Find me here...

Since I have {NOT} been such an avid blogger lately I have decided to direct you all to my Simply Holly blog.  I hope to give my business blog a sense of myself and my family and the things that I love and love to do.  SO I hope you enjoy it as much and I do.  I also hope with only one blog to manage I will be able to blog more frequently.  Since I am finally close to family I guess I have less of a drive to blog about all the goings on in my daily life...that is what Facebook is for anyways right?

Up North

Pure Michigan. What more can I say about our 4th of July weekend. We joined the Hill's at a cottage on the Lake (Michigan that is) just around the bay from the Mackinac Bridge. It was a weekend full of sunshine, campfires, and boat trips. and believe it or not it was free of family drama! We had a great time! This weekend reminded me how much I love Michigan summer, how much I hate mosquitoes, and that nothing really says Mackinac like pounds and pounds of fudge!We were going to drive under it but the water was getting a bit rough so that's as close as we got...

On another less rough boat ride... although she was quite sleepy, she could barely sit.

Let's play, let's play!!

Like my morning hair?

This was our attempt at being artistic...hmmm

There are many more pics I would like to post but blogger is being dumb and the photos are taking forever to load, so maybe another time.

Lilly Update...10 months old! Still nursing like a champ and she loves cheerios. She started crawling seems like only 2 weeks ago and now she is standing up on the furniture and walking everywhere with the help of Greg and I! She just signed "thank you" yesterday with no coaching, and she likes to wave and say buh buh buh buh.. (aka bye bye) She is shy around new people, and refuses to smile! But when she is with her mommy and daddy and her newly found family she is as smiley and giggly as can be! Can't wait to see what the next few weeks bring it seems like she is learning so much every day!

My God is flippn' awesome....

Man, I just need more time in my day!  Well, today after work (since now, at work is the only time I will get on the computer to update the rest of you) we get to go sign the paperwork on our second house.  The house on Beechmont was a flop after the Appraisal came back 12K under the purchase price.  But God has been good and we will hopefully be closing on a home that is bigger, with more land, and more potential than the first! It is just such a long process and I still have this feeling that I have cash flying everywhere and I am seeing no fruit of my labor!  It is so fun to pay 2 months rent on a town home in southern Florida that you are NOT living in {sarcasm!!!}  But I still feel so blessed.  I know not all of you are believers who read this but I can not express enough how much God has blessed us! If I was to learn anything in the past 4 years about my faith it is that God is mighty and when you give him reign over your life {aka-stop trying to control your life which if you know anything about me you will know this is a huge task} you will be continually amazed at his abundance!  

Some people may look at the recent events in my life and think wow, that is funny how things work out so perfectly. But....I know better.  It is my prayer that some of my closest friends and family who do not yet call Christ their savior will see His goodness soon!  I can not imagine how I could have gotten through all the crazy ups and downs of my life's journey thus far {I'm talking soap opera Jerry Springer good} if I did not believe with all my heart that I am here for a purpose and my God is going to work all things out for the good of those who love him! 

Let it rain...

It has been so beautiful here in west Michigan these past few weeks, that is when the sun decides to shine in between these bouts of rain and storming.  The trees are green and where I get to drive in my day there are beautiful open fields.  It may seem silly, but I have been away from it long enough to appreciate the open roads, the grassy fields, the big green trees, and the bright blue sky.  I love being able to open the house up and feel a fresh rain breeze blow through.  Thankfully my allergies have not yet begun to spoil things for me either.  I feel so blessed that Greg and I were able to live in FL, make friends, experience a new culture and way of life, but I have said it a million times already...It is SO GOOD to be home, I love Michigan.


With my new job there is no "typical day" I have 4 locations I am responsible for, so I get to be somewhere different every day.  Tuesday, I was luck enough to be in Allegan.  I went on a site visit with one of the electric lineman crews.  They were installing a new service to a home in Saugatuck, right on the lake, on a big bluff.  The sun was shinning, the water was so blue, the house was GORGEOUS, and I was getting made fun of because it was in the 70's and I still had jeans and a light jacket on.  I don't care what they say there was a chilly breeze coming off the water.  I still have some FL in me.

Lookey Lookey

Anyone want a house?  WE DO! Under contract getting the inspections etc. out of the way but here is the sneak peek.

http://www.trulia.com/property/photos/3049417247-4322-Beechmount-Ave-Portage-MI-49024#item-7

new routines...

