Family Moments

We had such a nice visit with my brother & his family last week.  They were only here Thursday night and Friday and then had to head back home Friday night.  They were my first house guests though so I had fun preparing for them to come stay with us!

Nathan & Kent relaxing before we headed out for family Christmas

We tried to get some family photos together Friday evening...our last Christmas together for several years.  Dad & Mom had driven around 12 hours on Friday to get back for family Christmas.

My oldest brother, Drew, and myself.  He left for Africa just a few days after this photo. 

 On Monday, 12/27, we headed to Michigan to have dinner together.  We were able to help them finish weighing their (11) suitcases before we had to head out at 5 AM the next morning.  Their flight left at 7:30 AM and we had just a couple hours of sleep.  Tears were shed by all and the memories we've made together over the last few months have been special. 

 The Last Supper :)

Red Lobster...their choice for their last American meal

 ...and they're off

They should be to Cameroon Africa by this evening...2 days of flying, 8 carry-on bags and 11 suitcases later.  I'm praying they have made it safely.  Thankfully they will have internet and a video phone that we can have contact with them through.

Outfit Post: 20 December 2010

Whoa, it is cold outside!!

It was nice having a different backdrop for my outfit pictures though! =)

Outfit Details:

Plaid Pencil Skirt, Down East Basics

Brown Boots, Ruche

Brown Belt, Kohls

Green Sweater Coat, Down East Basics

Black Watch, New York & Co

Purple long-sleeve Tee, Target

House Progress: 13 December 2010

I was snowed in yesterday so it made for a good time to get a little bit more done around the house.  Having a slow weekend was just what I needed.  

Here is the guest room/bed.  This room is going to function as our guest room / office, so it is more functional than beautiful.  To the right of the bed is our computer desk and then across from the bed is a bookshelf & secretary desk.  It's a little too cluttered for me, but I'm trying to make it work.  This room is painted tan and the bedding is brown with tan accents. 

I'm not sure what I was thinking with a white comforter on our bed, but I got a great deal on it and I do love the style.  Our walls in the Master Bedroom are a grayish/brown color.  I don't know where I was going with the white, tan, gray & blue in our room.  It sounded pretty when I had ideas, but my creativity is at an all-time low now that I am trying to put things together in our home.

As you can see, the blue, gray and tan theme must have been all I was thinking of as I've carried this over into our kitchen as well.  The colors all seem calming to me... that's it!  After all of the chaos in working on this house, I just want to relax now that we are in there! =)

And while we are on the subject of decorating... here is my new office!  It needs help!  The back wall is all windows, so I have 3 walls that need decorating.  I have a plain chair to the left of this picture.  I have a small plan/tree I could bring in from home to put beside the chair or in front of my desk.  The walls are a light gray and need some serious color/art.  This space is definitely a work in progress!!!  But... I'm still so happy I have my own space =)

Prayer Request

Update: 

Seth's MRI came back clear!  Thank you for your thoughts & prayers for him!  He is starting on a Rx that will hopefully help the severe headaches he has been experiencing and they are going to work with the doctors to find something that will help him feel better.

Please pray for my brother, Seth.

Copied from my Sister-in-law's Facebook Status:

Just a little over 5 years ago Seth underwent a tedious brain surgery to remove a benign Acoustic Tumor.  Over the past week he has had headaches similar to those he had before his diagnosis, so we are going in for an MRI on Friday morning.  We are willing to walk the path God has cleared for us...whatever that means.  But in the meantime, we would appreciate your prayers for God's will and a clear result!

House Progress: 1 Dec 2010

Been keeping busy with a little organizing...

 Have I ever mentioned that I rearrange my kitchen cabinets for fun?? =) Yep, I do!  And... you can probably guess that I love to move furniture and decorations around!

Another thing that helps me feel organized... getting my closet put together.  I love it color coordinated and all out on display.  I need to find something wider for my sweaters, but I'm making do for now.  I have 3 small walls in my closet, but I couldn't photograph the other walls... too tight in there =)