Selling, Building, Moving | Amy Scott's Thoughts

18 Days! March 12, 2018

Filed under: Selling, Building, Moving — Amy Scott @ 2:19 pm

Anyone else dragging after daylight savings this weekend? I know I am. Many months ago we made plans to take my mother-in-law to see the Sound of Music in Portland on March 10th. As plans developed, the matinee wasn’t an option which left the evening showing – at 7:30pm. And then we figured out that it was daylight savings weekend. Jeremy and I got home at 12:30am which was really 1:30am. I tend to be more of a night owl, but I don’t stay up this late anymore. Especially on a Saturday because Sunday mornings are so early in our house. The musical was great. All of the Scott boys and wives were able to get away for a kid free dinner and a show which was a huge treat. I can’t think of that last time all the adults did anything without the kids.

Not only was the musical a big outing this weekend, but we were also informed by our construction supervisor that we needed to paint all the doors and trim in our house. They had installed it all last week and we had noticed the whites didn’t match and the boards were a bit dirty… so yes, surprise, more painting. We have 13 interior doors in our house – not including the 5 closets with two doors each that haven’t been hung yet, so really that is 23 doors to paint – multiple coats, front and back. The trim also needs multiple coats. On Friday, Jeremy & my brother-in-law finished up the back deck (which is a thing of beauty) and we moved inside to start working on new painting project with all our free time on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I would say we are about 3/4 of the way done with all the painting. Jeremy plans on heading up tonight while I am at MOPS and he’ll continue painting. It’s been such a team effort from the family. My mom and Jeremy’s dad helped us paint. Jeremy parents and my parents have watched the boys so we can paint. My parents have brought us meals so we can paint. Good thing I like the colors we’ve chosen because I don’t think I’ll be able to pick up a paint brush in the next decade without developing a slight twitch. The hardest thing for me about this last round of painting was the unexpectedness. I didn’t know we were going to have this big project ahead of us and I wasn’t mentally prepared for the hurdle. Hopefully after this week and a few more evening painting, we can put it behind us.

So much happened since I last shared, I’m trying to rack my brain for the details to give you. The bathrooms have counter tops and vinyl floors laid. Our laminate flooring is down. The cabinets are all installed. We ended up with an extra upper and lower cabinet which will be installed in the laundry room for more storage. The trim and doors are obviously in. We have a front porch and a back deck thanks to Jeremy, Andrew and Bill. Today they are supposed to be installing our quartz counter tops in the kitchen. Tomorrow is tile back splash day and Wednesday is plumbing – toilets and sinks. Our septic is also supposed to be connected this week. Jeremy installed our mail box at the front of the road. We’ve even had a few pieces of mail delivered there. We have internet and a cell booster at the house so we can actually make calls and send texts. Or if you’re the boys, watch YouTube videos. We pack up snacks, toys and technology while we’re at the house to keep them occupied.

18 days until our move date as long as all goes as planned. Everything wraps up with construction around the 22nd, so really just a week and half left until we have a completed house. We have our big Easter event that Jeremy is coordinating on the 24th. Jeremy’s birthday is the 25th. I have another eye doctor appointment on the 27th… and then it’s the big move. Life just keeps moving ahead at full speed and while I am exhausted, the pace keeps me occupied and away from being impatient. I think seeing it completed on the 22nd might change that… But, we still have to give it a good clean before moving day and Jeremy’s going to celebrate his birthday at the house so he can share the joy of it’s completion with his loved ones and let all the kiddos run amok around it while it’s empty. I’ll try to post another update around the 22nd so you can see the finished product!

New whale warmer for the whale themed bathroom!

Not the best lighting for the counter top color, but here we are with counter tops and vinyl floors.

Boys, rocks and mud puddles.

Front porch!

Spontaneous trip to the zoo on a sunny with some of the cousins!

What you can see of my laminate floors. I love them so much. After all the drama with flooring, I’m glad we love our choice.

The bonus storage in the laundry room. Now we need to make our counter top for the base unit.

Doors and trim

Doors and trim

Back deck!

Painting the doors takes multiple coats. The first always looks so awful!

Painting in the pantry

Painting in the master closet – Jeremy was spying on me!

Sound of Music date for Debbie’s birthday!

