Thursday, June 30, 2011

Trusting . . .

I am an only child. I have first born personality most of the time, but there are times when my youngest child-ness comes out too. This is not an excuse, just an observation of myself. I have noticed that my do-it-yourself attitude has sometimes hindered me from totally relying on God. I want it done, and I want it done NOW so I'll just get it done myself since God obviously needs my help (right!). 


Yesterday was one of the most intense days I have ever had. I got selected for federal jury duty in Philadelphia. To some people this may sound fun. To me, it sounded terrifying. I used to think I liked the city but have realized in the last few years how much of a country girl I am. I was totally out of my comfort zone, unable to control the outcome.


My amazing, awesome, wonderful husband took the day off yesterday and went with me to Philly to help me find my way around on my first day. We took the train to avoid traffic. In the AM right before lunch break, we (the possible jurors) were told that this will be a 2 week trial. My stomach dropped. I am to leave for Canada in a week to be in my best friend's wedding. We were given a chance to state why we could not serve on this case. I gave my reason, along with about 20 other people. 


We sat for 2 hours awaiting the defendant and prosecutors decisions on the 14 selected jurors. I have never been a patient person. I am trying to work on this. Yesterday was a HUGE test of my patience. And also my trust in God. I kept reminding myself that no matter the outcome, everything would work out and be ok. I kept hearing the verse - "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding". 


They called the 14 names in random order and I may have held my breath the whole time. All I know is when they got to the 14th name and it wasn't mine, I exhaled very deeply!! Even better news was that our serving time was over and we did not have to report back the next day. Thank you Lord!!!!!!!


I sometimes make mountains out of molehills. This may have seemed like one of those times. But it was a huge learning lesson for me. One I hope not to forget. 


Happy Thursday. Hope your day is full of reminders that God cares about the small details in your life! 

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

L O V E

I am so blessed to have the love of family, close friends and my hubby.

This past weekend we had a cousin get-together. Marty, Rose and I are all within 6 months apart. We are first cousins and grew up together. There is a bond between us that no matter how much time passes in between visits, we always pick up where we left off. We decided it would be fun for the 3 of us and our men to have a cookout. Marty has been dating John for a couple years and Rose is married and has 2 kids.

Rose's little girl - Erin. My "niece" who was also our flower girl.
It was a fun eve filled with lots of  food, very competitive corn hole, and a camp fire.



This past Sunday, my Love and I had tickets to go see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Fulton Opera House in the city. We turned it into a date day and went for sushi at our favorite place - Sakura. Was a great, fun day! 





What a great weekend! My heart is happy :)

Thursday, June 16, 2011

confessions of a perfectionist . . .

I am a perfectionist. I've finally admitted it. Now that the house is "done" as far as the construction end, my job begins - decorating. In my mind it needs to be done NOW and be perfect right off the bat. I had a melt down last night as I went from store to store trying to find stuff to go with the ideas in my head. I brought everything home and it just didn't flow. Today I will be returning almost everything. *Sigh*

On the bright side, I did go to the Goodwill Bargain Bin and find some steals!
All for $4!!!


I'm breaking down and showing pics of the house. Laying my pride and perfectionism down *grins* . . .

DURING DEMO:

and now


This is the finished living room (the curtains, lamps and pillows are temporary AND FOR SALE unless someone can show me a nice way to make brown work with grey . . . )


Dining Room Before:




AND NOW:






This was all for you mom. Love and miss you! Can't wait til you can see it in person!!!!!!!!!



Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Minty Watermelon Goodness

This morning I was cleaning out the fridge and had half of an uncut watermelon that needed to be eaten. As I was cutting it up, I realized it was a bit mushy and though it tasted good, the mushy texture made it unappealing. I almost threw it away and then got a brilliant idea - stick it in the blender and make some juice! Oh wow is it yummy!!!

Minty Watermelon Goodness (to make a  1/2 gallon)
1/2 of a medium sized watermelon (over ripe and juicy!)
3 medium sprigs of mint leaves (just the leaves)
water (to dilute)

Put chunks of watermelon and mint in the blender and liquefy.
Once everything is blended and in a pitcher, add equal parts water (or a little less if you want it stronger).
It will separate while in the fridge and need to be stirred before serving.

Such a refreshing drink on a hot day!





Monday, June 13, 2011

Sitting on my couch . . .

Oh how wonderful it is to SIT on a couch in my OWN house!!! After 6 months of renovations and remodeling, our house is finished!!!!!! (for the most part anyway). The carpet was put in over the weekend and my awesome bro - in - laws came over tonight to help me put the furniture back in the living room to surprise my Love when he gets home. Wow, it feels so amazing to relax again my own house!

Pictures to come, I promise. I have a funny thing with posting pics before everything is decorated!

-A

Sunday, June 5, 2011

one man's junk, another man's treasure

Yesterday was D's grandparents private auction. His grandparents are still living, but downsized awhile back to a smaller house. The auction was for family only and at first glance, consisted of a lot of junk. I was very excited for this event, hoping to score some old stuff to remember his grandparents by.



D's dad was the auctioneer most of the day.
 (check out those blankets! they smelled as old as they looked:) )

D's adorable Pappy and Mummy

Loading up our treasures.

One of my favorite finds! A large family bible for my coffee table

Fun old dishes.

Old German songbooks for my crafts or end table books.

The piece of furniture that was thought to be ugly by everyone else!
 This will be painted white and given new knobs.

Our sweet "amish" bench we scored for $0.50 that will be refinished and used for our kids
(and guests) someday at the dining room table. The 6ft table behind it we got for $0.50 also.

D got a bunch of sweet tools and things to fill his work bench. I got some other things like a humming bird feeder and a serving cart. What a fun day I had spending time with my hubby and family. It was a great reminder that in the end, faith and family are the things that really matter. Quality time with family is becoming so precious to me, and I miss my mom and dad all the more. Can't wait to see them in July!!