tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84533077311654219642024-03-19T01:55:12.292-07:00The HallsTravis and Libby Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356058210817352439noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453307731165421964.post-29195052524216941072013-08-27T18:54:00.000-07:002013-08-27T18:54:26.860-07:00Ya'll, life is hard.
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello
friends.... I never know who is exactly reading this, so it’s always hard for
me to say Hi. But after I post I am always so surprised/encouraged
and...blessed...by the people that stumbled on this who I haven't spoken to in
years who decide to drop me a line. So whoever you are- Hi Friend! I have to
start this post like most of my previous by saying, it’s been a long time since
I've done this. I guess that's the only perk of working 70-80hours/week is
getting to blame things like this on your job. So I will use that as my excuse
today. Also, I think God needs to really work things into my heart before I can
make sense of it and then write anything with any meaning to it. Not that what
I say is wrought with insight and meaning, but hopefully it at least makes
sense? <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today is not
just a post about me, but a post about...everyone I guess. It’s been about a
year, give or take, since I started opening up more about our difficulty
conceiving and our journey. And what has surprised me in that time is how many
people have shared their hard stories with me. Some of them are similar to
mine, and some are TOTALLY different, but in the end, even if it’s the opposite
struggle it has almost been amusing to see how similar the lessons of the heart
are. And so, that's why I say that this post is about everyone. Because we are
all going through something hard. That is what I have decided. This life is
hard. This life, sometimes sucks, and this life is not fair. I was listening to
a Matt Chandler sermon the other day and he said something like "In this
life God will teach us through pain and joy and laughter and tears and
suffering, but in the next life we won't have to have the pain in order to
digest His truth." (I paraphrased) How true that is and I long for a life
when his lessons would just come without the heart ache. Because the truth is
that my heart aches, and I am betting that yours does too (over something). I
am struggling with infertility, but when I was thinking about this post I
started to think of all of the stories I have been told: women struggling with
sickness, struggling with finding a job, struggling with depression, struggling
-hard- with envy, struggling with bulimia so bad that they knew before they
took a bite of a sand which that they were going to through it up. Women who
were heartbroken by the wrong doings of a husband, or a father. I think that my
whole life I have had this "can do" attitude inside me. And the truth
is, that until now, there hasn't really been anything that I wanted bad enough
that I couldn't do. And here we are now, in a situation that no amount of
positive thinking, or good communication, or perspective can change. And that
is hard.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am just thankful that this life won’t have
to be my life forever. But this post isn't meant to be depressing, it’s meant
to say what God has been saying to me. And that is a message of hope. That even
though we didn't want or ask for this, that even though we didn't see this
coming, and even though we may be in situations TOTALLY OUT OF OUR CONTOL, our
Maker is not surprised. No, the creator of heaven and earth was not caught off
guard by whatever we are dealing with. I don't believe that God causes bad
things to happen to us, but I believe that he sees them coming and intends to
use them. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm
139:13-18<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">For you
created my inmost being;<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">you knit me together in my mother’s womb. <span id="en-NIV-16254">I
praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;</span></span><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">your works are wonderful,</span><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">I know that full well.<span style="font-size: small;"><sup><span id="en-NIV-16255"> </span></sup>My frame was not hidden from you</span></span></span><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">when I was made in the
secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.<span id="en-NIV-16256"> Your eyes saw my unformed body; </span>all the days ordained
for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. <span style="font-size: small;"><sup><span id="en-NIV-16257"> </span></sup>How precious to me are your thoughts, God!</span></span><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">How vast is the sum of them!<span style="font-size: small;"><sup><span id="en-NIV-16258"> </span></sup>Were I to count them, </span></span>they would outnumber
the grains of sand—<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">when I awake, I am still with you.</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were
fearfully and wonderfully made and ALL of our days were written in His book. We
are not here by a divine accident, and our suffering is not without purpose!
Whatever I am going through – God can use it! And I pray that He does, the only
thing worse than years of this heartache, would be looking back and not seeing
His purpose or His joy through it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
fearfully and wonderfully made, my body, though yet incapable of bearing a
child, was made especially the way it is by the creator of the heavens. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is teaching me dependence on Him, teaching
me that his grace is sufficient. He is revealing to me the selfishness of my
heart, and the envy that so easily lives there. And that is what I find
encouraging, that He is using this hard time. And I hope that resonates with
you and whatever hard thing you have had to live through. That He will use it
to refine us, to make us more like Him. The place that I am in, and that we are
in, is intentional. Our God knew this day would come – he knew that our bodies,
or minds, or hearts would bring us here, and I pray that on the other side of
this hard time I would look less like me and more like Him. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So that’s it,
it is not new information. It’s not particularly insightful, but the power of
these words in this hard time, has made this truth new in my life. He is sovereign,
He is God, He is working this into something bigger, and He is working me into
someone new. Praise Him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Peter 1:
3-7</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Praise be to the God
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new
birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> <span class="text"><span id="en-NIV-30379">and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This
inheritance is kept in heaven for you,<sup value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30379H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup></span> who
through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation
that is ready to be revealed in the last time.</span></span> <span class="text"><span id="en-NIV-30381">In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while
you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.</span></span> <span class="text"><span id="en-NIV-30382">These have come so that the proven genuineness
of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by
fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
Travis and Libby Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356058210817352439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453307731165421964.post-79951858069983867802013-03-14T12:22:00.001-07:002013-03-14T12:22:22.119-07:00Our StoryHello sweet friends, Thank you for all of your prayers and all of the encouragement I have received from everyone following our story! This post is a long time coming because I’m going to talk about things that I wasn’t sure I wanted to share, and truth be told if I had known from the beginning that this was going to be part of our story I might not have started blogging about it. But in October God called me to open up, and even though I didn’t fully know what that would mean at the time, He did. And He still called me to write it. <br />
<br />
<br />
My last post in mid-October was the first time that I had publicly talked about our difficulties conceiving. Before that family and some friends knew, but most people in my life were unaware of the difficulties we had been experiencing. So, when just a few short weeks after my post, I found out I was pregnant I felt kinda like a blog phoney! Sure we had been trying to conceiving for 14 months when it happened, but most of our friends just recently heard of our difficulties. I wasn’t sure how I was going to talk to people about it, but unfortunately things never got that far. My first prenatal appointment was at 6wks gestation and everything looked fine, unfortunately concerning signs developed at 7wks. We went back to the doctor, and at that time we were still able to see a heartbeat, but out baby had not grown and was still measuring like a 6wk baby. At that time we were told that it was a good possibility that I would go on to lose the pregnancy soon, which I did just after Thanksgiving. <br />
<br />
It has been a difficult time for Travis and I, and the healing process is still on going. I waited to write this post because for the longest time I didn’t know what I was going to say – other than it happened. But, being the time of the year that it is, I have found something worth saying. The hardest part of everything to me was understanding why it happened, or more precisely, what was the point? My goal throughout this process has been to seek God’s glory in the midst of our fertility struggles, and I just couldn’t reconcile how the whole ordeal was at all going to serve his glory. During the week that we knew things weren’t quite “well” I continued to pray fervently KNOWING that my God was all-powerful. In our God breathed word we have so many examples of God raising the dead, parting seas, and healing the blind/sick. And I truly believed the same could happen for us. But it didn’t.<br />
<br />
And I just didn’t understand after 14months of infertility why he would give us a pregnancy and then not intervene on our behalf. But then I was reminded of another time that he didn’t intervene. Thousands of years ago, one evening a humble man prayed for intervention. He was 100% human, 100% God, and 100% perfect. And he prayed that the cup would be taken from Him, if it was God’s will. But it wasn’t.<br />
<br />
When he died on a cross no one understood why. But the truth was that God had a greater plan that anyone knew or could understand at the time. And if it hadn’t been for his death, we would all still be slaves to sin, unable to ever have the hope of grace and eternal life that we now enjoy so frivolously. <br />
<br />
So, what was the point? I'm still not sure, but in 2 weeks we will all be reminded of how powerful he can be when he chooses not to intervene. So...<br />
<br />
In 2 weeks I will praise the God of creation who is all powerful. <br />
<br />
In 2 weeks I will praise the God who intervenes on our behalf. <br />
<br />
In 2 weeks I will praise the God who does not intervene on our behalf. <br />
<br />
<br />
Because sometimes the God of the Universe accomplishes his restoration story by not intervening; sometimes He is the God who, according to His perfect will, lets the heartache of this earthly life progress without interruption. <br />
<br />
The truth is that I still don’t know why, but I now have come to know a peace that surpasses understanding. Because I will never understand, but I will always know that his will is for our restoration and sanctification, and HIS glorification. <br />
<br />
Praise Him. <br />
<br />
Travis and Libby Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356058210817352439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453307731165421964.post-39511728481240368992012-10-15T21:15:00.000-07:002012-10-15T21:15:52.224-07:00loveFirst off, I wanted to say thank you, a HUGE thank you for all of the emails/text messages/ facebook messages etc. I am still trying to respond to all of them, which is an incredibly good problem to have! <br />
<br />
So, in my first post I mentioned why I decided to blog about our problems concieving, but I didn't write the whole story. I believe that God is going to do something mighty in our life, and I <em>finally</em> decided to blog about it because I wanted everyone to experience HIS glory. But that is what pushed me over the edge... that truth is what finally overcame my doubts and fears of being vulnerable and uncomfortable. The truth is, that he has been promting my heart to blog about this-- not just to let people know about our infertility, or to make this a forum to show what he is going to do ABOUT our infertility. But also to let everyone know what he is doing THROUGH our infertility. God is using this barren time in my life to teach me things that I would NEVER have been able to understand otherwise. He has redefined himself in my life and he has used this hard, hard time to give me a perspective on his love that has truly overwhelemed me. And why wouldn't I want to share that with ya'll? This is a difficult time in our life, but PRAISE GOD he has not been silent during it. He has not left us to go through this alone, he is using this fruitless time of my body to teach my soul. And while I'm not thankful for the difficulty, I am so thankful for the lessons he is teaching me, and I am thankful that this time is not being wasted. <br />
<br />
A few months ago, I was driving to work and crying. I was crying because I didn't understand why we were having to go through this. More specifically, I was crying because it didn't make sense to me that God would plant a desire for kids in my heart, knowing full well that my body would have problems following through. And that seems like a reasonable thing to be upset about. If we couldn't have kids now -- then why make me want them? Why not save that desire for later -- when it could theoretically be possible? Or, if we can NEVER have kids, then why give me the desire to be pregnant, why not just put it on our hearts to adopt? And then I remembered, the pot has no right to demand a reason from the potter for his decisions, and it is even more prideful for me to expect the creator of the universe to be accountable of his actions to me. And so my mind went quiet, and I can still see the intersection when he told me something incredible. <br />
<br />
Libby, everyday I hunger and desire for love. I created you out of a desire for relationship and love, but not just you -- I created your entire species for that exact purpose. I desire for love from you and from every other person on the planet. You feel like you know unrequited love, but I know unrequited love. I expereience it everyday on a magnitude that is beyond your understanding, and yet I continue to pursue each human, ferociously. This love for a child that you can't have, multiple that times 8 million and you will still not know the love that I have. I know you don't understand why you are going through this, but understand this: you understand one aspect of my love, better than you did before...because of this.<br />
<br />
And it clicked. I've always known the love of God, but now I can empathize, just a little bit, with his unrequited love. So, for those of you who haven't felt the pull of love for a life, who haven't dreamed of tiny hands to hold, or hearts to listen to, or eyes to loose yourself in. For those of you who don't feel the tug to create a life and then nurture and protect it...Or for those of you who haven't had to wait patiently on the object of your affection. Know this, God's heart tugs for you....all the time. He pursues you even when you don't feel him. And he's waiting for you, right now. <br />
<br />
<span class="text Luke-15-3"><sup>"</sup>Then Jesus told them this parable:<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-25592D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Luke-15-4" id="en-NIV-25593"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> '</sup>Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-25593E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup></span></span> <span class="text Luke-15-5" id="en-NIV-25594"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders</span></span> <span class="text Luke-15-6" id="en-NIV-25595"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’"<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-25595F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup></span></span> Luke 15:3-6<br />
<br />
Travis and I are here now, searching for our one lost sheep. But our father searches for his...he started the second we were born and he will not give up. <br />
Praise him for his love Praise him for his constant pursuit. <br />
<br />
Travis and Libby Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356058210817352439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453307731165421964.post-39094536381137302422012-10-12T11:08:00.002-07:002012-10-12T11:08:59.428-07:00TTC
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, its been a long time since I have posted anything on
this blog…to say the least. I guess in general I have become bored of the “same
old thing/posts.” The other truth is for a few weeks now God has been putting
something on my heart to post, but I’ve been resisting Him. I’ve been resisting
vulnerability. I’ve been resisting making something public.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think my reluctance has stemmed from not
wanting people to be awkward or uncomfortable, and maybe because if I don’t
tell too many people then I can pretend whats going on isn’t 100% happening. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But all of that is only poor excuses to do what I want
instead of what God is calling me to, and its selfish of me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I apologize to all of you for waiting and
resisting, and I apologize for being unwilling to be vulnerable in front of
you. God tells me that there is power in vulnerability, that in my weakness His
strength is made perfect. So I am claiming that right now… I am ok being weak
if that means His strength can be made perfect in my life. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, for a paragraph I’ve been stalling, because I guess I
don’t really know how to start. But I will just say it and go from there. For
the past 1.5 years Travis and I have been trying to get pregnant. We started in
May of 2011 and have thus far, not been successful. For those of you who don’t
know, 85% of couples trying to conceive (TTC) will get pregnant in the first 12
months of trying. So we are now in the bottom 15%. And with that, comes tests
and charting and doctors and….work. So now we are working to get pregnant. Which
is not the fairy tale version you tell your kids about how they were made….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“mommy and daddy loved each other very much,
so daddy got a semen analysis….” Just doesn’t have the same ring to it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, why is God calling me to write this VERY private stuff
on a quite public blog? Well, that is what I struggled with for a long time….and
that was the reason I gave God for not doing it. Whats the point of airing all
of this information on the blog? What will it do… What will it change? And I
think what it comes down to is that for a very long time I have been scared. I
have been scared that getting pregnant would be hard. I have been scared that
it might require interventions that I am not willing to make. And ultimately I
have been scared that we might not be able to. So, if that is the case why
would I want to put all of these very scary things out there, just for the
whole world (ie the few that are actually reading this) to see my fears become
true? And the other night, God hit me with it. This is what it comes down to.
