The Potty & the Carousel Lesson

I 

Avin has been working so hard the past couple of weeks to get herself out of her diapers for good. (Okay, maybe mom has been hounding her but she responds to a nag apparently.)

Two weeks ago we made her a potty chart (yep, on a dinner menu calendar but hey, you use what you've got when you think of it and have the time to sit down and get it done.) At the end of every week, she get a reward. You'll notice that last week was ice cream and this week was the carousel downtown. She can only earn this if she went all week using the potty during waking hours. Not one single accident, which tells me that she is more than ready. In November, she was almost potty trained completely.... then I got pregnant and was too exhausted to constantly be running her to the bathroom. I know, selfish. But oh how that first trimester always kicks my butt. After I finally started feeling better, we started again. And then we had Anchor. And then we quit again. So now we are finally doing it. 100% committed. Let's be honest, having a reward dangling in front of you helps too!

Today, we finally put a sticker up on the day for the carousel! Oh how she's been waiting and asking for this day for 2 full weeks. After a quick walk through downtown to catch the Saturday morning bustle, we finally found our way, through the pouring rain, to the carousel.

We waited in line for one whole ride and then it was our turn to get on. 

Missoula's carousel is one of the fastest in North America, so I was hesitant on letting Avin ride by herself on her horse. Because it's so fast, they don't allow parents to stand by the kiddo. You either ride with them or ride next to them. Avin was begging to ride alone, so I figured if I was sitting beside her, she could ride alone.... with the belt wrapped twice around her for safety. Because honestly, 2 weeks of waiting for a 2 year old is a long, long time. 

She ran around the whole ring of wooden horses looking for the perfect 'unicorn.' She found the prettiest, 'farkly' (sparkly... but there weren't any sparkles. Ha!) unicorn (except it wasn't a unicorn, just a girly horse) with an adorable little wooden puppy riding on the tail end (another nice word for butt)

I lifted her on and strapped her in before realizing the only open horse next to hers was a BUCKING BRONCO! This mom had to ride a horse that was at a 45 degree angle. Are you kidding me?!? But, she worked so hard and I could sacrifice a little bit of discomfort (or a LOT of bit) for a few spins around the carousel.

Our horses made 2 full circles and we heart the loudest clunk. Um... not good. The carousel BROKE! I was crushed for Avin. But she had absolutely no idea that this wasn't normal. She was just too happy that she got to ride the horse, up and down, all by herself! She was laughing uncontrollably and had the proudest smile for minutes after we got off.

When I looked at it as a big major disappointment and set back, she didn't see that at all. She only experienced joy. Pure joy. Even short lived. And then we got ice cream. 

Her satisfaction reminds me to be happy for the little bits and not always craving the much. For some reason, I seem to be an all or nothing person. If I get behind on my bible reading, I feel crushed and if I can't do the whole lesson in one day, I quit. But if I just took the little bits when I could that would be better than being obsessed with not getting it all done. Instead of not stopping with one piece of carrot cake and being satisfied, I feel like I need a second. 

What I think I'm saying is to enjoy the small things. This is something I'm trying to live in. Joy in the little. 

Soaking up a Memory - Grandma's Ark

Growing up, when we were at our grandmas house, my sisters and I would get the privilege to play with Noah's Ark and animals in her sink. Grandma just had a perfect way of making each of us feel special and almost spoiled when she would pull out this old ark for us to play with. (As I'm sure she did with every grandchild... Right cousins?)

We would fill up the sink with warm water, pull up a folding chair and spend so much time (what felt like hours) taking each set of animal, pair by pair, up and down the bridge of the large boat (that didn't float... It was a sinker for sure)  

Two by two, we would make up stories or have grandma tell us the story of Noah's faithfulness and God's promise to His children. Being extra careful not to spill water on to the floor (it was carpeted wasn't it? Family? Aunties? Grandma?) we would lean over that sink until both of our hands were wrinkled beyond recognition and the water freezing cold. 

Last December, I remember lying in bed thinking about which toy we should get for Avin. I didn't want to just get another something that would end up in a pile or in her closet, or worse, stacked in the garage waiting for the next garage sale. I wanted something that would provide countless hours of entertainment and would create a memory for her. 

It hit me link a ton of bricks... Noah's Ark. But it couldn't be just any Noah's Ark. It had to be the one exactly like the one at grandmas house. 

