Dragging my Feet...

A while back I posted a whole diddy about being content, embracing living in our small house, starting to do more projects, yada yada yada.

That didn't happen.

The house is still on the market (for sale by owner now).  We are getting several calls, but doors aren't opening right now.  To say I'm "okay" with this would be a lie.  BUT, I am trying to put on my optimistic glasses and stay focused on the positives.  Lower mortgage, less house to clean, rubbing elbows with the loved ones, you know the sappy things people say when they live in small houses (and for the majority are true but at times you just want to scream GET UP OUT OF MY SPACE!!).

Truth be told, we are fine.  We know there is a reason we aren't moving, unbeknownst to us.  Someday we will look back and that reason will be so clear and we will be thankful.  But, one must not live in the future or one will miss out on the present.  So...  I do what I do best, I make a list.

I had a come to Jesus with the husband last night and went over the list with him.  I have categorized things by monthly goals and waved my hooray pennant in attempts to fire him up to get on board of the project "keep my wife from going insane by renovating and changing a few things in the house."  Up first is the guest room.

Our house has two, technically three, rooms.  Our tiny room is devoted to Henry's space.  This used to be our office/library (because we have more books than we know what to do with).  So, when Henry was cooking in the oven, we decided to keep the guest room as is, move the desk to the living room, store several books, and transform the tiny space to a lovely nursery.  Because we would totally be out of here by his first birthday.  Note to self, don't put a timeline on life events.

Now that Henry is getting a little older and his toys are TAKING OVER MY LIVING ROOM, plan C is going into action.  Our guest room will be changed into an office/play room by the end of September, so help me.  Because we have a tiny house, the bed has camouflaged nicely as a storage unit.  Under the bed are several bins of shoes, wrapping paper, and who knows what else.  Project purge is underway currently.  I am finding new homes for the shoes (and getting rid of several pairs, sigh), selling my large stash of gift bags in a garage sale, and clearing out closet and drawer space.

The donate and sale boxes runneth over.  

Once I have cleared out under the bed, the bed itself and my beloved bedding will be posted for sale.  Then, the magic happens.  A blank slate to do with as I wish.  Painting will happen (cough, cough, husband doesn't know this yet), a new furniture piece will be bought, and I will have my office space back.  Not to mention the toys will have a home. 

So, here's to the first thing on the list.  Now I finally have something to write about!!! 

If you know of anyone looking for a magnificent queen bed, adorable gray bedding, and striped sheet set, you just let me know. 

Washer oh Washer

Sometimes you've gotta celebrate the little things in life, right?
Like...
Having all the dishes done before bed (I will drop to my knees and praise Baby Jesus the day we get a dishwasher).
Not leaving shoes all over the floor.
Henry making it through the day with the same outfit on.
Having a few minutes to blog.
Getting through a work week with no last minute cancellations (this hasn't happened in a long while).
Etc.
And THEN sometimes you are blessed with big things. Like really, huge, ginormous things. In this case, a working washing machine!!!!!!!
It all started back on December 8 when the thing stopped mid-rinse cycle. Fortunately, we have a home warranty so I got those folks on the phone. Unfortunately, they couldn't get an appointment scheduled for 2 weeks! Two weeks of no laundry is hard for me. I try to do a load a day and a mountain of laundry freaks me out. Thankfully our parents opened their laundry rooms to us and we did I think a total of 9 loads or more.
The day finally came for repairs and not only did the repair guy show up in the last 10 minutes of our allotted time (the whole 12-4 range doesn't thrill me), of course a part has to be ordered. So, he hopes to be back on the 23. Low and behold, they call the day before and say the part won't be there. I beg and plea with them to wait and see, but no go. An appointment date is rescheduled for the 2nd. You can only imagine the rage I felt when I arrived home to have the motor on my doorstep and when I called to inform them, they apologized and said all slots were full. ANGER!!!
The washer finally is fixed and we are good to go for about two weeks I think? Then the thing started smoking one evening. Now this washer is around 15 years old and they put a $400 motor in the sucker. I called them back, the guy came out (4 days later of course), there is another broken part but they don't make it anymore so it will have to be replaced. Why didn't you do that almost two months ago?!
Then a battle started because of miscommunication and laziness to actually call our warranty place (we dealt with Sears the whole time, no sir won't be using them again). We finally got the washer delivered this past Friday. But, since out house is older they couldn't install it. A plumber came out yesterday and we are now in business.
Good grief right!? I even left out some details.
So...
A $75 fee to our warranty folk, a gift card to Sears for $75 because of an enraged phone call made by me (Chris wasn't home and Henry wasn't around so no one was there to witness my customer service call), and $80 to a plumber to drill a hole in the wall and this is what we have...

