Adventures in Homeownership, Part III

I never thought I'd see the day when I got excited over a major appliance purchase, but here I am.  Today's installment of Adventures in Homeownership involved the replacement of the ancient oven that was inhabiting my kitchen.  Seriously, I think it could have very likely been the original oven.  Maybe not, since the house was built in 1942 and I'm not sure that Kitchen Aid was in the oven business back then, but you get the idea...it was O-L-D.  I'd been putting off buying a new oven until I completely redo the kitchen, but when I made biscuits two weeks ago and the bottoms burned while the tops were still doughy, I knew I had a problem that needed immediate attention.

While I was at it, I decided to mount the microwave in the cabinet above the oven.  Little did I know, the cabinet was too low to hang the microwave, so out the cabinet came.  Now the microwave is hanging on the wall, but it's just kinda there.  Nothing above it but an unfinished two-by-four.  You guessed it...that's going to necessitate speeding up the cabinet and countertop renovation plans.  I hope Uncle Sam sends me a big refund in the spring so that can be next summer's project.  I'm just learning to live with the weirdness of the randomly hanging microwave right this second.

So here's the before picture...the oven was a drop in with the grossest electric eyes I've ever seen.  No matter how hard I scrubbed I could never get those jokers clean.  And the color...oh, it was much more yellow in person.

And then the oven came out.  At this point, Steve the handyman and his helper broke out a saw and a drill and several other tools that I could not identify so I decided it would be best if I just left.  Sawdust was getting everywhere and my blood pressure was going up as they debated whether or not things would fit, how best to get the cabinet out and what have you.

So I did what any normal person would do...I went to Sonic for Happy Hour.  Steve, my new BFF, had to cut out the countertop in the back and redo the plug and many other things involving his saw to get the existing oven out and the new one in, but it was all worth it to walk back in and see this.

Cabinets, counters, a new sink, and paint are next on the list, but for now this adventure is a done deal. 

The Best Girls Ever

How do I even begin to describe these girls?  These are some of the smartest, most Godly women I've ever known and somehow I'm privileged enough to call them friends.  We were all Alpha Gam pledge sisters at Auburn and then lived together in the dorm.  Needless to say, living in a 12x12 cinder block room with someone (or in our case four someones) will drive you to your knees and forge a bond that can't be broken. 

Megan, Sarah, Sarah, Cameron, and Marci are five of the most wonderful friends I could have ever asked for.  The Lord has been so faithful to us as we've grown from 18 year old college freshmen into twenty-something professional women with careers and families.  It's pretty crazy to think about all the adventures we've had and laughs and tears we've shared but it is the common thread of the Lord and His goodness that has woven our friendship together and I'm thankful that it will stand the test of time.


We're all spread out now and don't get to see each other nearly as much as we'd like, but last weekend there was such a fun occasion that landed us all in the same place, if even just for an evening.  Our sweet Meg got engaged and it was SO.MUCH.FUN to celebrate her and Hunter! 

She said YES!  Let the planning begin!

Together again!

We've celebrated birthdays, engagements, weddings, and babies so far.  These girls know how to have a good time, are always up for a run to Chick-Fil-A or TCBY, and have loved me in ways I will never forget.    With that...here are some pictures to help you understand why I love these girls so much!

Throw back to Dixie Bibb Graves Hall...this was the night of my 21st Birthday with Cam and Meg.

Sarah and Adam are engaged!  She was the first, it was a surprise, and we were clearly beside ourselves.  And looking like babies!

Ice skating in Rockefeller Center...right after I busted it.  And they laughed.

Spring Break 2008 in New York...Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity on St. Patrick's Day.

Probably my favorite picture of us of all time.

Marci and Justin's rehearsal dinner in Atlanta.

Meeting the first baby of the bunch!  We love you Luke!

I hope y'all know how thankful I am for y'all!  I pray for you often and can't wait to see you soon!  XOXO.

Endless Hallelujah

A picture is worth a thousand words, so a video must be worth more than that.  Here's a video to give you a better idea about our week in Honduras.  The song playing is Endless Hallelujah by Matt Redman...appropriate in that as Believers we are ALL assured of eternity before the Throne offering endless hallelujahs to Jesus.  Thanks be to God!

"The needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted perish forever."  Psalm 9:18

Te Amo...

...it means "I love you" in Spanish and we say it at the end of every prayer in Honduras.  It's a simple reminder to the rescued boys and girls that they are loved and cared for despite the circumstances that brought them to the ministry.  For the second year, I had the privilege of serving with Forgotten Children Ministries on a team at Noah's Ark Shelter in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

I met this little girl at the government orphanage, INHFA.  She was adorable!

