On my mind: the busiest summer of my life

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I was talking with some friends recently about how this summer has been and will continue to be the busiest summer of my life. I quickly mentioned that everything we have going on is good and fun, and then I decided my summer hashtag should be #allgoodandfunthings but I’m not very good at using hashtags so. . .

Between a bit of work travel for me, a trip home, and a recent bachelorette trip for my sister, I’ve been gone much more than usual. Between those trips, Justin has had a bit of leisure travel as well, but our biggest trip is yet to come!

You may know my sister is getting married in the middle of July in Wisconsin. I’m so excited for her, and it’s going to be the most beautiful wedding on the planet! My family has a lake house in southern Wisconsin, and the wedding will be held there! Isn’t that so fun?

Justin and I try to make it to the lake house in Wisconsin for the 4th of July, as that’s really the only other time of year that we do a big family trip up there other than the winter holidays. And when we were looking at the back to back travel for these two July trips, it seems a little chaotic and expensive to go back and forth so close together. We decided to head up there before the 4th of July and just stay on through until a few days after the wedding, making the trip about 18 days!

You may be wondering how Justin is able to do that with his job, which leads me to his next bit of news.

Justin has moved on from his previous employer and has started his own business with a friend! RaleighUAV uses drones for aerial imaging for a wide variety of needs, from residential to commercial. On top of that, he’s spending more time with the kids during the day to give me some more work hours, and assisting with some financial business details that I am neither good at nor interested in learning how to be good at.

It’s been a big change for our family, but so far it’s been really really nice. It’s relieved a great deal of stress for both of us, and I’m so happy to see him starting his own business.

A part of Justin’s job at his previous employer that I never mentioned on the blog was the huge amount of travel. I have friend’s whose spouses travel much more than Justin ever did, so I never wanted to seem like I was complaining or looking for pity. Not to mention those whose spouses are in the military or have any other situation that keeps them from their family for a great deal of time. But for us, Justin’s travel was hard. I got use to it over time, but there were many months, back to back, that he would be gone on some trip week after week after week. Every October he would essentially have to travel for 4 nearly week long trips, so I just knew that I was going to be solo for most of that month.

When the notion of leaving this job to pursue his own business started to becoming real, I was deeply excited at the thought of him being around more!

I’ve been an entrepreneur for over 10 years and love seeing people start their own businesses. I started my hairstyling business from the ground up, my sister and I started Elisabeth Ashlie Jewelry together (which she now solely runs and is doing amazing with), and I started the blog as well. Needless to say, I’m so proud of Justin for taking the leap into starting his own thing and I’m excited to watch the journey unfold for him and his partner!

So, to tie this all back in with our busy summer, we have the freedom to travel a bit more than usual now that we are both self-employed! We’re excited about this next chapter for our family and both feel deeply, deeply grateful for the opportunity to do it!

I’m going to miss Raleigh, our pool, and our friends while we are spending time in Wisconsin and Illinois. And the cats! I’m so glad to have a house sitter that will be taking care of things and keeping a close eye on the cats for us.

You can follow the fun over on Instagram of course!

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Cathryn Hurd says · 07.02.17

Sounds like a great summer. My fiancé and I have lots of plans about to start as we amalgamate two houses and buy our first home together. Enjoy your trip. Our blended family trip is in three weeks to Anglesey in Wales. Very exciting x

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Katlyn Huff says · 07.02.17

How exciting for y’all! I am a military spouse and I always tell my non-military friends they can always vent about their husband being gone because it doesn’t matter how long your husband is away (whether a day or whatever!) it is never fun! God designed us to be one and it’s hard when that one is apart. SO happy for this opportunity for y’all and congratulations!

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Puanani says · 07.05.17

So beautiful to see women uplifting women! Thank you for yours and your spouse’s service! Such a humble and understanding comment that I just love 💜💜

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Casey says · 07.02.17

Very exciting! My husband would love to do something where he is home more with us but we just haven’t figured it out yet.

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Susan says · 07.02.17

We used to live in lake Geneva, wi.such a beautiful area! I am sure you all will enjoy it! As the spouse that travels, I understand how hard it is not only being the one who leaves, but leaving those behind too. Good luck on the next adventure!

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Francine says · 07.02.17

So exciting! My husband took a leap of faith and started his business six years ago and we haven’t looked back!

Enjoy your long vacation!

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Rachel says · 07.02.17

Congrats to you and Justin! Congrats to your sister and her upcoming wedding. I live in Wisconsin and since you’ll be here so long would you be interested in doing a meet up? How fun!!😁

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Leigh Ann says · 07.02.17

My husband has been dreaming about a drone business for a while, and has been trying to figure out the best way to get started with it.