Thrifty Thoughts

I've been racking my brain to think of something thrifty that I could share! I do consider myself a fairly thrifty person, however either it is so normal to me I don't think of it as thrifty or I feel like everyone does it so it isn't unique.

This week Ashley shared a thrifty way to save on curtains. Curtains are a thorn in my side. In our guest room I spent like $80 on simple white panels. No pizzaz or anything! I have always wanted curtains in my living room and needed them for our bedroom, but wanted something fun and didn't want to break the bank.

Enter the fabric store.

We have a fun place here in Springfield called the FM Store that is filled to the brim with fabrics at a very reasonable price. My mother sews (she says she no longer will for me and I need to learn, ha), so I enlisted her services for some curtains. For both rooms I spent a total of $45 I believe and I think they look smashing. For the living room there was no cutting involved, just sewing up the edges. In the bedroom my mom cut he fabric in half in order to have two for each window and not have an overwhelming amount of fabric.

Presto chango, cheap curtains that didn't break the bank and my husband actually likes.

As a bonus, the lamps were both garage sale finds that were spray painted and a new shade was added. I resold the previous shades in my moms booth which paid for the new shades. The living room lamp is some fancy brand, retail value was $250, I got it for $10. Winning!!!

Yes, I should have gotten out the fancy camera and picked up a little, but I like to keep things real folks.

Don't mind the dog and the game control thingy.

Perhaps I need to invest in a new dog bed :)

On the Menu #2

Week number two of our menu planning will be short and sweet.  I was home Monday-Wednesday then headed out to Kentucky to see family.  Therefore, we only planned two meals because we figured one night would be leftovers.  Our grocery bill was still close to the $70 mark though due to toilet paper, contact solution, razors and coffee.  It is always funny how it evens out though.  The weeks we need these things are typically the weeks we are leaving town or have lots of things planned.  

Monday we took advantage of some things I had to buy last week for the toquitos; corn tortillas, green onions, and cilantro.  I hate having things go to waste, so I googled "What can you make with corn tortillas?" (no joke) and one thing that popped up were Mexican pizzas.  Our parents are very sweet to us and both buy meat yearly (like a fourth of a cow or half a pig) and we get to reap the benefits.  Therefore, hamburger meat abounds in our household.  So, I browned up some meat, added some taco seasoning, fried up some tortillas and we made our own Mexican pizzas.  Easy, delicious, and all I had to do was buy some refried beans (love those puppies).

Not a great pic... but you get the point.

Tuesday was our breakfast night (I promise we don't have a Mexican Monday and Breakfast Tuesday tradition, it just worked out this way).  We opted for biscuits and gravy and eggs.  I didn't get off work until 8:30 so not that best meal to have late at night, but one of my favorites. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE breakfast for dinner?

Wednesday was a free for all because I wasn't home until 8:30 again and we figured there would be some leftovers from our previous two meals.  Plus I had to get packing for Kentucky and wanted to spend a little time with the husband before leaving him for four days.  

Nothing too adventurous this past week...  I've got a couple of fun things planned for next week though.    

On the Menu

As stated in a previous post, I meal plan and hit up the grocery store every week.  I try my best to use what we have first and roll over any meals that we didn't get to the week prior.  I also look at the ingredients for what I want and try to go with meals that might call for the same thing.  Two of my meals this week needed cream cheese for example.  If I have to use produce (green onions, celery, cilantro, etc.) I really try to plan a meal early the next week with those items because I hate just throwing those things out.  

When Pinterest launched, I had all these visions to make a new meal each week that I found.  

Ha to the haha. 

Our menus are still varied and honestly there are few things that have been repeated since we've been married (I will say I haven't made mashed potatoes the entire time we've been married, I am not the best elaborate cook).  But, Chris does most of the cooking because of my job, and while the boy has learned a lot, I don't want to leave him with some detailed recipe (Chris does an excellent job by the way).  

This past week, however, my work load has been a little lighter due to our area's Spring Break so I have been able to be home in the evening, hip hip hooray!  I took full advantage of this and opted to try a recipe I have been wanting to try and a recipe from a friend.  Hopefully in the weeks to come I will share some recipes from our family cookbooks, this week just wasn't one of those weeks.

