Welcome. | Guest Room/Office

 

 

Welcome to our little guest room/office/everything random room. It serves us well when guests come to stay (like the hopeful interviewing medical-students who start coming this week), and when friends and family members are in town. It also serves as Andrew's office (behind where I'm standing to photograph is a large desk). It isn't anything grandiose or extra special. It currently has a playful, young look to it. Regardless, it is home to some special finds such as: 

Our trash to treasure refurbished chairs

Andrew's childhood Airplanes made into a mobile

Animal prints from a Portland antique store

Lavender from Portland Wednesday Market

 My childhood Mirror/Canvas piece (explained below) & childhood dresser

If you missed the post of our living room area, here it is. A few things have changed since then... 

 

Planning to make a burlap flag bunting to replace the current flags that don't match anything in the room (from this baby shower).

This mirror/canvas piece has lived it up starting out as a lime green & pink floral piece (I don't have a pic) that came with my parent's house when they purchased it. It then transformed into an 8th grade masterpiece. Yes- Stary Night with red trim. Lovely right? In my middle school eyes, this beauty was quite the accomplishment. It then resided in my folk's garage for many years until now. Welcome to our little apartment big guy. A little bit of greyish paint trim and chalkboard spray paint later and I'd say it fits in quite nicely. Okay, you caught me. As you'll see below, it took me a while to say goodbye to my Stary Night masterpiece. Alas, it has passed and a chalkboard with endless possibilities is present. The paint job sure isn't the cleanest, but that can be easily fixed another day. 

 

Stary Night and red paint... goes perfectly together right? Ha, I think I ran out of other colors and was left with red.

Trying to let Stary Night stay...

In progress photo

Current room

 Thanks for visiting via the blog. Now you know that a quaint little bedroom awaits you (there's a trundle too for an extra sleeper). Come visit!

Gift Wrap Inspiration Board

 Anybody else start their Christmas shopping a bit early this year? I've still got much to do, but who doesn't love some wrapping inspiration? I'm feeling the brown wrap with a little special touch again for this year (I have a huge roll of this paper from last year). Happy wrapping to you!

 1. //Sprigs, berries, & twine
 2. //Typography
 3. //DIY stamp wrap (but use a holiday stamp)
 4. //Pine cones & raffia

shown true love

I was shown true love this weekend. A vomiting stomach bug hit me good and strong for a solid 24 hours and boy was I a mess. Thankfully, I have a darling husband who took wonderful care of me. As you can see below, he even helped me set up camp in the bathroom. I was checked on about every 30 minutes (and eventually moved to the bed) and was given sips of water until I could hold it down enough to take some medicine. Seriously, this is love. He even got up with me in the middle of the night and was there by my side during some ugly moments. I never asked him to do any of this either.... Whew, he's a keeper. 

Times like these surprise me. I've always known that Andrew was sweet and caring, but time and time again he surprises me with just how caring he is. I remember my freshman year in college with a similar stomach bug... He literally never left my side except to go purchase a thermometer and get himself some food. I sure wasn't good company, but he was right there the whole day. I think this should be a pre-marriage test...  How your loved one reacts when you are sick. If you don't happen to get sick... fake it? Okay, no, don't do that. But seriously, it's a pretty darn good test of character and I'm thankful to have found my sweet Andrew.

Sorry if this grosses anyone out... come on now, we all get sick and throw up every once in a while.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Oreo Chewy Bars

You must try these. No ifs ands or buts about it. They literally take 5 minutes to make and are oh so enjoyable to eat. AND, only 3 ingredients! I didn't say they were healthy by any means... but sure delicious! I made a pan before work this week and took it in for my co-workers to help make a dent into. I'm pleased to say that they were a hit! In fact, after night 2, I was only left with these measly pieces to photograph.

1 package Oreos

4-5 cups Marshmallows (I used the mini ones)

4 Tbsp Butter

You can even purchase gluten free oreos to make this a GF dessert. I've been a sucker for oreos lately. Might be one of my greatest weaknesses at the moment. 

