I Wish Wednesday

I WISH... I was at PiYo. Let's just say, this morning did not go as planned. J left early this morning, which is normal but Millie decided that meant she needed to be up too... at 6:45am. Daddy gave her a kiss and I gave her some books to keep her in bed until 7:30. Then began the struggle of breakfast. Apparently pancakes and nectarines weren't making her skirt fly up this morning. After a 1/2hr of sitting in her chair, she drank all her milk and threw her pancake on the floor. So I could a) clean her up and take her to the Y with basically no breakfast or b) sit and patiently help her eat. This good but slightly grouchy mama chose option B. PiYo is my favorite class each week so I'm bummed. I might have to just do what I remember here at home. I always feel so relaxed after this class!

I WISH... Millie would stay little forever some days. She's my little bookworm and I love reading to her.

I WISH... I had this Hartford Buffett in my dining room. Don't you just love dreaming about what you want in your house someday!? I do. We've only been in our house a few years, so we're still accumulating furniture. It can be expensive!! So we save for a while and then make a purchase. This baby is definitely on my list!

So this is my attempt at getting back into a blogging rhythm and bringing back I Wish Wednesdays.  Here's my first IWW post and why I choose 'wish'. What do you wish for this week?

Painting the Nursery

This is step 2 of our Nursery. The first step was clearing out the room. It was our storage room/office before. Once again we had our trusty painting friend S help us out! We do like him for more than painting skills. :)I only have a couple of pictures because I was out of the house for most of the painting. But the nursery is yellow! At first, the brightness was a bit shocking. But once the blinds were back up and everything, I've decided I'm really happy with it. It's very light and cheerful!

We also painted our bedroom. The color is Raccoon Hollow - and that's exactly what the color is - a grayish chocolate brown. We really love this one too!

So I think we're done painting for awhile. The main floor is mostly done and we'll be a little busy. This weekend we're doing one final coat of paint in the nursery. I know it's running late. But we had some problems. Our paint was really really thick so the guys got on 2 1/2 coats of paint and it still didn't cover well. So we're finishing the 3rd to make it all even. And then next week, I'm having a fun surprise painted on one wall. I'll share pictures afterwards. :) Once all the painting is done, then we can finally move all the baby stuff in our living room in!

Painting again

We're painting again! Or still. We've completed the living room, dining room and kitchen. We've already picked out the paint for the master bedroom and upstairs bathroom. I also picked out the paint for the stairs but that's still being looked at. J's not so fond of the bright maroon I picked out. So I'm looking at blues for that wall now. And actually, I think dark blue will work much better. Blue is my favorite color so I'm happy it'll work into my decor scheme.

And we're also picking paint for the nursery! This room has french doors and is on the west side of the house. So since we moved in, I've always envisioned it as a yellow room.
I really enjoy picking a paint. And so far, even though some of the colors scare J a little, they look wonderful on the wall and in our house. We could avoid some anxious moments if only I could transfer the mental picture I have to his brain. But until then I'll confidently pick colors, convince J and be happily proved right when the paint hits the walls! I love seeing how paint personalizes and pulls our home together.

I'm a little Tea Pot

I had to buy a new tea pot. No I cannot go without one! We drink sweet tea at our house. Well it's more like Huebert Tea. When we were in Charlotte, I discovered that sweet tea in the South is more like tea flavored sugar syrup. It's intense. So at our house we have a tea pot specifically for tea. It cannot be used to boil water for hot chocolate or anything like that. That would change the flavor of the drink and the pot. So when I recently scorched our pot (that changes the flavor in a bad way), I knew it was time to replace the trusty kettle I bought in college. And of course I bought the same one from Target! :) It's a good size.

Recently I also got one of these. This particular angel food cake pan was my Grandma's pan. We're in the process of selling their house so all the extra stuff had to go. I don't how many years it will take me to feel confident to attempt to make angel food cake. But I"m ready!

