Home Update
Some of you had been asking us for pictures of our home. Last week, when the house was clean (!), and we were expecting company, I had a minute to run around and snap a few photos. Enjoy!
Welcome to our home. As all our guests know, we don’t let them leave until they sign our guestbook. : )
Yours truly in the entryway.
Heading to the dining area, our family vision statement on the wall.
Our family meal table. We were inspired by a talk on purposeful home decorations and decided to acquire a map of the world. It fit’s right into Steven’s calling (as a computer guy who makes computers work in any language of the world–yes his work is probably on your computer, too). Plus, the map is mighty handy for jumping up in geographical and historical conversations. We love it! : )
Our kitchen. Notice the valence is finally installed!!!!!! Hooray : )
Another view of the kitchen. A new rug under the sink is quite handy for drips and drops (I’m famous for these!).
The “Lahbrawree”. You have to say it with an english accent. This room’s theme is history. We were excited to discover an antique framed lithograph of Augsburg, Germany at an antique shop for only $12. The workers there were hoping we would decide not to get it, so they could. : ) Augsburg is the location of an important meeting in which Martin Luther helped to create the Augsburg Confession (Did I get the story right, Dad Serven?).
The other corner of the library has a new to us cozy chair for curling up with visiting little people. One of Steven’s inventions is in this picture. Can you guess what it is? Don’t pay too much attention to the dead fern. Yes, I’ve managed to kill it. Happily, Lydia brought me non-killable plant reinforcements from the midwest: a philodendron. Now all I have to do is plant it!
The Music room, where music is made. Literally. We were very blessed to get some special wooden chairs from Steven’s grandparents via Mom Loomis. Thank you, Mom and Grandpa and Grandma Schmidt!
The other side of the music room boasts a bookshelf of our music related books. Some of the more unusual ones include a book on conducting from the 1920s, one on English hymn authors, a fabulous book from our sister and brother in law about music in the church (highly, highly, highly recommend!!!), reference books on writing harmony, composer biographies, and lots of hymnals and psalters.
Moving back into the hallway, we have the hopeful-girls-room. It’s still waiting for girls, but it doubles as a guest room in the meantime.
We were just given this gorgeous dresser by a family in our church. J and K, you guys are so kind!!!! The oil painting fits just perfectly with it, don’t you think? It was painted by my grandmother.
For all you tech-y readers out there, I must confess: I am going to disappoint you. That’s right, I completely forgot to take a picture of your favorite part of the house. The Server Closet. Complete with lots of servers who live there. Actually, it’s been having more dominion taken over it, so now it has a little rolling cart and a laundry basket, too. So, both Steven and Rebecca like this room now. : )
But not to disappoint you completely, we do have pictures of the *STUDY*. Duh, duh, duh, duuuuuuuhhhhhhh!
This has been one of our most challenging rooms to have dominion over. Phew. But, we did it, again. This time, both of us worked on creating some new systems that work for both of us. Novel idea, isn’t it? Since this picture (last week), it’s actually staying pretty good. So, we are hopeful that we have yet again turned over a new leaf. All joking aside, the study is possibly the most productive room in the house. The Lord was convicting me of this, and how I need to serve my dear husband by making his work space a refreshing and delightful place to be, instead of the location where all things get stashed. I think you all probably have a place like that, right? : )
No. Steven doesn’t usually sit on the floor, but he was rigging up some nifty ways to keep wires off the floor from collecting dust.
It’s progress. Bear with us, people. We aren’t perfect either. [Editor’s Note: Like anyone *thought* that we were! Ha.]
The other side of the study boasts our wedding sign, which some of you may remember. : ) Happy sigh. Sweet memories!
Steven has installed several handy shelves and towel racks in the guest bath. This has been most helpful for our company, especially the time we had 14 people staying with us for several nights. I kid you not. We are so blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family! : )
So, here is a scary room. Yes, we still have one left. But that is better than 4 scary rooms!!!! It’s actually had the organizing started in it, but it needs a bit more before it is transformed into the hopeful-boys-room and additional guest room. We are starting to have a collection of fun boys adventure furniture for this room. Can’t wait to set it up . . . but a bit of work first.
