Recent Happenings & Projects

April has been a busy month for Nate and I. A little more than two weeks ago we said goodbye to Nate's grandpa, Eli. What an amazing example of faith Grandpa was to his 14 children and spouses, 70 grandchildren and their families, and to numerous others.

I am so thankful for the time that I had to know Eli. Grandpa was a frequent patient at the doctor's office in which I work. I never knew that the day I wheeled Grandpa over to the emergency room that it would only be about a month later that he would receive his eternal home in heaven.

The morning that Grandpa passed away, I could see the look of sadness on my doctor's face, as he walked into the office that day. My doctor explained to me that from the time that he first med Eli, he could tell that there was something different and special about him. Grandpa shined his light wherever he went. I doubt he knew what kind of an impact he made on his family physician, but maybe he realizes it now. An impact that this doctor wants to pass on to his daughters. I thought that was pretty special.

Not only has April included a funeral, but also a cousin's wedding and the birth of a nephew. Those are about the three most major events in the life of an individual, minus a personal relationship and commitment to the Lord.

I am really looking forward to meeting my new nephew, Coy Matthew Fiechter. Congratulations to Lance, Sara, Maeley, and Tessa! They are now a family of five. Have you ever been lonely for somebody that you have never met? That is how I feel about Coy. The other day as I picked out a gift for him, I pictured the boy that he is going to grow up to be one day. Will he be as pesky to his sisters as his father was towards me, but then realize how boring life would be without older siblings. As I asked about him, during my conversation with mom today, I got lonely for him again. What a sweet bundle.

credits: photo from Sara's fb page

Coy was born the same day as Grandpa's funeral. It reminded me of how Job says "the Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord." No matter what the circumstances may be, we are called to praise the Lord's name. Easier to say than do, if you ask me.

Now, to my most recent projects. I got the motivation to finally tackle another bedroom with my painting supplies. After a month of looking at these navy paint samples splotched on this wall, I decided it was time. The decision between the three samples became evident the moment I brushed them on that wall. 

Doing a bold, dark color scared me a little bit. It isn't in my personality, especially since I like to play the color scheme safe and stick with pastels and neutrals. Oh, but the talk around google is that "navy" is a very popular color right now. The things I do, trying to be with the "in" crowd.

I admit that the room looks better. I wouldn't say that I am "in love" with it, but maybe with a few throw pillows on the bed, the room will continue to grow on me.

Next project on the list: pain the trim white. The brown trim just isn't working, not up against those navy walls at least.

I managed to wipe the dust off of the sewing machine yesterday. An expert sewer, I am not, but I can handle curtain valances. It was actually sort of refreshing to spend some time sewing. I enjoyed it.

I am thinking that I might add something to the bottom of the valances yet. Hmmm

Hope you enjoyed the update. Nate asked me, on Tuesday, how long it had been since I last updated my blog. "It's been a while," I replied. Glad I have him to keep me on track.

Happy Thursday Everybody!

Living the "Norm"- House Before/After Pictures

"So what is new with you?" she asked, on our 15 minute drive to school. This was the question that my high- school aged neighbor girl asked as I drove her to school the other morning. 

Umm....well.....let me think. "You know, not a lot of new things are going on in my life lately," I responded. I really tried to think of something exciting to share with her, but nothing came to mind.

I began asking myself, do I really lead that boring of a life? Not boring, but maybe somewhat uneventful right now. I like uneventful, and sometimes I can get too comfortable in that type of life. Unfortunately God does not call us to lead a comfortable life, and I have to keep that in mind.

I am living in the everyday "norm" as I like to call it, and I  do not mind the "norm" whatsoever. The "norm" is what I longed for a year ago, when I was less than a month away until my wedding. I honestly wondered, at that point, if I would ever feel as comfortable in Ohio as I had in Indiana.

Nate told me, when we were first engaged, that we were going to work at creating a new normal (or "norm"). It took some time, but I am officially there and have been for a while. Buying a nice, cozy house has also played a factor in creating even more of a "norm" for me. I guess that is what I will write about...yep...more about our house.

A few people have been asking how our house is coming along. Things are going a little slower than I had hoped, as far as painting and decorating. After painting room #6, all of which were various sizes, I decided that I needed to take about a month off and rejuvenate. Now that I have not painted for a couple weeks, I am wondering if I will ever get back to it. The uncurtained windows and paint-swatched walls will just have to wait, because this girl has lost all motivation for painting.

I really enjoy before and after pictures and thought I would share a few with you. Although we did not do anything major, you will hopefully see a notable change.

Kitchen Before

Kitchen After

Living Room #1 Before

Living Room #1 After

Main Living Room Before

Main Living Room After

If you have followed my couch experience, I would like to inform you that it has officially arrived. It is actually quite large for two people. Nate and I look a little bit shrimpy sitting on it, just the two of us.

When Ken's Furniture delivered the couch, they even rewarded me with a beautiful rose to thank us for our business. I have been nothing but impressed with them. 

Main Bathroom Before

Main Bathroom After

I do want to document who our first over-night company was in our new house. You never know when a person might need to remember such things. Might be best if I chart it.

It has been three weeks ago already, but they officially made the house company-proof. Thank you Seth, Blaine, Brooke, and Tianne for coming out to see us. They came to see Shelby too, of course. We were also glad to have Doug join us on Sunday.

Now that we have a giant couch, we won't make you sit on folding chairs any more.

Thank you for clicking over to my blog. It has been exciting for us to see our home come together, and to see the pieces of the puzzle fit together. I am excited to put the finishing pieces in place.

Blessings to you all!