Being real with my feelings...

So...I went through a rough emotional patch and needed some time to figure out how to write about it.  

It's definitely hard to be real...out loud with your emotions, especially when you know there are people out there who will judge what you say.  

When anything happens to a police officer, as the wife, you begin to put yourself in that person's shoes...because let's be honest, though we know the dangers of their job, we choose to not think about it.  I know I send my officer to work everyday...a kiss and a hug, waiting for a call to tell me whether he's working late or not, knowing he's going into a dangerous situation, and believing that nothing bad will happen to him because he's got "his guys" with him. And those "guys" and their families...we are family.  We share a bond that no one else can understand. We know the danger, they know the danger...yet none of us talk about it.  Until something happens that brings it all up front and in our face.

No, I did not know Jamie or her family personally.  But...as a part of this family, my heart is with them.  I hope they know that we are praying for them, that they may find comfort in the hands of the Lord.  I hope they feel the love from this family, know that we are here to support them, to listen to them, to help them move forward.

There is nothing that can make this easier.  I think about that daily and I've been pretty emotional about it.  

But I've decided...I'm going to reach out to them the best way I know how.  I'm going to trust in the "guys" to get my husband through another day.  I'm going to trust in the Lord for healing and peace. And I'm going to move forward.  

So much to be thankful for.  I'll be sharing later this week :-)

Love to you all~

Sometimes the right words are written by someone else...

Since beginning this blog, I have written honestly about where I am on my journey.  I have come a long way with my feelings and emotions and am proud of the direction I am heading.  I have so many great things happening with the business and in life...and so many pictures of these wonderful fall days spent with family to share.

I had planned to introduce the new sidebar on the blog...a place for you to share with me your story and ask you kindly to follow my new twitter account (I have no idea what I'm doing....).

However, I've had a heavy heart the last few days and haven't written much as it's been hard to find the right words to share with you here.  Then today, I came across a post on facebook, shared by a fellow police wife, and written by another. It literally gave me chills, so I wanted to share it with you:

January 2012 – by Natalie Stahl
When an officer dies, the question is always, “Did you know him?”, like somehow it can diminish the pain of a fallen officer if you had never met them. As the spouse of a police officer, I get that, as well – with an added twist, “Do you know his wife?” 
My response? Yes. I know her. 
I know that she finds herself alone a lot. I know she spends a lot of time explaining to family members, friends and co-workers why her officer husband is not with her. I know when someone asks what her husband does – she may have an alternative answer like ‘he works for the city (county or state)’ or ‘he’s a trash collector’, yet someone in the room always clarifies for her – he’s a cop.
I know she cringes every time she hears the words “officer involved” and HATES the words “routine traffic stop”. I know she spends a lot of time defending her husband’s career choice and sometimes realizes that her silence is necessary. I know the justice system frustrates her, yet she relies on it anyway. I know that people feel it necessary to tell her of every contact they’ve had with LE – especially if it was bad, yet never seem to remember to tell her when they saw one do something nice. 
I know she sleeps alone a lot, spends her birthday, anniversary and her children’s birthdays wishing he were there. I know “date nights” on Wednesdays are better than a Saturday every single time. And I know when on that date, he will have to sit facing the door.
I know when they do get a chance to go out, she’ll let him drive so as to not have to hear about her “escape route” or recite portions of the traffic code. I know that he’ll always recognize someone somewhere that he’s arrested. I know they probably have a ‘code word’ that means grab the kids and head the other way – I’ll meet you at the car.
I know when her children are little they are proud of their super hero. And as they grow into teenagers, they no longer offer what their dad does for fear it will make them unpopular. I know high school boys don’t want to date cop’s daughters.
I know that she finds things in her washer that most people don’t have in their homes – from blue gloves to bullets – and thinks nothing of it. I know she’s picked a handcuff key out of her dryer more than once. I know she has learned to ignore the smell of his vest in July and buys Febreeze by the gallon. I know her biggest load of laundry is black (or tan or blue). And they’re usually washed separately to make sure that any bio-hazard he’s come in contact with doesn’t end up in the baby’s clothes.
I know that she wants him to eat better, but knows a ‘good day’ for him means more than one trip to QT. I know that she buys Tupperware by the case to store leftovers in hoping he’ll eat a ‘real’ meal when he gets home. I know she’s watched him age, his hair gray and the sunspots show up on his left arm and neck.
I know she has a hard time scheduling vacations because shift change is coming. I know that when one of his brothers is hurt – his vacation time will probably get donated to him anyway. I know that when it’s his regular day off, he will probably still get called to court – even if he worked all night.
I know that a text message with two words – "I’m okay" – is like a sonnet or love song to most... especially when we see “breaking news” flash on our TV screens.
I know that her favorite sounds are the garage door and the sound of Velcro. He made it home safely. And I know she can tell by the sound of his boots on the floor whether or not to ask how his day was.
And I know that even though she knew his job had risk, and officers are dying in the line of duty – she never TRULY believed it would happen to hers. 
Do I know her? Yes. Have I met her? No. 
But when I do – you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.

