That Time Everything Worked Out Perfectly // part 2

Brooke and I clicked right away. We talked on the phone for probably an hour and then made plans to meet up later that week. I could tell right away that she was crazy about her girls, and I loved that she was whispering through our whole convo while her 5 month old slept in her arms. 

They live half way up Queen Anne hill, a quiet part of the neighborhood with lots of sidewalks and a playground nearby. I was greeted by a mommy and a baby, and could hear a big sister playing in her bedroom. It took a few minutes before she felt like coming out to meet me but, when she did, I heard all about her teacher at school and the artwork she’d made that day. She showed me her favorite books while her sister kicked and cooed on the floor next to where we sat. I think we were buddies from that point on. Baby sis was such a cutie! Totally calm and happy. I just wanted to snuggle and cuddle her but refrained just a bit so as not to seem too excited. Ha! 

This felt perfect. The hours were exactly what I needed, I felt at home right away in their space, the girls and I got off to a great start, and like I said, Brooke and I really hit it off. But I had competition! Brooke let me know that she’d already interviewed a couple other nannies and that she had a couple more later that week. We parted ways, happy to have met, and with promises to be in touch soon. 

Two days before Christmas, Brooke gave me a call. I could hear that her house was full of company - her family was visiting for Christmas! She told me that the other interviews had gone okay but when she asked Shelby which nanny she liked the best, Shelby said ‘Joy! I liked Joy the best!’ Oh my. Talk about heart melt. It meant so much to me that Shelby could tell we’d make a good pair from just that first little while together. Turns out, Brooke agreed with the girls and asked if I’d like to be Paige and Shelby’s nanny. Yes! I’d love to! 

This was it! What a relief to find a family that you just fit into right away! God had this all planned out for me and I was so thankful! Not only was it evident by how well we all hit it off in the beginning, but a few weeks later there was another big surprise that God knew was coming, even though I didn’t! I’m so glad He can see the big picture ;)

...To Be Continued...

Tell me about a time something just clicked together perfectly for you. A new job? A new friendship? 

xoxo

Joy

That Time Everything Worked Out Perfectly // part 1

Today is for:

a hot cocoa date while the babe naps

finishing a new quilt project

blog design brainstorming

lighting Christmas scented candles

turning up the heat

making goals for a new year

Christmas gift planning

enjoying our cozy home

What are you guys doing today? Winter is definitely here in Seattle..has it come to your house yet?

xoxo

Joy

That Time Everything Worked Out Perfectly // part 1

Uniformed Nanny, 1967 via Pinterest

It was about this time, 2 years ago, that I started looking for my first nanny gig. I talked on the phone to quite a few families but all of those conversations turned out to be practice calls until I met Teresa. Her voice was sweet and I could hear her two boys playing in the background. We made plans to meet. 

I met Teresa and her 2 sons, Henry and Jack, a couple days later. We had a nice evening together, playing with trains, reading books, making snacks. Teresa and I had good conversation about what she needed in a nanny and my experience with kids. Looking back, I can’t say that I felt uneasy at all. The boys were rambunctious but sweet. Teresa was kind and welcoming. The evening ended on a good note and I felt excited that this might be my new ‘nanny family’. 

Over the next few days we talked about more details - schedules, transportation arrangements, hourly wage. It seemed like this was it! By the end of the week though, I started to feel unsettled with the idea of working for them. I tried to figure out what was making me feel differently than when I’d first met Teresa and the boys, but I couldn’t put a finger on it. I just didn’t have a peace about it. Camillo and I prayed and I finally just felt God say to me that this wasn’t what He had for me. Plain and simple. 

This is not where I’m taking you. 

I made the decision to decline Teresa’s offer to be Henry and Jack’s nanny. It was really weird. I hate feeling like I’m disappointing people. I’d gotten this far in the interview process, only to turn her down. On the phone, she kept asking if something was wrong, why didn’t I want to work for them? I was a little shy to talk to tell her my real reason, so I had a couple lame explanations at first. Finally, when none of them satisfied her, I told her the truth. I told her that I am a person who trusts God to lead me where He wants me to be. There was nothing wrong with her family, it wasn’t that I didn’t want to work with them, I just felt like this wasn’t the direction I was supposed to go. 

