Life in the Parsonage

Guilty

2012-01-25T10:33:00.001-06:00

The Crime:

Right boot

Left boot

The Weapon: Dry erase marker

The Guilty Party:

Her brother left the marker upstairs. We forgot to gate the stairs. Really, she's a victim of her circumstances.

Plus, she's cute. That helps.

When Ben discovered the boots and brought them downstairs, I couldn't help but just shake my head. By the 4th child, I've learned that nothing is sacred from the devastating effect of the marker. And let's be honest...Uggs are for comfort over fashion anyways. I'm still wearing them. Now they just have character. ;)

On the Run

2012-01-23T11:42:00.000-06:00

This month marks five years that my friend Billie and I have been running together.

Five.

I'm not sure I can express how miraculous that is. But it is. Because it's running.

Billie and I were new friend back then. Our sons were in preschool together, and were good friends (still are)...and the preschool teacher kept getting Billie and I confused for each other. And so that's how we got introduced. She was fairly new to tiny town too and I was desperate to make friends. Billie is pretty quiet, and I am...less quiet, so I sorta stalked her into a McDonald's play date.

This is Billie and I in 2009. :)

She mentioned she was running and I thought to myself...I should do that. It was a whim. But sure enough, we started meeting up a few times a week at 6AM...and from there it took on a life of its own.

We've taken short breaks...due to freezing weather, injury, boredom, and my barfing-all-the-time pregnancy with Lucy. But we always come back to it.

I laugh when I think of all the different things we've discussed on the roads and trails. Because you know, between running partners, what's said on the trails stays on the trails. It's the runners code. Or something. It's safe to say she knows more about me than anyone (other than Ben,)

A running partner is a gift. One that I do not take for granted. Without her showing up at my door, or counting on me, I would absolutely not run on my own. And the fact that we have the same pace...well that's simply divine. And one that can put up with me at 6 in the morning for that long...priceless. She has become one of my closest friends. We joke about whether we run because of the physical part of it...or because it's good therapy.

And the answer is both. Without a doubt.

And after 5 years of running I'm happy to report that the Mizuno Wave Inspires that I have to wear because I "mildly overpronate" FINALLY came in fun colors.

Because really, a little gaudy makes running way more fun.

Here's to five more years of running. At least.

To My Ministry Friends...

2012-01-21T22:16:00.001-06:00

To all the pastors wives and women in ministry:

(Sounds so formal...)

Here's a link to a online conference that I signed up for called JustONE. It looks like I'm going to LOVE it. And I think you might to.

If you sign up, and did I mention it's free, then let me know so I can "chat" with you about what you think of it.

Go check it out HERE for more information.

I'm all about learning from other ladies in the trenches. Well sometimes ministry feels like the trenches. And other times...an older gentleman in your church gives you a hard time about how dirty the inside of your crock pot is (because you brought it to mid-week church to make hot cocoa in for the Bible Club Kids and he cleaned up afterwards) but he's only teasing and you don't care because really someone SHOULD clean the thing. But he ends up feeling guilty about it so at 8:15 PM the next evening he drops by a ginormous ham for your family...as a peace offering. And I like ham. Ministry is GOOD!

*please note, you should read that entire last paragraph in one breath, because that's how I would say it if we were chatting in person.*

Long live the run-on sentences!

Now go register...I hate going to things by myself.

Blogging Has Changed

2012-01-20T13:20:00.000-06:00

I've been thinking about how different blogging has become, since I started four years ago. Back then, I was able to join different sets of blogging communities, so to speak. Of moms, of pastors wives, other Christian women. And within those little networks there was community. We read each others posts, commented, followed along in life. Became friends.

Over the years, some of them stopped blogging. And others, like myself, became less diligent at it. Many kept on keeping on, and I just became totally lazy about commenting. (Plus, we were friends on Facebook and I can keep up with them that way ;) And my google reader grew. And grew and grew and grew until I couldn't keep up with all the blogs I wanted to read, let alone comment.

So I became an observer. Many I check in on whenever there is a new post, but rarely do I comment. I just observe, and quickly head on to the next thing. No wonder I ADORE Pinterest. I get to look at people's AWESOME stuff, and benefit from their AMAZING tutorials, all the while never stopping to say, "Hey Lady, you're genius!"

Shame on me.

I'm going to do better. Probably not great...but better.

The End.

