At the start if 2019 I put something on my Bucket List or Vision Board that I knew would bless our family. It was a big thing. Something that could look scary or crazy to some. I was actually hesitant to share this. But my sweet mom encouraged me to share it and said all of you would want to know (Kevin helped me write this). Something that would literally change the way we live day to day. I wrote that I wanted Kevin to be able to chose if he would continue to work in Professional Soccer. Before I share what he chose, I want to share the back story.
Kevin went to school to become a Sports Physio. He loves sports and wanted to be involved in them somehow. I worked full-time at a design firm once we got married, and put him through college. He walked away with a Masters and we had zero student loans or debt (besides our home and cars). Kevin did his Graduate studies with the University of Utah’s Baseball team, while he enjoyed it, it was only a two year committment.
His first job was the Head Athletic Trainer for the Olympic Speed-Skaters at the Olympic Oval in Utah (he worked with Apollo and others in 2007). We quickly learned that speed-skating is a very independent sport. So the athletes would train all through the day and into the evening, leaving Kevin there for a minimum of 12 hours a day. At this point I was about to have our first child, Ella. I was working full-time as a store buyer and manager making 6 figures. We decided that it was best for Kevin to quit that demanding, exhausting job and stay at home with Ella our new sweet baby. He stayed home with her for about 9 months and would even drive her to work for me to nurse her in the day ❤️ He loved every minute of it and so did I.
Then he was offered a job at Real Soccer as their Assistant Athletic Trainer. He actually never had considered working with soccer before, because he was a baseball guy. The soccer stadium was 5 minutes from our home in Utah and it seemed like the perfect opportunity and hours for him. He worked almost everyday from about 8 am to 3 pm. We really liked how close he was to home. Although we weren’t a huge fan of the Spring Training every January and February being for about 6 weeks (with a quick trip home some weekends). I continued to work about 30-35 hours, I tried to leave but every time I tried to give notice my boss would say we will pay you this or you can work any hours you want (I really loved the job too). We had a nanny (that we loved) that would come to our home 3 days a week.
Kevin was then offered a job to be the Head Athletic Trainer with a new soccer team in New York City. That was a HUGE decision for us to make, to move 2,000 miles away from family and friends. But we prayed and spent a lot of time deciding and knew it was the best for our family and for Kevins career, it was a big opportunity for him. And It would give me the opportunity to leave the 9-5 job that kept me away from our kids (we had Lola at this point too). I truly loved that job, but knew I would never leave it unless we moved away. In my deepest of hearts I wanted to be more accessible to my kids. And we wanted the opportunity to experience new things. So Kevin accepted the job.
After we moved to Connecticut I discovered that I really needed to do something creative to feed my achiever personality. I started my blog about 5 months after living in Connecticut and started my Instagram. I have always wanted to be a blogger. Even more than being a designer. I liked that I could basically do everything from my home and when my kids were at school, napping or sleeping. My good friend, Rachel (who actually works with me now) really encouraged me to pursue this passion. I read a lot of books about blogging, bought a camera, took a camera class and started. My background in design and management helps as well. I treated it like a job from day one. Never like a hobby. Within a year I reached a goal I set for myself and I was actually being paid like an actual job. (You can read more about my blogging journey HERE).
Year one of Kevin working with this new soccer team was the best year, but also came with a lot of struggle. He enjoyed it about 80% of the time. The commute was about 40 minutes (if he missed traffic). Then the head coach who recruited Kevin, got fired. Kevin stayed with the team. The training facility moved to New York, about an hour away from our home. So now Kevin was commuting 2-3 hours a day. We considered moving, but decided against uprooting our kids, especially since his job is never guaranteed with new coaches coming in and wanting to bring in their own medical staff. The nice thing about living on the East Coast the away games were only about a day or two trip. So he would be away about a week each month. The hardest part was again the Spring Training where he was gone about 6-7 weeks in January and February. And a big thing for our family was that he worked every Sunday, which unfortunately happens for a lot of families.
This past year has been a really successful year for Nesting with Grace and our oil business Nesting Well (which blesses many lives too). Kevin contributes to BOTH of these so much already. I really don’t share any of this to boast, only to be transparent, since we do share our lives so publicly. Our home is paid off. Both our cars are paid off. We have zero debt. We have enough in savings to feel financially secure.
