Antique Bureau

Have you ever had your heart pitter-patter over a piece of furniture? It probably happens for me more often than for most, but I have to tell you...this one had me at hello!




This is a genuine antique...no pressed-board drawers here!

Each drawer pull is made of 6 pieces. You can't find these at the hardware store.

She even came with the original casters on her feet!

After some tender loving (and painting and distressing that weren't so tender), here is what she looks like...

And, here's Caleb...

I'm in lu-hove...but I'm selling her (but not Caleb *wink*)! You can see all the details here!

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Furniture Feature Friday

Farmhouse Barstools

My client who bought my white dining set, purchased some barstools and asked me to paint and distress them to match the dining set.

What started out looking like this...

Now looks like this!

I love love love how they turned out!

What do you think?

Linking...

Transformation Thursday

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Met Monday

Friends

When I think back on my history of friendships, I have many good memories.

My best friend, Jenny, from childhood. We would swim together. And "fish" together. One time she threw her "fishing pole" (a stick with a string and hook attached) back and hooked my ear. I didn't hold it against her. We put on shows together for our family. We caught frogs together and found hide-outs in the woods. My heart broke when we moved away. Thanks to facebook, we are friends again!

Then there was Karrie. She was so nice to me when I was the new kid at school. We shared a passion for music...she still has one of the purest voices I've ever heard. Then we entered middle school and drifted apart.

I also have some not-so-good memories.

All through middle school and into high school, I struggled with friendships (don't most girls?). I always seemed to get into the 3-friend triangles and I would end up getting hurt. I'm sure I had fault as well, but I remember the hurt of betrayal and gossip.

As I was ending high school, I found the Lord and a great church. With this life change came some great relationships.

What started as mentoring relationships have grown into real, genuine friendships. One of those friends is now my hubby :) We have seen each other get married, have babies (and more babies!) move away, move back and change jobs. We have experienced many laughs and many tears together.

I love my friends because they are constant. They love me for who I am and they allow me room to grow. I love that I get to witness their growth as well.

Relationships can be hard, but when you choose wisely and invest your heart, the rewards are great.

Antiqued Sofa Table

I just love the way this one turned out!

This was my first complete piece that included glazing. I wanted to bring a different look to the previous-traditional look of this sofa table. Unfortunately, I didn't get a good before shot. It was your typical, dark/cherry wood.

Here is a half-way-through the process shot.




Does that count?

I added some new hardware and this is the result!

You can see all the details on my website!

Linking...

Transformation Thursday

Strut Your Stuff

Before and After Party

Met Monday

Show and Share

To my New Life Family

I know that many couples in ministry move around a lot. I understand that there are many reasons for this...denominations often move pastors at will and God has His plan for each of us--many times that means moving. Being in the ministry is difficult on some levels and differing opinions, personalities and ministry styles often make moving the best option. I get that.

Brad and I met at New Life. We "courted" at New Life (for those of you that have known us for a while, you understand the quotes! I will tell you all our story sometime!). We married at New Life. We had babies at New Life.

We had a short time when we were called away, by the Lord, so that we could grow and have other experiences. But, then we came back.

Brad and I both feel like we have grown up in this church. We have experienced joy and laughter and sorrow and tears here. The last 4 years have definitely been the most challenging of my life. However, I feel like we are on the other side now...there is a peace and joy and lightheartedness about the stage we are in, and I feel that is reflected in our ministry and the people around us.

We were in church on Sunday and witnessed couples dedicating their babies. Several of them were what Brad calls "our JV kids". Of course, they are not kids anymore...but they were in our junior high group years ago. I had tears in my eyes as I watched these people, people we have known since they were little, holding their own babies. They are starting their own families and traditions and investing in the next generation. I love that to some degree, Brad and I had an impact on their lives...and in return on the next generation.

What I love is that we are still in their lives. It is more of a peer relationship now, as we are all in the parenthood journey together. Now we can talk about diapers and sleep schedules and school activities and continue in relationships that are only becoming more rich.

This is what happens when you stay put for a long time. I wouldn't trade the hard times that our church has been through. We have grown through it, together. Our relationships are stronger and more genuine.

And, can I just say "thank you"? Thank you, New Lifers, for letting Brad and I be ourselves. For giving us room to grow. Thank you for letting us hurt and letting us triumph. Thank you for going on the journey with us. I truly feel that we are family. I don't approach our calling as an "us" and "you"...like we have more to offer you than you do us. We have different roles, for sure, but I have definitely learned as much, if not more, from you than you have from me.

I truly love this life that I get to live, and I love that we get to do it with all of you...

What Keeps Me Sane...

Most of you know by now that I have 5 children...*see picture above if you weren't sure*

I have people tell me that I must be the most patient person in the world or that I must be very organized or that I'm crazy. I can tell you that I pray for patience every day, but I have times (sometimes several times a day) that I lose my cool. I can also tell you that I try very hard to have an organized home and schedule, but sometimes things are just chaotic around here. As far as the crazy part...well, the verdict's still out on that one! Just kidding. Kind of.

I have found a secret to my sanity, though. I know myself. I know that I require downtime. Quiet time. Time by myself. Time that is just for me.

So, I wake up early. Don't get me wrong, I wake up sleepy most of the time. I don't want to get out of bed. But, I do. I work out. I read my Bible. I drink my coffee. I pray. I mess around on facebook, twitter, emails, blogs.

I try to wake up about 1 1/2 hours earlier than my kids. This way by the time that first precious little face peeks at me through the stairwell banister, I am refreshed. I am awake. And I have already had time for myself. I am ready for the day. At least mentally and emotionally...I am still in my pj's until after breakfast...that is another sanity saver that I will discuss at another time!

It only took me 7 years to figure this one out *wink* Moms, what are some of your sanity savers? Please share!

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