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Exciting Changes {The Nurtured Home}

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Morning Light


There have been some changes here both in our house and on 3 peanuts.  You might have noticed that the blog looks different.  A few people were sad to see the illustration of the peanuts go.  While I loved that graphic and it did reflect my kids perfectly at one point in time...it started to feel dated to me.  Will is a full fledged teenager now with the social life to prove it.  And Harry is right behind him.  I wanted something super clean, modern and simple and I am very happy with the design.

I also added my e-mail address to the blog.  For 5 and 1/2 years I never had my email on the blog.  I just did not want it out there.  Well, when I put it there the other day offering to pray for people, I was so honored with the responses.  Several people e-mailed me personal and heartfelt stories and prayer requests.  I feel so connected to those readers now.  I thank you for trusting me with your stories and your prayers. I am writing them all in a prayer journal and will pray for each of you who asked.

We also added social media buttons on the sidebar. I have a love/hate relationship with social media. Honestly, I love blogging but I could do without facebook, twitter, instagram and the rest.  I think they steal time away from living (for me anyway). However, I know that this is the world we live in and I need to use the social media for what is coming next...

So, a big project I have been working on is FINALLY about to happen. About 3 years ago, I got the idea to start a website for people looking for advice, research and posts on relationships and family. I envisioned articles on everything from potty training to bullying and eating disorders to toddler tantrums and teenage texting. I wanted the site to talk about how to maintain healthy marriages and relationships over the long haul.  I really wanted to help people create a Nurtured Home.

I worked for months on a name for the site. I finally bought the domain and I reserved the blogspot address. And then FEAR overcame me and I never acted on it. I wrote articles for the site. I kept ideas and journaled about it.  But my own fear of failure kept me from taking action.  I let the fear just marinate my soul and I really regret that now.  What if it fails?  What if no one reads it?  What if I cannot get experts to help me with interviews?  What if I cannot keep the pace and do the actual WORK (because my family does come first)?  I am really busy already. I was not sure I could do it.

I doubted myself for 3 years. All the while I had the biggest cheerleader in my dear friend, Shana.  She would ask me constantly how it was coming and what I did today to work on it. She helped me with every single idea.  We spent hours and hours talking about it each week.  She was relentless in her enthusiasm and her belief in me.  Other friends and Dave also encouraged me from time to time.  Truly, they did. But Shana NEVER gave up. She spent so much time trying to get me to believe I could do it.  I don't think one week has gone by in the last 3 years where she did not try to help me with this project. Her unwavering support means the world to me. I am not sure I could ever thank her enough.  She believed in me when I did not believe in myself.  That is some kind of friend.

The final push though came in the last few weeks.  I have been working a lot more and some great opportunities have come my way in the form of speaking engagements.  One of those is the fabulous radio opportunity that Sibi provided me.  In one of our phone conversations, Sibi said something to me that completely unlocked my fear.  It is pretty personal and I am not ready to share it all but basically she told me that I need to do this as I need to use and share the gifts the Lord has given me.  And while I knew that (and tried to remind myself of it daily), the way she told me it was as if the Holy Spirit were telling it to me directly. Something clicked.

So, the long journey is about to get more interesting.  I will be launching a new website called the Nurtured Home within the next few months!  The site is being designed and I am getting articles written.  There might a blog radio show to address all topics of parenting, nutrition, home, style, family traditions, inspiration, faith and relationships.  (Thank you Sibi and listeners for that encouragement!)  People will be able to call in or email questions on the week's topic.  I am not an expert on all those topics but I will be finding people who are.  We will talk about anything and everything that goes into creating 

The Nurtured Home.

I share this story with you all for a few reasons.  First, if any of you is letting fear hold you back, I want to inspire you.  I am generally a very confident person.  But I am also a perfectionist and that was holding me back.  My new site won't be perfect. Nothing is perfect in life. I make typos in almost every post I write;)  I AM the worst typist ever. I might make mistakes but I am jumping in. People might not follow it.  But at least I can try, right?  And I am going to try my hardest!

Also, if anyone has topics they'd like to see on The Nurtured Home, please email me or leave them in the comments.