Do I believe that He will do mighty things in our life? Do I believe that He
has a plan for us and that he will be faithful to that no matter what? Because
if so, then I have nothing to fear. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So that is the point of this….today. Telling everyone that
we are working, hard, to get pregnant. But that we are not doing it alone. That
I am 100% confident that I serve a God who is bigger than my infertility (its
me…Travis has been told that he is “extremely fertile...queue ego expansion”). I
don’t know His plan. I don’t know his answer. But I know that He has one, and
that His glory will be shown through this. And if I really do believe that,
that this time in my life will be an example of his glory... Why would I want to
hide that? Why would I want to keep those close to me from being able to see
the wonderful thing God has in store for us? Why wouldn't I want anyone and everyone to witness what He will do? I want to make HIS glory as public as possible, and this is as public as I can get.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And, ofcourse, the other reason I’m writing today is to solicit your
prayers. Pray that we would be blessed with a child, Pray that God would heal
my body. Pray that the next time Travis so much as looks at me I will get
pregnant </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
Pray that God would reign over me and the doctors and the tests, but most
importantly…please pray that throughout everything God would be glorified. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Travis and Libby Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356058210817352439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453307731165421964.post-41565669044734748602012-02-28T09:58:00.002-08:002012-02-28T09:58:29.804-08:00I like, I love, I wantI had a friend who did "I like, I love, I want" post and I decided to copy her! The deal is that I am <em>tyring </em>to post with more regularity and some times I just have posting lulls, ya know? Times when I even <em>know </em>that I have things that I want/should/could/ put up here, but for some reason I just .... don't. Why does that happen? I have posts from Christmas (awesome burlap stocking tutorial, Christmas wreath tutorial, KILLER IKEA hack) that for some reason I just can't get around to posting. But I think some regularity within my posts will help me be better. Help me help you. How does that sound? <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">So.....I like, I love, I want</span></div>
<span style="color: purple;">I like</span>: The Crank Book Series by Ellen Hopkins. Here is the truth about this book series. Its dark. And it wasn't something that I <em>particularly </em>wanted to read. But I think its a good, true, and important read. For anyone who has teenagers, knows teenagers, works with teenagers, is a teenager, or (like me, hopefully) will someday have a teenager. The story is loosely based on her own daughter, "Kristina." As a teenager she was a straight A student and seemingly perfect. However; she was exposed to meth on a court ordered visit to see her father... I don't want to give the point of the books away, but it is a powerful story about how quickly addiction can take hold, and what it means not only for the addicted, but for their friends and families. I think the visit was only 14 days, but at the end of the 14 days her life was completely turned upside down. There are 3 books in the series: the first two are told from Kristina's perspective and the third is told from the perspective of her 5 children she had while using meth. To make it more powerful, the entire book is written in verse. The words have a beautiful rhythm and the pages fly past you. <br />
<br /> <span style="color: purple;">I love:</span> Our house. I love our house. and I'm feeling sentimental about our house because, its on the market. We will likely be leaving Lubbock sometime in the near future and so we decided it was time to let go of this house. In light of all of these things, you should maybe (?) start expecting some before and afters of our house, because I truly love our house. {have I mentioned I love our house?} It was the first house I ever purchased (I say 'I' instead of 'we' because I bought it before we got married). Its 930 sq feet of libby and travis. We have painted every wall (some 2 or 3 times) we have refinished wood floors and old couches, DIY'ed upholstered headboards, and just had a blast. The only few things that we weren't able to accomplish before putting the house on the market are in the extra room, but thats ok! If you know someone who is looking for a well maintained 2/1 with a detached 1 car garage in lubbock, you should show them our listing: <br />
<a href="http://www.usamls.net/techterracewebsite//default.asp?content=expanded&search_content=results&this_format=1&mls_number=9985378&page=4&query_id=117693240&sortby=2">http://www.usamls.net/techterracewebsite//default.asp?content=expanded&search_content=results&this_format=1&mls_number=9985378&page=4&query_id=117693240&sortby=2</a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;">I want:</span> Stella & Dot's Waverly Three Way Cross Body Bag. Its named that way because it can be worn three ways. A full or half cross body bag, and as a clutch. I think its beautiful and the Dove leather is truly gorgeous. Feels like butter. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.stelladot.com/sites/elizabethahall">http://www.stelladot.com/sites/elizabethahall</a><br />
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</div>Travis and Libby Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356058210817352439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453307731165421964.post-60623748355775848482012-02-22T11:29:00.000-08:002012-02-22T11:29:54.776-08:00New AdditionWell, I have some long over due introductions to make. As some of you now we have a new addition to our family of three! Penelope Jane Hall was born August 16, 2011 and in December of 2011 she finally came to know her true home! We felt like Sydney has become independent enough that we were ok with taking on the extra responsibilites of another puppy, and that Sydney was still young enough to want to play with a puppy! <br />
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The actual truth is that we just <em>love </em>our new little one! She is nothing but sweet and cute. Sometimes it feels like Sydney has done most of the work! Sydney plays tug of war, wrestling, and thanks to Sydney our little one is pretty much outside trained {with the occasional accident}. Well I could just go on and on about how much we love her, but I should just as you to please, </div>
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Meet our Penny Puppy!</div>
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this picture was taken just before we got her, shes already grown so much!</div>
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on the ride home</div>
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The interesting thing is that she is kinda Sydney's opposite in many ways. She doesn't like to curl up under the covers as much, she LOVES running outside even in the wind/rain/snow (Sydney is a baby when the weather is bad), and she HOOVERS all of her food when Sydney generally picks at it! They are SO different, it is amazing to watch them play and love each other. </div>
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our cuddle bugs</div>Travis and Libby Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356058210817352439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453307731165421964.post-70720192872353853352012-02-15T21:43:00.000-08:002012-02-15T21:44:58.926-08:00What I really thinkYou know when you are facing a really big decision its instinct to think, alot. How do you do it? Do you make a pros and cons sheet? Do you have an excel spreadsheet where you weigh different aspects of each option and assign points? Do you drive around for hours and talk to someone, <em>anyone</em>, who will listen to you? <br />
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At some point or other in my life I had done all of these things, this time around I am determined to be different. Because the truth of the matter is...I'm not really gaining anything from these sessions. I already know all of the information. I'm not bringing anything new to the table, I'm not gaining perspective or deeper understanding. I'm spinning my wheels. And in some way, I believe that when we over analyze things we are telling God we aren't sure He really knows whats best. <br />
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Reason Number Two why I will not over analyze: It's not my job to think, It's my job to listen. <br />
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But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.<br />
John 10:2-5<br />
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<br />Travis and Libby Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356058210817352439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453307731165421964.post-36998396002802129572012-02-13T21:56:00.000-08:002012-02-13T21:56:54.317-08:00Hi friendI realize I've been silent lately. Its been a long time since you've heard from me. The truth is that I was over whelmed during the interview season, and then after that I didn't feel like I had anything worth saying, but now I have found something. Throughout this season of interviewing I have known that God was leading Travis and I toward His will, but even so it is easy to become caught up with distractions and worries. So, here is what I have to say about that: <br />
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Sometimes the only thing that will shut up my mind is filling it with the bible. Making no room for myself in my thoughts is something that I seek after. To stop the hurrying of my brain, to make still the torrents of thought and emotion. What a gift that the Lord gives us in His word. That is what I will do now, I will be silent, and HE will be heard. <br />
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Why I will not over analyze and why I will just shut up:<br />
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Reason number one: he doesn't need my advice. <br />
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Isaiah 40:12-15 :: There is no equal to the Lord<br />
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Who else has held the oceans in his hand? <br />
Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers? <br />
Who else knows the weight of the earth <br />
or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale? <br />
Who is able to advise the Spirit of the LORD?<br />
Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him? <br />
Has the LORD ever needed anyone’s advice? <br />
Does he need instruction about what is good? <br />
Did someone teach him what is right <br />
or show him the path of justice? <br />
No, for all the nations of the world <br />
are but a drop in the bucket. <br />
They are nothing more <br />
than dust on the scales. <br />
He picks up the whole earth <br />
as though it were a grain of sand.<br />
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I am nothing but dust on a scale, and yet HE cares enough for me to be intimately involved with the details of my life. Perhaps I should just shut up. <br />
<br />Travis and Libby Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356058210817352439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453307731165421964.post-44964413046907735862011-11-08T15:19:00.000-08:002011-11-08T15:19:44.203-08:00A bit about booksI love to read. I love the feel of a good book in my hand, cuddled up with a chair, blanket, and hot tea. I love the classics, romance, character novels, and good science fiction -- you know the kind where half way into the book you realize that all of the strange things in the book seem completely probable and normal....<br />
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I have always been a reader. In elementary school I was the girl who had so many AR points that eventually I started buying candy for my friends. And one year they made a race track around the cafeteria and gave each kid a paper car. As you earned points your car moved around the track. There were always the stragglers at the end, but most people were grouped together, but up at the front way in the lead were two cars. An Asian girl and me. Yes I was that girl. Lately, I have come to appreciate books for another purpose. As I have been traveling to my interviews I have LOVED having something to read, or in this case, listen to on my phone to keep me entertained. With that said...I need a little help. I need some tips on good reads. <br />
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It seems like lately, I have read it all. Travis and I have been listening to the Millennium Series on our drives across Texas and are saving the last book for our trip down to H-town for interviews in December. I am in the middle of the Friday Night Knitting Series, but I think I am about to finish it soon. And it just feels like I have read all of the other good books out there....so here is my public plea for help. Does anyone know of any good books?? Preferably ones that will keep me entertained in airports?? <br />