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Simone says · 07.02.17

Totally jealous you will be on the lake! I grew up in Wisconsin and moved to Virginia- there are no lakes here! Glad that you guys are able to spend a well deserved summer trip with family! Take a pontoon ride, read a book on the dock and have a bonfire on my behalf!!!

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Amy D. says · 07.02.17

That’s so exciting! Good for you both! Enjoy your time with your family! That time is priceless for sure. We used to have a little cabin on Lake Delevan in WI the first 5 years we were married and we loved it! Especially since we are from just south of Chicago so it’s CLOSE! Now that we have one starting college in the fall we are once again dreaming of a lake house once the kids are done with college…we love the thrill of the hunt and since I now flip houses I’m looking for the shabbiest house on a lake I can make beautiful! 😊 Happy 4th to your sweet family!

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Tiffany says · 07.02.17

Congratulations to Justin and you both! That’s very exciting! Also, your eyelashes look amazing and I will be caking within the next few weeks to make an appointment with the girl you went to! Wish my luck! 😊

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Julie S says · 07.02.17

Yes, that certainly is All Good & Fun Things!! Congratulations on the new business! Life is extraordinary! Enjoy!

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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says · 07.02.17

Congratulations to you and Justin! Exciting new adventures await you! 🙂

Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com

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Amanda says · 07.02.17

Congratulations on the new venture! So excited for you and your family!!

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Colleen says · 07.02.17

THIS IS SO EXCITING! Congratulations to your family. Exciting things happening for you guys. XOXO

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Heather says · 07.02.17

Congratulations! Being self employed is the most difficult and at the same time most rewarding career path. Best wishes!

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Carmen says · 07.02.17

There is nothing like summer in Wisconsin. Enjoy your trip!

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Lauren says · 07.02.17

So awesome!!!

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Jenny J says · 07.02.17

That’s so exciting Kate! Wishing Justin the best with his new business!

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Emily Heizer Photography says · 07.02.17

That’s super cool!!! I love the idea that it brings your family closer together! I sort of did the opposite- I’ve run my business for over 12 years but constantly felt lonely and the lack of structure and schedule was really hard on me after that many years so I went back to a day job thins year- while still maintaining my business. I’m not sure what the right balance is for me. If I had a partner (literally my partner and I separated 3 days ago so I am awash with feelings at present) this would all be different, but currently I’m back to feeling lost and overwhelmed. It is nice to see someone moving positively and definitively in a specific direction with a goal!

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Kristin S says · 07.02.17

Well, that’s exciting!!!

In your recent posts, I had noticed Justin around in the afternoons. I just assumed he had some comp time coming his way! This is even better. What a fun adventure!

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Katie Evans says · 07.02.17

Happy for your family! My husband has his own business too and works from home most of the time. We LOVE it! For reasons you are just beginning to experience 😉

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Margaret says · 07.02.17

So amazing! Have a great summer!

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Thisnewsouthernlife says · 07.02.17

I can imagine that it’s so hard to leave your house behind for that long but how nice to get away for a few weeks!! So happy for you and Justin– you’re so successful in everything you touch and I imagine he will be just as great. Congrats to you guys and I am excited to follow you along at the lake house!

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Jasmine says · 07.02.17

#yaywisconsin
Sounds like a wonderful and peaceful 18 days away – hope you have a grand time! If you find yourself in the Third Ward of Milwaukee, give me a shout! I’ll buy you all some yummy food at the Public Market and give you the insiders tour!

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The.love.alcove says · 07.02.17

How exciting for you all! Nothing beats having a business of your own!

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Linda jaeger says · 07.02.17

I live in southeastern Wisconsin and am hoping you have a great wedding and great weather!!
Do you have Wisconsin origins?
Have a blast!!!!!

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Michele says · 07.03.17

My husband is in the process of going from working in an office to working from home (either for a company or on his own-ish, depending on how things go) as we prepare for the birth of our second child. He wants to spend more time with our kids and less money on childcare. I’m glad that he wants to spend more time with us as a family, but scared of the financial risks. How have you managed to be supportive despite the risks involved? How have you managed your own feelings as he embarks on this new journey? Any chance you could do a post in that? I’d feel like a better wife if I knew how to best support him without feeling like I’m pressuring him. Seriously, advice from any of you kind readers would be helpful…no need to pressure just Kate! Thanks Kate, and all!

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Lisa says · 07.04.17

Kate, sometimes I truly feel our lives are written with the same pen (with a few exceptions, of course!). I have two boys as well, and while I do work full-time at one of our local hospitals, I do own my own small business (Sweet Paper Studios), and my husband is currently starting his own business as well! He is an IT professional focusing on Manufacturing Warehousing Systems and is currently developing his own software and doing some various consulting jobs, so this year will be very busy for us as well. I too welcome the change and I can already tell my husband is beyond excited to leave his 9 to 5 to pursue his own dreams. All the best to Justin on his new endeavour, and have a great time at the lake and the wedding!

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