One thing is sure, I can hunt down pretty much anything on the Internet, without really knowing what exactly I was looking for. I stayed up all night searching until finally in found exactly the one I had to get for her. (At this point I had to ask myself honestly; was this for her or for me? Me... Duh!)

After all my research, the coolest thing that I found out was this ark and these animals came from.... Are you ready?!.... A GAS STATION!!! 

At Arco gas stations in the early 1970s, you could purchase the Ark and then each fill up, you would get a pair of animals. How cool is that?! If I were a child then, I know that would have been a highlight to go get gas with my mom or dad. I wonder if my dad was ever the lucky kid to see what the newest addition to the set would be that week. I sure wish we had incentives like that to fill our tanks. 

After my hours of research, and then scrounging eBay for a complete set, I finally laid my eyes on a BRAND NEW, Vintage ARCO Noah's Ark. Still in original packing! 

I wish I could blame being up too late and super tired, but I know that I would have paid the embarrassing price tag any time. If you're a vintage you collector, close your ears...... Because as soon as that package arrived in the mail, I ripped open all the packages of the animals and Noah (who Avin now refers to as Grandpa Kit!) and his wife. 

I didn't purchase this incredible find just to have it sit on a shelf, in its packagin, collecting dust. No, I splurged on this 'toy' to be just that. To be used today like it was today. To give a toddler well over an hour to get lost in her own little world.. Hands wrinkled, chilly water and cupboards and floors drenched. 

There isn't another toy that we own that brings both of us nearly as much joy as this one does. After dozens of times pulling it down from the shelf, Avin still gets excited to play with the ark. 

It give me joy... And clean counters, cupboard fronts and floor after I'm finished soaking up the mess. 

Is there a toy you remember from childhood that you absolutely love and have purchased for your child or wish you could? Please share. December is coming and I need more ideas. 

Who I Am Lately.

I've been struggling with writing. I'm not sure why other than feeling like I don't know how to share with you our everyday story exactly the way I want it to be told. Like I'm incapable of telling you how we are. So, tonight I'm going to start by sharing with you me. Who I am lately.

I am a wife. I am a nag. I am a mom. I am distracted. I am excited. I am a listener. I'm a screamer. I am a dog petter. I am the cook, cleaner and laundry stain scrubber. I am a leader. I am an encourager. I am scared. I am humbled. I am lonely but I am at peace. I am a snuggler and puzzle assistant. I'm a helper of homework and budget planner. I am a lemonade and coffee spill cleaner upper. I am a texter. I am a Food Network watcher... in the background of my day. I am a negotiator and questioner of insurance claims. I am forgetful... (Happy Birthday yesterday Mom! I love you!) I'm a procrastinator. I am crazy busy.... but yet crazy lazy. I'm a husband kisser. I'm a communicator. I am a baby milk producer. I am a PTSA member (just signed up tonight.) I am a Bible studier. I'm a story teller and book reader. I am a prayer over my husband, kiddos and home. I'm a hoarder of God's miracles (I promise to share soon.) I'm a collector of stationary. I am a monitor silencer. I am a student planner signer. I am a cheerleader and a play dough artist. I'm a pro diaper changer and also the recipient of an occasional pee pee shower! (EW! ... BOYS!) I am vulnerable. I am weak. I'm a taco pie maker and a chocolate chip cookie baker. I'm a swaddler. I am a pumpkin lover (like everything pumpkin including the pumpkin spice ice cream from Schwann's.... get yourself some!) I am a bath time attendee. I am a dishwasher. I am tired. I am a coffee and wine drinker... and a goldfish cracker eater. And so much more.

And this was just today. As I sit here and put down into words the exact feelings I had today; how I labeled myself today; I hear the Holy Spirit telling me who I really am.

I am a daughter of The King. First and foremost. I am strong because I have Christ and I don't have to go through my days trying to do and be it all. I have been given these gifts and responsibilities of being a wife, mom and business owner because The Lord loves me. And that is exciting and humbling. I have a story that needs to be told. Everyday. Even when I'm tired or feeling insignificant in the scheme of our day to day. Who would I be to not share His goodness? I am called to share our blessings with others. It's time to be brave. The words will come.

