The Last Week

Hello, blogging world...I've been a bit disconnected the last week. There are several reasons for this...

I painted last week. After 6 different colors went on the wall, Brad and I finally agreed on a color for his new office. We had a hard time because we are not vanilla, neutral people. We know, however, that we will probably sell this house sometime within the next 3-4 years, so we didn't want to do a bold color that we'd have to re-do later. We were also trying to find a color that we could do in every room of the house, that was neutral, but not white. So, we decided on a color called "Natural." Here was the room before as Micah's nursery:

Here it is this week, set up for Brad's parents to come visit:

I'll show you more when we get his office furniture in, after our visit with his parents :)

So, I finished that Friday morning.

Friday night, Brad and I went to dinner with Pastor Rick Bezet. I had met him a couple of other times, but had never had any lengthy discussions with him. We went to Ted's Montana Grill (one of my favs) and had great conversation. That man is a real pastor. His passion for people and what he's doing in Arkansas was evident and we just really enjoyed our time with him.

We had just dropped him at his hotel when we got a call from our babysitter saying Brooke had thrown up. Seriously? Didn't we just do that? So, we rushed home and I spent the next 2 days taking care of my sweet baby.

Sunday night, we had a leadership meeting with our NewLifeWorshipChoir peeps. It was great to see everyone after our summer hiatus, and everyone is so excited about starting back up again. Their energy is contagious and I am so excited for what God has in store for this choir season! Good things to come!

Monday came and I began sorting toys with the kids and cleaning their rooms. How do we accumulate so much stuff? We gathered 2 large trash bags each of things to sell and trash. I then rearranged our rec room and cleaned it. Still not settled on the configuration, but I'll be better able to tell after we move Brad's office stuff out. Pics to come on that.

So, here I am today. I am slowly getting my bearings after such an odd week. I have been doing laundry all day (can you imagine the amount of laundry??) and we had several extra kids here today. Does life ever slow down?

My Home Project Wish-To-Do List

So, I am now ready for school to start. We have all the supplies and uniforms. I just spent the last 2 days clearing closets and bringing out current sizes and fall/winter wear. Now on to other things!

We have had a rotation of rooms happening this summer, initiated by Emma's desire to have her own room (she had been sharing with Caleb). We have 5 bedrooms, 2 on the main level and 3 in the basement. The 2 upstairs currently house us and Micah. Downstairs has been Caleb and Emma in a room and Paige and Brooke in a room. The other room has been in a constant flux, going from baby room to playroom to office to Brooke's room to guest room and is currently Emma's room. My struggle is Brad's voice lessons. He does private lessons here at our house and his office is currently in our basement/rec room. This is not the best-case-scenario for anyone involved, so I'm trying to find an office for him. So, here is the plan...

Move extra bed from Caleb's room to Emma's room...move Emma's current bed to new office/guest room (currently Micah's room). Give this bed back to Brent and Maria after in-laws visit sometime in August.

Move Micah to Caleb's room (which Caleb is thrilled about). I'm hoping this will work!!

Paint Micah's current room to a neutral color to become Brad's new office. Bring in dark green curtains that are not being used.

Move toys and art table (currently all over the place!!) to old office space. Affix Micah's old curtains (red) from ceiling somehow to create a divider from tv viewing area.

Paint Micah's old dresser to become new snack and game storage area for rec room.

Use old changing table as art supply/coloring book storage for new play area.

Make new pillows for the couch.

This should take me through November...

After Christmas, start painting walls in master bedroom and bath...

Whew! We'll see how much actually gets done!!

I love...

summer. The warmth of the air, splashing in the pool, the deep green of the trees, the flowers in my garden, sleeping in, staying up late, long days of sunshine.

a good book.

Micah. The pudginess of his hands, the way he gets giddy when he sees me, how he speed-crawls with his head down, watching him learn new words and observe the world around him. I love all my kids, but he's just at an irresistible stage right now.

my Bible. It's like a dip in the pool after being hot, a nap when I'm so sleepy, a big hug right when I need it. It refreshes and inspires and bring peace to the craziness around me.

my dining room. Chocolate brown walls and bright white crown molding. Sheer curtains that blow in the breeze.

waking up early to a quiet house.

watching my kids learn.

vacation. I really could take one every month and be happy. Until my next one, I'll be planning and dreaming.

my husband. He is the perfect balance to me.

the anticipation of autumn. School supplies and uniforms, activity planning, the crisp air, planning holidays (and 3 birthdays around here). The fresh start to a new school year.

my life. It's pretty great :)