Monday, September 13, 2010

...the inside...

Many of you asked, and far be it from me to disappoint, so thank you for your patience.  Here are pictures of the inside of my house!  No, everything is not 100% set, but its starting to feel like home, and that's nice.

When you walk in the front door this is what you see...

Note: that bench/swing you see is supposed to go outside, but somehow it just landed there for now.  The intent is to have an entry way table with crosses or a mirror hung above the table.

This is looking back at the entry way/ front door.  A small thing, but one of my favorite selling points is having an actual entry way.  Oh, and please notice the arched doorways, they carry throughout the whole house! Another fun perk!

When you enter, to the left is the dining room.  Allow me to say that I have NOTHING to go in this room.  But, in full disclosure, I am choosing to show it to you, just so that you know that it exists, and that I have room to grow and furniture still left to purchase.  Incase you're keeping up, that's one entry way table and now dining table on the list.  Oh, and I love how all of the fixtures match throughout the house!  And of course, who doesn't love a nice big window?  I can already see my Christmas tree in front of that window!


You can get to the kitchen either through the dining room or the entry hallway.  Yes, there is a refrigerator, its just not pictured.  Yes, all stainless steal appliances were provided by the builder!  I'm learning how to use a gas range, so far I'm liking it!  I mean, it made a mean batch of Kraft mac-n-cheese.


Doesn't every girl dream of having a kitchen island, and one with granite counter top at that! I am so blessed!

This is standing in one corner of the living room.  Another thing I love is having the bar that looks over into the living room! Nice open floor plan! (Oh, and see in the top right corner, there's the fridge...try to invision a big clock on the wall above it...another item on "the list")

Brand new entertainment center from Ikea that several preschool peeps came to help put together!

other sitting area in the living room, sorry the lighting is bad

Guest room.  I'm really excited about the new bedding.  I already had several things (like the lamp, table & throw pillows) that go with it! I also have lots of curtains that match.  This room only has one window (not shown, duh), so I'm thinking about using the extra curtains to create some kind of cool headboard effect!  So, now that you know I have plenty of room for guests, you better come visit!

Right next to the guest room is another extra bedroom that I have currently deemed as the "office."  Which is funny, because I don't have a desk and I will likely never go in there to do "work."  But, I do have a shredder in there, which is obviously very "officey."  Again, another full discloser picture, because this room is not very exciting.  Oh, but I do love the futon, super cute and got a great deal on it! And, just one more place for someone to sleep!  Did I mention that the sofa in the living room is a sleeper sofa too...see, I can sleep lots of people now!


Also, by these 2 bedrooms there is a small full-size bath.  It is cute and functional, but very hard to get in a picture.  Just use your creativity, sink, toilet, tub...you get the idea.

Now, for quite possibly my favorite room in the house, my bedroom! Basically all of the main features in this room are new! New bed, new bedding, new dresser, new slipcover for a loveseat I already had (ps - I love repurposing stuff!!)

Sitting area, with repurposed loveseat with new throw pillows (except the zebra pillows, those were in my old office, came in handy!), canvases that I had painted for my old bedroom, now redone with fun coordinating fabric.  Reused lamp, with new lampshade (ribbon detail added by yours truely and the lovely Rebecca Robin Alexander! - I'm thrilled with how it turned out!)

Another new piece from IKEA that I desperately needed.  Another item on "the list" is the matching dresser that is shorter and wider.  This picture does NO JUSTICE, but I went a little crazy and got mismatched antiquey knobs for each drawer.  Yes, they are all the lime/apple green pop color! I LOVE them!  You HAVE to come see them person, seriously, so much better in person!  Oh, and please notice my cool vase thing on the left, another fun/funky thing I picked up!

Finally, here is my bathroom.  I don't think the pictures do it justice, but it's nice and large and luxerious!  Yes, there is a shower and tub.  If you look closely you can see the shower in the mirror.  One of my favorite features in here are the high sinks! Such a nice convenience!  My walk-in closet is to the left of the sinks.  Sorry, no pics yet, its not quite organized!


So, that's it! I hope you enjoyed my tour! Sorry, no pics of the backyard.  It's good size, but nothing terribly exciting, just some grass and shrubs.

Can't wait for you to come visit!

Thursday, September 02, 2010

...MY NEW HOUSE!!!

Sorry to leave you all hanging on the teaser, but it was well worth it.  Here is my exciting news! I purchased a house! I'm a big kid now! Can't wait to move in and show you pics! Here's me in front of the house!

Friday, August 20, 2010

rock stars

Just thought I'd share some awesome pics of my 3 nephews from a few months ago.  Yes, they are all 3 rockin' out.  Please notice how they constantly switch roles!



Jump around!!!


Shake your booty!!!


Gettin' silly!


Belt it Brady!


"Yeah, these guys are with me."

As if these pictures aren't cute enough, they were playing a Praise and Worship song!!

Seriously, doesn't get much more precious!

Teaser: Big announcement coming next week...stay tuned!

Saturday, August 07, 2010

...its official...

well, as of August 1st, I am officially the Minister of Preschool Education! Woohoo! I wanted to share a few pics with you.  Here is the updated office.  Note: I ended up ordering a different loveseat that will be delivered in about 6-8 weeks.

yes, 2 of the walls are a nice turquoise color! Love it!

The preschool area...probably my favorite part!

bookcases that are kind of behind my desk

not very exciting, but, this is my desk

Last Sunday was my first day on the job and my church did a WONDERFUL job of welcoming me and celebrating this new position with me.  I had a morning reception in the lobby for preschoolers and their parents to come by and give me a hug.  Then, I had a traditional Sunday evening reception for all other church members to attend.  Here are some pics from those 2 events.  I had a guy taking pics for me at the evening reception, but I don't have the pics yet so, I may post more later.


