Our Love Story

I totally copied the idea for this post from Amy over at He Graces.

Sharing our love stories is the perfect idea for Valentine's Day!

Our love story is a total God thing.

I am forever thankful for the man He chose for me, and the lack of heartache I was saved from.

Praise the Lord.

So....the story begins in the early '90s.

Mr. Free was 5, I was 6.

We both began going to the same church.

The first 10 years of our lives knowing one another were pretty uneventful.

We had those kiddie church musicals together, we share the same friends, but nothin crazy.

In high school, my little sister actually had a crush on him.

I thought she was crazy.

I said he was "gross". Haha.

While in high school, I of course, longed for a boyfriend.

I was very set though, that dating should lead to marriage.

I shouldn't date someone I couldn't consider marrying.

And I had always felt that I would marry someone from our church.

I distinctly remember as a teenager laying on my bed, trying to "figure out" which boy at church I would marry.

I remember getting to Mr. Free, and saying "No...his dad has diabetes, and my dad has diabetes, so our kids could get diabetes. Won't marry him." (Little did I know a few years later, I'd have diabetes myself!)

So...in high school we shared the same friends.

His best friend, and my best friend began to date.

We went to church camp.

At church camp, there was trouble in paradise.

Mr. Free and I would sit together at lunch and discuss what we could do to help our friends relationship.

And somehow....we both began to be interested in one another.

I remember on the way home from camp...riding in the sweet church van, I looked at Mr. Free and just saw him differently. He was no longer like a brother. He meant more.

So....now we are in the year 2002. Instant Messanger was all the rage.

Mr. Free was all I could think of.

He was so dreamy.

I was IMing his best friend and happened to mention my feelings for him.

I felt silly.

Then, went and ate dinner and came back to the computer.

His friend has messaged back, "He likes you too."

I danced.

No boy had ever liked me.

At least, no boy worth my time.

I was giddy.

We spent so much time together.

Then, Oct. 18, 2002....he asked me to be his girlfriend.

I had just been diagnosed with type 1, so my life was a little crazy.

The huge blessing, was that his dad had type 1. 

The thought of a "diseased girl" didn't scare him one bit.

In fact, it was normal to him!

Our parents were already friends through church, and we knew each other's families.

Mr. Free and I dated through high school and at the end of college, we got engaged and married.

Funny facts:

-My mom gave Mr. Free trombone lessons in our living room when he was in elementary school. I'd sit at the top of the stairs and watch.

- I used to get Mr. Free's big sister's hand-me-downs. It was like we were meant to be sisters : )

We began dating 10.18.02

We got engaged 12.23.06

We got married 6.9.07

We welcomed our son 2.8.12 

Mr. Free and I have been "together" for going on 11 years now.

We've had many, many ups and downs.

High school

College

Finding Careers

Getting Engaged

Marriage

Buying a Home

Miscarriages

Fertility Testing

Our Baby Boy

Parenting

God totally picked Mr. Free just for me.

He is such an example of a godly man.

He is a prayer warrior, and I am so thankful for that.

He knows how to love people.

He doesn't know a stranger.

He shows the gospel to others with hospitality.

He knows how to live and love life.

He fully trusts in God.

He has been my rock as we have gone through life.

I am so thankful God chose him for me.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Creating A Cottage Business {Proverbs 31}

I never thought I'd be a woman with a "cottage business", but here I am.

Background:

While on maternity leave last spring, I began to re-read a favorite book of mine.

This book is all about Proverbs 31.

{my favorite}

I had read this book several times, but with fresh eyes as a new mother and contemplating a new work schedule, I gleaned new wisdom.

I've always had a heart to be a stay-at-home-mom.

However, with Mr. Free following his calling and love of being a teacher, we couldn't feasibly afford for me to quit my job to be home with Levi.

We had been approached with an opportunity for me to take a part-time teaching position, and even that was scary for us financially.

In "Beautiful in God's Eyes", Elizabeth George very much encourages women to be keepers of the home.

That even if they have to work outside the home, God's calling is still for our heart to be about ministering to those precious to us in this space that God gave us.

She also talks about how the Proverbs 31 woman is an entrepreneur as well.

She doesn't just sit at home and not contribute to her family.

No siree.

She is quite the business woman.

But her heart, and time, is still to be with her home.