So let me ask you this question we asked ourselves. Would you continue to be away from your family 3 months out of year, miss majority of your own kids sporting activities, miss big events like birthdays, holidays, and miss the time to worship your Savior who blesses you so abundantly?
Kevin decided to retire this past December from Professional Soccer. It was not an easy decision for him, it was his dream to work in professional sports, he is extremely good at what he does and the team did absolutely everything they could to keep him. He had took his time and told me the news while in our kitchen with my mom….. He says it was one of the few times he saw me cry outside of our babies being born. Kevin is someone that is thoughtful in his decision making and when he makes his decision he never regrets it, he makes it work for him. He will continue to stay up on his license so if he ever decides to go back into professional sports he can. But what a gift he can make that choice.
He has been working WITH me (not for me) for the past 2 months. He has been able to go to church every Sunday with us. He was home for Ella’s birthday (a first in 10 years!!!). He has been here to direct and project manage our remodel.
We wouldn’t be here without your continued support to Nesting with Grace and Nesting Well. We truly love all of you.
And we look forward to all that is to come this year and all of the ideas that we can bring to you. As we already know, Nesting with Grace was nothing without Kevin. He has always worked with me. But now we can work together without burning the candle at both ends.
Thanks for reading and for sharing in this new chapter with us!
My Bucket List
This time of year we get pretty excited about all of the things we want to accomplish over the next 12 months! I love setting goals and I really love achieving them! I have always found that when I have a longer-term goal (like for the year) it is helpful for me to break that goal down to more manageable tasks that I can focus on. Doing those smaller things consistently brings big results!
I am excited to share my 2020 MONTHLY BUCKET LIST printable with you today! This list includes things for personal growth, home organization, family connection, and just general ways to keep us all trying something new! Hopefully this will be a great tool in helping you keep your intentions for this year top of mind!
You can either print this monthly, or print it once and laminate! (Just save the photo and print it out!)
Paula Berger says
Yay!! Congratulations what a blessing for your family and us too! Looking forward to seeing what Kevin builds (loved his floating shelves he just did!)
Monica says
Such an interesting life change. Of course everyone reading is wondering what you make from the blog- and realizing that it must be quite a significant amount of it can support life is Fairfield County (nicknamed The Gold Coast). I know because I grew up in Fairfield itself! Wondering if you would ever share what you made from the blog? Have to admit I am quite shocked that is enough to support a family in Fairfield County. Guess those swipe ups and clicks really work! Not to disparage this, I know you work hard for a living but so amazing to realize what a full-time blogger/Instagramer can make dollarwise! And also SO curious what Kevin’s salary was, and even more interesting number for those of us who have no idea what a sports trainer makes??? Finally, wouldn’t it make more sense for you to move back to Utah where the cost-of-living is So. Much. Less.?
Jenni says
I think Brooke shares enough of her life with us. I do not think disclosing this information will bring any true value to your home or lifestyle.
Kim says
If your thoughts are negative one has to wonder why you even follow such a positive person. You must have never been taught if you don’t have anything nice to say than say nothing at all. I wish you well in your endeavors.
Katie says
I agree with Jenni. They share enough of their lives with us. I found this very inspiring and I’m happy she chose to share it with us!
Ashley says
Let’s be happy for an amazing family’s success!
Al says
Wow, what a rude question, weren’t you taught any manners and that you shouldn’t ask questions like that?
Ivonne Similia says
Congratulations! That’s amazing, you’re family is truly blessed. May God continue to bring you many more blessings! I love watching the two of you work together so I look forward to this new chapter in your life. Thanks
Ivonne
Donna Henrich says
Bravo! You have both worked so hard , you live within your means.. it all works! Spend as much time with kids always is #1!
God bless you on this journey💕 it all goes by so fast!
Love from Massachusetts
Breane Walter says
Wow Brooke, what an incredible thing for you, Kevin and your family! Congratulations to both of you and I wish you nothing but continued success for the new chapter!!
Jamie says
That’s wonderful! I’m so happy for your sweet family. What a blessing that your blog and oil business can provide so well for your family!
Juana says
So very happy for your family!