The hills are alive with the sound of music…

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We have a foundation & a septic system! September 27, 2017

Filed under: Family Time,Parenthood,Selling, Building, Moving,Usborne Books & More,Women in Ministry — Amy Scott @ 2:51 pm

I figured I would start off with my building update. Our foundation is fully finished. Our septic system was put in this week. The back fill should be pushed in around the foundation this week. I’m under the impression that once the back fill is in, Adair will take things over again and move forward with actually building something on the foundation. I long for sub floors and then walls and then a roof. I want our property to go from being “the property” which would imply a piece of land to “the house” – a standing structure that resembles and promises to be a home. Each week we take baby steps forward. Rome and houses aren’t built in a day. Oh, how Jesus has taught me patience.

Life is always full and in a way, I’m grateful for that pace. I’m glad that I started to sell books because it’s given me a good distraction and something to work on while I wait for our home. The book business has been great in September. I think I’ve found my balance with about 6 parties a month. With all of my church and home commitments, I’ve accepted that I won’t be the busiest book lady on the planet, but I enjoy being consistent. I’ve even gotten to a place where if the business fizzled, I would be fine with that. My October and November are full so I don’t anticipate that it will fizzle, but if it did, no worries on my part. I made some money, I grew our home library and I was able to keep busy in a season of waiting.

MOPS is going super well. We had our second meeting on Monday and it was just as splendid as the first! Moms are enjoying themselves and our numbers are fantastic! The childcare situation has started off strong and I’m hoping it will only improve once the learning center is fully up and running. I am grateful and beyond blessed. This last meeting didn’t drain me as much as the first which I am relieved by. After the first meeting and going 150% all in to make MOPS amazing, I was scared that I wouldn’t enjoy attending anymore if it meant I came home dead each time and feeling like I had a hang over the next day. I think it will only get better from here as we settle into our tables and grow that sense of community. Things will become routine. This will all feel normal eventually. God is good and we are seeing the fruits of our labor.

The boys! It’s almost birthday month! Woo hoo! We are less than 2 weeks away from Owen turning 4 and less than a month away from Graham turning 2. Oh my! We are gearing up for a Paw Patrol themed party at the beginning of October. We are adapting to the new schedule of Owen being at preschool three mornings a week and Graham being home with me. Graham is great on his own and plays so nicely. If he isn’t feeling good, he can get a bit clingy, but for the most part, Graham is an easy kiddo on his own. Graham is using all kinds of words now. I was concerned a few months back about his verbal skills, but I’m not anymore. He is getting to be such a “big” boy in what he can say and do. Even though you can tell he is growing, I still expect him to be low on the charts for height and weight. Owen is loving preschool and loving life. It’s one great big adventure for that boy. He sings often and remains very loud in all he does. Owen is constant talker and is full of questions. The last month has held many firsts for him with the big boy bed and starting school. He will move up to a new classroom at church soon and be reunited with one of his best buds, Maci. He can’t wait.

Jeremy has had a full month as well. September is hunting season, so he had a couple of adventures out in the woods. He also had Man Camp at church two weeks ago. He often spends his free time checking on things at the property and doing projects up there. He has assembled his new greenhouse and added gutters to the well house. His next big project is to insulate the well house.

And you’ve already heard about me… boys, MOPS, books. Keeping busy. I chopped off my hair yesterday. It’s the shortest I’ve ever cut it. I’m in a less is more phase and I wanted to spend less time doing my hair during this busy season. My hair stylist was so proud of me for bringing in a picture example (I’ve never done that before) and getting a big girl hair cut. I guess I’ve graduated into adulthood, finally. I’m not usually super brave with my hair, but I decided to try something new. I gave myself the it’s only hair and it will grow back if I don’t like it pep talk. I do like it and I’m glad I forced myself out of my comfort zone.

And there you have it! Life with Scott at the close of September! See you in October!

Visits to the property usually require baths right after them.

Park play date

Park play date

Movie night in Mama’s bed while Daddy was at Man Camp

Movie night in Mama’s bed while Daddy was at Man Camp

Bounce house fun at a family birthday party

Hugs!

Snuggling with Papa and hanging with Keegan (cousin)

Hands On Children’s Museum on the first rainy day of September

Hands On Children’s Museum on the first rainy day of September

Auntie’s first time at the HOCM

While Daddy is out hunting, we make mega-track.

The perk of visiting Daddy at work while Mommy has a meeting.

First official day of fall, collecting leaves!

Bed time snack?

Visit to the zoo with my boys!

Target shenanigans

Exploring the new Taco Bell by the church with friends!

The boys were ready for a very important meeting.

Septic installation! THRILLING!

Another Monday of full tables and wonderful conversation at MOPS! This week we talked about de-cluttering our lives and the peace that brings.

