Monday, August 29, 2011

"My store is closing this week" Kathleen Kelly, You've Got Mail

It's time. A new chapter and new beginning for me. But first, I have to say goodbye to something I have loved so dearly. I can't believe how these years have flown by and all of the memories that are packed into one little place. It was a dream to own my own scrapbook store and for that I will always be thankful. My dream came to be because of Rhonda and Linda. I learned so much from them and I will never forget meeting with them and talking about passing the store on to me, "sending their baby off with their baby," they said. But dreams change.....you know? When I was a little girl, all I wanted to be was a mommy. And when MMU came into my life, my dreams changed. I married my Hoss (the store closed for my wedding, by the way!) and we planned for children after 3-5 years.....Well, I grew to love the store and having a career so much, that I said, wait....wait....Now, 9 years later, we will have Levi.

God's perfect timing. He prepared my heart to let go of the store and move on to a new chapter. Just as God prepared Queen Esther to be brave and take the throne to save her people, I am brave!! Maybe I can't compare to Queen Esther, but I often think of


Esther 4:14b, as it was a special verse to me during a bible study I did....

"And who knows that you should come to royal position for such a time as this?"


I often recall this verse and hope you will too. Because no matter what we are all going through, God has a perfect plan and He knows why I have come to close a dream and open a new one at such a time as this!!! Praise God!


Watch this clip from my beloved, "You've Got Mail." I won't tell you the estimate on how many times I have watched this movie but I can tell you I will be watching again and again....always.




And now, let me tell you how I ruined a perfect birthday gift this year. (it was last sunday)

On the night that Hoss and I made the final decision to close the store, he left our bedroom and came back with "You've Got Mail" in his hand. Ya, he is so tender and sweet to me, always doing things like that. So, we watch the movie, again. And during this scene, where she takes the bell off the door and looks back at her store one last time, with tears in my eyes, I blurt out, "At least I don't have a bell to take down from the door and walk away all alone depressed like that."


Oops! A Bell was coming my way with a quote, "Closing the store is the brave thing to do!"


Thank you, MMU friends for all of the kind words and warm memories.

I invite you to come share and be at MMU one last time on Wednesday, August 31st from 6-8. We will have a farewell reception and share hugs and memories. (as long as Levi doesn't come!) It will be the last time our doors are open. xo











6 comments:

  1. I love you! and I know you are hurting with the closing of the store...and I know you are excited with what is to come, namely Levi! Whatever you do, you have always done it excellently, now you are going to be a Mommy and be home with your family..
    I also love MMU and what it has added to your life, and the friends you have gained....such BLESSINGS...
    mom

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  2. Good luck to you, Katie! I'm sure you will be a wonderful mommy. I'm sorry I cannot come to the closing party as I live too far away, but I was in the store yesterday to say my own goodbyes. It was bittersweet for me, so I can only imagine how you must feel. I remembered taking in my little boy with me and bribing him with a sticker sheet and piece of paper (his choice and always dinosaurs). It kept him occupied while I shopped. He's now nearly 14. I recalled the midnight manias I attended just to get away from home and the testosterone here! I will miss MMU for many reasons. I'm really sorry that another buyer wasn't in it's future.

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  3. It just breaks my heart to see another local store close in Tucson. I remember when Stampin Sanity closed. I wish you all the very best and hope this rotten economy improves very soon. Soon you will be blessed with a new baby and your outlook will completely change!

    Lisa

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  4. Perfect quote for this moment in time. Love you, friend, and I will miss MMU for my own selfish reasons, as well as because I know how much joy it has brought you over the years. Now, I cannot WAIT for that little Levi to arrive and bring us all immeasurable joy for the years to come!
    - Elka

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  5. I'm so sorry to hear about your store closing!! I was wondering if you still have any paper trays available?

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  6. Katie, I've been thinking of you so much with all of this going on! I can't imagine how hard these past few weeks have been but I am so excited for you that as you are grieving the closing of the store, God is preparing you to enjoy a new beginning as a mommy!!! Hang in there chica!! Love ya!! xoxo

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