I could tell she thought I was a little nutty but, by being real and honest with her like that, I was able to hang up the phone, confident that I’d said what needed to be said. Had I beat around the bush, I probably would have wondered ‘did I say the right thing?’ or ‘did I sound rude or immature?’. I’m glad I was honest with her about my faith. Sometimes I worry that people will just blow me off if I start talking about Jesus. Especially in Seattle. But I'm learning to be bolder and not worry so much what people think about me. 

Even though I didn’t know what God had for me next, I was at peace with continuing my job search. Over the next few days, I met a couple really sweet girls. Maybe this was it? My new ‘nanny family’?

...To Be Continued…

Have you ever been given an opportunity that seemed like a good idea in every aspect..except for that uneasy gut feeling? What did you do? Join the conversation in the comments below!

xoxo
Joy

That Time Everything Worked Out Perfectly // part 2

I Hope You Had a Wonderful Thanksgiving! Today I'm thankful for...

Thankful For:

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday

[a witty title that has nothing to do with food but everything to do with our week]

this post is part of my 31 Day series. here is the beginning

Thursday was a weird day. I guess my mind needed some time off because it seemed to be missing all day! The weather was gor.geous. Crisp and bright. Ollie and I went for a nice long walk in the morning, then after nap we explored Discovery Park with Uncle Jordy and his new lens. It was so nice and relaxing. Exactly what I needed but I didn't even know it.

Friday was grocery shopping day. I felt a little overwhelmed because I needed to plan for a week's meals + company! But Ollie was very helpful by keeping a list as we strolled up and down the aisles. ;) And once I had 'groceries' crossed off my to-do list, I felt much better. 

Friday evening Camillo and I went on our first dinner date in 14 months! Oh my goodness, you guys. It was blissful. I ate my own dinner without having to feed someone else. And Camillo and I got to talk and visit the whole evening. Just the two of us. *sigh* After dinner, we walked a couple blocks to Bluebird IceCream. I got Phantograham (graham crackers and chocolate, yum!) and Camillo got Elysian Stout. It was supposed to be a beer flavor but he didn't really taste it..Thank you Julia for a grown up date night!! (and here's to more on a regular basis!!)

Saturday Caroline and Maria flew in to Seattle!! The two kidlets are only 5 months apart and they are getting along SO well. They follow each other around and are constantly giving each other hugs and kisses. Cutest thing ever. Ollie is working on saying Maria but it comes out sounding more like Aria! hehe, He loves his friend Aria, too :) I finally got to bake some cookies, too. Did you see that?! Caroline loves them so I might have an excuse to make them again before she leaves. I'll be sure to send a couple all of them home with her ;)

I'll do my best to keep up with my daily posts but please forgive me if I miss [another] day or two. We have family here through the end of the month and we want to cherish our time together. That might mean no blogging for this mama! You can be sure there will still be plenty of eating though ;)

xoxo
Joy

Breakfast For Dinner // Cheesy Bacon Biscuit Pull Aparts

this post is part of my 31 Day series. here is the beginning

Today was a really, super long day. Enjoyable, but long. I got home at 6pm without a clue as to what to make for dinner. Thankfully, I had all the fixins to make this, and Camillo didn't mind having breakfast in the evening! Add a couple scrambled eggs and OJ..another quick, easy meal. Can I get an Amen!?

Some things I'm really grateful for today:

the perfectly gorgeous weather (for reals)
the two hour walk me and Ollie enjoyed
a spontaneous trip to a dear friend's house
coming home to an empty sink (it was full of dishes when I left - thanks so much, babe!)
clean, folded laundry (thanks again!)
Ollie's tight bear hugs
and his sweet dance moves
an easy dinner
time to rest

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend..tomorrow is Monday already!!

xoxo
Joy

It's Here

Dear Joy,

    I'm finally here! And I brought a bouquet of golden leaves with me. I've come with a gust of wind and just the right chill needed to wear your favorite scarf and drink hot cider. I hope to inspire you to try new things, make new things, and love new things. I'm only here for a short time, so enjoy me while I'm here.