PS - It's a snow day here. The first this year. Theoretically I would be enjoying having all my kids home, and we would play board games and laugh together. In reality, they can't stop bickering and are eating me out of house and home. And Lucy won't take a nap. Life is hard. *cough*

This One Thought...

2012-01-17T20:29:00.000-06:00

Lots and lots of stuff on my mind this week. Lots of stuff that can't be placed on a blog.

But this one thought...

That those speaking the loudest..who seek to have their opinions voiced, regardless...are often heard the least.

It turns people off. True story.

For the Love of Glitter

2012-01-11T16:42:00.001-06:00

Three boys.

And then a girl.

Totally entertaining for me.

I've heard Dr. Phil say many times, that the most influential person in a child's life is the parent of the same sex. Our family would be text book Dr. Phil on that point.

My boys love me. But they most definitely do not want to be like me. From the time they were little, they were mimicking daddy...regardless of the fact that they spent all day long with me.

I'm cool with that.

Lucy is a whole other story. She says words in the same tone I do. She looks around for her purse before we head out the door. She takes care of her babies all day long. And sister can dust with a diaper wipe, like none other.

And most importantly...she understands that glitter shoes go with everything.

Notice she's talking on her cell. Multitasking at its finest.

Glitter is a new favorite at our house. Thank you Target.

I buy Lucy's squeakers at a cute little shop locally. They're leather and only $15 there! You can also get them online here. This is her fourth pair and we obviously love them. :) (the squeakers can be removed easily too.)

Glitter is the best.

Then End.

Remodel Update

2012-01-09T15:09:00.000-06:00

It's been forever since I've told you about our remodeling project going on here at the parsonage.

I tried to go back and find the last post on it, so I wouldn't repeat myself. Turns out someone needs to label her posts better, sheeesh. I couldn't find much. Someone also needs to update their blog more often. Annoying.

In September it looked like this from the outside:

The inside of the addition was just bare bones.

Our main builder/deacon works for a farmer, so the project sat on hold for a few months while they harvested. Which was totally ok, it gave us all a break from construction for awhile.

But Marlin is back to work and it's so much fun to see progress!

This picture is at the top of the stairs (2nd floor) taken from the old part of the house. We refer to it as the "old house" and "new part"...we'll likely still be saying that ten years down the road...because that's how we roll.

Until recently, when it was all insulated, the guys have been crawling through that little attic door every time they went to work out there.

And now it looks like this! Straight in is the master bedroom, and to the left inside the new doorway will be Lucy's new room.

The hubby has been helping when he can too. And Jake thinks it's great fun to sweep up the drywall dust.
This is inside the master bedroom. The walk in closet door is on the right...

This is inside the closet. EEEK! I'm so excited about that closet. I need to show you what mine looks like right now...so you can be as excited as I am. ;)

Ok, now I'm taking you back downstairs...

This is looking into the new kitchen, from the old kitchen.

Today they're putting up drywall on the ceiling. They're standing in the dining room now. :)

And tomorrow, we go look at kitchen cabinets. For real.

Christmas

2012-01-05T11:37:00.001-06:00

Let's play catch-up, shall we?

I am not the best at living life purposefully. I should be, since I've read enough books on it...but given my own nature, I tend to live fairly haphazardly. It actually works pretty well for me, except when it doesn't.

In order to not miss out on anything in the month of December, I decided to be purposeful about our celebrating of Christmas (as purposeful as I get, anyways.)

I made lists. Hundreds of them, mostly to-do, to-buy, to-bake etc. But the most important one I made was a sort of bucket list of December. Specific things to do by myself and as a family before the season was over. The overall encompassing part for me, was to enjoy the moment of each thing. Suck the marrow out of every single second, because there is one thing that 2011 taught me...a new moment is never guaranteed.

The List (parts of it)

#1 - Go chop down a real tree.

Their faces say it all. After about 3.2 minutes the boys kept saying "Pick a tree already, they all look the same!" I made them linger awhile, just for good measure. After all, I'm the mom, it's my job to do my best at searing this experience into their memory.

#2 - Picture With Santa

We don't even do Santa, but they certainly need a picture with him. :) Lucy is 19 months here. She was totally willing to sit on him since he gave her a candy cane.

#3 - Be Amazed

I miss so much sometimes, because I'm looking for the big things, and ignoring the amazing in the simple things. Lucy was amazed.

#4 - Enjoy the Hodge-Podge Christmas Tree

Little Miss couldn't help but mess with the ornaments. We reached an amicable agreement by just leaving the ornaments on the top half of the tree.

