The living room is finally painted! I want to show you how it looks, but I think you should look at the "before" pictures one more time. Keep in mind that the room is completely undecorated right now and looks a bit sterile. Wall hangings, pillows, and other little touches will come in time.
This is going to be the "Wall of Ws". I have a few little white shelves that will hold some Ws and others will be hung directly on the wall. Not only will the Ws help break up the biggest expanse of blue, but there's room for me to add more Ws when I find ones that strike my fancy.
I absolutely love how the fireplace turned out!! I like red brick in some homes, but painting this one white made a world of difference in the room.
I have three things to figure out for this area.
First, the inside of the fireplace. We don't plan on burning wood in it, so I need to find the perfect way to use that space and, perhaps, add a punch of color to the dark cave that it currently is. I realize that stacking logs with the cut side facing out is popular right now, but that idea doesn't seem right for this room.
Second, I need to decide what to put on/above the mantle. I originally planned on putting the Ws there, but I think the smaller space would make it seem really crowded and chaotic. So I'm not sure what to do. Maybe a mirror? I'm not a knick knack person and the map and W wall will be busy, so I'd like this area to be simple and uncluttered.
Third, I'm not sure what to put on the table behind the chair. The Christmas cactus (which is blooming ... at the end of April!) was just put there while I was painting, but the other plant needs to stay there for adequate light. I just need to get a pot for it. Again, I don't want the table overflowing with decorations, so I may just keep it simple with a single plant, but I don't know.
Ok, moving on.
The contrast of the white couch and blue wall makes me smile. Love it!
The only lighting we have in the room is the track lighting above the fireplace, so I'd really like a lamp to the right of this window. Assuming the secretary stays on the left, then a lamp would also balance that area out a little.
The map! Doesn't it look great? I really like how the frame looks now that it's white.
I love the map as a decorative piece, but I'm also thrilled with how frequently it gets used for practical purposes. We rarely looked things up on maps in the past, but all of us, especially the kids, are constantly in front of this map to find the countries in their geography songs, places they read about, and to play "Can you find _____?" with each other. They're guaranteed to be way better at geography than I am!
Anything I don't like?
This was intended to be a two person/one day job, but ended up being a one person/six day job because Tim's free time is consumed with a school project. Needless to say, I'm a little fried on painting and my enthusiasm for painting the kitchen has tanked.
Also, I learned that I'm horrid at taping edges. I fought back tears when I started pulling off all the painter's tape and saw how lousy the edges look. I'll have to go back and fix several areas, but not now. I'm over it. Seeing lousy edges all day or fixing them all now? Living with them is the lesser of the two evils.
So, there you go. My crazy blue living room.
I'm the Queen "B" -- Wife of His Majes "T" -- Mom of four royally awesome kids: three princes and a princess.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
ALL DRESSED UP
I realize "dressed up" is a bit subjective, but we got out of our usual jeans, shorts, and t-shirts to attend a wedding last night. There's something about seeing the older boys dressed like this that makes it clear that they're growing up. They just look like little men. I love it!
| The 6 Ws being happy, except for a baby with a cold. |
| The 6 Ws being silly, except for the sick baby who seems a little perplexed by his family's shenanigans. |
| Naomi chose her dress based on the spin factor, a critical detail when you plan on dancing at a wedding reception. |
| Devon, who loves wearing orange, looked quite handsome. |
| Silas, who likes to put every shirt button to use, was looking snazzy. |
Labels:
Devon,
family pics,
Naomi,
Silas,
Tim
Friday, April 27, 2012
TORNADO
Tim had a furlough day today and spent the vast majority of his time glued to the computer, working on a big paper he has to do for a class. .
I spent the day finishing up the living room paint job and it took way longer than I anticipated.
Our kids basically took care of themselves all day, then we all took off for a wedding in the evening.
Our house looks like a tornado went through it.
Tim will be officiating all day tomorrow. I'm sore from a day of painting and an evening holding a crabby, snot-nosed baby. And I'm tired. So I think tomorrow is going to involve movies for the kids (wish the library delivered!) and some massive house cleaning for me.
And lots of sucking snot out of Tyler's nose and cleaning up the mess when he gags on snot and spews everywhere. Good times.
I'll also take down all the painter's tape and put my living room back together. Looking forward to that!!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
4/26/12 THANKFUL THURSDAY
I'm thankful that the previous owners of our home planted so many beautiful things in our yard.
What's something that you're thankful for?
What's something that you're thankful for?
Friday, April 20, 2012
TOES
Thursday, April 19, 2012
MENU - SECOND HALF OF APRIL 2012
Let me start off by sharing a few new recipes from the last menu that we liked.
roasted cabbage with lemon - One little W wasn't a fan, but the rest of us, including those who aren't crazy about cabbage, thought it was great.
garlic green beans - Delicious! They almost taste grilled.
zesty crockpot chicken - I love this! It's going to become a regular addition to our menus because it's so easy and delicious. We shredded it and froze the leftovers for future meals. The thawed version was just as good as fresh.
And now for what's on tap for the rest of this month.
BREAKFASTS
smoothies or fruit x2
oatmeal with brown sugar, cinnamon, milk, raisins, hot cereal syrup, and energy mix as optional toppings x7
apple buttermilk bran muffins (last batch from batter I made several weeks ago)
cranberry granola
Barbara's pancakes
breakfast pizza
DINNERS
leftovers x2
tacos x1
lentil bean chili (from the freezer)/rice
Mexican green salad/cornbread
wedding food
upside down pizza (base from the freezer)/broccoli
new quinoa recipe/roasted cabbage