Love,

   Autumn

Thankful Thursday

Sweet giggles
Help with dishes
Dinner on the couch
Rainy days
Funny faces
Pretty lights
Early mornings
Good sleep
New friends
Pumpkin bread
Holding hands
Jibber jabber
Pots and pans

Thankful Thursday For Friday

A whole day of snuggles

Foxy slippers

Cool, sunny days at the park

Apples and pumpkins 

Photographer friends

Homemade pizza

Handsome husband

Good night sleeps

Gigantic new toofies

Teething pills

Hand-me-downs

Wind in his hair

A good run

Date night in

Thankful Thursday

a pretty little archway we found on a walk in Fremont

5 hours of sleep at one time

A cool, foggy morning to wake up slowly

Breakfast with my boys (and Norah!)

Vanilla Nut creamer

A friendly visit

Happy hearts

Healthy groceries

A sweet husband

Gym memberships

Sunny, playful afternoons

Quiet time

What are you thankful for today?

xoxo

Joy

Source: theindigobunting.blogspot.com via Joy on Pinterest

Today is November 26th. That means there are only 5 weeks left of 2012!! This year has been so full and so very blessed.

I've already started to put a lot of thought into my resolutions for this new year. I don't want another 12 months to come and go with a half hearted list of goals that are unaccomplished because they weren't planned well. 

The list isn't written all the way yet but I know something to do with health will be there for sure. And it will probably have to be about what I eat. Because, let's be honest, I may not have much control over getting to the gym at a certain time everyday (read: Ollie takes 20 minute naps) but I can absolutely control what food I put in my mouth. Or don't. 

I've decided that two small changes I can make will help me be so much healthier. #1: no sugar during the weekdays. Man, oh man. I am addicted to sweets and treats. It's kind of disgusting. Well, it would be if it wasn't so delicious. I am hereby committing to cutting all sugar intake out of every weekday. Treats will be saved for a weekend, if I've done well enough to earn it. I don't want to deprive myself of something I really enjoy but I need to switch my point of view:: Two cookies are a special treat to indulge in only on occasion. No longer is it acceptable to eat an entire box. In one evening. #2: up my fruit and veggie count everyday. Maybe we didn't do a lot of veggies when I was a kid but for some reason, it's really hard for me. 5 a day - are you kidding?! It's not that I don't like vegetables, I just don't think about them. I've recently heard a lot of buzz about juicing. When a friend of mine made me a glass of juice (maybe 8 ounces?) I was shocked to realize I'd just had 3 servings of veggies and 1 fruit. That was easy, I can totally do that!!

And why wait five weeks? There's a juicer on my counter and the cupboards are bare of cookies. {cough cough} Now's a great time to start. I'm ready and excited to be adventurous with fruits and vegetables, and who knows? Maybe by January 1st I'll be craving broccoli on the weekends instead of ColdStone. I'll keep you posted!

xoxo

Joy

side note: I should emphasize that juicing is not replacing any of my meals. I'm still a breastfeeding mama and will continue to eat what I need to to keep Oliver healthy and full. By juicing, my hope is to add to my daily nutrition - for me and my baby.

Today I'm thankful

That the holiday was spent with family

For a beautiful sunny day

That it's never too late 

PNW Weather

The last few days in Seattle have been wet wet wet! And I love it. I think dark rainy days are beautiful. Especially when it pours on the roof and bounces off the leaves. Good thing I live in the PNW, huh? Yesterday was the most stormy - we even got some thunder and lightening! It was a day of snuggles in the rocking chair and naps with lots of blankies. 

Today has been less stormy but still just as cozy. We ventured out this afternoon for a mommy/baby hot cocoa date. As I type, Ollie is wrapped up to my chest, snoring away :) It's the perfect combo: work and baby.

