Bathroom Makeovers!

The bathrooms did not take a whole lot to change. We painted, replaced the cabinet hardware, and installed new towel fixtures.

Here is the half bath before: it was sponge painted that texture on the wall.




And here is the half bathroom after! When we were buying towel racks, Joe did not understand why we needed one for the half bathroom. Boys....

This is the full bathroom before. I still can't fully describe the color.

And after! It's pretty similar to our bathroom before.

We still need to get new bathroom lights and I have a michevous idea to paint the bathroom cabinet black in the half bathroom..but a certain someone doesn't think that is a good idea.






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Our Bedroom

Here is our bedroom before....

And our bedroom after!

We painted and hung a new ceiling fan. It does look similar to our bedroom before. Do you see a Joe in this picture?

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Living Room

The living room was also fun to decorate! Here are the before pictures when we looked at the house.

And here is the after! We painted, got a new chaise sectional and our new TV!








We still have some transformations up our sleeve but we love our new living room!




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Kitchen!

It's slowly starting to feel like a home!

One of the first things we unpacked was the kitchen. The kitchen in the house we were renting was kind of small so we are excited for more cabinet and counter space.

Here is a couple of pictures of the before.

And here is the transformation after!


We painted, put new appliances in, changed the lights, and changed the cabinet hardware.


One of my favorite additions is our new stainless steel appliances! I even made Joe dinner tonight and baked cookies!

I still need to add some homey decorations but I really like it! What do you think?

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M.I.A

If you are wondering where I have been the last couple of weeks, I have packing, procrastinating on packing, taping, painting, moving, and unpacking!

We got our house on Wednesday and after 2 1/2 furious days of painting, new appliances, fixing holes, changing lights, we are officially moved in! I will not say that we are completely unpacked but some major things are done!

Major pictures to come!

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It's Hard to Get Anything Done

....when she looks at you like this.



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Choosing Paint Colors

The last couple of days I have been making multiple trips to Lowe's Home Depot, any place with paint to try find the perfect paint.

We have decided general colors for some of the rooms. We know we want a light blue for the kitchen and a cream color for the living room and hallway. I want my bathroom the same color as the bathroom we have now. And for our third bedroom (our office) we want green.

I just forgot how hard it is to find the perfect paint color. This is one is too dark, too brown, too clashing.

I guess you will just be surprised with what we pick!

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Our New TV

For months, Joe has been asking for a new television. Our old living room television was a big tv, and I mean big!

When the we started talking about getting the puppy, I said that I would get him his television if we could get the puppy! That was the factor that definitely pushed him over the edge in my favor. (And Joe was going to hold me to it).

So, Saturday, Joe and I went to Lowe's to figure out stuff we needed for the house, looking at paint colors and such. We went to Walmart to look at patio furniture, and there was his TV on sale!

So we are now the owners of a 42" flat panel TV. Let's just say it's hard to get Hubby out of the living room!

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How Deep the Father's Love for Us

How deep the Father's love for us, How vast beyond all measureThat He should give His only SonTo make a wretch His treasureHow great the pain of searing loss,The Father turns His face awayAs wounds which mar the chosen One,Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,My sin upon His shouldersAshamed I hear my mocking voice,Call out among the scoffersIt was my sin that held Him thereUntil it was accomplishedHis dying breath has brought me lifeI know that it is finished

I will not boast in anythingNo gifts, no power, no wisdomBut I will boast in Jesus ChristHis death and resurrectionWhy should I gain from His reward?I cannot give an answerBut this I know with all my heartHis wounds have paid my ransom




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Not the Picture I Had Planned

Joe and I decided yesterday that we should have a nice photoshoot with all of our animals. I pictured them all seated nicely next to each other with big smiles...

And this is what we came up with

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Our First Week with Annie

We named our puppy Annie after our niece's suggestion of Annabell. Our nephew wanted to name her Carl, even after he found out that she was a girl!

We went home to Evansville yesterday for our niece Mikah's sixth birthday party. We took Annie with us and Cooper had a slumber party at his friend's house. Annie got to meet the family and she did pretty good. Only one accident the whole day! Annie and my parent's dog Bailey were fast friends!

I have realized today when I was trying to take a cat nap that you can't close your eyes for one minute without Annie finding something you shouldn't!

Everyone said it was good practice for a baby!

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Our New Addition

I got a call yesterday from a coworker whose cousin had a 9 week old Cocker spaniel puppy that she did not want anymore.

After negiotations with Joe, we now the proud of owners of a (free) puppy! She comes with all kinds of goodies and clothes. She is a DIVA!

Her old owner named her Bella so we are going to have to change her name. Any suggestions would be great!

