Crisp and Cool

After days of sweltering heat followed by a long stretch of gloomy days, I was pleasantly surprised when I woke up to a crisp, cool, clear morning. The air has just barely turned cool enough to bite your skin ever so slightly. It smells clean and fresh.
I moved around the house this morning opening dusty windows and breathing deeply.

So much has happened since my last post!
For one thing, I quit my job.
Now, I'm a happy housewife. I spend my days cleaning and cooking and grocery shopping and going to Bible studies and taking Pilates classes and knitting (sort of). The dread and exhaustion that I had begun to feel before and after each day of work has been replaced with a quiet peace that seems to fill the house. I love it.
And Daniel loves it.
My job was not a terrible job, but for several months now my heart has been elsewhere. Thinking that I was wallowing in discontent, I treated it as a spiritual struggle that I had to overcome. I prayed about it day after day. Truly, my hope was that the answer would come in the form of motherhood. There was no question that I was going to stay home once I had a baby. But the months continued to pass. It became increasingly apparent that God, for the time, had (has) other plans for me.
In August, a series of events caused Daniel and I to pause and think. Daniel had long been encouraging me to put in my notice at work, but I always said no. For some reason, I believed I would feel guilty that I wasn't "contributing" to our income. I never questioned whether or not I would be bored. One thing that I do have is a passion for the little things. I love sorting through piles of laundry and washing dishes in warm soapy water and running the vacuum around the house. I love reorganizing closets and straightening up book shelves and tucking in smooth sheets.
But I was afraid. Afraid that without my additional income we would find ourselves in a bind. Through my thoughts and actions I was expressing my foolish reliance on myself and my ability to provide. But in August, I stopped. I took a week off from work. This will just be a trial, I told myself.
Five days at home was all it took to assure me that I was meant to be home. When I was home, cooking and cleaning, I felt a special kind of joy. Do you know what it is like to feel like you are doing exactly what you are supposed to do?
It was as if a great burden on my heart and mind had been lifted. I felt sure and certain, full of hope and confidence. I spent much of the week in prayer, asking God for wisdom and clarity.
The following weekend Daniel and I sat at a coffee shop and discussed the budget. It quickly became clear that God would provide and had been providing for a long time. The excitement was electric; both of us felt more and more sure that this was right.
On Monday I went in to work and put in my notice. I was a little nervous--not about my decision. Just nervous. I don't know what I was expecting, but I was met with words of encouragement and loving support from my boss and co-workers (although, there were a few that insisted I would be back in two weeks, begging for my job back because I'd gotten bored sitting at home). Two weeks dragged by slowly. Daniel's car broke down. But we didn't worry. We knew that God would provide.
Finally, on a Friday afternoon at 4:30 I left the office for the last time. It was a little weird. But exhilarating.

This Monday marks my third week at home, and I am in heaven. I wake up in the mornings in the arms of my husband, to soft sunlight. The mornings are not crazy and hectic, but peaceful and quiet. Every day is different, with its many tasks and commitments. One of my greatest joys right now is the freedom to say I'm available when I'm asked to serve. We are thriving with one vehicle. Daniel took out his nearly-new bicycle that has been collecting dust in the garage for nearly a year, and he rides to work every day. He loves it!
Although I have a big, bad case of baby fever, I am content where I am now. I am savoring this sweet time with my husband and enjoying the kind of freedom we have.

My focus and my goal and my joy is to be a good wife, supporting and loving my husband. I am organizing and nesting and creating. And I hope, some day soon, to bring a beautiful baby into a peaceful, joyful, God-glorifying home.

I'm happy.

Mom, I have a new appreciation for you.

Last night I said farewell to my sweet brothers yet again.

I was taxi-driver for the evening--first to youth group, then to Sonic, then to their friends' house where they'll be staying for a few days.

Even though the goodbyes are only for a short time (for now), I still get a lump in my throat and a tiny wave of sadness and anxiety hits me.
So, last night as I pulled up to their friends' house and they jumped out the car, laden with their duffle bags and various belongings, I started to feel all sentimental. I watched them walk down the driveway in the evening sun, telling myself to keep it together, when one of my brothers suddenly turned and ran back to the car.

