It is hard to believe I haven't posted on this blog in 6 months. Honestly, I don't know where the time has gone. The Korbel Klan has gone through some rather large changes since I last updated you all.
Last fall, I made a pretty tough decision. I decided to quit my full-time job and stay home with my boys. Paul and I discussed this idea at length for almost a year before I actually gave my notice. I prayed about it, talked about it, "slept on it", dreamt about it and finally, I did it. December 30th was my last day at McGregor Chiropractic I officially hung up my scrubs and SOAP notes for crayons and trains!
The biggest concern for our little family was income. We were used to me having a steady paycheck. Sometimes God gives you signs, big bright billboard signs. About the time I was doing all my praying, thinking and dreaming our daycare provider was doing the same thing. She was really considering going back to school. While we were really sad to say goodbye to such a wonderful woman who cared for our babies, we were thrilled she was following her dreams.
So here is where the "sign" came in:
- I, being a slightly crazy mom, didn't want to go through the whole "finding a new daycare" process (and honestly no one would be "as good as Sara").
-I needed a little income to buy groceries and gas.
-Sara had families with little blessing that needed care.
If there is such thing as a "light bulb" moment, I had it. Why not offer daycare in my home? I loved teaching and well crafts and playing, that is a bonus.
So that is when, There's No Place Like Home daycare was born and my heart got 5 blessings bigger. TNPLH is currently the second home to four families and five little munchkins. We play, learn, pray, discover and wipe noses four days a week.
I have to be honest. In the beginning, I kind of wondered what I had gotten myself into. Easton struggled, he really struggled so I struggled. It is hard to open your house, your possessions and yourself sometimes. But, we got through it, we survived and we are beyond happy!
I cannot express how wonderful it feels to be spending my days at home with my children (and a couple other cuties). I get to drop Owen off at school. I get to pick him up from school. I get laundry done before 10pm, supper is homemade, my floors are clean (most of the time), I don't miss school functions (I even have gotten to volunteer at some) and our family actually eats together every night. I am there for the moments. The homework time, bath time, and the after school snack time. I refuse to take any of these moments for granted because for the last 6 years, I missed a whole lot of them.
I feel blessed. Even in moments of trial, I feel blessed. At the beginning of May our sub pump failed, flooding our basement. The next day our my third child (my camera) got destroyed in the rain. Several days later our air went out in our van. Stress was heightened and tension tried to set in. The truth is, these are replaceable things. Minuscule possessions and luxuries in life really. Moments, those we share with the ones we love, they cannot be replaced. I am so grateful and downright blessed for these moments I have prayed for, for so long. God is awesome!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Thursday, November 24, 2011
My handsome "Ring Man"
Photo Taken By: Me
Owen was recently asked to participate in the wedding of a couple very near and dear to our family. Here are a few pictures from his debut as the "ring man" (what he ended up calling himself because he could not remember the word ring bearer!)
Photo Taken By: Me
Photo Taken By:Me
Photo Taken By: Everybody Photography
(*Note: Owen is holding a sign that says BLAH!)
Photo Taken By: Everybody Photography
It was a beautiful fall day and a beautiful wedding. We are blessed to have Jonathan and Julianna Arjes in our lives
Thursday, October 6, 2011
My husband...the Paperboy
Long before our family and the rest of the world wake up, my husband is busy working. He fold, bags and delivers the newspaper. The mornings are quiet. They can be dark, cold, snow-covered or rainy. His walk is a strategic one. It is quick paced and carefully planned. Almost calculated as not to be late for his "main job".
The sun peeks up over the horizon as he pulls his Grand Prix back in our currently leaf covered driveway. He doesn't complain, but he yawns more often and sometimes falls asleep at bedtime prayers.
My husband amazes me. He is determined, dedicated and willing. He takes pride in everything and every job he does. Most of us would be disgusted with a 3:30am wake-up call. He may hit the snooze a few times, but he doesn't hesitate to climb out of our warm bed and begin his day.
