Light: Bright and Good

God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 

1 John 1:5

I am embarking on a busy couple of weeks of designing. I get a fast heartbeat and overwhelmed state when I try to think of the big picture. In order to trump that feeling, I will recite this verse in my mind. Simple, but so profound. And I will continually be encouraged by my dear husband, who is so helpful and present to me.

Conversations: With Our Big Boy

Mom: Tell me all about school. 
Tegegne: I was very nervous at first (Michael had to leave you in the cafeteria with all of kids and their parents who waited to walk them to their classroom.). Then more people came and I was less nervous...Recess was pretty good...played soccer, but I didn't see Kade. I didn't like that I had to wait so long for lunch. (That's my fault, son...we usually eat at 11am at home!) But we got to take a snack to recess! And I did see Kade at art...

Dad: What are your friends names?
T: Macy...and I forgot...Oh, and Towns!
D: I had Town's sister in summer school last year...he's cool!

M: And your helper teacher...what is her name?
T: Madam Prisca. She's chocolate like me. 
M: She's very pretty.
T: Yeah, she is.
D: Aren't there several chocolate kids in your class?
T: Just two. 

(Pointing at your first school worksheet of the alphabet...)
T: I colored these red and blue for the Jayhawks, and these are black and purple for the Cats.  
D: Cool, who told you that?
T: Macy. She sits at my table!

T: Towns was splashing me so much in the pool that my eyes turned red. I splashed him back. 

T: Mom, why do you want two hugs...cooome on! I've already given you one.

Then for tuck in after the second day of school I asked you the best and hardest parts of the day. The best part was playing soccer and the worst part was when the big kid pushed you because you weren't playing the game right.  I got Daddy because he has lots of experience with "bullies" on the playground. You two had a good conversation, and you know that your teacher is there to help.

We are so proud of you. A highlight for all of us in this new phase of your life, is that you get special time with Dad to and from school. So far that's involved donuts and a trip to the toy store. You two are thriving with this extra time together, and it's so neat to watch. Dad is extra excited to hear you speaking French, and overall we feel content. One of the few things your Birth Mama told us is that she wanted you to have an education. Her wish is coming true. You are witty, can converse with adults, and are at a school where people know and look after you. She would be so proud, Son.  Let's look to the stars tonight and say a prayer that she would somehow know that her wish for you is coming true. 

Love, love, love you,

Mama (You and Hensley have been calling me Mama, since that's what Fields says!)

Kansas City: Brick Studio

So, here it is all beautiful and in full glory! Our dream home. And yours, probably. I mean, this place has beautiful potential.  Unfortunately it's priced too high for us as it has no plumbing, electrical, HVAC, needs windows, new storefront, etc, etc, etc. Hopefully its new owner will make it really super awesome and get on the cover of Dwell Magazine. 

See yesterday's post (Our Pursuit of Homes) for some of our design ideas for the building. Several months ago, Michael decided to write the owners of this building and see if they'd consider selling it. After our second letter, they said they'd consider selling it...to us...as they have had many offers before but loved the idea of turning it into a family home. They loved that Michael was a teacher in KC, MO as they are both retired teachers. They loved it that the park was just down the street and that we had 3 children...

We really do like the idea of a family moving into the studio. That is exactly what would please us the most!

I really need to think more of you and your family because you have a lot to do on this building to be ready to live in it by fall, and that would be my goal for you. 

We had asked the price, but it wasn't until they got back to Kansas City that they got in touch with a realtor friend of theirs that thought it could sell for much more as a commercial building, aka live/work, than to sell it to a family. So, sadly, they changed their minds and it went on the market yesterday.  

As for our community and close friends, thank you for your listening ear. We have talked about our pursuit to it's death. I, especially, could talk design all day and do that with every possible space. Our vacation last week was perfect timing. But now, I must takie a breakie from this pursuit and get back to what's right in front of me. (Which at the moment is Hensley's little self, sitting on my lap, trying to hit the space bar.)

Love,

Kristyn

The Pursuit Of: Homes

For over six months we've been in the pursuit of...

This...

And for a little while this...

(Master Suite has amazing views of nearby park, and rooftop terraces would be so fun for parties!)

But Mostly This...

For which we designed this...

And thought of things like this...