He opened the door and leaned down.

Hey, Karen?

Yeah? I smiled.

Can you do my laundry when you get home? I left it in a pile in the corner of my room.

Yeah.

See ya!
And off he went.

Brother, your laundry is in the washing machine right now. When I get home I will dry it, and fold it, and it will be waiting for you on your bed.
I love you and I was sad when I went home to a quiet, more empty house. Please come back soon.
Thanks for cleaning the bathroom. It's very clean.


Mom. I appreciate you. I appreciate you more every day. Thanks for being amazing. And loving me. And doing my laundry.

I'm off to get another coffee on my lunch break. Because it's Monday. And because I love coffee.

a familiar silhouette

On Wednesday evening, just as the sun was setting, I was driving along Guadalupe with my two teen brothers in tow. Around the intersection of 28th and Guadalupe, just past The Drag, and just as I was starting to feel super old due the the fact that I was belting out Nelly Furtado's I'm Like a Bird and the boys were like, who sings this? I've never heard this song before, even though it was totally popular when I was in high school, right at that moment something caught my eye.

A familiar silhouette was painted on the side of a building.

I smiled, pointed, and exclaimed:

Look! It's Audrey!

{via}

To which Ethan responded, Who is that?

To which I responded, SAY WHA?!

At which point Kristian chimed in, Ethan, she's an actress. Or something.

Right?

I stared bleakly out the windshield.

Yes. An actress.

They were quiet for a moment.

And then they started talking about the World Cup or something.

 

Best Kind of Busy

As you may have noticed, if you still hang around these parts, updating the blog has taken a backseat in the life of this blogger. I haven't even had time to visit my favorite blogs and leave silly comments!
I'm not too bothered by it, though. While I've not been blogging, I've been spending time with my family. My family that lives overseas in the far away land of Slovakia, shining the light of Christ through lives of service and love. Though I absolutely, without a doubt, fully and happily support this great work they've been called to, my-oh-my do I miss them. Last week was pure heaven for me. My entire family was under one roof, inhabiting my house and bringing joy to my heart!
My brothers are becoming men more and more each time I see them. I'm so impressed with their maturity and kindness--and the fact that they are hovering over 6' now. It further confirms to me the grace of God in the lives of my family. My parents have taught us the meaning of seeking to know and serve the Lord.
By now my dad is back in Slovakia, my mom and brothers are still here. Last night my brothers and I ate dinner at Galaxy Cafe, consumed a massive amount of frozen yogurt, rocked out to music in the car, and laughed a lot. Next weekend my mom will be back in Austin and I can hardly wait. They may look to you like an ordinary family (well, maybe not), but underneath that normal exterior (ha) they are the best, most wonderful people currently living. And I am just lucky to be related to them. I think sometimes their fantastic-ness rubs off on me. I hope.
I have some fun pictures on my camera, but when I go home and my brothers are there I can't bear to sit at the computer and upload pictures. Soon enough, though it pains me to think of it, they'll be gone and there will be time for all of that. I might also roam aimlessly around the empty house and walk through the rooms where they stayed. I might be a little melodramatic. I might cry. I might have done all that already when they left on Sunday afternoon. Possibly.
I hate saying goodbye.

But we're not going to talk about that right now.
Right now, I'll tell you that my presence around here might continue to be scarce for a couple of weeks as I soak up as many precious moments with my favorite people on earth as I can.

Right now, I'll also tell you that I'm listening to the Jon Foreman station on Pandora every day and loving it.
Right now I'm thinking about the fruits of the Spirit, and praying that today the fruit that my life brings forth is a witness to the hope I have in Christ. A witness that my Source of life is the Spirit.

Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-Control.

Happy Birthday, Nephew.

Restless.

Princess Wiggles.