Thus, the "cottage business".

While I read through the chapter about cottage businesses, it was like God hit me over the head.

"Get our your sewing machine and sew."

I hadn't sewn in a couple of years, and even then it was for very basic items with the help of my mom.

But, the message was clear as day.

This is what I am to do.

So, with that, I took the part-time position....leaving me many hours home to enjoy and raise my little boy and keep our home.

And during naptime....build my cottage business.

I opened {Free Style Textiles} in May.

I've sewn my little heart out.

And I've loved every minute of it.

I have absolutely no business, graphic design, marketing or photography experience.

But by God's grace and other's wisdom, I have meandered my way through starting an online business.

I've learned quite a lot (and continue every day!).

But this little business has been an incredible blessing to our family in several ways.

One, it's been an incredible creative outlet for me.

As my identity has changed from Jenny, to Mrs. Free, to now Mommy, this allows me to still do something for my creative side.

Second, it has been a blessing for our family financially.

The Lord has provided just the right amount of sales to help my family out in needy times.

I haven't been so busy that I am swamped and away from my family (my highest priority!)

But, I'm never without an order to be working on, which is wonderful.

Third, I have learned so much about sewing and business, that I am able to bless my family by creating and mending things we need.

So how would this look for you?

The topic of woman working in the home vs. outside the home is incredibly difficult.

There is no right or wrong.

Many different families have many different circumstances, and the Lord knows them all.

However, scripture is clear that our heart is to be in our homes while be contribute financially.

My little cottage business, and the opportunity to work part-time outside the home has allowed me to do just that.

And it has given me such a peace, joy and balance.

But I can't sew....

Each person has incredible gifts and talents!

Maybe you are fantastic at math and can help during tax season to bring in some extra money.

Maybe you make incredible homemade greeting cards you can sell online or at craft fairs.

Or maybe taking photos is your thing?

The possibilities are endless.

So ladies, pray, ask God to reveal your strengths and gifts and a way you can be a blessing to your family financially.

How many of you have a 'cottage business'?

How has it blessed your family?

22 Things I'm Thankful For

Since it's that time of year to reflect on ways that we are so richly blessed.  Here we go.

1. My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Without him, I am nothing. 

2. My amazing husband. He is my best friend. He is the funniest man on earth. He is adventurous. He loves people. And I love him.

3. My son. I am so thrilled to be able to write that this year! With the hardships we have had, having him here with us this Thanksgiving is such a true blessing. Being a mom is one of the greatest gifts I have ever received.

4. My family. My mom raised my sister and I by herself after my dad passed away. She did an amazing job and I am so grateful. My sister is hilarious and the best aunt ever. I am blessed with many loving grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

5. My in-laws. I've known them since I was a little kid, and even got my sister-in-laws hand-me-downs when I was little. I have the best in-laws in the world and I love seeing them with Levi. 

6. Our friends. Mr. Free and I are very social and our friends are like family to us. We love them so very much!

7. Our church. Our church is like an extension of our family. They have known us since we were little and truly care and pray for us. It is a blessing to serve with them!

8. Modern medicine. I wouldn't be alive here today without it. And my son wouldn't be here today. And as annoying as it is.... I truly am grateful.

9. Our home. It may be a little shoebox, but a lot of love has gone into it. And being able to purchase it from my grandpa was a huge blessing. 

10. My job. I absolutely love teaching music. And I am so thrilled to be able to teach half-time. That means mornings are spend un-rushed and enjoying my son. And each afternoon I have the privilege of teaching the next generation how to be musicians!

11. Mr. Free's job. When we first were married, he had just finished the Fire Academy to be a Firefighter. I was supportive and wanted him to do what he wanted. But, when he decided to go into Art Education...I was thrilled! We can truly understand each other at the end of the day, we always have funny stories about our kids, and the schedule! I love all the family time we have!

12. Our babysitter. Tiffani is a true Godsend! She loves Levi so so much! I was dreading having anyone watch my sweet boy, but being with her I am completely at ease. And seeing Levi play with her daughter is one of the sweetest things!

13. My sewing machine. It's sure had a workout lately. It's allowed me to channel my creative juices and at the same time contribute to our budget a bit. 

14. This blog. It's been a great outlet over the years, and it's fun to look back at old posts and see how God has worked in our lives!