New hair

Pledge leader!

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So Many Things August 22, 2017

Filed under: Amy's Bookshelf,Family Time,Parenthood,Selling, Building, Moving,Simply Me,Travels,Usborne Books & More — Amy Scott @ 1:50 pm

I was just welcoming you to August. Now it’s almost over. Yikes. So this blogging thing. It’s getting harder. I’ve added a lot to my plate the last few months. It makes me sad that my blog isn’t as frequent as before. I love writing. It’s not even an option to give this up. For the few of you that read this blog, I’ll keep at it. I apologize for the gaps and delays.

Our week in Bend with the Scott Clan was fun. The kids had a great time playing together and all being under one roof. My kid didn’t sleep so awesome the first two nights, but the last night was amazing! Graham slept on the air mattress the whole night and didn’t end up in bed with us! Praise the Lord!!! Graham really enjoyed sharing a bed with his brother on this trip and when we came home he kept trying to go down for naps in Owen’s room. It was funny and sweet! The guys got a chance to go golfing together. The girls got a chance to get pedicures, do some window shopping and get lunch on the river. It was a refreshing time!

I’ve been working away on MOPS stuff. I’m feeling good about things. The ducks seem to be coming into a row. nicely I’m praising Jesus and believing for good things. We have one more MOPS summer park play date left. We already have ladies registering for the fall. YAY!

Books have been slower for me this month. When I took the first two weeks of August off, I knew it would mean a slower month. Truthfully, I’ve loved the lacked back pace. I’ve had two parties and did two shifts at a book booth at the SWW Fair. I’ve spent a lot of time building up my September, October, November calendar. It hasn’t been a wasted month by any means.

With less parties to prepare for I’ve been able to focus on other projects. I’ve been slowly collecting items to redecorate the boys’ bedrooms. I’ve happily snagged some great deals over the last few weeks and I feel like a complete plan is coming together for the bedrooms. Now to daydream about bathrooms and the master bedroom. We are supposed to see some action up at the property toward the end of this week or beginning of next week. I’m am anxiously awaiting the foundation being poured. I would do it myself if I could. I want to get going!!! Jeremy and I fully painted the well house and it looks awesome! Jeremy filled in all of the ditches we had dug for water and power. Here’s hoping my next update has pictures of the foundation! Let it be so, Jesus!

We’re also less than two months away from the boys’ birthdays, so I’ve been working on getting party invitations ordered and birthday details nailed down. I’m a planner. Don’t judge. I also started the boys’ yearly photo books last week. I have them up to date through August and formulated so I can easily add the last few pictures needed to complete the year. The books always end with the great birthday celebrations, so I’ll be able to print them soon enough. Just like blogging, making photo books makes my heart happy. Last year I did a little bit each month so it wasn’t too much work. This year I just did it all at one time. I had the time then and there so I thought why not get it done.

And that is about it… We watched the solar eclipse at Bethel with the staff. I was a little disappointed that it wasn’t darker because the sun was 96% covered in Chehalis. On the flip side, I’m totally amazed that 4% of the sun could provide so much light. The temperature did drop. Owen got cold and asked for a coat. It was a neat experience, but not as strange as I thought it was going to be. I’m not a huge fan of crowds, but if I ever get a chance to see a total eclipse in the future, I might take it…

Oh and the Lucy Maud Montgomery summer continues! I read the Pat of Silver Bush series this month. I liked Pat more than I liked Emily Starr. I’ve enjoyed re-reading some of my favorite books, but also reading new ones this summer. I’m trying to decided if I will re-read A Tangled Web next or read for the first time Magic for Marigold. Or I might break from my Canadian friends and go down south with Jen Hatmaker to read her new release, Of Mess and Moxie. Decisions, decisions, decisions.

I think that about sums up life. Vacation. MOPS. UBAM. House. Party Prep. Photo Books. Eclipse. Summer of LM Montgomery. Yep. Keeping the kids alive. Keeping up with my hubby. That’s my life! God is good and we keep moving forward and looking ahead!

Bend 2017

Bend 2017

Bend 2017

Bend 2017

Bend 2017

Bend 2017

Painting the well house

Checking in on Domino!

Spray Park

Playing the piano with Nana

Brownie bakers!

Visiting the fair. Graham was too short for the rides. Poor kiddo.

Working up at the property!

Backyard BBQ with the young families

Watching the eclipse with Bethel Staff!