Welcome to the zoo!

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Packing Up

We close Monday on our house. That means that it time to pack (gross)

I have never been a great packer. I think all the moving back and forth between school gave me a bad taste for it. During my senior year, I was excited to stay put somewhere. That lasted for about 10 months! :)

I have decided this time that I am going to do my best to be much more organized this time around.

But what keeps me moving is our cute little house!

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Life Without Bella

It is getting easier without Bella. Sometimes its the little things that can make me sad again. When I am on the computer in the guest bedroom usually the dogs lay on the bed. I went to go let Cooper out and I expected to hear two sets of landings on the floor.

She was a sweet dog (after she barked at you). It would take a her a few minutes but then she would sit on your lap. She was definitely the best snuggler. She was a noisy dog...snored when she slept...would have a soft whine when she was excited to see you...barked at cars driving down the street.

We'll all miss her! I think she had a good life with us.







But I am thankful for my Cooper. He does get a bad rap sometimes but he's been a sweetie to me lately.



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Bella

Bella died yesterday. She had been dealing with Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia where her body destroys her red blood cells. And Joe found her not breathing. She was only about three so we didn't really expect it.

I can't say that I didn't cry...a lot. She was definitely part of our family.

I think Cooper was sad yesterday. He didn't even get in the trash last night.

I think we'll get another dog when we move into our house someday.

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All By Myself...Don't Wanna Be

Can you just hear that song in your head?

Joe has been gone since Monday and I must say that I am not fan of this being myself thing...especially at night. But I know that I have my two attack dogs ready and barking. Bella and Cooper would know if someone was breaking in before the robber would!

All and all, I am doing fine without Joe but who wouldn't just want their husband here. When we were driving to the airport, I tried to convince him to stay but as you can read that didn't work. But he is having a fun time touring around DC and going to his conference.

This weekend, I am going back home to see the parentals and so Cooper and Bella can see their grandparents (they get excited if you ask them if they want to see Grandma and Grandpa!) and my other dog Bailey.

Off to catch up on American Idol!

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Marriage Lessons

Joe and I are doing pre-marital counseling with a couple who is going to get married in June. We also invited our youth pastor and his wife to the session. It was a great time discussing and reflecting on marriage.

I think 9 months ago before we got married, I would tell you marriage is a lot like dating but living together. What I am leaning is how much partnership there is in marriage. Got created marriage to unite a man and a woman. Even small decisions I make can affect out whole marriage. Joe is supposed to be the most important person in the world to me, even more important than my future children.

It's been a great time for me to reflect and see the ways that I am loving and serving Joe. I pray that we have 50 years together!

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Neglected Blog

I have been neglecting my blog here lately. I think by the time I get home from a long day and I am just wiped and usually after a night activity, my poor blog doesn't get updated!!

I love warm weather! Today it is in the 70's and that makes me so much happier. I am so ready for spring!

Joe is leaving Monday for the 9 Marks in Washington DC for a whole seven days. Definitely will not be my favorite week ever. I think I do alright by myself but I want someone there when I am sleeping. Thank goodness for my three critters!

I am making Stuffed Mushrooms tonight for a dinner we are going to and we are discussing the 5 Love Languages with other couples. Should be fun!

I promise to do better blogging next week!

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Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake

My favorite recipe I found off of Kraft was Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups multigrain penne pasta, uncooked
1 pkg. (9 oz.) fresh spinach leaves
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tsp. dried basil leaves
1 jar (14-1/2 oz.) spaghetti sauce
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, drained
2 oz. (1/4 of 8-oz. pkg.) Cream Cheese, cubed
1 cup 2% Milk Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided
2 Tbsp. Grated Parmesan Cheese

HEAT oven to 375ºF. Cook pasta as directed on package, adding spinach to the boiling water for the last 1 min.

COOK and stir chicken and basil in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat 3 min. Add spaghetti sauce and tomatoes; bring to boil. Simmer 3 min. or until chicken is done. Stir in Cream cheese.

DRAIN pasta mixture; return to pan. Stir in chicken mixture and 1/2 cup mozzarella. Spoon into 2-qt. or 8-inch square baking dish.

BAKE 20 min. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake 3 min.

YUMMY!!

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Getting Through

It's been quite a week. We spent the entire week in negotiations about the house but we have both agreed on a deal and we should close sometime next week!

It's crazy that I am all grown up and become a home owner! I have spent quite a few hours on the Ikea website shopping for some new stuff for our house!

Also my doggie Bella is sick again. I just hate having her feel bad. The vet said she is probably going to be on medication for the rest of her life. I am just a ham for her I can just imagine when my own children feel sick!

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