L-A-O-D-I-C-E-A-N

I have a bit of a reputation among some of my friends for watching strange sporting events. Of course, I'd argue that they aren't that weird, and some of them aren't really sporting events. I make a point of watching the three races of the Triple Crown and the Little League World Series along with all the other more normal televised events.

One of the other weird ones I typically watch, is the spelling bee. And it just happened to be on tv last night. I owe my pastor and friend back in Sheboygan, Jeff, a big thank you for letting me feel like a spelling champion. Because of multiple messages I've heard at Crossroads (my church in Sheboygan) about being "lukewarm", not only could I spell the championship word (Laodicean), I could also define it AND use it in a sentence.

So, thank you Jeff, for letting me feel like I could have held my own had I been on that spelling bee stage last night. But more importantly, for helping me understand how important it is that I NOT be like the Laodiceans, and not grow lukewarm, complacent, and indifferent in my faith like they did. But instead grow, seeking God more and more everyday, and living the faith I profess.

Bench Makeover

Last post I gave you the before picture of the ugly stool I found.

Here, in pictures, is the makeover of that very stool. Warning, it got uglier before it got better.

A little scraping of paint...

A little stripping of paint...

I forgot to get a picture of the repainting. Basically just a coat of primer with spray paint, and a coat of gloss black with spray paint.

A little un-upholstering (and revealing even further ugliness!)...

And a little reupholstering...

And the result... a much cuter bench that now resides in my pretty bedroom!

Two Pictures: One Pretty, One Not

First, the pretty.


Aren't they precious?! Precious is kind of an under-used word. But it kind of reminds me of my grandma when I say it. Not that my grandma says/said it, but it sounds like something A grandma would say. Enough of that, let's just say I've adored this little bouquet for the last few days after picking it up at the Farmer's Market this weekend.

And, the not so pretty.


This little stool was a flea market find this weekend (along with the hubcap in my last post). Too bad it's just plain ugly right now. I feel like it has so much potential. It could be cute! So this is my latest project. Any thoughts on how to clean this baby up? How do I get that white/rusty paint off? (I want it black.) And do I reupholster it black and white? or teal and white? It will eventually find it's way in to my teal/black/white bedroom. Stay tuned. There's sure to be more pictures of the whole pretty-fying process.

I'm not a car girl by any means.

My somewhat beat up older car with it's quirks is fine with me. I know next to nothing about cars. And I'm not all that impressed by nice cars (although they are fun to ride in Brother!).

So it's a little strange that I have this little wall dedicated to cars in my entry way. But I absolutely love it.

The pictures are a gift from my sweet friend E (Sorry that my picture of the wall is pretty boring.), one of the hubcaps is an awesome roadside find, and the other is one I got a great deal on at a flea market!


Love it!

That Bird? Mine.

I've claimed this bird as my own. She made herself a nest right above the main entrance to my condo building, which is right outside my door. A couple weeks ago, every time I walked out the door she was spooked and flew to a nearby tree. She'd sit on the branch, just a few yards away, just watching her nest, and watching me. Over the past few days, she's either become even more protective, or has warmed up to me, since she won't leave her nest at all.

I'm choosing to believe it's the latter, and am claiming her as my own little bird.

To my mom...

who has not only been the best mom I could ask for, but also best friend, example, role model, and woman I know, thank you mom. I love you more than I'm able to say.