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Catching You Up! June 15, 2017

Filed under: Family Time,Parenthood,Selling, Building, Moving,Usborne Books & More,Women in Ministry — Amy Scott @ 2:46 pm

Hey all! I will admit that it’s harder to find time to blog these days. The boys are wild and running full steam ahead every waking second. I’m blessed with snuggles and sweet moments in the midst of the boyhood chaos surrounding me. Things are happening at the property. I am giving 150% to my new Usborne book business. And then I have MOPS and friendships and family relationships that I’m trying to keep up with as well. I don’t like being busy. I am very tired. I was thinking today about how there just isn’t enough of me to go around or the age old saying of “there aren’t enough hours in the day.” Today was a day where I tried to multi-task working while the boys were awake and it was insanity. Often, I’m working when the boys are napping or at bedtime. Anytime my kids are asleep, I’m trying to get something done. It’s rewarding. I love the things I’m doing and people that I am investing in, but man, I could use a nap. Instead I’m blogging… naps and blogging are both therapeutic for me, but sadly I can only do one at a time. Maybe I can clone myself…

Okay, so the house. I know that you want house updates. I feel bad because we’re into building season and I would love to chronicle that process in detail here… but that might not happen. Sorry. As you can see I’m loosing my marbles a bit and I have some screws loose and whatever other saying will imply I lack mental clarity. While I get the basic just of building a house, there are parts of the process that I get confused about or don’t know the correct terms. This is not my skill set. Please, keep that in mind as you read my updates. They might include words like “thingamajig” from time to time. Last week we had the home site excavated, our driveway put in and gravel spread over the excavated site. Jeremy, my dad and brother-in-law, spent the weekend assembling the walls of our well houses. The concrete pads weren’t poured yet so the well houses couldn’t go up over the weekend, but they are now as assembled as possible. Once the pads are poured and set, the well houses will be officially assembled. Jeremy is also working on getting the temporary power set up. And our building permits have been submitted to the county. We are still in the site “prep” stage, but we are very close to being fully ready to build. We had a meeting with Adair last week and they were impressed with how far we were in the process and they seemed optimistic that things would move along quickly. I’ll keep you posted so I know more!

As I mentioned, our days have filled with Usborne, MOPS, play dates and zany kids. Things are going well with Usborne. I’m one recruit away from getting my Success Kit #2. I have a couple recruits possibly joining in June because Usborne is running a special where you can join for $50. It’s a fantastic deal and truly an awesome opportunity. MOPS wrapped up last week and I’m in the midst of meetings and reworking paperwork in preparation for the new year. It’s exciting to see it all come together and I am believing great things are in store for our group. This new role has stretched me and grown me. I seem to be in a season doing new things. It’s good, but again, tiring. I’m doing lots of learning and trying to keep up and on top of things.

I think back to the days when I was at home for maybe 2,3,4 days in a row. Maybe unshowered… just chilling with babies and wondering if I’m losing my mind. Now, I kind of miss that. I’ve been out of the house a lot more these days or I’m doing live videos for my business, so the endless days of no showering just aren’t an option… I’m sure it’s better for the world as a whole, but I miss the slower pace and the option of being presentable. Haha… it takes energy! As an introvert, these new roles have me connecting with people all day long and that is taking some getting used to. I’m very much drained by constant communication. This summer is probably going to be the hardest part (I hope). I’m learning new things, we’re building a house, I’m out of my comfort zone in a lot of areas. But new routines will form. I will adapt to the new schedules and new commitments. Everything won’t be “new” forever. I’m learning a new form of endurance. It’s good, but hard. It’s rewarding, but tiring. Doesn’t that sum up life in a nutshell?

Airplane

Telling the time with his new Usborne book!

One cute kid!

Celebrating Cousin Bennett’s birthday at the park!

Home Depot runs with Dad

Last MOPS meeting of the year! So blessed by these ladies and excited to lead this group in the fall!

Cranky face

Home partying with my books!

We have a driveway!!!!!!!

Homestead Selfie

Happy snuggles after Sunday naps

Making Grandma a birthday card!

Happy Birthday, Grandma!

Graham fell asleep in his highchair after a super active play date!

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The Promised Pictures June 2, 2017

Filed under: Family Time,Selling, Building, Moving,Simply Me,Usborne Books & More — Amy Scott @ 2:15 pm

Here is the photo update that I wasn’t able to include yesterday. Enjoy!

Working at the property

Sending a “Hello Dad” picture to Jeremy

Owen knows his stuff with tractors

Playing at the property

Graham worked up the courage for a ride

Ice cream treat on a hot day

Serious bedhead

Shopping with my boys

Checking out a new coffee shop and bookstore with friends. It’s an old bank and the vault was made into a playroom!