 This trip proved to be just as life-changing as the first.  While the novelty of the trip was definitely not the pervading emotion this time, there is still something completely breath-taking about getting off an airplane in the midst of one of the poorest, but most stunningly beautiful countries in the world.  The juxtaposition of beauty and poverty is almost indescribable.  Everywhere you look there are shanties and shacks surrounded by impressive mountains, precious children scouring garbage dumps for their next meal.  I don't think I will ever get used to it...I would be scared if I did, as it's a stark illustration of the Gospel in its purest form.

Just like last year, we spent time doing food ministry in the villages surrounding Tegucigalpa.  It's so counter-culture to us, but we literally jumped off the bus in these villages and would just walk up to people's "houses" and ask if we could come in and visit with them.  We've never been turned down and their honesty in sharing needs and prayer requests is often shocking...definitely the antithesis of the American attitude of "I've got it all together--I'm fine."  They were always so appreciative of the bags of beans and rice and usually would us in the direction of another family member or neighbor in need that we could minister to and visit as well.

This sweet baby was 18 days old.

This was a family whose home we visited during food ministry one day.

I met these girls during food ministry last year.  It was great to see them again and take them some gifts like tshirts and coloring books.

In the afternoons, we had our huge soccer tournament and VBS with the FCM boys and girls.  It's always so much fun to hang out with them on their turf, playing their game.  Our relationships with the kids continue to grow year after year and I get really excited to see the same kids every day.  They love to talk to you (if you can call it that with the little bit of Spanish we speak and few translators to go around) and just have fun playing.

I was super excited to see Dany, the boy I sponsor.  I took him several prizes including a cowboy hat that he'd been asking for.  Try packing that in your luggage!  He has grown a lot since the last time I was there and is doing well in school.  I could really tell that he was beginning to come out of his shell and make friends with lots of the other boys in the ministry.  It's funny though, because just like American 12 year old boys, he was a little to cool to hang out with me too much!

Dany and me when we arrived on Sunday

The cowboy hat got a big thumbs up!

For our "fun" day this year we took the FCM kids to the new shopping mall in Teguc to play at the indoor amusement park.  They had rides like a Ferris wheel and this roller-coaster spinning deal, but considering I hate rides in America, I definitely sat out the Honduran rides. It was fun to watch though and the looks on the kids faces were priceless--for a lot of them this was a first!

Dany riding a motorcycle at the amusement park.

As a side note, we did get to spend an extra night in the Teguc Marriott courtesy of Delta.  We had a mechanical difficulty on Friday which necessitated a new plane from Atlanta on Saturday morning.  The hotel was one of the nicer ones I'd ever stayed in (and that's saying a lot) but I just wish I hadn't been so exhausted so I could have enjoyed it.  Alas we made it home safely only 24 hours behind schedule. 

This trip is one of the highlights of my year and the ministry of FCM is near and dear to my heart.  Please remember to pray for them as you think about it!  Te amo!

The End is Near...

...and I am oh-so-ready!  It's hard to believe that year four of my teaching career is coming to a close.  Sometimes the days seem to drag on and on and other times it's like I blink and the day is done.

My heart has been challenged lately to see my job as a teacher as so much more than a job--rather, an investment opportunity.  I attended at retreat this weekend and in both sessions, the speakers hit on using your place in life to invest in others, to serve, to make every moment count, and to be prepared to be accountable for what you do.

I have a limited amount of time with the precious lives in my care.  Yes, it is important to impart some academic knowledge to them, but high school freshmen need to know so much more than the characteristics of plants and animals.  They need someone to speak truth into their lives about how they are created with a purpose, are loved by the Author of Creation, and exist to bring Him glory. 

As I sit here and watch this group of kids take their final exam, I can't help but ask myself if I made every moment count this year.  Did they see Jesus in me?  Did I love them well and strive to point them to the Cross?  Did I set a good example?  Because heaven knows they learn more from watching than they do from listening.  Sure, there were lots of days that I was a failure at those things, but my prayer is that when they walk out of my door for the last time, in some tiny way I made a Kingdom investment in their lives.  I am thankful that His mercies are new every day and that He has placed this calling on my life to spend time with some of the most fun people around!  Oh, that I would be found faithful.