Last night I tossed and turned.
My mind simply would not turn off.
All weekend I'd worked around the house. I had a great time moving from room to room, organizing and arranging, but I was exhausted. If it weren't for my racing thoughts I would have easily drifted off into oblivion. But I was wide awake.
Part of it is pure excitement. My parents and brothers are coming to the states this very week. Also, I had been seriously stressing out about their cancelled British Airways flights due to all the strikes (fingers still crossed about this one, also praying like crazy--we're not in the safe zone until they leave London on Wednesday). I was going through checklists in my head of all I would like to get done before they arrive.
Monday night: Clean the bathrooms. Really clean
Tuesday night: Vacuum the house, scrub the downstairs tile
Wednesday night: Go walking with Kristin, eat dinner at Zocalo with Daniel because I have a Groupon! Have a nice time.
Thursday night: Pack my bags for the weekend, bake, and bake some more.  

Then, of course, I had to take into account the fact that I'll be at work all week long. It's so hard to focus on work when you'd rather be goofing off! Right?!
I'm restless at night, I'm restless at work. I'm ready for my family to be here.

I can't even think straight right now. That might have something to do with the fact that I hardly slept last night. Hopefully I'll settle down this evening. Maybe have a glass of wine after I scrub the bathrooms.

Hurry, Friday!!!

Morning Musings

Ethan, my brother, sometimes I make faces in the mirror and I remind myself of you. So,  I think we must be related. You are better at making faces than I, however.

I like to talk about music from time to time. I have a tendency to over-listen to songs that I like, and I listen to them so many times that I have to take a break from the song.

Here are the songs I am over-listening to right now:

I Dreamed a Dream (from Les Mis.) performed by the Glee Cast.

Yes, I watch Glee. I know. The story lines are so cheesy. But the music, people. The music.

The High Road by Broken Bells

{via}

New Slang by The Shins

{via}

Sweet Disposition by Temper Trap

{via}

Have no doubt though, Paul Simon, Phoenix and Vampire Weekend are still heavily featured on my playlist.

I didn't spend any time on pictures last night, but they are coming soon. I went to the grocery store so that we could eat. That's important, right? Currently I have a slight obsession with Clementine Oranges. They are just so cute and sweet.

I came home and made Nie Nie's Mexican Lasagna. I was a little skeptical about all the spinach, but it added a wonderful flavor. And so healthy! I added some ground beef for Daniel's sake. He needs his meat.

Here's Nie's picture. Mine looked really yummy too :)

It was yummy.

I also bought the ingredients for this delectable-looking dish:

I heart food!

The Adventures of the Young Sir

Chapter 87

A Concerned Aunt

Nearly a fortnight has passed since the Young Sir traveled to Austin to visit his favorite aunt.

The Young Sir is small in stature and stout in girth. He's very charming and smart. And he has a lot to say about everything. Opinionated, like his father.

He likes it when you tickle his toes. And he especially loves to find his aunt's purse and take everything out of it. Especially her phone, wallet, and credit cards. He's a man on the go with distinguished tastes. One may often find him snacking on croissants or calamari, which are among his favorites.

His other interests include laughing, singing, running outdoors, taking care of the environment, and playing with red motorcyles that his aunt buys him from Wal-Mart. 

And he loves his aunt.

One fine evening whilst in Austin, the Young Sir and his entourage went to a late dinner at P Terry's. The evening was quite lovely. The Young Sir feasted on a chicken burger patty and sang along with a nearby party as they sang "Happy Birthday" to their friend. He is always delighted to see others enjoy themselves, and was only too happy to join them in their revelry.

Just after dinner, the Young Sir and his entourage were preparing to leave so he could go home and have his bath. Among those attending him were his favorite aunt, who had just given him a brand new red motorcycle from Wal-Mart, and his beloved mother.

All was well as his aunt doted over him, telling him what a fine Young Sir he is and petting his soft little arms. When suddenly the Young Sir became very serious. His brow furrowed and his face turned an angry red. He raised his little hand to his forehead, as if in frustration. This concerned his aunt. She knelt down beside him and asked him, "What's the matter?" But he wouldn't look at her. His eyes welled with tears.