Exploring my first success kit from Usborne!

Water play time

Watering cans are endlessly fun

Hanging at a local multi-vendor sale

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Green Light June 1, 2017

Filed under: Parenthood,Selling, Building, Moving,Simply Me,Usborne Books & More — Amy Scott @ 1:58 pm

The boys are both napping. It’s been a productive morning of multi-tasking. I spent about two hours trying to “get things done” mixed with a lots of hugs, kisses and snuggles so my children won’t have childhood memories of a distant, working mother. This is the tension of working from home – in any capacity – whether its a work from home business or just keeping up with the household chores and duties. I don’t want to be too busy for my kids, but I also have to be an adult. I think it’s okay for my kids to see me working. I want them to know that things are getting taken care and that is a part of the tangible way that I love them and provide for them. Between my various commitments, I’m finding it’s hard to do things that fill me up. Things like reading a novel or journaling or blogging. Sometimes I just don’t have the time or the brain power to invest in myself. So today, even though Graham was cranky, I kept him up so boys could go down for a nap at the same time. Once they were down, I ate a bowl of ice cream in silence and then moved to my room to read my devotional, write in my journal and now blog. This is a once in a blue moon kind of afternoon. The kids will wake up all too soon and then I will be off a vendor event this afternoon/evening. The stillness doesn’t last long.

The big news that I want to share with you all today is we officially signed our construction loan paper yesterday! We have the green light to move forward with building! The funds are available to us and green means go! (Get the pun, we have money to build, money is green, green means go). I am beyond thrilled to think that our building season will now begin in earnest now. Oh how I long for my house. My lovely new house. I can see it in my mind and I wish I could do an “I dream of Jeannie” nod and just make it appear. Jeremy spent Memorial day weekend up at the property digging a trench for power. We have plans to assemble a well house in a week and half. Jeremy has people primed and ready to come in and get the site prep going. Once the site is officially prepped, Adair will take over the process. I just can’t wait. The hope, the joy, the excitement is welling up within me. Let’s build a house!

Obviously, the other big area of my life right now is my new Usborne business. I’m still a newbie so I’m trying to not make any rash decisions on if I love or hate this business. In a lot of ways, it’s been a very positive experience and at this point, I’ve achieved about what I expected when I signed up. However, I’ve had some rocky moments. I’ve had three parties in a row postpone on me and that has gotten me down. I also have two parties coming up that don’t look like they are doing so good and might not pan out. I have a very full month of June booked, so these set backs aren’t the end all of my business, but they are hard. I find myself often disappointed. I knew that the direct sales business wasn’t going to be easy. I wasn’t ready for the emotional roller coaster though. I’m not making any decisions yet on if this for me – long term and what not. I think I would like to continue into the fall/winter. Hopefully by then I will be in my own home where I could set up a permanent office space away from the kids. I will have Owen in preschool three days a week so our family schedule will be different at that point. It might be easier then.

Now that June is here, I’m thinking about building, I’m thinking about books, I’m thinking about MOPS, but I’m also thinking about how these are the last few months without daily commitments outside of the house. Preschool is a going to be a game changer for our family dynamic. I’m excited for Owen. I know he will love it. I also know that I want to be present at home while he is here. It’s really hard to stay present with an at home business. There is always something to do, someone to contact, a message to respond to. My phone can help me be productive, but it can also be destructive. I am wrestling with all of this and trying to find healthy boundaries in my life. I’m believing good things for the month of June as we move forward with the many exciting adventures before us. Prayer appreciated!

Graham is now up, so I’ll post a picture only blog maybe tonight or tomorrow! Because, let’s be real. Most of you only read this for the pictures and updates on the kids.

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Life as a Book Lady May 25, 2017

Filed under: Selling, Building, Moving,Usborne Books & More — Amy Scott @ 9:11 pm

Okay, so my computer freaked out on me and lost the first couple paragraphs of this blog. That makes me sad. I can sum it up quickly by saying that my first 30 days with Usborne are almost up. I’ve done more than I’ve expected and it’s been a good experience so far. I’ve reached all the goals I set for myself. I’m bummed because I’m close to a goal I never thought I would reach and I’m $400 in sales short. I had two parties this week that had to postpone and if I would have had those parties, I would have reached the next reward level and gotten a full refund on my consultant kit. As it is, I will get half my kit refunded and that was my original goal. I’ve had 5 parties in May and I have 10 already booked for June! I’m giving it my all!