In that same vein, Sophie wrote a post yesterday about friendship.  The comments are incredible.  Check it out and throw in your two cents about how you navigated the crazy waters of friendship in high school and college!

A Collection of Random Thoughts...

...on a variety of subjects.  Bullet points will be my friend, I think.

• I'm currently counting down the days until school is out.  Not because I'm THAT ready for school to be out (really, I am) but because that means it's almost time to leave for Honduras.  I am so excited to be headed back down for a week in May to serve with Forgotten Children Ministries.  I can't wait to see Dany Boy again and love on all those sweet kiddos.  Who knows, this year I might even play a little soccer.  Doubtful, but who knows?!

• I've recently taken on the role of SGA sponsor at the high school  Crazy, I know.  But of all the things I love SGA and student activities are high on my list.  My involvement in Student Government in high school and especially college equipped me with skills I still use to this day--dealing with people, accountability for decisions, community service, and fundraising--to name a few.  I am co-sponsoring with another great friend and we have an incredible slate of officers for the upcoming year.  I am excited to invest in them as student-leaders and work alongside them as they accomplish great things in our school and community.

• Sweet Sarah and Adam Rice, Luke, and baby John Wicks (who's not quite here yet) have recently moved back South and I couldn't be more excited.  We had a fun lunch meet-up in Homewood the other day after they'd been to the zoo.  I am thrilled to have them so much closer to Birmingham and can't wait to watch those baby boys grow up.

Fun lunch with Megan, Sarah, and Luke

• Speaking of babies, Joe Reaves made his big debut about a month ago.  It's really crazy to think about the little boy you spent all of your birthdays, summers, holidays, and school years with now has his own little boy.  Will and Sam seem to be settling into parenthood nicely and there is no shortage of love for Baby Joe.  His arrival timing was impeccable and I got to visit him on his actual birthday.  Well played, Joe, well played!

Baby Joe, your Aunt Martha loves you!

• Brett breezed through town for the Dave Matthews Band show so we had a great catch up over chips and cheese dip at La Bamba a few weeks back.  It's amazing the number of the world's problems he and I can solve in just a short amount of time.  We joke that the world would be a better (or at least more efficient) place if we were running it.  That's most certainly not the truth, but it's hard to break that line of thinking since we've been thinking that since, oh, about first grade!

Friday Funday with Bretty B

• I literally could not put down Sparkly Green Earrings by Melanie Shankle of Big Mama fame.  It was a great book and I'm anxiously awaiting her next book--a memoir about marriage.  Speaking of great books, my (actually in real life) friend Sophie Hudson--aka BooMama--has a book coming out in early June called A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet.  You can download the first chapter from her website.  I devoured it and cannot wait to get the whole thing in my hands.  Sophie is one of the most down-to-Earth people I've ever met and is an incredible story teller.  She loves Jesus, her family, and the South and if you know me, those things are the essence of who I am.  You don't want to miss ALSTCTS!  Pre-order your copy now and it will be in your mailbox the day it's released!

• I couldn't leave you without a little house update.  The good news is I've finally been able to stop doing stuff to the house and just enjoy it.  I've planted some flowers and hung some ferns, but otherwise I'm just spending a lot of time on the swing enjoying this little house that is my home.

Adventures in Homeownership, Part II

I realize I am about the most inconsistent blogger on the planet.  It just is what it is...but I hated to leave you hanging wondering about the couch, so just like I promised when last I wrote, here's a picture of the long-awaited yellow sofa!  In all reality, it's been here for almost a month, but I just got the pillows and other fun stuff that make it really exciting.  I'm thrilled with how it turned out!  It really makes the whole den.  And most importantly, it naps great (not that I've really had much time to find out)!  {I'm choosing to leave out all the drama surrounding why it took almost 5 months for me to get a couch that was supposed to be here in 6 weeks.  But I will say, my friends at Alabama Furniture Market made it all worth it!}

Love, love, love the monogrammed pillows!

I'm making a little progress on the dining room too.  I bought a really pretty antique china cabinet while I was at home in Guntersville one weekend.  What makes it even more special is that I put all of my grandmother's china in it, so I'm getting to enjoy it rather than think about it in boxes in the attic.

But I think the MOST exciting house-related development is the new front porch swing.  Pretty sure I've found my new "happy place".  I've been so exciting about the time change and having more daylight in the afternoons, so I plan to be spending lots of time on the swing soon!

