The last 10 days have been pretty much pure joy, as I’ve witnessed the birth of my niece and watched my brother graduate from law school. The conjoining of these two family milestones made for one very memorable week with the fam – enjoy these photos for a recap.
I hope you have enjoyed your weekend. We’ve been playing around with our new camera…
About a year ago this time, Paul and I were settling into our new apartment in Houston. Paul was acclimating to his new job, and I was writing cover letters and going on extended walks with Murphy. Paul and I both agree that this year has perhaps been our best. Though not without its challenges (job hunting, long hours, existential crises and touches of home-/friend-sickness), we found joy in exploring a city new to both of us and in traveling to see friends and family. I was recently browsing the photos we’ve taken over the last year and wanted to share some of my favorites.
Mom and Dad came to visit, and the four of us enjoyed a great combination of “work” and play. After the weekend, we were left with a cozy, “settled” apartment. I’m so grateful for their visit and for our new place. Here are a few of my favorite things about our new home.
1. Creative storage: lots of baskets and shelving.
2. Big windows and glass doors, lots of light, and our vintage couch, a family heirloom. (Notice that Dad is playing on his Ipad in this photo–probably Scrabble).
3. An efficient washer/dryer, fit with shelving on top.
4. A cozy bedroom and creative ways to fit almost all of our books.
5. Using some of my favorite wedding gifts–notice the yellow bowl and the vase–as accents. (Also, more storage baskets!)
The boxes are unpacked, the paintings and pictures hung, and Internet service secured. Thanks to serious help from our families, we are finally settled into our new place. I have whirled my way through a move, a job change, and lots of adjustment over the past few weeks. Mom and Dad visited us this past weekend, and boy am I grateful.
More on our new home to come. But for now, a shot of Finn resting and surveying. Happy Monday!
SB and I are saddened by the death and destruction that the tornadoes left in their wake yesterday. We are grateful for our family members’ safety, and yet we mourn with those who lost friends, family, and homes.
Image via baynews9.com
What are you up to this weekend? I’m facing a 10-mile run in the morning (gearing up for this race) and therefore anxious to reach Saturday afternoon. Though I’m thankful for the recent sunshine, I am so tired of running in the cold weather. It’s beyond time to stash away the running tights. SB is at an out-of-town wedding for the second weekend in a row, and I’m sure she’s having a blast with her some of her besties.
On another note, this is our new “centerpiece” for our living room coffee table (after 1 1/2 years, our house plant died, so I had to come up with something new). I am thankful to be using the old glass bottles, gifts of my grandfather-in-law.
Earlier this week, I was given a small bouquet of lavender after an event. Did you know that it has a calming effect? I didn’t, though I’ve always loved lavender and enjoy using dried flowers, stems, and twigs around the house because they are low maintenance. We arranged them in a simple milk jar vase and placed them in the bathroom. I was so pleasantly surprised by the way the lavender adds life to the otherwise bare sink. What do you think?
Sarah Beth Seifert
annakate1