Why does he do it? Well years ago it was to help us financially. He stepped up so I could spend more time with our children. Today, it is to help us stay ahead. I am thankful. He sacrifices his time each and everyday to give us time. He does this all and he still makes his family a priority.
I am so proud, blessed and honored to call him my husband. He leads by example and is teaching our sons what a "real man' is.
His hands are callused from years of working as a mechanic, gray hair is peeking threw his facial hair, his brown eyes sometimes show pure exhaustion, his shoulders are broad and open to lean on . But when you meet him you also can clearly see he wears his heart on his sleeve. It is big and loving and full of grace.
If our sons take away just a fraction of Paul's goodness, they will be forever blessed. I know I am. I am blessed to be married to the paper boy.
The sun peeks up over the horizon as he pulls his Grand Prix back in our currently leaf covered driveway. He doesn't complain, but he yawns more often and sometimes falls asleep at bedtime prayers.
My husband amazes me. He is determined, dedicated and willing. He takes pride in everything and every job he does. Most of us would be disgusted with a 3:30am wake-up call. He may hit the snooze a few times, but he doesn't hesitate to climb out of our warm bed and begin his day.
Why does he do it? Well years ago it was to help us financially. He stepped up so I could spend more time with our children. Today, it is to help us stay ahead. I am thankful. He sacrifices his time each and everyday to give us time. He does this all and he still makes his family a priority.
I am so proud, blessed and honored to call him my husband. He leads by example and is teaching our sons what a "real man' is.
His hands are callused from years of working as a mechanic, gray hair is peeking threw his facial hair, his brown eyes sometimes show pure exhaustion, his shoulders are broad and open to lean on . But when you meet him you also can clearly see he wears his heart on his sleeve. It is big and loving and full of grace.
If our sons take away just a fraction of Paul's goodness, they will be forever blessed. I know I am. I am blessed to be married to the paper boy.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Fall...ing Behind
It is hard to believe the warm season has graciously left us and fall is in the air. Our summer was a multitude of things: hot, cold, busy, too short and memorable. We tried our best to cram everything possible in the great-outdoors. We took a family vacation to the north shore, bought bicycles, camped, fished, geocached, and hiked. I did my best to keep up with my walking, but an angry low back and a shoulder injury set me back a little bit. Thankfully I am recovering and hoping this autumn offers a few "walk worthy" days.
Owen started first grade a few short weeks ago and our evenings have been filled with this new concept they call homework. This is not a joyful time in the Korbel household, as he becomes EXTREMELY frustrated with reading. I try to remind him, like with anything new, this will take time to master. This is difficult for him, as he has always seemed to excel in his "firsts". We as parents practice patience and let me tell you this is sometimes challenging . Prayers this becomes "easier" with time. Reading can be such a wonderful, life long, hobby.
Easton remains the MESSIEST child alive. He continues to leave his "Easton Tracks" where ever he goes. This generally means snot wipes on the couch, food stains on his shirt and potty on the floor. Bless his dirty little self. He is talking up a storm and asking questions. Oh boy!
Paul started a new job here in town at Viracon. We are so blessed he LOVES his job. There is so much to be thankful for, especially benefits!
I had a first this week. I shot a wedding. Shot, being in the photography sense that is. After over 10 hours of prime photo opts I captured 1300 images of this beautiful couples day. I have started to edit the photos now. I celebrate with each moment I caught. It is those simple moments that continue to mold my passion for this art.
Here is a glimpse of the day....the rest will have to await the brides approval.
Owen started first grade a few short weeks ago and our evenings have been filled with this new concept they call homework. This is not a joyful time in the Korbel household, as he becomes EXTREMELY frustrated with reading. I try to remind him, like with anything new, this will take time to master. This is difficult for him, as he has always seemed to excel in his "firsts". We as parents practice patience and let me tell you this is sometimes challenging . Prayers this becomes "easier" with time. Reading can be such a wonderful, life long, hobby.