15. Our pets. They are crazy and naughty, but we sure love them. They were our first "kids" and we are excited for Levi to interact with them more and more!

16.  Caffeine. Never have I needed it more than after becoming a mom. I am thankful for Diet Coke and Starbucks : )

17. Date night. Sunday nights after Levi is in bed, Mr. Free and I heat up a frozen pizza and watch a movie. It's nothing fancy, but I look forward to it every week!

18. Books. I love books about being a godly woman, wife and mother. I am thankful for others wisdom in helping my husband and son as well as running our home.

19. Pinterest. Seriously. I have learned so much. It's made me a better teacher, baker, cook, decorator, etc.....

20. Cookie butter. Seriously. This stuff is my crack.

21. Having "just enough". We have never had plenty, we have never gone without. The Lord has provided us in each season of life to pay our bills. For that I am incredibly grateful.

22. Hardships. I've had a few trying times in my life, and as much as I wouldn't wish them upon anyone, I am thankful to have that experience. These life challenges have opened up relationships and ministry opportunities I wouldn't otherwise have. And taught me just how precious life is.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Sewing

I am really loving sewing.

I am loving making things for my home and my family.

Items that cannot be reproduced.

Because they are made by me.

They are unique and made with love.

I am loving sharing my items with people I know and also complete strangers!

It's so great that this little sewing machine Mr. Free got me many years ago without even a mention of wanting one has become such a fun pastime and small little business for me.

You see....I've messed with it a bit over the years, but over all, it collected dust.

In fact, Mr. Free used it more than I did!

But, this past summer as I was home with my little baby boy I was reading a book.

"Beautiful In God's Eyes" by Elizabeth George.

I've read it many times.

It is all about the Proverbs 31 woman and breaks each verse down to make it practical for today.

It always challenges me each time I read it.

This time, the chapter about building a Cottage Industry caught my attention.

She mentions "taking something personal and making it professional."

Elizabeth emphasizes that the life of women is to revolve around the home and family.

She also recognizes that Proverbs 31 clearly shows that women is a businesswoman as well.

However, her business is still actively part of her family life.

I thought there wasn't anything I could do, outside of music and teaching, that could bless my family financially.

But, it was if the Lord hit me over the head.

Sew.

I wasn't very good, and still have a lot to learn.

But God has put a little passion in my heart to create warm and soft things for my home and my family. And with the abundance, sell them to bless and help my little family.

So I did.

And {Free Style Textiles} was born.

I am proud of my hard work and thankful for the great support I've had.

I love picking fabrics, creating new items and sharing them with my family and others!

Here's a sampling of my projects

Thank you to anyone who has bought from my little shop.

I am having a blast and it is so great to help my family financially through my hobby.

At the bottom of my business cards?
Proverbs 31:24

So, do you have a "Cottage Industry"?

Something "personal that became professional?"

Baby Talk Tuesday: Mama's Day

I had SUCH a great and blessed Mother's Day.

I was thinking the night before how a year prior, I felt so broken. We had lost 3 babies and had just begun fertility testing. We were unsure if we'd ever be parents at all.

This mother's day, we have our precious baby boy and he was dedicated in our church.

Such a great moment I will treasure. My heart was so full.

It was such a blessing to have my boy dedicated at our church.

This is where Mr. Free and I met, and grew up.

This is where our best friends are.

This is where we were married.

This is where so many older women hugged me and prayed for me as we struggled to become parents.

This is where so many rejoiced the day Levi was born!

This is where so many of his great memories will happen and friends will be made.

This boy is so loved by this church and I pray that he loves this church in return!

The boys and my mom chipped in and got me a Nook Tablet for my first Mother's Day.

I was floored as it was NOT in the budget.

I absolutely LOVE it! It's amazing!!

I am so thankful God has allowed me to be this amazing boy's Mama. I am truly blessed.

Wanting to be two more steps down the road...

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

This has always been my struggle.

For as long as I can remember, I've struggled with contentment in being exactly where I am right now.

When I was single, I wanted a boyfriend.

When I had a boyfriend, I wanted to be engaged.

When I was engaged, I wanted to be married.

Now that I'm married, I want to be a mom.

When I was in high school, I wanted to be in college.

When I was in college, I wanted to be in my career.