His aunt looked up at his mother who was standing nearby and questioned in a worried tone, "Is he alright?"

The Young Sir's mother glanced over at him and smiled.

"Oh yeah. He's poopin'!"

Why I Love Austin

(You're about to get up close and personal with my day. I mean it.)
The weather today was perfect.
My older brother Nicholas came into town last night, which always makes me happy.

When I came home from my "girls' night" (which was so fun! I'll write more on that later. Maybe. If I remember.), he was in my kitchen making Panna Cotta for us. When he comes home tonight we're going to enjoy the dessert together.

Today started out as any Saturday should: a little sleeping in, a little cuddling with the puppies and Daniel, and plenty of coffee. 

We sat at the bar of Once Over and talked about Saturday morning type things. Like gardens and building coffee tables and people who practice witchcraft.

Daniel and I parted ways with Nicholas for a bit. We went to Home Depot and Lowe's, bought some wood, took it out to the car, realized it wouldn't fit in the car, and then I left Daniel standing on the side of the road with a bunch of wood while I ran back to the house to get the other car with the seats that lie down.

Then we went to lunch.
We made our way over to Salvation Pizza in the West Campus area.

It was so beautiful outside that we decided to sit in their outdoor area. I insisted we sit in the sun because the shade was too cold.

Daniel complained it was too bright.

But I was wearing sunglasses, so I didn't care.
I told him that would teach him to forget his sunglasses and then he cried and told me I was mean.
Then I told him I thought he looked like a bum.

Then I ordered a Dr. Pepper. Because it's Saturday.

 

We were laughing at a couple trying to parallel-park their car in front of the restaurant (the guy was standing on the sidewalk yelling at the woman driving, "Backupbackupbackup STOPSTOPSTOPSTOP Backbackback STOP! TURNYOURWHEEL! TURNTURNTURN!!") when Nicholas showed up. He'd been at Once Over all day "talking coffee" with Rob (owner of Once Over). 

Nicholas ordered some Bruschetta. I ate some. 

Then came the pizza. And it was good.

And then it was gone.


























After lunch we parted ways with Nicholas again. We had to put our rent check in the mail because we forgot to do it yesterday. Just like we do every month.
After doing the responsible thing, we drove to Half Price Books so I could by Volume One of Shelby Foote's Civil War series. And I've got 3000 pages to go.

We headed over to East Austin in search of an Organic Tea House called Zhi Tea, but they closed at two and we left, dejected.
We drove by the church. Hi, church!

Daniel made me take a picture of this car, also:

Then we went to a couple of pawn shops, got another cup of coffee, and then we came home and Daniel vacuumed while I ran to the grocery store. I made chili for lunch tomorrow, and then I ate some.

Then I came into the office and played on photoshop. And then I blogged.

The End. Almost.

Random Thursday

I am currently completely addicted to the following websites:

Cardigan Empire.

Reachel Bagley, stylist, is responsible for this wonderful blog! She's got me digging "shopping" through my closet, finding old gems and throwing out stuff that is completely unacceptable (you'd be surprised). I also appreciate that she demonstrates style for all shapes - and emphasizes modesty. She's even linked websites on her page that are online clothing stores designed specifically for the modest shopper.
Also, I love that she loves and appreciates the beauty of being feminine. It's fun to be a girl :)
She also pointed me to this website:


and

Shade Clothing

Modest is hottest, ladies. Make no mistake - for all our sakes.

I spend altogether way, way too much time on this website:


I have wish lists. With lots of things on them that I can't afford.

...

Furthermore. I would like to ask something.

Is this legal??

(I would like to add that his daddy titled this picture, "Manipulation")

I love the facial expression! Ha ha.

...

And lastly...
It is very cold in Austin. It's in the 30s but it is blustery outside, causing it to feel like the low 20s.
I prayed for a snow day, but it's very dry. No moisture here.

Last night Daniel and I wrapped up in a blanket (like a bug in a rug), laid on our bed and talked and laughed about our day. It was heaven on earth. I don't mind the cold so much.

Changing Terrain