When we first moved in, there was nothing in the living room until we dragged down a pink sofa that was hiding upstairs in a bedroom.
For a few months, our living room stayed that way - toys in the corner and a big, pink sofa. Then my mom came to visit and my aunt donated fabric and the big, pink sofa turned into a child-friendly, eye-friendly brown.
Finally, as we approach our one year anniversary of living here, the living room is complete (in furniture.. not decorations).
A bookshelf... a couple of chairs... a toy shelf...
... some end tables... lots of plants... a few pictures... candles...
... and it is starting to feel homey and 'ours'.
There is still a bit to do. More books for the bookshelf (most of ours are upstairs), a few more pictures on the wall, a few more plants, perhaps. But, at least I feel like we have a warm, welcoming living room to enjoy for ourselves and to share with others.
After nearly a year of living here, our house is finally starting to feel "put together." Thanks to IKEA, Ebay, Freecycle and friends for making our house feel homey. Hopefully I can post pictures of our living room in the not-too-distant future.
Hi. My blog name is Jia Le (“Jee-ah Luh”). I have been blessed by a variety of international experience throughout my life. From growing up in the lush jungles of Indonesia to living four years in the concrete jungles of China and now in the not-so-jungle-like UK, I've been able to see a variety of cultures and I know they have shaped who I am today. Above all, I am a child of God and citizen of His kingdom. I desire to know and serve Him in my role as a wife, mother and friend.
My husband, who will be referred to as Zhong Sheng (“Jong Shung”), is German. He is working hard towards a PhD in Theology. He is a gifted teacher and his heart’s desire is to teach the Bible.
Our firstborn is De Sheng (“Duh Shung”). He loves anything with wheels, reading books and playing with "big" and "little" friends. It is hard to believe that he is already three and a half years old. He is often making me laugh with all the silly things he says.
Mei Li ("May Lee") is a year and a half old now. Her personality is unfolding daily. She is a spunky little girl with a mind of her own. Her favorite things in life so far are any and every animal we pass, reading books and playing chase with her brother. She is a delight to all of us.