If you've been around for a while you'll know that I took a friend's challenge and wrote everyday a couple years ago for a long time (I didn't make it quite a year) but now I know that the only way I'll remember this season in our lives is if I write it down. And let's face it, I'm a way better typer than I am a writer. I want to remember. I want to share. So please join me. I'll be here.... being vulnerable, scattered but brave.

When Plans Change

Today marks 81 days of life in the NICU. Today was also suppose to be the day that we were finally going to take our son through the hospital doors. But plans changed.

I've been able to take some curve balls with stride during the past 12 weeks here, but today was different. Today I felt devastated. Heartbroken. Sad. Frustrated. Defeated.

Today I also was humbled. Joel and I had taken down nearly all of his decorations. We said good bye to our nurses and friends.... because when they are pretty much the only people you've been around the past 3 months, they become friends who understand and love you through this big life event. He passed the car seat test. We took our CPR class. We finished all of our discharge checklist. He is gaining weight. We got comfortable with the easy coasting. We were used to taking only steps forward. It had been weeks since we've had a set back with Anchor's care; we were past that.

But we weren't. And we aren't.

During his morning check up, on the day of discharge, our little guys blood pressure was up. It had been slowly creeping up the past few days but we were told this is something we would just keep an eye on during our out patient care with our pediatrician. But this morning, we were told that it's high enough to be concerning. Anchor had to do more blood work and began blood pressure medicine per the request of the pediatric nephrologist from Seattle Childrens. They are sending his labs into Mayo Clinic for more comprehensive testing and to check kidney function.

So we are here. This is where we'll be until at least Sunday. And even though it's hard, and it sucks, and I'm sad, I know that this is exactly where we are suppose to be. The Lord's timing is always perfect and we will rest in that today.... and always.

Tonight, I will sit here, constantly being reminded of the blessings and constant favor God has shown us during the past few months... and I will rejoice.

I Write.

For some reason, I have not been here. Writing. On this blank, white screen.

Maybe it has been that I've been in the car the past 73 days. Driving back and forth to the hospital. Maybe it's been trying to nurse a teeny tiny baby with big huge boobs. Maybe it's been the lack of sleep. Or the lack of coffee. Or because I can't get these 'bing bings' from the monitors out of my head.

But what about the in between minutes and sometimes precious hours I was spending with our girls. Maybe it was because we were sitting on the back deck 'washing our toes' in the inflatable pool. Maybe I haven't written because I was cheering on our girls during the few games I got to watch this season. Maybe it's because we were hanging humming bird feeders, watering our new garden, or serving pretend 'cheeebugers' from the window on the new playhouse. Maybe.

Maybe it's because I'm drowning in medical bills and doctor appointments. Maybe it's because all I've been able to think about is which education is best for our two precious oldest daughters. Or maybe I haven't even opened my computer in weeks because I've been cleaning closets and spending my spare time journaling, sleeping and reading books that have been sitting on my shelf for too long that need to get finished. Maybe it's because Joel and I have been binge watching Scandal because our girls are away and we are completely bored with a list of to dos a mile long. Maybe.

But I think the main reason I haven't been here, why I haven't been present and openly talking about our journey is because the devil is telling me that no one wants to hear it. That I could never tell this story good enough. The story that I'm living. The journey that I'm on. That it wouldn't mean anything to anyone else. He's been telling me that I don't have time to share.

Sometimes it takes a sweet soul to remind you that Satan is not in control. Jesus is. And our story, this incredible story of ours... our everyday life...  the boring, the miraculous, the hard and sweet, the scary and joyful.... is meant to be shared.

I named this blog Everyday Jari. There is nothing special about me. No super powers that are getting me through this season in life. I deserve nothing. But I want this story, our story, here. I want to be raw and real, authentic and genuine... in the crazy and the lazy (<---- I'm already starting to pray for lazy days!)... but.. BUT I want to glorify Christ and live for Him. I want to share. And it's time I choose to be brave and talk about everything we've been going through. If for anything.... for me. For my family to have as a journal during this incredible, wonderful, stressful and beautiful season of our lives.

I Miss 'Normal'

Written on June 19, 2015:

Alyn hit an infield GRAND SLAM today during a game in Great Falls!

And both her dad and I missed it. This makes me sad. It's missing out on 'life' with our girls for the past 47 days that has been the hardest... and saying 'see ya later' to our son 3 times a day stinks too.

