Friday, February 8, 2013

Simplify...

Simplify...

I know lots of you do this and can do it quite well.  But for some reason it's really, really hard for me!  Shoot, I don't even know how to relax.  I try but it doesn't last long and I just gotta be doing something.

My father-in-law went into the hospital unexpectedly and passed away a couple of days later on Dec. 17.  My husband was immediately thrown into making the funeral arrangements and taking care of the estate because he is the oldest of the two sons.  Don't you know that it has changed our outlook on many things about life.

You don't realize how much of life you are letting slip you by until you stop and take a good look around.  So we, mainly I, have decided it's past time to simplify.  No, no, no... not my home lol!  I have tried and tried to "simplify" by getting rid of things but I just can not seem to part with a single thing.  Instead, I find myself buying more things that I don't need, hehe.  Like the beginning of my gray granite collection (I only have one piece but it will become a collection one day!).  Also couldn't pass up the Edwards Mill sack because it comes from a real working mill at College of the Ozarks in Branson, MO, a college I didn't attend but had many friends who did and spent a lot of time there.

Had to throw a picture in there because this post needs one, ha.  Back to the subject... along the lines of simplifying, I had two blogs.  This prim blog and a family blog called "Ramblings from a grateful heart".  It became difficult to keep them both up so they both suffered.  I have decided to combine the two blogs into one and use this space to talk about two of my loves: my family and my home.  So if some of my posts seem odd or like they don't belong or my wording is weird... it's because of the consolidating.  One thing I did with my Ramblings blog is to always end a post with something that I am grateful for.  I want to carry that over into this blog because it's important to me.

And because I am bringing my family over to this blog, I gotta show off my handsome son Ryan, a junior (and yes it says Chuck, that's his nickname from the coaches because of our last name being Berry) with his new letterman jacket we bought him.  He's quite proud but so are we!  =]

Then we have pretty little Amariah, who is an 8th grader, and the little guy named Robbie that is in the 1st grade.

I promise you that I will try not to bore you with my family but I am proud of all of them and love them dearly.

Losing the first of our parents has opened our eyes to many things this past month.  I am truly grateful for relationships that I am determined to nourish... my husband, my kids, my extended family, my friends, and of course all of you my prim blog community friends!!

Thank you for being a part of my life, I love you all!  =]

24 comments:

  1. So sorry for your loss. Looking forward to reading more! Great looking family.

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  2. So glad that you are back! I would love to hear about your family as well. I share everything on my blog.Glad you are working through the family loss. My hubby and I lost all sets of parents over 15 years ago. It is hard to go through. Praying for you all. Blessings~Sara

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  3. My deepest sympathy for the loss of your father-in-law, as I see my parents getting older and I am now a grandma, it makes me realize how short life is. I need to simplify and downsize, but just can't, I love my prims and just can't part with them, I have been buying less. Love your collection. hugs, Lecia

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  4. Angie I just read your comment on my blog from yesterday, you have been missed !

    So sorry to hear about your FIL, loosing a parent is so hard, prayers to you and your family.

    your family is Beautiful

    Hugs
    Brenda

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  5. I am praying for you my dear,dear friend. I understand I took care fo my MIL, which I called her Mom and you know when she passed away you lifted me up with a beautiful comment. Please know I am praying for your beautiful family and also know your FIL is in the arms of the Lord and he is home but will always be around you all, he is your Angel just like my MIL and mu husband knows that as well and gives him GREAT comfort!

    God Bless you and your family sweetie,
    Hugs,
    Tricia XO

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  6. Oh Angie...I'm so sorry for your family's loss...especially so out of the blue. The last of our parents was Al's mother who passed this year. My mom and dad died 3 weeks apart, and Al's dad died the year before...way too young. Loved seeing pics of the kids...Jan

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  7. My deepest sympathy for your loss.
    I have missed you terribly.
    I did not know you had a second blog. I used to have several blogs and just could not keep up and now with Facebook and Pinterest, it would be impossible. I do still have my recipe blog.
    I am very interested in your home and family. Please share your stories with us.
    I am trying to simplify here at home--not having much success. I guess the best sinplifying I can do is admit I love to be surrounded by these things!
    Can't wait to hear more from you.

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  8. Sorry to hear of your family's loss. It's always hard! Sending prayers and hugs!

    It's your blog and you should post whatever you want. :) Family is a great thing to share!

    Hugs and blessings, Jessica

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  9. Hi Angi!!! I am so glad to see you posting again:) I have missed you. It's so wonderful you are consolidating. Seeing my friends families makes me smile. I love hearing about the things that are going on. Your kids are beautiful. I am sorry about your loss. I can't imagine either of us losing a parent. It must be very hard for you and the kids. Relationships in life are the only thing we can take with us. You are smart to nourish them. Take care. -Steph-

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  10. Hi Angie,
    So glad to see you blogging again. Sorry for your loss, I just moved in with my mom this week due to her ALzheimers, etc. It sure does make you reevaluate life.
    Hope you are enjoying your weekend!
    xoxo

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  11. So sorry about your husbands dad. When you loose someone close it does change your way of thinking. Your family is lovely. The idea of having both blogs as one sounds great. I should do that.

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  12. I am sorry to hear about your FIL passing away.
    I know what you mean about simplifying. It IS hard, and I ask the Lord to help with organization, which has seemed to elude me.
    Never apologize for talking about your family, they are important.
    I haven't been around as much, but am trying to get back into blogging more.
    Planning my garden for the season and trying to get some things thinned out here.
    Have a great day.
    Renee

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  13. Hello Angie,
    it's good to see you posting again, something I need to get back into myself.
    Beautiful children you have and love Ryan's nickname too! I'm sorry to hear of your FIL's passing.
    hugs,
    Sheila

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  14. I am so sorry to hear about your FIL!
    Don't feel weird about combining family and decorations! I love reading about family life AND seeing decorating!
    Your son is a handsome guy! LOVE the jacket!

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  15. Am very sorry to read about your FIL. Prayers going up for your family. I am so trying to declutter but it is hard. Each thing has a special meaning.LOL I will let go! I have to cause I have no room for more. Have a blessed day.

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  16. So sorry to hear of your family's loss. I love that you are combining the blogs and am so glad we are blogging friends. A simple life is a good life, I crave simple, joy, and love. You are blessed with a beautiful family/kids and I for one will never be bored w/ pics of them. Have a blessed evening.

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  17. So glad to see you back.Sorry for the loss of your fil. When things happen we begin to look at life in a different perspective. You have a beautiful family, enjoy every day.

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  18. My condolences to your family. Your son sure is handsome and with that letter jacket I know you are very proud. Take care, Janice

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  19. I am sorry to read of your families loss. After my sons death last summer. So many things don't seem so important theses days. Our family members are the most important. I collect gray granite. You have lovely children. Your treasure finds are quite nice. Blessings! Lara

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  20. So sorry for your loss Angie.
    What a beautiful family you have. These are the important things!
    Simplify...a novel concept.
    Enjoy today,
    Barb

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  21. Hi Angie,
    Haven't seen you on here for awhile, then I totally missed your last couple of posts somehow.
    What a handsome family you have and I know you're very proud of them! How sweet!

    Tanya

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  22. Oh so very sorry for your loss. You have great looking bunch of kiddos bet they make their Momma pretty proud!

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  23. I'm glad you're back and I like the whole new blog idea! Love the new blog background.

    Goedele

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