Monday night we had Baked Creamy Chicken Toquitos from Pinterest.  My friend Andrea has made them and said they were tasty and made a multitude, so that was enough for me.  She was right, the recipe makes more than what it says it does.  I think we got 15 out of it, probably could have done a few more.  They were delicious!  We paired them with some Mexican rice and chips and salsa.  I have other friends who have made them and said they freeze well, so I might consider doing a double batch next time.  We stuck with the corn tortillas, fewer calories and I love 'em.  No crazy ingredients involved, a lot of the things I already had on hand, always a plus.

Tuesday night was pancake night.  Easy, cheap, fast, and delicious.  We usually have breakfast for dinner once a week.  It is my favorite kind of meal and now that I control the menu, I'm all over it! 


Wednesday evening we hit up my parents for some free grub and our gender reveal par-tay! 

Thursday we had Alfredo.  OH MY GOSH!  If you are ever in the mood for some Olive Garden, but not wanting to fork out the bucks, TRY THIS!  My sweet friend Christa shared this recipe on her blog and good golly it is delicious.  I am a pasta fanatic and this did not disappoint.  This is a splurge meal, not light on calories, but totally worth it (I have another recipe that is, will share that in the future, but not as good).  The only thing I had to purchase for this meal was the whipping cream and cream cheese (which was used on the toquitos as well), everything else I had.  We had some left over chicken breast from Monday that we seasoned up and added on top, whipped up some bread, added a salad and we were set.  There is still quite a bit of sauce left.  I am sure we will eat leftovers, but I wonder if it might freeze...

I meant to take a picture of our plates, but it was too good to stop.  Realllllyyyy good.

Friday night we hit up Mexican Villa with Chris' parents.  The joy of living in the same town as our parents is getting invitations to meals often. 

Saturday was leftovers and popcorn at the movies. 

Sunday another leftovers day and pineapple for dinner.


I know we eat fairly light and since there are just two of us, leftovers are a must throughout the week or else we would throw out way too much food.  This next week we only planned for two meals because I will be leaving town and Chris said he can manage (aka go to his parents or get a frozen pizza).  

Hope some of you try the toquitos or alfredo soon.  You won't regret it, promise.  

Budget

Ok, so this post is a little out of my norm... and it's long... and it's pictureless, sorry.  I have been reading a lot of blogs lately about budgeting, being money wise, etc.  I've rolled the idea around in my head of sharing with you how our household works and decided what the hey, why not be a little vulnerable.  I am doing this for two reasons really.  First of all, money will always be an issue, for everyone.  Even if you are comfortable or have more than you need, it should still be an issue because I feel you should be a good steward of what you are doing with it.  Second, we struggled with what to do with the green stuff when we were first married.  Both Chris and I were used to not thinking about finances to a degree and it was difficult to make that transition.  So, if this can be helpful to any of you out there, good deal.  

The six letter word, budget, has, in the past, been a joke to me.  For the five years I was out of college and on my own, I was on a "budget."  When it really comes down to it, all that meant was I attempted to keep my checking account above a given mark.  I was mindless of where my money was being spent and I always hated when I got my W2 at the end of the year and reflected on how much I made versus how much I actually had in the bank.  

Then someone liked it and put a ring on it and things changed.

Prior to our wedding date, we discussed finances and what have you (if it is too awkward to discuss finances before walking down the isle, check yourself).  I was going to begin a new job (which I thought would be a pay increase, but turned out to be a decrease... from teaching...  but most of that is my doing, more on that in a few), and Chris was to begin his residency.  His first adult pay check of his life.  He was ecstatic to be getting paid, selfishly I was astonished to see what residents actually get paid (not a whole lot folks).  We were clueless as to how much we would be bringing in from month to month, or week to week for that matter, so it took a while.  I made several lists, spread sheets and did a whole lotta number crunching.

I always wanted Chris to take over the finances.  I get worked up about money.  We quickly learned though, that I was more adamant about keeping track of things and mindful of what was coming into and out of the bank account on a weekly basis.  Yup, we get paid every week.  It is nice that it turned out this way.  

As mentioned earlier, I was expecting a pay increase with my new job.  With my position, if I work, I get paid, if I don't, nada.  So, it is up to me to maintain my client load.  Through lots of prayer and sleepless nights, Chris and I agreed on a number that was financially suitable for our needs, but allowed me to have my sanity.  Some weeks I have more clients and it is rough (hair pulling wise), some weeks I have less and it is rough (money wise).  But, we manage and for this reason it is even more important to me to maintain our budget.

