Moving (but not really) And A Grooving

Well, well, well. How do I describe the stressful and quite emotional past few weeks. I want to take a nap just thinking about it. Basically we have been in limbo waiting to hear when and where we were moving next. We didn't know when we would find out or when and where we would be going. Kenny's contract with the Honor Guard ends this month so we knew the call would come any day. After lots of we are going here, no here, not now, yes now, let's pack up, no wait not everything kind of stress balls we are officially staying here for two more years. At first, we were bummed. We had our sights set high for California (a hop, skip and a jump away from my college roommate and soulmate Martie) or even the tropical paradise of Hawaii. After a few days of sulking, and let's be honest we are still sulking a wee bit, we decided to start thinking glass half full. We decided to turn this place of ours into a dad gum home. Pictures on the walls, rooms totally furnished, plant a garden, clean out the shed, sky's limit really. So, this weekend we worked like Egyptian slaves going to Home Depot multiple times, painting, cleaning, organizing, hanging things, etc. It kind of feels like we just moved in we have been working so hard. I have a bunch of projects to share with you but here are a few to start with- 

Numero Uno- The ugliest room in our home, yay! The laundry room/Chaco's  room/pantry.  It's right off our kitchen and we are always going in and out of this room. So while I was cleaning out the closets this weekend I realized I had so many pictures that I love that just don't match- and by don't match I mean they aren't white, let's be honest. I spend a lot of time in here folding laundry, looking aimlessly at the pantry trying to decide what I want to eat when I am full but bored, etc. 

Before:

And after-

  Notice the broom against the wall in the after picture. I broke a frame and glass shattered. Then I picked up some glass in more poor, precious foot. It was probably as close to crucifixion as I'll ever experience. Yes, I know I am a dramatic, I don't deny it. 

 I don't have a picture of my before shelf, or if I do I can't find it but I totally rearranged this little sweet spot that is right when you walk up the stairs. 

I so wish I had a before picture of this next room but just imagine a mattress and a box spring on the floor and a bunch of blankets and pillows that Nelly, yes Nelly slept on every night. Now as much as I love my sweet Neener I was so over having a bedroom for my dog. So we got a bed frame, washed everything on the bed then put human bedding on it. Instead of being Nelly's room it is now a guest room. And boom-

 It feels great to actually utilize the space you have for how it was intended. Even though visitors aren't just knocking our door down, it's nice to know when they do come it is an actual, furnished room. Yes, that was an open invitation. Also in this photo, look at that cool wreath. My friend Whitney made it out of book pages but couldn't take it with her when she moved so she gave it to me and I have been dying to hang it! Isn't it cool!

We moved the shelf that was above our bed into the kitchen. I have wanted to do it for months but with the potential move around the corner I just figured why bother. But, it was one of the first things we did this weekend and I love it. We are adding some light blue into the house so the little accents of blue really tie in with the armoire.  

My mom got this picture for me of the Seaside Chapel years ago. I just took it out of the plastic this weekend and put it in a frame. Seaside is one of my favorite places in the world and I absolutely love having a reminder of it right in the dining area!

 For a little Spring/Easter decor I put some hot pink and lime green flowers all over the main floor. I stinking freaking flipping dipping LOVE Spring. Hate pollen, but love Spring.

 I got my first orchid from Ikea for $9 and I say about three times a week it was the best $9 spent because it has kept blooming and really brightened up our kitchen. At Home Depot I picked up another orchid, and I l-o l-o l-o l-o-v-e it! On a different trip to Home Depot I was on a mission for some dark blue paint and got completely side tracked when I smelled the fragrance of heaven. I started sniffing like dog would around all the plants that were surrounding the area and found him. A hyacinth. Rush to your closest nursery and pick up one or two or twelve. 

Yesterday, Nicole and I went to a million different places, one of them being Lowe's. You'll never guess what I got. Unless you cheated and looked at the picture below first. I got two hanging baskets of strawberries!! Look at that beauty!!

I also potted some sweet mint, sweet basil, rosemary and cilantro. Say a quick prayer that I don't kill these guys. I am so excited about my little herb garden! I think I am going back to get some more.  

And of course, a few potted flowers. This is the only pot with blooms right now, so it is the only one worth seeing for the time being. 

And in our front yard these little bushes are just dying to pop open! AH! For about two weeks they look awesome and the rest of the year they look like an old, shriveled and dying prunes. So! I plan on enjoying them as much as I can for these two glorious weeks!

I told you we have been busy! And that's not even the half of it! I will post more when we get everything completed! I can't wait to show you!

Happy Spring! And Happy Easter!!