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Any and all tips are welcome!Travis and Libby Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356058210817352439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453307731165421964.post-70401282435154584622011-11-03T07:21:00.000-07:002011-11-03T07:21:52.450-07:00I've been featuredHey Guys! Just another quick note to let you know that Stephnie of <a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2011/11/creative-ideas-and-projects-sunday.html">Under the Table and Dreaming</a> featured my couch {yay!} along with some really neat furniture/bedroom makeovers! Click the link above to go directly to the post or on the side and go to her home page! <br />
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I'm so excited/honored to be featured by Stephanie! If you are visiting from her blog, then its SO nice to meet you. Check out "the halls" to learn a little about us! <br />
<br />Travis and Libby Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356058210817352439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453307731165421964.post-58097928184599134182011-10-20T18:12:00.000-07:002011-10-20T18:13:01.599-07:00Faux-denza<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanks for all of your encouraging feedback about the wall stencil! It was so much fun to do and share. I have another project that I am working on, we like to call it our faux-denza. Its not a shelf, its not a credenza, its a faux-denza! Also, its an IKEA hack. And man I love me some IKEA hacks. </div>
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So, heres the deal. Before Travis and I were married I loved the simplicity of the narrow stretch between "dining" and "living" (its really all just one big L shaped room). It was nothing but green walls and 2 old doors. This was back before I compulsively photo documented everything, <em>just incase,</em> I ever needed the picture. So the picture below does not do the space justice. Although you can say HI to my granny and aunt janet! Anyway, just imagine how sharp my white table with retro green cushions looked off to the right of that space and those doors.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfSXw_8Yhh7gakaS1hUHRNI9dWVuL_k3R9L3vqntdqSNKvLKrHg75cKIlZkthwih782fm1BWXANLBxpz7UDm5UKlJr-kkdo8gyArnneGMON-EcpIyqNnNe0VIzvsmVH_igjI7IFjotjU/s1600/255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfSXw_8Yhh7gakaS1hUHRNI9dWVuL_k3R9L3vqntdqSNKvLKrHg75cKIlZkthwih782fm1BWXANLBxpz7UDm5UKlJr-kkdo8gyArnneGMON-EcpIyqNnNe0VIzvsmVH_igjI7IFjotjU/s400/255.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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After Travis and I got married I needed places to store "things", and so we decided to purchase this. Its part of IKEA's Expedit shelving line. If you look closely you will see that the smaller units are not functional, per say.</div>
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We layed the unit on the floor horizontally and then used the bottom for storage and the smaller areas for display. In order to hide the bottom ugly parts we made some little curtains from muslin. It was....fine, but I've always wanted to do more. Here you can see what we have now: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRvFIOeHrM-HFRL8wHlBl8wIV8SFPxqpzfIjeWeEeIC77X2O2RgyOoDilNTdfe16tv6UF04S4j4JFDJjlyM8p8HsZ-8mLP8Obj7FqC0asVjqqrOS9vPCcPK-zlqkqc_Jnb7wR8DNMl9E/s1600/IMG_0538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRvFIOeHrM-HFRL8wHlBl8wIV8SFPxqpzfIjeWeEeIC77X2O2RgyOoDilNTdfe16tv6UF04S4j4JFDJjlyM8p8HsZ-8mLP8Obj7FqC0asVjqqrOS9vPCcPK-zlqkqc_Jnb7wR8DNMl9E/s400/IMG_0538.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKE3icC-MhNhmLMDrghyeq_dSkLxcaQZ6frKr5PQOY_IOOgYZJS7wMoFGTAGnisOgOfetBKRryvAuu9aX2OLgogfzJ0O6sqA5VuLy8wiwjkpjB0JSlChBtH2pw1s5244P4GcWzC5wJ-WY/s1600/IMG_0534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKE3icC-MhNhmLMDrghyeq_dSkLxcaQZ6frKr5PQOY_IOOgYZJS7wMoFGTAGnisOgOfetBKRryvAuu9aX2OLgogfzJ0O6sqA5VuLy8wiwjkpjB0JSlChBtH2pw1s5244P4GcWzC5wJ-WY/s400/IMG_0534.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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Looking at the pictures there are a few things I don't like. 1. I feel like this heavy piece on the floor really weighs things down. 2. The console is so dark it really pulls down the sharp green walls. 3. The curtains are, fine, but nothing exciting. So to address these issues we have decided to do some major console renovation. First, we ordered 6" legs for this baby. Our baseboards are 5" so this will be <em>just </em>tall enough. But the real project is turning this console into a faux-denza. And here is how we're going to do it. </div>
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We are going to make 2 doors to cover up the bottom row of storage, and of course, I had something a little fun in mind for spicing up the outside of the doors. So, I needed some inspriation. </div>
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I really love these <a href="http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=525871">vintage kittinger chests</a>. Hello greek key goodness.</div>
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and <a href="http://www.stylebyemilyhenderson.com/portfolio/single-gallery/9181451">this console</a>, room by <a href="http://stylebyemilyhenderson/">Emily Henderson</a>.</div>
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(and don't even get me started on how awesome the wall paper is)</div>
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So I decided that I wanted to use these two peices as my jumping off point. So before I get too carried away I should probably just give you a bare bones run down. </div>
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<u>Faux-denza to-do-list: </u></div>
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1. purchase painters grade wood and cut to size </div>
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2. paint wood glossy white </div>
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3. purchase wood molding</div>
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4. decide on arragement for the greek key effect</div>
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5. cut wood molding into peices </div>
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6. spray peices gold </div>
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7. attach peices to door with wood glue </div>
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8. cut vertical slats of consol, so that once doors are placed they will be flush with the sides</div>
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9. attach legs to console </div>
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10. attach doors to console</div>
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11. poof, faux-denza!</div>
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So, these instructions are pretty simple and not at all detailed, but as we go along I plan to do a couple of posts showing our progress! I am so excited to see the finished product! </div>
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</div>Travis and Libby Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356058210817352439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453307731165421964.post-23029030538250587202011-10-18T19:19:00.000-07:002011-10-18T19:19:31.980-07:00Time to make lemonsWell, thankyou for bearing with me after my short post earlier! I was so excited to be featured I just wanted to let everyone know, but had to get back to the clinic. If you are visiting from 36th ave. then its a pleasure to meet you! If you wanna know more about me or this blog then click "the halls" to get all of the deets! <br />
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I know I've posted many pictures of our house, but I haven't shared one of my favorite parts of the house. When I started my OB/GYN rotation back a year ago I spent a week on night float and 3-4 really crazy weeks that we didn't get to see much of each other. We didn't like not being on the same schedule, but we decided to find a way to make things better...and the result is one of my favorite parts of our house. <br />
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First thing, a chalk board to write short notes to each other!</div>
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Second, a love tree. Exclusively for little love notes</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgID6hkpI2oQVJe5EGeHtWrzmSJoWdKnGplVmtrsw0rrOfnWPUNKiFeJyUulPk4E1qoKrNmyfbUKe7IWXs6SHjPsPS6Zw7P-V2sHQDx-cLZv3ZiEPxA74J5YMccA9zo2Dkbbjr7LbfCTLk/s1600/IMG_0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgID6hkpI2oQVJe5EGeHtWrzmSJoWdKnGplVmtrsw0rrOfnWPUNKiFeJyUulPk4E1qoKrNmyfbUKe7IWXs6SHjPsPS6Zw7P-V2sHQDx-cLZv3ZiEPxA74J5YMccA9zo2Dkbbjr7LbfCTLk/s400/IMG_0192.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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I love going back and looking at our notes later.</div>
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</ <a="" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN46aZCm4wd5XNPVkZhGU_oiao3xzSmp7ITWo4J-1r6h8bk5xcWpfvBlZuDkUqg6VyqsAWAO5w4UrIwAKjVACHRi0WZwhUWHZpXime1RXCHTymsBbJRTaU8uuJaZBZuAuXeIwS7kBgUlo/s1600/IMG_0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMML4nuvX1VM9q-JL74mmRCUNPOj_Vb3zNWGgXAq2xqIS5LqgZGQce6mJkhUK1yPHZg2q_5C9n6uETz34mCh6bHoQYGSn8sApxoeu8glw6gv9W1ZeKE7hEz2sD1MHxvHgywycOxdqo-o/s1600/IMG_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMML4nuvX1VM9q-JL74mmRCUNPOj_Vb3zNWGgXAq2xqIS5LqgZGQce6mJkhUK1yPHZg2q_5C9n6uETz34mCh6bHoQYGSn8sApxoeu8glw6gv9W1ZeKE7hEz2sD1MHxvHgywycOxdqo-o/s400/IMG_0196.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I even love the supplies. clothes pins and milk glass and chalk. Oh My!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN46aZCm4wd5XNPVkZhGU_oiao3xzSmp7ITWo4J-1r6h8bk5xcWpfvBlZuDkUqg6VyqsAWAO5w4UrIwAKjVACHRi0WZwhUWHZpXime1RXCHTymsBbJRTaU8uuJaZBZuAuXeIwS7kBgUlo/s1600/IMG_0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN46aZCm4wd5XNPVkZhGU_oiao3xzSmp7ITWo4J-1r6h8bk5xcWpfvBlZuDkUqg6VyqsAWAO5w4UrIwAKjVACHRi0WZwhUWHZpXime1RXCHTymsBbJRTaU8uuJaZBZuAuXeIwS7kBgUlo/s400/IMG_0193.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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These were so easy to make. Grey cardstock, off white card stock, stamp, gold ink.</div>
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The stamp says "Uniquely Handmade limited edition". I thought it fit.</div>
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So thats it, my favorite part. Funny how its never the expensive lighting or appliances. </div>
Travis and Libby Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356058210817352439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453307731165421964.post-72463229866596982422011-10-18T11:48:00.000-07:002011-10-18T11:48:39.931-07:00I've been featuredHey Guys! <br />
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I have some great news, Desiree from <a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/2011/10/sticker-time-fall-inspiration.html#comment-6399">36th avenue</a> featured my <a href="http://waitingforsomethingbeautiful.blogspot.com/2011/07/meet-our-couch.html">couch makeover</a>!! Woo Hoo :) click on the link above to go directly to the post where its featured along with some really CUTE fall projects that some of her readers have been up to! I really love Desiree's blog, she always has such cute projects and ideas! I think y'all should <em>really </em>check out her mud closet; it's so cute it makes me want to delve into our closets {scarry thought}! <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The 36th Avenue" src="http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae80/desireecampbell05/36thWPButton-1.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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I'm on a lunch break now, I've been working in the pediatric sub-specialty clinics and having a BLAST! Just wanted to give everyone a heads up!!! <br />
<br />Travis and Libby Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356058210817352439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453307731165421964.post-22550205763034766372011-10-13T20:50:00.000-07:002011-10-21T12:32:28.381-07:00Casa de HallHey Guys! <br />
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Here is an idea of something sweet, simple, and inexpensive to do for your significant other. But first, a story. For the longest time Travis and I have been wanting to go to Sante Fe for the weekend. Unfortunately, timing and money have not allowed us to make a trip West. So, for labor day weekend I turned our house into our own special bed and breafaskt, Casa de Hall. <br />
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Here are a few picture of what I did; along with some easy and simple ideas! First I made some stationary using Micrsoft Publisher. These two little notes were really simpe to make, but I thought that it made things feel more special. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1TgMtZ0tMOuvHzucq6VKX9heTW5yUAfsE_Wv0V8ozJ1tgd6fOqgicDkIlLrfLD9sPoPx1CqJeSZodkU_I7tzOyLTrD6HYPJMFKFFSAPpYnk2k_eskJduZQjw-4nAKVsRW6DVkDxGWdM/s1600/casa.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1TgMtZ0tMOuvHzucq6VKX9heTW5yUAfsE_Wv0V8ozJ1tgd6fOqgicDkIlLrfLD9sPoPx1CqJeSZodkU_I7tzOyLTrD6HYPJMFKFFSAPpYnk2k_eskJduZQjw-4nAKVsRW6DVkDxGWdM/s400/casa.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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The menu Travis could choose from was: Make Your Own Omelette, Breakfast Burrito, Chocolate Chip Pancakes, Belgium Waffles, and Blueberry Pancakes. Breakfast was served with fruit, and a choice of orange juice or sparkling grape juice. </div>
