25 Weeks And A Whole Lot of Happiness

This picture was taken the other day when we went foraging with the Chef and Owner of The Canebrake for a dinner Jakub is helping out with tomorrow at the resort. If you are wanting to get away, I'd definitely suggest this place. Sam is an awesome guy and really goes above and beyond to make you feel right at home. It should also be noted that I can't stop thinking about the massage rooms he showed us. I definitely need to go back for that!

As for today, I've just been overwhelmed with how lovely life is lately. I feel so lucky that I get to enjoy this summer break (and time before the baby comes) to do anything and everything that I feel so inclined to do, and I'm taking full advantage of it! Even though I have had plenty of time to do what I please in the past, I have never taken advantage of it quite like I am in this season. Even cleaning has become something I enjoy! The biggest difference between now and the past is most assuredly my mental state. The components of my life have relatively stayed the same, but not living every day in a pit of depression is quite possibly the most divine gift I've received.

Those days, weeks, and years spent in depression gave me a very special insight into myself and the world around me, but the days, weeks, and year since being in that pit have given me a fresh pair of eyes to see the beauty and love that's hiding in the most unsuspecting nooks and crannies of life. If you've read this blog for a while, you'll remember that last year God spent quite a bit of time teaching me to trust and follow him, and I was able to work through certain issues and completely let go of others.

Those moments in time spent with him have completely changed the everyday aspect of my life in a way I'd never imagined. I cannot tell you how thankful I am that not only was I able to move past the issues that held me in, but I was able to see such a dramatic display of God's love for me. And for all of that to happen before I entered into this stage of bringing a new life into the world just takes my breath away. I'm telling you, Jakub, the baby, and I would be in for a world of trouble if things hadn't worked out in the appropriate timing. I know this is quite the rambling post, but this thought has been with me since the moment I found out I was pregnant, and more and more each day I have seen the reverberating effects that that time has had on my life.

To be able to thoroughly enjoy every day--whether I'm folding laundry or trying out new recipes and projects--is a relatively new element in my life. It has taken some time adjusting to this new found spirit, but I am at the stage where I am unbelievably grateful for the humble life I've been given. Extravagant adventures are nice (and I get antsy to have my fair share of them), but it's so invigorating to enjoy the little things in life too.

Try Something New Tuesday v. 5

Today I came face to face with an opponent I had yet to encounter during my role as a housewife: stains. Nasty, stubborn stains. Of course, this was thanks to my mischievous little Jax. He got a hold of a blue pen which resulted in some vibrant but uncalled-for splotches covering our beautiful shag area rug that we got just a few months back. Did I mention that rug is a light cream color? My first thought was, maybe we can turn the rug so this spot is hidden. Then we realized it was all over; that wouldn't work.

Luckily I had miss April to help me. She worked on getting Jax clean while I started on the rug. Then she came to join me and we had to have rubbed, scrubbed, and blotted for an eternity! We made a little progress but soon realized we weren't going to get much further. We went back to matters that needed our attention (her wedding is in less than 4 months!) and then both had to leave.

A few hours later, I came home with supplies in hand. I had no idea the battle that lay before me, but I assure you I was victorious.

Yes, we used every item you see in this picture to fight the stains. They were relentless.

1. Windex was the first thing I used. I know, it sounds crazy. I thought so too. It didn't work.
2. Then April and I used practically the entire bottle of Clorox Anywhere. It helped, mostly to dilute it and spread the stain from one strand of carpet to a spot a couple inches wide. It didn't work.
3. I came home with Spot Shot "Instant Carpet Stain Remover". I thought this would do the trick. It said it could lift motor oil, blood, red wine. It'll get ink out with no problem. It didn't do diddly squat. It didn't work.
4. Jakub and I googled how to remove pen ink from carpets and got several results that sounded crazier than Windex... but I was desperate. First we used hairspray, a dry cloth and an iron. It didn't work.
5. Next was hairspray and a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar. It didn't work.
6. Then, God bless his soul, Jakub found a video:

 (You should watch the video, it's pretty funny)

 For some reason I was so worried to used WD-40 but my valiant husband tried it and would you believe, that worked like a charm! Not only did it make our rug just like new, it brought me back from the brink of insanity. The war is over and I can rest easy!

Jax still has battle scars but we'll tackle that maybe tomorrow. It's all over that boy and the pictures don't do it justice.

(I know it looks like I was restraining him here, but he was relaxed and loving it)

Our house smells like WD-40 right now. Do I care? No, because my rug is clean. Also I like the smell. Smells like victory.

This was a TSNT that was I wasn't anticipating but I feel better knowing that now I have the right tools to do the job.