I am in the process of trying to get myself into a routine.  Some locations start at 7, some 6, one at 7:30, it is hard to get into a good morning routine, and just when I think I might be onto something Lilly decides she wants to be up all night or not go to bed at a good time.  Things are still in transition, but we are so happy to be back in MI.  Greg is doing good with daddy daycare.  The kiddo is usually is fed, dressed, and happy when I get home what more can you ask for.  Not sure why Lilly is being so fussy going to bed at night if she is teething? does she dislike all the change? is she just not ready to stop playing yet? Greg and I are not sure what to think, in FL we would lay her down and she would be asleep within minutes, here, it has turned into quite a process.  I hope she can settle into a new routine soon, as I hope we all do.

 Soon we will be onto stage 2 of this whole move....FIND HOUSE. Very ready for stage 2 :)

 I promise a PPE (personal protective equipment) photo is coming Eric, just have not had a good time to take one.

Rain Rain...I need a nap

So, Week one day 3...I'm pooped.  Between the move, getting up before 6 every day this week, and Lilly deciding that she is not to go to sleep before 10PM everyday it's been hard to get a solid 8 hours of sleep in.  The job is really seeming to be something that I can do a good job at as well as enjoy!  I am very happy about that.  The world of occupational athletic training was not one I had ever envisioned myself in before now, and I think it may just be a great fit.  I am the Occupational Athletic Trainer for Kalamazoo, Allegan, Overisel, and White Pigeon Consumers energy sites.  Which basically means SW MI is mine along with a lot of driving.  The gas and electric guys seem great and are all for the most part happy we are there for them.  I get to arrive at their facility when they arrive which is different for each facility but is between 6-8am.  I will lead them in a wellness teaching and pre-shift stretch routine, after that my day is up to me I can stay put in the training room or go out on the job with the guys/gals along with my hard hat reflective vest and safety glasses and see what they do on a daily basis.  I think the job will be different every day and I am up for the challenge. The hardest part so far has been getting up and out before the sun! But I only work 8 hours a day and NO WEEKENDS and that couldn't make me happier.

We made it!!

I am so happy!  We are moved and settling into our home in Kalamazoo, MI. It has been a BUSY and stressful couple of weeks with packing, planning a move, actually moving, and now finally unpacking and settling in.  I will be beginning my new job on Monday and I will be training for two weeks, so I hope I pick things up quickly and that I will be able to get over my separation anxiety from my little punky.  We should have Internet hooked up at the house on TUESDAY at which point I will be able to do more updating and picture posting but for now...We made it, and it feels SO GOOD to be HOME!!!! 

Smitten with the Mitten

Well....I have a moment to breath...but just a quick one! I have accepted a position with Occupational Athletics as of Monday, I will be working for Consumers Energy in Lansing, MI. What that means basically is that I will be responsible for the Consumers workers keeping them safe and healthy, addressing ergonomic issues, as well as focusing on prevention of injury.  Occupational athletics is a national company working with many corporations such as consumers.  I am very happy and excited to be a part of this new endeavor. I will begin on the 4th of April, we have so much to get worked out in the mean time and I feel like we have money flying here and there, but it will all work out for the best and we are so excited. This job will be outside of the realm of athletics of which I am so familiar, but it is regular hours (7-3), all weekends and holidays OFF, and great pay! Greg will be doing "daddy daycare" for a while until he finds a part time or full time gig, but I know it will be a good situation!
PBA took the news wonderfully and they are being gracious and understanding. Our last day here will be the 18th, we will pack up and start our drive on the 25th.

One thing I had not anticipated was Michigan state licensure being so difficult, and expensive to obtain!  WOW!  Florida licensure was a breeze. MI is telling me it could take 6-8 weeks?!?! What, after paying close to $400 just to apply after everyone gets their fees for verifications, they better get it to me overnight! 

Big things are coming. I can feel it! Lilly and I are headed to Mi for an impromptu trip and we are so excited to see everyone. Especially little Tessa Joy who was born on 2/27! We leave tomorrow morning, pray for warm weather and safe travels, and Big Things to come!!!

After weeks of jotting down words and phrases that have popped in my head, I think last night I finally stumbled upon what my quilt "business" will be called....are you ready? simply holly. Because my quilts are simple design with beautiful fabrics and they are all a reflection of me and my creativity, they are simply holly. I like it and I think I'm sticking to it. Now to come up with a fun slogan. Like "quality quilts with a modern design...simply holly." This branding stuff is almost as fun as playing with fabric. Almost.

Blog Auction

Please, check out this blog auction.

I have entered a Christmas table runner I had been working on for a while, but had no real place to use it, and could not decide who to give it to. So, if you have a large table it would be a great modern addition to your Christmas decor and help a great family at the same time. I went to high school with the family hosting this auction. Read about their story here and if you feel lead please bid generously as all proceeds go to bring their adopted child home.