My new favorite spot

All my time has not been spent on house stuff though.  Two weekends ago I was honored to be a bridesmaid in Libby and Ben's wedding.  I'm so thankful for their friendship and loved getting to spend time with my best friends in the whole world.  There is nothing like college friends....it's so nice to pick up in the same place everytime!  And last weekend I went to the beach.  It was freeeeezing, but the sun was out so I made the most of my time and did a lot of reading and relaxing while bundled up on the porch. 

Without a doubt, some of my favorite girls in the world.  Can't wait to meet the new babies in this crew!

This was my view for almost an entire weekend!

I can't believe there's just one more week til spring break.  I'm super excited to hang around Birmingham and do nothing.

Adventures in Home Ownership, Part I

Where do I even start?  I definitely went into the whole buying-a-house process thinking the price negotiations would be the biggest challenge.  I couldn't have been more mistaken.  Don't get me wrong...the whole thing has been lots of fun, but it has not come without its moments of total panic. There has been so much to think about (and pay for!).  I've mentioned it before, but it's really hilarious how quickly your priorities change when the house belongs to you...sometimes I feel like I hear dripping water in my sleep and it totally makes me panic and wonder where the leak is!  So far I've owned the house for about 45 days and have already had a fence pulled up, a new heater and a/c installed in the guest house, and visits from the plumber and electrician.  Yikes! 

In reality, it's all gone pretty smoothly, but I'm ready to be settled and enjoy the house for a while before something else has to be fixed.  The decorating process has certainly been the fun part.  My mom and I have had the best time planning, thinking, arranging, and rearranging stuff.  So without further adieu, here's the first installment of the house tour.  Please excuse the less than stellar iPhone photos.

With the exception of the coffee table, the whole living room got redone.  The awesome paisley chair originally belonged to my grandparents, did a stint with my parents in a lovely stripe, and has come to its final resting place with me covered in the fabric you see below.  It makes me smile every time I walk in the living room.  The red chair was an eBay find.  It was originally upholstered in an interesting black and tan floral.  I wish I had a before picture so you could see the transformation (and could have gone on the adventure to retrieve it from the Greyhound bus station).  Just trust me when I tell you I never dreamed it could turn out this well.  The red fabric was also an eBay find.  My mama has been doing some good work on eBay!  Our final online purchase for the den was the blue and white lamp.  It too came from eBay and was a total steal.  The seller said it was originally in the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas...how much truth there is to that, I don't know, but it makes for a fun story.  And then there is the rug.  Every single person that has walked in the house has commented on the rug.  Some friends (who will remain nameless) like to lay in the floor because the rug is so amazing.  It came from Homegoods and is a really cool shag.  Throwback to the 70's anyone?  It's the perfect unexpected modern piece to offset all the traditional antiques.  The dresser was in my room growing up and the botanical prints were a Scott's Antiques find.  Perhaps the most exciting part about the living room will come when the couch I ordered (over TWO months ago) gets delivered in the next few days.  I am SO excited.  Promise a pic when it gets here!

Really excited about the yellow sofa that's going on the wall under the windows!

The red chair looks great against the grey/beige walls.

The t.v. is mounted in the bookcase to the left of the fireplace.  I've loved looking at all my Christmas cards on the mantle!

The kitchen is really showing it's age with the cabinets and counter tops, but I'm making the best of it for now!  One day I plan to totally redo the kitchen, but that's looking like it's at least a couple of years down the road.  I added a cable drop and a television in here, and I can't even begin to tell you how that's changed my life.  Think I watch tv a little too much?!

The kitchen has great bones, but original appliances.  Making the best of it!

The dining room is in need of some TLC but I'm having a really hard time deciding what to put on the walls or if I can fit another piece of furniture in here.  So at the moment, it's pretty blah.  The curtains are a new addition and I'm liking the way they look.  Any brilliant ideas out there for what to do to spice it up in this room?  Maybe a mirror and plates on either side?  Change the light fixture?

Had to bring in some outside chairs to have enough seating for a dinner party.  Definitely need some help in the dining room!

No major changes in my bedroom.  I did bring back my mahogany bed that was in my room growing up.  It was a full bed, but I found (well, Mom found) some converter rails online, so it was really quick and easy to change it to accommodate my queen-size mattress and box springs.  Love the way it looks in here!

Can't go wrong with Pottery Barn bedding and an antique bed.

 

 

I'm excited about working on the yard this spring.  I had the fence taken up and have some grand plans to add hydrangeas and other fun stuff.  Truth be told, my mom is coming up with the yard plan, but it's exciting to think about.  Hopefully I'll be back soon with a picture of the completed living room, including the couch!