Decorating (on a family friendly budget)

Some of the best touches are the homemade things -- like embroidered pillows!

Roam old towns with odd shops to find interesting items that will remind you of your trip.

I saw a painting similar to this one at http://www.ballarddesigns.com/. It was a little more than I would spend so what's a girl to do but make one herself! Lucky for me, I had a leftover canvas from a painting class. It's also sentimental because my Dad helped me stretch it.

Hand-me-downs are great for adding character! My grandmother gave me this china cabinet (along with most of the china). One of the reasons I loved the home we bought is because it has a niche in the dining area that fits this piece perfectly! I can display everything and since it's slightly tucked into the walls, it doesn't get bumped into by little people.

Costco gets a two-thumbs up for decorating on a budget! Bill and I bought this wine cabinet after we were first married. The clock came from my Mom who knows my decorating style perfectly (and most of my decor IS from her as Christmas or birthday gifts). My Aunt gave us the huge Michelangelo book and I love it's tattered and worn charm. The flower arrangement was made by my friend's step-mom for my Mom after my Dad passed away.

Decorating doesn't have to be expensive. Little touches of character can turn a bland home into a fun and friendly atmosphere. I'm no designer, but I do like to experiment on my own home:)

I am Married to Superman

To some he's a hero of great proportions. He rescues damsels in distress, saves children from abuse, counsels parents of unruly teenagers, solves mysteries, gives a man in need a helping hand, carries elderly ladies groceries, and puts the "bad" guys where they belong. Sure. He doesn't fly through the air or have the strength of Hercules, yet somehow he manages heroism without such abilities.

To some he's nothing more than a public menace. He interferes when personal disputes get out of hand, when domestic violence occurs, or when someone gets assaulted with a weapon. It's dangerous work this . . . heroism/menacing and it would be a lot easier with the wisdom of Solomon.

To the neighbors, he's Andy Taylor of Mayberry. They flock when he goes outside to take the trash out or to wash his truck. They appreciate his friendliness, outgoing nature, and service to our community. They even go as far as mowing our grass, baking us food, or helping with small chores.

To me, his heroism is in the smaller things. He does the dishes, hangs up my pictures, bathes the kids, reads the kids stories, washes the floors, folds the laundry, grocery shops, mows the lawn, pulls the weeds, and eats whatever I cook (no slight task). He encourages me to be better, lifts me up when I'm down, and loves me when I'm stubborn and unlovable. He's gentle, kind, and so easy to love. He's not perfect, yet to me he's Superman.

Kitchen

We'll most likely paint, add some curtains, and hardware on the cabinets . . . eventually:)

Happy 29th Birthday, Sweetie!

When it comes to cake baking, it's never hard to find some little helpers:) They ate tons of strawberries and helped lick the spoons!

Mascara

Hopefully, by the time the make-up stage rolls around, she'll have a steadier hand. Good practice though.

Confused

My nephew Alex has been in town for the past week. Since my sisters and I are tall and similar in looks, the poor boy has been getting us all confused. So today while I was standing at the mirror doing my hair (my back to him), he came in and said, "Excuse me. Which one are you?"

The Laundry Cabinet

So here it is. After setting in storage for a long four months, my laundry cabinet has made it's way to our garage. Not sure yet when we'll get around to putting it up in the laundry room, but knowing Bill, he'll get it out of his garage sooner than later:)

Baby Parramore

Here's What's Cookin' These Days

Five months in and we're having a boy:)

Helping Unpack

She got stuck while helping unpack:)

Dining Room

The Chandelier has been Hung!

We've been spending the last couple of weeks settling into our little cottage (in a subdivision, but whatever) and making this place home. It's much like the last home since it has all the same things and the same dear people residing in it. I've come to the conclusion that a little extra space is wonderful, but it's those sweet little people and loving husband are all that I really need.

Today Bill got to work and hung my dining room chandelier. That very act in itself totally made my day, but he made my heart sing by not stopping there. He cleaned, he hung pictures and hooks, he washed the truck, and he grocery shopped for me. So we've slowly been getting this mess of unpacking straightened out! It's not easy adding unpacking to all the other daily chores, but it sure does feel worth every moment.

I would take pictures, but that camera disappears without a trace. I'll have to wait until Kitty finds it (which she's very good at doing by the way).

Morning Goodbye

This morning while dropping Isaac off at school . . .

I usually get to school a few minutes early so Ike can get in his kindergarten line and I head back to the truck to watch until he goes into the building. This morning he caught sight of me sitting in the truck and waved endlessly at me, smiling, and pointing (a stage I adore and will be sad once over so I soaked up every bit of his sweetness;) When his line started to head off into the building, Ike was still waving. Good thing for the kid behind him who gave him a big shove to let him know it was time to scoot along. K-5 kids are SO helpful:)

Dinnertime

We've had some issues with Ike eating what we serve for dinner so lately the timer has been making frequent appearances. The other day we sat down to dinner and upon seeing the meal before him Ike must have known it would take awhile to eat it. "Mom," he said in his deep manly voice, "You going to set the timer?"

We Have a Kindergartener!