Not Quite Done...

As I sit here typing, there are three strange men in my home. I should probably ask their names, but I like to keep things awkward. Currently, we are missing the front doors and I am getting a trap set for a possum.  I guess you could say that things are not quite back to normal yet.

Regardless, the fabric fairy dropped off a few goodies last night that I cannot wait to put out.  Remember when I blogged about the need want of new pillows for the couch. That dream has come true!  I'm even having the couch cleaned to give them a proper welcome.

I cannot wait to have everything back in order especially in time for the montster's birthday party. Yes, I know I'm crazy, but at least I'm fun.

Cheers,
Jessie

Done!

There are certain occasions that my OCD tendencies serve me well. This weekend has been one of them.  The unpacking is done and I have moved on to the next project.

I MUST give a big shout out to my mom and mother-in-law for helping me with the monster.  Unpacking and toddlers do not mix. There are photos coming, but in the meantime I wanted to share something more important...

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I promise never to make this blog my soapbox, but I thought it was important to note that Easter Sunday is this week. If you are a Christian (as I am) than you understand what this holiday truly means.

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This Sunday also marks the beginning of our new church campus @ First Baptist Dallas.  I attended the  fountain lighting ceremony last night and was amazed at all God has done... and certainly excited about what he will continue to do! 

This is not about the building or the fancy new toys. This is about a personal relationship with Jesus and I am personally inviting each and everyone of you to come down to Big D next Sunday and go to church with me.  

I promise you will be eternally grateful.

Cheers,

Jessie

And So It Begins...

Tomorrow will begin the transition back into our home.  The floors are complete and touch up painting is underway! Hallelujah! I cannot wait to show you the finished product.

Lest you be too jealous just remember, I still have to deal with this before all is said and done...

And just because I've never been very patient, here is a sneak peek at the finished product.

Cheers,
Jessie

Step Off!

I guess for those of us here in good ole Texas spring has sprung.  And with that comes spring cleaning! If you recall back to this post, our front porch is in desperate need of a little facelift. I'm not talking about anything dramatic... just some spring flowers and a new door mat!

I think all the workers coming in and out of our house have ensured that ours has seen better days. Since I'm never one for subtly, I thought these options would fit the bill.

Love the colors and the bold design.

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You know I love a classic monogram.  While this one might not have the flair of the others, but it totally makes up for with traditional chicness.

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Could this be more fun? It's like a little hello from the floor.

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Who doesn't love a medallion?

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Simply beautiful... a great suzani (without the price tag)!

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I can't decide.  Perhaps these are all too pretty to be stepped on.  

Cheers,

Jessie

The Old Ball & Chain

No, Hootie didn't steal my computer and write a post about me. I'm referring to our original baby, Gracie Lou. This Sunday (on St. Paddy's Day no less), she will celebrate her 11th birthday. In her honor, I decided to make a birthday list for our girl.

Gracie has been known to take lounging to the extreme and why not do it in style with this faux leather bed.  You know I love a good personalization as well!

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Hootie has never allowed anything but a solid red collar for Gracie. (Minus the time when I bought her a dinner party collar.  I don't think Hootie or Gracie appreciated that one much.) However, this one might be too sweet to pass up.

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How could Gracie not fill like a queen when eating out of these?!?

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Lastly, my sister-in-law turned me on to these super cute chevron dog tags.  You pick the colors and there tons of designs.  Maybe I should go ahead and order one for the old lady?!?

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As any animal lover will tell you, Gracie is a member of our family and while she is full out crazy most days we wouldn't have her any other way.  Happy birthday, Gracie Lou!

Cheers,
Jessie   

A Special Thanks

I've been reminded more than I would like in the last several months that life is fleeting.  I'm not gonna bring everybody down by elaborating much, but I do want to take today to say thank you.  Thank you to my Mom!

With all the complaining that I have done lately about moving in and out of the house, she has embraced my whole crazy clan without batting an eye.  She loves on us, encourages us and more importantly I know she prays for us.  

Being in my childhood home for the last couple of weeks has reminded me over and over again that she has always encouraged me to be me.  I keep finding random DIY projects I did back in middle school. (That are terrible by the way.)  But regardless, she let me try and try again.  

So for today, I want to say thank you, Mom.  You are the best mother and Shasha I know and we are so grateful to have you.  I love you.

Your favorite daughter, 

Jessie

Whatever Wednesday!

Normally, I'm not a big fan of the miscellaneous holiday, but since I was involved in a bad pinching incident in college because I refused to wear green on St Patrick's Day I've changed my tune a little.  So in honor of Ol' Saint Paddy, I'm giving a shout out to all things Irish.

First up on the list... beer! Sorry for all the non-drinkers in the group, but if you've ever been to Ireland than you know this really is of the upmost importance.

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I actually do enjoy a cold pint of Guinness.  Obviously, I am not the only one since over 10 million glasses are sold EVERY DAY!

We did take a brief trip to Ireland during our time overseas. It really is one of the most beautiful places we've been. I highly recommend driving the Ring of Kerry and the Aghadoe Heights hotel is incredible! 

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(Flashback to young Mama & Hootie)

(I just had to throw this guy in... I love him.)