You both make a great team! ❤️
Andrea Cardinale says
I love this so much! Great news
Anna, @aframe.abode says
I’m so happy for you guys! Chris loves Julia, Chris and Brad from Our Faux Farmhouse and now Kevin from Nesting with Grace! What a blessing for your family. God surely provides. ❤
patty says
how exciting for your family.
wishing you all many blessings in kevin’s retirement!
thanks for sharing!
Gennie says
Praise God!! What a blessing to your family and to each of us as your followers/fans. So excited your family gets to be together and we get to have you as a unit 💛
Pilar says
You two make such a great team. You both work hard and bless us all with your tips and smiles.
His decision goes along with your family values and priorities. How wonderful to have that choice! Enjoy this new stage of your life!
All the best for your family!
Jennifer says
Oh this makes me so happy!!! What a blessing for your family! I am so happy for you guys!!!!
pris says
Wow, this is touching.. I admire you all very much for choosing God first! I’m a christian too and it seems like the world has so many distractions that can break a home down if you are not on guard! God will bless you all for this decision! You’re my favorite blogger n I look forward to each new post!:)
Michelle says
This is amazing! The love and respect you show each other is beautiful. You two, and your family, deserve the absolute best! Thanks for sharing! Keep up the great work!
Lynne says
Congratulations!
Such a wonderful career move for your family!
Found time for attending Ella and Lola’s sports and school activities! ( I can already see Kevin playing catch with Finn and sharing his love for baseball. )
Wishing this new chapter to be best blessed!
Go Team Christen!
Homeontheridge50 says
This is amazing and thank you for sharing with all of us. I love watching and sharing in all your successes! You are my favorite account to follow and love that it’s provided you and your beautiful family so many wonderful opportunities.
Maura says
Kudos to both of you! I admire how you’re both seizing the moment. Life is really so short in reality and you guys are recognizing your dreams. Being bold and brave – Blessed abundantly which allows you to make these moves. Good for you – as long as you keep going I’ll be here to read every word and soak up every single beautiful, genius, talent-filled idea! Reading your posts, watching your videos and browsing your pics is what gets me motivated and inspired each morning. God bless and good luck!!
Karol says
How exciting. Super happy for your whole family.
Beth says
Thanks for sharing such a personal story. Congratulations to you and Kevin! How exciting!
Thanks again for all you do. I’ve learned so much.
Dana says
Thanks for sharing such a personal story! What a blessing..congrats and cant wait to see what the future holds! Very exciting and thanks for allowing us to follow along! Much blessings 🙂
Kara says
I’m so happy for you all! Nothing is more important than family and time together..love following your blog!
Debbie says
How wonderful for your family! Have a feeling that Kevin will eventually feel the pull back to sports, but maybe on his own terms. I’m really not surprised at all because he has been featured a lot lately in your posts and to do the projects he does takes a lot of time. Sadly, I guess there isn’t much keeping you on the East Coast now. But Nesting with Grace may not have happened if you hadn’t moved so that has been a blessing for all of us.
Amy D. says
Yeah for you and your family!!! I love reading about people’s journeys and I am rooting for you and. your sweet family!! Thanks for sharing all that you do and BEST BEST BEST wishes for your new endeavor!!!
Dawn says
So happy for y’all! Enjoy every minute. And don’t blink with those kids, it goes by so fast. So excited for you.
Much love from South Carolina 😁
Felicia says
This is such an inspirational blog post. Congratulations to you both!
Michelle N says
As a family who is currently working our debt snowball and working towards the goal of having that option of whether we want to continue working at our day jobs or start doing work that we love, this is a huge inspiration! Thank you for sharing your life and ideas with us, you are always inspiring and real. So happy for you both!
Amanda says
❤️
Erin says
CONGRATULATIONS!!! He has always worked so hard with you, doing projects and helping around the house!!! (True gem!!!!). What an absolute blessing for a VERY generous and deserving family that help so many!
Nana Diana says
Congratulations on making a tough decision. God has surely blessed you in being able to make these decisions and I know they honor Him and all He has done for you. Continued blessings. Hugs- Diana
Christine says
Congratulations!! So happy for you both! So Wonderful for your family!! What a blessing that will be!! ❤️
Monica says
Congrats! This is exciting news! Love your chemistry and the wonderful things you do for people with your combined talent. Yeah! Great news!
