Don't you just love it...

when things finally start to come together?  I've been living in my new space for a little over three months now, and  finally started pulling it all together.  I have so many projects I'd like to do, but I have to prioritize.

I've been doing things here and there, and most recently I gave my bedroom a bit of a makeover.  Last weekend, I got the dark grey duvet cover from IKEA that I've had my eye on for the longest time, and I grabbed some fun curtains to block out the noise (and the light) while I was at it.

Tonight, I had three boys for an hour or two: N, B, & E.  I kinda like having that little guy around...especially when I get to give him back.  He's a sweet boy, but he HATES the car.  Driving from Coppell to Frisco during rush hour was not as miserable as I was expecting, but it still got a little loud.  My lips are still vibrating from making the Jetson's car noise for a solid 20 minutes.  Anyway, the four of us went to IKEA to get more curtains.  I bought one package, forgetting how wide my window was, so I needed another.  The curtains I'd purchased for the boys room (in a soft blue-green color that I LOVE) were too short, so I snagged some neutral khaki colored curtains for their room too.

When I go to IKEA, I always check the "As Is" section.  It's an addiction, and the best part about it is that I almost always find something for a steal there.  Thanks to the "As Is" section of IKEA, I have acquired:

- Full set of purple stoneware dishes: 6 dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls $28
- King size down comforter: heavier weight $19
- Nightstand with a cupboard door and three shelves: $35
- King size duvet cover and pillow shams $13
- Full set of gray stoneware dishes: 6 dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls $15
- 6 drawer chest of drawers $187

I'm excited about all of these things, but when I saw the dresser tonight, I got ridiculously excited.  I called my mom to tell her I found it (she also has an obsession with the Hemnes line) and asked her if I should buy it, knowing I'd probably do it anyway and deal with the consequences later.  She said, "I'm not giving you my opinion.  Call your dad."

See, since my dad helps with financials since I'm in school full-time and working part-time, I have to clear major purchases through him, but truth be told, I'd probably call him and run it by him anyway.  I fully expected him to say no, especially when our conversation went something like this:

Me: Hey, Dad!  How are you?
Dad: I'm okay.  What's up?
Me: Okay, so I'm at IKEA...(See how I was all nonchalant about it?)
Dad: Why?  What are you doing there?  (He thinks I go to IKEA too much...he's probably right)
Me: I'm meeting J so he can pick up N and E.  So, I'm in the "As Is" section and I found a dresser that I really want.
Dad: Aubrey...
Me: But Dad, I've wanted this for practically forever and it's $100 off!  It's a great deal!
Dad: What's wrong with it?
Me: Nothing!  It was the floor sample, that's all.
Dad: How much is it?
Me: It's a steal!  $187!  Can I get it?
Dad: Yeah, that's fine.
Me: REALLY?!
Dad: Yes.
Me: Okay, I'll talk to you later.  Um, I mean I'll call you later after I don't have a jillion kids.
Dad: I'm going to dinner anyway, so I'll talk to you later.
Me: Okay, I love you!

As I type, I'm up on my bed, staring at my new dresser and feeling like I've really accomplished something.  It's small...and I still need to decorate, but the bigger pieces are done.  The next major thing I want to do is either slipcover or re-upholster the furniture in the living room.  I've picked the samples, now it's just a question of doing it...which will be interesting because I don't sew.

On another "domestic" note, I feel like cooking this weekend: like making stews and soups and breads and treats to stock up my fridge, freezer, and pantry.  Between baseball, Oak Fest at Kid Kountry, college football, and whatever else comes our way, I'm not sure how much I'll get accomplished, but spending a good weather weekend with my boys sounds like a pretty good idea too.

I can't wait for some cool/rainy weather so I can keep my kitchen going all day long!

Aubs