#5 - Family Date Night/Driving Around to Look at Christmas Lights

We went to a favorite pizza joint. The waitress spilled the entire, enormous glass of ice-water right on Ben's lap. We laughed so hard. She ended up giving us our appetizer for free. The boys congratulated their Dad for "taking one for the team." We'll likely remember that for years to come. Afterwards we drove around eating home-made treats and admired peoples Christmas lights.

#6 - Bake Stuff

Boy did I. I got a new mixer for my birthday/Christmas. It just makes baking so much more fun. I tried a bunch of stuff from Pinterest. It was a Pinterest Christmas for sure. One of the favorites was home-made cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning. New tradition.

#7 - Church

Our church family is just that...family. We spent time on a Sunday evening after church, putting up the quirky decorations, eating brownies with peppermint frosting, drinking hot chocolate and laughing together until my sides hurt. It was one of my favorite parts of this season.

Also on my list this year was not planning the Christmas program. A good friend volunteered and did an amazing job.

#8 - Take Group Shots

I failed miserably at this last year. In the moment, it's such a pain to make everyone gather around and do it, but it's so worth it later!

So, you get the idea of what some of the list was. There were several things on the list that didn't get done, but this year that was by choice...rather than forgetfulness. It felt good.

I'm in the process of making one for the rest of winter, spring and summer too. I don't want to forget these moments.

Just Thinking...

2011-12-31T22:16:00.000-06:00

I'm sitting on the couch, watching Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve. I'm so cool that I don't have a clue as to who most of the performers are.

But I'll take this New Years Eve, because it's simple. Easy. Uneventful. That's boring to some, but to me...it's joy.

Last year, I spent New Years Eve with four of my dear friends...at the hospice home. Our friend's 9 year old son, Tate, had been transferred there late that afternoon. We all knew he didn't have much time. None of us knew what to do...how to offer support...so we just went there, and sat in the "family" room, while their family came in and out of his room. We laughed and cried and tried to help support and distract them, for just a brief moment...all knowing there is nothing that can distract.

What a year it has been.

Today on my six mile run, I listened to this song. Tate's mom shared it not long ago. It was written by a young man with AT, which is the genetic disorder that Tate (and his sister Tessa) both have. Brad Paisley put it to music, and all profits from the download of it go to AT research.

It came on my ipod at about mile 5...I thought I might hyperventilate. I keep it on my running list to remind me of the gift I've been given; the ability to run. And to remind me that Tate, now in Heaven with his perfect body is running all over the place...like he never could here.

The message of the song...well, I think it's one of the best ways to start out the new year.

Bring on 2012! :)

I Need A...

2011-12-02T12:23:00.001-06:00

I mentioned here, that I have been listening to the Wow Christmas 2011 lately. I don't know what my deal is this year, but I'm just not in the mood for the regular Christmas songs sung in the regular way.

I sound like Scrooge.

Anyways, there's a ton of songs on that album and several I skip over. I've been skipping the song I Need A Silent Night every time because it's by Amy Grant...and I'm just not in the mood for Amy Grant. Yesterday though, in the van, I was distracted and didn't switch my ipod before the song started. And WHO KNEW that I would LOVE this song?!?

It's the words. I relate to it. All of it. Christmas sometimes seems like more of a chore than a celebration. It reminded me I need to take a time out and have a silent night in order to enjoy the season.

Sometimes Mamma needs a time out too.

And on a random note: I never skip over Go Tell It On The Mountain by needtobreathe or Christmas This Year by Toby Mac. ;)

Candid Camera

2011-12-01T18:04:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago I purchased a new camera. A Nikon L120. I love it. It's simple for me to use, which is perfect for my skill level. But even though it's simple, I'm still learning.

On Sunday before church, Lucy was wearing the cutest little Gap coat that I had purchased at a garage sale this Summer. I wanted to get her picture standing next to the Christmas tree.

Turns out, that I had hit the video button on the camera without realizing it.

There's nothing quite like a video that you didn't know you were taking to make you realize how totally annoying you are, know what I mean?

It cracks me up. Literally. So I, of course, must share with you (sideways because I can't rotate it.)

You are welcome.

After I realized what I was doing, I switched to photo mode and continued to try to get a picture...in the process of running away from me Lucy ran into the chair, which then allowed me to get the cutest Daddy & Lucy moment EVAH.

