Kellen turns 3

So two weeks have gone by without a post.  I have been juggling a house full of sick kids and then me (at one point).  

Today is Kellen’s 3rd birthday.  He is one firecracker of a kid.  Brilliant and determined.  He is driven and a go getter.  He’s impatiently biding his time until he is big enough to take over the world.  Having a small body and limitations have been endlessly frustrating to him.  He’s also quick to laugh and give anyone a hug and a kiss.  He’s certainly brought a lot of energy and life into our home and family.  He loves his brother and sister and hates it when either one of them are not home.  He’s a darling boy who loves his mommy.  He is a cuddler (but only if he feels like it).  He corrects his poor, slow-to-learn parents 10+ times a day that our new vehicle is not a *car*, it is a *VAN*.  He’s adventurous with food and will try many things (yay, I finally have one of those!).  He likes to sing and dance and loves to listen to the edited version of Hamilton, especially the song “My Shot”.  He helps out with cleaning and putting things away.  He likes to help with everything that we do.  Cooking, cleaning, doing the dishes.  He loves getting into any small space he can fit in.  He observes the world and figures out how it works.  He came here to make a difference and to take the world by storm.  It’s already been quite a ride.  I can’t imagine my life without my little sidekick.

Now for some pictures.  Kellen through the years.

I love this last one because it so accurately illustrates what life is like with Kellen in it.  This picture says a thousand words to me.  Love that boy.  

A new blog??

Alright.  Here I go again.  For several years, I was an active blogger.  My old blog is no longer to be found online unfortunately.  At the time, I went by the name marensgarden.  I loved to garden and had turned my front yard into a garden wonderland that soon health issues and life would take from me.  I still LOVED that name.

Then, my life completely turned around.  I regained my health, moved across the country, had two more kids, learned to sew (and learned that I loved it), shared our home with my aunt and uncle (who now do the gardening around here), started our own business, etc.  Once I realized how much I love to design my own clothing for my kids and myself, I started to think of a good branding for that.  I left marensgarden behind when I moved and started a new life.  I fell in love with the name marenmade.  That really describes everything about my life and what I do.  I am a creator.  I am a manifestor.  My life is this beautiful creation that I am continuously building.  I also like to make beautiful things.  Plus, it has a nice ring to it.  So, marenmade it is.

I have tried to pick up blogging a time or two after the demise of marensgarden.  I never seemed to get my heart into it.  I think I'll go easy on myself by not expecting this to be a consistent thing. Some bloggers that I enjoy to follow have long periods between posts.  I am not really sure how this is going to go.

I do love photography and documenting my life, so if time and energy permits, this may become a new project of mine (you'll soon see why I don't necessarily need one of those!).

Well, here I am.  I'm back (at least momentarily).  I am a decade older.  Yet still here.

My story used to be all about my health (and Reilly's health, my only child at the time).  That is no longer what I am about.  I am about LIFE and living it more abundantly.  Finding happiness and joy. Making my home a refuge and the place I've always wanted it to be.  Becoming financially free and helping others do the same.  Living my purpose.

Here's a quick intro to my family in this moment--June 17, 2017

photo cred: http://www.jwilsonpix.com/

My name is Maren. I am 42 and the mother of 3 (a decade ago that felt impossible).  My youngest two are little, so it's amazing what you can do at this stage of life.



















My husband, Jeff, is so much fun.  He's funny and kind and considerate and a wonderful man.  We just celebrated our 19th Wedding anniversary.

Reilly is our firstborn.  He is 14, almost 15.  He is a ham and loves to be silly and dramatic.  He is homeschooled, loves theatre, playing piano and most of all video games and all things electronic.  We learn so much from him everyday.  He was THRILLED to become a brother (finally) at age 10.

Rowan is the daughter that we always wanted to have. She is 4 (how did that happen so fast?)  She is artistic and creative, full of love and ideas.  Having her was a miracle in so many ways.

Then there is Kellen.  He is larger than life.  He made his way to earth just 19 months after his sister.  He is 2, almost 3.  He's a go-getter in the most extreme sense, absolutely brilliant and plotting his time in his child size body until he can take over the world.  And he's not patient about it either.

A few more random pics

This last picture says it all.  Our life, now that Kellen has arrived.  

I have lots of ideas (I always do).  We'll see what comes to fruition and documented about in this space.  

Until next time.   *smooches*