Finally, if anyone is interested in contributing as a guest poster, radio guest or expert and they have an area of expertise to share, please let me know.

The Nurtured Home will have advertiser space and I will be reviewing books and products related to parenting, relationships and home life. So if you are interested, please email me too.

I will be sure to let you all know when the site is ready to launch.  Thank you for your long and loyal support of 3 Peanuts.  I will still continue it as my family blog but I hope you will all read The Nurtured Home too.

In the meantime, you can like The Nurtured Home on Facebook here.

49 comments:

  1. You made me cry... thank you, my sweet, talented, beautiful, wonderful friend. I am SO impressed by you and proud of you... mostly happy that you are doing this!! You have so much wisdom, experience, and love to share. You are one of the
    many great gifts that Sophie Lu has brought to me... I know The Nurtured Home will be a great success, and I can't wait!!! ♥♥♥ Thank you for your kind words about me in your post... my heart is so full. ♥

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  2. How awesome Kim! If you need someone to write about dating, as you know, I'm your girl...although I have been with Dan for almost a year now, I am one of the biggest cheerleaders for single girls and their struggles and obstacles.
    I'm so excited for all of the new opportunities this will bring you. You are amazing and glad more people will be blessed "knowing" you as well!

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  3. That is Great News! I've been reading your blog since your husband and son went to China for that sweet little girl, except for the brief period you went private. I hope you wont stop posting to your blog, I have loved watching your children grow, and look forward to seeing what God has instore for them.

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  4. I am so excited for you! I don't necessarily have a "home" to nurture quite yet, but getting closer and closer. I will be reading along preparing myself :)

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  5. Congratulations! That is wonderful news!

    Lindsey

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  6. Eeeek! So exciting, Kim! And I'm so glad that you didn't allow fear of failure stop you. YAY for wonderful friends like Shana, what a blessing!!
    I remember all the work that went into No Hands But Ours but God will use every bit of effort you invest, I promise it will be well worth it!
    Can't wait to see the new site! No doubt it will be a blessing to MANY :)
    oxoxox!
    Stefanie

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  7. I love this..."Sibi said something to me that completely unlocked my fear. It is pretty personal and I am not ready to share it all but basically she told me that I need to do this as I need to use and share the gifts the Lord has given me. And while I knew that (and tried to remind myself of it daily), the way she told me it was as if the Holy Spirit were telling it to me directly. Something clicked." I have had some conversations very similar to this. You are being lead. Go with the flow. :)

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  9. What a great idea. So happy for you. Thanks so much for sharing all you do. You really rock! xo

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  10. Wow! How great! I have read your blog for a long time and you always amaze me with everything! I started reading several years ago when I felt something telling me we should adopt-we are not there yet( we have 2 young children), but I keep praying about adoption for our family. Anyway, I love your blog and your family is just amazing.
    So happy you are launching your new site-I'll be cheering you on! And if you need someone to write on the topic of education( broad topic-lol) let me know! I was a teacher before staying home with my 2 littles, andI'm passionate about exploring educational options in our country. I have a secret little dream of writing in the "side"...:)
    Good luck to you! So happy for you! Typos here that I can't correct for some reason on my computer!?

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  11. This is wonderful news, I truly wish you the best with your new web site!! You are an awesome lady!

    Debbie

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  12. Congratulations...looking forward to following along.

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  13. The blog design is so pretty and I look forward to following along!

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  14. Still miss the old blog design but getting used to the new one. So excited for your new website!! If it is anything like your blog is will be great... All the best for much success..

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  15. Kim, this is AWESOME news! I will definitely be a reader! Marriage and parenting are my passions, too... although through practice, not expertise... so I will be excited to learn more!

    In my years of blogging, the number one thing readers have asked me about is what I call our marriage-saving financial budget. If you're ever interested in hearing more about it, let me know!

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    1. Olivia....I might just ask you to share about that once we get things rolling...

      Thank you for the support and kind words.

