A Life of Gratitude

It's hard to believe its been over 3 years since I decided to be a KEEP Collective designer. Honestly, I never dreamed I would still be selling this gorgeous jewelry three years later. I mean, I only signed up to earn enough money to buy homeschool curriculum. Who knew it would turn into so much more? After hitting Director in November 2017, I was invited to KEEP Collective's first ever Leadership Retreat in San Francisco. It was such an honor to be invited and I have been super excited to attend the retreat. This past weekend the top 48 designers (out of over 10,000!) from all over the country and Canada traveled to San Francisco for the retreat.  I'm still just so shocked that I'm one of those 48! The trip was a lot of fun! Truly a girl's weekends on steroids but with a lot of leadership training and behind the scenes info! Once again, I'm so happy to be a part of such an amazing company! My friend and roommate, Lauree The kitchen at Home...

We arrived home tonight after a week long trip to Branson, Missouri. We traveled 17 hours in our mini-van each way. I know that sounds crazy but we love to travel as a family! It was a wonderful trip, honestly. The kids are such good travelers and we are so thankful for portable DVD players!  As I look back over the past week, a hundred different memories fill my mind. I think that's why I love traveling so much. Not only is it fun for everyone, it gives us a chance to create lasting memories!        Today I am grateful for the opportunity to rent our home during furniture market each April and October. It's because of this that we are able to go on vacations two times per year. We would never be able to afford these trips otherwise. Preparing for market is so much work but it is definitely worth it! I am also thankful for the many memories we are making as a family. It's so nice to spend several days focused on each o...

Today when we woke up in Branson, MO it was snowing!! We did not expect this type of weather when planning for this trip but thankfully, we brought along coats. Even though it was super cold, we decided to go ahead with our outdoor plans since the Top of the Rock will be closed the rest of the week. I am so glad we didn't let the weather stop our fun!  We traveled on a golf cart on the most lovely trail. It was freezing cold but the lady that helped us found the only covered golf cart for us to use. That was such a blessing! The wind would have been terrible without it. Even though we were chilly, the ride was very enjoyable and absolutely beautiful. As a lover of all waterfalls, this is definitely one of my favorite places we've visited. The falls were incredible. We also drove through a cave and saw the waterfalls inside the mountain---amazing! Today I am grateful for such a wonderful time enjoying God's creations with ...

Today we were driving toward Branson, MO when we realized we would be traveling through Memphis, TN. We aren't huge Elvis fans but how often does one get the chance to visit Graceland? So, we decided to take a pit stop and visit the mansion of the King of Rock and Roll!  That's the mansion, right behind  us  We couldn't seem to get all of us in the picture Graceland The Living Room A portrait of Elvis The Dining Room The Media Room The Billiards  Room This cross is located close to the gravesides of Elvis and his parents There is also a memorial for his twin brother that was still born Elvis' tombstone It was moved to Graceland because people wouldn't leave him alone, even in death I never, ever thought I would be at Graceland! See Tyson hiding in there? Tyson didn't want to be in another picture This was a spontaneous stop for us! We never thought we would end up at Graceland but I'm h...

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13 I always enjoy Easter! Not only do we celebrate our Risen Savior and spend time with family, but I also have so many wonderful childhood memories of Easter. I remember eating lunch at my grandparent's house each year and then having egg hunts with my cousins outside. I say "hunts" because we hid those eggs and found them over and over and over again. There was no candy involved. In fact, we used the hard boiled eggs my grandmother had dyed for Easter. The eggs would get cracked and smooshed and started making a big mess but we didn't care! We had so much fun with those smelly things! Ready for the Egg Hunt! Yesterday, we had lunch at my brother's house and then hid tons of Easter eggs for the kids to find. I loved watching them hunt for eggs and recalling all the egg hunts from my past. Isn't it funny how we hide the eggs for children? We do put...