All that being said to point out that we had to have a budget.  Not just a fly by the seat of your pants kind of thing.  A real, grown up budget.  We get paid every week, but only Chris' check is consistent.  Mine vary a great deal at times.  We's got bills to pay and don't want our power turned off. 

So, I sat down and wrote out all of our expenses.  Tithing, giving, savings, bills, and loans.  When I had this number in front of me, it made the shopping I was doing a little less important.  Since all the bills are in my name and I was used to getting paid once a month with teaching, all of our bills are due at the same time.  We were getting paid every week, so I had to make sure we were setting aside enough weekly to make our payments at the end.  

Then I was left with what we actually had at the end of each week for us.  Geez.  It took a while to realize we could actually manage weekly on that number.  This is what works for us...  

We go grocery shopping weekly.  I hate it, but it helps.  We have $70 a week for our grocery trip.  This includes any toiletries, house cleaners, etc. that are needed.  If we are out of TP and shampoo, it might be a slim picking meal week.  In all honesty, we usually are well under our $70 mark.  I debated on decreasing the weekly grocery budget, but knew there would be times we would run out of every thing and didn't want to be upset for needing to go over.  Rather than letting that extra just stay in the account though, I keep track and add the extra onto my student loan payment monthly.  Sometimes it is only $15 more, sometimes $50, but it helps.  

We also started keeping cash.  Yup, we are those change counters that you see out and about.  I tried to wrap my brain around the whole Dave Ramsey everything in separate envelopes system, too overwhelming.  So, we have an allotted amount weekly for each of us that includes eating out, shopping, gifts, etc.   Every Friday when we replenish, we empty our wallets into a jar and save up for bigger things we want (our camera, the ongoing desire for an iPad, and the recent baby crib fund).  When we only have to get through Friday with what we have and those bigger things are in sight, we tend to be less likely to swing through the drive through or go buy little things.

We have a gas budget as well for the week.  But, with both of us having to drive for work and gas prices changing regularly, I admit this hasn't been top priority.  I probably need to take a look at this system again.

I was worried at first because we didn't really take into account any unexpected expenses.  You know, needing the oil changed (I know this isn't unexpected really), Chris having to pay for a CE course, etc.  But, it has always worked out.  

Here's confessional time.  When I was on my own, if I was running low, I would simply transfer money over to my checking from savings.  Of course I had the intention of putting the money back once I was paid, but rarely did that happen.  I wish I wouldn't have done this.  It is ok to say no to things!  I am happy to report though, that in the 9 months we have been married, I think there has been one or two times we have had to dip into our savings and we have put the money back.  Blessing!!  We were talking the other day and realized the money we received from our wedding still hasn't been touched.  

I do not write this to boast, apologizes if it is taken that way.  I simply write this because as I said, money is always an issue.  I remember calling my mom in the past in tears over finances.  Since saying "I do" it has really set in that what we are given, we are to be good stewards of.  I feel I am much more mindful of where our finances go, but through this is a lot of freedom.  God continues to provide when we feel it is needed and we are doing just fine.  

In a matter of months all of this will change when Chris leaves his residency and begins a new job. We are so thankful for this year of living well below our means.   We have learned so much of what you really can get by on and what is important. 

Exciting Day

Today is monumental people...

I got to help cook dinner.  

I know, I know.  Hold your gasp of bewilderment and confusion.  I love cooking dinner for Chris.  Sure, at times it is a pain in the rear and adding more fuel to the fire is our lack of a dishwasher.  But, overall I really do enjoy it.  Since marrying the guy almost four months ago, I could probably count on two hands the times I have actually been able to prepare a meal for the two of us.  

Today is different.

Today, I got to help.

Now, seeing as how my day will still not end until 7:15ish, Chris still has to do the "cooking" aspect of things.  Here is how my helping plays out:

On the menu tonight is Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi Soup.  So, I wrote out the recipe, set out the dry ingredients and put the chicken in the crock pot.

Next, I cut up all the veggies and set the other ingredients close by.  (just to clarify, Chris could figure out where the heavy whipping cream and milk are located, but it makes me feel more involved)

I set our wonderful soup pot on the stove, ready to go.

Finally, I typed up an email to Chris letting him know everything is ready to go, the time I will be home, when to start the soup, and that there is bread in the freezer.

 

 

 

And there you have it.  I got to help with dinner.  

