Getting Inspired!

JJ and I only had three short evenings to work on our house this week.  Despite the small amount of time…we have accomplished much.  

This week, we worked on the Living Room, Dining Room, Master Bedroom and Kitchen.

Kitchen:

If you read my blog last week, you will recall what the kitchen looked like:

After ripping down the ceiling, removing the trim, and tearing out the cabinets....

...this is what we are left with (at the moment):

We were able to sell all our kitchen appliances through the Facebook Group: "Dubuque Garage Sale Sight".  

Here is the link if you want to check it out: DBQ Area Garage Sale Sight 

As you look at these pictures you may be thinking "wow, this is a little rough...what a mess for a kitchen".  

Honestly, I think that myself from time-to-time.  BUT, then I remember I am engaged to a master carpenter. :)  

You see, we have many plans for this kitchen space. I found my dream kitchen on HGTV's Remodel Sight.  Click here to see Our Dream Kitchen .  One day, we hope our kitchen will be a version of this beautiful food preparation area. 

Half Bath and Laundry Room:

When we purchased the house, this was the laundry room facility:

This week, we began to tear it apart.

We are planning on making a half bath and laundry room out of this area.  The laundry room will be a small area with not much room for anything but a stacked washer and dryer. 

We will then put a small wall up to create a half bath.  The half bath will be a small space with a pedestal sink and a toilet.  I don't have a picture as inspiration (the vision of the layout is simply in our heads), however; I can show you the inspiration for the color scheme:

Thats right.  

My vehicle is the inspiration.  

We are planning on having our half bath the following colors: Brown/Tan, Black and Dark Grey.

Side Note: Dryer for Sale! We sold the washer this week, however; there haven't been any takers on the dryer yet!   $150 for a Whirlpool Gas Dryer.  Great condition.  Probably 2 years (maybe up to 5 years old).  Let us know if you are interested!

Living Room/Dining Room

This week we tore down the trim and ceiling.

We are still formulating the entire vision for this space.  However the greatest treasure we found while ripping these two rooms apart was....

Wood Floors!!!

We will bring in a sander and cleans these boards off!  I am so excited to know that we will have nice, beautiful wood floors throughout the dinning room and living room!

Master Bedroom:

Here is the 'before" picture of our master:

This week we tore down the ceiling, trim and closets, however; I don't have a current picture to post.  The good news is this:

Hardwood Floors are under the carpet in here too!!! 

If we decide to use the hardwood floor in the bedroom, this is our inspiration: 

This picture was found at: http://st.houzz.com/simages/68980_0_4-6885-traditional-bedroom.jpg

So, this is the update on our Renovation Project.  

Now onto planning a wedding.

Home Sweet Home

JJ and I purchased a house this weekend!!!

Front Yard

We can’t wait to make it a home.

Back Yard 

In my mind, it is absolutely perfect…although in reality, it is definitely a fixer-upper. :)  

Even though there is a lot of work ahead for us (especially for JJ), I am really excited about the fact that this house needs a little love and attention.  You see, I have always thought the concept of “flipping” a house sounded like a fun project.  Watching “Flip that House” or “Trading Spaces” just seemed to feed this desire of mine, however; it was far beyond what I could manage.  I have always known I don’t have the skills or capabilities to accomplish such a large task. 

I am so thankful I am marrying a carpenter. :)

Kitchen

Although there are many quirky things about this house, JJ and I know that God has provided the perfect place at the perfect time. 

We are so thankful.

Right now we are in the process of picking out color schemes, flooring and cabinets.  This process can be overwhelming at times.  You see, I tend to over analyze decisions I need to make, and then over analyze once again…and again. 

Living Room

However, one things has made me very thankful through this entire process: I don’t have to worry.  As we make decisions I can be a peace because no matter what the house ends up looking like, what problems we run across along the way, or mishaps might occur (who knows what will happen as I swing a hammer) :)…it is all with the man I trust and love.

Routley Construction already hard at work

JJ and I can’t wait to begin remodeling this place.  We have great visions for what our new home will be.  

Stay tuned for updates on the renovations and maybe some “Tips From JJ: easy improvements that anyone can manage” (including me!). :)

a simple love story

Well, it has been quite some time since I have written an entry for this blog.

Nine months in fact. 

A lot has happened in my time away.  Since I have been absent, the following has taken place: I met the man of my dreams, he asked me to marry him, and I said “yes!”.  We plan to marry on June 2, 2012.

JJ Routley is one of the greatest blessing I have ever received.

He is the man that I have been praying for my entire life.  JJ loves the Lord with his whole being and he loves me almost as much. 

Now that life has settled down a bit, I am attempting to blog about simple life adventures once again.  I find it fitting to share a part of my little love story as my returning blog because it was these events, which kept me from blogging over the course of the past few months.

How We Met:

For those who were faithful blog followers, you will recall that my goal last summer was to enjoy the simple things in life.  I desired to slow down in the midst of the fast-pace life surrounding me.  Consequently, I began to attend a small Bible study.  You see, reading and studying the Bible is one of the greatest joys in my life.  I decided that this would be a great way to experience this joy with others.

It was at that bible study that I met the love of my life. 

JJ began to pursue me in a very intentional manner, which I found very attractive.  He was a man who knew what he wanted and pursed it.  We began to spend a lot of time together and, consequently, I fell in love.

One thing I have learned through my relationship with JJ is that when God is behind something, it is very simple.  Sure, there will be hard times, sometimes very hard times…but, when God is blessing it, it is much easier. 

How He Proposed:

I could write about countless memories that JJ and I have made together over these past nine months:  trips to Lake Geneva, Davenport, Springfield and many others stand out, however; the most memorable trip that JJ and I took together was when we traveled to Portland, OR.  While we were there, JJ met my family and toured my hometown.

We spent a morning getting lost in Powell's Books...

         

and we spent an afternoon exploring Hoodriver, OR.                                                                                                          

Of course we visited Multnomah Falls. :)

However, the best part of that trip:

it was there that JJ asked me to be his wife.

He proposed in front of Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach.

It was beautiful despite the rain, wind and powerful storm that was occurring all around us.  I can not even try to explain all the amazing details that surrounded this day.  You will just have to trust me when I say:

It was absolutely perfect.

What Is Next:

Now that life has begun to settle down (except for the fact that I am planning a wedding that will take place in 3 months!!!!), I am going to attempt to continue this blog about the simple things in life.

However, now that JJ is in my life, this blog will not only be my personal adventures and lessons in life…

...it will include two of us now. :)