For Our Viewing Pleasure

This is our other recent purchase that I alluded to in my last post. J has been looking at TVs for about the last 5 years. Our current Tube was a Shopko return. J worked in the Shopko merchandising/returns area in college. So our TV doesn't work when it's really humid. BUT now we have this lovely new TV! :)










The very large box it came in...
We tried to put this in the back of our friend's Forerunner but it didn't fit. It has to ride home upright to avoid breaking and problems to the plasma screen. So we ended up using twine from the Sears guy to support it in the back of the truck. And I rode home with my arm out the back window for extra support on the corners and bumps.
Now our evening are mostly filled with J figuring out all the new settings and features. I think I'll like it more when we get past this stage and just watch it like normal. Some days new electronic toys are more hassle than fun. :)

Seats for our Seats

What do 3 huge boxes on our porch...










Plus a pile of bubble wrap equal...










New Bar Stools!!! Finally! I've been looking for these forever. I knew exactly which ones I wanted. The challenge was finding them in espresso, not black and for a reasonable price. Did you know you can get these exact stools at Pottery Barn for $250? Outrageous!!










Here's the aftermath...










We also got a surge protector for our other new purchase thus the 4th box.

Blinds

We have beautiful new blinds! Finally! Well we've had them for a month or so. But after all the discussion, debating and waiting it took to reach this point, it feels like it's taken years to get here.
We now have blinds in all of the bedrooms and in our living room. It definitely changes the feel of the room to not have those lovely blankets and towels hanging all over the place.

Here's the living room. My house is also looking pretty clean because we recently had company. And we don't use the living room a whole lot so it stays presentable.

Here's the bedroom basement. Before it didn't have any window coverings. I felt bad for our guests. This room is also 10 times cleaner than it has ever been. Thank goodness for visitors that force inspire us to clean up our home. Someday I hope to have grown-up bedding. There are flannel penguin sheets under that blue bedspread. I loved them in my single days!
And as you can see the walls are still white in the basement. We are still working on the upstairs but I will start contemplating colors for the basement soon.

House Updates

So there are a few new things about our house since my last pictures...
We painted and we have living room furniture!
The living room is beige, the dining room oak grove green and the kitchen a light minty green. It's always nerve racking to paint when you can't really see what it'll look like. But it turned out great!! I love it! Here's J painting...
He and S did a great job with a little help from my dad, friend A and M. Thanks guys!
In our living room we now have a sofa, cuddle chair, coffee table and two end tables. The tables have had some issues. When J went to pick them up we were surprised to find that they were in boxes so "some assembly required". The tables all have a lower shelf and some of them didn't fit! So we're still waiting for new pieces to remedy that problem. But in the mean time they work just fine. Here we are in the cuddle chair which also works great! :) I'm sure you can tell I haven't taken any of these pictures - they're so cool. J was being creative and of course he can get them all straight, unlike me.
We do have more paint in the basement for the bedroom and bathroom. But painting the other rooms took longer than expected so that will wait for another break.

Flowers

I know it's pretty gloomy this week and getting colder by the day but I've been dreaming about flowers. Last week a consultant from Campbells came by and is now working on a landscaping plan for us. I like to think I already have a green thumb and don't need that much help. But I am excited to see what sort of plants they suggest and what combos work well.

I've been reading random articles and blogs about flowers and here's some that have caught my eye and I hope to have in my gardens some day.

From The Martha Blog

tulip flowers - I love tulips! The new color they bring in the first days of spring is so refreshing!

Arum lillies - I currently have calla lilies that I plant each year. They're so beautiful, I just wish they lasted longer.

Since Annie ID'd this plant for me I've now been able to share and enjoy it with more enthusiasm - but now that I know that it's not an Aussie native, it's coming out of the backyard native garden soon.

Leschenaultia biloba or Blue Leschenaultia - I'm a big fan of blue and purple flowers. The color just pops!

Kalanchoe 'Quicksilver'

shade-loving azalea

cat's cradle

zinnia

A little something else from the Martha Blog just for Heather...

So clearly I started this post another week because this week is less gloomy but still cold!