Here is the crowning glory! The hopeful-nursery and current sewing room!!!! Do you remember what it used to look like? Yes. It was pretty bad. A wonderful amazing sweet lady in our church came over lots of times to help me clean it out. It still has a bit of work, but it is completely usable for a guest and sewing room right now. Note to all small people: this basket of stuffed animals and dolls are the favorite play things of most short people who come to our home. Make sure to ask about it if you come for a visit.
The sewing area. Which has been getting a work out lately. Hi Sara!!! : ) And yes, you all may notice a few cute baby things that church families have been giving us in the pictures. They are so kind, hopeful, and prayerful for us. We appreciate your prayers too, that God would expand our family in His way, in His time.
In fact, one of the hopeful projects my dear Steven has for me to work on, is to paint the nursery. We are thinking about the light yellow color, aptly called “You are my sunshine”. : ) Yes, I’m choosing it on purely sentimental reasons. I’m planning to start next week!
Speaking of painting, I painted our bedroom a few months ago. What do you think?!
Our little love seat: another Salvation Army find. I love that store!
One of our favorite new “rooms” of our home, is our porch! We saved up and found a little porch set, that has already proved it’s weight in gold.
We’ve had lots of company on our porch lately, but have to we admit, this was our favorite group. : )
Our delicious spread for brunch.
Chillin’ on the porch.
Dear Dad and Mom Serven.
Peter giving Bella the evil eye.
The Hungry Toothpick, in person.
My sweet sisters working on a project Steven had for us all to do.
The Wisconsin contingent.
And later, having fun with the Serven Clan abridged. As you can see, the porch is very versatile. We love having meals out side, both with company, or just the two of us. It’s certainly our new favorite room. Now, if we can just convince Wimbrandis that it shouldn’t be *her* favorite room, we’d be good. Wimbrandis is a neighborhood cat who has adopted us. Her name? Well, it’s a long story for another time.
So, that what our household is looking like these days. How about yours?
P. S. Flashing back to the present (at the time that most of the house pictures were taken), this was the company that we were expecting. My dear Nana. : ) She brought us a lovely tart.
Martha Artyomenko Said,
August 5, 2011 @ 7:40 pm
Glad to see pictures of your beautiful home and pray you will be blessed with children to fill it when God wills! It sounds like you are keeping busy with guests until then!
Marissa Spencer Said,
August 5, 2011 @ 8:00 pm
What a lovely home Rebecca!!! I am confident that sharing a meal or staying a night in this beautiful and peaceful home in CA, has been a blessing to numerous people. What better group to share your favorite “room” of the house with, than your own dear parents and siblings! =) What a blessing to all be together!
~Striving for Christ,
Marissa
Nell Kauffman Said,
August 5, 2011 @ 9:11 pm
Enjoyed “walking” through your house and seeing how you have turned it into a beautiful and inviting home. Also had fun seeing your wonderful family again! Laughed at the thought of us putting our house on FB…it is far from being conquered right now : )) Lots going on here with preparations for Janie’s wedding to Eric Ford on Saturday, Sept. 3rd. After their honeymoon they will be moving to Kansas. They both have a heart to minister to hurting children in Thailand and Cambodia. Will see how the Lord leads. Blessings to you, Steven, and all of your family!!
Rebecca Said,
August 5, 2011 @ 10:35 pm
What a gorgeous, purposeful and well thought out home.
We rejoice with you in God’s provision as you use it for His glory!
Sarah Said,
August 6, 2011 @ 11:49 am
Rebecca ~ As I was cleaning our home yesterday, I thought about the newly-wed home adventures you and Steven told us over the dinner table. I was delighted to see this post with pictures of your home NOW, organized and beautiful! The Lord has really blessed your family with a complete abode, amazing furnishings – “decorated” with the grace of God! I think every girl must dream of caring for a cozy home like this someday. :)
What a delight that you had a grand Serven Clan reunion – I am sure that was such a wonderful time for everyone to be together, rejoicing in the fruitfulness of godly generations.