I just miss our normal. I miss not being able to braid the girls' hairs before their games. I miss cheering for them like a wild lady on the sidelines. I miss seeing Joel out there coaching the group of girls he loves so much. I miss chasing Avin around the park. I miss resting my hands on my pregnant belly. I miss Joel feeling the baby kick.

I may have had a little sadness in my voice when I asked Joel tonight.... "This is not how I pictured our summer. Did you?"

His instant reply "Nope. But God's plan is far better than we could ever imagine."

And it's so true.

I never thought in a million years that we would have our baby at 26 weeks. I never knew what joy and heartache we would endure. I don't even know how we are getting through these days with so much crazy and so much waiting we have to do.

I just miss our normal.

I would go on to tell you that I'm excited for our new life and what it looks like so I don't sound ungrateful or come off as a drag.... but I'm just being real. I'm just being honest. I miss our old normal. A lot.

Overwhelmed in the Beautiful Mess

Last night I saw an Instagram post from Village Church AND I had a friend give a gently reminder about the 'beautiful mess' we all really live in.... And the highlights we like to share in our 'social world.' 

It's easy to clear a space and take a quick snapshot of your 'super cute, look how adorable my space is' area. 

I know.... Because I do that. All. The. Time. 

Friends, I live in chaos.  Each and every day, this is how it looks. I'm overwhelmed.... But in the most beautiful way. 

I had my dearest friend ask me today to sit down and write out my blessings... Each one. One by one. And I can't stop. I could never stop. My (our) blessings are raining upon us every single moment. Like that in a never ending storm. 

It seems that in sharing and showing my life behind the lens of this iPhone 5, I may have put on the 'I've got it all together - my life is grand - everything is planned and scheduled and organized... Seriously, it is!' mask. 

But it's not. It's crazy. It's messy. But it's beautiful. And it's us. And we love it. I love it. 

We share what we think others want to see. We share the photos of how we wish others to view us. It's just something we crave... To be wanted, to belong, to be admired. 

But in reality, we're a mess. Each and every day we struggle with what our back stages, our bloopers, look like... As we sit in the same breath comparing our 'zoom out,' to our friends' or even internet strangers 'zoom in' looks like. 

But even then, always, we are admired by The King; we belong to His Kingdom; we are wanted to do His work. 

It's not easy. But it's worth it. Very rarely do easy and right belong in the same sentence. Anything worth doing is hard. 

 

All of it is hard. Being a wife and mom, running a business around the world, home educating, church volunteer, friend, sister, daughter, coach and more... But these; These are my blessings. And this is why I'm overwhelmed. Because of the love. Because of the beautiful mess that it all fits in. 

Sunday Selfies + Sunday 7

A couple little cuties hijacked my phone.... And took some precious photos. 

I just finished my Sunday 7. I need something to keep me on track. It seems that whenever someone asks me how I am, the first word that pops into my head is... BUSY. 

Every day has a to do list that is mega long. Most days I'm trying to play catch up from the days before... All the while the lists just keep growing.  

I'm sure we've all been there. Caught up in the every day chaos of the ordinary things that keep us busy. But there is something about this season that feels extraordinary. I don't know what it is... But I can feel it. I crave it. 

I've been luke warm in the ordinary for a long time. I feel a fire burning for the extraordinary. I feel the Holy Spirit working... So I will wait. And listen. And obey. 

And it's exciting. 

Full house

I don't know about you but I love a full house. I am so grateful for our friends and tent willingness to watch out girls at the drop of a hat for days on end when we have a business trip. 

Tonight we had the opportunity to care for and love on their kiddos. I love the full house. I love the noise. I love the imagination. I love how each kiddo has someone to play with. 

It's a big ole sleepover at the Spry house. And I pretty much love it. 

Tonight I go to bed with a full heart and a full house.  Praying for more pitter patters on our home. 

Late night TV

Pretty lame post... That's your warning. 

You know when you're so tired you can't do anything but drag the computer to bed and click on Netflix. 

Then, somehow, my fingers found the show The Black List. Whoa! I love it... And I hate it! It makes my gut wrench and my legs sweat. I'm not one for suspense but I can't shut it off! 

After a few episodes (too many to tell you!) it is time for something a little more my style. 

New Girl it is. Something I can laugh out loud, calm my nerves and go to bed happy. 

But that's just me... And my night tonight. 

