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Black House Blue Sky
A creative lifestyle blog by Michel McClamrock Van Devender.
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      I HAVE A BIG STYLE CRUSH: JENNA LYONS…

      STYLE + FASHION

      EASY, EFFORTLESS STYLE: ENTER THE MAXI DRESS

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      THE BEST TURKEY BURGER RECIPE FROM BLUE APRON

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LESSONS FROM MY KIDDOS: EMBRACE THE MESSY

by Michel Van Devender November 7, 2019

Getting To The Masterpieces Can Be Messy… 

My kids are and continue to be my wisest and greatest teachers. I’ve always believed God pairs us with the children we have, for a reason! They guide and lead us to the areas of ourselves where we need to learn, stretch and grow as people and as parents. Sometimes, my kids are shining bright lights on my undeveloped parts or beating on the most obnoxious percussion instruments trying to get my attention, both literally and figuratively. Even with these bold, and most often annoying signs, I don’t always see or hear the message. But over time, the signs accumulate and manifest as patterns, persisting… thank you God! As the meaning becomes clear, it is difficult to ignore and in need of my focus and attention. And yes, it usually requires some work. 

Case in point… this sweet, little guy is bursting with artistic passion and expression, leaving behind a trail of the magic of his mind. It usually looks like a #$@% storm hit the interior of our house! Many times, the magic leads to a tangible outcome, like this colorful, cherished painting. Other times, there’s a pile of seemingly unrelated toys, craft supplies and disassembled electronic components, scattered about. If you look closely though, there’s beauty in both – the painting and the pile. It’s all part of learning and the creative process. My need for visual organization and order can be an obstacle to giving him the freedom to explore. Anyone else out there like this? Of course, I might add, this doesn’t mean that we don’t teach cleaning up after yourself and organization as those have their place too – pun intended! However; I am learning that perhaps I can stretch and develop a greater threshold for the chaos and disordered. Yes, this means embracing the mess, and not just the clutter of cumulative, material possessions that come with three kids. I am still learning to embrace the beautiful chaos of little and big creative hands AND of life! It may be a lifelong challenge for me, but I’m okay with that and will aim for steady progress. 

It’s in these small, every day, mundane moments, living life with my kids that my heart is filled with overwhelming love and gratitude, I know that just like with art, the process of getting to the masterpieces of our lives is an imperfect, messy journey. Thank you for the lesson Silas! I love you my sweet, curious, creative boy. You are beautiful, exactly the way you are!

🖤💙,

artchildrencreativecreative childrencreative kidsembracing the messyfamilyGodkidskids as teacherslessons from my kidslife is messylife lessonslittle artistslook for the lessonsmasterpiecepaintingparentingparenting struggles
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Hi, I’m Michel! Welcome… so glad you’re here :)!

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Black House Blue Sky
  • THE GOODS
    • THE GOODS

      YOU CAN NOW SHOP OUR CUSTOM DESIGNED +…

  • OUR HOUSES
    • OUR HOUSES

      THE HOME EDIT: PAIRING DOWN + LIVING WITH…

      OUR HOUSES

      HOME TOUR: OUR MODERN BLACK HOUSE NEW BUILD…

      OUR HOUSES

      NOTE CHANDELIER: UNIQUE LIGHTING FOR THE HOME

      OUR HOUSES

      OUR MODERN BUILD: STYLE

      OUR HOUSES

      NEW HOUSE UPDATE: WE HAVE DRYWALL

  • INTERIOR + EXTERIOR
    • INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      FRIDAY MUSINGS: I WANT TO LIVE IN A…

      INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      SUMMER IS COMING: THE BEST IN SWIMMING POOL…

      INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      FRIDAY MUSINGS: NEW HOUSE 2.0

      INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      BLACK KITCHEN CABINETS: DESIGN TREND OR NEW CLASSIC?

      INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      KEEPING IT INTERESTING: MAKING A STATEMENT WITH YOUR…

  • STYLE + FASHION
    • STYLE + FASHION

      ALL THAT SPARKLES: HOW TO ADD PRETTY SEQUINS…

      STYLE + FASHION

      I HAVE A BIG STYLE CRUSH: ERIN WASSON…

      STYLE + FASHION

      21 FAUX FUR COATS THAT WILL ALWAYS BE…

      STYLE + FASHION

      I HAVE A BIG STYLE CRUSH: JENNA LYONS…

      STYLE + FASHION

      EASY, EFFORTLESS STYLE: ENTER THE MAXI DRESS

  • FOOD + DRINK
    • FOOD + DRINK

      SIMPLE ONE POT HOMEMADE TOMATO SOUP

      FOOD + DRINK

      NOT GONNA LIE, IT’S THE BEST CARROT CAKE…

      FOOD + DRINK

      THE BEST TURKEY BURGER RECIPE FROM BLUE APRON

      FOOD + DRINK

      OUR FAVORITE HALLOWEEN DINNER: HOW TO MAKE MUMMY…

      FOOD + DRINK

      A SUPER EASY PEACH CRUMBLE WITH GRANOLA TOPPING…

  • TRAVEL
    • TRAVEL

      A STYLISH STAY IN MONTAUK, NEW YORK

      TRAVEL

      A STYLISH STAY IN NEW YORK CITY: ACE…

      TRAVEL

      STAY IN STYLE: NEW ORLEANS

      TRAVEL

      TRAVEL FINDS: A STUNNING NEW YORK CITY MODERN…

      TRAVEL

      GET OUT OF TOWN: HIGH POINT NC FURNITURE…

  • LIFE + ETC.
    • LIFE + ETC.

      HOW TO MAKE EASY NATURAL EASTER EGG DYES

      LIFE + ETC.

      OUT OF INSTAGRAM JAIL: RELEASE DATE 3-24-2022

      LIFE + ETC.

      INSTAGRAM JAIL: WHY I’M OKAY WITH MY DISABLED…

      LIFE + ETC.

      SKIN CANCER: WHEN YOU LEARN YOU HAVE MELANOMA

      LIFE + ETC.

      DIY: HOW TO PAINT LEATHER + VINYL WITH…