We had a visit from the in-laws last weekend. Mr. Handsome’s parents and four of his six younger siblings stopped by on the way to a conference. Everyone stayed in our two-bedroom rental house, which made for very close quarters, but we enjoyed being together.On Friday night, Mom and Dad slept in our spare bedroom, while the kids spread out in the living room, where we had a twin air mattress and a three-seater couch. After much disagreement over who had to sleep on the floor, my mother-in-law decided we needed more space for hosting guests and began browsing Craigslist. Before long, she found two gently used couches for $300.
It just so happened that one of Mr. Handsome’s brothers was preparing to move into an apartment and needed a couch, so the plan was to give him our three-seater couch and purchase two new ones for us.
Much to our surprise, Mr. Handsome’s parents also offered to pay for the couches, using the money they had saved on hotels over the weekend. They also happened to be driving a 15-passenger van and sizable trailer. Something tells me they had been planning this couch swap all along, but I sure won’t complain.
By the end of the day on Saturday, we had two comfy, “new to us” couches in our living room.ย That night, only one kid had to sleep on the floor.
Couch number one seats two people.
And couch number two seats three people. This one is Mr. Handsome’s favorite because it is long enough for him to stretch out.
We shared this saga with our Bible study last night, and another newlywed told us that she and her husband had recently hosted her family in their three-bedroom house. Then she proceeded to tell us that she has 10 younger siblings. Makes our story sound a little less dramatic.
Amber
Beautiful couches! What a blessing!
Anonymous
My husband likes the longer couches for the same reason – he is 6'2". :0)
Anonymous
Hi! Lovely couches and room! I noticed a wooden cross hanging from the wall shaped like the word โJesusโ on the first picture. I was wondering where you got it from?
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Thank you! The cross was a wedding gift, made by the grandfather of one of my husband's childhood friends. You might try searching Etsy or similar sites to fine one like it. ๐
Ellie
Anonymous
Maybe clean them!?
Anonymous
AWW!! That was so sweet of them!!! The couches look really nice ๐
Shela G
My husband and I are getting a new to us couch and chair tommorrow. Purchased for us by my mother in law. What a blessing. Your couches look very nice in your home.
Anonymous
Interesting story, thanks for sharing from your new wife life.
Anonymous
If you don't mind sharing: What does the tiny sign say next to the Jesus cross?
nashvillewife@gmail.com
I don't mind at all. ๐ It's a Bible verse. I have them taped throughout our house. This one says: "I delight to do your will, O my God, and your law is within my heart" (Psalm 40:8).
Ellie
Sonya
Beautiful couches! I love the decorating. I'm guessing that before you got married your family hosted the Duggars and Bates a few times, though, so maybe that gave you some good practice? Those would be really fun stories to hear about too! Or when you have stayed at their homes…but I'm guessing that would be a little less of a big change on their end:)
Anonymous
They are beautiful looking couches. Whatbdobyou think of hideaway beds?
In your situation it might have been better to get those so people could really bed down when they visit.
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Hideaway bed would have been a great idea! We didn't even think of that. ๐
Ellie
Anonymous
Oh well you probably don't want your company to be to comfy in your living room,
I think mom knew that.
Anonymous
too comfy
Anonymous
Buy Used, Save the Difference. It's great that you aren't "above" going to a yard sale or second hand store to get items for your house. Reuse, Reduce, Recycle!
Anonymous
Beautiful couches, Ellie!