What do you watch? Any bad habits like eating popcorn in bed while your husband sleeps soundly? I wouldn't know who would do something like that. 

*wink 

New Season, New Goals, New Rhythms

Nothing makes me happier than when a month with even numbers of days begins on a Monday!

Seriously, I may be OCD, or whatever but that is just so stinkin' cool to me! The icing on the cake was our new launch of Scentsy & Velata fall & winter products! It was EXCITING to see all the buzz... this season is going to be incredible!

As I'm sure you've read before, I am NOT a Monday starter kind of a person. I had switched to being a Thursday starter but that obviously wasn't working.

Really, nothing was working. Lately, I have felt so... well... blah. I felt overwhelmed with everything in life. Being behind on all my daily, weekly and monthly to dos. I felt like I wasn't the kind of mom and wife, friend, daughter or sister, I wanted to be. I felt super unhealthy and quite frankly unlovable.

In all honesty, I had a real breakdown last night. Lying in bed next to my groom, I shared all my doubts, fears, failures.... in tears I was very vulnerable. Nothing in the world is sweeter than the person you love most on this planet turn to you and say.... "Babe, whatever is going on, I'll be right here with you through it all. There is nothing we can't do without Jesus and each other."

After praying together, I went to bed with a renewed sense of life.

So today, after seeing a couple of friends September goals, that's what I want to share too.

Personal:

Intentional Quiet Time with The Lord (every Morning!) <--- That means I need to get up when everyone else is still sleeping. *cheer - YOU CAN DO IT!*

Send my husband off to work well... shake, coffee, kiss

Meal plan & eat at home the whole month (only exception is while traveling or date nights)

Date each of my daughters (1 on 1 time with each)

Two date nights with my husband

Set up budget and stick to it! (So hard but much needed! Dave Ramsey, you & I have a date!)

No junk food + drink more water (I'm 5 days in and feeling better)

30 Day Challenge (see below)

Find a rhythm in the every day (homeschool, housework, business)

Finish the basement

Be more of a YES mom

Makeover one room in our home

Business:

3000 PRV minimum

Share the Scentsy/Velata opportunity with 3 people

Spend more time on the phone or coffee dates with my frontline (set up a chats so we can help hold each other accountable, set goals and dream bigger together)

send out more Happy Mail

Plan my whole fall + winter (set my map for the incentive trip & plan all meetings and get togethers)

225,000 GWV

Read more!

Today was a good day. I feel like I've got a good start & some of these things are family goals. I have found that it's so important to share your goals with others, write them down, and be accountable to keep them. Sometimes things may not go exactly as planned, but as long as you are striving to reach your goals, you're doing great! I'm grateful I have a family and friends who will work hard with me and hold me to my goals. 

I'm hitting the pillow tonight refreshed, ready.... and sore.

Day one DONE!

Want to join the challenge with me? 

The Storms.

Does your life ever feel like one big storm? I'm not talking about like complete drear or gloom. I'm talking about chaos and busyness. Almost like you feel like there is just too much twisting and spinning out of control in your head.

Being a wife, mommy, business owner, team leader, church and nonprofit volunteer.... friend, sister, daughter, auntie.... house cleaner, educator, meal planner, laundry lady and so much more.... life gets busy!

I love each and every role that lies invisible behind my name. I love the responsibilities they all require. I actually love the to do lists that I have every. single. day. I really do.

But sometimes, it all just feels like a storm. A storm of thoughts, more to-dos and a tornado of lists twisting around in my head. Too many broken thoughts to count them all.

But every single time I have one small accomplishment; one little thing that brings a little more peace to my day, I feel The Sunshine. I feel the sense of 'you did it!'....'ta-done!'

It truly helps to have a great planner and system to keep everything in order and on paper. I'm a firm believer that if it's written, it gets done. If it's in sight, you can't ignore it. (<---- that's a whole blog post that you can bet will be coming soon!)

But most importantly, I realize that I'm not in control of everything... or really anything. But I do have a duty to not be idle in with myself during the days. To stay busy. To do the work The Lord is calling me to do.

There is always more. Always something new. And I wouldn't change it for anything. I'm always up for the challenge. I'm always willing to give more and more in order to keep striving to be the person The Lord created me to be. Even in the crazy busy storms of this life.

It makes me happy. The sunshine always come after the rain.