Oh, and in case you were interested, here is the recipe for this fabulous soup.  I got it from my mother, not sure where she got it from.  It is amazingly wonderful and best of all, not difficult.  Now, if I could just have the Olive Garden salad (I know there is a recipe on Pinterest, wasn't thinking ahead this week) and some bellini tea, I would be set.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

1/3 c. butter
2 cloves of minced garlic
1 lb chicken--cooked & cubed
1/3 c. flour
1/2 sliced carrots
1 stick sliced celery
1/4 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. fresh spinach torn in pieces
2 c. milk
2 c. heavy cream
3 chicken bullion cubes
Pepper to taste
17.6 oz. of Gnocchi (I rarely use all of it--too much)

On medium heat:
Melt butter in a soup pot, add garlic and saute.
Add chicken and flour.  Mix well until flour is cooked into chicken.
Next add milk and heavy cream.
Add veggies (carrots, celery, onion, spinach)
Add 3 bullion cubes.
Add Gnocchi last--it takes 3-4 minutes to cook throughout. 
Mix ingredients well until soup thickens and stirring occasionally.
Cover and simmer 10 minutes.

(If too thick, add milk to consistency you want.)

At Odds

Chris and I like to dream a lot.  He refers to his "man lair" several times throughout any given week.  Currently, our house does not encompass enough space for such a desire, however it is on the list for our future home.  My dreams are a little more practical.  Oh say, a dishwasher and garbage disposal to begin with.  If you have either of these amenities in your kitchen, thank your lucky stars.

Lately we have been dreaming of things which are a little more practical and within our reach, although very different.  

For Chris, 

The boy wants an Xbox.  His previous system underwent the "red ring of death" and he has been without for over a year.  He isn't a serious gamer, however he does enjoy his occasional video game.  We still have some Target gift cards I am setting aside for him, we shall see.

For me,

I want a new camera so stinking bad.  I have been looking for over a year now, but can't seem to push myself to save up for one.  Currently most of my pictures are being taken on my phone which just isn't cutting it.  My goal is to have one before we have kids, surely that is realistic!?

So, even though we dream a lot and have a wish list a mile long, we are doing quite well.  Our home is looking pretty cute, our cars are stickin with us, and I had a Starbucks this morning.  I'm pretty content with life right now, pretty darn content.

Little Behind

Last week was our first week really home since we've been married.  Yes, one month of marriage and only one full week at home.  Chris has had to travel a lot for work, surprisingly.  

So, with full intentions of being a good wife who hasn't started working yet (praying on that one)...  I set off with domestic dreams of sweetly set tables for every night of the week.

Ha, reality sets in quickly.  Here is what our week looked like.

Monday:

On Monday nights some friends and I get together for the guilty pleasure of watching the Bachelorette.  We also bring treats.  For me, I kind of slumped on this task due to wedding planning and sheer laziness.  Chocolate covered strawberries here, chips and salsa (not homemade) there...  But, for this week I wanted to feed into another guilty pleasure, Pinterest.  I figured, I spend so much time pinning delicious foods, why not try one.  

Since I knew Chris would be left to fend for himself for dinner, while planning out what to make for the Bach, I also made him some of Pullan's famous salsa.  Sorry girls, Chris got the better end of the deal on this cooking experiment.  I made ice cream bread for the girls, not so good.

Haven't mastered the "clean cooking" technique.

Salsa=delightful

Tuesday:

Cooking night.  We had steak, corn on the cob, and salad.  We watched the All Star game and ate on our fanciful tv trays.

Wednesday:

BLTs, mac and cheese, and salad.  Cooking bacon has got to be one of the worst things.  The smell lingered for days.   

Thursday:

We ate out with a group of friends to celebrate the Worley's  home coming from Amsterdam.  Didn't plan on this, but well worth it.

Friday:

Another surprise outing.  I went to Kai to celebrate Chrissy's upcoming nuptials and Chris went to the Brew Co. with his parents and brother.

Saturday:

Pancakes, made by the husband.

Sunday:

McDonald's on the way to Arkansas (another work related outing, but I got to go this time).  I will note that this was my first time to McDonald's in FIVE WEEKS!!!!  Sorry folks, but I love that place.  However, I will say that after a five week subbatical, not craving it like I used to.  This could be a blessing.

So, as you can see, my dreams of eating at home didn't fan out as much as I would have liked on this particular week.  We are trying our hand at a "budget" and food is one area we are struggling with.  Things just seem to pop up and you just don't want to say no.  

