Pray For Oklahoma

My heart is aching tonight after hearing about the horrific storms that roared through my state earlier today. I can't even begin to imagine the pain and sorrow that are filling the minds and homes of many in the OKC/Moore areas. Although I will never understand certain things in this life, one thing I am certain of- my God is reigning and ruling and will always remain in completely control of every single detail in our lives. Tonight, I will rest in this assurance.

Kitchen Transformation {Part 1}

Like most women, I love a pretty kitchen. Consequently, much of my attention during our remodel has been given to our kitchen. I mean, who doesn't want to cook and do dishes in a pretty space?! 

The Lord was gracious enough to lead us to a builder in town who has a knack for cabinetry. When we purchased the house, my brain didn't even think about the slight changes that could be made to the kitchen cabinets in order to add definition and style. All I could think about was getting rid of the hideous mantle that plagued the living room. 

Although the cabinets are not quite completed, here is a sneak peak my husband snapped for me yesterday. I am THRILLED with how well they are turning out! 

While waiting for the completed cabinets, I went to to work on the sink and faucet. Who knew there were SO many options? It's slightly ridiculous... I knew I wanted a farmhouse sink, but I didn't know what brand or what style... oh the decisions!

THE SINK

I ended up deciding on a single bowl Rohl Shaw Fireclay Sink. A dear friend of mine purchased a fireclay sink last fall for her kitchen and she adores it.

Single Bowl Rohl Shaw Fireclay Sink

Here's a little more information on their Shaw Sinks if you're interested:  

"Authentically crafted fireclay sinks are made of a unique clay capable of being fired at extremely high temperatures. These high temperatures cause the clay and glaze to fuse together, virtually creating an entirely new form. This clay is found in limited regions around the world, making true fireclay sinks some of the most durable sink options. Resistant to acid, alkali, scratches and impact many fireclay sinks outlive the very spaces for which they were created. ROHL's fireclay sinks are crafted with environmentally friendly materials and are completely lead free and recyclable."

But beware, these British sinks are HEAVY! They weigh in at a whopping 161 lbs! 

Random Fact: 80-90% of sinks are made with the drain on the left and the badge on the back; however, right hand sinks are sent out randomly.

THE FAUCET

I must say, this decision was much easier. In our last remodel, I installed a Delta pull-out faucet and we have loved every minute of it! Consequently, I knew I wanted another pull-out faucet. While shopping for the sink, I came across this new faucet that hides the pull-out so when simply looking at the sink, you would never know it pulls-out. The best of both worlds! So I shopped around until I found the best price and then quickly placed my order. Hello Brizo Solna!

Brizo Solna Single Handle Pull-Out Faucet

Although we still have quite a few weeks left of construction, I am chomping at the bit to see the finished result. As much as I love remodeling, I also love when it's FINISHED! :)

SOLD!

A load of stress on our shoulders has been lifted! 

House #1 is officially off the market!

YIPPEE!!!

I've never been more excited to see a sign in our yard than I was this afternoon when I came home to see this...

I'm sure this is not quite as exciting to the rest of the world as it is to Lee and I. This is truly an answer to prayer! The thought of having two houses to keep clean, two yards to mow/water all summer long, two sets of bills (YIKES!) and everything else involved with home ownership of TWO, I tell you TWO houses is a tad bit stressful. BUT, thankfully the Lord was gracious enough to lead the buyers to our door step. Literally. The timing couldn't have been more perfect. I will be done with school before boxes begin to pile up.

I'm so incredibly grateful for such a generous Heavenly Father, who takes care of even the smallest details in our lives. 

More Than the Ewy-Gooey

Today marks the second anniversary of the day I said "I do" to my best friend. I can't believe how FAST time has gone past... I wouldn't trade even one day of the past two years for anything! My husband is much more than just a spouse, he is my spiritual leader, provider, companion, my best friend. He makes me laugh every day and wipes away my tears on the painful ones. He never lets a day go past without telling me just how much I mean to him. He loves me for me. 

Finally Mr & Mrs

At Our Reception

Over the past two years, may obstacles have been thrown our way. Through the challenges, we've grown closer together. Our three stranded cord is ever growing stronger. It's only through the fire that precious metal can be refined. Although the world around us may be spinning out of control, I know one thing is constant-- the Lord will never leave us nor forsake us. For He has called us for a reason and although life may not always make sense to us, it is always clear in His eyes. 