Because life's storms (no matter how big or small), prove the strength of Our Anchor! (even if it's scheduling and organizing)

I'd love to know though, how do you keep track of all your to-dos, the running lists that are never ending in your mind?

Because.... what if?

A few weeks ago, my sweet friend Amy called me and told me this quote she saw floating around on facebook....

It made my heart sing. 

So, what if?

What if you were able to pay off debt.... school loans, cars, credit cards? What if you were able to buy your husband the gift he's always dreamed of? What if you were able to take your family on a dream vacation? I'm thankful that I took a chance on Scentsy Family and the growth I've seen through it is too great to mention it all. Personal growth, new relationships with so many amazing people... customers, hostesses, team members and other Scentsy Family. We've paid off our credit card debt, school loans and were able to buy a new home. I've been able to not only take my husband and children on dream vacations but in May I was able to take my sister to Greece.... a vacation of a lifetime.

I'd be the first to tell you, because I felt it all.... 'what if I fail?' 'What if I fall flat on my face like I have in every other area of my life?' 'I've tried something like this before and it never worked.'.... But I'm living proof that when you set your mind to something, when you choose not to give up and start watering your own grass, when you give credit where due (all glory to God), when you truly care about each person you come into contact with... your dreams will come true.

So my question is this...."What if you fly?" "What if you succeed?" What if you took the chance?" "How big is your why?" "What if you caught your dreams?"

If you've ever considered if the Scentsy Family opportunity (Scentsy Fragrance or Velata) would be something you'd want to try, I'm inviting you to chat with me so I can share with you this very thing... the opportunity. The blessing. Wherever you're at.... working full time, full time mama, businessman, near us or half a world away... we want nothing more than for you to experience this blessing like we have and hundreds other that we know.  Because you're worth it... and so are your dreams.

Comment here if you'd like more info. Or a phone chat. Or skype date. Or a coffee date. What better time than now?

To read another story about being brave, click here.  "Go ahead.... Be brave!"

XO.

Jari

EVERY.DAY..... ME.

For a while now, I've been wanting to write... but not knowing what to say. My every day life seems to be a little boring, mundane if you will. But what I've missed the most is sitting down at the keyboard, just me and my thoughts. Some nights I have something good to share. Something that might make someone laugh or make some one smile at least. But MOST nights, I feel like what I have to share isn't worth sharing at all.

But what makes us think that way? Isn't every part of our lives significant? Doesn't everything we do, every experience that we have, make our lives that very thing... OUR LIVES? I don't want to forget any of it any more.

Last year, around this same time, I committed to writing every day for a whole year. EVERY. DAY. Hence the name EVERY DAY JARI.  I only made it about 6-7 months before I started feeling inadequate: boring. I've always struggled with consistency. I've never let myself finish ANYTHING... except childbirth... that's too hard to NOT finish! Ha!

There is nothing boring about our lives. Nothing. Every moment... every circumstance... every experience. Whatever it is, it's not boring. OR INADEQUATE.

What I've missed the most in these last 5-6 months of not writing is that I can't go back and look at my personal experiences. I don't have that daily log of our every day life. The good times, the celebrations, the heartache through the tears. I miss that.

I'm grateful to have a friend that understands exactly what I mean. She understands my thoughts and feelings. I swear we are twins.... (well not really but seriously, we are identical on the inside.) After a long chat this evening, it was very clear that it's time to start writing every day. Not for a challenge. Not for selfish reasons. But with the only goal of glorifying Christ in my every day. Every day diaper changing. Every day children peacemaking. Every day business building. Every day spouse loving. Every day chaos. Every day bravery. Every day meals. Every day struggles. Every day celebrations.

There is nothing boring or mundane about it. So here I am.

What you get is me..... are you ready?

Until tomorrow, 

XO. Jari

45 days later...

Sometimes we all just need a break.  A break from all the commitments both reasonable and not. 

My break. 

I've come to realize that I'm quick to jump on any... And every... Good idea that comes my way. I say yes before really praying about it, weighing out the goods and potential bads, and just jump right on in! 

I do this with everything. If it's working for someone, I want to try it. If someone loves it, I probably will too. If it changes someone for the better, maybe it would me too. 

What I've learned over the past few weeks is that even though something is 100% a-ok, fabulous and even changing someone's life; even though it's a great something, it may not be the RIGHT something for me. Maybe not in this season. Maybe not ever. 

