re:store

So if you are a Face book follower then your probably already totally up to speed on all that has happened in our life since November. If not the short version is we are now the proud owners of a Store full of Vintage, Re purposed, and Restored wonderfulness! The store is so pretty and God has truly opened doors for us in a way that we had never experienced. My mom's description to one family friend was "this was a time when I just sat back and watched God do miracles on a daily bases". All of that did come along side of some gruelling work and long COLD hours. All of the kids, Jeff and I spent hundreds of hours cleaning and fixing things pulling 100+ year old nails from the wooden floors, filling holes and scrubbing stuff with soap and water. There was tons of family team building and bonding moments that took place and I think after years of being called the "project manager" as a joke, this time I truly did experience that job.

One of the most exciting processes of the entire experience is the people who he led to us to work along side of us in the store. The Vendors we have are some of the most talented artist I have ever met. The handcrafted pieces the painting and the design skills are phenomenal. This is an area that I truly believe will set our store apart when it comes to design and aesthetic. Another area where God filled in the gaps for us without us even knowing to ask.

I am not here to say we will never struggle or have a rough day. I am here to say however I have been down this road before and this time the blessing are different and the Lord has worked in a new way. You see obedience is a strange thing....sometimes we tell ours elf we are obeying God when WE think we know what direction the Lord wants us to go. The truth is though unless we are willing to walk away from the idols we have built and walk through a new land we will never see His true blessing in our life.

Jeff, the kids and I have seen some rough times in our life's together. We have struggled and we have cried and we have prayed to be rescued. Through our struggles we have also felt the peace that folds over you when you truly give into your way and follow His way.

I had no idea a three months ago I would be doing what I am doing today, but that's okay cause it is His will and I like knowing that.

Restoration Emporium is not an accidental name. Maybe we didn't know it at first when we selected it but now we know that it is through restoration in Christ that we live.

Thus our store is about making things new....but maybe you have something you need made new again. An old spirit filled life, an old relationship or friendship a significant moment forgotten. Let the spirit find you let Him work in your heart and let the re:store~re:purpose~re:finish~re:new be part of your world too!!

Thanks for the MANY friends who have prayed with us and supported us. Please come see our miracle when you can, she is a beauty to behold.

~Mama Huff

Changes....

So as many of you know I am in the season of change in my life......Part of this change is the founding of a new business venture. Jeff and I started antiquing together many years ago on trips we would take or special days off where we would spend time together. It became a love for us as we would find great pieces for our home and even began some wonderful collections. One of our best treasures is our antique football collection. This was something that we loved adding too during the years the boys were playing high school and college ball.

This past winter we decided to try our hand at renting some space in a local antique mall. While we began that journey I also began learning about refurbishing and rebuilding furniture. Over time we have began to not only redo furniture but also design pieces out of re purposed items. What started as a fun little hobby has now turned into quite a profitable business. The best part of all is, is the time we get to work together. Jeff and I have always had a relationship in which we enjoy hobbies that include the both of us. It also doesn't hurt that my hubby has always been my best shopping partner!

I hope that you will stay with us as we take this new journey! We have two face book sites. One is for our designs- C&J Design and the other is our antique and vintage sales business.. The Back Porch. We are very blessed to have wonderful supporters and a family who believes in us. Come and see us and our stuff we are located in Bella Patina in the West bottoms of KC, MO or Sentimental Journey Antique Mall in Olathe, KS.

Restore, ReUse, Refurbish your self and your life!

Mama Huff

The New Me?

It's been awhile since I have written anything and so after seeing a few friends recent posts I remembered..."I too have a blog!" Insert Smile here~ Many times we see or hear on TV how professionals or entertainers have to re-invent their look, style or craft. I guess I am sorta at a place in my life where God is walking me through a reinvention so to speak.

Many of you know this past year I underwent some surgery or rather a "tune up" of the breast and tummy areas. I am not afraid to share or tell people I had some work done. I have wanted to have these things done for years in order to allow myself more physical freedom and less day to day pain from the OLD body I had from carrying three wonderful but very large children during pregnancy. One wonderful thing for my health in the future is the fact that my mammograms in the future will be even more accurate and easier to read. Those of you who know my families journey over the past years with Breast Cancer know this was a wonderful and peaceful knowledge to gain. I was also told that at the time of the surgery and tissue that went to pathology there were no signs of any cancer which was also a wonderful blessing of God.