Easton remains the MESSIEST child alive. He continues to leave his "Easton Tracks" where ever he goes. This generally means snot wipes on the couch, food stains on his shirt and potty on the floor. Bless his dirty little self. He is talking up a storm and asking questions. Oh boy!
Paul started a new job here in town at Viracon. We are so blessed he LOVES his job. There is so much to be thankful for, especially benefits!
I had a first this week. I shot a wedding. Shot, being in the photography sense that is. After over 10 hours of prime photo opts I captured 1300 images of this beautiful couples day. I have started to edit the photos now. I celebrate with each moment I caught. It is those simple moments that continue to mold my passion for this art.
Here is a glimpse of the day....the rest will have to await the brides approval.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Listing: Full-Time Marriage with Benefits
When Paul and I stood at the alter of our church eight years ago (this Tuesday) we made a promise, a commitment before God and our families and friends. We promised in sickness and in health til death do us part to continue this union of marriage.
In a society where divorce rates are increasing and statically less people are actively attending church the word "marriage" is loosely used.
You see marriage is a life-long career. It is not listed as a temporary position in the want ads. God created marriage for the long term.
Marriage is not always easy however. When two people, who have been uniquely made come together there is bond to be indifference. Marriage is a full-time job with benefits.
I believe most people mentally write the resume of the the partner they pray they will have one day. A woman may require their husband to be God-fearing, hard working, athletic, and loving. Men may require their wife to be motherly, adventurous, organized or intelligent.
We often look for someone who shares our faith, our values and our ideas. But, as I said before we are two different minds uniquely created and sometimes there is chaos in our "shared position".
I am, my no means, a marriage expert. Eight years and a few devotionals later doesn't give me more points, but I am aware of how maintenance works.
Most jobs we work have a maintenance and cleaning crew. These people fix what is broken and clean what is messy. In marriage, that is up to us. We disagree and insult each other. We are quick to anger and slow to ask for forgiveness. We break promises and make messy decisions. It is hard to admit we are wrong and easy to blame.
We must learn to forgive, think before we speak, listen and be slow to anger. This is a full-time job. We must pray together, learn together and make decisions together. We must celebrate our differences as man and women and try our best to understand and embrace why God created us this way.
So we know this is hard work, but trust me there are benefits:
Insurance coverage. When committed to one anther we can guarantee full coverage of love. Being loved and cared for improves our health and well being.
Life Insurance. Commitment. Knowing, for the rest of your earthly life you will share it with anther human being, is blissful.
Dental. Sharing this union is subject to lots of smiling and laughing.
Parenthood. Love can create new life. And parenthood, is one of the most exciting benefits of marriage. It comes with it's share of challenges, but likewise it's share of rewards.
My grandparents will celebrate 59 years of marriage this week. When asked at a wedding, how they got that far my grandfather replied, "remember two words, yes dear". Whether you are a man or women you can remember these words. Try to understand your partner whether it is yes dear, I can imagine that bothers you or it is yes dear, I was wrong. But also think of it as yes God, I will give this job everything I have got. Marriage is indeed a full-time job with benefits.
In a society where divorce rates are increasing and statically less people are actively attending church the word "marriage" is loosely used.
You see marriage is a life-long career. It is not listed as a temporary position in the want ads. God created marriage for the long term.
Marriage is not always easy however. When two people, who have been uniquely made come together there is bond to be indifference. Marriage is a full-time job with benefits.
I believe most people mentally write the resume of the the partner they pray they will have one day. A woman may require their husband to be God-fearing, hard working, athletic, and loving. Men may require their wife to be motherly, adventurous, organized or intelligent.
We often look for someone who shares our faith, our values and our ideas. But, as I said before we are two different minds uniquely created and sometimes there is chaos in our "shared position".
I am, my no means, a marriage expert. Eight years and a few devotionals later doesn't give me more points, but I am aware of how maintenance works.
Most jobs we work have a maintenance and cleaning crew. These people fix what is broken and clean what is messy. In marriage, that is up to us. We disagree and insult each other. We are quick to anger and slow to ask for forgiveness. We break promises and make messy decisions. It is hard to admit we are wrong and easy to blame.