This morning...I FEEL GREAT! Sore, but great. I went for a run last night, and was pushed along by my new favorite "lady gaga" pandora station. I wanted to run and dance all at the same time. I am so glad Greg is encouraging me to get back into running. This morning I am sore but it is a long overdue welcomed feeling. So as I sit here at Starbucks watching my sleeping punky poo and sipping my favorite drink I can't help but remember that the Lord works all things out for the good of those who Love Him!

Millions of thoughts

I never thought it was possible to think a million of thoughts all at the same time! Well, it is and I do. I have a a hard time at the moment slowing down enough to think one thing at a time. I have been known (well to myself at least) as the queen of multitasking, but right now things are just getting ridiculous. It is making it hard to blog since I dont even know where to start. But stay tuned, exciting things are in our future. We have an army of prayer warriors out there and I am seeing God in action. Well, I hope it is God, but we will find out soon enough wont we. Hopefully there will be some Tessa's quilt pictures soon!

This is a test of the mobile blog application! A success would mean up to date blogging at my fingertips! Just what I needed, to be even more addicted to tech.

Etsy Shop?

Hey check out my poll...

I have a bug to start a shop and to start selling my blankies and quilts, baby-twin bed size. I may dabble in the world of quilt design and selling quilting fabrics. I have been trying to come up with a catchy name. Has to be fun and new, and be able to be part of a solid logo and brand. I have been doing a ton of blogging and searching, but I still don't know...so take my poll or if you have any suggestion (serious suggestions) post them in the comments.

Think about what would make a good .com, or look good on a tag or sticker. I wont tell you what I like but you may be able to guess...

Big Girl!

My silly little monkey is 5 months old! What did she do yesterday FINALLY all on her own?! ROLL OVER. From front to back and back to front. She has really up till now shown little to no interest in rolling but yesterday out of the blue while I was cleaning up her room she rolled off her tummy trying to get a toy! I wish I could have captured it on video but when I put her back to do it again of course she wouldn't budge. Last night also to celebrate her 5 month old/22 week old birthday we introduced her to rice cereal. She has been showing a lot more interest in what we have been eating lately as well as putting everything in her mouth. She did well with the runny mess, it was entertaining to say the least. I am still not convinced she needs additional food in her diet at this point I think she is doing well with the breast milk but if nothing else we will get her trained on how to use the spoon for when that time does come.

We are heading to Cocoa tonight to visit Pops and Grams so I hope to have some fun pictures of our adventure up the coast, should be a beautiful weekend. And I hear there is some big football game on Sunday?!

Spic and Span

One unfortunate character trait I believe Greg and I have been sharing lately is laziness. We manage to take care of Lilly and Mya, keep ourselves fed and groomed, but our poor house is a mess. Well, was a mess. I will never be of the mind that it is my roll to do ALL the house work simply because I am the woman, but Greg is never of the mind set that he wants to do any house work therefore we are normally at a stand off. I do what I can when I can, but when he is sitting and watching TV and the end of his day I would like to do that too. Well Saturday we decided we were lazy slobs and something needed to be done. We did a top to bottom spic and span clean up, scrubbing grout, taking out garbage, doing laundry, picking up pet hair (lots of pet hair!). It was long overdue and we did it together. Sadly though it is Monday and I look around and still don't feel like it made any difference. Is this what working motherhood is going to be? a constant mess? Oh well, The baby is happy and we are well rested, the dishes can wait...

21 weeks old

Punky Poo is 21 weeks old today, next week she will be 5 months! I have learned so much about being a mom in such a short time and I know that I have SO much more to learn, but I welcome it all. I have found it so amazing how having Lilly has brought me closer to Greg and even more closer to God. She is such a wonderful blessing. She is holding her head up and can sit with little support, she is able to stand and play in her jumparoo, she can grab things and bring them to her mouth, she eats like a champ from me and the bottle, she is already in 6-9 m clothes. She will be rolling over SOON, she is not quite sure what to do with her arms but she can whip that leg up. She is growing so fast.
I think we are going to start her on solid foods soon. She is eating 6-8 ounces easy at each feeding and she seems quite interested in what Greg and I are eating. If not for the nutrition we will just get her training on the spoon. I am excited to see what the next few months will bring!

Happy day

My little snuggle bug had a great day today! I am sure it has to do with the fact that her teeth were not hurting her, and she has had a poopy every day since Saturday (before that she went 7 days and got quite grouchy!) Funny the things you celebrate as a mommy, Yay, Poop!

Was not sure if they would take her USPS flat rate or if we should do fed ex... She's so silly.

He reigns...

