LESS than my pre-pregnancy weight.  Yes.  I said A FULL POUND LESS than my PRE-pregnancy weight!  (please don't hate me!)

 I always had a great metabolism.  I never had to diet.  I could eat whatever I wanted.

I never really exercised.  I mean, hubby and I took walks.  I chased the boys around.

But I didn't "really" exercise.  And I never gained weight.

me and the boys 9-10 years ago...

 Then I started gaining weight.  It was a slow thing at first.

Each fall/winter, I'd gain maybe 4-5 pounds.  You know, it starts at Halloween with all the candy.  Then the big Thanksgiving dinner and pies.  Then Christmas comes with all of it's dips, spreads, cookies, and treats.  But after the holidays in late winter/early spring, I'd go on a diet and start exercising and I'd lose 7 or 8 pounds.  I'd get rid of the gut, gain more energy, look and feel better about myself.

me and my sis probably 7 or 8 years ago I'm guessing...

But then this year...everything changed.  I really don't know what happened.  Age?  Hormones?  Who knows.  Instead of the 4-5 pounds I normally gain each winter...

Between August and December...I gained 15 pounds.  It might not sound like a lot to some people.  And people who see me now say, "Oh, you look fine!"  Well, let me tell you...it's all about the clothes honey!  I do a lot of camouflaging!  All of my jeans are too tight.  All of my shirts are too tight.  I go through my closet each day looking for the baggiest/flowing blouses to hide my (more than) muffin top.  And it's not just how I look...it's how I feel.  I feel like a slug.  I feel unhealthy.  I feel tired...lethargic...unenergetic.  I feel out of breath doing the smallest things. 
It's time to change.

me...7 or 8 years ago...

Something's got to give.

I cannot do this anymore.

It's time to get back to portion control and exercising.

Because I feel (and look) awful.

I refuse to buy larger clothes.

I hesitate to share when I'm dieting because if someone sees me at a restaurant or eating pizza, they're thinking, "Uh-huh...there she goes messing up her diet!"  I can't "diet" like some people.  I'm not going all lean protein and greens.  I'm not counting points.  I cannot live if I deprive myself.  What I will do is do portion control.  I will make sure I'm eating "serving sizes".  If I want a cookie, I'll have ONE.  If I want ice cream, I'll have ONE scoop.  If I want pizza, I'll limit myself.  I'm not a HUGE eater to begin with.  I think the biggest thing for me is exercise.  I've got to get moving.  I'm rejoining our gym.  Hubby and I are going to get on the ARC trainers every day and get some cardio in.  I'm getting back on my fitness ball and doing my crunches again.  Gonna start working with the weights in my basement.  The slug is saying goodbye...because when your sweaters fit like spandex, it's time to make a change! 
(Note...these are all OLD pictures of me.  What my goal is!  I'm too embarrassed to post pictures of my currenet chubs!  Ha!)

Update on my schooling...(WGU)

Just thought I'd give a little update on my progress and where I'm at with school.

I've already completed one term and am working on my second term.

I am a little over 1/3  of the way done...falling somewhere in my sophomore year.

I am loving this school.  I don't think I would have ever went back if "traditional" school would have been my only option.  WGU is geared specifically for working adults.  You can accelerate if you want, but don't have to.  Each year is broken up into two 6 month terms.

You work at your own pace, but you still must finish the term by the end of the six months.

If you finish your course load early, you can accelerate and add another class in that term before it ends.  It is extremely challenging.  If you aren't the kind of person who is self-motivated, can work independently, or set and reach your own goals...it's definitely not the type of school for you.  It's A LOT of work.  You have to be a go-getter.

The support of the student mentors and course mentors is AMAZING.

They WANT you to succeed. They want you to graduate.  They will do anything they can to help you succeed.  That is something I never experienced in traditional college at the other two schools I attended.  It is difficult, challenging, trying, and overwhelming at times...not only the course load, but balancing it all with a full time job (2 businesses), family, and other day to day responsibilities.  This is why I stress over and over again to my sons..."Finish college while you're young.  Don't get married and start a family before you finish.  Don't quit.  Don't give up.  Do it while you're young."  I hope by my example that they will see that it's worth it to have a college degree.  It's been so nice being in college again while my oldest son is in college as well.  He has helped me a lot.  I'm hoping to continue to accelerate and graduate early...but if I don't and it takes the full amount of time...that's ok too.  The point is...I WILL GRADUATE!  I am NOT giving up or quitting this time!

It's gonna be so worth it in the end!

Oh the weather outside is frightful...

 This isn't the way it's supposed to be.
It's November for goodness sake.
"I don't remember having this much snow and these bitter temperatures before Thanksgiving in...FOREVER!" my husband cries!
This "IS" typical Michigan winter weather...
But not "NOVEMBER" weather.

These pictures don't really do justice to the "damage"...as this was pretty early on.

We first got about 8 inches, then another 6 or 7...

They say another "dumping" is coming tonight or tomorrow.

Possibly 4-7 inches more.

I have to say, I do enjoy it when I don't have to go anywhere (I work from home)...

But when I "have" to go out...to the store, to church, to the boys' schools, events...

It's pretty uninviting.

I don't see well at night to drive, much less in whiteout conditions.

I guess my only complaint is that when the snow starts so early, we don't get to enjoy fall, my favorite season, near long enough.  It makes our already long winters, even longer.
But it is what it is, right?
We are healthy, stocked up on supplies, and our snowblower is working hard!
We're all in this together, right?  Bring it!

Celebrate your "NOW"!

Middle age...

I recently read a story that a friend shared on Facebook.

It was a blog post someone wrote about that "middle" phase of life.

It got me to thinking...

Many people dread this stage of life.

They look at it with sadness.

Many are sad they can no longer have babies.

Many are sad they don't have young children anymore.

Many are sad the "nest is emptying".

True enough...

I have no cute baby photos to post anymore.

I have no silly toddler stories to share.

I'm not included in the latest "mommy conversation" about field trips, remedies for fevers, or cool toys.

{My Evan}

{My Nate}

What I do have is...

Some awesome pictures of my teenagers...

Receiving awards, graduating, parties, and more!

 

{Evan's high school graduation}

{Nate's Champion Chix Award}

I am excited.

I always have been.

I have never been the mom to say, "Oh, I miss the baby stage." or "I wish I could keep them little forever."

I enjoy every milestone and celebrate it!

From infancy to graduation...it's amazing!

Sad?

No way.

When we travel now, we don't have to plan our daily routine around naps, feedings, and bedtime.

Date night?  No problem.  The kids are old enough to stay home alone!

It's liberating, LOL!

Raising a family brings growth and change.

Change not only in your children but in YOUR life!

Embrace it!

Try something new!

A hobby, traveling, a career!

I am going back to school after 23 years and getting my teaching degree!

If all goes according to plan, I'll graduate college the same year my oldest son does!

I'll be starting a new career as my youngest son ends his high school career and begins college!

Scary?  A little.

Exciting?  YOU BET!

Will I miss my kids when they move out on their own and start careers and families?

Sure.

That will be hard for me.

But that just means the next stage of life...daughter-in-laws and grandbabies!

Live your life celebrating your NOW...not wishing for your past.

Make plans and...

CELEBRATE!