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On the morning of, I got up early and went to the store to pick up some hydrangeas and fruit; when I returned I wrote Travis a note saying "Thank you for staying at Casa de Hall, breakfast will be served at 10am. Until then feel free to sleep in or enjoy our spa services." (Our "spa" services were a candle lit bubble bath and a hot oil massage). I laid out the china and set the table so when he woke up he could order his breakfast. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJslk5Mup5HdaVu2B9kDCYQjtvPZIPL1dsWhwz6h3auLuQ1vGWeMFTXlrbgq5xmwehrnnjNse5RSvnVoYySc_kkU_gAmsr8tQNX1GOROv66pG0XhZDL3lltVb1bBQJZgdvJMjtv1kDpw/s1600/IMG_0425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJslk5Mup5HdaVu2B9kDCYQjtvPZIPL1dsWhwz6h3auLuQ1vGWeMFTXlrbgq5xmwehrnnjNse5RSvnVoYySc_kkU_gAmsr8tQNX1GOROv66pG0XhZDL3lltVb1bBQJZgdvJMjtv1kDpw/s400/IMG_0425.JPG" width="400" /></a> <br />
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Mason jars for the hydrangeas and a gold frame for the Casa de Hall sign makes it feel more legit. And I love the way our china looks just plain -no mats or chargers- sitting out in the natural light.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyx443fA_2iqS8ExR0Oi-zDxSiCnDQ1KfV3vqMpV2EKEeL4MUo-WxsQCe-BLpj_lZs9_6lDeLtzfHCjQ4tztO4_JTT26zCS40r3ldca6xUekpG-1_OXRsL061pSdMcsnTU2jcfU9VfWXs/s1600/IMG_0427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyx443fA_2iqS8ExR0Oi-zDxSiCnDQ1KfV3vqMpV2EKEeL4MUo-WxsQCe-BLpj_lZs9_6lDeLtzfHCjQ4tztO4_JTT26zCS40r3ldca6xUekpG-1_OXRsL061pSdMcsnTU2jcfU9VfWXs/s400/IMG_0427.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our pattern isVera Wang Grosgrain</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgun6yA-fu_MOYKiw1wgtXuv-VwF0XT8hpAeLFN2ipr9NaDwM6PXMQfWaqYeFHUT-wubDxF6ZLrwYwR7um3ZpNvJq7M4HZZuBtJ6uu9yiCWhvE5nzk2VnGLWkrL5oRbuxdTDSHPkDgd8Yo/s1600/IMG_0426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgun6yA-fu_MOYKiw1wgtXuv-VwF0XT8hpAeLFN2ipr9NaDwM6PXMQfWaqYeFHUT-wubDxF6ZLrwYwR7um3ZpNvJq7M4HZZuBtJ6uu9yiCWhvE5nzk2VnGLWkrL5oRbuxdTDSHPkDgd8Yo/s400/IMG_0426.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, there you have the run down of our little weekend! I'm sure that Travis could have cared less about hydrangeas and cute stationary, but it made just a normal morning feel special for us; which is the real reason we were wanting to get out of town anyway! I think the biggest blessings are always in the small things.</div>
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Linked up with: </div>
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<a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/">Remodelaholic</a></div>Travis and Libby Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356058210817352439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453307731165421964.post-59700101724826159202011-10-10T19:27:00.000-07:002011-10-10T19:27:40.260-07:00Faux Wallpaper<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Here are some pictures of the stenciled wall paper. I wanted to put them in the post with the explanation, but it was too long! What do you think? </div>
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View from the doorway {still so much to do}</div>
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Our dresser in Weathervane by Martha Stewart. I love our moody colors<br />
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So there are a few different pictures of our faux wallpaper. We are so pleased with how it turned out! </div>
Travis and Libby Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356058210817352439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453307731165421964.post-2655784112936860682011-08-31T21:19:00.001-07:002011-10-21T12:28:07.134-07:00Faux Wallpaper<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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Well. It was simply a matter of time, really. After all of my talk about how much I love wall paper, and after all of the time I spent on this project...this post was inevitable. First I have to mention that I got the idea for this project <a href="http://jonesdesigncompany.com/decorate/painted-wallpaper-a-tutorial/">from here</a>. </div>
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Emily, I like to think of us as friends, has so many cute ideas and I just couldn't resist adapting this fun project. On a side note, isn't it funny how you start to think of bloggers as friends. The other day I referred to a blogger-not-to-be-named child's birthday and then thought :: I'm talking about this person's <em>child </em>and she doesn't even know I exist. WEIRD! </div>
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Anyway, this project was so much fun because it was an inexpenisve and not permanent way to get the look of wallpaper without the comittement. Although, my husband would say that 5 days of painting is commitment enough for him! Last fall I decided that it was time to add something fun to our Master bedroom. I loved the idea of wall paper, but couldn't afford the $plurge. So with a little creativity and some elbow grease we have something that we love even more.</div>
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First we will start with the final result, and then I will walk you through how we accomplished it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBHIjQ9Yy1iyqHNzJGRhIuZ3RANf9DD-MuqjuDrAbkVPUwzT8d6j783okjGBH7EHp4Qz2gobNeWs6ye1WDH_DJcl2BcrA4sjpNfFbvt9GL2Bz5Yk03UZFq-YjV5nmereAxsnbp6C37l0/s1600/IMG_0331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBHIjQ9Yy1iyqHNzJGRhIuZ3RANf9DD-MuqjuDrAbkVPUwzT8d6j783okjGBH7EHp4Qz2gobNeWs6ye1WDH_DJcl2BcrA4sjpNfFbvt9GL2Bz5Yk03UZFq-YjV5nmereAxsnbp6C37l0/s640/IMG_0331.JPG" width="640" xaa="true" /></a></div>
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looks like wall paper doesn't it?</div>
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This was a stencil. Not the kind that you order and paint, but the kind that we cut out of paper, transferred to the wall with pencil, and then painted on our pencil lines! But I think I am jumping ahead of myself! </div>
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Well, the first step was the main wall color for the room. Before Travis and I were married I painted the room, Grey Area by Behr. I loved the color, but as I said I really wanted to change this up in a major way. So lets hit the basics first: </div>
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1. Sample of grey-white paint, Sutble Touch by Behr</div>
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2. Paint brush. I wanted something a bit thick, and sturdy (I will explain why later)</div>
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3. Stencil</div>
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4. <em>patience</em> </div>
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First, I choose a light grey/white color to offset the dark grey on the wall. I wanted to keep the wall relatively neutral, although I have seen other ladies do something similar with bolder color choices. The next step was the design and shape of the stencil. I used something similar to <a href="http://jonesdesigncompany.com/">Emily</a><strong> </strong>although I think our stencil is larger and I made it thicker. Now, at first it can seem confusing how you make this pattern, but really it just takes a steady hand, and either a dang good eye or a level. Lucky my husband has the first two. </div>
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Starting in the center of your focal wall you trace up the wall vertically. Each time you move the stencil make sure that you are lining it up <em>straight</em> with the tracings previously done. After an entire column is stenciled it is time to move over. To make the second column DON'T put your stensil so that your new column is right next to your old column, instead move it over 1/2" and down 1/2"!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9c7xC7anvFfl1vqRodK5gDXqkaNtsPwrOvZC6tb18a6UAb0h5ik2UHzsdmEVVF11K9oxxKwzZwcIWF4z3_zU8FEiGgIOhUmMCk1zIaJ7yTLovwNcohMNp5BYYmgGIcZ-G4Wzh2xbS-iE/s1600/IMG_0464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9c7xC7anvFfl1vqRodK5gDXqkaNtsPwrOvZC6tb18a6UAb0h5ik2UHzsdmEVVF11K9oxxKwzZwcIWF4z3_zU8FEiGgIOhUmMCk1zIaJ7yTLovwNcohMNp5BYYmgGIcZ-G4Wzh2xbS-iE/s400/IMG_0464.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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When you move the stencil over and down at the same time it makes the design more intricate and you end up with something similare to this: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCoD2XTfVc7kx4NtcWTLT_IGF0P6WSCXwjEcFoyMB8gBfwJWMH2izsiB6rfZe_A8XvsUXDZPJ39gL9DJCuCWFinK0EhzRSrQYvhdgnUAbPf_4nfUoIZGjhAkZUf_wnM52MpbFJ8GzAW8/s1600/IMG_0466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCoD2XTfVc7kx4NtcWTLT_IGF0P6WSCXwjEcFoyMB8gBfwJWMH2izsiB6rfZe_A8XvsUXDZPJ39gL9DJCuCWFinK0EhzRSrQYvhdgnUAbPf_4nfUoIZGjhAkZUf_wnM52MpbFJ8GzAW8/s400/IMG_0466.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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If you just move over your pattern would line up and look more like this. Do you see how the stensil in each column touches the column next to it? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbrwa-jbzK1A3Vpql-wqGgdsm5_hGHmkyW1-2EFN692J9GoZQlXnt4ClMEecwP42iVkGLAjWDNC0ry_QNCU_d8gNkrzVpru_tuMVeiuwZDaV77TnZOIHqCEIxQ4Z1DQvHrXPMRZifeIU/s1600/IMG_0469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbrwa-jbzK1A3Vpql-wqGgdsm5_hGHmkyW1-2EFN692J9GoZQlXnt4ClMEecwP42iVkGLAjWDNC0ry_QNCU_d8gNkrzVpru_tuMVeiuwZDaV77TnZOIHqCEIxQ4Z1DQvHrXPMRZifeIU/s400/IMG_0469.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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When you compare these images I think it really helps it makes sense. The first images and the second are the SAME stencil. The difference is that the columns are lined up in the same vertical plane in the first, and the stencil is offset about a 1/2" in the second.</div>
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Here is an in progress picture. The room became a HUGE mess and we were having to move the furniture around all the time! But I like that you can see the plain grey on the left and compare it to the after. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkj8c2KxMoKW2TSEnMi46hBuNOfMt5H9JKXoEtJmfpUFmmePMzthbTBiHKDKuSV0I_nbmKwdzhuhNHEdSy4h0OELzn2gt1UIj9OTEfclk8FPNhQZ0Y_vg0y8SE_XyssNOo8BfJVoSTNE/s1600/stencil+-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkj8c2KxMoKW2TSEnMi46hBuNOfMt5H9JKXoEtJmfpUFmmePMzthbTBiHKDKuSV0I_nbmKwdzhuhNHEdSy4h0OELzn2gt1UIj9OTEfclk8FPNhQZ0Y_vg0y8SE_XyssNOo8BfJVoSTNE/s400/stencil+-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, after your second column is made you start to make your third column. And it lines up with your first. Make sense? 1,3,5,7,9 line up. 2,4,6,8 line up. Rinse Repeat. After you have traced in pencil, we did a wall at a time, pain along the inside of your pencil lines with your brush. I liked using a firm brush, I tried several, because it made my paint lines the most consistent. The brush can be as thick or thin as you want it. </div>
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Travis and Sydney hard at work!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxz5uhlQPqYYdsJ5uVTPV1Onr2XHf9k4IScqlbrEm8dzftZtFU3UUptdMT0ipfwXqlLBfDcCPU5hEeSEkJagQ8AVEBWeb4KwPrlEpbua2c-qkV4qFja0hz3gf3byaU869aDGmmLlkz5IY/s1600/IMG_0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxz5uhlQPqYYdsJ5uVTPV1Onr2XHf9k4IScqlbrEm8dzftZtFU3UUptdMT0ipfwXqlLBfDcCPU5hEeSEkJagQ8AVEBWeb4KwPrlEpbua2c-qkV4qFja0hz3gf3byaU869aDGmmLlkz5IY/s320/IMG_0145.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<img height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGPc9tH66mPIvijA1idjAxQiGQAyCAskAf3-7G5g_lRyFo7E7APiignufuprDFirNByWv3_97ApwITmXSQmHGvPsqWa5vu6YF0QQvhaBlHaqciLo0KuTPOFQIhXiY36fzR5drlerqFIM/s320/morrocan.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 601px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 458px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" />I know that I've shown pictures of our room before, so this posts isn't much of a "reveal" but I've gotten so many questions about exactly how we did it that I thought it deserved its own post. We have a bunch of projects in the semi completed phase that I can't wait to show you! Thanks for checking this post out, I really suggest using a stencil (either home made or purchased) if you want to do something different! Its one of the most inexpensive ways to make an impact on a wall or room! <br />
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I'm linked up with:<br />
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<a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/">Remodelahlic</a><br />