I have to believe this is all a part of God's plan. I have my faith in Him 100%...but my soul is so weary on this gray Monday. I don't know how much longer I can do this. Greg and I had a wonderful weekend, we spend hours just talking while Lilly slept in her stroller, walking along the waterfront while the wind blew across the intra-coastal. Those are the moments in West Palm Beach I am sure to look upon fondly. We have such hopes and dreams for our future, for our family, and I believe that God has put it on our hearts so that some day we may truly be able to bless people who are in need. But today as I return to work and share conversations with people my state of mind returns to one of hopelessness. Will we ever be able to leave this place? What is paradise to some has turned into a place that makes me miss the blistery cold. I can not quite put my finger on what I hate so much but the past year there has been a transition at school and it is no longer the place that I was hired into 4 years ago. If it had been like this 4 years ago I would not have taken the job...I am just so sad that I have to leave my Lilly every day to come to this place that is not a place of salt and light but one that makes me feel like I am in the dark. I have to believe it is all a part of his plan, I have to believe that he works all things out for the good of those who love Him.

Ugh...on a brighter note, I did get free Starbucks on my way in today.

Sweet Divinity

The fabric for Tessa's baby quilt arrived last week from the Quilted Castle and I have been cutting and sewing ever since... here is a little sneak peek of my work so far. 10 Fat Quarters of Sweet Divinity Fabric + 1.25 yards white = I went with some simple windmill patterns. The trick is trying to put it together to highlight the pinks and let the blue compliment and not be the star here. It is something I have not done yet, but is very cute when all put together. This quilt will have a special touch that I am very excited about, and have been wanting to try for a while, but more on that to come...

This morning

Thoughts of the morning:

~ Lilly has the cutest little smile when she takes breaks during nursing to look up at me.
~It is not kind/playful/sanitary to put your dirty boxers on your wife's head, Greg.
~No, I don't want to go to work when I could be home quilting, er, I mean with Lilly and Greg.
~Sir, If my key worked I would not have to call security to let me in the building, enough with the 'tude!
~Can't they just get an IV for this coffee?
~It is such a beautiful day today! The breeze, the clouds, the 60% chance of practice being cancelled, I mean it raining.
~ I need a nap....its 9:15

Names

Greg and I have been throwing around some ideas for future plans we are making. Those plans involve starting our own company for real estate and becoming land lords. We are reading and educating ourselves as much as possible, but on Sunday we had a fun session of just throwing around names for our future company. I don't think we have settled on any just yet. But it got me thinking about how many women at my stage in life become entrepreneurs just to stay home with their family. Just check out Etsy if you don't believe me. I was thinking about what I would name my quilting/fabric business...

Snuggle Bug Studio (I call Lilly my little Snuggle Bug), Double H Designs (Get it Holly Hill), Sweetie Pie Quilts, and the list goes on. These names would also allow me to have very cute logos. I never feel creative when it comes to original names but since I make baby quilts or smaller quilts I think the cutsie names are perfect. Oh well, maybe some day. Just fun to think about someone actually funding my hobby.

Keep dreaming...

Stop growing

My Lilly is "freakishly tall" according to the doctor. She had quite a growth spurt the week of Christmas. Lilly had her well baby checkup and she is perfect of course, but she is 27.5" and 16# 10oz. That puts her in the 99.8% for length, and the 94% for weight, the size of the average 9 month old. But at least she is not a fat baby, she's just tall, according to the doctor she is supermodel material. We are going to have our hands full!

This is her newest toy, her bumbo (Greg said we had to get the blue one). She loves it and she sits so well in it. This was her this morning, trying to talk, while sticking her hands in her mouth.
She has discovered her feet and loves to get them as close to her mouth as possible! I wish I were still that flexible.

One track mind

I've had quilts on the brain! I know, no big shock. But, since I actually had some Christmas money and a baby on the way to make for those creative juices are flowing...So here is the fabric that is on it's way to my house for baby Tessa.

After some searching for ideas I think I have settled on the quilt pattern below, found here. I think it is perfect for a baby quilt, simple, with the sashing it makes the rectangles stand out. I tend to lean hard towards quilts with the white sashing, not sure what it is about that but I like how fabric pops off the sashing, looks cleaner to me I guess. I may make the sashing pink on mine but I have not yet decided...

In addition to this quilt I have managed to purchase a layer cake (10" squares) of Moda's Fruit Cake fabric from the fabric store at 40% off! Not sure what I am going to make with that quite yet but you can be sure it will be a quilt and it will be quite Christmasy.
I have also been reading up on how to hand quilt. Not for piecing because I think that would be horrible and tedious and I would hate it, but for the final quilting. I have a 1930's quilt top I made about 5 quilts ago, and I still need to put it together. Since it is larger than most other quilts I have made I am thinking it will be very hard to machine quilt it on my little Kenmore machine. So, I think I have decided it will be a good project to take on and start some hand quilting. With the older 1930's style fabrics I think hand quilting would really suit it, and it is something I can do on the couch and take with me, in case my attempts at crochet are in vain.