black bean tortilla pie/green salad
broccoli pesto (make a quadruple batch & freeze half)/rice/marinated chicken
slow cooker chicken tortilla soup/rice
quinoa patties/baked sweet potatoes/fruit & nut green salad
zesty crockpot chicken (from the freezer)/rice/peas & corn
SNACKS & DESSERTS
popcorn
produce
carrots & black bean dip
crackers & carrot ginger dip
oatmeal cookies
lemon icebox pie (Devon will be making this)
roasted cabbage with lemon - One little W wasn't a fan, but the rest of us, including those who aren't crazy about cabbage, thought it was great.
garlic green beans - Delicious! They almost taste grilled.
zesty crockpot chicken - I love this! It's going to become a regular addition to our menus because it's so easy and delicious. We shredded it and froze the leftovers for future meals. The thawed version was just as good as fresh.
And now for what's on tap for the rest of this month.
BREAKFASTS
smoothies or fruit x2
oatmeal with brown sugar, cinnamon, milk, raisins, hot cereal syrup, and energy mix as optional toppings x7
apple buttermilk bran muffins (last batch from batter I made several weeks ago)
cranberry granola
Barbara's pancakes
breakfast pizza
DINNERS
leftovers x2
tacos x1
lentil bean chili (from the freezer)/rice
Mexican green salad/cornbread
wedding food
upside down pizza (base from the freezer)/broccoli
new quinoa recipe/roasted cabbage
black bean tortilla pie/green salad
broccoli pesto (make a quadruple batch & freeze half)/rice/marinated chicken
slow cooker chicken tortilla soup/rice
quinoa patties/baked sweet potatoes/fruit & nut green salad
zesty crockpot chicken (from the freezer)/rice/peas & corn
SNACKS & DESSERTS
popcorn
produce
carrots & black bean dip
crackers & carrot ginger dip
oatmeal cookies
lemon icebox pie (Devon will be making this)
4/19/12 THANKFUL THURSDAY
I'm thankful for crockpots that allow me to nap, rather than make dinner, in the afternoon.
What's something that you're thankful for?
What's something that you're thankful for?
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
TEAM MEGAN
Megan is my friend's daughter. She was born with Down Syndrome in 2005 and had open heart surgery a few months later. She was diagnosed with Pre B Cell Lymphoma in 2010 and was treated for it. Last month her doctors found cancer in her spine and started her on nine months of rigorous treatment. She will basically live at the hospital for those nine months.
Needless to say, this is a tremendously stressful time for her family. Her friends, both the local ones in Maine and others around the country and world, are rallying around them to help in whatever way they can. One of the easiest ways that those who aren't local can help is to make financial contributions. Megan's care obviously includes a lot of medical expenses, but the primary goal right now is to allow Megan's dad to take time off work and still be able to pay regular living expenses. Having both parents available to spend time at the hospital with Megan and to care for their other kids is wonderful, but it can't be done if there's no income. That's where friends and strangers have stepped up to support Megan's family.
There is a group on Facebook, WeHelpMegan, where you can get updates on Megan, find out about various fundraisers, and get info on PayPal donations. I know there are a million worthy causes to give to, but I wanted to make you aware of this one. If prayers and words of encouragement are what you can give, then they're appreciated. If you have the desire and means to help financially, then that would also be a blessing.
I invite you to join Team Megan on whatever level you're able.
4/22/12 UPDATE - Megan died today. The WeHelpMegan group will continue to financially support her family while they transition into their new normal.
Needless to say, this is a tremendously stressful time for her family. Her friends, both the local ones in Maine and others around the country and world, are rallying around them to help in whatever way they can. One of the easiest ways that those who aren't local can help is to make financial contributions. Megan's care obviously includes a lot of medical expenses, but the primary goal right now is to allow Megan's dad to take time off work and still be able to pay regular living expenses. Having both parents available to spend time at the hospital with Megan and to care for their other kids is wonderful, but it can't be done if there's no income. That's where friends and strangers have stepped up to support Megan's family.
There is a group on Facebook, WeHelpMegan, where you can get updates on Megan, find out about various fundraisers, and get info on PayPal donations. I know there are a million worthy causes to give to, but I wanted to make you aware of this one. If prayers and words of encouragement are what you can give, then they're appreciated. If you have the desire and means to help financially, then that would also be a blessing.
I invite you to join Team Megan on whatever level you're able.
4/22/12 UPDATE - Megan died today. The WeHelpMegan group will continue to financially support her family while they transition into their new normal.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
TULIP FEST 2012
Each year I see friends post pictures of their families at the Tulip Fest, but every year we forget to go. This year, though, I was determined to remember and marked the calendar. We went yesterday and had a great time.
I'm a big fan of gifts that allow the recipient to do something, rather than to have something (not that I don't also love tangible items). So when someone asked for gift suggestions for our kids at Christmas we told them "things to do, not things to have" and gave them some ideas. They opted to just give cash instead so that we could have the option of choosing our own activities. We put the money in an envelope and marked it "MAKING MEMORIES".
Why am I telling you this? Because our normal routine would have been to pack a lunch or leave early enough to go home to eat, skip the carnival rides, and just share a bag of cotton candy or something. That would have been fine and we all still would have had fun, but this time we dipped into the gift money, letting the kids each choose one carnival activity and eating delicious, and completely unfrugal, sausages for lunch. The kids loved it!
We started off our time just walking through the tulip field, pointing out flowers with cool shapes, figuring out our favorite colors, spotting various bugs ... and asking strangers to take our picture.