We must learn to forgive, think before we speak, listen and be slow to anger. This is a full-time job. We must pray together, learn together and make decisions together. We must celebrate our differences as man and women and try our best to understand and embrace why God created us this way.
So we know this is hard work, but trust me there are benefits:
Insurance coverage. When committed to one anther we can guarantee full coverage of love. Being loved and cared for improves our health and well being.
Life Insurance. Commitment. Knowing, for the rest of your earthly life you will share it with anther human being, is blissful.
Dental. Sharing this union is subject to lots of smiling and laughing.
Parenthood. Love can create new life. And parenthood, is one of the most exciting benefits of marriage. It comes with it's share of challenges, but likewise it's share of rewards.
My grandparents will celebrate 59 years of marriage this week. When asked at a wedding, how they got that far my grandfather replied, "remember two words, yes dear". Whether you are a man or women you can remember these words. Try to understand your partner whether it is yes dear, I can imagine that bothers you or it is yes dear, I was wrong. But also think of it as yes God, I will give this job everything I have got. Marriage is indeed a full-time job with benefits.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
I am a runner???
So I walked a half marathon.... now what goals do I set for myself? I could do a full one I suppose, or raise money and participate in the Susan B. Komen walk (http://www.the3day.org/) . Frankly, I don't have the time to train to walk 26.2 miles and I am TERRIBLE about asking people for donations (especially over $2000 worth).
So my next goal....running. Yup, that gross thing I GREATLY disliked in school. Mile time came and I dreaded the day. I run only to get away from scary dogs or to catch a stray child approaching danger. I am out of breath in the end and wanna puke.
Why do you ask, would I want to run then?
Well, I figure I can walk a mile in less then 16 minutes so why not knock it up a notch and jog a little. You see, I am in better shape now then I have been in a few years and I am feeling physically capable of this challenge.
I researched running programs and came across "From the Couch to a 5K" method (http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml) and started it about 2 1/2 weeks ago. Today I ran a mile....without stopping...or puking, but definitely panting.
New goal .....run a 5K. Yup, come September I will lace up my shoes again and run. I won't break any records (or bones I hope) and I will cross another finish line. Rest assured I will run.
So my next goal....running. Yup, that gross thing I GREATLY disliked in school. Mile time came and I dreaded the day. I run only to get away from scary dogs or to catch a stray child approaching danger. I am out of breath in the end and wanna puke.
Why do you ask, would I want to run then?
Well, I figure I can walk a mile in less then 16 minutes so why not knock it up a notch and jog a little. You see, I am in better shape now then I have been in a few years and I am feeling physically capable of this challenge.
I researched running programs and came across "From the Couch to a 5K" method (http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml) and started it about 2 1/2 weeks ago. Today I ran a mile....without stopping...or puking, but definitely panting.
New goal .....run a 5K. Yup, come September I will lace up my shoes again and run. I won't break any records (or bones I hope) and I will cross another finish line. Rest assured I will run.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Our Graduate
It's hard to believe the school year is nearly over and my sweet six-year-old has almost completed Kindergarten.
We attended his "Graduation Ceremony" this evening along with Mimi, Papa, Aunt Kelly and special friends Kathy, Julianna, and Johnny.
I glowed while Owen read his line and sang "This Little Light of Mine" (awesomely acceptable at a Christian School).
We are so blessed to be the parents of this little man! Congratulations Owen, "We love you to the moon and back!"
(Note: I am wearing heels and he comes up to my armpit in this photo. Wow)
We attended his "Graduation Ceremony" this evening along with Mimi, Papa, Aunt Kelly and special friends Kathy, Julianna, and Johnny.
I glowed while Owen read his line and sang "This Little Light of Mine" (awesomely acceptable at a Christian School).
We are so blessed to be the parents of this little man! Congratulations Owen, "We love you to the moon and back!"
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