Our plan from Campbell's finally came and it looks like I'll have to wait until spring to see any of it in my yard. But there are 3 big things that I'm really excited to get - TREES! We're looking at Red Oaks and a Prairie Willow Tree. This willow is better suited for dryer areas. And since we don't have a puddle in our backyard that's what they recommended. I have always wanted a willow tree at my house. I've always thought willows are so beautiful and romantic. :)
I'll be posting more house and landscaping pictures and thought throughout the winter as we make decisions and purchases and as I yearn for Spring.

House Dreams

I have design dreams for our house and I know many of them will take years to become a reality. So for now they're just dreams.

I love wall art like you see in these pictures. We have a long narrow room in the basement that I hope to break into a couple different spaces. I think wall art is an awesome, creative way to do. I'd rather not just paint a line on the wall. I hope our basement will be a fun space. We'll use it for TV watching and lounging and someday for kid's toys and the office. Even though it's a walk-out basement, I still don't want it to feel dark or unused. These designs were featured by desire to inspire. Wallter carries some really fun shapes that are available through 2Modern.

I would also like a new a desk with dividing shelves like they have from IKEA. Justin found this one. And I really like the concept!

We've also been furniture shopping! We looked at a few different places here and in Omaha with little success. But I kept thinking of this cute set we found at Slumberland. It's not the style I had pictured but I love it. The more I think about it in our house, the more I think it's the one. And the subtle pattern that you can't see in the picture is so cool. I love texture so it really appeals to me. Now the challenge is to find the right coffee table and side tables. But this is a challenge I can enjoy!!

Here's one house dream that has come true...

My beautiful rug! We ordered this rug from Pottery Barn. We decided a rug was worth splurging on a little. And I couldn't find one that I like more than this one. I couldn't even find another one I really liked. So this rug is the first step in decorating our new (it still feels new to me) home. And now that we have the rug, I can start nailing down paint colors. I hope we have time to paint before Christmas!

Long Days

Just a quick post since it's been so long since I've blabbed.
Life has been busy these days! We have started our house decorating projects. We ordered a rug which will arrive soon and then I'll have pictures. We started looking at furniture, blinds and landscaping options. I'm really excited to start seeing some progress in this area. I'm looking forward to completing our home!

When I started this blog, I felt like I had a lot to say. I admit the feeling is fading. I still enjoy blogging and will keep posting updates but they will be a little sparse. It's too easy for me to spend too much time on the computer trying to think of words to write that I put my life off schedule. And when I get focused on writing a certain amount of times on my blog, I get grouchy when that doesn't happen. Blogging was supposed to be fun and stress-free. So in an effort to return to stress-free, fun blogging, my new goal is only one post per week! So until next week (unless I have something actually exciting to share)! :)

House Updates

This is the current state of our house.

Welcome to our living room! Have a seat. And our lovely make-do blinds for now.




The office. Boxes. This has actually improved since the picture was taken. Horaay!

The dining room and kitchen. This area looks the best. And yes J is cooking for us. I love my chef!

I am excited to be moved into our house but now comes the fun work of putting life in order again. I have a feeling this will take longer than I think. I'm so excited to see how we grow into our home!

First Home Pics

We have been happily settling in to our new home. Here's couple pictures for now.

1. J opening the door to our house for the first time. This was right after closing. :)

It was exciting to know this was our house as we walked in for the first time, rather than the unknown. I know, these kind of pictures are kinda cheesy but still fun! This is an important thing I want to remember.

2. J carrying me across the threshold of our new home. Aww, so romantic. :)

We are having so much fun settling into our new home. When we got married, J moved into the duplex where I had been living with roommates so this has been a new beginning for us. We're excited to make this house really our home and combine our tastes as we decorate. And I am really excited about that! I'm looking forward to furniture and decor shopping! :)


Hopefully more pictures coming soon!

Lonely

Tonight my handsome husband will be traveling out of town for the weekend. This is the weekend of the long awaited 70-mile mountain bike race. J is very excited and a little nervous. You can check out his blog for more info about this race. Then when you feel better informed you can worry with me. I wish they planned these races for spring or fall instead of July. I keep thinking of the Cornhusker State Games 2 years ago. It is was a scorcher and poor J and S did the adventure race. And afterwards we got to visit the ER for some fluids. So I'm hoping that first God will take care of J and secondly R. R and J will be driving up to Wyoming together. And R has a little more experience in the mountain biking races. Whoohoo! Go team hubby!