Then we checked out some antique tractors and the boys tried their hands at archery. Next up was a jump house for Naomi. She was grins and giggles the whole time and, as per usual, made friends with another little girl who was playing.

The boys had both chosen a trampoline thing for their activity. They each got harnessed and attached to a suspended arm, of sorts, that allowed them to get really high when they bounced. They started off jumping, then flipping, and eventually cranked out some double flips.
Here is Silas doing a double back flip.

Right as I finished filming him I noticed that Devon had also just done a double back flip. I moved over to film him, but he started his next one before I had the camera ready. Stinker. By the time I was done filming his flip it was time for their turn to end and we couldn't get a better clip. Oh well. This one still works.

The sun was shining, the tulips were gorgeous, the sausages were fantastic, and the kids each enjoyed a carnival activity. Perfect day!
I'm a big fan of gifts that allow the recipient to do something, rather than to have something (not that I don't also love tangible items). So when someone asked for gift suggestions for our kids at Christmas we told them "things to do, not things to have" and gave them some ideas. They opted to just give cash instead so that we could have the option of choosing our own activities. We put the money in an envelope and marked it "MAKING MEMORIES".
Why am I telling you this? Because our normal routine would have been to pack a lunch or leave early enough to go home to eat, skip the carnival rides, and just share a bag of cotton candy or something. That would have been fine and we all still would have had fun, but this time we dipped into the gift money, letting the kids each choose one carnival activity and eating delicious, and completely unfrugal, sausages for lunch. The kids loved it!
We started off our time just walking through the tulip field, pointing out flowers with cool shapes, figuring out our favorite colors, spotting various bugs ... and asking strangers to take our picture.

Then we checked out some antique tractors and the boys tried their hands at archery. Next up was a jump house for Naomi. She was grins and giggles the whole time and, as per usual, made friends with another little girl who was playing.