My brother-in-law would kill me if I failed to mention Ireland's greatest export... U2.  Honestly, I don't really know what all the hype it about.  (Kidding - kind of.)

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Lastly, a shout out to all the cute Irishmen (excluding Leprechauns).  The world is at least a prettier place because of you.  

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Now everyone go celebrate a country that most have never visited and don't forget to wear something green!

Cheers,

Jessie

Now You See Me...

Now you don't!  Tricky, huh?

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Since our bedroom is getting close to completion (minus the floors), I've had my eye on a few different pieces for the room.  You didn't seriously think I would stop at the dresser, did you?

The built-ins now physically and visually take up a lot of space in the bedroom, but I think it is always important to have a few supporting pieces to fill in.  Enter the lucite console table!

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Visually it doesn't take up a lot of space, but it still adds a layer to the room and I love the idea of contrast between the sleek table and our vintage dresser.  I would even take it a step further and add a rustic trunk underneath for storage and a little contrast.  

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I guess this means I should start scourging Craigslist list now if I'm ever gonna find the right trunk.  (Insert Hootie's eye roll here.)

Cheers,

Jessie

Surprise!

We welcomed a new addition to our family this weekend.  I'd like to introduce you to... OUR DRESSER!

After weeks (actually months) of scouring every antique mall and Craiglist posting, we've decided to adopt this little lady.  No lady likes to tell her age, but she around 60 years old and full of sass.  

She is currently living in our garage along with about every other thing I own.  She will make her official debut soon.  Hopefully soon?!?  How long could the floors possibly take?!?  (Don't answer that.)

Cheers,

Jessie

Did I Do That?!?

In a stroke of genius, I decided to paint our front door purple.  Things had been looking a little blah for a while now and I thought we could use a punch of color.

(Pardon the large shop vac and dying Christmas trees.)

Anywho, I love the color and think it brings a little smile to the front porch.

It is possible that I failed to mention this project to Hootie.  Hope he likes purple... Go Phi Gam!

Cheers,

Jessie

Whatever Wednesday!

I cannot believe that my little monster will be TWO in just a few short weeks!  Birthday planning is in full swing which means he needs a birthday list!  This is probably the last time that I will get to make the executive decision on his "wish list"... which he really should think about since I have such excellent taste.

Anywho, the child LOVES to be outside so we've been debating getting him an outdoor playhouse.  I was totally inspired by Jenny's makeover of this precious playhouse.  

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I am totally not opposed to painting or adding a few quirks of my own, but I just haven't been able to pick one. The top contenders are... 

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Of course, I adore this one, but I think we can all agree that $1500 is a bit much for something they will outgrow fairly quickly!

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What about you guys?  Any suggestions on an ultra stylish and affordable playhouse?

Cheers,

Jessie

Measure Twice, Cut... Twice

As is par for the course, the renovations began late last week with a little drama.  It has been mentioned a time or two before that I am SUPER excited about adding built-ins in the master bedroom.  My dream finally came true last Thursday.

If you follow me on Twitter than you realize that I had four strange men in my bedroom for the majority of that afternoon.  I have to say I was really impressed with how quickly they were installed.  I floated around the house the rest of the afternoon peeking in from time to time to make sure I still loved them just as much.  That is until Hootie came home and said "Let's move the bed back in place"... the love fest ended there.

The bed didn't fit!  What the what?!? I had personally measured the mattress and the carpenter had measured as well.  How was this even possible...

1) I didn't ask for an updated sketch once the carpenter measured.

2) He and I were talking about different things... I was basing measurements off the bed's width.  He was working off the windowsill width.  :(

Needless to say, I wasn't in the cheeriest of moods that evening, but thanks to some quick thinking from everyone but me... a solution was proposed.  The cabinetry was obviously trimmed out so there was a small gap on either side that could be pushed out to give us ONE whole extra inch and that's all we needed!

Friday rolled around and the no longer strange men (but now slightly disgruntled) disassembled the whole thing, shaved off a little on the edges and put it all back in place!

I am thrilled with the results.  Currently, paint is still drying, hardware is up in the air and sconces have just been ordered.  It's definitely not going as smoothly as anticipated, but we're getting there and so far I LOVE it!

Cheers,

Jessie

Creature of Habit

Those that know me best know that I like things "a certain way" and just a few days into our renovations have already put me on the brink of a meltdown.  I am a firm believer in order and if we are being truly honest... control.  The upheaval of my home and our lifestyle has thrown me for a loop.

I realize this is a tiny problem in the grand scheme of things, but that is what has me most concerned.  If the smallest issue can cause this much chaos in my normal everyday life than what will happen if something BIG comes along?!?

I was lamenting tonight that I wish I was more like a friend of mine who seems to always be carefree and oblivious to the stress of the world.  (No, sissy, I was not talking about you.)  But don't we all want what the other has... I guess I will take this as an opportunity to let go a little more and embrace my flower child.  I'll keep you posted on the results.

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Cheers,
Jessie

PS - Tune in later this week to find out why the built-ins were installed incorrectly, the hardware is too big and Hootie didn't know we were painting the front door.  :)