None of that worked, (insert sadness...especially with the brick building) but then we considered this...

This one has a 3rd floor master suite that would be amazing. It's finished up to the drywall, and is ready for kitchens and baths...plus a double lot. But not best location.

And the search goes on. In the mean time we are LOVING our new air conditioning, and thankful for this wonderful home. Hopefully someone will aslo fall in love and purchase it soon! 

Love,

Kristyn

Baby: Sun + Dotter

SUN + DOTTER

Check out what Janette (with FLP) has been up to with Sun + Dotter!  

She is offering online classes and personalized styling for all things baby...

A Mother: A Blessed Soul

Mother and Son

Hi there. It's a pony tail kind of day, or week for that matter. I've been busy with a design project, which has included many daytime phone calls, a site visit with 3 kids in tow, and many daytime hours in front of my computer. Sorry kids. I don't like being this distracted. I have battled being short with you, and reaching with all my might for patience and intentional time with you. A friend sent me this blog post about a mom who was overworked and yelled at her kids, and I cried. I notice when I am stressed with other things, I am much less patient with you. 

The week took a turn for the better thanks to two really wonderful times at church. They are doing Summer Institutes...classes that range from study of the bible, to African culture, to running club, to dancing. Michael and I are doing a study on 1 John lead by our pastor. It was so so refreshing to open the bible and study. It had been way too long. 

The other class I went to this morning was for Mothers. It was good for my soul. I sat down in the class, and Jessi, our teacher started speaking to us with her words of wisdom and I teared up. Motherhood, what a cherished and challenging job. She started our time by asking...who got others dressed besides yourselves, and fed others, and changed another's diaper this morning...she asked who helped someone in crisis. Most of us had our hands up most of the time. She noted Philippians 2:5-7 and pointed out that Jesus emptied himself. That is what mother's do. Emptying self all day, often into the night for the sake of their family.  In order to give, we must receive. Receive help from God. Jesus was able to empty himself because he was constantly with God.

She then had us share our birth and adoption and fertility stories in small groups. After that she shared more scripture and said that the bible is full of references to Mother's, she noted how God is like a Mother. Then she gave us a half hour to be by ourselves and reflect, journal, pray, walk, or whatever we pleased. It was such a wonderful morning. 

I, the Lord, made you, Kristyn.
I will help you.
Do not fear, Kristyn, whom I have chosen. 
I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring. 
And they will spring up among the grass.

Tegegne will say, "I am the Lords"
And Hensley will call on the name of Jacob;
And Fields will write on his hand, "Belonging to the Lord..."

Rephrased these things and reflected from Isaiah 44:1-5. 

More photos of you, my beloved children, with your Mother...

Tegegne, I love laughing with you.

A new mother holding you tight.

Brand New Baby Fields with his Peaceful Mother.  

Hensley, you love to eat, just like your Mother.

I spy Baby Fields!

 

My 2nd Day as a New Mother

We were so worried about you, Baby Tegegne! (Well, you were 2 and 4 months, but seemed closer to 18 months.)

Brand new Baby Hensley and Tired Laboring Mother

Motherhood, an exhausting and beautiful and life giving journey. 

Love you children,

Your Mother

Kids: Get the Giggles

Tegegne, 5
Hensley, almost 2.5

Tegegne and Hensley, 
You two were having so much fun with a spray bottle tonight. Hens, we don't hear that good belly laugh often and it was awesome! Of course, as most things caught on video...this went on for at least 10 minutes before we decided we should video it. I love it when you kids get the giggles. Laughter makes the world go round.  

Love you so much,

Mom

Sale Ends: FIXED LINK TO BID!

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Yellow Eames Bucket Chairs

Mid Century Floor Lamp

Neutral Eames Bucket Chairs

1960's and 1970's Box Full of 45s (Records)

Set of 4 Fiberglass Brunswick Bowling Alley Chairs

3 Mid Century Chairs (unmarked Herman Miller style)

NEW LINK TO BID!!!!! (http://www.stlouisonlineauction.com/) D'Angelo Living Estate!!!


 More items include great vintage clothes, bookshelves, mirrors, Hamilton Beach Malt Mixer, tables, instruments, Honda vintage motorcycle, etc, etc. Check it out!