Usborne encourages you to go all in for the first 12 weeks. It’s the period of time where I can give out double host rewards. The rewards that my hosts are getting are amazing. I love being a part of such a generous company. Because I reached $1000 in sales, I will be getting a gift from the home office and a success kit with more books and office supplies. Those arrive on Tuesday and I am so jazzed.

My reward books from launch party arrived this last week and I am in love with them. I bought myself a book (because I’m a kid at heart). I got Peek Inside Cinderalla and the illustrations are beautiful. I love it and it will be a nice addition to my display table of a girl item! I’m so excited for all the free books our family will get with the awesome rewards that Usborne has to offer.

My schedule for June is going to hopping. I’m doing best to challenge myself and do all that I can. I have two vendor events that I will be a part of as well as home parties and Facebook parties. I’m managing my VIP group on Facebook and doing follow-up from parties. I send guests a message when their books ship and then I do a 2 week follow up after parties and a 2 month follow up as well.

Jeremy has been super supportive and celebrates each time I book a party. I will admit that my emotions have been on a roller coaster through this whole process. I get nervous before each party. The Facebook parties keep me on my toes because I have to keep up with all the comments. I’m love sharing these books with others. I just have to keep up and multi-task! It’s using a lot of brain space! After every party so far, I’ve felt disappointed. I’m learning that most parties take a few days to be successful. The results of a good party aren’t instant. Overall I’ve been very pleased with my parties, but I’m learning to manage my expectations.

My team leaders have been super encouraging and they give me ton of shout outs as I reach goals and get rewards. This process of becoming a book lady has been a growing one for me and I am grateful for the opportunity to try something new and learn. It truly has been a rewarding season for me in more than one way – even if a bunch of brain cells have died in the process!

My life hasn’t been totally swallowed up by book commitments! We had two play dates with MOPS friends this week and we went to the zoo today. The weather has been warm so we’ve had a lot of outside time. I think my whole summer will be spent pushing Graham in a baby swing while I coordinate my book business on my phone. I’m doing better at putting my phone away and saving work for nap time or bed time. It’s going to take effort and for the most part most things I respond to are quick replies that don’t take up too much time. It just always seems like there is something I could be doing.

Jeremy was gone over the weekend at a conference. The boys I spent Friday at a park play date with Auntie and Grandma and then on Saturday we went to a local home and garden show with Grandpa and Grandma. It was fun to see family and enjoy the nice weather.

In other news, I finished “Anne with an E” on Netflix. I’m not sure I liked it. I thought they did a great job casting Anne, but I didn’t like the additions they made to the plot. It was certainly had an edge to it that seemed less like a family show. One of my favorite shows growing up was “Road to Avonlea” and I love the 1980s Anne movies. This series had a totally different feel to it. As someone who has also read the books, I am a bit of an Anne snob. While I wouldn’t say that I loved “Anne with an E”, I would be willing to watch the second season if they make one. I guess I’ll take Anne almost anyway I can get her! After watching the show, I’m fairly convinced I will buy myself Usborne’s Anne of Green Gables picture book. What can I say? I’m an Anne fan.

Our construction loan is set to close next week and Jeremy starts work on prepping the property this weekend. We also have plans to build the well house in June. Hopefully lots will be going on up a the property soon and we’ll have exciting house updates to add to the crazy that is our lives! I CAN’T WAIT!!! EEEKKK!

Book Party & Play Date

Feels like summer!

Park Date with Auntie & Grandma

Giant Slide at the Home & Garden Show

Lunch at the grandparent’s house!

Impromptu play date on a sunny day

We went to the spray park, but Graham had no interest in the water!

32 books! Rewards from Usborne parties rock!

MOPS outing at the church

Helping Papa plant corn

I wonder what Graham wants for breakfast?

Putting our new fingerprint activity book to good use!

Zoo trip with Auntie & Grandma

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Off to the Races May 17, 2017

Filed under: Selling, Building, Moving,Usborne Books & More,Women in Ministry — Amy Scott @ 10:48 am

I’ve been dying to post an update. I’m finding that now that I’m managing a business in my spare time, it might mean that blogging can’t be a top priority. This is hard because blogging is my therapy. I need to write things down. It helps me process life. Just like all things, balance is important. There will probably be days, even like today, where I could be doing stuff for my book business, but I will choose to blog. Because I need to blog. I just can’t stop.