So with my "new body" I have began another journey this summer and that is the final season of parenting a child in my home. This next nine months will be the last that I have a teenager in my home living .....we will begin the journey of walking with Annie as she seeks to find her College where she will go to begin her journey toward becoming a Missionary. This is a bittersweet end for me. Driving with Jeff through the city the other night I reached for his hand and said, "Am I really almost done being a stay at home mom?"

When I choose to leave my full-time career and close my business six year ago it was because I wanted to walk closer with Annie and Josh in their last days at home. I never really thought about the end. I mean OK I did think about the, no shoes laying around, the quietness I would enjoy, and the money I would save at the store! I mean yeah okay, I thought of that stuff, but I didn't think about all that quiet room that would be in my heart.

I love watching God work in our life.....I love actually getting to laugh at some of the fun things he does for us. Yes their will be quiet rooms in my heart but that's only because the junk and business has been given away to memories and treasures that are priceless.

Yes I am once again being re-invented, wonder what He will do next!

"For I know the plans He has for Me..."

Mama Huff

P.S. This song is my testimony and I always love to share the words He is using in my heart.

Beautiful Lord, Wonderful Saviour
I know for sure, all of my days are held in your hands, crafted
into your perfect plan
You gently call me into your presence guiding me by Your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord to live all of my life through Your eyes
I'm captured by Your holy calling
Set me apart, I know you're drawing me to yourself
Lead me Lord I pray

Chorus:
Take me, Mold me, use me, fill me
I give my life to the Potter's hand
Call me, guide me, lead me, walk beside me
I give my life to the Potter's hand

You gently call me into your presence guiding me by your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord to live all of my life through your eyes
I'm captured by your Holy calling
set me apart, I know your drawing me to yourself
lead me Lord I pray

Relief Trip to Joplin

Most of you probably know by now that I was able to travel to Joplin today with the Nazarene Disaster Relief Team. There were so many God moments today it's hard to even know where to start. We started early with an arrival in Carthage Mo. Their was an overwhelming number of people and equipment had arrived. Trucks, trailers, backhoes, bobcats, and wheel barrels, chainsaws and more. The Nazarene's were ready to do WORK!

Our group traveled into the heart of the worst hit. It took us about an hour to make it through security on the streets and to get through traffic. We arrived at the Joplin High School and then begin heading up into the neighborhoods. What we saw is unable to describe. "War Zone" was all I could think of over and over as I drove down each street weaving through trees, lumber, and wires. After several attempts to help folks (which people are very leery of help). I begin to drive down the streets praying that God would lead us to someone who would need us.

As I turned the corner I saw an older man trying to lift something heavy so I stopped and told him who I was and that I had some strong boys with me. It was then that God opened a door for us to minister. The four kids and I worked for our new friend "Bob" and his 79 year old brother for the next 5 hours. We not only were able to work and clear much of what they needed, we were able to Pray with them and get them introduced to the local Church in Joplin/Carthage.

Bob then introduced us to the neighbors and we were able to help them clear a tree and make a path to their back door. We took a carload of supplies and water to the Heart to Heart trailer and then made our way into another neighborhood were we once again worked with a family to clear a driveway and then began the drive back out of town.

This was hard work, some of the hardest I have ever experienced as well as emotionally draining. I found myself not ready to leave Bob and his brother today. Bob was in shock when we arrived and I think he really felt relieved after we arrived and was able to even joke with us toward the end about having to mow the grass if we kept cleaning the yard!

I was very proud today of my own son Josh, and friends Shannon, Rachel and Matt. Parents you should be so proud of your kids. All of them showed compassion to everyone they met and a great work ethic that can only be learned from home. God used us today to help these families, and He led us to exactly who he wanted us to be with. God also reminded all of us today that material things can quickly turn from beauty in our home to trash on the streets. Tonight I am grateful for my life and family, and praying that Mr. Bob in Joplin will continue to heal from his physical and emotional injuries along with all the other wonderful people in Joplin Mo.

God Bless Joplin

I am a crazy coupon lady.

