08/27/2013
For the first time in the past seven years, we sold a vintage furniture item and replaced it with an IKEA item. Maybe it’s the modern house we live in now rather than a 1955 ranch. Or maybe it’s the practicality of IKEA with families and small children. It’s probably both… The other part of our couch decision was based on the layout of our living room. This long Karlstad couch with chaise utilizes the space in our living room better. After Ali went to bed on Friday night, Jason and I started to assemble it. He had to leave in less than 2 hours for bus call. We scrambled and got the room put back together just in time! We haven’t had a couch in our living room for two weeks so it was so nice to sit here and relax a few times over the weekend. When Ali got up on Saturday morning I told her we got a new couch. When she saw it she said, “New couch! I want to sit here,” as she climbed up onto the chaise. “I want to watch shows.” I put a show on for her—a DVD that is—I didn’t perform.

I think she’s a fan!

The gray pillows aren’t a good fit for the beige couch but they’re functional for now. I think only one end table is going to work with this set up so we have to find another home for the other table and switch some lamps around. We’re also working on some art ideas for the big blank white wall.

Since Lucy keeps photobombing all my pictures, I figured I better just give her a proper portrait. Lucy the chocolate cocker spaniel at 8 years old:

Leave a Comment » |
Art, Art: interior design, Art: modern design | Tagged: Ali, alianna, cocker spaniel, couch, dog, IKEA, karl, karlstad, Lucy, new, precious, sofa, tv |
Permalink
Posted by mahlbrandt
11/17/2011

Our sweet cocker spaniel Lucy tries hard not to be be forgotten through all that’s been going on lately. Sometimes she succeeds. Other times I let her outside, then go make a bottle for Precious and 30 minutes later remember I put her out. She’s such a good dog. She could easily run away or wander off but she just sits patiently at the back door waiting to be remembered. Lucy is pretty laid back, as you can tell from this photo.

Although…more than once she has used the forgotten outside excuse to find something disgusting to blissfully roll in, necessitating a bath. That’s one way to get attention and I’m pretty sure she knows it.

Happy 7th Birthday, Lucy-LuLu-Lucille–Brown Dog–Chocker Spaniel–Floppy Ears-Sad Eyes-Puppy Face-Chewbacca! Thanks for never leaving. Please stop rolling in grossness. We love you, sweet puppy!
6 Comments |
Family, Family: Lucy | Tagged: cocker spaniel, dog, Lucy, pet |
Permalink
Posted by mahlbrandt
08/05/2011


(Picture borrowed from Jason’s phone this week.)
We’ve tried so hard to keep our cocker spaniel Lucy from getting fat but she’s getting a lot of extra snacks these days.
4 Comments |
Art, Art: Phone Photo Friday, Family, Family: Foster Parenting, Family: Ladybug, Family: Lucy | Tagged: cell phone photography, cocker spaniel, fat dog, high chair, Phone Photo Friday, toddler |
Permalink
Posted by mahlbrandt
11/17/2009
Our beloved chocolate cocker spaniel puppy, Lucy, turns 5 today!

Lucy gave us a scare over the weekend which led to a lot of spoiling and extra cuddling. She must have pulled a muscle or something on our mile walk on Saturday. When we got home Lucy seemed to have trouble walking and especially going up steps or jumping up on a bench or couch. She was doing a lot of groaning and her legs were shaking.

But, I’m happy to report she seems to be doing very well now and is happy as a clam! She still can’t quite run and leap like usual but she doesn’t appear to be in pain.
If you’ve never read the story of her rescue, you can read it here.
1 Comment |
Family, Family: Lucy | Tagged: cocker spaniel, Lucy |
Permalink
Posted by mahlbrandt
09/04/2009


Poor LuLu, my sweet little chocolate cocker spaniel. She absolutely hates having to go out in the rain so walking her is my only choice. At least Lucy’s doggie rain coat is adorable!
Leave a Comment » |
Art, Art: fashion, Art: Phone Photo Friday, Family, Family: Lucy | Tagged: cell phone, cocker spaniel, dog rain coat, Lucy, Phone Photo Friday, photography |
Permalink
Posted by mahlbrandt