You see, I've tried too hard (most times not even realizing it) to be and do things like so many others that I've completely exhausted myself of being me. 

There is so much freedom knowing that I am loved, through every moment of my life (even before and eternally) by Jesus. That I don't have to try anymore. 

Today I was reminded by that in my morning devotional. Seven weeks of intentional prayer has done my soul good. 

And honestly, I've missed writing here. I'll be back more. 

Simplifying. To live simply. 

XO

Jari

Friendship is...

When you are away and you just know they are loving on your kids like their own. 

When you stop by for something quick and you spend hours talking and laughing. 

When you don't have dinner together weekly you miss them. 

When you have about a dozen inside jokes that no one else understands. 

When the sound of their laugh brings the biggest smile to your face. 

When you can ask for prayer and know they'll pray with and for you. 

This is a friendship that makes me want to be a better friend. A friendship that has taught me how to laugh, love, and serve. 

We are so blessed to have these friends in our life for so many reasons. They have taught us to be a better family. 

Thank you for always being there for us. For always helping us out. Know how much we appreciate you.  

Do you have a friendship like this with someone? If so, you are so blessed! If not; BE a friend like this. I encourage you to start a weekly something with someone you live near. Game night, coffee, dinner. Be a friend for your neighbor. Joyfully serve them. 

I miss my girls so much. I'm flying at about 35,000 feet on my 5th plane ride in 3 days and have one more flight to go tonight before I will be able to squeeze the 3 Spry girls. I'm so thankful that even when I'm unable to physically take care of my children, we have loving friends who willingly open their home and their doors to our girls. 

Feeling blessed tonight. 

XO

Jari

Happy Friday + Happy to be Here

This is the 3rd day in a row that my main squeeze and I were up traveling well before the sun made it's appearance for the day. 

Every year, Joel and I travel to a mini family reunion with Scentsy and this year we decided to fly up to Toronto to surprise our group of consultants! They have well surpassed 200 this past month and over 80 of them will be at this mini reunion. For us, that is a BIG family reunion! We've been asked what we're going to do while we're there and every time my answer is simple. 

"We're going there to simply give high fives and hugs!" 

Seriously, I have the best job ever!!!!!

Details about our trip so far?

Day 1: up at 4:15am to travel to Bozeman and hang out with my friend Kay while Joel worked his job. Then an afternoon tax appointment. 

Evening drive to Butte to catch a little snooze before an early flight out. (Notice temperature at the continental divide above! Burr!)

Day 2: up at 4:00am and off to the airport. It was soooo cold outside. So cold in fact that our 6:35am flight was cancelled because air temp was -33 F and they couldn't use de-icer until it was at least -26 F which they weren't expecting until around 11am.  We rerouted and got a flight early the next morning out of Missoula. 

Day 3: this was our earliest morning. Up at 3:30am and out the door at 4:00 am. This is our bright eyes and not so bright eyed photo... Happy to be on the jet plane. 

Three air legs and we arrived in Buffalo NY around 3pm.... We were hungry!

What better thing to eat than hot wings at the bar that created them 50 years ago?! We loved hot wings so we found the Anchor Bar and downed a couple dozen little spicy wingers! Then off to the border. 

(I love my travel buddy!)

When you are in Canada and you see a Tim Horton's, you stop! Donuts and coffee were the perfect dessert for our early night in. 

We have just been laying in bed, watching the Olympics and dozing on and off. I woke up just in time to watch the lighting of the flame and wanted to share our last few days with you. But now it's time for me to go back to bed... Because I'm full of Scentsy Spirit and EXCITED to be with our group tomorrow!!!!!

Want to follow the rest of our trip? Follow me on Instagram to catch a glimpse into our weekend!

Want to know what's interesting? The last Winter Olympics in 2010, we were in Vancouver BC watching from a condo downtown while soaking in the real atmosphere with our family. This year, we are also watching from a Canadian perspective in a hotel in Toronto. I love how patriotic our friends are here. I do miss seeing some USA coverage though. But fun that two Olympics in a row we are watching from this beautiful country. 

XO

Jari

Starting out... And over

Today's sermon at Sovereign Hope was exactly what I needed to hear today. I can't quit smiling!

I've been dreaming and scheming, planning and praying for a simple, full life lived well for the New Year. It's been a while (way too long to be very honest) since I've really felt motivated to do much. Much work. Much reading. Much blogging. Much care giving. Much of anything. 