So if your one of those folks who has watched extreme couponing and wondered what it would take? Just ask me. About 6 months ago I started just clipping coupons as I needed them on the weekend for groceries etc. Then I found out I could cut two for everything at Target and use my target debit card (which is free to everyone) and I would see 30-40 bucks saved every time.

I thought that was easy enough I can do a little more....I started asking my mom to save her coupons from her Sunday papers, and I ordered a weekly paper for us. In the last 2 mos alone I have saved over 2000. This is not on frivolous stuff either this is on MILK weekly, bread, TOILET paper! I'm telling you this is TOO easy friends. I am so excited and so proud of my system I have even taken it to a few places and shared it with some friends. I had one friend yesterday who said "I was inspiring her!"

Listen friends, I know some of you are having some real hard times right now. Times have been tough for many families. I am thankful although many people find using coupons only when desperate to feed their families, I decided it was something I could do so that my grown family could shop our home and save money. Whatever your reason I would be glad to show you my system and or help you.

I learned a long time ago that my ideas are not my own but my gifts from God.

So get your scissors out and call me!

~Mama Huff

Something Old, Something New.......

This past week has been so crazy. It's a bit surreal to me that a week ago Jeff and I were hauling our trailer to Iowa for a buying trip and to go see the "American Pickers!" We had such a fun time searching through old junk places and antique stores etc. It's a constant treasure hunt for us as we look around each corner to see what will appear to us next. I always find something every time that I remember seeing in my Grandma Nina's kitchen and every time I have this moment were I am back there in her home even if just for a second. I can still smell, feel and touch in my mind everything about her little kitchen. That is such a wonderful moment to me that I think it is one reason's our hobby has now turned to business. I hope whether an antique left as is or something we have made a great shabby chic piece. I hope these things bring their owner a moment of nostalgia.

The best part of this new venture is that it's something Jeff & I share together. As our children are growing, getting married, moving out on their own and picking colleges. Our time as everyday parents is coming closer to an end. The times when Jeff & I would meet for coffee in the past our time together would be about planning our schedules around the kids activities and making sure we made time for just us. Now our conversations are about what we will do in 18 mos. when our last child goes off to college. We have plenty of time were it's just us!! :-)

Just like these treasures on our trips, life changes and what was once new is soon old and no longer of use. Making sure that I am ready for the next phase of life for me is a way for me to find joy and to focus on the excitement that lies ahead for all of my family. Although I love antiques and the reuse of old things. I want to make sure that I stay ready for these changes in my life and that I allow God to show me the joy that lies ahead for me and my family. I don't want to find myself a rusted up antique of no value to anyone!!!

For real?

Well it's been a long time since I have sat still long enough to write anything again. But I have so many updates to share.

Mom~ is doing great traveling and doing everything she did before her surgery and even more. She looks great and I think the simple knowledge of knowing she has beat the disease has released a new peace within her.

Family~ My kids are awesome all starting new journey's this year. Joshua will be leaving for College a week from tomorrow to begin his two weeks of intense football camp. The one thing that puts my heart somewhat at ease is knowing Ryne will be training right alongside of him and they will push each other toward success. Anna & Ryne are doing great married life is agreeing with both of them. They are learning some hard lessons as we all do in making choices that affect not just yourself but each other as a married couple and even when they have their struggles it is still a joy to watch Christ work in their lives. They will both be seniors this year and God is already providing some leads for jobs that will be waiting for them as they graduate.

Arrianne will be a Junior in High School this year. I cannot believe my little girl I used to dress in bonnets and petticoats for church is driving and doing her own thing. This past summer Arrianne was blessed to travel to Guatemala for a Mission trip. It was life changing for her and she is already planning her next trip which looks like it will be to Ecuador. She is totally sold out to God and is counting the days when she can go to College major in international ministry and begin her journey towards missions. Jeff's love of missions and travel and my heart of serving and hospitality have transformed into a little traveling Annie! we are so proud of all of them and excited to watch God continue to lead.

This past month I traveled to Monroe Louisiana to represent the State of Kansas in the Miss/Mrs Plus America pageant. Although I only told a few people before I went as I was afraid of what it meant and also if I failed. I learned so much about myself at that pageant and I can honestly say I never felt more beautiful then standing on that stage with those women around me. That experience has changed me forever and I am so proud to be able to return in 2011 to Dallas and do it once again! It is funny how and when God chooses to use us or touch our lives with something we never expected. I have seen this so many times in relationships and in the many blessings her has provided our family.

