I should just say "on the road, period", "always on the road", and "we live on the road...in our cars". This All-American holiday weekend was different. We took our lovely children to a water resort overnight. Wow! I have a three year old boy and Robin has a four year old girl...boy hates water, girl loves water. I just knew this would be a setup for a major disaster. However, apparently the water resort people knew what they were doing when they designed their water friendly for those who hate water concept. My sweet, solemn and timid darling had a great time (when he wasn't thinking about actually being in the water) and Kylee, our dare-devil, show no fear and if it involves risks I'm in absolutely child didn't quit swimming. All in all a great time when it wasn't raining. We drove there, drove home, got in the car and went back to do some business errands the next day and...finally yesterday afternoon some back porch relaxation.
So, while we truly do not l-i-v-e in our cars sometimes it sure feels like it and it felt good to chill out yesterday afternoon. It feels good to know we can busy around like little bees in search of the fun for our kids and then sit on a breezy back porch and visit, eat, sit quietly, read a book, and the list goes on. But, at what cost is our freedom to do these things and make these choices? We forget....I forget that we have service men and women everyday making the ultimate sacrifice or even a series of smaller sacrifices so that we can make those mundane choices. Seriously, a huge decision for us was whether to stay home or to go, go, go. I honestly gave no initial thought to the men and women who do not have that option. As I sat there yesterday afternoon in the breeze with music playing and our kiddos giggling in the sand box...it hit me. Not just "hey imagine that" hit me, but slammed into me and truly made my heart beat faster hit me...we are free. Free to choose to be here at this moment or free to live life on the road all of the time shuttling back and forth. We are free and many many unknown to us individuals have given us that ultimate luxery...freedom!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Kudos
Yesterday we were appreciated at a high school FFA convention in a retiring speech from an area officer. A graduating senior, who we think is incredible, thanked us for contributing to her successes throughout her high school career...wow! Talk about touching the deepest places of your heart and making you swell with great pride! Robin and I seriously think this young lady is amazing...strong, independent, honest, driven, and most notably humble (someone you hope your own children will follow).
We were honored and isn't that what life is really all about? Giving without wanting anything in return and being totally surprised by a "thank you, you mean alot". I have always thought about that "It takes a Village...." concept and it is totally true. She has parents, very loving and involved parents, yet she comes to us for opinions, and do you have my back sort of confirmation on her choices. Humbled we were and inspired to encourage our kiddos to achieve great things and above all else.....be independent and make your own way in this world! We wish Ashley the very best in the future and we know she will do great things.
Consider checking out the Future Famers of America program as it promotes so much of what is important for our youth!
We were honored and isn't that what life is really all about? Giving without wanting anything in return and being totally surprised by a "thank you, you mean alot". I have always thought about that "It takes a Village...." concept and it is totally true. She has parents, very loving and involved parents, yet she comes to us for opinions, and do you have my back sort of confirmation on her choices. Humbled we were and inspired to encourage our kiddos to achieve great things and above all else.....be independent and make your own way in this world! We wish Ashley the very best in the future and we know she will do great things.
Consider checking out the Future Famers of America program as it promotes so much of what is important for our youth!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
For the Boys
I intended on showing some selections for the boys, here are a few, many items will have a color coordinating option...what better way to show some style!
Sneak Peak
I love sneak peaks at anything; that special book coming out next month, that season finale of my favorite show, and that little glimpse of any information about who is leaving my favorite reality show next...I love sneak peaks.
We are the society that just can't wait. We can't wait for nuggets at the drive thru, can't wait for snail mail, can't wait for a text response. So, sneak peaks are awesome! It is crazy this need to know before it happens, but someone had to have invented the "sneak peak".
With that, here are a few pictures. A sneak peak if you will of the items we have been working on for Doodle Designs. Every single selection we will offer has been chosen because we firmly believe, "why have a white burp rag when you could have a fashion statement (even if it is caked with the newest baby veggie on the market)?"
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Anticipation
I feel like my whole life is spent anticipating the next event, goal, deadline, etc. Robin and I were talking the other day and it seems like we use the following statement every single day, "If I can just get finished with....". It seems like a shame to anticipate everything; good, bad, and ugly. It is also exciting, almost giddy childhood night before Christmas exciting, to anticipate a huge step forward towards something fresh and new.