The boys had both chosen a trampoline thing for their activity. They each got harnessed and attached to a suspended arm, of sorts, that allowed them to get really high when they bounced. They started off jumping, then flipping, and eventually cranked out some double flips.
Here is Silas doing a double back flip.
Right as I finished filming him I noticed that Devon had also just done a double back flip. I moved over to film him, but he started his next one before I had the camera ready. Stinker. By the time I was done filming his flip it was time for their turn to end and we couldn't get a better clip. Oh well. This one still works.
The sun was shining, the tulips were gorgeous, the sausages were fantastic, and the kids each enjoyed a carnival activity. Perfect day!
Labels:
Devon,
family movies,
family pics,
fun stuff we've done,
Naomi,
Silas
Friday, April 13, 2012
DEVON BUSTS A MOVE
Devon recently learned a new dance move, one which he does approximately a gazillion hours each day. Want to see it?
Thursday, April 12, 2012
4/12/12 THANKFUL THURSDAY
I'm thankful for waking up to the sound of birds chirping.
What's something that you're thankful for?
What's something that you're thankful for?
Monday, April 9, 2012
SWEET SNUGGLES
Naomi went to bed at 8:00 a few nights ago. I went in the room at 9:00 to get Tyler for his last feeding of the day and discovered that Naomi was still awake. She was quiet and all tucked in, but just couldn't konk out. I carried her out to Tim, then went back for Tyler.
Naomi was leaned up against Tim while he did some school on the computer, then he put the computer down and asked her to give him a lesson in snuggling. She was convinced that she was really teaching him something and kept giving me "I can't believe he doesn't know this stuff" looks when he'd ask what he was supposed to do next. It was so cute!
I fed Teebs while the other two snuggled, then we all piled on the couch for a while. It made for a late night, but it was so fun to get some time to cuddle and visit with the two littlest Ws. Love them!

On an unrelated note, the Mighty Teebs rolled over for his brothers yesterday. He's been given opportunities to show his new trick to the rest of us, but rocks about halfway, then stops. Punk.
Naomi was leaned up against Tim while he did some school on the computer, then he put the computer down and asked her to give him a lesson in snuggling. She was convinced that she was really teaching him something and kept giving me "I can't believe he doesn't know this stuff" looks when he'd ask what he was supposed to do next. It was so cute!
I fed Teebs while the other two snuggled, then we all piled on the couch for a while. It made for a late night, but it was so fun to get some time to cuddle and visit with the two littlest Ws. Love them!

On an unrelated note, the Mighty Teebs rolled over for his brothers yesterday. He's been given opportunities to show his new trick to the rest of us, but rocks about halfway, then stops. Punk.
Labels:
family pics,
just the daily grind,
Naomi,
parenting,
Tim,
Tyler
Sunday, April 8, 2012
SUCH A GREAT DAY!
We start every Sunday off at church, but today was Resurrection Sunday and that's always a special day. Acknowledging the crucifixion of Christ through taking communion and then celebrating the fact that he rose from the dead - powerful stuff!
After church we ran some errands, ate lunch, then did an Easter egg hunt. It was the first time since 2006 that we've been able to do the hunt outside. Why? Because it's always raining on Easter! Today was beautiful, though, with temps in the 70s at our house. Tim and I hid eggs while the kiddos hung out inside, then we let them loose to hunt.
Silas got down low.

Devon made silly faces.

Naomi wore multiple shades of pink.

Tyler snoozed.

The kids finally found all their eggs and we gave them their Easter baskets. Then the boys had Tim and I sit down. They'd done some secret planning and presented us with an Easter basket to share. They bought the basket, lined it with crinkly paper "grass" (I obviously have no idea what it's actually called), taped a "Happy Easter" sign to it, and stuffed it full of goodies. It had things for each of us (candle and sunglasses for me, chips and a wooden puzzle for Tim), candy of our own, gumballs to share, and a signed card. So awesome!

Then, just when you'd think the day couldn't get any better, it did. I got to mow the lawn!!!!! Oh, bliss!! I haven't mowed a lawn in two years and it was absolutely wonderful. I may not look happy in this picture, but I assure you that I was. Delighted, actually.