This week we have been gone Monday-Wednesday and Chris leaves again on Friday.  Perhaps we shall try again next week...  (however, I wouldn't trade any of it for the world)

Therapy

Chris moves back home in three days.  THREE DAYS!!  And while he won't be moving into our home for another 38 days, I am doing my best to get things prepared to have him move in.  The living room has been painted, almost all of our gifts have been put away and I have cleaned out one of the three closets in our small house. 

Yesterday I decided to get some much needed curb appeal going.  My yard is a mess.  Between the pond in the front yard as a result of replacing the main drain to the crazy vine plant my neighbors have that takes over my back fence, it is nuts.  Thankfully, Chris is ready to work on the yard and has "visions" for what he would like to do.  Go for it bud.  But, I did get my window boxes, pots, and herbs planted yesterday. 

I agree, these items need a fresh coat of paint.  Added to the to do list.

Unpacking

I have a dream... a dream that my house will be put back together by May 13.  A dream that my blender and spoons and forks will all live in harmony.  That one day my stainless steel and white will not compete, but walk hand in hand while making a beautiful chocolate cake.

Stretching it?  Maybe, but if you saw my house you would know that there is no balance or harmony.  My office is full of gifts and my kitchen table is loaded down with styrofoam.  All of which reminds me of how loved we are.  Last night I set out to get my kitchen somewhat cleaned out.  I was overwhelmed within an hour and gave up.  I figure if I can put five things away every night, it will eventually get done.  My hopes are to gradually show you completed projects so that you can say, "oh there's the cupcake stands I gave them" or "oh wow, that coffee maker looks delightful scrunched in by the microwave" (limited counter space people, but we needs our coffee).

Here are a couple of pretty things in our kitchen that I am just smitten about

Our lovely blender!!!  Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Arnold.  We decided on "majestic gold" because anything with gold in the title must be incorporated into the Boschen household.  I love it.

This was a graduation gift from my parents, a beautiful hutch.  They found this amazing find at an estate auction and painted it white to fit into our kitchen.  Due to limited cabinet space, this is a wonderful spot for all of our dishes.  I love the glass doors!

Our First Big Purchase

Since Chris and I found out we were staying in Springfield at my current house, the discussion of bedroom furniture quickly came into play.  My bedroom is currently finished.  We could use it as our room, but my pink lamp, pink mirror, and bright blue walls are not very masculine.  Plus Chris doesn't love the fact that you have to jump into my bed.  So, the hunt was on to transform what is now my extra room into our room.

Needless to say, our tastes are pretty different.  I like vintage, bright, airy pieces...

source

He likes leather headboards, dark wood, and brown... lots and lots of brown (ok so I am taking a little liberty in saying that, he does like color, but I think you get what I mean).  So, I went into the bedroom furniture adventure with two things in mind:

• I have decorated my entire house how I have wanted it for the past three years and I want him to have a big say in this.  Something that is ours.
• We both loved a bed display at Restoration Hardware that was very warm and lovely (so I knew I wasn't going to be fighting off bear skin rugs, hunter green, or whatever).

When we started looking, I was pleasantly surprised that we easily fell onto the same page.  And low and behold we came up with something that we BOTH love. 

Not the best picture, but I will take more when it is in its home.

Now, in a dream world I would paint my walls before the bedroom set is delievered in 3-4 weeks.  However, Chris and I just gave the walls a fresh over Christmas break, so he isn't game with that (they are a tan color and I would rather them be a white or even a really light blue or maybe even a green since we are looking at a tan bedding set).   Plus, I have a major exam on the 21st of this month so my efforts need to be drawn towards studying, not painting.  But, we shall see if I get a wild hair over the next few weeks, I'll let you know.

Dizzy

I'm so dizzy my head is spinning...  (I love that song).  Anywho, that's how I am feeling right about now.  I think it was at the three months til wedding mark last week that I began to feel all out of sorts.  We have all of the big things done, they have been for a long while.  So, I have been sitting on plans and blog pictures and lists and ideas for oh, I'd say at least 5 months now.  And now, it is time.  Time to put things into action.  Time to actually start checking things off of the list...  and I'm dizzy.

