- I am a mom to 2 very active little boys : ask anyone, I am non-stop going!
- I teach 3 Zumba classes a week, plus all the practice means up to 2 hours of Zumba a day.
- I still teach stampin classes in my home, and am having a workshop this week, too. Really looking forward to that.
- I am trying to get my yard work done - planting flowers, weeding, and tilling trees, mowing lawn, etc.
- I have now decided to build a house, just like Russ used to do.
He really wanted me to do that as a job, and while I feel it may be overwhelming, I figure I owe him a shot. If he thought I could do it, I will trust his judgement on at least one house. Then I should know if it is something I can handle.
It is just over 7 months since Russ has gone to meet his Savior and in that time I have really grown. Sometimes, though, it feels like I am going backwards, especially with the boys. I find I have a lot less patience, like my nerves are always on edge, but I am working on being "slow to anger". It is not fair to them, since they are struggling, as well.
I am back on the Isagenix 30 Day System, and with the help of a great friend, will get back down to my goal weight. Russ always wanted me to be healthy, and I feel so wasted now, so eating right and losing weight will help me feel physically good again.
I hope to find some me time this week to get to stamping, I really miss it. Besides that, I just got a huge order and I want to play with it
. I also miss you all out there in blog land. This used to be my place to come and share with all of you , and I miss that communication (however one sided it was ... lol)
. Wishing you all a great weekend, and to my USA friends, enjoy your Memorial Day long weekend. Tootles, have fun and happy stamping!!
Hi Julie,
Girl ~ you never cease to amaze! I'm sure it will be beautiful. Keep us in the loop!!!
HUGS!
Linda
Posted by: Linda L | June 06, 2011 at 03:53 PM
Julie,
I continue to follow along on your blog as you journey forward after Russ' death. I too discovered Zumba classes after my Mom's sudden death and am loving my three classes a week. A wonderful stress release for sure and that new found energy and health will help you to find the patience as you continue to raise two amazing young boys. May this journey with the building of the house bring you joy and ignite a passion in you .
Posted by: Heather Aucoin | June 02, 2011 at 06:59 PM
Julie,
You have always been a blessing and an inspiration to me, and I'm sure to a lot of other people as well. I have always wondered how you have time to do everything you fit in and still have time to sleep a couple of hours! I wish you the best on your new venture and I'm sure you will succeed at anything you set your mind to!!
Posted by: Lenoria | May 31, 2011 at 11:33 AM
Your courage, strength,and love is an inspiration to all of us. You and your children are in my prayers always. God bless you.
Posted by: Pat | May 30, 2011 at 09:41 PM
I admire the strong woman that you are, and don't doubt for a minute that you will succeed! Good luck with the house! I'm looking forward to seeing pics of the finished project.
I'm also looking forward to your posts, but I completely understand that you have your hands full.
Posted by: Carmen M. | May 30, 2011 at 08:31 PM
Julie, thanks for the update. Please don't worry at all about keeping up the blog. To everything there is a season, right? We're like old friends; we'll just pick up where we left off. :)
Posted by: Cindy | May 30, 2011 at 03:47 PM
I just want you to know that you challenge me to do and be better......congratulations on your new journey! I would love project management like that and Im sure, absolutely positive you have the skills required! If those little guys dont teach you patience, contractors will!! God Bless
Tanya
Posted by: Tanya Frost | May 30, 2011 at 09:03 AM
For those more accustomed to Baltimore's warehouse scene, please keep in mind this is NOT BYOB! Beer and wine sales raise money for the Arabber Preservation Society.
Additional refreshments by Dangerously Delicious Pies and Common Ground!
Posted by: Christian Louboutin shoes | May 30, 2011 at 03:56 AM
Julie, you are amazing! Russ is smiling down at you, so proud. You are setting an example of hard work and not being afraid of a challenge for your boys too! Take time for yourself and if a project becomes too big, then change your plans... that's ok! We never know what we can do until we try and most of us are afraid to try! May God Bless you and your boys and may you feel His loving arms around you all! Take care! Marlys
Posted by: Marlys Wessels | May 29, 2011 at 03:47 PM
Julie, I enjoyed (ok, stalked) your blog for a long time and still do enjoy it. Sometimes a life takes a few new paths and that's okay. You'll work it out with the boys and your blog fans (stalkers) will be here waiting for your creative wisdom. Thanks for keeping up your blog.
Posted by: Mary Hanen | May 29, 2011 at 02:43 AM
You are AMAZING, Julie. I think you should be so proud of yourself to face all these challenges alone, whether you're afraid or not. I have twin sons (now grown), and I can tell you patience is the most important skill you can acquire with rambunctious boys. One of the things we built into our daily schedule was a "quiet time." I explained that it was important for each of us to have a little time each day to just be by ourselves doing our favorite quiet activity. Ideally, it would last an hour...more realistically, it lasted 30-45 minutes. It could be used for drawing/coloring, napping, reading, writing...anything to give everyone a cool-down. It really helped. God bless and be with you and your boys every day, Julie.