Does this also mean more shirtless Kevin opportunities!! Yes, please. Sorry, not to be inappropriate. :]
Joy Haver says
HAHA! This is fantastic. I think she’ll appreciate this comment =P
Karen says
Congratulations ❤️ it is always a tough decision when jobs change but always a right decision to make more time for family. Can’t wait to see more of what you both come up with.
Charity says
This post just made me cry.. not because Kevin retired from what he loves doing but because he sacrificed what he loves for something that matters more.. FAMILY! He was thoughtful of his decision and considered every family member. That’s something very admirable! I also commute 2-3 hrs a day to and from work. And I have been really contemplating on finding a job that would let me stay more at home and spend more of my time with family. Hopefully this will come true for me, in God’s perfect time.🙏🏻 Your family is blessed and thank you for being an inspiration and spreading positivity and light to the world.
[email protected] says
Thank you for this. It is often we have to choose the better option over the good option. Neither are bad, but one will ultimately lead us to where we want to end up spending our time and life. Prayers for your and your journey.
J says
Oh I am so happy for your family and these blessings! My ex walked away from my 3yr old and 4 mth old and haven’t seen him since, so this makes me cry when a father/husband steps up and is really present and puts his family and God first. Plus, you make an incredible team! Wishing you all good things on that list. ❤️
[email protected] says
Oh I am incredibly sorry for that lose in your life. Praying for love and peace for you.
Rebecca Carpenter says
THIS IS INCREDIBLE!!!!! Such an inspirational couple <3 Thank you for sharing! I'm thrilled for you and your family!
Gail says
Awww, I’m so happy for your family!! I have to say, the last couple of months seeing you both working together really was so enjoyable. And now I’m glad to hear it’s going to be like this from now on! Go Team Christen! Many blessings on this new chapter. ❤️
Marcy says
Your salary, Kevin’s salary cannot compare to time with family! None of us care what you make…(well apparently one person is desperate to know that private info)…what we care about is your beautiful family that you have shared with all of us. God has blessed you and I love your love for your family, your life, and your God ❤️
Nancy says
Congratulations on this new chapter! I think it’s great that you both can work together like this, I think I’d kill my husband after a week or so!😂😂
Laura says
Congrats on this new chapter.
@chapmanknoll says
Why did this blog make me cry? Is it because I felt your struggle in writing this post? Is it because I felt you didn’t want to sound like you were more blessed than other families? Whatever the reason this post both made me cry and feel so happy for your family even though I only know you through IG. It’s a strange world.
LaDawn says
I’m so excited and happy for you, Kevin and your family! What a blessing to have Kevin home 24/7. Thanks for sharing and inspiring me as I try to make my house a home. Looking forward to what you both will share this year. 🙂
Ashley says
How wonderful! What a blessing! Hoping God continues to work through you as He has from the start. I started following your blog about two years ago, and in addition to home decor/DIY ideas, you have brought me so much personal inspiration and encouragement. I have always loved the radio silence from your account on Sundays, knowing that you save that day for the Lord. I’m looking forward to all the wonderful ways you BOTH will continue to inspire, encourage, and entertain us in the future!
Liz says
So glad that this year is shining bright for your sweet family-
enjoy every minute together! XO
P.S. To the unkind woman who asked the noisey and unkind “questions” which were really “statements”, I am thinking of you and hoping that whatever made you want to take the time to be so mean spirited changes for you – that you find peace.
Tyfani Balzotti says
I have been following your blog for a while now but have never responded. What a wonderful story to share. I think you are brave to share it. I am inspired by your frugality and your ingenuity. Way to go! I love your REAL, positive outlook on life and of course your decorating style. Change is always a challenge in any way. We all come from different backgrounds of financial security and it plays a big role in how we view and use the resource of money. It never matters how much you make, you can always spend more. I am impressed with the way that you two have become financially secure at such a young age. I am also sooo impressed with the way you have been giving back to your community with projects for those that live near you that are well deserving. It is a BEAUTIFUL use of your resources. Thank you!
Kelly says
Such an inspiration! Love that you and Kevin are able to embark on this journey together. Congratulations!
If you are ever looking for someone to mentor, I’m here waiting. 😘