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  16. Kim, congratulations on your new site, how exciting!!!!! Cannot wait to see the great things you will do and the many people you will help!! I wish all the best to you in your newest endeavor!!! And so what if it took a year or two or three ...... what matters is that you took the steps and you are on your way!! I'll go check it out now! And your blog looks great! I'm in such need of a makeover but just haven't made the time to mess with it.....I need to add buttons too!:)
    xo

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  17. Oh okay..... duh, was looking for the link....I guess I'll wait till you launch the site. lol
    Am not on Facebook, guess I'll just have to wait!!!:)

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  18. Kim, if you haven't seen it look up the youtube video of Kelly Corrigan reading her essay "I dare you", a great take on fear.

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  19. Kim, If you haven't already seen it, google the video of Kelly Corrigan reading her essay 'I dare you', it's a great take on fear.

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    1. Thank you. I love her and loved her book Middle Place. Going to google it now. Thanks

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  20. Hi Kim,

    I met you when you lived in VA and we emailed recently about schools in Texas. If you're ever wanting some to discuss education, especially elementary reading then let me know. I have a masters in reading from JMU and another in school administration. My passion is reading and I have severed as a literacy coach and reading specialist in VA. My husband also has his doctorate in school administration from UVA. Best of luck to you on your new adventure!

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    1. Oh Rhonda...YES! I think we will do a post on reading and dyslexia too. Email me so I have it when I need it, please!

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  21. Kim,

    I love the new blog look even though I really liked the old one too! Congratulations on your new venture. I am ready to join and listen and read along. I think that you and your experts will have a lot to say.

    I would love to be a contributor, about making long distance relationships work ( did that 5 years before I married), being a step-mom and beleive me it is as challenging for us as it is for the kiddies but it does not mean that we are "step-monsters" or do not love the kids, returning to your faith and a few other things. I think that so many of your readers have stories that would be a great fit for your new site!

    Congratulations! Elizabeth

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  22. Kim- I'm excited for you and will be reading along. Fear can either be overpowering or empowering.. I'm happy you have allowed your fear to empower you!!! Your new site will be very successful!!!
    Colleen

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  23. Congratulations on the new website, Kim! I love the idea of it and think it will appeal to so many more readers who might not yet have come across Three Peanuts. I also love the name; you seem like such a warm, nuturing person that the name seems perfect!
    The new look of this site is very nice. I love how it's both modern and very simple at the same time! Looking forward to reading and liking Nurtured Home as it takes off on Facebook. :)
    Carrie

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  24. That's so awesome- congratulations!! So thrilled for you! Oh and fear is my worst enemy in life. It holds me back more than any other aspect. And yet I can be the biggest cheerleader for everyone else. I'm so thrilled for you and can't wait to read.

    KK

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  25. Kim,
    I think the blog looks beautiful!!!! Clean and easy to navigate! I have absolutely no doubt (never have) that you will be a huge success with your dream, "The Nurtured Home." You have many gifts, and it's a blessing that God is giving you this avenue to share them! When we are passionate about what we do, and give it our best, how can we fail? I will be cheering you on from MN!

    Love,
    Diana

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  26. Love the new clean look of your blog -- your old design was so adorable too.

    Good luck on your new venture -- am sure it will be great. Have only been able to listen to a little of your radio broadcasts and already learning from you -- so thank you, thank you, thank you!

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  27. Kim,
    I listened you in Sibi's programme. It was so interesting.. Thank you very much. I will read your new blog . I am sure it will be fantastic!!! I love the way you explain things; I always understand you as if you were at my side talking directly to me ( which is not an easy thing).
    A kiss flyong from Spain,
    Belén

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  28. Kim,
    I listened you talking in Sibi's programme. It was fantastic!! You explain things in such as easy way...
    I let you know that I will read your new blog and I'm sure it will be as interesting as everything you do.
    A kiss and a pray flying from Spain,
    Belén

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  29. Kim!
    This is WONDERFUL news! I'm so happy for you & I will NEVER forget the time you answered my email, though you barely knew me... you took the time to answer my questions & give me you professional advice! I am very thankful for that. You have what it takes Kim.. to make it a Huge Successs....{Heart} You CARE, & you're Passionate about those topics! I wish you all the very best down this road! Always remember we are more the Conquerors! ..
    Romans 8:31
    31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
    Blessings!
    Keisha