Posted by: NancyS | May 28, 2011 at 09:40 PM
It sure does sound like you are keeping very busy. Wish you all the luck in your new venture, if Russ thought you could do it you probably can. Enjoy your summer :)
Posted by: Conniecrafter | May 28, 2011 at 06:09 PM
Best wishes on all your endeavors. Allow yourself JUST ME time and time to continue to grieve. Miss you, but this is the time to take care of you and your family. Please keep us posted when you can. We care for you.
Posted by: Sylvia/Georgia | May 28, 2011 at 05:52 PM
Wow, you are one busy lady! Trusting the building experience will go smoothly and you will gain confidence and a new found ability as you do it. Hugest of hugs to you and the boys.
Posted by: Marisa | May 28, 2011 at 12:28 PM
Wow! I hope you aren't taking on more than you can handle. It sounds like you are staying healthy but please don't overdo it. Hugs and prayers to you and your boys.
Posted by: Karen T | May 28, 2011 at 12:17 PM
Build a house?! WOW! I am impressed! Today I have to go to the home improvement store to ask what to use as a "connection" on the floor between the wood and linoleum.
Best of luck.
Posted by: Annette | May 28, 2011 at 11:22 AM
I am amaaze, but not shocked at your hutzpah! You Go Girl.
Posted by: Erica Fields | May 28, 2011 at 10:56 AM
Wow Julie - you never cease to amaze! You have a never-ending strength, and you are the bravest woman I've ever known. I'm sure that your house will be the best house imaginable. I do hope you will show photos at all stages, and explain things as you go! I've never built a house (ha ha)! As for your boys, you will work that out. They know that you love them with all your heart. You are all hurting, and dealing with new challenges every day. It all takes time. Hopefully, you can get away with them for a long weekend at a motel with pool, etc., for another "Mini-Disney" refresher!!! Hugs, and always prayers, my friend. Keep us posted on that house, and congrats on taking charge of your body - you're right, you will feel better when that's under control again!
Posted by: Patti J. | May 28, 2011 at 09:55 AM
best of luck in all your endeavors.......
building a house......that is impressive....
wishing you nothing less than success....
hugs
beverley
Posted by: Beverley | May 28, 2011 at 08:16 AM
You are smart to keep busy. I know that helped me after I lost my husband. Faith helps us accept our loss but it is still hard to live with it and it affects us in funny ways. In my case, I find that I can't concentrate as well as I did before. It has improved over time but I still have a ways to go. Keep up the good work.
God bless.
Posted by: Carol B | May 28, 2011 at 08:02 AM
In Life one is always Growing ~ Your Doing an Awesome Job Julie :D
Posted by: Kerry | May 28, 2011 at 07:33 AM
Yay! Of course you can build a house! What fun that will be! I look forward to hearing progress reports...if you find the time! lol Remember in all of your busy-ness to take time to stop and listen to what the Lord has to say to you! :o)
Posted by: Nancy | May 28, 2011 at 07:24 AM
Thinking of you and knowing you will accomplish your goal since God is with you and Russ watching over all of you. Hugs from Michigan
Posted by: chrisd | May 28, 2011 at 06:22 AM
Wow! Julie building a house. I admired you before but now I am in awe!!!! OMGosh! you are amazing...please show us pictures in steps!!!
As said before you, you do have a lot on your plate and of course you do not have time to communicate with your blogging friends. Of course we miss you, but we understand....hang in there things will soon fall into place.
I cannot believe that it's 7 months already that sure flew. I am sure not for you. Please know when you need to vent we are here for you. You can even email me privately if you'd like: Krazy4Bears@yahoo.com
Enjoy whatever you do but know you are still in my thoughts and prayers DAILY!!!
Inky Hugs,
Terry~~
Posted by: Terry Molineux | May 28, 2011 at 06:10 AM
Hi Julie, You have a lot on your plate. Wishing you and your boys all the happiness and best wishes you deserve.
I have followed your site for a while now and enjoy so much the ideas for your cards. And stories and pictures of your family and adventures.
Wish you luck on building your house. With your faith you will make it come true with flying colors.
Posted by: linda font | May 28, 2011 at 05:51 AM
Wow, Julie, you are one busy woman! I think it's great that you are brave enough to try new things! May you find joy and success in everything you do! May God bless you and strengthen you every day!
Love and prayers,
Diane (from Singapore)
Posted by: Diane Seaward | May 28, 2011 at 05:00 AM