I'm taking a few days off to gather my thoughts and spend time with my family.
I ask that you pray for the family of our fallen officer, that they may find strength and courage to get through the coming days.  And also, for the many men and women who continue to fearlessly serve and protect us daily. <3

Just writing a little today...

I. am. tired...was up most of the night completing an order for the Simon Cancer Center gift shop and finishing up a few necklaces for my fellow police wives.

This week, I am asking for your prayers...that the family may find strength and comfort in such a difficult time.  That the Lord will wrap His arms around them and let them know His love.

   

And that you will spread love to others; with a smile, a helping hand, an anonymous donation, a thank you...

Busy week ahead! Hope you can join me!

Whew!  It seems like these days/weeks just keep flying by and it's hard to believe fall is upon us!  This is definitely my favorite time of year...windows open, fall candle burning, crockpot simmering, spending time at home with family.<3

Everything is so different and it's been interesting trying to find the balance between it all.  I am truly thankful for the support of so many and feel truly inspired by each and every person I meet.

It's going to be a busy week!  Hope you can join me!

Wednesday, September 18th:
Recently, I posted about a new and innovative charter school, Indianapolis Academy of Excellence. 
On Wednesday, September 18th at 5:30 pm, you will find me at the Indianapolis Central Library in the Riley Room.  This is a public hearing for the school and we need everyone there to make a statement that we are wanted in the community. If you haven't read my previous post about this school, you can find it here.  Please join us as we work to improve education for children in Indianapolis!

Thursday, September 19th:
If you haven't had a chance to stop in Moore Corner Store, please do.  Because of Caylee's illness last week, my jewelry and book appearance were pushed back to this coming Thursday.  Not only will you find fresh local produce and many gluten free options, you will also be able to see some new designs from my workshop and/or purchase a book on your way out!

I will also be at Best of What's Around for Happy Hour from 5-8 pm Thursday evening!  Trust me, you don't want to miss this!  Many new fall designs around the shop and you'll have an opportunity to meet some of the best artisans in the city! :-)

Friday, September 20th:
I'm also excited to announce that I will be sharing some special pieces with The Gift Box, located in the IU Simon Cancer Center.  Thankful for the opportunity to inspire those on a difficult journey and hopeful my pieces will help them continue moving forward. <3

I wish I could see into the future, know what God has planned for me, where this is all leading...but I know I just need to trust in Him, that there is a plan, that I am serving the purpose I was put here for, and that I will continue to feel peace and joy if I allow Him to work in my life.

Hoping to meet you and share in your story soon~

It's been a little crazy around here! Here's an update:

Good Morning all! 

I'm taking a few days off to take care of a really sick girl  But wanted to share a few reminders for places you can find me throughout the week and also some ways you can help me continue to follow my dreams!

If you are a southsider and haven't had a chance to check out Moore Corner Store, you should! Head on over to their fb page and like them to learn more. My jewelry and book will be there by Friday!

I'll also be at Franklin Central High School on Saturday from 1-8 supporting Franklin Central Band Boosters with some new fall designs! Hope you can stop by my table and share your story 

I could really use your help to win the commercial spot during the Big Game! Head on over here, cast your vote, then share this with your friends! The more votes, the better!!!!!

So thankful for your love and support!  Wouldn't be where I am without you 

A perfect date night!

We had such a great time at dinner talking about our "fear-less" lists; places we'd like to go, things we'd like to see and do.  We shared dessert then hit the road!  It was a beautiful day!

We had seats in the pavilion...on the sunny side :-/ So we spent some time walking around, visiting with friends, and being silly until the sun went down.  Makes me smile thinking about it :-)

It was hard to get great pictures because the lights went on and off so fast!  Just loved seeing them in real life <3

They put on a great show!

And at the end, they invited the opening acts out on stage with them!  

There's just something I love so much about watching others live out their dreams.  They were up on stage, playing and singing with their friends as if they were just hangin' out on a normal Saturday night.  It was the perfect way to spend time with my hubby. <3

I have some friends who are playing this Saturday night, September 7th at Flashbacks on the Southeast side of Indy.  If you've never had a chance to see The Dirty Thirty Trio in person,  I strongly encourage it! Check out their website for more info, then bring your dancin' shoes for a hand clappin', singin' out loud, feelin' happy kind of night :-)