We've got some low key family plans for Thanksgiving tomorrow. It's nice to have a low key holiday every couple years. Like I've said before, we're usually a traveling part of the hustle and bustle.  

What are your plans? Traveling far or staying close?

xoxo

Joy

Today I'm thankful

For stormy weather

That we have a cozy home to shelter us from it all

For quiet cafes and hot cocoa

Donuts, Brioche, and Macarons at the Market

A couple weeks ago, Camillo and I made plans to take Oliver to the pumpkin patch! We were going to go after church and spend the afternoon taking pictures while Ollie had the time of his life. Right? Well, that's how I envisioned it. However, sitting in the parking lot underneath dark grey clouds, we realized it might not be the best idea. My happy thoughts turned to visions of soaking wet, muddy mom and dad, and screaming baby. Okay, so we decided this would be the only year we could skip the pumpkin patch. But we still wanted to do something fun so we drove down town to the Pike Place Market for a stroll through the vendors.

At the Daily Dozen, we waited in line for a variety dozen of donuts. They're made right there, on the spot, and totally worth the wait in line. Plus, they have tiny little apple pies!

It's hard to walk through the market without taking a handful of cliche photos. Ya know, the ones with rows and rows of brightly colored fruit and veggies. But seriously, isn't it beautiful? 

We also stopped in at La Panier, a 'very french bakery', for some croissants and brioche. I think I enjoyed the display of macarons as much as the breads we tasted!

Oh, look who's awake! Of course he slept through the whole thing. I'm glad we didn't go to the P-patch this year. It probably would have been disappointing to realize he might not have cared as much as mama ;)

I love snuggling my little guy in his baby k'tan. It's really comfortable and he can sleep for hours in it. Next year, he'll be just over a year old - the perfect age for pumpkins and corn mazes, yes? Until then, mama doesn't mind a day at the market.

xoxo

Joy

Today I'm thankful

For crockpots. Oh my word, I shouldn't even have to explain why. 

That we live on a busy street because the sound of traffic calms Ollie down.

    (funny fact: when we stay at my parents' house I have to turn the sound machine on to it's 'traffic'

    setting. Otherwise, it's too quiet for him to sleep!!)

For dark chocolate hot cocoa..mmm

On prioritizing and doing my best

Oliver, 7 days new

I've been told by so many people that I must 'sleep when baby sleeps'! In the first couple weeks, there was nothing else I could do - I was exhausted and in a lot of pain and discomfort. He slept, I slept.

Now, almost 3 months later, the honeymoon (you know: mom here cleaning the house, friends bringing meals, sleeping whenever I feel the need, Camillo at my beck and call) is over and it's getting a little harder for me to let myself sleep during the day. After all, who is going to wash the dishes, switch the laundry, plan the meals, cook the meals, write the blog, snuggle the husband, take the shower, read the bible, or clean up the house if I'm napping with Ollie? There's a lot to do but only a few short windows throughout the day that they can be done. This calls for some prioritizing and planning ahead. 

Oliver is a short napper - 45 minutes at a time at most. And there are many occasions where he can't stay asleep unless I'm holding him. (Remember the stages I'm reading about?) Sometimes I fantasize about sleeping all day but I have to remind myself that I'll feel better if my dishes are done or the garbage is taken out. But of my arm's length to-do list, what should I do first?

I'm still working out the kinks to that question but, in the meantime, I've got a couple guidelines that will hopefully help me cross off to-dos and leave some space for flexibility throughout the day.

First, I'd like to get up around 7am each morning. I'll have to give myself a lot of grace on this one without losing my will power. There are mornings when we're up at 4 or 5 for a half hour or more and, let's be real, I can't expect to wake up for the day at 7am. But on the mornings I can, a 7am wake up call gives me a little quiet time to have a cup of coffee, read my bible and map out the day.

