Hey everyone! I have missed you so! Just popping in to give you a small update on what’s been going on around here. If you’re new, here’s the brief recap:
- February–My father passed away from skin cancer.
- May—We experienced the wrath of bed bugs (which I am THRILLED to report are now gone!)
- July—My husband’s position at work was done away with and we are living off of savings.
- August—My husband passed his dissertation defense and finally has his PhD. (Yay!)
- September—I start homeschooling A, Z starts preschool, we possibly put the house on the market, and Hubs might start a job 6 hrs away in VA. (He has his 3rd interview in a few weeks, so we’ll see!)
So, according to the Holmes and Rahe stress scale I “have a moderate to high chance of becoming ill in the near future”. Lovely. Fortunately for me, I have some mad coping skills when it comes to stress due to previous life trials. No major sickness for me Holmes and Rahe, but…I might not be able to share as much with all of you….which makes me sad. If you miss me, follow me on facebook or twitter. I tweet and update often!
In order to get the house ready to sell (if need be), I am organizing, decluttering, depersonalizing, and staging every room, nook, and cranny. I have the top two levels of our home in good shape and now have to get the bottom two levels in order. Our main level has been in need of help for a long time. I have a red and yellow theme going on which just looks tired and dated. I can’t afford to redecorate the entire level, so I’ve decided to add touches of blue to update and freshen the look. I will be excited to reveal the changes soon!
First up, was to update my throw pillows. I really liked these pillows from Pottery Barn but even on sale they seemed pricey, $29 for just the cover. Come on PB, be reasonable and give your people an actual pillow inside the covers!
So, then I thought I could make some pillows out of these napkins from Pier 1 which are currently on clearance for $2.18.
Unfortunately, in person the colors didn’t look as good and I liked the paisley better than the floral. Determined not to be discouraged, I found some other fabulous napkins for $2.18 which will work and also found these pillows:
They are paisley, cheaper than PB’s and even come with an actual pillow inside them! I also found some vintage shudders on Craigslist for $5 which I’m painting blue. Why didn’t you all tell me to do this ages ago? My level is looking sooooo much better and sell-worthy! I’ll have pics for you soon! Stay tuned!
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Congratulations to your husband on the PhD (having just completed one, I know what an undertaking it is – both for him as well as for you, the supportive spouse).
Also, here's hoping that your hubby gets the job in VA – you'd be closer to family then, right?
By the way, I work with your little sis at Regent and have been following your blog for a while. Many blessings to you as you go through organizing, possible selling of the house, and homeschooling!
That old saying, when it rains, it pours. . . Unfortunately that's true, but that's also when God is holding you the tightest.
I love that paisley pillow. Where'd you find that deal?
Can't wait to see the shutters.
xoxxoxo
Sometimes it all comes at once.
Hang in there — it all goes around again.
You do a great job on your blog.
Great idea to incorporate the blue…it should look fantastic!
Blessings, Beth.
Praying for you, and if your house needs to sell, God has just the right buyer, because he knows all that you need. I will never forget needing to sell one of our houses in a town where houses had been on the market for years, and boom somebody walked into where I worked and had cash to purchase the house, needless to say we sold before we were ready to move, and lived with friends for 6 weeks so my daughter could finish school. When I look back at all the Lord did in selling houses for us it is truly amazing. Looking forward to see all of your freshening up. When you live in a place as long as we have, I am starting to feel a bit cluttered, so some major changes are on the way. Have a blessed weekend. Jackie
Oh, Beth, what a year it has already been for you. Will pray that the job in VA works out so you can be closer to your wonderful family! Blessings!
I can't wait to see what it looks like when it is done. I love reading your blog, you are so inspiring to me. You are so kind and thank you for all of your help. I hope that your house will sell fast and you hubbie gets this job!
You really have made it through a lot of things the last months! Your endurance amazes me!! The pillows look good and I'm looking forward to seeing the pictures!
Beth your entire home is gorgeous! Red and yellow are tired and dated? Say it isn't so. *Smiles* Love the new fabric on the pillows. You will sell fast I'm sure! I'm so sorry about all of the stress you have been through this year. You are one tough cookie.
Blessings, ~Melissa
Praying for you! Go check out the Pink Saturday posts at how sweet the sound, country wings in phoenix, Kelle at Kattilack Shack and see Colette recovering from breast/spine cancer after she was given a 5-15% chance of survival.
I wish you well and the best no matter where you have to go and what you do! Keep smiling because you are the very best! Hugs and Blessings from Colorful COlorado Anne
I'm so sorry about all of the stress….things will get better! Blessings to you and your family. And…super cute pillows!
can't wait to see it, good idea with the napkins!
Blessings to you all on everything that is going on.
Congrats on homeschooling. We have done it forever (a senior, sophomore, 2nd grader this year). We LOVE it!
I hope you don't have to move, that is so stressful! However, I'm glad your husband has his PhD now and is on his 3rd interview! That is good news!
Whatever happens, I know you are the type to make the best of it! Good luck!
ooh, what part of virginia? I wonder if you are maybe coming near me.
Wonderful pillows…PB is so over priced! I have been married 30 years and do not have all the answers, however, during stressful times I have learned I have to take one day at a time because I have no control over tomorrow or next month. That is were faith really kicks in. Hope all goes well with the house staging and homeschooling. Keep Smiling.
Ive missed your regular posts here and since Im no longer on Facebook(can anyone relate that its a huge time addiction…it was for me) I cant follow you there.
I just started homeschooling my kindergartener on Monday and its going wonderfully. My oldest started 2nd grade at our christian school.
Life is crazy. Full of ups and downs. Just remember: "God is good. ALL the time!" I'll be praying for you. I have whenever Ive read one of your not so fun posts concerning life.
Hugs,
Sarah
Hi Beth {waving}! Miss you and boy have you had some year! I am praying for you and the family, and hoping hubby gets that job in Virginia! I remember the staging of the house to put it on the market. I did it last year and I felt like I was living in someone else's house! Next time I'm keeping some personality around.
What a full plate you have! I hope you get some moments to rest, relax, and just enjoy!
Congratulations to your husband ( and you) on the PHD!
I have that PB pillow cover and LOVE it! <3
YES, you have a lot of stress but home schooling will be an amazing thing for you to do for your kids. My parents home schooled me and it was the best thing they ever did for me! 🙂 Blessings on your future.
I wish you the very best!!! I am crossing fingers for you that your hubby is hired and your new adventure will begin soon!!
We would love to have you here in Virginia!
You are one busy mama! Good luck with the homeschooling–that's exciting. A few of my local friends just started back to homeschooling and have good reports so far.
Congrats on the hubby's PhD. That's amazing! It would be a major change to have to pack up and move, but Virginia has some fun stuff. 😉 Which area are you looking at?
Can't wait to see the latest updates to the house!
Uhhh…have you seen your house? It'll sell in a heartbeat! It's a well-loved home. Those are the ones that sell the fastest. 🙂
Seeing what you have been going through month by month makes me think you REALLY need a break. Sounds like you are excited about fixing up your main level and that can be fun. I agree with you on the pillow covers by Pottery Barn. Wow…a piece of fabric for $29.99!! Their lamps and shades have come separate, too. I like the napkins, though and just may try your idea!
Take care Beth and good luck with everything!
xoxo
Janie
If I was going to buy a house, I'd be looking for leopard print wall paper and avacado appliances… just saying. Your house will sell so fast. We don't want you guys to move!!! 🙂