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</div>Travis and Libby Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356058210817352439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453307731165421964.post-30956598927498372582011-07-27T09:36:00.000-07:002011-07-27T09:38:07.865-07:00We are Siamese if You PleaseWell, clearly, we are American. And seeing as how Siam hasn't been used in correct terminology since July 20 1949, we will not ever be Siamese. But we are going to Thailand! Woo Hoo. We are SO excited to start making arrangments to visit Thailand, and even MORE pumped to be able to go with Scott and Rachel MacDonald, our friends from Scotland.<br /><br />The story? Well, Travis and I have been considering where we would want to go for an end-of-medical school celebration and all the time we were in contact with Scott and Rachel to see if they would be interested in some world wandering, couple style. Recently, we all pretty much settled on going to Thailand. yes.<br /><br />So, this post will now be dedicated to all thigns Thailand-ish, and how wonderful it is, or will be when we are there! To start with, the people of Thailand are supposed to be very friendly, welcoming of tourists, and exceptionally helpful. As I read about Thailand I have learned of their concept of Sanuk, which means striving to acheive satisfaction and pleasure from whatever you do. Thailand is also called the "land of smiles" because it is a part of the culture to smile and be polite throughout all of your daily interactions. Kinda sounds like Texas, only <em>not. </em><br /><br />Bangkok, the city of Angels.<br /><br />Bangkok, capital of Thailand, can be an overwhelming bustling city for some, but I am determined to spend some time getting familiar with the layout so that we can enjoy all of the culture and life that the city has to offer. The Chao Phraya River splits Bangkok in 2 and is not only a major land mark, but a major means of transportation through the city.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOlnGrmyiyIWXAKGkBGPjxy5fOt_uZy0pyHC1TytcPT8kykwe3DpN1CO-AoQCtWFOwsV-ijFnzStjYhEZUNFjgWzajhcODoNbOTt-hxBmcn_Z9mWRuzmW7BY3tCSxAN8tDeloXVWQy3c/s1600/river.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 275px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 183px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632586016339822210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOlnGrmyiyIWXAKGkBGPjxy5fOt_uZy0pyHC1TytcPT8kykwe3DpN1CO-AoQCtWFOwsV-ijFnzStjYhEZUNFjgWzajhcODoNbOTt-hxBmcn_Z9mWRuzmW7BY3tCSxAN8tDeloXVWQy3c/s320/river.jpg" /></a><br />Speaking of transportation, don't you want to ride in a tuk-tuk? I do.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WCu9u3LYUEvtJD1rhjJ-1-KJFMThpf1Tg7qsKQ6MnVTrpt9at8r6sQGLLrDNvUxHcHmjKFSip81NLXxuZqyHA6NWUskwqMD-1TtXnMzqtA5uKYiM07TimMMPNAmDvmn7fjb4FZhcnoI/s1600/tuk+tuk.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 226px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 223px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632586083158026130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WCu9u3LYUEvtJD1rhjJ-1-KJFMThpf1Tg7qsKQ6MnVTrpt9at8r6sQGLLrDNvUxHcHmjKFSip81NLXxuZqyHA6NWUskwqMD-1TtXnMzqtA5uKYiM07TimMMPNAmDvmn7fjb4FZhcnoI/s320/tuk+tuk.jpg" /></a> There is so much to see and do in Bangkok, here a few pictures of just what awaits us!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUIvRD2RN6NRvMPiUNuh8R1KpZ9go9WVM8vrU4YiYEEVNXJYMK8bGEyKvSur1IXiPOYAoA0JL7Ftxn3_otjCrAQOYf2C_swFlCeJrovomL9hqUlHXgnzWyRc6iZAYF-PBmPkve8USdlY/s1600/wat+phra+kaeo.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 259px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632586153621312546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUIvRD2RN6NRvMPiUNuh8R1KpZ9go9WVM8vrU4YiYEEVNXJYMK8bGEyKvSur1IXiPOYAoA0JL7Ftxn3_otjCrAQOYf2C_swFlCeJrovomL9hqUlHXgnzWyRc6iZAYF-PBmPkve8USdlY/s320/wat+phra+kaeo.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-s3D2J1nSYlRL_Ij3KtiwQa-V-GBXdevPPxuyEmBVz4NydO6iiWA3SFGGJKI79smhV8M33eQsF66PjPuCJU1frn4tmQgOPV8bHnBTeXn2HJvUw_tPKd_B3GhKZBKtvsY6z8B7RGb3C1g/s1600/floating+market.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 176px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632586430936471474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-s3D2J1nSYlRL_Ij3KtiwQa-V-GBXdevPPxuyEmBVz4NydO6iiWA3SFGGJKI79smhV8M33eQsF66PjPuCJU1frn4tmQgOPV8bHnBTeXn2HJvUw_tPKd_B3GhKZBKtvsY6z8B7RGb3C1g/s320/floating+market.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTlBHbCwH48I9bG4hEba4sEwrFkYM9wVt7ercVdMrViMtdqx2G8eSLfpwc5N1sGl6a0h4B2iA1v-5IWO5YcdNqHsY3ReP-Nf8JSovi7zpR7KLB0-_ZmDHSRxNoYm4rtZLXiNZlguFnrU/s1600/wat+pho.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 264px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 191px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632586348601745250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTlBHbCwH48I9bG4hEba4sEwrFkYM9wVt7ercVdMrViMtdqx2G8eSLfpwc5N1sGl6a0h4B2iA1v-5IWO5YcdNqHsY3ReP-Nf8JSovi7zpR7KLB0-_ZmDHSRxNoYm4rtZLXiNZlguFnrU/s320/wat+pho.bmp" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hkE6yfd2aPDm2v9lZLvvM-OCNYCl8HO_0COtNiIwzIr1INjwi7hZi0aG3Q6C5v2YzBe4P77r_NlO5R4nOP2AHz7tGUFDHFG_ZJYIkP2W-frJ-tXWb77fYvQ0tCvQc7Xg6J18P7AssbY/s1600/emerald+buddha.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632586236143325522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hkE6yfd2aPDm2v9lZLvvM-OCNYCl8HO_0COtNiIwzIr1INjwi7hZi0aG3Q6C5v2YzBe4P77r_NlO5R4nOP2AHz7tGUFDHFG_ZJYIkP2W-frJ-tXWb77fYvQ0tCvQc7Xg6J18P7AssbY/s320/emerald+buddha.bmp" /></a><br />And outside of Bangkok? Sukothai where there are plenty of ruins for Travis to explore!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZCpy1ynp1b7ck_msWKmCJA_RluIywnqZz2VZsNHwmD2m329migRdM-g1LK5zTBW-iThvpJIKYD4rjvk8pwTORxjfeyB2hbJghRcfIJPjneNm-IbyYbS9YVr0T3RDOrcspGLvVg764h4/s1600/sukothai.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 188px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632586508329203762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZCpy1ynp1b7ck_msWKmCJA_RluIywnqZz2VZsNHwmD2m329migRdM-g1LK5zTBW-iThvpJIKYD4rjvk8pwTORxjfeyB2hbJghRcfIJPjneNm-IbyYbS9YVr0T3RDOrcspGLvVg764h4/s320/sukothai.bmp" /></a> In Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai. A region known for being lush and beautiful we can spend time out of doors trekking, river rafting, and seeing elephants. Also, there are supposed to be quite a few really good cooking classes, so I will have to see how Travis feels about letting me do that :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUkAvhNf-jRzmQ6YtGq68FTuhoMSAkgv5UVlOP5CTqaa_sZwW5LodfkPJDaSTADKUwz7xYOKSTme4K4a2G9zvtEPrTsJIoIBtJedIBFJTQ2F-8-BAyNIlgQYHkHW7ixEVzClyk_Yuey8/s1600/chiang+mai-2.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 275px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 183px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632589004525706658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUkAvhNf-jRzmQ6YtGq68FTuhoMSAkgv5UVlOP5CTqaa_sZwW5LodfkPJDaSTADKUwz7xYOKSTme4K4a2G9zvtEPrTsJIoIBtJedIBFJTQ2F-8-BAyNIlgQYHkHW7ixEVzClyk_Yuey8/s320/chiang+mai-2.bmp" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VVO0hOoqusldh4Eb5w0ii_iNhSjC1Q3RBLfko-jpkYv0rMhK6Exzy9pmVjONMroBtlTt3aBaDyN3kMr4Na8yBcA8XQnUHbOoKYS_HRJFYJgrKBtIyDo0vnA67Jgd0udvQ3CHYY0q_CE/s1600/chiang+mai.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 260px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632588924587271170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VVO0hOoqusldh4Eb5w0ii_iNhSjC1Q3RBLfko-jpkYv0rMhK6Exzy9pmVjONMroBtlTt3aBaDyN3kMr4Na8yBcA8XQnUHbOoKYS_HRJFYJgrKBtIyDo0vnA67Jgd0udvQ3CHYY0q_CE/s320/chiang+mai.bmp" /></a> And, lastly the beaches, Oh the beaches! The beaches of Thailand are consistenly named as some of the most beautiful in the world. There are som beaches good for laying out, other coasts meant for exploring, bays and lagoons reachable by longtail boat, and other beaches that you can actually camp out on if you wish!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBgHBSRqIB3DY9Z6lT3rJoD0RUZTqnmN7aaZsGX1RvVZGd-oqiD0JSEsChSuTfU3Vw-Ch790C74MtMw8Dw7c8EFI17Q-e8_FoCiDVyhPWhDtncvZ2ObMvyEoTZEj0BfRa63piq2XWDnw/s1600/thailand-beaches.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634068865153348754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBgHBSRqIB3DY9Z6lT3rJoD0RUZTqnmN7aaZsGX1RvVZGd-oqiD0JSEsChSuTfU3Vw-Ch790C74MtMw8Dw7c8EFI17Q-e8_FoCiDVyhPWhDtncvZ2ObMvyEoTZEj0BfRa63piq2XWDnw/s320/thailand-beaches.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwU3fC8Fc_f4rd7Ma7tRPaDQdn8zHomQfbwGtweaNB4U28-3iK7lD565rjv0dgfh0chT2UlpiGi0NmUHzNWXJwkrjhOgnOTV-pwEmXGwrAgcacRUrmqkVnkZCUcoZBun4AYlD7DfqOpM/s1600/thailand_beaches_pics.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634068632466985490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwU3fC8Fc_f4rd7Ma7tRPaDQdn8zHomQfbwGtweaNB4U28-3iK7lD565rjv0dgfh0chT2UlpiGi0NmUHzNWXJwkrjhOgnOTV-pwEmXGwrAgcacRUrmqkVnkZCUcoZBun4AYlD7DfqOpM/s320/thailand_beaches_pics.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpl61VkkUg6hJZ5w9q0_kOhW6PUJDvO9EeE0DLQdLkVuVe8Pm47-tp8BGdwSer3BoVScPLFg8Czq2Veq6BoNgrb20wtKQTc-tpRnrb2lczWQGS6TghIFbktjoDg2ZD_ot20ivb2qw0CE/s1600/5596-beach-amanpuri-phuket-thailand.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634068465622098962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpl61VkkUg6hJZ5w9q0_kOhW6PUJDvO9EeE0DLQdLkVuVe8Pm47-tp8BGdwSer3BoVScPLFg8Czq2Veq6BoNgrb20wtKQTc-tpRnrb2lczWQGS6TghIFbktjoDg2ZD_ot20ivb2qw0CE/s320/5596-beach-amanpuri-phuket-thailand.jpg" /></a> As you can see, we are so excited to get to explore a country with a wonderful history, unique culture, and beautiful landscapes! Has anyone been to Thailand or the area? If so, we would love to hear your advice!Travis and Libby Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356058210817352439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453307731165421964.post-61316632090450771202011-07-22T10:40:00.000-07:002011-07-22T10:41:02.803-07:00Seeing Red.<div align="left">A few weekends ago a couple of friends met up in a quaint town for a day filled with fun.</div><br /><br /><div align="left">Travis and I love the Pillers and had SO much fun getting to hang out with them in Fredericksburg. Brittany and I spent the day browsing while our husbands went to the Nimtz muesum re-inactment and watched them fire off all manner of weapons. We spent the evening enjoying german starches and sausages! </div><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">Before we left, my husband humored me with a trip to Red. {secretly, I believe he is upset that my sister-in-law ever introduced me} I could spend quite a few hours walking around the store and drawing inpiriation. Here are just a few things I found interesting!<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626758065203929650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ47DewPoEEFJGVIxMKjPne2kLkN87OCz0OVV0CUCsHgoLqNykCMK-XCLsbQ2wRHLRvYwqg4w0wYBWYxPk0CkdggVv7T9UvQlVLxrV8x28NR9CZhWV7OPxVwt73zQvwd64GzMm6A211gg/s320/IMG_0263.JPG" /> I love these light fixtures, made from cardboard rings! And that print in the background!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626758460068233106" border="0" alt="" align="center" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFAp2uAHdjReVMOi6JsWqQRdFE-Kwz1ZfM7LunKb9FD0MvutmlhQjBy_6tlOASVMeoomI2fFfekorLXHlMCXiJziOEtScj6GciOS2oKfq-NTCdShU9uWmETeEMNmIIKb6K0IkuGObcXc/s320/IMG_0265.JPG" /><br /><br /><p align="center">coasters. penny for your thoughts?<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626760083576867554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5r0GwUBECoO-x6zLm_2LWWySFR24RCrJyB0ZIJG4YnDFLo424A9nbiBd37jPBElP89TysquN0Tbj1fljBUV8SSwmADiEuNDG9o7w5aCrLAMLICtWjDx70WwCLgRUxnNR7C5XjPcfUME/s320/IMG_0274.JPG" /> Sleepy time rocker. perfection.<br /></p><br /><p><br />The truth is that sometimes its the little things that make me the happiest, like an hour spent walking around Red. Here is hoping that we will always be filled with inspiration!</p>Travis and Libby Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356058210817352439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453307731165421964.post-3634739383843684692011-07-13T09:50:00.001-07:002011-07-13T11:11:15.975-07:00Hello, Mr. EamesAs Travis prepares to make me the ultimpate DIY 2 person parsons desk, my attention has turned to seating. I am <em>sweating </em>some pretty Eames chairs. Just imagine a long sleek laquered white desk with a lovely Eames chair pulled up to it. Oh, as a matter of fact, you won't need to imagine it. Here is a picture of the real thing from Houzz: <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/205679/Gallery-Loft-modern-home-office-los-angeles"><img border="0" alt="Gallery Loft modern home office" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/205679_0_8-1127-modern-home-office.jpg" width="500" height="545" /></img></a> <br /><div style="COLOR: #444"><small><a style="COLOR: #444; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/modern/home-office">modern home office design</a> by <a style="COLOR: #444; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect/new-york">new york architect</a> <a style="COLOR: #444; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/24263/Incorporated">Incorporated</a></small></div><br />Lovely, right? In my search to find the right Eames chair I thought I would share what I have come across:<br /><br />First up, a post I found on Craigslist in Houston: <a href="http://houston.craigslist.org/fud/2418770304.html">http://houston.craigslist.org/fud/2418770304.html</a>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRe9N8vo33zOg0r6dI9xlvXNdV0HjrfnlhZMzx_hu1NWyLaYqovw75UYnpJrE6CUzrzdv1H2JzOZqCyVmIYmatUIau6I2kOTBJpdqDe1xEkXPm9BFNdqeHz-siwJKhnr1C3SFUMyJ5Fog/s1600/Eames+Chair.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628890842878681714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRe9N8vo33zOg0r6dI9xlvXNdV0HjrfnlhZMzx_hu1NWyLaYqovw75UYnpJrE6CUzrzdv1H2JzOZqCyVmIYmatUIau6I2kOTBJpdqDe1xEkXPm9BFNdqeHz-siwJKhnr1C3SFUMyJ5Fog/s320/Eames+Chair.jpg" /></a> Which has this Robin's Egg Blue Eames rocker for sale at a bargain price of $178. Unfortunately, its not really the color I had in mind. However; the ad directed me to another website, <a href="http://www.modiish.com/">http://www.modiish.com/</a>. Have y'all ever heard of it? I hadn't. But I'm starting to appreciate it quickly. Look what else I found! <br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBFsentkAhBxg7U-EhHOtWo1-GO7KncMEXNwpkqF_WBwVmkacKDY2DC3jExJ8Ct5Kr_W5npRCWiiS3ST7Ta1BWp2fp_j8LCVfkHl0zy2pK2FmG7MP3pTvUBmFYbOTD3DUAMyJwvS01Ng/s1600/White+Eames+Chair.