I think her pouty cry is trying to tell him to stop the crazy lady with the camera.

Just a guess.

Stuff

2011-11-30T14:33:00.001-06:00

I really left you hanging on the mom jeans thing. My bad. The good news is, I've been wearing them for two weeks now and I LOVE them. The denim was kinda itchy/scratchy at first, but after several visits with my washer and dryer (yes I dry my jeans, I don't know how you people can stand wearing air-dried jeans...so stiff) the denim is softening very nicely. I need to hem them a little, but until then, I've just been cuffing them.
I took the picture below right after my last post, but then I decided the pic was not all that flattering, so I didn't post it. But apparently today, my vanity is gone, so here you go:

What else...

Oh... my Christmas shopping would almost totally be done if I could afford all of the things in my Amazon shopping cart. In reality, I've bought like two things. The rest I just keep adding to the cart and then pray it's still available by the time I get around to placing the order.

On the other hand, I ordered my Christmas cards. I know. Snapfish is mailing them as we speak. Who knows how long it will take me to actually address and mail them, but for now I have NOT procrastinated at least this one thing. *pat on back*

Yesterday I bought the Wow 2011 Christmas album on itunes. I justified it to the voice in my head of Dave Ramsey that I needed it because I have lots of sewing projects to get done before Christmas and I need something new to listen to. The album is so good. Tell Dave Ramsey you need it too. My favorite is Deck the Halls by Tenth Ave North. Not that it matters...but it is. ;)

That's probably enough random information for you to process.

Happy Last Day of November to You!

My Mom Jeans

2011-11-15T20:53:00.001-06:00

There's some things I don't want to forget...

Like the way...

I wore a new pair of jeans around the house tonight...with the tags still on. The boys thought I was nuts. But I needed to make sure I reeeeally liked them before I tore the tags off. While I tucked the boys in bed(which is usually Daddy's job, except on his men's Bible Study night)during Jakob's turn to pray, he sweetly prayed for his teacher and her family (who tragically lost their 9 year old son in an accident in September,) he prayed that the lunch menu tomorrow at school would be good, and that his mom would take off the stickers from her pants. Amen.

(I did, by the way, remove the stickers...I do like them.)

The jeans also have a story. Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa, Ben and I had a few hours to ourselves Saturday night. We headed to Starbucks and then the mall. I've been in need of some jeans that fit...running + a vast reduction in sugary treats= smaller size. FINALLY.

Side note: Before you get too excited about the smaller jeans, it's not a big weight loss. And apparently not noticeable, because not one person has said anything, but it's enough for me to go from "hide my belly that's bulging over my jeans" to "comfy in the next size smaller." Make sense?

Back to story. I'm not usually picky with jeans...which is likely why I have a closet full of ones that really don't fit right. So this time I was being choosy. We walked through the department store: Juniors on right and Women's on left. In the middle is a denim display of Levis. They look cute on the mannequin that has only legs so I decide to try them on. The sales lady, from the women's side asks if I need a room. She's like seventy years old. On the way to the fitting room she says, "Have you tried "Not Your Daughter's Jeans before?"

Ummm...here's my thought process:

1 - She's kinda old, shouldn't she think I'm young still?!? Like shouldn't she have sent me over to the junior section because she was certain I didn't belong in the old lady section?!? Givemeabreak.
2 - As she's leading us to the jeans, I turn around and mouth to Ben not your mothers jeans *eye roll*
3 - Turns out they were fine jeans, just not what I was looking for.

I tried on the Levis and liked them, although the waist IS higher than I'm used to, they were still good. But, do to the fact I had to try them on in the Womens section, I'm still not sold. I put them on hold.

20 minutes later, we're walking back through the store, and I head to the Womens register to make my purchase...she sees me coming. And I turn around and head to the juniors in one last ditch effort to hold onto my youth. Ben and I scan over the jeans. All the labels say "ultra low rise" which is code for "if you've had babies or are over age 17 your belly is gonna jingle right over it." They also had blingy-bling on the butt pockets, and I am not a blingy-bling on the butt pocket kinda gal. I'm not against the fake plastic rhinestones...I just don't want them on my backside. I'm Amish like that.

It's decided. Back over to the Womens department. I scan the aisle to the register...it's lined with elastic waist pants...which is apparently where I'm headed to next. Sheesh.

Which brings me back to tonight, and me wearing my jeans around the house with tags still on.