Love this picture with sweet kids! EVERY time I see them they both run up to me and give me big hugs! That's payment enough for me!  Man, I love my job!

These 2 wonderful ladies were in charge of the amazing receptions for me!


One of the faithful volunteers that serves in preschool ministry!


lunch with my dearest Rebecca, no, we had no clue we dressed so similarly!


Sweet embrace with another wonderful preschool teacher! I love the team I serve with!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

...yes, I'm alive!!!

alas, i know, my leave of absence is unforgivable.  i could sit here and beg forgiveness, but instead of dwelling on my lack of posting, let's concentrate on the fact that AM posting...see, much more positive spin on it all, really!

Really, the only way to completely tell you what's been going on is through pictures, well, at least the only enjoyable way, ha!

So, back in June, we had a BLAST at VBS 2010! Here are just a few pics!

With my intern @ VBS family night!



With my nephew after the VBS musical!


My amazing friend, Jamie, got me tix to see Wicked as a graduation present.  Thanks, Jamie! So, Kelly came down to go see it with me.  We headed to Mac and got full "night on the town" make-overs before the show. Here we are at Grand Lux Cafe before heading to the show.




For the 4th of July I headed down to CC to spend some time with my parents, 2 sisters & all 6 nieces and nephews.  It was super fun, and unfortunately I left my camera in the car...boo!!!

The night I got back in town, I had 2 crazy ladies, Jana & Sheri staying with me for the week.  It was super fun and always entertaining!

Just 2 days after they left, I was off to Dallas for the 6th annual AUNT'S WEEKEND! Man, the kids were pumped!!! Our theme was "Wacky Water Weekend."



We hit up the aquarium.



Sang Karaoke at The Magic Time Machine

"We are Family"

and had a BLAST at Hurricane Harbor


and that's just the highlights!


In other news...I GOT A NEW JOB!!!

I have been dying to tell you guys even though you probably already know!

Remember last February when I told you this?  Well, it's been several months, there was a formal search committee that searched far and wide for the person God has to be the next Minister of Preschool Education @ Tallowood.  Yes, I went through a formal interview, as did other candidates.  Through the whole process God was growing me, teaching me, stretching me...and He's not done yet.  Anywho, several weeks ago the committee told me that I was their choice!  They announced it to the church just a few weeks ago, the church voted this past Sunday, and the congregation approved!!! I have accepted the call and am officially the new Minister of Preschool Education, starting August 1!!!

Some of you may know that this is a dream come true.  5 years ago I couldn't believe that God had placed me at Tallowood as the Preschool Ministry Associate.  Now here I am, in awe of my God who has blessed me with a new position at the same wonderful church! So, here's to a new adventure!

Yes, I am moving next door to a new office.  It was painted today, wish I could show you the color, it's amazing!! Here are a few items I have picked out to personalize my new space!
(below, this is a loveseat, not a full couch)

Pictures to follow when it's all said and done!

My mom is coming this weekend to help me put the finishing touches on it!

So, that's what's been going on.  August is sure to be a busy month as well!  I'll try to do better, I promise!!!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

...my dad...

I love my dad.  Words can't describe how grateful I am that he is my dad.  I'll do my best to tell you just a few reasons why I love my dad, but trust me, there's more than I can list.

I love my dad because...

...he's goofy and cheesy and sometimes embarrassed me around my friends when I was younger

...he is an amazing man of God and always encouraged me in my walk with Christ

...he sends me random letters in the mail to encourage me and remind me that I will always be his little girl

...I know that he and my mom will always believe in me, even when I don't believe in myself

...he let's one of my nephews call him "Owl" even though his name is "Al" (trust me, it's adorable!)

...he never missed a basketball game or a volleyball game, even if it was hard on his work schedule

...he did whatever it took to help me find a way to afford going to Baylor

...he is selfless and has made countless sacrifices for our family

...he calls just to check in and hear my voice

...he gets the short end of the stick A LOT of the time, but he NEVER complains

...he used to always let me get ice cream when I came to visit him at the store

...he is amazing, encouraging, strong and dependable

...he always thinks of others and has a huge servant's heart

...he is an awesome grandpa and ALL of the grandkids LOVE spending time with their Gramps!

...he's my dad, and he's proud of it!

Dad, thanks for always loving me and always encouraging me and always believing in me.  I am so proud to call you my dad and thank God for blessing me with 2 amazing parents! Love you!

Saturday, June 05, 2010

...random thoughts...

...I've enjoyed a bit slower paced weekend, soaking up some chill time before the crazieness of summer hits

...lately I'll be watching the TV in my bedroom and out of nowhere the volume will go all the way up to max, all by itself, like it's possessed or something.  The only thing I can do to fix it is turn the TV off, it won't let me just turn the volume down, weird

...have you heard about the chick-fil-a spicy chicken sandwich?  any feedback about it?

...VBS is just over a week away!!!

...I read a whole novel yesterday! Yup, just grabbed a book and curled up for about 8 hours or so, only stopping for dinner, haven't done that in a long while!

...I need presents for the following: Father's Day, my dad's birthday, my 3 year old nephew's birthday, my sister's 3? birthday, all by the end of VBS

...Rebecca and I were spontaneous and jumped in the car last Sunday and headed to Corpus. We had an amazing time in Rockport with long time family friends, then shopped and hit the beach for a bit on Monday.  Here are 2 amazing pair of shoes that I picked up:
...welp, I think I'm off to try and clean out my closet, gotta get rid of stuff so that I can justify buying more, haha, I kid, I kid (kind of).

Happy June!