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 166px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628892540105145154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBFsentkAhBxg7U-EhHOtWo1-GO7KncMEXNwpkqF_WBwVmkacKDY2DC3jExJ8Ct5Kr_W5npRCWiiS3ST7Ta1BWp2fp_j8LCVfkHl0zy2pK2FmG7MP3pTvUBmFYbOTD3DUAMyJwvS01Ng/s320/White+Eames+Chair.jpg" /></a><br />These are so lovely, and affordable!. Or more affordable at $158 a chair. I like the molded chair because I feel like it could be multi purpose, and I think it has more pizzazz! Also on my list of things I love are lucite or ghost chairs. Here is one they offer for $178, again reasonably priced, relatively speaking. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuvZRC_hsVODIbt9V_UfkOB70hXUWSjg-TTOdjUM2aiq6Fh_nx3VapWPT2RNxwbTYPA1GONeCbQWBGAhOgt5xf2d31AAxcXlHNCRzn1Oy4sLpseBAto52BDxR3dzfoD6i-mU_ZTzF9J8/s1600/Ghost+Chair.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628892239134025346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuvZRC_hsVODIbt9V_UfkOB70hXUWSjg-TTOdjUM2aiq6Fh_nx3VapWPT2RNxwbTYPA1GONeCbQWBGAhOgt5xf2d31AAxcXlHNCRzn1Oy4sLpseBAto52BDxR3dzfoD6i-mU_ZTzF9J8/s320/Ghost+Chair.jpg" /></a> Yes. Please. </p><br /><p>As you may have guessed, the reason these are so reasonably priced is because they are "high quality reporductions of the original." I did manage to find some used originals on ebay.</p><br /><p>Here is a shell rocker in what the seller describes as golden wheat in color. Currently the bid is at $99, I believe. Its the shell rocker and not the molded form I prefer. But it is still quite lovely. <em>And I secretly dig the grellow color.</em><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Herman-Miller-Eames-side-shell-rocker-/180692190134?pt=Antiques_Furniture&hash=item2a121803b6">http://cgi.ebay.com/Herman-Miller-Eames-side-shell-rocker-/180692190134?pt=Antiques_Furniture&hash=item2a121803b6</a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUB4g6EymD0mz1WWb4OdJFk5S6J5zDo4k4Nu8wYpSOTeGTpeoFO1qsJ62hvnMH9442KFUFTxNXstEfI_FaNgjowPdIgsd1zH0nVDQNzkiDNDV_qQqLhW3BVm6OR3tfpj4d3z8nzEpTmmw/s1600/Shell+Rocker.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628895597555903554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUB4g6EymD0mz1WWb4OdJFk5S6J5zDo4k4Nu8wYpSOTeGTpeoFO1qsJ62hvnMH9442KFUFTxNXstEfI_FaNgjowPdIgsd1zH0nVDQNzkiDNDV_qQqLhW3BVm6OR3tfpj4d3z8nzEpTmmw/s320/Shell+Rocker.jpg" /></a><br />Next, these chairs are a steal for someone with the knowledge to fix-er-up! Four of these chairs for $300. The seller admits they need refurbishing. I think if you knew how these could be so perfect!<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Herman-Miller-Eames-vinyl-shell-chairs-qty-4-/170665099413?pt=Antiques_Furniture&hash=item27bc6ec095">http://cgi.ebay.com/Herman-Miller-Eames-vinyl-shell-chairs-qty-4-/170665099413?pt=Antiques_Furniture&hash=item27bc6ec095</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlkchF4M2vOpb3zRS-XcVwa5W0XzdHZ965KPu8TzRrHB6vrzlyahyphenhyphenmITMdQYP898y6vElEoZPRRt60znHG8dpyV7uhfkMGDaTvPdN8Ez1FClI8Gba6Dy_QEIYQB3XWE74w5zxnaui_3k/s1600/%2524%2528KGrHqF%252C%2521h0E3OUWO%2528W%2521BOFcu9KHe%2521%257E%257E0_3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628895834167100402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlkchF4M2vOpb3zRS-XcVwa5W0XzdHZ965KPu8TzRrHB6vrzlyahyphenhyphenmITMdQYP898y6vElEoZPRRt60znHG8dpyV7uhfkMGDaTvPdN8Ez1FClI8Gba6Dy_QEIYQB3XWE74w5zxnaui_3k/s320/%2524%2528KGrHqF%252C%2521h0E3OUWO%2528W%2521BOFcu9KHe%2521%257E%257E0_3.jpg" /></a><br />And, I have to admit I have a particular fondess for this one. She is not the color that I had in mind. Seeing how my entire house is a retro green I assumed that I would do green. But her punchy pink/red is kinda cute! And $250 buy-it-now price is not so bad either! <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Vtg-EAMES-HERMAN-MILLER-RED-ROCKER-ROCKING-SHELL-CHAIR-/180692889373?pt=Antiques_Furniture&hash=item2a1222af1d">http://cgi.ebay.com/Vtg-EAMES-HERMAN-MILLER-RED-ROCKER-ROCKING-SHELL-CHAIR-/180692889373?pt=Antiques_Furniture&hash=item2a1222af1d</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaAWFX7M0tyY4Pgqnxnx-ngfFtxPwsdOhtNUbgjBVezoFBf8JF8YxMgg1ZmR92xde3tVWMEhuq2_14NLhRicjz9A3oEKX5acZadczLXlIgyA3zfXW6NW8fZWNx7NMUZiuxpWE6HFuWSM/s1600/%2524%2528KGrHqMOKi0E3FDIbhNiBN5%2528rlt-3%2521%257E%257E_12.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628895996300141426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaAWFX7M0tyY4Pgqnxnx-ngfFtxPwsdOhtNUbgjBVezoFBf8JF8YxMgg1ZmR92xde3tVWMEhuq2_14NLhRicjz9A3oEKX5acZadczLXlIgyA3zfXW6NW8fZWNx7NMUZiuxpWE6HFuWSM/s320/%2524%2528KGrHqMOKi0E3FDIbhNiBN5%2528rlt-3%2521%257E%257E_12.jpg" /></a> Well, I don't imagine I will be doing anything, anytime soon with any of these chairs. But oh how I love to dream. One of these days I will find the perfect Eames chairs for us! Until then I suppose I will just keep looking at pictures!<br /><br /></p>Travis and Libby Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356058210817352439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453307731165421964.post-63717647778552712902011-07-12T13:54:00.000-07:002011-07-12T15:33:52.515-07:00Hello Friend<div align="center">Oh, actually, no sorry, I wasn't talking about you. I was talking about a different friend. I was really talking about <em>her</em>. Travis and I LOVE her. And do you know what I love most? How much Travis loves her!<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628572676673499938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8AD5EId_FqqFtQ3PaqhXw62B1VuVbbN66Dxi7tRpZS_UDjtYIce-5AY11uV02PHjuXuCtoazMZYYAu-82iYDg3u_4dTwYjLY4P0tY9N1rrsjH9DzcwQe-UMmOW3CMx5obJcpYdgBSTk/s320/IMG_0367.JPG" /> Isn't she beautiful? Saturday the 9th was my birthday. And knowing me as Travis does, he decided that we would spend the afternoon looking for a thrift store console that we can re-do for the new tv that we don't yet have, but plan to buy later! Kinda a perfect afternoon in my book, so after a bite a Belly's cafe we were off! <em>p.s. -- Lubbockites have you ever eaten at Belly's? I hadn't. Its downtown on Ave. Q and 19th-ish right across the street from the big American State Bank. Anyway, its not fancy, but I was pleasantly surprised. More than just a greasy hamburger, anyway. </em><br /><br />I'm digressing, sorry. So after we ate and were on our way, I asked Travis if we could stop at Grand Central Station antiques. There is a vendor there that has some beautiful demi johns, which I also love, but don't really see them melding well with our house! Anyway, I still wanted to show them to Travis.<br />But, while we were browsing her stuff we found our new and much loved friend instead! Now, the other part of the story that you are missing is that we have been looking for something to put at the end of our bed for, well, forever I guess. Anyway, it couldn't be too big because the space is small and for that same reason we wanted something with legs that was not bulky feeling. Not anything with dark wood or fabric because we already have dark charcoals etc. in the room. Anyway, when we saw her we were in love. And then we found out she had a sister, <em>yessss.</em><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCBY5F927UMHM3mnLIQkhLCyUiUb6aTmUK_7Rio0exAjsBZ7THjI6j8gaJAg2Ye7Klv7O67oXapK2KLoqs_eCgNYZ8WZ0FNwUWd2wCrAvwcXHNlZBeVRTXDJll7scfqKOz8fguuj7QdA/s1600/IMG_0368.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628574065485885506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCBY5F927UMHM3mnLIQkhLCyUiUb6aTmUK_7Rio0exAjsBZ7THjI6j8gaJAg2Ye7Klv7O67oXapK2KLoqs_eCgNYZ8WZ0FNwUWd2wCrAvwcXHNlZBeVRTXDJll7scfqKOz8fguuj7QdA/s320/IMG_0368.JPG" /></a> Now, I might have passed on these, just because I knew that if we tried to DIY it ourselves we could probably come up with a probably not as pretty, but definitely a less expensive version. Travis however negotiated with this lady, who was <em>surprisingly </em>nice, and we got to take them home with us!<br />So, here is what they look like in our room. We love them! And now our pillows aren't land mines in the middle of the floor when you get up to go to the bathroom at night!<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTf3G6XYrxS8FggGgF57_oGRzPWjH0zb91JqcRW33nR3HCg39MSlIehTn5NV1Q97nEl9d-V1UxPxlxtYN96N5LiP_3jLvFsdhBI9mg5tg5P5J2WTK1XwSC75RjdSjeKDtCMhn6zmNkLmw/s1600/IMG_0370.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628575133776010482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTf3G6XYrxS8FggGgF57_oGRzPWjH0zb91JqcRW33nR3HCg39MSlIehTn5NV1Q97nEl9d-V1UxPxlxtYN96N5LiP_3jLvFsdhBI9mg5tg5P5J2WTK1XwSC75RjdSjeKDtCMhn6zmNkLmw/s320/IMG_0370.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAmcJ53NC6Qc7b4pA1-p-2o_QcPntJlh5WvD9MT-XGKphsgnN_MKDwJAciaLnQeXoZRcPfZ9uC9zxrAWcvfqVlhb0gtdJlRvJwBLtiaflcbDfRa1eAgGtdfSnIxZxOQStuDCOObKCAuM/s1600/IMG_0384.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628576667651723522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAmcJ53NC6Qc7b4pA1-p-2o_QcPntJlh5WvD9MT-XGKphsgnN_MKDwJAciaLnQeXoZRcPfZ9uC9zxrAWcvfqVlhb0gtdJlRvJwBLtiaflcbDfRa1eAgGtdfSnIxZxOQStuDCOObKCAuM/s320/IMG_0384.JPG" /></a> </p><br /><br /><p>And, incase you would like to see more birthday related pics...here they are! Travis spent the <em>whole </em>day thinking of things I would like to do. We woke up early in the morning to go garage sale-ing (I have loot to share!), I got my hair done, went thrifting, took a well deserved nap, ate Italian for dinner, and finished the evening with a Humphrey Bogart movie, <em>The Maltese Falcon. </em>Ohhh, and check out the pretty flowers and sunglasses Travis gave me for my quarter century anniversary! {25 is not old, 25 is not old, 25 is, ok I'm getting a little up there}<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfIJgVPIrsL61TlvJ516OcUmMdIEFxUlVuK65uaxpG8d5BUScYMNJ7aXwExFFJ3wh43F6sWYDsk9wmchJ-pOa1jH4bgscClxxx_GtMrNE7OZdB9hV1Tb_UeJZfBJB-fOxwcKc12xXp9M/s1600/IMG_0362.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628577614723929362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfIJgVPIrsL61TlvJ516OcUmMdIEFxUlVuK65uaxpG8d5BUScYMNJ7aXwExFFJ3wh43F6sWYDsk9wmchJ-pOa1jH4bgscClxxx_GtMrNE7OZdB9hV1Tb_UeJZfBJB-fOxwcKc12xXp9M/s320/IMG_0362.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dwk_tCOiP1ilFTLBaOL7ZtN8lKpVqjunRb7YS91CR0mLliiDnZn1vy36lRXfd-TwCyoh2UFZUgX8BBiWrBtQrfDxdwZgoY3nr_RbcBU1DhCrhcktqVeScKpzsrbJnPgTJNODwjAEhCg/s1600/IMG_0363.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628577964698632850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dwk_tCOiP1ilFTLBaOL7ZtN8lKpVqjunRb7YS91CR0mLliiDnZn1vy36lRXfd-TwCyoh2UFZUgX8BBiWrBtQrfDxdwZgoY3nr_RbcBU1DhCrhcktqVeScKpzsrbJnPgTJNODwjAEhCg/s320/IMG_0363.JPG" /></a> I love billy balls!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDKE8FNN9taOStzujFAwHn2MjIZytfIGRhcqO9NGpFv55USZ-iu2ozHyBLg39m8nj-_QXYmtcD8jjGJQmnSCqrrqu5QzFgUiL9gpytIm_eGCtEJkJx5K_kzwbSI1iNltBhrkDag-V2Pg/s1600/IMG_0366.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628578908287070290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDKE8FNN9taOStzujFAwHn2MjIZytfIGRhcqO9NGpFv55USZ-iu2ozHyBLg39m8nj-_QXYmtcD8jjGJQmnSCqrrqu5QzFgUiL9gpytIm_eGCtEJkJx5K_kzwbSI1iNltBhrkDag-V2Pg/s320/IMG_0366.JPG" /></a>cat-eye sunglases that were inspired by January Jones, not that I am obsessed with her <em>strictly </em>speaking, ok, honestly I am obsessed with her. And mad men. And her. </p><br /><br /><p>Thanks for all of the birthday wishes, it was such a fun weekend! Next, I can't wait to show ya'll some of the stuff Travis let me get while thrifting.<br /></p>Travis and Libby Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356058210817352439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453307731165421964.post-35893786542986881892011-07-07T19:18:00.000-07:002011-10-21T12:21:43.995-07:00Meet our couchI know that I told ya'll about the couch that Travis let me buy last year for my birthday. In case you forgot what it started out like here is a quick picture!<br />
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Here she is in all of her glory!</div>
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626803137330303906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiYpVMHweasdE9jq1kCwZlBUatL2yvVoRIDSTRvyU45k5GCzCdpWmKz3M1TheGmnxGujncvUBn2fTEeluWgNOSqaBoCBq4Gv-LCZBtbpLGBf9vMNZkH5fangV1KErx1Yf2ED73-3_r4o/s320/IMG_0029.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 239px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /> We found her at a flea market, and I fell in love with her instantly. Travis and I had wanted a new couch since we married (we had been using my gramma's old couch with a slip cover) but had some issues in deciding what to do. First, we really wanted a sectional, but found that all of the long sleek sectionals we liked didn't fit in our bungalow sized living room. And the ones that would fit....just didn't seem like something we would be interested in after we moved from this house. So, we shelved the idea of a new sectional and started thinking about other options, we actually hadn't decided what to do when we met this gorgeous girl! And all at once, everything made perfect sense. She would fit <em>perfectly </em>in our living room, and once we left this house we would put her in a bedroom to make room for the sectional of our dreams. There was only one hitch; her previous owners weren't even planning on selling her. I had to visit this flea market twice before I finally twisted their arm. I could tell she had been neglected, but her wood frame was intact and her lines were <em>so lovely!</em><br />