Next, I want to do the dishes every night. This will be totally doable as long as I discipline myself. Oh my goodness, if I take 15 minutes to stand at the sink each night, I'll be greeted by a sparkly clean kitchen every morning (at 7am?). What a great way to start the day? So much better than walking in to a pile of dishes and counters so crowded I can't even pull out the coffee maker!!

Hanging up our bags and coats when we first walk through the door will solve the disappearing dining table problem. While I'm at it, I'll sort the junk from the mail and decide what goes where instead of leaving it all in a toppled stack. Imagine - eating dinner at the table?!

These three ideas will alleviate some of the clean up stress and leave the house tidy even if I can't scrub down every day. As for those 'scrub down' chores (toilets, vacuuming, windows, laundry, etc), they'll have to fight their way to the top of the priority list. Getting to them will take some planning on my part.  If I plan to clean the bathroom or write a post during Ollie's first nap, I'll be able to start right when he goes to sleep instead of spending his whole nap trying to decide which thing I should do. I can't do it all. I can only do my best and that's going to have to be enough. 

Here's to longer naps, everyday showering, and a date night or two. Until then, I'm learning that productivity doesn't mean working 10 hour days and completing long lists. Feeding my baby, snuggling my hubby, and getting enough veggies are productive enough.

xoxo
Joy

Anybody got any tips for prioritizing? I'll take all the advice I can get - leave it in the comments below!!

Today I'm thankful
That the elections are over (omg)
For a husband who understands that a messy home and frozen pizza are only for a season
For my new friend, Chelsea

A Birthday Weekend

My mom's birthday weekend began at the Crab Pot in Seattle. We had salmon and ahi, veggies, and hard ciders. We were out on the covered patio and watched the ferries coming and going as we ate. After our meal, our waiter brought complimentary cheesecake to celebrate! 

Hmm..do you see a cute little crab in that pot??

After lunch we went to the Columbia Tower to enjoy a cozy warm beverage and the view!

The night didn't end there! After a day in the city we got dressed up and went to Wicked! It was a great show, super fun! Ollie was home with daddy and did really well. He went to sleep at 9:45 and slept through the night until 7am!! Hmm..How did Camillo do it...??

At the last minute on Saturday, I decided to drive down to Shelton to see Isaac before he left. He's hittin' the road for a couple weeks of adventure before he parks it in Utah for the winter. He got a job at a ski resort!! 

Camillo had to work so Jordan and I took Ollie for the ride. It was a quick, less than 24 hour trip but we managed to squeeze breakfast in with my daddyo on Sunday. Somehow, I got through breakfast with only this photo...

 It's always so great to spend time with my parents and brothers. It was a whirlwind 3 days but it was perfect! Thanks to my aunts for a couple of these photos, we had a blast didn't we?!

Today I'm thankful
For an overcast day that makes it easy to be cozy and relax
For my little brothers who are also some of my favorite friends

xoxo
Joy

{insert happy birthday song here}

Happy Birthday, Mommy!! You're fun, adventurous, strong, beautiful, and I am so thankful for our friendship! You've been such a great mom and now a wonderful grammie. I love you very much!!

Today I'm thankful
For a girl's night out with my mom and aunts tonight!
That Camillo is such a good daddy and is excited for boy's night in

It's November!

Source: modernhepburn.tumblr.com via Joy on Pinterest

Happy November! I love this month. It means the holidays are coming and, for me, everything about this season is sweet and special. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. No, it is my one and only favorite! We used to spend every year at my Aunt Paula and Uncle Ron's house and everybody was there. The house was full and the kitchen was constantly producing delicious food and mouth watering aromas! 

Aside from all the family tradition, Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful! This month, at the end of each post, I'll leave a list of what I'm grateful for. I've been trying to be more intentional about being thankful and acknowledging my blessings. It helps a lot on those days I'm a little overwhelmed or feeling claustrophobic. 

Today I'm thankful 

Because I was able to do two loads of laundry (in one day!)

That Camillo didn't have class until 10:30 = family morning!

For a baby that needs structure as much as his mama does. 

Wanna join me? In the comments below, tell us what you have to be thankful for today! 

xoxo

Joy