As you can imagine, learning a new business is taking up some serious brain space. This month has gone better than I expected and my calendar has booked fairly solid. I have two openings left in May. Not too shabby. I think I can fill at least one of those openings at my next few parties. I’m already booking into June and July.

I am enjoying my experience so far as an Usborne book lady. I have a big box full of reward books and prize books coming on Monday and I can’t wait to get my hands on it. I’m super close to winning my first success kit (more free books) and getting my consultant kit partially refunded. Jeremy even encouraged me to have a display table at a big garage sale our church has last weekend. I sold a book, booked a party and gave out a ton of business cards. I was able to talk with a lot of people and share my passion for books and why I think Usborne books are great. It stretched me because I was running a table for MOPS at the garage sale as well, but overall, it was positive experience and I’m glad I did it.

The theme of my life right now is the tension between Usborne and MOPS. So far I’m surviving it and I don’t think one is suffering because of the other. I just always have something to do for both groups. Keeps my to-do list long and tension in my soul. And you know, I have kids, laundry, cleaning, friends, family, a husband who all deserve my time and attention. I’m learning a lot about being “present” in my life right now. When I’m working, I’m working. When I’m with my kids, I’m giving them my full attention. When I’m in a meeting, I’m not looking at my phone or going over my mental to-do lists. My relationships are important. My commitments are important. No one wants half of me or my scattered mind. I want to be all in where I am, in whatever I am doing. I don’t always succeed at this, but I am learning and growing. My prayer is that the Lord is building character in me through all these things.

The house is moving along slowly. Not a ton to report. We did hear back on the appraisal and the numbers were great. We are waiting to close on our construction loan. This will give us the funds to begin the great building season. It’s so close! Prayers for patience would be appreciated. One of the upsides to being out of my mind busy is that I have less brain space to be impatient with the house.

I’m sure there is plenty more I could mention, but we will leave it at that for now. My time allotted for blogging is now up! Thank you all for hanging on with me during this wild ride.

Trains don’t need to run on the track, right?

Graham could live all day in a swing…

Owen and his best friend, Maci, at a play date in the park. Here they are off to go look at trains!

Books on one side, MOPS on the other. Kids watching trains. Miss Elena cheering me!

Painted the night with my MOPS friends. This was so stressful for me, but I’m so glad I pushed myself to try something out of my comfort zone!

Owen was in a burrito, so Graham took the opportunity to attack Owen’s head.

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Here We Go! May 7, 2017

Filed under: Selling, Building, Moving,Simply Me,Usborne Books & More — Amy Scott @ 9:50 pm

Well, I’m officially official in the world of selling books. Almost. I had my launch party on Thursday and it went great. I am thankful for the positive experience. I am also thankful for all the help that my forever friend, Maggie, has offered me as I figure it out. I think I have things mostly figured out, but we’ll find out for sure on Thursday when I run my first party on my own. Eek!!! This is where it gets real! I’ve learned how to schedule my posts in the party. They are created in advance and then appear at a set time without me. All I have to do is keep up with the comments. My launch party had a lot of comments so this could prove to be a daunting task. I will do my best! I’m extremely surprised at the number of parties that I have booked and then hopefully I’ll get more parties from those parties. I could be very busy! I’m thinking it might slow down, but maybe not. Usborne has awesome incentives in the first 12 weeks so I’m trying hard to get all I can out of this period of time with extra rewards. We’ll see how the summer shakes out in the book biz. I’ll keep you posted as I work through my first parties! I’m learning so much and stretching myself. It’s been good. I’m thankful for what I have accomplished thus far. God is good!

Things with MOPS are improving! I’m only one team member away from my goal. I think ideally I could use three more ladies, but we will be good if we get one more. I’m excited to see the team come together and I am thrilled to start planning next year with them. I’m praying that as we close this chapter of MOPS, the last few meetings will be sweet and hope filled. I’m doing my best to connect and share with other moms so they keep the vision for MOPS alive and hope to join us in the fall. My coordinator kit came in the mail this week (the same day as my Usborne Consultant kit – talk about a conflict of interest). I had a chance to look the kit this weekend and my passion for next year continues to grow!

Let’s see… what else… I’m still “momming” as my main gig. We’ve spent lots of time outside thanks to the weather improving. The boys are loving that. We went to Home Depot on Saturday and did the kid craft for the first time. Owen really enjoyed it. Graham wasn’t quite old enough but he still had his time with the hammer to “create.” It was fun to do the craft as a family and then Jeremy wondered around the store doing research for building a well house later this month.