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When we got her home we were able to inspect her more closely to see that she really was gonna need some work, and we didn't know how to do it all. After some research we learned that couches of this age had springs that were hand-tied, and all of hers had come loose. We found a local crafstman who could re-tie her springs and fix the webbing on the bottom keeping her all put together.<br />
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Before we sent her off, we took needle-nose plyers to her and <em>carefully</em> removed every bit of fabric from her frame!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWR1_PJ_96HeVB4X581VVaK4aK_9b90iYWlH9TiiC5aSgwJ0Oyfg-KmJ76Oh8PYbkOfv5r2w5I-APn3boCCAnp77HvRkJOWWsyL2zE1ZMD8lwcHC0p6ZckI1tNQnGzS8N4y7wuyIF2P2k/s1600/IMG_0046.JPG"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEQQxvqAC6Ogny6ormM8-W4PUAsWMsjtD0lwI6voqOmp7hdDHgBqvVfKFNDNEhy9OGeekyaQAR0doIzFmytxTdh_5aexX0fzgmfBRcpuzJYjJBQaiLbgsDubXjtPD0An2a79OHSED8PY/s1600/IMG_0083.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626803919961570178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEQQxvqAC6Ogny6ormM8-W4PUAsWMsjtD0lwI6voqOmp7hdDHgBqvVfKFNDNEhy9OGeekyaQAR0doIzFmytxTdh_5aexX0fzgmfBRcpuzJYjJBQaiLbgsDubXjtPD0An2a79OHSED8PY/s320/IMG_0083.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 239px;" /></a> While she was being worked on we searched for fabric! Now, since we are a young couple not yet burned with the sensibilities of true adulthood we decided that we wanted to something <em>fun. </em>When we do finally get a sectional we will probably opt for charcoal grey that will wear well and hide blemishes, but for now we wanted something different. The green walls of our living room have a smokey hue to them so we started there. Seeking out patterns and options that would be just perfect until we found this:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnt8DjJNz4GhV5YYotmdFRMNVjXU16BHkgpbhE7mpNdoBwjiPpJhItSJroXJpc7BeWaXWtVSOfFi1nFhKuyrUtGwySfhugLehFitMMWR8g2BmGY1KZYIwWL6NlwxN6av1ZMnT0p1YsNY/s1600/imagesCA33JYW5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629669567904836626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnt8DjJNz4GhV5YYotmdFRMNVjXU16BHkgpbhE7mpNdoBwjiPpJhItSJroXJpc7BeWaXWtVSOfFi1nFhKuyrUtGwySfhugLehFitMMWR8g2BmGY1KZYIwWL6NlwxN6av1ZMnT0p1YsNY/s320/imagesCA33JYW5.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 144px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 144px;" /></a> Thomas Paul's Parasols fabric in chartreuse. We instantly were drawn to this choice! Since it is on the dark side we decided to paint the wood frame of the couch white, Dover White by Benjamin Moore, to keep things from being too dark and to give it a punch! </div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626802306451732418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWR1_PJ_96HeVB4X581VVaK4aK_9b90iYWlH9TiiC5aSgwJ0Oyfg-KmJ76Oh8PYbkOfv5r2w5I-APn3boCCAnp77HvRkJOWWsyL2zE1ZMD8lwcHC0p6ZckI1tNQnGzS8N4y7wuyIF2P2k/s320/IMG_0046.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 239px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />
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After the springs had been fixed on the couch it was just a matter of a quick paint job and some reupholstering for us to have this:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5k6MqUg5_t7FOFsnqgJPA6ypZKbWiAaaHu6TOrb_9jrQH3_vFJW6dTmXQYe62-bRq0fQVBQekynj8nee-xqu-rWvQqu2l32WaYh5RluouIoNXXcwlm3HXQiUEPyxuv3VPScTMwRxExsw/s1600/Blog+Couch+pic.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629679175983018946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5k6MqUg5_t7FOFsnqgJPA6ypZKbWiAaaHu6TOrb_9jrQH3_vFJW6dTmXQYe62-bRq0fQVBQekynj8nee-xqu-rWvQqu2l32WaYh5RluouIoNXXcwlm3HXQiUEPyxuv3VPScTMwRxExsw/s320/Blog+Couch+pic.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 248px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxZSXGzKoQr_ArMZzI025DhgbbplAs4Ivo67Dx1SviaB2l6U_V_vJcxMCc4n-qzJ78ZxSIvvFoDDAtmnf6pCv0wIaOdtCvo8I7QaUIdTsiJwUIY8law1lGZXydqFYOlDaRiyGYXNsXas/s1600/IMG_0390.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629679597810901234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxZSXGzKoQr_ArMZzI025DhgbbplAs4Ivo67Dx1SviaB2l6U_V_vJcxMCc4n-qzJ78ZxSIvvFoDDAtmnf6pCv0wIaOdtCvo8I7QaUIdTsiJwUIY8law1lGZXydqFYOlDaRiyGYXNsXas/s320/IMG_0390.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 239px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ac7IQ8-PymcFjNfgo4BDUACXAwPYqnhkEuzgK3rUD3CN-yG_-JK517ld5cTAzZ0wgSR4lm-4LL_jxwRUy5TiwAxJ3nMEEYQFF88jzfEGlDKD0p3mi3rjPN_dy3fh_zAcneEvfRjcnow/s1600/IMG_0394.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629680093286503266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ac7IQ8-PymcFjNfgo4BDUACXAwPYqnhkEuzgK3rUD3CN-yG_-JK517ld5cTAzZ0wgSR4lm-4LL_jxwRUy5TiwAxJ3nMEEYQFF88jzfEGlDKD0p3mi3rjPN_dy3fh_zAcneEvfRjcnow/s320/IMG_0394.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 239px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyEIp80bzmVDP_TRFhksP3nK3PjRG7glxcvARxVB5aXCdRibeb1mxB3alPNz7S_nnGuXCrtkazf7oW9IO-GgGhv0tSrCEYiLfbTgxFz5uRI-tD5Xg0voNP1mrjalfDPNOzrohoHoIuNk/s1600/IMG_0396.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629682028007875858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyEIp80bzmVDP_TRFhksP3nK3PjRG7glxcvARxVB5aXCdRibeb1mxB3alPNz7S_nnGuXCrtkazf7oW9IO-GgGhv0tSrCEYiLfbTgxFz5uRI-tD5Xg0voNP1mrjalfDPNOzrohoHoIuNk/s320/IMG_0396.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 239px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhkNyhgoOc4_X6LNvGO3B4ICYId800oQjY1cyJwjAL1AfvrbEJU3kRsNFy20CDXoKCFXiQbr4MkFqqC-IAXXeEBFzEjCd-k6tnb5DOK7E_pUUR25B5ndfYsb3EBiAGmlSJpUa-dObaLc/s1600/IMG_0314.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627113240129393218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhkNyhgoOc4_X6LNvGO3B4ICYId800oQjY1cyJwjAL1AfvrbEJU3kRsNFy20CDXoKCFXiQbr4MkFqqC-IAXXeEBFzEjCd-k6tnb5DOK7E_pUUR25B5ndfYsb3EBiAGmlSJpUa-dObaLc/s320/IMG_0314.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 239px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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We are so pleased with our new addition to the living room! Can't wait to show ya'll what its all starting to look like up in here! </div>
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To check out tons of DIY's and Before & Afters click on the images below or over to the side. There are so many great ideas out there...<br />
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<a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/">Remodelaholic</a><br />
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<a href="http://blog.addicted2decorating.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://kristilinauerinteriors.com/a2d-pics/addicts-not-so-anonymous-link-party.png" /></a> <br />
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<a href="http://projectqueen.org/"><img src="http://projectqueen.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/dauntingdoablebutton2mini.png" /> </a>Travis and Libby Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356058210817352439noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453307731165421964.post-26193710677926011682011-07-07T13:54:00.000-07:002011-07-12T15:58:58.238-07:00Head board. Stage Two. LogisticsAfter figuring out the direction we were going. It was -merely- a matter of figuring out exactly how to get there. So, here is the mental break down about how we decided to do it.<br /><br />First, plywood from HD that Travis later cut to our exact shape. The only snag was that the plywood wouldn't be thick enough on the sides, seeing as we wanted a thick plush looking headboard. We didn't want to spring for the thicker wood for the <em>whole </em>headboard, so we decided to put 1x4s along the edges. That gave us the thickness we needed at the edges without increasing the overall cost. Slowly, but surely, I am learning to think about the bottom line!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAnR1sOqZlw_95q7TRSxdZ89m5VSvqz8KXtDiPw0H7UjYm4Vl7kOXY3MnLWYKmNKqOk6f-oUqA7edCYBHCVYmJ4Kw1E7jI57NIlrbME57g8lf-j6oFGR__04OcpuMKO1We58_lApoUX4/s1600/IMG_0223.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626719024815563586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAnR1sOqZlw_95q7TRSxdZ89m5VSvqz8KXtDiPw0H7UjYm4Vl7kOXY3MnLWYKmNKqOk6f-oUqA7edCYBHCVYmJ4Kw1E7jI57NIlrbME57g8lf-j6oFGR__04OcpuMKO1We58_lApoUX4/s320/IMG_0223.JPG" /></a> Here is a picture of the back of the head board, you can see the edges of the head board made more substantial by the 1x4s. Also, you can see the simple way Travis was able to line the arch with the wood. He just cut several small squares and then used each one to line the edge of the arch. As he did this he gave me a refresher in calculus or geometry or something saying "libby, a circle can be approximated at any point with an infintestimal amount of lines that change slope to fit the angle of the circle." Clearly, I didn't really learn anything from his lecture because what I just wrote makes no sense.<br /><br />Here you can see some of our books, finally being put to good use, helping the wood glue attach the side supports to the plywood!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCwnVk7YESSUPr5PbLZo1chqZuMg3L_QU0YPoXZmpivmNnlj_n_MaV8VQ1oIZi2qlvMk4S-zzkF9qP_NqptfRMtuJjQ4qdAWqZ1f7sQZjOghnJeY56NJFj8L3TdFofMzfyEKtutJQ1pM/s1600/IMG_0226.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626721354975000866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCwnVk7YESSUPr5PbLZo1chqZuMg3L_QU0YPoXZmpivmNnlj_n_MaV8VQ1oIZi2qlvMk4S-zzkF9qP_NqptfRMtuJjQ4qdAWqZ1f7sQZjOghnJeY56NJFj8L3TdFofMzfyEKtutJQ1pM/s320/IMG_0226.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz28eHjs1kDnQI7s4STL-wK263a3O5g-Xf02u8A6O0xbRiuoRWa_AQy23JIpARbstLtPV9ZoXshzwPDMulfCntSDnj0da9IqPBOF-6URJVg65TWFWS8KbF5vu4d5T9LM6wLCh6-ppdYAY/s1600/IMG_0227.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626721938630363362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz28eHjs1kDnQI7s4STL-wK263a3O5g-Xf02u8A6O0xbRiuoRWa_AQy23JIpARbstLtPV9ZoXshzwPDMulfCntSDnj0da9IqPBOF-6URJVg65TWFWS8KbF5vu4d5T9LM6wLCh6-ppdYAY/s320/IMG_0227.JPG" /></a><br />Another thing to consider were how we were going to make the legs work. We made the legs out of 2x4s and positioned them so that they butted up against the bottom of the 1x4s. Now, since they were going to be on the outside edge of the headboard they would be visible. So we didn't want to leave them raw. At first we thought we would just cover them in our fabric and attach them at the very end, but that made my structural engineer nervous. He wanted them to be attached with wood glue for the best possible hold and support. And really, who am I to argue with that?<br /><br />So, we decided to attach the legs to the raw plywood before we upholstered the headboard. Then as a very last step we wrapped the legs in fabric, letting the fabric butt up under the headboard so there weren't any seams, and cutting out holes in the fabric so we could attach the legs to the bed frame.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Here is a picture of the legs being attached.<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqccD7jr7DV0CTicl2XZ5faeQhZxF5y81YHfi6FgjDKC8BdTRvBGY0ZLgzfPsVo6vkpswyMBWVj6uC20RlfK-ot2TQ-HurDehDwdQzvVMWq8eDaZB5BcQfXqHjYRB3pnJKBerAfQa-r0/s1600/IMG_0222.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626727431494265714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqccD7jr7DV0CTicl2XZ5faeQhZxF5y81YHfi6FgjDKC8BdTRvBGY0ZLgzfPsVo6vkpswyMBWVj6uC20RlfK-ot2TQ-HurDehDwdQzvVMWq8eDaZB5BcQfXqHjYRB3pnJKBerAfQa-r0/s320/IMG_0222.JPG" /></a><br />Everything else was pretty simple. We had to decide how thick our foam needed to be. Foam ranges from 1/2" thick to 5" thick. Now, since we were (still are) planning to do<em> both </em>nail head trim and tufting I had to think. I wanted the foam to be thin enough to nail the trim into, but I wanted it to be thick enough to make the fabric pucker nicely when we do the tufting. So I settled on the 1" thick. 2" felt <em>way</em> to thick and 1/2" didn't feel like it would work as well for the tufting. I will let you know how that ends up working out!<br /><br />Besides that, everything was as simple as can be. Lay the ply wood on the floor, cut foam to the proper shape, and attach with spray adhesive. Later, lay the batting out and place the headboard {face down} on top of it. Pull the batting taught over it and stapple to the back . To keep things simple we pre-cut the batting around the legs before bending it back and stappling!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_2tRSm3_QwJTC0F02er07AQ0ECrjeAPE9ivZCgLzYG1Hgrgfr3sXCxKsc43PE9063Ln9axq6653dp2FIZGkV_rUwCuUz1AW_MUrHLdkbK_z4qC9PegeSSHPAeUE7ucZvW5dvmA3a7KA/s1600/IMG_0228.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626725813775543170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_2tRSm3_QwJTC0F02er07AQ0ECrjeAPE9ivZCgLzYG1Hgrgfr3sXCxKsc43PE9063Ln9axq6653dp2FIZGkV_rUwCuUz1AW_MUrHLdkbK_z4qC9PegeSSHPAeUE7ucZvW5dvmA3a7KA/s320/IMG_0228.