Tim and I spent the afternoon working in the yard, some of the kids napped for a while, all the kids played or sat outside, we rotated through several rounds of the tossing game, and we spent the day grazing on leftovers and Easter candy.
Perfect day.
After church we ran some errands, ate lunch, then did an Easter egg hunt. It was the first time since 2006 that we've been able to do the hunt outside. Why? Because it's always raining on Easter! Today was beautiful, though, with temps in the 70s at our house. Tim and I hid eggs while the kiddos hung out inside, then we let them loose to hunt.
Silas got down low.

Devon made silly faces.

Naomi wore multiple shades of pink.

Tyler snoozed.

The kids finally found all their eggs and we gave them their Easter baskets. Then the boys had Tim and I sit down. They'd done some secret planning and presented us with an Easter basket to share. They bought the basket, lined it with crinkly paper "grass" (I obviously have no idea what it's actually called), taped a "Happy Easter" sign to it, and stuffed it full of goodies. It had things for each of us (candle and sunglasses for me, chips and a wooden puzzle for Tim), candy of our own, gumballs to share, and a signed card. So awesome!

Then, just when you'd think the day couldn't get any better, it did. I got to mow the lawn!!!!! Oh, bliss!! I haven't mowed a lawn in two years and it was absolutely wonderful. I may not look happy in this picture, but I assure you that I was. Delighted, actually.

Tim and I spent the afternoon working in the yard, some of the kids napped for a while, all the kids played or sat outside, we rotated through several rounds of the tossing game, and we spent the day grazing on leftovers and Easter candy.
Perfect day.
Labels:
Devon,
family pics,
holidays,
just the daily grind,
Naomi,
Silas,
Tyler
Thursday, April 5, 2012
4/5/12 THANKFUL THURSDAY
I'm thankful for kids who are quick to forgive me when I blow it as a mom.
What's something that you're thankful for?
What's something that you're thankful for?
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
MENU - FIRST HALF OF APRIL 2012
Can you believe it's already April?! Wowzers!
BREAKFASTS
smoothies or fruit x3
oatmeal with brown sugar, cinnamon, milk, raisins, hot cereal syrup, and energy mix as optional toppings x9
cherry oatmeal muffins
blueberry oat muffins
Alton Brown's granola
leftover oatmeal pancakes
DINNERS
leftovers x2
tacos x2
new pilaf recipe (not that great)/green salad - fruit & nut style #2
Greek chicken (prepped in the freezer, bbq)/rice, grilled Sicilian zucchini (bbq)
broccoli cheddar quiche with brown rice crust/garlic green beans
zesty crockpot chicken/couscous/peas & corn
Asian lettuce wraps
Italian sausage with rice/mandarin oranges (Silas is cooking)
vegetable barley soup/cheesy muffins
rice, kale, and eggs
beef eldorado/green salad
black bean couscous salad/roasted cabbage with lemon
Mexican casserole/green salad
SNACKS & DESSERTS
produce
popcorn
chips and guacamole
oat and almond bars
Do-Si-Dos and ice cream
banana chocolate chip bars
MISCELLANEOUS
taco seasoning (Devon will make a quadruple batch)
BREAKFASTS
smoothies or fruit x3
oatmeal with brown sugar, cinnamon, milk, raisins, hot cereal syrup, and energy mix as optional toppings x9
cherry oatmeal muffins
blueberry oat muffins
Alton Brown's granola
leftover oatmeal pancakes
DINNERS
leftovers x2
tacos x2
new pilaf recipe (not that great)/green salad - fruit & nut style #2
Greek chicken (prepped in the freezer, bbq)/rice, grilled Sicilian zucchini (bbq)
broccoli cheddar quiche with brown rice crust/garlic green beans
zesty crockpot chicken/couscous/peas & corn
Asian lettuce wraps
Italian sausage with rice/mandarin oranges (Silas is cooking)
vegetable barley soup/cheesy muffins
rice, kale, and eggs
beef eldorado/green salad
black bean couscous salad/roasted cabbage with lemon
Mexican casserole/green salad
SNACKS & DESSERTS
produce
popcorn
chips and guacamole
oat and almond bars
Do-Si-Dos and ice cream
banana chocolate chip bars
MISCELLANEOUS
taco seasoning (Devon will make a quadruple batch)
Monday, April 2, 2012
4/2/12 MEMORIES ON MONDAY
These pictures were taken when I was 18 months old. Ignore the fact I'm flashing the camera and check out my hairdo. Is it awesome or what?!


Sunday, April 1, 2012
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