I know it will all get done, it always does.  I just don't want it to all be done in May or June.  Also, since we are staying in my (cough, cough, I mean our) house, I am fixated on getting things fixed up and prettified before I must live with a boy.  So, in the past week here is what I have done:

• cut bunting (thanks Nicole)
• sweet Jenny finished my invitations so they are being proofed currently
• looked at EVERY (not really but felt that way) furniture store in Springfield for a bedroom set
• found the bedroom set we adore on Craigslist, people were asking too much
• woke up at 3 one morning waiting for an email from the Craigslist lady, got an email, called, not willing to come down in price
• bought fabric for drapes for the living room, pictured below
• picked out paint for the living room
• tried to pick out paint for the bathroom
• cleaned out my closets (garage sale next weekend at mom's)
• threw away toaster, YAY!
• bought a few secret items for the reception, hehehehe
• got two pretty frames (one pictured below)

Here is one of the frames.  I plan to take out the pretty picture (it's up for grabs by the way), put in a chalk board (grandpa project) and paint the frame.  Yes, Danavee, a gold frame shall be spray painted.  I won't ask you to be in attendance at the massacre. 

I am trying to decide on color.  We plan to place this in our white hallway after the wedding.  Therefore I need a color, or I could do white for the wedding and then a color after.  Hmmmm....  I was thinking purple or orange, any other suggestions?

Ok, I must put my dizzy brain to work now on other things.  Twelve and a half weeks until wedding.  I hope to not turn into a goosefish.  Yes, a goosefish.  My kids and I learned about them today.

Henry Shower

Over this past weekend, I rode up to Centralia and met up with Chris so we could celebrate his grandmother's 85th birthday.  His Grandma and Grandpa Henry are as sweet as pie and it is always fun to visit them because it usually includes seeing the entire Henry clan.  Sara, Chris' mother, grew up with four siblings.  All five of them have large families and Sara is the only Henry currently without grandchildren (someday Sara, someday).  So, there are LOTS of kids running around and lots of adults conversing during these gatherings.  Chris always jokes that we have to meet at the church to eat because that is the only place which will hold us all.


Not only were we able to celebrate Annabel Henry's birthday, they threw us a little shower.  It was very thoughtful of them and we were able to receive more items for our home.  Two of the items we received were games.  Those Boschens love their games and we are quickly creating quite the collection.  Another blessing was a toaster.  You might be laughing or giving me the "pshhh, a toaster?" look, but seriously if you had to use my toaster, you would be calling me with congratulations.  Yes, I know toasters are cheap, but even though I had to use a towel to get the lever to go down and Chris split his thumb open once in in the process, it worked and if it ain't broke I don't fix it.  (hence the microwave which only has two working buttons)


Anyways... The shower was great, our pile of gifts is growing, and I am SO ready to spring clean and put things away.

Work Shower

This past Tuesday (3/8) my delightful coworkers pitched in and threw me my very first ever shower.  I was very pleased to share this day with another coworker who is expecting in the next few weeks.  Sharing attention makes me happy in situations like this (maybe not so much at home, but here it was welcomed).  Danavee was thoughtful and made cute bunting for our gift tables, Julie ordered a delicious cake, Whit dresses all cute like and made sure the punch was flowing, and I got to open some presents.  Even though everything we received was from our registry, it is totally different when you open it and realize, "Hey, I was smitten with this in the store and now I actually get to bring it home!!!"  

We are currently coming up with bakery names, seeing as how we received three cake stands (one of them can be used in six different ways so on some days at the bakery, we might just surprise you), Chris gets to learn how to use a wok, our salads will be served in a beautiful wooden bowl, our water will be purified, I have a whisk to mix my cakes, some towels for our bathroom, a big, white serving bowl for something delicious, a slow cooker to learn how to use, and I hope I am not missing anything...  Needless to say, we are also brainstorming kitchen storage ideas.

All in all, I felt pretty loved after my very first ever shower.  It was loverly.

The Big Reveal...

That was what was placed in all caps for Friday, March 4 on my calendar.  Other than being my wonderful Amster's birthday, Friday was matching day for residencies.  Basically, I have been on pins and needles since last May knowing that Chris desired to apply for a residency and that meant we were playing a waiting game.  If you know me, you know I hate to wait.  I like immediate answers and if I don't get them, I find a way to get them, or I freak out.  So, needless to say the past 10 months have been a humbling experience.  Through it all I learned that really I have no control over anything and when it boils down to it, that is best.  He knew what He was doing when He put Chris and I together, and about four months ago I finally allowed Him to sit in the drivers seat.  I have thoroughly enjoyed how He has navigated our ride since then.