Check out this site if you are a recipe follower. If not, just wing it with the following guidelines:

• Grind/chop/crush the oreos (I used my mini food processor) & set aside
• Melt butter in microwave and immediately stir in marshmallows to melt. You may need to microwave the marshmallow/butter mix further
• In a large bowl, mix the crushed oreos and butter/marshmallow mixture.
• Pour and press into a pan and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
• Cut up and devour

In other news... I enjoyed this sweet little fella' today- baby diarrhea and all. Look how good he's sitting up now!

Hubs + Med School Update

via

Oh how I wish that I came up with this idea. You see, Andrew loves dinos. A lot. He's even got a pretty impressive raptor imitation. I showed him this shirt and he just about woke the neighbors laughing... only because of how much fun he would have wearing this on a daily basis and how unprofessional he would appear amongst his medical school classmates and professors.So great.

Speaking of medical school... I'd say it's time for an update. He's working away and studying hard. He gets to spend time in the clinic each week seeing patients along side his family practice physician preceptor. He seems to be greatly enjoying his time there and feels confident and affirmed in his desire to be a family practice doc. The things he is learning are far past my knowledge (unless we're talking OB of course) and it is sure neat to see his understanding of the human body and health complexities expanding. He still plays intramural soccer each week and is involved in a few other extracurriculars- but mostly, he just goes to class, clinic, and studies away. Let's not forget about his prime "studying" spot on the couch where there just so happens to be a football game on... muted of course...

And I may or may not be responsible for introducing a few tv show marathons here and there (Homeland, Downton Abby... oops!). I need to work on distracting him less.

Most importantly, he's still loving it and I'm still loving supporting my husband do what he is called to do. It's such a blessing and God's provision has been mighty clear. Thankful.

post-plunge

This pup sure gave us a good laugh. All it took was a little plopping around in the creek, running out, shaking off, and jumping back in. On repeat. Oh it was great. He even cooperated for a post-plunge photo shoot. Pretty proud of himself... or just cold.

Thanks for the good time, Dale. Glad to have made a new friend.

(McKenzie's dog)

A friend in the forest

I mostly consider myself to be an introverted person, but I do find myself energized after spending time with dear friends. Especially friends who share much in common. I'm so thankful for my friend McKenzie and the time we get to spend together. She lives in the most beautiful home far out in the country. It's energizing to drive through the country roads, up and down the many hills, and through pastures of horses, cows, and the cutest barns you ever did see. It's quite lovely. In fact, it makes me want to move out to the country as soon as possible. It even makes me want to put on some grungy boots, grab a rake, and start cleaning a chicken coop... okay, too far. But for reals, I do want chickens some day. 

Anyways, we had a lovely time walking hiking (I'm ridiculously sore... so embarrassing) and catching up. It really was just a walk- but there was a killer hill and an excited pup that was pulling us onward. 

Besides a spontaneous Mexican food date at my fav restaurant with the mister, this friend date and lovely forest was one of the highlights of my short weekend. How about you? 

What I love about photography

This is what I love about photography-  capturing the genuine smiles, the gazes of adoration, and the giggles. I don't think this sweet mama planned on being in these photos, but she knew just what was needed to make her little guy laugh and smile- which in turn made her laugh and smile. I love it.

I haven't used my camera much since this shoot. Time to take it out, dust it off, and venture off into the boonies. That's the plan for today! Good thing one of my good friends lives way out in the boondocks. Gluten Free breakfast, fresh coffee, rolling hills and pine trees, here I come.

OREGON 2013 Calendar

I'm excited to share my newest DIY project: An Oregon calendar with some of my own favorite Oregon photography. I love this state and the numerous beauties that come with. The Oregon Coast, Crater Lake, Oregon tulips, Oregon Lighthouses... so many favorites. Here's a couple of peeks!  (dear family, you may or may not be getting one for a xmas- try to act surprised ;/ ). 

If you have a favorite calendar making app or company- let me know. I'd like to experiment with other ways to make calendars and have more options. 

 

PS- Though my Dad did the same thing and warned me not to do so, I might have licked and sealed my ballot in the wrong envelope (skipped the whole security envelope thing)... a few clean cuts and some tape later and there you have it- a perfectly normal ballot. Sure hope they count it!