The Condo: One Year In!

Can you believe we've been in our "new" home for a year!? I can't. I also can't believe I failed to post more photos as we've made changes/decorated. Well... I can believe that because it took us forever to do that. In fact, we still aren't done. But I'm not really rushing it either.

So we may not be completely done yet but I'd like to show you our place! And as much as I wish I could have spent a day cleaning and photographing my home without interruption/family currently living in it (aka staged), I couldn't. So these are far from perfect photos. But at least this way you get to see more of our reality (on a good day). And now the tour:

Our entry way was one of the first things to come together. We found a hallway runner we both loved right away and I still love to look at it when I walk in the door. We found these lovely, super-slim IKEA shoe cabinets that fit perfectly in the hallway. And our coat hooks above them make it super easy to get out the door. I also love that the boys know exactly where their shoes go (we each have our own cabinet) and they usually put their shoes away without a fuss. Yeah! 

Now we'll travel up the stairs and you'll find the boy's bedroom at the top. This room came together pretty quickly after we got their bunk beds. I can't say we really "decorated" it, it's mostly just functional with a few photos but it suits them well. And I really like that the floor is left fairly empty (except the shelves against the walls) so that they can pull out anything and have plenty of space to play; or as William currently prefers -- play football in the bedroom. Eek!

Next to the bedroom is the bathroom. Nothing too thrilling there.

You'll now walk down the hallway, passed our laundry room and kitchen. Which were shared here.

We are nearly done with the living room/dining room. We have rugs and couches and a dining room table and chairs. We found a great deal on the table and chairs on Craigslist.com -- 6 chairs and a table for $80. The chair covers were in terrible shape so we had a friend recover them for us. So worth it!

Our couch and loveseat came from a store called Living Spaces which saved us from having to guess at all the online options. Online furniture shopping is fairly close to a nightmare. We are very pleased with our choice. The style was a little different that we originally intended but they fit us really well (aka: Chris can lay down!) and they are super comfortable.

The two kid rugs in this area are our temporary solution to keep the kids from sliding all over the place as they run around . . . and dampen the noise for our downstairs neighbor (it doesn't work).

The two pieces of furniture we kept from our old place were the TV stand and our china hutch. Very functional if nothing else. (Still trying to figure out which wall to put the Europe art.)

And now we'll travel back down stairs to the "master suite." You can laugh at that joke on your way down. You'll pass another long hallway with a closet (our only storage space now... no, I'm not showing it to you).

Our bedroom is nearly completed. We are just missing the perfect desk which will magically hide all the stuff. But I feel like even after we find it, the room may not feel like anything special. It feels very much like the rental we previous had. But I have zero know-how in how to make it feel special with what we have. We did hang up our picture frames and canvases last month so it does feel more personal and finished. All I can say is that having our own bedroom with a door has been just as amazing as I had dreamed it would be. That's special enough. For now.

And our own bathroom: 

Our new neighborhood has a lot to offer too. We've had a great time exploring. At least twice a year there are festivals just a few blocks away; the neighborhood rec center has a pool for the kid's swimming lessons; they can join basketball and soccer teams there in the future. And there are three great playgrounds along our street. There are a number of fantastic restaurants within walking distance. Not to mention a movie theater and a spa that I love to go to (once a year). Quick story: One night our babysitter forgot about the gig. Our dinner reservation was at 8; We called him at 7:45 and he was able to show up within 10 minutes. And we still walked to this fancy dinner spot on time!! Love that that's even possible!

I don't know if I should be embarrassed or thankful that it took me 11 months to realize I could walk to a Target from our new home. I knew it was somewhere in "that" direction but I didn't realize it was actually close enough to walk to (it's not an easy walk... many hills). There is also a Trader Joe's near it; two stores I love but tend to ignore because a) I spend too much money when I'm there and b) they had never been convenient to get to before. Life changing and too fun.

We've gotten to meet a handful of our neighbors and like them very much. We've had a few really weird interactions and run-ins, but for the most part (for better or worse), most people stay to themselves and our complex is very quiet (with the exception of a lot of dogs and two Babiak boys).

So after living in our own place for a year, we are still pretty over the moon happy about it. Grateful on a daily basis for the Lord's provision of this place for us. If you are ever visiting the city and want to check out our comfortable couch for a night or three, don't hesitate to call ahead come! We'd love to share this blessing with you.