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  30. Kim!
    This is WONDERFUL news! I'm so happy for you & I will NEVER forget the time you answered my email, though you barely knew me... you took the time to answer my questions & give me you professional advice! I am very thankful for that. You have what it takes Kim.. to make it a Huge Successs....{Heart} You CARE, & you're Passionate about those topics! I wish you all the very best down this road! Always remember we are more the Conquerors! ..
    Romans 8:31
    31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
    Blessings!
    Keisha

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  31. Kim,

    Oh I am so glad you are doing this.no remember you telling me about it when we first 'met'' I adore our friendship and how you welcomed my whole family into yours as oif we had been friends for years. I look to you ,probably too much :-) , for advice on the boys and your advice has never failed. You are a true friend....even risking salmonella by cutting up chicken to answer my requests for prayers. Like many have said before , you are a beautiful burst of sunshine and calmness. You seem to have the right answers when needed. And you are genuine in your prayers for others. I am excited for this next new project. It will be great.

    Thank you for your prayers and for letting your family help change the life of others.My Jack love your Kate, Palmer lloves your Mr Dumbo Dave and I love you all.

    Shannon

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  32. I am so happy for you Kim! I love it when people have dreams that they work to make come true! That inspires me!!!! I will be so excited to hear what you have to share! I would be very interested in Grief as a topic...

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  33. So excited for you (and us readers!) What a wonderful idea for a site. Can't wait to follow along!

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  34. I will be there with bells on; just like Dorothy, you've always had the power, you just had to find it for yourself :)

    ..."Before he can answer, he points to the Good Witch of the North ("Look, here's someone who can help you") who makes one final appearance. She descends to the ground in her familiar, shimmering, rainbow-hued bubble from the sky. Glinda steps out of the ball of light and kindly tells Dorothy that she has always had the power to go home with the magical power of her ruby slippers, but she had to discover it for herself.

    Dorothy: Oh, will you help me? Can you help me?
    Glinda: You don't need to be helped any longer. You've always had the power to go back to Kansas.
    Dorothy: I have?
    Scarecrow: Then why didn't you tell her before?
    Glinda: Because she wouldn't have believed me. She had to learn it for herself."

    Your knowledge and your expertise are your Ruby Slippers, just click them and watch the magic happen!

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  35. Congratulations, Kim! I have enjoyed your blog for a long time and look forward to your new website! I think the verse, "To whom much is given is much required." (Luke 12:48) really fits. You are a very talented woman with so much knowledge and wisdom to share with others! I also love the following quote: "The higher you climb on the mountain, the harder the wind blows." (Sam Cummings) My area of expertise is physical education/physical fitness. I currently work for our local university in the Movement Science Department. If you ever need a contributor in the area of exercise and fitness, I would be willing to help. I have 25 years of experience working with adolescent children. We also have two children who were adopted from China, a daughter in first grade and a son in Kindergarten. Best of luck on your new venture!

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  36. You do inspire me Kate! I can't wait to read your new blog. You spoke to our MOPS group years ago (you had just brought Kate home!) and I still remember key points you shared that day that really hit home. I'm so glad to see you go through with this...I will be reading!!

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  37. Yay! So very excited for you, Kim. I'm sure you will tackle this new endeavor with beautiful class, just like you do everything else. Congrats and many prayers for you.

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  38. Kim, I'm so excited for you! If you ever want ideas, opinions, or experiences as an {older} single {never married. but hopeful} parent through adoption let me know. My mom has also recently moved in with Molly and me, so if you ever may include a topic on multi-generational families/homes we've set some boundaries that work for us. It could be interesting. I love reading your advice and opinions on all sorts of issues, so I'm looking forward to reading!! Good luck, friend!

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  39. I listened and loved your first show...good luck on this wonderful new adventure! xo

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  40. Best wishes on your new journey....I'm sure it will be a success. ;)

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  41. Oh I am so happy for you! I cannot wait for it to be unveiled. =)

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Thank you for your kindness.