Now that I'm in my career, I want to be retired (I kid...I kid....kinda.)

It's miserable living this way!

I can assure you that!

I read through my diary in high school and college the other day and it was just sad! Every entry was about how much I wanted to be married to Mr. Free. About how jealous I was of those around me getting married. It consumed me.

I didn't let God show me the blessings of living in that moment in time.

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." Proverbs 13:12

Lately, I have really been struggling with motherhood. Seeing those around me with children or pregnant felt like being stabbed right in the heart.

I was bitterly jealous.

I had many conversations with God asking, "Why do they get such a blessing and not me?!"

I cried myself to sleep because I felt so empty.

Those stings of jealousy are still there, but I am placing our family's future in God's hands.

Though I truly do not understand this path He has created for us, I know it is for His glory.

If this is the best He has for me, why would I want to be anywhere else?

As I strive to live in the moment and not two more steps down the road, I am learning to stop, look around and see the blessings of right now.

Right now, I am married to my best friend.

Right now, we are both in the careers we love.

Right now, we have a roof over our head.

Right now, we are financially stable.

Right now, we have the cutest pets on the planet.

Right now, we have the blessing of so many godly brothers and sisters supporting us.

Right now, we have our families.

So, for right now, I am making goals for the me right now. Not the 'hopefully soon pregnant me' or the 'me with a newborn'. No, the me right now.

So Mr. Free and I are taking a step back to really enjoy the two of us.

We are trying to get our bodies as healthy as possible.

We are enjoying our time together.

We are planning our trip to Europe. Which we know wouldn't be feasible if we had kids.

Enjoying the blessings of the two of us.

Those of you who are reading and have a longing in your heart, understand that longings are good!

God is placing in your heart desires for your life!

But obsessing and dwelling on those things that aren't yet to be is not the best He has for you.

You are right where you are for a reason.

And I need that reminder every day.

"A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:13

If you are struggling in this same area, I highly recommend reading through the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. They have been my source of wisdom as I struggle through this area in my life.

Santa

Do you do 'Santa' in your home? I know a few homes that do not have the jolly guy 'visit' their homes.
Instead they exchange gifts with one another, or even get gifts from Jesus.

The Free household does not have a conviction regarding Santa, so he visits our home.
We like the anonymity of Santa.
We were raised with Santa visiting our homes.

But, our traditions were very different.

My childhood:
Santa came on Christmas Eve and left the toys and filled stockings under the tree unwrapped.
We had two Christmas trees.
The 'pretty' one upstairs, where most of our gifts were and stockings, and the 'family' one downstairs that Santa left a family present under (a game, movie, etc.)
We would wake up bright and early Christmas morning and run down the steps and see the glory of all our gifts.

Mr. Free's childhood:
His Christmas day was so packed with family festivities, that Santa came a day early to his house!
Santa just knew!
So on Christmas Eve Eve, Santa would come overnight, and on Christmas Eve they would wake up to wrapped gifts from Santa and filled stockings.

So, though we both did Santa, it was very much different!

This year we talked about what traditions we'd want to do with our family.

Our Christmas Day is PACKED running all around KC to see all our extended family.
We feel it would be most practical for Santa to come on Christmas Eve vs. the real day.
This way we can spend the day enjoying our presents and not scurrying around.
We have also always wrapped our gifts....different from my growing up.
I do like the 2 tree idea and the 'family gift' under the 'family' tree that I had growing up.
Whenever we have a family room...I'd love to start that tradition.


So there ya have it....Santa in the Free household.

What do you do to celebrate?
Did you make some compromises when you got married and started a family?

Things I'm Loving Right Now...

Our home being nearly completely organized!

Online shopping.

Boots.

They keep my tootsies warm!

Our advent calendar.

It makes me feel like a kid, looking forward to opening the next day til Christmas and get a piece of chocolate!

Amaretto Coffe-mate.

Major mmmmmm.....

Getting Christmas cards!

2 and counting...

My 'Winter' scented Wallflower from B&BW.

I seriously, seriously love this scent.

The perfect blend of Cinnamon and other holiday spices!

Scarves.

They keep me warm and help hide my unflattering tummy.

Iced caramel brulee latte's.

The.best.drink.ever.

Our lil' home all pretty for Christmas!

What are you loving right now?