Bruce graduated from college 3 years before me. During that time he worked hard, saved money and slept on the floor in an apartment with 5 other guys. By the time we got married his furnishings included: a circa-1973 fuzzy orange recliner, a kitchen table with 4 chairs, and an air mattress.
Assuming the role of homemaker, I needed a “bit” more furniture to make ourselves a little home. So the day we returned to Wheaton, IL from our honeymoon in Hawaii, we bought a king-sized bed, a couch, love seat, and a coffee table. All. in. one. day.
Back on March 15th, 1999 I had NO idea our carefully chosen couch would someday be used for this:
The synchronized diving practice (thank you Olympics for all the new and interesting inspiration) is only one of the best ways to use a couch. Our boys have also piled cushions in mountain-like fashion and played king of the hill. They’ve placed the cushions on their sides around the couch, and sailed the high seas in search of treasure.
Thinking back to the reasons why we chose this couch-the perfect color, deep seat cushions for my 6’3″ husband, and sturdy wooden feet-we never considered how well a 4-year-old bounced from its springs. How could we have known we would be blessed this greatly?
“Unless the Lord builds the house,
the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the guards stand watch in vain.
In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to those he loves.
Children are a heritage from the Lord,
offspring a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.”Psalm 127
I can sooooo relate to this post! The furniture I so carefully picked out for my first home is now used in similar ways as yours (however I have been informed that the downstairs is much more “bouncy” than the sofas upstairs. Well then….). Some people may think I’m crazy for letting my boys climb all over our furniture, but I’m with you and consider it to be a blessing. Thanks for sharing…have a blessed weekend!
That’s hilarious they’ve compared the “bounce factor” on your couches. I’d rather they climb on the furniture and get their energy out than be hurting each other! have a great weekend too! We are off to the circus today!
There’s something about armrests… hubby broke off the armrest of the couch that they had when he was a kid. :p We watched the synchronized diving too…how do they do that?!
We actually haven’t really started picking out “real” furniture yet…we just have a couch and kitchen table/chairs from my parents, and beds for everyone (a full size for each girl, and king for us). The dresser the girls use was mine from when I was a kid. Bookcases… I guess we don’t really need much more…keep it simple, easy to clean.
Where did you go for your honeymoon? We went to Kauai…my favorite island even though I haven’t been to the others. :p
Yes Joyce those armrests! I’m so thankful ours are sturdy…wouldn’t have lasted this long if they weren’t! I used to do synchronized swimming, so I’m a big fan of all those water sports.
I love your furniture philosophy! very smart!
On our honeymoon we first went to Kauai (also my favorite) and Maui. You can’t beat the vibrant colors and beauty of Kauai. There is more to “do” in Maui, but it’s definitely more crowded. Would LOVE to go back…maybe someday!
How fun. Some people will say to their children” no jumping on the couch.” I laugh at that and encourage any exercise my two boys can exert their energy creatively on. Love your post so much heather. Thanks so much for being so honest and vulnerable. Apryl Lowe
I would be a pretty miserable mom if I had to keep telling the boys to “stop jumping on the couch”…particularly since we can only go outside these days if we are in a pool! (105 degrees + west nile mosquitos). Glad to hear you agree Apryl! Did you know I have a cute pic of you and Jason on this couch in our old Wheaton Tower apartment!
Funny. That was the first time I met all of you. Fun night. Was that a Super Bowl party?
Too cute!!!
I love the freedom you allow your little boys to have. You’re such a wonderful momma!
thanks chica for the encouragement!
my dad said, when you get a house of your own, I’m going to come and put my feet all over it. see how you like it then. He hasn’t followed that one through, and my cousin’s kids have all vomited on all three sofas over time, I’ve breast fed on all of them and the cat hairballs on them all. They are only furniture and no-one gets hurt. I do fear the springs have gone in one and we cant afford to replace, but I do thank God for the ability at the time to buy them. I wouldn’t be without my kids or my sofas. I watch Joyce Meyer on the laptop on my most comfy one.
That is a well worn couch, Kate!! Glad y’all enjoy yours as much as we do!