Our little nephew - Jackson

A few weeks ago we met our sweet little nephew, Jackson Neil Luft! He is just precious and we are thrilled for Heather and Neil and big sister Emily!

Polka-dots and Bows

I'm finally getting a little more energy back and have been able to do a few little projects around the house. I think I've added a bow or polka-dots to almost everything I can get my hands on! If we have a little boy, he will have polka-dots somewhere in his room. I just can't help myself, but he will not be a girly boy - I promise! Derek will not allow it!

Used some ribbon to dress up my glass jar

Derek painted this antique lamp black that was my grandmothers. Then I painted white polk-dots on the shade. I think its pretty cute! Old meets new. I love turning old things into something unexpected. You could probably find something like this at a garage sale and completely transform it.

This is my cute little lamp I found at Ross. I just added some polka-dot ribbon. Its in our updated bathroom. Still working on the bathroom. Will have another post on that!

I added the ribbon and the wooden pumpkin to my wreath. I just thought it needed something extra - Can you tell that I painted polk-dots on the pumpkin??


These are my favorite! I bought a package of assorted small pumpkins at Kroger. Then I added black polka-dots to the pumpkin with a paint pen. I also added little ribbons to the stem (hard to see). They look really cute on our mantel.

Thats all folks! Happy Fall Ya'll!

We're having a baby, my baby and me!

We're so excited to finally announce this special news! Derek and I are so thrilled about this baby and the new life that God is shaping at this very moment. I always knew what a miracle pregnancy was but it wasn't until recently that I completely understood how truly amazing it is! To hear the heartbeat and to see the picture of our little one moving around on the ultrasound brings tears to my eyes. Seeing my husband tear up over the news that he's going to be a daddy is just so heartwarming. We could barely keep our eyes dry that first night we found out. It was the day after my birthday, July 31, and I just didn't think I was pregnant. But I took a test anyways and we were so surprised and excited! For our time had finally come!! God's timing is perfect and why I ever doubted that has completely humbled me.

The night we found out!


This is the frame I made for my parents/Derek's parents. They are so excited! This is the first grandchild on my side and the 3rd on Derek's side! There will be so much love for this little child!!!


My absoultely favorite show growing up was "I Love Lucy." I can't think of a better way to express how we are feeling right now than this video
(Brings tears to my eyes everytime!)

Much love to all!!

Going to the chapel!

My dear friend, Kristen, is getting married in a couple of weeks. We threw her a shower this weekend at Wonderful World of Cooking...love that place!

Hostesses: Caroline's mom, Caroline, me, Susan, Holly, Holly's mom

Table setting

Fun cookies that Caroline and I iced the night before.

The Bride and me!


Its been busy at the Stephen's home with lots of showers and birthdays. Hopefully we'll have more projects to post soon too. To ta loo!

Legally Blonde

Musicals are funny.

Where is this magical land where it is ok to sing out loud in public? Why is there always an orchestra ready to play? Where does the music come from (please don’t say “the heart”)? And, how does everyone always know all the words and dances to make it all fit together perfectly? If I start singing a song about how much I love my wife right now, will she start singing the same song at work? My head hurts.

Call me crazy, but where I come from we just talk about what’s on our minds. It’s a lot easier that way – but maybe not as cute.

Speaking of “cute,” Lauren and I were able to catch “Legally Blonde – The Musical,” last week at Fair Park. It was about as frou frou as expected, but still left me a little disappointed with the show’s songs.

The only one I can remember was the opening number called “Omigod You Guys,” which was clearly the audience favorite. Nothing says “adorable” more than breaking one of God’s commandments, am I right, or what? Soooooo cute.

Honestly, if you have seen the movie, you’ve seen the musical. Same story, some forgettable songs. C+

Next up, Mama Mia! Sitting this one out.

To the Theatre We Go

Derek here again.

In a desperate attempt to culture ourselves, and experience artistic expression through theatre arts (yes, theatre with the “re” – it’s just classier that way), Lauren and I have been attending the wide array of Dallas Summer Musical productions at the Music Hall at Fair Park this summer.

Now, I am no stranger to the theatre. In fact, I enjoy a catchy song and dance number every now and then. Something that gets my toe tapping is just fine with me.

I have spent countless hours of my life immersed in the Lake Highlands High School Theater (not that classy) Department’s emotionally captivating renditions of “Hello Dolly,” “Some Like It Hot,” “Guy’s and Dolls,” and many others – mainly in support of my wonderful sister (by the way, thanks Heather for coming to those three baseball games of mine in the fifth grade). I even co-starred as Freddy the Farmhand, in the Lake Highlands Elementary production of “My Fair Lady Goes West” – now, who could forget that riveting performance.

So you can tell that I was open to the idea of attending and being a part of musical magic!

First up this summer was that old classic “Happy Days.” That’s right, the Fonz, Mr. C, and the rest of the gang were in full force and belting out the tunes in order to save Arnolds, which nothing short of a wresting match between Fonzie and the Malachi Brothers would do. Spoiler alert – Arnold’s is saved! I give this one a C+ for not being that good, but mildly humorous with references to Richie’s long lost brother Chuck, and Fonzie jumping the shark.

Next on the list was “The Wizard of Oz.” It was a great story and a great production. I can’t really say too much about this one except I was a little disappointed that they didn’t use real midgets, um, little people. They tricked us by using children. Oh well. I give it an A.

“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” was another classic that honestly, I wasn’t too familiar with before attending. I knew it was a musical and it was about a flying car. What I didn’t know was how irritating the title song would be, even days later. “Oh you pretty Chitty Bang Bang - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, We love you.” B+.

And then there was ‘A Chorus Line.” Oh boy. I wasn’t quite ready for this one. I knew I was in for something interesting even before the musical even began.

At the Music Hall they have a buffet dinner before the show in which theatre-goers can enjoy a meal that shares a theme with the musical. As I was filling my salad plate, I couldn’t help but notice a sign that indicated that I was partaking in the “T&A” salad bar. I was taken aback for a moment, but quickly realized in parenthesis it was noted that it stood for toasted almonds. Whew.

And then the show began. Meandering through a myriad of snaps, taps and painfully-looking toe-touches (by men), this plot got too deep too fast. Maybe it was that there wasn’t much to the set, just a few mirrors, or the fact that is was more of a monologue than a story that put me off. I don’t know. Maybe it was the fact that I was forced for two hours to listen to some dudes talk about how it was their childhood dream to dance. Yeah, that’s it. I give this a D for making me feel uncomfortable.

Next up - Legally Blonde. I’ll keep you posted.

Accessorizing on a budget

Accessorizing your home is the icing on the cake! Its the cherry on your sundae! It doesn't have to be expensive to be beautiful!

This beautiful wicker hurricane from Crate and Barrel costs $69! I love it but I could never spend that much on a hurricane.

Now, check out my find from Ross for a grand total of $9.99!! Not exactly the same but gives me the same wicker feel.


I found these white chairs at Homegoods for $22. And the pillows for $3.99 each at Ross. I bought two chairs and two pillows for my dining room.



I love to find a great deal on accessories! What great deals have you found?