Chris applied for and interviewed with three different residencies since Christmas time.  After each interview we would sit and chat about what were his likes and dislikes and then we came to an agreement and he submitted his matches.  We were fully at peace with the choices.  Two of them required us to pack our bags and move, one of them allowed us to stay and nest.  We had friends praying for all kinds of things, but ultimately we knew they were behind us no matter what, including our families. 

During a delicious meal at Five Guys on this past Saturday evening, I was chatting away with my mother while Chris was frantically messing with his phone (his phone stinks).  I ignored it, convincing myself he was checking ESPN or his twitter account where he strictly follows sport figures and Jackson Talburt.  However, he looked at me and asked me to take a guess of where we were matched.  Tears filled my eyes as he revealed to me he will be working at the Mount Vernon VA next year. 

While a part of me was ready to pack up and leave, I know this is all part of a perfect plan.  We have a wonderful support system set in place in Springfield; a church home, both of our parents, his high school friends, my sweet coworkers and lovely ladies...  We also have a house that we can nest in TOGETHER (we already have a to do list).  I am excited, I am happy, and I am totally content. 

Now that this is all taken care of, we've got bigger fish to fry.  Less than 99 days until wedding day.  Invitations are being designed, tent decorations are in the works, showers are occurring...  life is grand.

Thrifting

When it comes to decorations for our wedding, my goal was to be simplistic and practical.  I hope to use items which can be revamped and used in our home or can simply be thrown away without too much pain about the cost going in the trash.  I say this because I am sure my mother would appreciate not havng a closet full of wedding decorations wih no clue what to do with them. Therefore, we have been hitting up flea markets and antique shops for several cute details for the wedding.  I won't go into detail about what we have gotten, simply because I would like guest to walk in and enjoy what they see rather than already knowing every aspect of the wedding.  But, it will be loverly!!

I have hit a wall with a few items though and am hoping to have a little help from my friends in locating these items.  If you are out and about at a flea market and find a large rectangular and/or oval frame that are ornate, holla back at me.

New Little Guy

There's a new little guy in town.  Well not really in MY town, but in A town.  Anyways...  My sister and brother-in-law welcomed little Benaiah (Ben) Wayne Parrish to the world on Monday, February 28.  I am so excited for the two of them, as well as my little niece Kharis.  I am flying out to visit and help over my spring break. 

All of the pictures of the litlte guy by himself are on my phone and I am not able to get onto the computer, boo.  Believe me, he is a cutie.

Favorite Past Time

I have several things I enjoy doing during my free time.  Reading a good book, talking on the phone to some buddies, hit up a thrift store, go for a walk with the dog, you know the general.  But, one of my all time favs is to shop.  I love shopping.  I have held back significantly over the past six months or so from my normal trips to the mall however, ya know trying to be good on the old bank account.  However, I feel justified to shop my little heart out right now.  I have six showers coming up!  And who doesn't want to look cute and dolled up when a shower is being thrown for you?  I feel very blessed by all the upcoming events and cannot wait to spend time with friends and family. 

So, I have been daydreaming slightly of spring like dresses and curled hair.  I am excited.  Here are a few cute dresses which have caught my eye:

Anthropologie



Anthropologie

Anthropologie

J Crew

Don't get me wrong folks.  Anthropologie and J Crew will be indulgences, but I am loving their look right now.  I have already requested that we shop a tad this weekend while I am in KC and Chris has given into my request.  Way to go Chris.





List

I have not blogged for over a week now!  Most of this is due in part to the fact that I no longer have Internet at my house (gasp, I know).  I am reverting back to the stone age days in order to save a buck.  My hopes are that the blue house will sell soon, please Lord, and I will then move in with the parentals where Internet will be flowing freely (literately). 

Another reason for not blogging, I can't think of anything to talk about!  There is stuff going on with wedding dazzlement, however I am in secretive mode.  Believe it or not I have made a list of post possibilities for AFTER the wedding where I can talk about things, but I don't really want you to see anything until then.  So, as time goes on, we will see what I decide I would like to show, but boy am I excited!  Things are actually beginning to HAPPEN!  The dreaming state is becoming the cutting, pasting, sewing, thrifting, purchasing state.  Love it!

I will say I am keeping my eye out for something similar to this:

I would love to have an old dresser of some kind or another for the guest sign in post/possible gift table.  However, I do understand this is a big piece for the whopping 2 minutes guests will see it.  A girl can dream though.  I am sure we will come up with something perfect (my vote is a dresser or old table, so if you see one fellow, friendly thrifters, text me).