So in light of J being gone and us being in a new house, I have been trying to plan things to keep me busy. I know that doesn't sound very hard but unpacking is a joint venture in some ways. Sure, I could unpack the house and start putting it in order but we're both too opinionated for that. So unpacking is best done together if at all possible. This weekend I'll be unpacking things that are more specifically mine and leaving everything else. I am also having company! Friday night is girl's nite for the Flock girls which will hopefully include some Chinese food and Hawaii pictures and maybe a movie. On Saturday sister A's coming to visit me! We're hoping to do some swimming and unpacking. I mean really, what fun would a visit to my new house be without some unpacking. I don't want her to get spoiled or anything! :) I'm pretty excited about going swimming. It has been hot, hot! Though I'm nervous about staying in a new place by myself at night, it's also exciting. I admit I'm one of those wives who misses having the bed all to myself. I will miss J but I sure will sleep good as long as the new noises don't keep me awake. Maybe I'll dream about decorating! Before I was making lists of what to pack and what mail to get transferred, and now I'm making lists of what we want to fill our new home. I'm thinking we're going to have a lot of options for Christmas!

Moved and Thankful!

Well, we are all moved in but now I need to organize everything! It has been a very busy last week. J and I both took off last Thursday and Friday as part of moving and I was off Monday as well. I am so thankful for our friends and family! Everyone has been so helpful during this moving process. I can't imagine having to move a longer distance or having to move by ourselves. It's amazing how much junk 2 people can have in such a short time!

On Thursday morning we offically became homeowners. Closing was way easier and less intimidating than it appears on TV. We've been watching HGTV programs about being new homeowners. They always close in these huge conference rooms with a bunch of lawyers. We were in a small room and there were a few other people but they were all so excited for us so it wasn't scary. But apparently I looked nervous because the seller's realtor, who is also now our neighbor commented on it. My parents came up in the afternoon and Abby came over as well. The boys spent the day doing minor repairs as the house while we cleaned. It's nice to start out in a clean house. This is just the beginning of all I now owe Abby and my mother. They were so helpful! Abby put her hands places to clean things, I would never dream of! Thank you Abby! And they were both super fast cleaners. J and I left to get lunch and run errand for a couple hours and they were practically done when we got back!

On Friday my mom and my sister drove up to help us pack. I was so not kidding when I said we were procrastinating. Mom and A packed up our kitchen and half of the living room while we focused on packing everything else. It's too weird to let someone else pack up your bedroom or bathroom for you. The highlight of the day was Sonic!! Yum, Sonic!! I am very happy that Mom and A are obsessed with Happy Hours (1/2price drinks) at Sonic. If it's between 2 and 4 and we drive by a Sonic, we will be stopping! I recommend the Lime Creamslush. It's very refreshing. I think I need to go to Sonic because that day I got a Orange Creamslush instead -on accident. When I heard they were stopping there I requested the Lime CS and was really looking forward to it. A happily presented me with my drink and it tasted orange. I don't think she believed me so she tried it, and yes it was orange. But she rather surprised because she had already tired it and commented about the refreshing flavor and the green color. Hmm, doctor needed? Or maybe just a return to her blonde roots? :) Needless to say it was a fun and productive day.

