So I didn’t See this Coming…

Life sure is funny, isn’t it?

Here I was, a stay-at-home-mom having fun blogging about decorating my house during my kids’ naptime.

And now I’m sitting here at my desk, looking at a stack of business cards and scheduling in clients for consultations and Craft Nights.

BUSINESS CARDS.

CLIENTS.

CALENDARS.

WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE?!!!

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Yes, friends, apparently somewhere along the way, I’ve turned this little blog into something. And I’m crazy busy and crazy amazed at what God has placed in my life when I wasn’t even looking for it.

It’s all happened so organically, and so unknowingly, and so all-of-a-sudden that it’s all pretty surreal.

Basically, I had this big ol’ dream that I wasn’t even aware I HAD.

But He did.

The steps along my journey – every one of them – I can see God’s handiwork in them, and I think that’s why I feel like this is such a beautiful, unbelievable gift – and I cry every time I really sit down and look at this life. The people, and the details – none of this could have or would have happened without them. None of this is just because of me. It was alllll in the plan. Down to my parents allowing me to chase my creative side, and allowing me to have at it as a child who wanted to rearrange her room every 2.2 seconds. Who woke up one morning and said she wanted to paint the dining room – and was told, “Sure.”

I swear, I wasn’t more than ten.

To being beyond blessed to get to live in my grandparents’ house and be so inspired to create a home for my family here.

To my friend who said I ought to start a blog to share some of these things I’m doing around the house.

To another friend who brought up hosting craft nights at my house for our girlfriends.

To a neighborhood mom who asked if I could come over and give her ideas, and then realizing how much stinking fun that was.

To our nephew who suggested I take my Craft Night show on the road.

To my husband who thought all of this was a really great idea and encourages me every single day.

To my kids, who really are the inspiration for everything I do and every breath I take.

For my group of girlfriends, who are more like sisters…who would listen to me throw out ideas and offer so much incredible advice. They drive me and push me everyday.

All of the little things that have happened in my life that have led me here…it blows my mind.

I honestly never saw any of this coming.  And that’s why I really wanted to share this story with you today. Because we DON’T KNOW. There are things around the corner – that could happen this very day – that can change our lives and it astounds me. But there is a plan. For you, for me, for all of us. Whether we even realize it. It’s happening right now.

I knew I wanted to be a teacher someday. And then I knew I wanted to retire that dream and become a stay-at-home-mom. I did those things. And now, what feels like out of the clear blue sky, God has placed another dream right into my hands. Wrapped up like a present, He’s given me THIS. I heard his voice telling me, This is what I have in store next for you, and you’re going to get to use your teaching skills, and your creative side, and it’s all wrapped up in this one beautiful gift. You just need to open it. 

And so I prayed and thought and thought and prayed.

I had doubts. Can I do this? I mean, who am I, other than just a stay-at-home-mom with a hobby for decorating? Will people really trust me to help them with their home, and will they really come to Craft Nights? Will this rob me of my time with my family?

But then I heard the words in my head: Life begins when you step outside your comfort zone. 

And I looked back on all the things that have led me here, and I decided to go for it.

I sit here, with tons of projects to do to my house that aren’t getting done because I haven’t had the time. And I’m not getting to blog nearly as much as I’d like (obviously!), and there’s a little bit of overwhelming-ness going on, not gonna lie. But I don’t think anything worth going for is ever easy every step of the way. There’s a learning curve to it all, and finding that balance will happen in time.

The best, most wonderful thing about all of this Naptime Decorator business stuff that’s happening – is the example I’m setting for my kids. They know all about the blog, they’ve seen their room makeovers, and see me at the store when someone comes up to me and asks if I’m the Naptime Decorator (which is always, ALWAYS hilarious to me!), so they know that Mommy has created this thing doing what she absolutely loves- and they know all about the craft nights I’ve been hosting and they help me prepare. It’s opened itself up to lots of good talks – lots of moments I hope they tuck back in their little brains and hearts that I hope will resurface over and over again in their lives when they need them. I told them I was a little nervous at first. But I explained that sometimes, those things that give you butterflies when you think about them? Those end up being some of the best things in your life. That you have to take a leap of faith sometimes, and jump. Trust that God will take care of you, whether you fail or succeed.

My first big craft night, my husband and kids came to help set up the room at a local community center. They set out materials, put out the folding chairs, wished me luck, and went on their way. I walked in the door hours later, into a dimly lit house and seeing four figures sitting on the steps, welcoming me home. My husband heard the car pulling up, and they were all still awake so he got them out of bed – it was the sweetest, most wonderful sight I could have ever imagined. They wanted to hear all about it, then I tucked them into bed.

My middle child – the one with all the feels – she wrapped her little arms around me and kissed me on the cheek and said, “Mommy, I’m so proud of you.”

I left her room, wiped away the happy tears, and thanked God for planting all the seeds in my life that have brought me to this moment. And for giving me the courage to jump. For this dream I didn’t even know I had…is turning into something pretty amazing.

But most of all, for that little girl and her brother and sister, and the man who’s in this crazy life by my side. Because that was, and always will be, the dream that trumps them all.

 

 

Comments

  1. LORI OFARRILL says:

    That was beautiful and I am so happy for you!

  2. Heather says:

    That’s beautiful, Liz. I am so grateful to hear your witness of what God is doing in your life.
    And I wish I lived near you so we could run into each other at the store 🙂

  3. I’m so excited for you! It’s wonderful what an example you have set for your kids!

  4. marie player says:

    good luck from across the world

  5. I’m not just saying this… But your blog actually inspired me to start blogging. I also have an interest in design and crafts, so when I’m not at the ball field, I thoroughly enjoy reading what you do. I am so happy for you and your accomplishments. You deserve it. 🙂

  6. Beautiful! I am so proud of you, too! And we’ve never even met! I found your blog many years ago and you have inspired me so much! I did my make my own chalk paint project because of you! I’m so happy for you – that you are living your dream – being in God’s perfect will! He gives us the desires of our hearts! He’s a good, good Father.

  7. Rebecca says:

    With tears rolling down my cheeks, you are so inspiring, not just to your little girl.

  8. Nancy Fronckoski Furman says:

    I know you will succeed in this new journey but if things just don’t go as planned you should write a book. You also have a gift with words also.

  9. I loved reading this post and we are all proud of you – I see another Joanna Gaines in the making! Keep on going!!

  10. Sherrie says:

    Beautiful story! Love your blog and wish you all the best!

  11. Oh, Liz, once again your words touch my heart, and make me so incredibly proud of you. And, you’ve only just begun!

    • Thanks so much, Mom! You are and always have been my #1 cheerleader – I wouldn’t be where I am today without you! Love you XO

  12. I am a long time reader of your blog…we don’t know each other in real life 😉 but I am soooo happy for you:) Your blog has always been my favorite because you seem to stay true to yourself and put God first. I am thrilled to see what He has in store for you and can’t help but think how lucky all of your new students/clients/anyone who gets to interact with you will be to be blessed by you and your talents. Kudos to you, Liz!

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