Maybe tomorrow I'll post a picture of my skinny mid-rise women section jeans. Oh the anticipation...

Mood Swings

2011-11-08T15:13:00.000-06:00

This is my first experience with a daughter...a toddler daughter.

Two words: Mood. Swings.

Ohmyword.

That's pizza on her face. In case you were wondering.

I got a new camera. It caught the "drool" in both pictures. Awesome.

Happy. Totally mad. Happy. Totally mad.

Wow.

I'm Listening To...

2011-11-04T09:40:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd share with you some of my favorite songs as of late. And by "favorite" I mean I'm listening to them on repeat over and over and over...and over. I don't know if regular people do this? But I do.

Jesus, Friend of Sinners is by far my most favorite song on the new Casting Crowns album. The message, the reminder...I adore the whole song...open our eyes to the world at the end of out pointing fingers...break our hearts for what breaks Yours. I'm thankful for songs that change me. This one does.

The next song is one of my new favorite running songs. It has some amazing base (that you won't hear through the youtube video;) that may literally mess with the rhythm of my heart. If I kill over while running, check my ipod, I think you'll find this song playing.

Happy Friday Everybody!

Knocking Out the Projects

2011-11-02T11:06:00.000-05:00

Once I get the sewing machine out, I feel the need to just plow through a bunch of projects. I found the idea on Pinterest from this sight. It will be one of Lucy's Christmas presents. They are fabric/felt letters, and they turned out super cute.

This is the backside of the letters, I used a really pale pink flannel.

And this is the little bag I made to store them in. Turns out, draw string bags are easy. I <3 Easy.

Lucy loves playing with her baby dolls. I love that she loves it. In these pictures, I was trying to empty out her doll cradle so you could see the cute pad thingy I made for the bottom of the cradle...but she was getting ticked at me. Every time I took one out she scolded me and put all them back in bed.

Finally, here's the quilted pad. I love this material, it reminds me of vintage 70's stuff.

And the babies are back to bed. I've taught her well, I guess.

Slipcover for Chair

2011-11-01T10:48:00.000-05:00

So...the other day I mentioned the white slipcovers, and how the drop cloth one that I purchased for the chair (and intended to make into a fitted cover) was driving me crazy and NEEDED to get made into a fitted cover asap.

How's that for a run-on sentence?

Well, I did it.

And I love it. It's kinda wonky looking in parts...because DUDE it's tricky to sew that much material...but I still love it.

Trust me, when I tell you, that I am the last person that should be presenting a tutorial of any kind. So consider this a tutorial on the tutorials I used.

Here goes.

If this were an actual tutorial I would have taken better pictures...thank goodness this is a tutorial on tutorials because craptastic pictures will do! This is the chair covered in the "drop cloth" style cover...it was a ton of material and I tucked it around the chair to make it as fitted as possible. Most of the excess material I shoved under the seat cushion, which made the chair hard as cement to sit on. Good times.

I talk more about where I got the covers in this post (in case you're wondering.)

First I went to the thrift store and bought two old bed sheets to use as a template. And then I washed them. In 1000 degree water.

Anyways, I found this picture on Pinterest and I used it as my visual. Because I'm like that.

Source: thenester.com via Sarah on Pinterest

This is my version:

I followed the seaming of the upholstery already on my chair. I wanted the seaming to be in the right places so that it didn't pull too tight on certain seams when we sat down...thus ripping them. And I made notes to myself in permanent marker.

For the next steps, I utterly failed at taking a single picture, which is unfortunate because you could have seen my kids walking all over the material and me trying to KEEP THEM OFF. What I did was take the slipcover that I purchased, and laid it out on my living room floor. It took up the entire floor. And then I took the sample pieces on the chair (above picture) unpinned them and laid them out on the slipcover material, like a giant puzzle. I had just enough material. Then I cut around the pieces.

And then I pinned the pieces around the chair, wrong sides facing down or in, or whatever. The slip cover is basically inside out at this point.

Like so:

Next, I took a needle with black thread and basted (big huge stitches) where I had pinned.

Side note: On the sample bed-sheet version, I didn't baste it. I took it off and attempted to sew it with just pins. Not only did I get stuck with pins, I couldn't figure out what was what once I tried to shove that heavy material under the needle of the sewing machine.

Basting was so much easier to follow, definitely worth it.

Sewing it together proved to be the trickiest part, because it's just a lot of material, and at some points on the arms, there are three different sections of material coming together...and did I mention 100% Cotton Duck is THICK?!?