One of our Engagement Pictures

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

On our Honeymoon in Maui

The Lord has brought us so far in just two years. We've moved twice and are preparing for a third move. I've learned what being a coaches wife is really all about-- the movies don't even begin to show a glimpse! I've learned how to become a "country girl" instead of my instinctive city roots. I've made hundreds of shakers for dozens of football games. I've learned how to love people despite their actions. I've learned to have selective hearing in the stands on friday nights. Ha! But most of all, the Lord is teaching me to see things through His eyes. To trust Him in all circumstances. To relinquish my controlling instinct into His ever-loving hands. 

Central Park

"But you are a chosen race, A royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9

District Champs!

So here's to two of the most amazing years of our lives. May the Lord use us in the next few years to spread His Light to an uprising generation that is in desperate need of His love. 

"I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living." Psalms 27:13

The Jewelry of a House

My mother has always told me that the light fixtures in one's house is the "jewelry of their home." Now that I have a home of my own, I finally understand what she meant.

Lighting changes EVERYTHING. Lighting can either distract or enhance. It can change the entire tone of a room and ultimately, your home.

As the remodel of our new home is well under way, I have given a significant amount of time and attention to my lighting.

This past weekend, my oh so handy husband, father & brother installed several can lights throughout the house: living room, breakfast room, master bedroom, etc. I'm a big fan of can lights! They're timeless and easy to install. Who could ask for more?

Can light installation in the master bedroom.

In addition, I've replaced the chandeliers in the dinning room and the entry way. Although the chandeliers won't be permanently installed until all the painting and flooring is complete, I just had to get a glimpse of what it the finished product will look like. So my gracious father installed the entry chandelier for me this weekend! I was SO excited!! It turned out even better than expected! Although it had to come back down before we left, I did get to enjoy looking at this beauty while working in the house this weekend.

A glimpse at the entry chandelier. [Flooring and wall color to change] 

Earlier in the week I was able to pick out on several slabs of granite for the kitchen countertops. I have been on the hunt for a marble like granite, which is NOT an easy task! I did not want marble because of the intense amount of maintenance at a steep price-tag. I narrowed down the colors I liked and then began the dreaded search of hunting them down. The granite yard I had been frequently visiting called me saying the slabs of Super White Quartzite had just arrived and whomever came first was able to get the first pick of the slabs-- and of course I had a calculus exam 3 hours away that day... So my mother & brother drove across the state and picked out the slabs for me. I am truly blessed with the sweetest family!

One of my slabs of Super White Quartzite

And again, Super White Quartzite

So much has been happening over the past few weeks-- the Lord has truly showed His favor upon us. I am beyond grateful for the simple daily reminders (and sometimes hourly reminders) of just HOW MUCH God truly loves me! So often I get so wrapped up in the every day routine that I forget just HOW BIG and MIGHTY my God is!! This semester He has slowed me down and brought me to my knees as numerous times the only way I could stand was through His grace. He's holding my hand and guiding me through every turn, every choice, and every day. May I never forget what HE has shown me these past few weeks/months.

P.S.- We sold house #1 this week! YIPPEE!!!

Operation Remodel Has Commenced

This past couple weekends my husband and I, along with my oh so loving family (whom I begged to come join in on the "fun") began remodeling our new home.

For the most part everything is staying the same-- just giving it a little facelift before we make the big move.

Oh the details!

I was pleasantly surprised by how much we got accomplished in just a few days!

First on the list-- wallpaper removal! {For the record: I despise wallpaper!}

Now this, my friends, is true love.

While a few of us were tackling the wallpaper, my brother went to work on removing the mantle. Whomever built the original mantle had quite an imagination.

And finally, the part the guys were looking forward to the most-- deconstruction!

In addition to refinishing the cabinets, we have decided to change up the layout and the detail work in the kitchen a bit. So the guys got to work on removing what we can before the construction begins.

The guys left their mark on the kitchen.. and it's wall. Note the plaster repair.  :)

Throughout the week, I took a quick trip up to Northwest Arkansas to look for lighting. I was very pleased at what I was able to find in just one trip. I'm eager to get them installed!

Although we still have a LONG way to go-- I'm looking forward to waking up to see the Lord's beautiful countryside every morning.

Boston 4/15/13

Two Sets of Keys

Another milestone has struck. 

Lee & I closed on our new home today! Hip-hip-Hooray!

We are officially homeowners of {TWO} houses... *sigh* Two sets of bills are not appealing. Come on house-- SELL!

In the meantime, it's time to start remodeling a few things in our new home before we make the big move.

Let the fun times begin!