I'm sure you've noticed my absence from the blog, Facebook and even from returning calls, emails and texts. I'm sorry for that. I really have no excuse. I've been in full relaxation mode... Gaining clarity and peace for the last days of this year. 

I can't even describe to you how excited I am for 2014. Not that the year changing by a digit really means a whole lot other than a new season. I'm going to live well. Live right. Love right. I know this because I've never been so convicted about something before as I am now. 

And I'm obeying. 

I'm running back to The Lord to show me exactly how to be a better person.... a better Christian, wife, mom... And how to be a better homemaker. (Anything will be better than what I was!)

Back to why I'm writing this post... I'm starting a new Bible reading plan tomorrow morning. I've never been consistently in Gods Word and I know that it is so foundational for my faith. The Word is rich. And I'm ready for it to dwell within me... So I can live life on purpose. 

That's where you come in. Because I struggle with consistency, I need you to help hold me accountable to my study. Every day, I'm going to post what I read. If you'd like, we can dive deep in His Word together. I'm using the Discipleship Journal - Book at a Time Bible Reading Plan. You can find the plan at www.discipleshipjournal.com. 

Do you actively read Scripture? Do you use a plan? If so, which one?

So excited to share more of everything that's been going on in this blond (but not as blond as I used to be) head!!!!

Thanks for always checking in on me and following along my little journey. I'm blessed to have you as a reader. 2014 is going to be amazing!!!!

XO

Jari

Under the Weather-cakes

Today this little cakes was under the weather. Last night she got sick for the very first time... Like projectile sick. 

So today, we snuggled. All day. This is how we spent over 12 hours of our day. 

As much as I want her to feel better. I'm enjoying these fleeting moments of snuggles. 

And I have to say that she has 2 of the best big sisters any little girl could ask for. They do their best, every day, but especially on her firs real sick day, to be present with her... Helpful, playful and loving. My bigs teach me so much. 

Blurry photo... But I never want to forget that moment. 

I've been in a writing slump lately...  Is it obvious? I have so much to say but just need the motivation to sit down and type it all out. I'll be back regularly soon. Prayerfully real soon. 

Until then, I'll be washing sheets, blankets and bathing a wee one many times in the day. I don't mind. At all.  

XO

Jari

Advent DIY completed!

We finally for our Advent calendar up on display for the year. Because we were traveling the first 9 days of December, I'm feeling pretty good that I'm only two days behind schedule. (wink!)

I've told you before but I've never put together an Advent for the girls before so I was bound and determined to make, fill and do one this year. We WILL make memories... Or else!

This idea, almost cut and paste, came from Elsie's blog. Even the paper is designed by her and her beautiful sister Emma. 

*fun side fact: 4 1/2 years ago, I flew down to Springfield Missouri and met a group of blogging crafters in real life. It was so fun to get to know Elsie a little better for that week we were there. She has a crazy talented husband, Jeremy who put on a little intimate piano concert for us and we crafted and snacked our nights away at Elsie's loft. It was so intimidating meeting strangers all by myself, but I'll never forget that experience and the friendships we made. If you don't already, you should totally follow sweet Elsie's blog to see all of the DIYs that the ABM team come up with. Even ALL of my photo editing and collages come A Beautiful Mess App! Try it, you'll love it!

Whoa! Rabbit trail!

Anyway. Each day has an activity for the girls to do. These range anywhere from making gingerbread houses to skiing, to making Christmas crafts (I'll show you those as they come up) and random acts of kindness. With traveling over 2 full weeks this month, I had to really plan ahead and write down activities I knew we could do on the road or in the hotel. Sponsoring a kiddo from an Angel Tree, paying it forward to the car behind in a drive thru, and mail a Christmas package to Troops overseas made the list. 

The first thing we do each morning is open the envelope for today's date and read the bible scripture that is on the little strip of Kraft paper. 

I used Good Morning Girls Advent plan for our daily readings. We read it together and then talk about the verses. This is one of my favorite parts of our day. 

Do you Advent with your kiddos? What's your favorite activity to do with them?

Speaking of activity, little Avin likes to use me as a jungle gym lately. Isn't it funny that once you get down to their level with the littles, you are a magnet to them! I love it... But really wish we had carpet! Ha!

XO.
Jari