Can you believe we've been in our "new" home for a year!? I can't. I also can't believe I failed to post more photos as we've made changes/decorated. Well... I can believe that because it took us forever to do that. In fact, we still aren't done. But I'm not really rushing it either.

So we may not be completely done yet but I'd like to show you our place! And as much as I wish I could have spent a day cleaning and photographing my home without interruption/family currently living in it (aka staged), I couldn't. So these are far from perfect photos. But at least this way you get to see more of our reality (on a good day). And now the tour:

Our entry way was one of the first things to come together. We found a hallway runner we both loved right away and I still love to look at it when I walk in the door. We found these lovely, super-slim IKEA shoe cabinets that fit perfectly in the hallway. And our coat hooks above them make it super easy to get out the door. I also love that the boys know exactly where their shoes go (we each have our own cabinet) and they usually put their shoes away without a fuss. Yeah! 

Now we'll travel up the stairs and you'll find the boy's bedroom at the top. This room came together pretty quickly after we got their bunk beds. I can't say we really "decorated" it, it's mostly just functional with a few photos but it suits them well. And I really like that the floor is left fairly empty (except the shelves against the walls) so that they can pull out anything and have plenty of space to play; or as William currently prefers -- play football in the bedroom. Eek!

Next to the bedroom is the bathroom. Nothing too thrilling there.

You'll now walk down the hallway, passed our laundry room and kitchen. Which were shared here.

We are nearly done with the living room/dining room. We have rugs and couches and a dining room table and chairs. We found a great deal on the table and chairs on Craigslist.com -- 6 chairs and a table for $80. The chair covers were in terrible shape so we had a friend recover them for us. So worth it!

Our couch and loveseat came from a store called Living Spaces which saved us from having to guess at all the online options. Online furniture shopping is fairly close to a nightmare. We are very pleased with our choice. The style was a little different that we originally intended but they fit us really well (aka: Chris can lay down!) and they are super comfortable.

The two kid rugs in this area are our temporary solution to keep the kids from sliding all over the place as they run around . . . and dampen the noise for our downstairs neighbor (it doesn't work).

The two pieces of furniture we kept from our old place were the TV stand and our china hutch. Very functional if nothing else. (Still trying to figure out which wall to put the Europe art.)

And now we'll travel back down stairs to the "master suite." You can laugh at that joke on your way down. You'll pass another long hallway with a closet (our only storage space now... no, I'm not showing it to you).

Our bedroom is nearly completed. We are just missing the perfect desk which will magically hide all the stuff. But I feel like even after we find it, the room may not feel like anything special. It feels very much like the rental we previous had. But I have zero know-how in how to make it feel special with what we have. We did hang up our picture frames and canvases last month so it does feel more personal and finished. All I can say is that having our own bedroom with a door has been just as amazing as I had dreamed it would be. That's special enough. For now.

And our own bathroom: 

Our new neighborhood has a lot to offer too. We've had a great time exploring. At least twice a year there are festivals just a few blocks away; the neighborhood rec center has a pool for the kid's swimming lessons; they can join basketball and soccer teams there in the future. And there are three great playgrounds along our street. There are a number of fantastic restaurants within walking distance. Not to mention a movie theater and a spa that I love to go to (once a year). Quick story: One night our babysitter forgot about the gig. Our dinner reservation was at 8; We called him at 7:45 and he was able to show up within 10 minutes. And we still walked to this fancy dinner spot on time!! Love that that's even possible!

I don't know if I should be embarrassed or thankful that it took me 11 months to realize I could walk to a Target from our new home. I knew it was somewhere in "that" direction but I didn't realize it was actually close enough to walk to (it's not an easy walk... many hills). There is also a Trader Joe's near it; two stores I love but tend to ignore because a) I spend too much money when I'm there and b) they had never been convenient to get to before. Life changing and too fun.

We've gotten to meet a handful of our neighbors and like them very much. We've had a few really weird interactions and run-ins, but for the most part (for better or worse), most people stay to themselves and our complex is very quiet (with the exception of a lot of dogs and two Babiak boys).

So after living in our own place for a year, we are still pretty over the moon happy about it. Grateful on a daily basis for the Lord's provision of this place for us. If you are ever visiting the city and want to check out our comfortable couch for a night or three, don't hesitate to call ahead come! We'd love to share this blessing with you.

