{Real Weddings: Sage 2010

{Real Weddings: Sage

{Real Weddings: Sage & Blossoms} pics

{Real Weddings: Sage & Blossoms}

the tree peonies 2011

the tree peonies

The First Peonies of Spring with 2010 top

The First Peonies of Spring with

Peonies - Class of 2009 top photo

Peonies - Class of 2009

Heavy bikes: yamaha r6 2010

Heavy bikes: yamaha r6

Heavy bikes: yamaha r6

Several days ago, I looked around my house and started to get irritated. The couch from when we got married is still in our living room. There's an old wing chair -- it was my grandparents. Permanent black marker scratches are on my dining room table. There are shoes all over the entry way. And dishes waiting to be washed in the sink. There are walls to be painted, and a floor that just needs to be swept.

But-

That worn couch that I so want to replace - has memories. Laughter and tears. Each worn thread not only shows signs of wear, but of family. Of hours spent reading to my kids. Or hours snuggling little babies to sleep. It shows victory - there was a time when Todd was too sick from radiation treatment that he couldn't get off the couch - and now he comes and goes as he pleases. There's contentment and rest -- good and bad -- life found there resting on those worn cushions.

newborn Sam sleeping on me

Oh - funny couch. Held up with weights. Just those weights are a memory. Of moving and living in San Diego (they broke off in this move). Of improvising. Of still working on things even though they are broken. There's the pillow where the seam broke where I attempted to stitch it together. Then the memories of finding the stuffing in the boys room -- it was their "best" day ever. At least that's what they told me.

Brennan and Caleb

Someday, I'll replace that couch. It will probably be soon -- I'm ready to upgrade. But, honestly, you know I'll miss it. Not only because I was okay with plopping myself on it and cuddling a little guy who just ran around outside, but because that couch, that couch holds memories. And those things have to be earned - one broken leg, ripped seam, spilled coffee, thrown pillow and squished seat at a time.

Elijah being made into a pillow sandwich

It's easy to look at everything and see what we don't like -- sometimes there is much more work in seeing the benefits. How about you? What do you need to look at with fresh eyes?

30 Best Photoshop Web Layout Tutorials Of 2010

30 Best Photoshop Web Layout Tutorials Of 2010 - Photoshop has become the standard tool to create web designs. When designing for the web, using other designers tutorials to help yourself grow in Adobe Photoshop is a great way to grow in both confidence and technique. In this post, we showcases a numerous web layout tutorials that are both perfect for beginners and for advanced users.