about me

You probably guessed by this blog title that people have a hard time getting my name right.  It usually goes something like this when I meet someone...

Me: “Hi, I’m Laine, it’s so nice to meet you!”

Them: “You too....now was that Elaine?”

Me: “No, it’s just Laine.”

Them: “Oh…so you just shortened it to Laine?  Got it.”

Me: “No, it’s just Laine.” 
No joke, this happens ALL the time.  I was even asked once, "Are you sure?"  Um, yes, I'm pretty sure my name is just "Laine."  But it's okay, I'm used to the name mix-up by now and it always makes me laugh! ;)

So hey there, I’m Laine, and this blog is where I share my life. Life is a beautiful gift, and to me, anything beautiful is worth writing about.  

My life is filled to the brim with loving on my family, working in my home, creating with whatever I can get my hands onto and photography.  Oh, and food.  Those kiddos of mine are always starving! But that’s okay, I love food. =)

Without Christ there is no way I could call my life beautiful…without Him I would be nothing.  He freely paid my sin debt so I could live this gift of life for Him. God’s goodness to me every day is beyond my comprehension!  

I've been married to my high school sweetheart for 11 years and we have four amazing little people.....

Growing up, all I ever wanted to be was a wife and mom.  Some may think that is crazy, but I’m so blessed that I get to live that dream every day. 

My journey through motherhood has been difficult and has had some really dark times, like learning our first child would be born with complex heart defects, and when I had a life threatening complication and our oldest son was born at 28 weeks. God's plan for me was different than what I imagined, but I'm so thankful that His ways are much better than mine!  He is so good like that.

Our family is very busy in our local church because my hubby is a pastor...so that would make me a pastor's wife!  We truly enjoy being in the ministry and count it a privilege. If you were to come visit our church, you would find me at the piano, singing in the choir or for special music, working in the nursery or teaching Children's Church on Sunday morning. (I LOVE children's church!) Or desperately trying to teach my 3 year old to sit still during the services. Do you have any idea how hard it is to give your child "the look" while trying to play the piano?? ;)  

In March of 2009, we bought a foreclosed house out in the country and have been remodeling it and making it "home."  We are big "do-it-yourself" people and committed to staying out of debt so it's a slow process. Besides being a pastor, my husband is a talented carpenter and can turn something super ugly into a thing of beauty.  Don't believe me?  Check out what our master bathroom used to look like!

You should know that I am a die-hard "yard-saler" and thrifter.  It's how I decorate my home and dress my children on a very tiny budget!  I also am a lover of all things vintage and have a {tiny}obsession with colorful antiques like turquoise mason jars. 

When I'm not homeschooling my kiddos (we love our DIY workbox system!).....

or creating a new recipe like instant iced coffee in the kitchen.....

or saving some time by throwing my hair up in headband curls so I look decent....

or messing around with a DIY project like our $4 Family Rules Subway Art......

 .....you will probably find me with camera in hand,

photographing anyone or anything that will stand remotely still. It's a sickness, and I'm okay with that. =)  I love photography and am always attempting to learn and improve my skills.  

I hope you'll join me as I try new recipes, fix up our home, make-over thrifty finds, teach my kiddos and just live the life God gifted to me.  You can subscribe by email or in your feed reader (on the sidebar), follow me on Facebook or even on Twitter.  And if you have any questions or just want to get in touch, you can email me at laine{at}justlaine{dot}com. I would love to hear from you!

Every day is a gift, and a chance to choose to rejoice in the beautiful (and not so beautiful!) things in life. I hope being here will inspire and encourage you in yours!