A Quilt for my Nephew

My youngest sister, Elizabeth had her second baby on December 1; and even though they announced that they were expecting a baby boy, I neglected to start my quilt project until the week before Thanksgiving. It came together quickly (and by that I mean my husband managed the boys and the house for a few weekends in a row!) and I was able to ship it to them by the time he was 7 weeks old. I would have shipped it earlier, but his older sister Adley's birthday is at the end of the month and I wanted to ship her gift with it... AND they were moving and I didn't want it to get lost in the shuffle. So, now that they are in their new house and Adley turns 4 in a few days it is ready to send! Well, okay, I shipped it a few days ago and they have it now... which means I can show you!

The quilt I made for Adley was based on a woodland theme and I used a deer patterned fabric because her dad is a hunter. I had intended to use some similar fabrics for her new baby brother, Grayson. Shopping online was really overwhelming and I just couldn't narrow down the color scheme I wanted to use. So I headed to JoAnn Fabrics, which just reopened and is a beautiful store just south of San Francisco. After going up and down the aisles I came up with the perfect mix. At least I hoped it was perfect when I paid for it. It's always hard to tell what it will turn out like when you are holding 10 pounds of fabric bolts. 

Sorry for the fuzzy pic -- my son took it for me.

 Orange and navy blue are actually one of my favorite color combinations -- ever since I dressed William in a plaid orange and navy dress shirt with orange pants when he was 11 months old! I had intended to sew him a quilt with this color combo years ago but haven't gotten around to it. Maybe when he leaves for college!  Anyway, when I saw the navy and orange together I couldn't let it go. And then I found the leaf pattern which included gray and yellow and it grew from there.

This pattern is called Blooming Fields by Dana Willard; it was a free pattern found online.  It's 42" x 50" which seemed bigger than most of my previous quilts; that was fine until it was time to quilt it on my regular sewing machine. I managed it just fine but there were a few frustrating moments. I also purchased batting that was too thin, so I doubled it up to make it thicker/softer. I've never done that before and technically don't know if it's allowed... will have to see how it holds up. I liked the thickness much better. 

I hope the colors suit this new little guy and his new room. Grayson Ryan, I look forward to watching you grow -- even if it's from a distance. We love you so much!

My youngest sister, Elizabeth had her second baby on December 1; and even though they announced that they were expecting a baby boy, I neglected to start my quilt project until the week before Thanksgiving. It came together quickly (and by that I mean my husband managed the boys and the house for a few weekends in a row!) and I was able to ship it to them by the time he was 7 weeks old. I would have shipped it earlier, but his older sister Adley's birthday is at the end of the month and I wanted to ship her gift with it... AND they were moving and I didn't want it to get lost in the shuffle. So, now that they are in their new house and Adley turns 4 in a few days it is ready to send! Well, okay, I shipped it a few days ago and they have it now... which means I can show you!

The quilt I made for Adley was based on a woodland theme and I used a deer patterned fabric because her dad is a hunter. I had intended to use some similar fabrics for her new baby brother, Grayson. Shopping online was really overwhelming and I just couldn't narrow down the color scheme I wanted to use. So I headed to JoAnn Fabrics, which just reopened and is a beautiful store just south of San Francisco. After going up and down the aisles I came up with the perfect mix. At least I hoped it was perfect when I paid for it. It's always hard to tell what it will turn out like when you are holding 10 pounds of fabric bolts. 

Sorry for the fuzzy pic -- my son took it for me.

 Orange and navy blue are actually one of my favorite color combinations -- ever since I dressed William in a plaid orange and navy dress shirt with orange pants when he was 11 months old! I had intended to sew him a quilt with this color combo years ago but haven't gotten around to it. Maybe when he leaves for college!  Anyway, when I saw the navy and orange together I couldn't let it go. And then I found the leaf pattern which included gray and yellow and it grew from there.

This pattern is called Blooming Fields by Dana Willard; it was a free pattern found online.  It's 42" x 50" which seemed bigger than most of my previous quilts; that was fine until it was time to quilt it on my regular sewing machine. I managed it just fine but there were a few frustrating moments. I also purchased batting that was too thin, so I doubled it up to make it thicker/softer. I've never done that before and technically don't know if it's allowed... will have to see how it holds up. I liked the thickness much better. 

I hope the colors suit this new little guy and his new room. Grayson Ryan, I look forward to watching you grow -- even if it's from a distance. We love you so much!

2020 Goals and Intentions

What do I want this next year to look like for me? for my family?