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyRajPlwxuSUSEDhLtaUTSoNUGd_XOARQ3kBmR_TrfwQ1-V4V_ReamlICBOWiC3E4YVz0C5VCOPUQYbfyaJ2NNRj86kuha5lJsim-KSPLUvwebaUSNZ4miI1ulvN4fs2pvkh0XQFQ01k/s1600/IMG_0232.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628603184240718002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyRajPlwxuSUSEDhLtaUTSoNUGd_XOARQ3kBmR_TrfwQ1-V4V_ReamlICBOWiC3E4YVz0C5VCOPUQYbfyaJ2NNRj86kuha5lJsim-KSPLUvwebaUSNZ4miI1ulvN4fs2pvkh0XQFQ01k/s320/IMG_0232.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85IvSXukd0_mkJ73i3mxWcPZpXYgn9OUeUTfLbrSE3TzuuimxMDxAIAd_06sveDfOu1mmjOQcUIT4Rqar-_A3wqRDpQg_s5uIUC73JM-N3mg5a_wRVaoAFl5fWQT2isXQwBQGF3MjdOQ/s1600/IMG_0219.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626725185788206114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85IvSXukd0_mkJ73i3mxWcPZpXYgn9OUeUTfLbrSE3TzuuimxMDxAIAd_06sveDfOu1mmjOQcUIT4Rqar-_A3wqRDpQg_s5uIUC73JM-N3mg5a_wRVaoAFl5fWQT2isXQwBQGF3MjdOQ/s320/IMG_0219.JPG" /></a><br />Later still, (and after hours of ironing) spread the fabric out and place the headboard {face down}on top of it. Pull the fabric taugh and stapple to the back.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">And here is a picture of the {almost} finished product<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6DKTooxxxqiAdgcQzztsfd24HAYX3ddoDKccF0sz33xkeXgA-SDc72CkPlDxCOtynODyNkmWAfV5WFEfeILE5mQzJTX89GBvzYbe_Q0qHe5iHQNnzZaj8z4d2uX2zyKYU41X-e3ZcMQ/s1600/IMG_0242.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626727437611936274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6DKTooxxxqiAdgcQzztsfd24HAYX3ddoDKccF0sz33xkeXgA-SDc72CkPlDxCOtynODyNkmWAfV5WFEfeILE5mQzJTX89GBvzYbe_Q0qHe5iHQNnzZaj8z4d2uX2zyKYU41X-e3ZcMQ/s320/IMG_0242.JPG" /></a> As I mentioned earlier, we still have yet to attach the nail head trim and do the tufting. I have heard about a few different techniques for the tufting, so we plan to try them both out on a sample before going to town on the real thing! Anyway, I thought that maybe putting up some pictures and letting y'all know what we have going on now might help give me some motivation to continue our project!Travis and Libby Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356058210817352439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453307731165421964.post-73045745502441764792011-07-07T13:26:00.000-07:002011-07-08T13:46:41.109-07:00Head Board. Stage One. Inspiration.Making an upholstered headboard can't be that hard right? And when I looked online I found several resources for making a headboard, all a little different, each one with its unique techniques. As I started doing this -- one of the easiest and most popular DIY projects out there -- I couldn't figure out how to go at it. Enter my husband. I have known for some time now that God made us perfect companions to each other, compliments in so many ways, but not until we started this project did I realize how intertwined we are. You see, I couldn't figure out what would work best for us because all I had was the picture of the end in my head. I couldn't figure out how to combine all of the options to get to where I was wanting to go. Thankfully, I married an engineer. Not just an engineer, but a perfectly patient man who could walk me through all of the different options, and explain to me what kind of out come could be expected from each step!<br /><br /><div><br /><div>So, where did we start? With some inspiration. I found this lovely head board at a small shop in Houston. Its price tag a meer $2,000+ was not so lovely.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOogFF7Dn28oPPsBtrBx2cRAWZCV1EwCX7rVblPCLFb1jTGnBkO0pwAPKnMLhgEZkg4Bt7YpoUgouKYqyASimO4NpZD806vDOtcMajzXUukVOBSAC1UmH2WA9tRBjiTdZUBL5Xsb2YWQ/s1600/IMG_0153.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626711514260229890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOogFF7Dn28oPPsBtrBx2cRAWZCV1EwCX7rVblPCLFb1jTGnBkO0pwAPKnMLhgEZkg4Bt7YpoUgouKYqyASimO4NpZD806vDOtcMajzXUukVOBSAC1UmH2WA9tRBjiTdZUBL5Xsb2YWQ/s320/IMG_0153.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>This is what I wanted the head board to look like in the end. But I had so many questions. How tall did it need to be? How large of a circle should we cut out on each corner? I wanted the proportions to be just right. So, what did we do? What else, turn to auto cad!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnfsAkk65aHDEdejh5AQdSjRG9otsKILvCGcYwUeg7ECedZHCJ0_JuSoZ2tJM4H-nS8NKHPctgunEvh5G9Qy2HXmPSp3oH-LlUKi325Lnkhwh0bD5jxbTCJoHLAxhAkX9vCYORY4eA4Ge/s1600/Auto+Cad+head+board.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 196px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626713924176906002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnfsAkk65aHDEdejh5AQdSjRG9otsKILvCGcYwUeg7ECedZHCJ0_JuSoZ2tJM4H-nS8NKHPctgunEvh5G9Qy2HXmPSp3oH-LlUKi325Lnkhwh0bD5jxbTCJoHLAxhAkX9vCYORY4eA4Ge/s320/Auto+Cad+head+board.bmp" /></a> I know that you can't see all of the details that my husband lovingly put into this auto cad drawing, every single measurement, the tufting and nailhead trim, and the thing of the left? Oh thats what the head board looks like from the side! But the thing that helped me the most was getting to see the scale of the thing. Understanding how changing the arch of the curves, or the width between tufts, or the lines of the nail head would effect the end result. This was exactly what I needed, and so far this was the hardest part!</div><br /><br /><div>Now, I know that not everyone has access to auto cad, but the same result can be acheieved by making drawings to scale until you get a result that you like. Trust me, we had to make several adjustments to get to our end result!</div><br /><br /><div>So, what did I learn from this project? I used to think that I wasn't crafty or creative or anything. What I realized is that when I did things previously, I wanted my projects to come together without having to think them through, but that just isn't reasonable! So many people that do things themselves and are labeled as "creative" really have to think to work out the details. (and thats ok!) So, now that I am armed with this knowledge I feel like with enough planning and work we can tackle any project we want!</div></div>Travis and Libby Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356058210817352439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453307731165421964.post-11645589178835373762011-07-06T15:09:00.000-07:002011-07-07T13:06:32.793-07:00Bedroom To DoI read on a blog recently a list of things to keep you creative, and one of those was to keep to do lists. Now, if I kept one to do list for everything I think it would be overwhelming, understatement of the year! However; since I want to finish up our Master Bedroom first, I thought that a quick (ya, right!) to do list for the bedroom would be a good place to start.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXZOfXCD6J7WuiB0BL1VJfKFYqdJKhRL-Sbth81eYv766iAnDiJc15ywV5gRSSMwSFqlsKzdMc06sgCHspbuqzKZLFMnmriSIsoaDJX2riauKZ8C8SLsp1YrNuAyl9zyMfsl4iD2Mdfg/s1600/Libby%2527s+iphone+282.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626373432159534898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXZOfXCD6J7WuiB0BL1VJfKFYqdJKhRL-Sbth81eYv766iAnDiJc15ywV5gRSSMwSFqlsKzdMc06sgCHspbuqzKZLFMnmriSIsoaDJX2riauKZ8C8SLsp1YrNuAyl9zyMfsl4iD2Mdfg/s320/Libby%2527s+iphone+282.JPG" /></a>Here is a picture of the bedroom "as is"</div><br /><div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6IsQUKm6iytymWFo8FEb1b15JlrrtM9eO7LtZG19b1goH9OW5XXWJvs2bSTLCVwmsK3pVlUiycgTnTgaDf4z9AXM7zZXxSId4dcjmTslRKxuvnu1sEOX-iNQEjAgKCAtNs5DOg3Bnqc/s1600/Libby%2527s+iphone+282.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626371570573148866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6IsQUKm6iytymWFo8FEb1b15JlrrtM9eO7LtZG19b1goH9OW5XXWJvs2bSTLCVwmsK3pVlUiycgTnTgaDf4z9AXM7zZXxSId4dcjmTslRKxuvnu1sEOX-iNQEjAgKCAtNs5DOg3Bnqc/s320/Libby%2527s+iphone+282.bmp" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzGBQYlxwveVuV-oZf2tx26e4HuvJdb0xA8-_9UgcYqXYYSICqZA7y-N7zvRu0tBNxt1U8bFI7Uz6p8pM04OSY1zvgQ82bPRPgQEIVo1GONWwOSRjmDei-dJ1wo0_sKOnMmQ3gmgO9uU/s1600/Libby%2527s+iphone+304.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626370907136451778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzGBQYlxwveVuV-oZf2tx26e4HuvJdb0xA8-_9UgcYqXYYSICqZA7y-N7zvRu0tBNxt1U8bFI7Uz6p8pM04OSY1zvgQ82bPRPgQEIVo1GONWwOSRjmDei-dJ1wo0_sKOnMmQ3gmgO9uU/s320/Libby%2527s+iphone+304.bmp" /></a></div><br /><div align="center">Sydney loves to sit on the bed and mess it up just after it is made!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFIFLadxdxWJ-yZvFrYVnidPegs3T57hYx9EBToUxXCN6IzjeZqtQNcHYwLJK23TdTYcjcTYGxZM-em5R0iv0QCNX7fVuPixGpAm1tQq24q7_DZMNv4M8Ig3d_ij0mHrwaaH00urcCxA/s1600/Libby%2527s+iphone+301.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626372642194733154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFIFLadxdxWJ-yZvFrYVnidPegs3T57hYx9EBToUxXCN6IzjeZqtQNcHYwLJK23TdTYcjcTYGxZM-em5R0iv0QCNX7fVuPixGpAm1tQq24q7_DZMNv4M8Ig3d_ij0mHrwaaH00urcCxA/s320/Libby%2527s+iphone+301.bmp" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">Can you see Sydney?</div><br />So, with a few tweaks we will be in good shape! Here are a few pics of the room that we are keeping "as is" essentially the dresser and night stands!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1SB1bolW8eYhn2FnHWTuK8gfsFGN7fgnc2070fPxLujLng7YVGYsZSyeTv4Aw0Qp7PPoYp-kBCsEO7PiJ5F4JgTEEuerVHKBqiEGtfjlh9duBK1k0UUlW2NgJX66ZJxzN_m11C8YWxs/s1600/Libby%2527s+iphone+296.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626374285120700002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1SB1bolW8eYhn2FnHWTuK8gfsFGN7fgnc2070fPxLujLng7YVGYsZSyeTv4Aw0Qp7PPoYp-kBCsEO7PiJ5F4JgTEEuerVHKBqiEGtfjlh9duBK1k0UUlW2NgJX66ZJxzN_m11C8YWxs/s320/Libby%2527s+iphone+296.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAzda_0EpQ6MZs0QdIoC6VmtyBLX-_qh5qWd3CSyjADHajpGGd7oIBqTguFk2PIbHg6lxFEGTcrHOLtN3bJP4XMugNwBCP5gOpm89Lqv60qi3KZqoSEuTbHuB6WZZvlf_BSTuWHAG0Oks/s1600/Libby%2527s+iphone+303.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626375526425378370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAzda_0EpQ6MZs0QdIoC6VmtyBLX-_qh5qWd3CSyjADHajpGGd7oIBqTguFk2PIbHg6lxFEGTcrHOLtN3bJP4XMugNwBCP5gOpm89Lqv60qi3KZqoSEuTbHuB6WZZvlf_BSTuWHAG0Oks/s320/Libby%2527s+iphone+303.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_E9GYw7rNlPDTMMpT0XVLf_6p2QL4s4AdOvLDKFDkKHKMg1OM3QGEOy0fcMbh-laKz58kK_S2kWr8CILJfd7weJvbjI8cc6HtxokCn2w8qztmn-nHnizKPTH_mB6gRHekAA7eTTNxpA/s1600/Libby%2527s+iphone+299.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626376946877986722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_E9GYw7rNlPDTMMpT0XVLf_6p2QL4s4AdOvLDKFDkKHKMg1OM3QGEOy0fcMbh-laKz58kK_S2kWr8CILJfd7weJvbjI8cc6HtxokCn2w8qztmn-nHnizKPTH_mB6gRHekAA7eTTNxpA/s320/Libby%2527s+iphone+299.JPG" /></a>Travis and Libby Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356058210817352439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453307731165421964.post-15694450980726453732011-05-08T21:39:00.001-07:002011-05-08T22:00:36.819-07:00MaryToday has been a day for thinking. Travis has a final due tomorrow and so I have been cleaning the house trying to stay out of his hair! Cleaning always makes me think of this or that, and if I'm cleaning when in a bad mood - WATCH OUT - because its easy for all of that thinking to add fuel to the fire! But most of the time I'm just thinking about life, my life, our life, what life means, and what God is doing or will do. Its funny how God will talk to you through the most mundane tasks.<br /><br />Anyway, so today I was cleaning and I was thinking. There has been so much going on and changing lately it has been hard to do much of either. But somehow today my thoughts took me back -- WAY back. When I was in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">high school</span> on our youth's group way down to church camp our youth leader had us find "life verses" that felt like what God was calling us to. I picked <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Colossians</span> 3:16 "let the word of God dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish each other with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."<br /><br />To this day this verse really speaks to me, but I have always found this verse to be a little odd as a "life verse" choice. I mean when you think about it there are so many good choices out there "run the race/keep the faith", "faith without works is dead" "to live is Christ to die is gain." Those are really hard core verses, and when I compare my verse its easy to think of mine as a litter inferior to other <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">verses</span> talking about laying your life down for Jesus, or talking about how important it is to live out your life of faith. But as God brought this to my mind -- I realize why this verse speaks so loudly to me. At it's very core, my soul longs to worship God. To praise him with songs and hymns, to sing out to him, and to have him dwell in me richly.<br /><br />I realize now that I spend so much time being a Martha (or more <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">accurately</span> <em>trying</em> to be a Martha) because Christian society praises that quality in women, but if I'm honest my soul <em>longs </em>to be Mary. And I think <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">that's</span> what God wanted me to realize tonight: for a little while at least, its time to be Mary.<br /><br />Tonight you will find me at the feet of Jesus.Travis and Libby Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06356058210817352439noreply@blogger.com0