But, it was definitely worth it. And I'd do it again. It took me part of an evening and then the next morning to finish it.

Ta da!

Hemorrhaging

2011-10-31T13:51:00.001-05:00

Day 27, 28, 29, 30 & 31 of 31 Days of Happy

It's hard to believe that October is almost done, along with 31 Days of Happy. Maybe I'll spend the month of November posting on all the things that do not make me happy. HA. Kidding, only kidding.

It's a little tempting though.

Back to happy...

One of the major things that has been on my happy list this month is the Bible study that our ladies are doing.

This one:

This is our third Beth Moore study. They're all amazingly good...but this one...extra extra good.

I keep going back through it to re-read what I've underlined, to rehearse what I've learned again and again. (we're only on week 4 of 10)

There's something Beth Moore says, in particular, that I just can't get out of my head.

"Without God's intervention, we can offer only a small bandage to someone hemorrhaging from uncontrolled emotions. We may bring calm for a moment, but our efforts will have little lasting effect."

It's a word picture that I can't get out of my head. It's so very, very true.

Maybe it's because I'm in ministry...or maybe it's just because I'm an average person like everyone else, but so many around me are very literally hemorrhaging with problems. With issues. With emotions. With life.

Can you picture someone hemorrhaging? I've heard stories. It's not pretty. It's not a slow bleed. It's fast, and furious, and messy. If not stopped quickly, it means death. The doctor doesn't have a patient hemorrhage, and decide the best course of action is a band-aid.

My words may be able to calm...for a moment. Which is good. But they do not fix the problem. They are not meant to fix the problem.

Only God's intervention brings healing. He's the only thing strong enough to stop a hemorrhage. So many times we want someone to give us the answer. Give us the 5 step plan, or better yet 3 steps...shorter is always better, right? And when the person we go to, lets us down or doesn't have an answer, or can't even help, we lose hope or worse yet...give up. We continue to hemorrhage.

Only God brings the healing. And before the healing can start, He has to stop the hemorrhage. The way He chooses to stop it, well...that's up to Him. What's up to us, is whether we will let Him or not.

In my experience, there's a vast number of people that would rather die hemorrhaging than surrender and let Him intervene.

And I don't get it. I just don't.

But that little quote of hers...it's gotten to me. And God's using it to remind me of who I am...which is just someone He uses to send encouragement and truth. And who He is...which is the Healer. He is a great-big God.

White Slip Covers

2011-10-26T09:58:00.001-05:00

Day 25and 26 of 31 Days of Happy

White Slip Cover Happy

I like white. It's not practical, but sometimes...practical is over-rated, or in the very least not cute.

I blame Pinterest for pushing me over the edge into white-slip-cover heaven.

Source: theshowandtellblog.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: thepursuitaesthetic.tumblr.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: countryliving.com via Jenn on Pinterest

We are terribly hard on furniture. I have proof...

I came across this blog, and was elated to find out she had a messy family like myself, and STILL loved her white slip covers. She makes her own covers. I debated about whether or not I thought I could make my own. I ended up deciding that my patience and skill level was not quite adequate to tackle a sofa cover (yet), but I thought I could probably pull off a chair/ottoman one.

After some internet searching I came across the website Ugly Sofa. They sell high-end slip covers for a deeply discounted price. Perfect.

And when the covers came, guess what the tags said? Pottery Barn. I may have skipped around my living room for several minutes just from sheer elation.

They even sent me this little monogrammed (Pottery Barn) makeup bag thingy as a surprise free gift. Bonus!

Before:

After:

This is right out of the package...I am NOT ironing a couch. For Realz.

Loose-fit cover

I ended up making my own ottoman cover *pat on back*

And for the wing back chair, I ordered a loose cover, and am planning on making a fitted cover out of that. But first I'm gonna have to practice with old bedsheets or something.

The couch cover has been on for a week. I thought I'd give it some time before I blogged about it...so I could let you know how it's really going. It stayed cleaner than I thought it would. I did learn that I need to put a blanket over the seat on the weekends though, because the boys go in and out of the house and then sit on it and it was looking a little grubby.

I washed it yesterday for the first time. Easy peasy to wash, bleach, dry, and get back on. It makes me kind of grossed out to think of whats on my couch and never been washed off. *shudder* I really do love it. It's casual, yet clean looking and it just makes me happy.