Robin and I are real estate brokers by day, help with another family owned business and are now launching Doodle Designs. We often have people tell us we are crazy and we often get, "What are you thinking?" as we discuss what we are up to now. Diddi is our mother, a very trendy mother who is the Chicken Little of our bunch. We recently went to market and while Robin and I were anticipating the new venture with our trendy boutique, Diddi constantly reminded us to begin small and grow with time, don't sink yourselves too quickly, you have to think about money...money are you kidding...only one small factor to consider (that should have been first on our list of priorities, but everything was simply too cute).
Today we are working at our local livestock show supporting the youth of our area as they begin the season of feeding animals to show and sale in October. We were raised in this environment and admire the hard work that these kiddos do. So, for at least 2 weeks we have anticipated this event....if we can just get finished with today.
I leave you with the fact that we are anticipating getting our website up and going for Doodle Designs. We are ready to show what trendy and unique things we have to share. We are eagerly anticipating selling and of course buying more for those who like the unique as much as we do. So, off I go to the livestock barn...hot, smelly and somewhat like walking back in time. Maybe if we are constantly anticipating we are constantly living, enjoying, moving and shaking! Just take time to enjoy the moment rather than antipate one before the other is done.
More about what Doodle Designs will offer later....we are way so anticipating sharing it all!
Robin and I are real estate brokers by day, help with another family owned business and are now launching Doodle Designs. We often have people tell us we are crazy and we often get, "What are you thinking?" as we discuss what we are up to now. Diddi is our mother, a very trendy mother who is the Chicken Little of our bunch. We recently went to market and while Robin and I were anticipating the new venture with our trendy boutique, Diddi constantly reminded us to begin small and grow with time, don't sink yourselves too quickly, you have to think about money...money are you kidding...only one small factor to consider (that should have been first on our list of priorities, but everything was simply too cute).
Today we are working at our local livestock show supporting the youth of our area as they begin the season of feeding animals to show and sale in October. We were raised in this environment and admire the hard work that these kiddos do. So, for at least 2 weeks we have anticipated this event....if we can just get finished with today.
I leave you with the fact that we are anticipating getting our website up and going for Doodle Designs. We are ready to show what trendy and unique things we have to share. We are eagerly anticipating selling and of course buying more for those who like the unique as much as we do. So, off I go to the livestock barn...hot, smelly and somewhat like walking back in time. Maybe if we are constantly anticipating we are constantly living, enjoying, moving and shaking! Just take time to enjoy the moment rather than antipate one before the other is done.
More about what Doodle Designs will offer later....we are way so anticipating sharing it all!
Monday, May 11, 2009
A New Day...Well Almost
A new day, a fresh beginning, a new horizon...only it is 4:00 this evening and my new day just didn't work out like I thought it would. I started today with great intentions of marking of that "to do" list in order and with precision. Somthing like a master drill sergeant (a little type A), only it didn't really happen that way. However, it did begin with my wonderful friend Amanda (Amanda Key Photography...amandakey.com) leaving a super pretty gift box with a ring that I had previously admired at our office. This beautifully presented gift all for me...kind gestures are such super neat surprises! Then I ran into a few minor issues concerning our new website for our online gift boutique (doodledesignsgifts.com). I am not what would be described as a computer expert...not be a long shot. So, this really awesome web designer struck me with her fashion sense and savvy web designs and I jumped at her mercy. She has been incredibly understanding of my lack of computer knowledge and skills. Michelle at polkadotdandy.com is the ultimate mix of ultra hip and computer smart...what a combination and today she is my hero!
So, the only thing I got marked off of my "to-do" list is that I actually made it to school to drop off two sweet and sleepy from the weekend off children. I am so thankful I had my "to-do" list in the car! We are starting our new online business...myself, Mandi and my sister Robin and Diddi (the backbone of...well keeping Robin and I centered with reality). We are Doodle Designs and there will be more about that later! For today, I did not accomplish all I set out to do, but I learned many new things about computers, friends, and myself that make me want to ditch the list and start fresh tomorrow without goals or destinations. But, I know me and I know that list will be waiting for me when I wake!
So, the only thing I got marked off of my "to-do" list is that I actually made it to school to drop off two sweet and sleepy from the weekend off children. I am so thankful I had my "to-do" list in the car! We are starting our new online business...myself, Mandi and my sister Robin and Diddi (the backbone of...well keeping Robin and I centered with reality). We are Doodle Designs and there will be more about that later! For today, I did not accomplish all I set out to do, but I learned many new things about computers, friends, and myself that make me want to ditch the list and start fresh tomorrow without goals or destinations. But, I know me and I know that list will be waiting for me when I wake!
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