Nick Jesch Said,
August 6, 2011 @ 5:19 pm
what a treat to get this grand tour. Though it is all new now, I could not help but remember back to a certain place outside Paso Robles when I had the delightful pleasure of a Sunday afternoon with the Serven Clan, then all together in one abode.
Your comments about “taking dominion” cracked me up.. particularly when you asked “now, what about YOUR place?” Yes…. a work in progress. Which is only somewhat better than a work in regress, with it was for some time recently. (long story, not for here). But, taking dominion IS what we are about, is it not? A challenge, but a rewarding one.
victoria Said,
August 6, 2011 @ 7:06 pm
Your home is gorgeous and you two have done a wonderful job of bringing purpose and glory to God in your new(old) abode.
You talked about having 14 staying in your home all at once. That will be the case here when we have the Serven Clan come stay with us. Unfortunately our front porch isn’t big enough for the whole family; but we do have a nice sunroom – providing things cool off here in the deep south. We’re so looking forward to their visit and hearing your father share his wonderful insight into family discipleship!
Thanks for posting all your lovely pictures. We will be praying for God’s blessing upon you for the expansion of your family.
Victoria
Johanna Kautt Said,
August 7, 2011 @ 7:12 am
I see some similarities to our house– we have a singer sewing machine in our entry way– with a guest book on it. :) We also have a map on the wall in the eating area.
I like your guest bedroom (a.k.a the hopeful girls’ room). And the color of your bedroom is pretty, Rebecca! :) Perfect shade of blue!
What? It was cool enough to wear jackets? When were these photos taken? It’s been SO warm here lately(actually, HOT would be a better word). Even in late May it was in the 90’s here, but in Colorado they were still have snow storms. But of course, this is TEXAS! What do I expect! :)
In Christ,
Johanna
P.S. Like I keep saying– Bella just gets cuter and cuter!!! :)
Sara Said,
August 7, 2011 @ 7:36 am
Rebecca–you don’t know me, but I have been reading your blog for a long time. I also have a large house, purchased and redone with the idea of many children filling it. However, we have only been blessed with one little boy, and right now it doesn’t appear that there are more in our future(though always hopeful). The truth is that if we are trusting God with our family, we have to trust Him when we receive many, many blessings, or if we only are given one or two or three–or no–children. I encourage you to stay faithful and hopeful and trust that God’s plan for you, whatever it is, is perfect!
Praying for you…Sara
Jo Kautt Said,
August 7, 2011 @ 6:59 pm
Lydia looks more and more like you, Becca! :) And Sarah looks a lot like your Mom and Beth. It will be fun to see who Bella turns out to look like. :)
Molly Said,
August 8, 2011 @ 8:42 am
Okay, I give up. I’ve stared at that photo and stared at that photo and I cannot find Steven’s invention, although I’m sure it has something to do with the sunshine streaming through the window.
srl Said,
August 8, 2011 @ 12:39 pm
Well . . . . actually, it *doesn’t* have anything to do with the sun coming through the window. Keep guessing! : )
srl Said,
August 8, 2011 @ 12:41 pm
That is very fun that you think so, Jo. I think Lyd and I look a lot alike too, and Sarah looks like Mom and Beth. It’s always fun to see “flavors” of people in large families. Yet, each one is individually made by God and unique! How amazing God is to be so creative.
srl Said,
August 8, 2011 @ 12:44 pm
Sara, thanks for your sweet comment. Steven’s and my desire is certainly to be hospitable however the Lord desires—wether children (birth or adopted), extended stay guests or family, or even just families from our local church—we want our home to be useful to Him. That is great that you and your husband’s desire is the same. Being an empty vessel for God’s use is hard, but very good. Thank you so much for your prayers! We always need them. God bless!
srl Said,
August 8, 2011 @ 12:45 pm
We *do* have some similarities. Hmm. How interesting. The Servens were visiting us in late may and early June. Sweaters and jackets are kind of year round here in CA. It depends if it’s morning, mid-day, or evening if you need them. Not like TX!
srl Said,
August 8, 2011 @ 12:47 pm
Dear Victoria,
I’m so glad that you’ll have the Serven Clan abridged staying with you all. How fun! We sure wish that we could make the journey out. Regretfully, we won’t be able to. : ( We will be praying for the conference to go well, though, and all your families to have a blessed time! : ) Thanks for your prayers, too.