When it comes to house stuff, we are still waiting. Haha! Surprised? We haven’t heard back for the appraisal yet. That means we haven’t closed in the construction loan. So we can’t get started… Jeremy has plans for the well house and digging some trenches. He hopes to do this in the next month.

Something will happen, soonish.

I hope. With my new business and MOPS commitments, I’ve been slacking on my Pinterest day dreaming. It’s probably a good thing I’m distracted these days. Too much day dreaming isn’t good. You can only look at so many blue doors before it’s no longer productive.

And that’s the update for now! Can’t wait to share with you the steps in my grand adventure! This life is a rollercoaster!

Graham would swing all day long if you let him!

Graham’s creation

A little dude and a hammer!

Focus

He took his job seriously!

Reading “Nibbles” for the first time! The books in my consultant kit aren’t for my boys exactly, but I had to test out my new material and they loved it!

Meeting “Nibbles” for the first time!

The contents of my Usborne consultant kit! I’m in love!

Relaxing!

Hello Sunshine!

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New Adventures & Easter Weekend April 18, 2017

Filed under: Amy's Bookshelf,Family Time,Parenthood,Selling, Building, Moving,Simply Me — Amy Scott @ 5:15 pm

Keeping up with the Scott family is a wild ride these days. My brain is on serious overload right. All good things, but life feels likes it’s exploding. I’ve mentioned MOPS and I’ve talked about our preschool research. Both are taking up brain space. We took a tour of the local Christian school yesterday and it’s given us food for thought as we research where Owen will attend preschool. This is a totally new season of life for me. With that comes many questions as I try to wrap my mind around how our family schedule will change this fall.

Next week, I’ll be at a conference Monday through Wednesday and a retreat Friday through Sunday. These will be my first nights away from Graham because he is finally 100% weaned. It’s wonderful to have some freedom but I’m also a bit nervous leaving him for the first time. He can be a sensitive kid. I’m grateful that I’ll have a day at home in-between my travels to re-calibrate.

When I get back from my week of travels, I will be launching a new business venture. I’ve been pondering selling Usborne books for a while and I finally decided to go for it. I love these books and making money to supplement our income is an nice possibility. Even if the business totally fails, I will get 20 books out of the deal and who doesn’t love more books, right? I’m slightly concerned about joining the direct sales biz since I’m not a natural sales person. We’ll see how it goes. I’m jumping out in faith. Eek!!! My launch party is Thursday, May 4th at 8:30pm. Let me know if you want an invite! These books are so educational and an amazing quality. We have been very impressed with them and our kids love them. What I love about books is they make great presents for all the kiddos in my life. Books inspire creativity and reading grows with your child so families are always looking for new material. I think my dreams of having a home library might be starting to come true.

When you add MOPS, preschool research, upcoming travels, a new business and then daydreaming about building our new home, my brain is ping ponging all over the place. I love my quiet life and my intentionally slow pace. I know that things are changing and I have to assess how I plan to keep boundaries, order and balance. Life is always changing and I’m not the best at keeping up sometimes. This why I believe it’s important to give a good amount of thought and prayer before moving forward with new opportunities. So yes, lots to think and pray about these days.

Going backwards now, this last weekend was a fun one. Now that Easter Eggstravanganza is the week before Easter, I feel like I enjoy Easter weekend a lot more. It’s less stressful and more chill. On Saturday we did egg coloring and gave the boys their baskets. Our Easter Sunday is so full that we give them the baskets early so the kids actually have time to enjoy their new items. The baskets were smaller this year but the contents were very appreciated! The boys each got a small toy, a shirt, a book (from Usborne, of course) and a chocolate bunny. We went to lunch and then a local garden/nursery. After nap time, we did an egg hunt. Because the weather was so nice, we did our first BBQ of the year. It’s was a wonderful day. Sunday was our Easter celebration at church and off to spend the days with family. The whole weekend was full of family time and it made my heart happy. Easter is such a special time. I am thankful for the power of the cross in my life. Jesus is everything. I am thankful to share that love with my kids. I know they are young but I hope they catch the joy and celebration that comes with Easter Sunday (and truly everyday with Jesus).

As I look to the future, I am excited for the potential that I see before me. All these things line up with my goals and dreams. I am hopeful they will all be positive experiences for our family. And if things don’t work out or if things need to adjust, I’m okay with that. I am looking forward to the adventure. I’m definitely living outside of my comfort zone, but I know that God is good and he is in control. I am trusting him and leaning into him as I bravely walk into the unknown. Prayers appreciated!