I need to get crackin' on the chair slipcover, because the loose fitting one is driving me a little crazy. I only paid $30 for it, and it is enough material for me to make the fitted cover. It was far cheaper to go this route than it was to purchase the material at the fabric store. ( all covers are 100% White Cotton Duck)

I also made some envelope pillow slip covers as well. Because as you know...makeovers just keep spreading from one thing to the next. Like the common cold.

I've made some other stuff too...I'm a sewing fool.

Nothing Like a New Baby...

2011-10-24T13:52:00.000-05:00

Day 21, 22, 23 & 24 of 31 Days of Happy

New baby nephew/cousin = Happy!

The Boys and Lucy were pretty excited to meet their newest baby cousin, Logan. Can you tell? (Ben and I totally ditched them when we went to see him in the hospital, because we're nice like that)

Lucy likes to give baby Logan love ~~smacks~~ pats on the head. She was quite annoyed that we wouldn't let her. It seems all we do lately is ruin her fun. Don't worry Logan, it's a good thing you joined the world at a whopping 10 lbs, because you're already 1/2 her weight...

We love you bunches already, Logan. It seems like just yesterday we were welcoming your big brother Jack to the family!

Happy Big Brotherhood Jack! Speaking from experience, the oldest kids certainly have it the toughest. *cough*

One and a Half

2011-10-20T20:14:00.000-05:00

Day 18, 19 & 20 of 31 Days of Happy

Is combining three days of happiness in one post cheating? I think not...I prefer the term "efficient."

Today Lucy is officially 1 1/2 years old.

She talks non-stop. Most of it we do not understand. Her brother Jake (6yrs wise) informed me it's because she's speaking in Chinese. Alrighty then.

She has gotten quite good at saying animal sounds, uh oh, and sit. And if you saw her cute little Miss America wave, you'd die. She has the wrist-flick down to perfection.

She also screeches. A lot. When happy, mad, excited, angry...you get the idea.

We'd like the screeching to stop. Like immediately.

The screeching aside, she's a hoot. And so stinkin' adorable we can hardly stand it.

She makes us all happy.

Happy Monday

2011-10-17T21:38:00.003-05:00

Day 17 of 31 Days of Happy

Sitting here on the couch, next to my husband, while he watches his football team makes me happy.

If his football team, chose different colors for their uniforms, I'd be even happier. Seriously Miami Dolphins, you're a football team...choose some manly-er colors already.

The end.

Happy to be Imperfect

2011-10-16T20:19:00.001-05:00

Day 16 if 31 Days of Happy

Happy Imperfection.

I am definitely not a perfectionist. I'm completely, unabashedly aware that I am not perfect...so how can an imperfect person contemplate doing something with perfection? I can't fathom it.

Although, as a side note, I do expect perfection from my surgeon that I or someone I love may need someday...I'm just saying...

Anyways, I've been sewing like a crazy woman this week. I've managed to make an ottoman cover, two pillow covers, fabric letters of the alphabet for Lucy for Christmas, and repaired my favorite chambray shirt.

I'll share my pillows and ottoman pics with you later this week...along with another little thing that makes me happy.

Everything I made displays mistakes. It's a far cry from professional looking, but it's good enough for me. And good enough is better than perfection. Because good enough = done and perfection= never starting.

I say...embrace your imperfection. Shout it from the roof top. God shows Himself when we do...He can actually use us then.

Happy Scentsy

2011-10-15T21:15:00.002-05:00

Day 15 of 31 Days of Happy

I have a lovely friend who sells Scentsy. Heard of it? I love it. LOVE.

And tonight, I decided that Lucy is going to get THIS for Christmas. With the Newborn Nursery scent pack...because it smells like baby powder and seriously, I can't get enough of that smell.

Don't tell Lucy about her present. She hates when people spoil surprises.

Yummy smells = Happy

The End.

Fresh Air

2011-10-14T20:51:00.000-05:00

Day 14 of 31 Days of Happy

Fresh-Air Happy

The boys didn't have school today, so we made our annual trek through the outdoors. It was a little chilly, the perfect kind of chilly.

Boys conquered trails...steep trails. Us girls admired (and prayed for safety) from down below. We played. And soaked it all in...because the farmer's fields are quickly emptying of beans and corn...and every Iowan knows that empty fields mean: Winter is coming. *shudder*

Do you see the cloud shaped like a duck ~~through the nasty dirty windshield~~? That was our happy ending to the trip.