Love, Rebecca
srl Said,
August 8, 2011 @ 12:47 pm
Ah, yes, taking dominion. A life long task, for God’s glory and our good!
srl Said,
August 8, 2011 @ 12:50 pm
Dear Sarah, Thanks for your sweet note! I was thinking as I was writing the blog, and putting up all these pictures of ’empty’ rooms (without people!) that instead of having ‘picture perfect rooms’ (which is really not reality : ) I think next time I’m going to just have pictures with more life—people in them! That’s what our home is about! : ) By God’s grace, we want to encourage others in their callings. So . . . be watching for more people pictures. ; ) Love, Rebecca
srl Said,
August 8, 2011 @ 12:50 pm
Thanks, Rebecca! God is so good.
srl Said,
August 8, 2011 @ 12:52 pm
Dear Mrs. Kauffman,
It’s so good to hear from you!!! Wow. I didn’t know that Janie was to be married. Please give them our congratulations and that, as the Lord brings to mind, we will be praying for God to lead them! People who are organizing weddings have 5 million very good excuses why their houses are messy. Ours sure was!!! It’s a different and very special season. : ) Love, Rebecca
srl Said,
August 8, 2011 @ 12:53 pm
Thanks Marissa,
I’m sorry we didn’t have a chance to have you and Caity over while you were here in CA! : ( Hopefully next time you are out. : ) Thanks for saying hi! Love, Rebecca
srl Said,
August 8, 2011 @ 12:54 pm
Thanks Martha! : ) Thanks for your encouraging comment (and kind message too). God bless!
srl Said,
August 8, 2011 @ 1:03 pm
Whoops, peoples. I thought that my comments back to people would be right under the comment, but it doesn’t look like the site will cooperate for that. Sorry! : /
Jo Kautt Said,
August 8, 2011 @ 7:04 pm
Yeah, seeing the different “flavors” in larger families is fun! :) I am so glad that God made everyone unique in at least one way. Otherwise, think about how boring we humans would be!! Ha! :)
Do you live in a mountainous area? Is that why it’s cooler almost year round? No, that certainly isn’t like TX! :) Currently (at 9:00PM) it is 98 degrees (Fahrenheit). C-r-a-a-z-z-y! 8}
Have a blessed week!
Love in Christ,
Jo <3
Charlotte Said,
August 9, 2011 @ 8:02 am
Your home is beautiful, Rebecca! Thanks for sharing all the lovely pictures.
Lida Said,
August 9, 2011 @ 12:14 pm
Your place is lovely. Our place is more junglelike – with 12 of us living here for a few months! Still piles of boxes in the garage (though now about 1/4 of them aren’t ours!) and many things to straighten up inside. No photo shoots here for a while. We look forward to seeing you sometime – it’s been a while!
-Mrs. B
Robyn B Said,
August 10, 2011 @ 1:50 pm
LOVELY! What a warm, welcoming home. May God continue to fill it with His love, much laughter, and children that will be warriors for Christ in the next generation! Blessings!
Does this count as signing the guest book, now that I’ve “been” in your home? :)
srl Said,
August 12, 2011 @ 4:12 pm
Not quite, Mrs. B. : ) You’ll have to come and see it sometime yourself. God bless! And thank you for your blessing.
A reader Said,
August 29, 2011 @ 9:31 am
What a lovely home! Your love for one another and the Lord is evident throughout. Praying for you, baby Joy, and the little ones yet to come! You’re both wonderful parents already.
Kathy Rojas Said,
November 16, 2011 @ 5:41 am
Rebecca, I am filled with lots of wonderful emotion as I read your blog. It has been far too long since we were in touch and much has happened since we last wrote to one another. I congratulate you on your marriage! I love your home and how you have worked so hard to make it just that…a home! If God ever takes us your way, we would love to visit with you sometime. I am wondering if you could email me when you get some time? I would love to renew our correspondence. I will be praying for your future family. :)
Love, Kathy