Saturday was the big move day. We started at 9AM and I was up at 7. Yes this is early for those of you that know me. The guys (J, my dad and our friends) started loading all the big stuff into their pickups and cars. Mom, Aud, and Abby stayed at the new house to direct traffic and unpack my kitchen for me. What a huge help! And my brother, A and I stayed at the duplex to help load boxes, finish packing and move boxes to the front room for the guys. Normally A would have been helping load and unload with the other guys but a recent motorcycle crash landing has him limping a little. So I was happy to have his company! After we moved everything over the house and had some pizza for lunch, we started cleaning a the duplex. We made a pretty good start before we went to my great aunt's for the 4th annual Family Picnic.
She's my grandpa's sister and has her 6 siblings and all of their families over every summer for a potluck style picnic. It was so good! It's another reason for me to eat holiday foods like deviled eggs, sweddish meatballs and roll kuchen. (Yeah, I think I spelled that wrong but most of you have no idea what I'm even talking about.) My aunt also brought my cousin's wedding dress by. So pretty! I think women should be allowed to try on wedding dresses even if we're not getting married, like prom dresses. But I think they frown on that.

This post is getting really long so short(er) version... Sunday were J had a mountain bike race in the AM and we napped in the afternoon. After 3 days of craziness we needed a break. Congrats to my hubby for getting 3rd place!! He was covered in mud and sweat and had to run a mile because of a flat tire. So it was well earned.
On Monday, Mom and my friend A helped me clean the duplex. Dirty, dirty. I have a new resolution even though it's not January. I need to be a better housekeeper in the cleaning department! Thank you A for being a farm girl and not afraid of bees and grasshoppers. Thank you Mom for driving up for a 4th day! I owe my mom big time - for the whole live-giving thing and now for moving. I'm thinking we'll be even when we have grandkids and start taking care of my parents because they'll be stubborn old people! :) love you mom!

So in wrap up...
Thank you MOM and all my family.
Thank you friends and flock and especially Abby.
Thank you LORD for safety in moving and this huge blessing!

packing up

Here's a picture of our beautiful house that we're moving to next week. And I'm happy to announce I have finally started packing! But sadly J has not. I am not the worst procrastinator or the worst pack rat in our home! :) I never thought I'd be able to say that.

Thank you LORD! This house is more than we ever could have expected for our first house. As we searched and waited over the last 6 months or so, we were encouraged to hear from people that God has the perfect house for us. I learned some huge lesson in patience and found the wait was truly worth it. Thanks for your continued prayers as we go through the moving and settling in process!

the First, God is good!

So I'm back to do my first post. Hooray! :) So I have been contemplating having a blog for a little while and have been observing other blogs in order to educate myself about the best kind. I love the diversity I've seen! My goal is to share news in my life and express my questions about some of life's situations and share my opinions on, well just about everything. I'm opinionated and I hold my mother personally responsible for that! :) I hope to accomplish this in a form that is not too obnoxious or overly personal. I do not believe a blog should be a diary. It's on the Internet for goodness sakes!

In the past months (since January) we've been house hunting. Man, what a long process. We found the "perfect" house after only a month of looking and put in an offer. We anxiously waited a week and another one and eventually 3 months! Needless to say, I was annoyed. This house was a short-sale and the bank was in no hurry to unload it. So with heavy hearts we started looking at houses again a couple months ago. I really wasn't anticipating finding anything and figured we'd be settling for something else or waiting forever. But little did I know God had a plan for us! In our months of waiting and praying for action, we were encouraged by family and friends telling us that maybe God had a better house out there for us that we just hadn't seen yet. And they were right!! Last week we put in an offer on a different house and got it! I know it was God's handiwork because our offer was not the highest. Thank you Lord! So we will be moving in a month and I'm excited and nervous. Buying a house is such a big step and a big financial commitment and moving is such a challenge. But it's a challenge I plan to meet head on. I am going to pack and organize at the same time! And I will succeed unlike many a over-achieving housewife before me! I am so amazed by God's faithfulness and His blessings! I hope we can honor God with this house He's given us. And His patience with me has been unending as I struggled with waiting on His timing. I think that in the last 6 months or so I've learned a great deal about being patient and waiting on and in the Lord. I was encouraged by multiple chapters in Psalms during this season of waiting and started memorizing the Word again...
Psalm 37:39-40
But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him.
Psalm 62:5-7 (and chapter 63)
My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God.
These chapters speak so much about waiting on the Lord and in the Lord. I hope I can continue learning to be patient and not forget the lessons I've learned as I move forward in thankfulness for His faithfulness and sovereignty.