If I learned anything from 2019 it's that goals take time, focus and hard work. I was very focused for a short time on my diet and overall health. I lost weight but then gained it back when my focus shifted. I was very focused for a short time on scripture reading . . . two or three days at a time before I lost focus for weeks. I also know that I get tired when I add too many hard things to my daily life. And by "hard" I just mean out of my normal. It isn't hard to host people for dinner but it's out of my normal which makes it special, but also work to it do more than once in a while. Playdates are great but I tend to overbook and then feel exhausted from running around. See what I mean?

I learned a lot about my anxiety in 2019. I know what triggers it and I know how to step into the moment and breathe and think through it. I still hate the feeling of anxiety bearing down on me, but I'm learning to deal.

I want 2020 to have balance of all the good things -- healthy eating, moderate and regular exercise, time in the Bible, focus on my marriage, time to myself, time with my community, focus on my kids eating better meals, focus on my kids education and friendships, wisdom in financial issues, more self-confidence, etc. I want so many things to be more intentional. Which as I write this, I'm thinking this means I need to have more energy to plan, give, and process.

But for now:

I find January a good time to focus on health -- because I spent the last two months ignoring it and I desperately want to get back on a healthier track. My plan? I'm going back to my Shaklee Life Shakes for breakfast for the month and setting a new "rule" that I don't eat passed 7 p.m. Late night snacking as become a habit for me once again and I need to break it. There are many other things I could add, but we're taking it slow.

I'm also going to take every opportunity to feed my boys what Chris and I eat for dinner. Typically, I would make them their own meals of food they don't complain about but I'm finding that this list is getting smaller and smaller. I need to broaden what they eat and increase the produce they consume. I need to take control of what I put in front of them and they can be in control of what they put in their bodies. Baby steps. But I will celebrate small victories here.

I'm also going to try to fit in time to read two chapters of my Bible each day. My plan, which I have yet to try is read in my room while Chris has breakfast with the boys... which could work out well since I'm having a shake in the morning and not really a sit down meal.

We recently had a sermon in church about using our time wisely as it's a gift from God; and I was motivated once again to be focused. Focused on the Lord, my family, and our community. Spend my energy and time on things that matter.

What about your? What are you focusing on this month? This year?

Happy 2020!

What do I want this next year to look like for me? for my family?

If I learned anything from 2019 it's that goals take time, focus and hard work. I was very focused for a short time on my diet and overall health. I lost weight but then gained it back when my focus shifted. I was very focused for a short time on scripture reading . . . two or three days at a time before I lost focus for weeks. I also know that I get tired when I add too many hard things to my daily life. And by "hard" I just mean out of my normal. It isn't hard to host people for dinner but it's out of my normal which makes it special, but also work to it do more than once in a while. Playdates are great but I tend to overbook and then feel exhausted from running around. See what I mean?

I learned a lot about my anxiety in 2019. I know what triggers it and I know how to step into the moment and breathe and think through it. I still hate the feeling of anxiety bearing down on me, but I'm learning to deal.

I want 2020 to have balance of all the good things -- healthy eating, moderate and regular exercise, time in the Bible, focus on my marriage, time to myself, time with my community, focus on my kids eating better meals, focus on my kids education and friendships, wisdom in financial issues, more self-confidence, etc. I want so many things to be more intentional. Which as I write this, I'm thinking this means I need to have more energy to plan, give, and process.

But for now:

I find January a good time to focus on health -- because I spent the last two months ignoring it and I desperately want to get back on a healthier track. My plan? I'm going back to my Shaklee Life Shakes for breakfast for the month and setting a new "rule" that I don't eat passed 7 p.m. Late night snacking as become a habit for me once again and I need to break it. There are many other things I could add, but we're taking it slow.

I'm also going to take every opportunity to feed my boys what Chris and I eat for dinner. Typically, I would make them their own meals of food they don't complain about but I'm finding that this list is getting smaller and smaller. I need to broaden what they eat and increase the produce they consume. I need to take control of what I put in front of them and they can be in control of what they put in their bodies. Baby steps. But I will celebrate small victories here.

I'm also going to try to fit in time to read two chapters of my Bible each day. My plan, which I have yet to try is read in my room while Chris has breakfast with the boys... which could work out well since I'm having a shake in the morning and not really a sit down meal.

We recently had a sermon in church about using our time wisely as it's a gift from God; and I was motivated once again to be focused. Focused on the Lord, my family, and our community. Spend my energy and time on things that matter.

What about your? What are you focusing on this month? This year?

Happy 2020!