This past year I was able to become closer to a young women who has a child with one of our football boys form MNU. Through our connections at the ballgames I was able to step in as a partime sitter for this precious mom and her special little baby. Legacy is now one years old and her and I have a special bond. God has given me a love for this little precious life that is as if she was a Huff from the very beginning. Just like God does he pieced our puzzle together for a reason as Legacy's Grandma Lisa was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in late March and has had a double mastectomy and chemo in just the past three months. None of this was a coincidence God knew we could walk with them on this journey and that Mom and Lisa would connect and need each other for support and encouragement.

I love that our life has seasons in it.....my favorite season is fall......football, tailgates, yelling, cowbell ringing, cuddling at a cold night game, apple cider and popcorn! I am thankful that in the "FALL" of my life I have so many wonderful things to celebrate and that I also have challenges to help me grow and strengthen as a women. I hope and pray that today your hot summer "stress" might be reminded that a cool fall is coming your way.....soon you can open the windows and blow the stress out of your life and yell and scream that stress away!

Oh and if you hear a cowbells ringing somewhere its me cheering you on!

Mama Huff

Sitting upright again!

It's been awhile since I have blogged. Mostly because the last 40 days of my life was spent preparing to be off my feet through my surgery, Annie's 16th Birthday, and easter. Most of you know that I am a former event/wedding planner so when I plan anything there are miles of tape to cut through. I cannot just say order a few pizzas and balloons. No I type up emails and instruction sheets for everyone involved and when anything doesn't go according to plan I FREAK! When I realized my surgery had been moved to just days before my babies 16th birthday party I knew it was gonna be a test for all who are near and dear to me!

Surgery~ there is an old nickname my mother in-law gave me years ago which is "banana peel lady". I will probably regret ever putting this on my blog but whatever I have never been nor will be modest or discreet. This nickname basically describes me in all matters that are sick, or medical, flexibility or coordination related. Everyone in my family knows that when I have anything done the normal recovery or procedure doesn't exist. I do not know whether I have an actual real live curse or just the worst luck ever known to man!

Case in point being my pre-surgery visit with my Doctor. As he so specifically stated each and every possible thing that could go wrong I realized it was better to just tune him out and not worry. The day of surgery as I am nervously waiting and praying with one of our wonderful pastors I feel pretty good and safe not to worried. However as I came out of surgery I begin to find out that my sons have done horrible things to my body. I knew having children that large was gonna come back to haunt me someday!!! So began a tither of complications as the day went on and misery I will not write about for fear no one else will ever decide to undergo this surgery!

Coming Home Halfway~ After surviving the day from hell I am finally able to go home or rather to my moms home. This is great but it's still a sign that I have to be slow and can't be around the kids and puppies yet. I make it through and am finally released to go home to my puppies (oh and my kids). As soon as I get home I get my list and realize there are problems with my pre planning and start to try and re-delegate....of course I get in some minor trouble with the hubs. (Nothing new here!)

Party/Easter without me~ Easter and Lent and all that it embodies is my most favorite holiday. I love having my family here after Easter worship. I love having a huge easter egg hunt for my friends and sisters kids. I love new clothes and flowers and I love that My Annie came home to love with us on easter sunday. So having to not be able to host and to not feel good all weekend was so depressing and it just made me feel yuckier (is that a word?).

Anyway all of this sadness and poor pathetic me still reminds me of how much God loves me. Last week some really bad stuff happened to my body and it's been a rough few days but I have the most amazing husband, kids, family and friends. I had friends bringing me food that I have met through cheerleading, church, working together in the past. That was so wonderful in fact tomorrow Jeff leaves town and my meals have stopped so I might go into SHOCK! :-)

Thanks to everyone who prayed for me I have certainly needed it. I haven't got my pathology results back yet so your prayers are still needed. I am confident however scary it is to wait. I am still really slow and sore and prayers for continued healing would be appreciated. Thanks again for loving us Huff's and especially this "banana peel gal".

mama huff