Little Peyton

Little Peyton hasn't been feeling 100% the past few days. She has some sort of virus (or a couple of them) that have made her digestive system upset.  Thankfully, she is still eating, drinking, playing and generally in a good mood.  I'm sure this virus will work itself through and be gone in a couple days. While I do not like to see my children sick I am enjoying a few extra cuddles.  This picture was taken on Saturday when it was 60 degrees outside.  I wish this cold weather would go away but that is another story. 

So many little thoughts

I have had so many little thoughts floating through my head the past few weeks.  I keep thinking 'this would make a great blog post'… and then the thought fades away and I can't seem to find them.  In order to prevent the loss of these thoughts I am going to start writing blog posts, even if they are short, as they come to me.  Perhaps this will help me keep my blog updated…I hope.

Here is a highlight from the past few weeks. I took some pictures of the kids as a preview for some Valentine Photo sessions.  They were a delight to photograph and I will always treasure these images.  

More Pictures of Paint Project

Here are a few more pictures that I took of the painting project at our house.  As you can see it has been a big job.  So big that I even had the kids help.  They were very eager to help so I had to find the best place for them to work.  This big wall was the best I could do for them and they LOVED it! 

 Here they go!

 Here is both kids painting away.  It didn't last long but it was worth it to have them participate. 

 Here is my finished work of this wall after the kids went to bed. 

 I had to make sure to paint the rail at the bottom of the stairs.  It was so nice to have this wall finished and move the couth back to its home. 

 This wall was a lot of work.  I had to edge at the ceiling and baseboards.  I then had to re paint the white trim around the window and paint the wall.  I think I watched the state of the union speech that night...and then went to bed. 

 The room is really coming together. 

 Here is the side wall and our NEW TV console. I love the color, the simplicity, the storage space, etc..  Its a wonderful addition to our home.  Sure, our TV isn't that big but it is just what we need. 

 This is the last remaining wall to paint in the house.  I hope to complete the project this weekend.  I'll keep you posted….ok, so this post didn't get posted and the paint project is not finished.  I'll keep you posted yet again.  

GoodBye Santa Fe Pottery

It was time.  Time to say Goodbye to the Santa Fe Pottery color in our living room.  Why?  8 years was more than enough.  While I really liked the color I knew we needed something more clean and simple for our living space and I was very happy to change things up.  I am still finishing a few spots but the room is about 80% complete.  I also re painted all the white trim AND the ceiling.  Wow, it really needed a fresh coat of paint.  Oh yes, I also sold our TV console and purchased a new one at Target online.  This new stand opens up the room so much and I am so glad I made the change.  Here are a few photos. I think everyone can agree that it looks a lot better. 

 

Here is a picture of the red walls just as I was starting to paint. 

I made sure to remove all light covers and replaced the off white ones with white ones.  That was a simple $1.99 fix :) 

Here is the work in process.  That edging around the ceiling was a lot of work but I think you can tell by the picture that it needed to be done. 

Here is the look at the fireplace mantel before and after a fresh coat of white paint.  Wow! 

I made sure to paint all the baseboards.  Again, a lot of work but it needed to be done. 

Here was our old TV console.  It was very nice but just didn't work in our home.  I sold it on Craig's list in 1 day. 

Here is the look of the fresh coat of paint .  So nice!! 

 The windows and mantel look so clean :)

 Here was our first wall complete.  I was eager to move things out, paint and move things back as quickly as possible.  I wanted to minimize the 'crazy house project' look as much as possible. 

 Here is one side of our house all painted and put back together. You can still see the red paint in the mirror :)  I still have to finish one wall on the other side and take some pictures.  Stay tuned. 

 Cost of project:

$50 for a gallon of Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore.  (I am borrowing a little bit of the paint from my dad since I still have a half a wall to finish) 

New $1.99 light switch cover. 

Plus or minus $8 for a new brush

$12.99 for a can of pure white paint from Home Depot. 

 

I sold our TV stand for $125 on Craig's List. 

I purchased a new TV stand on Target online for $160 

 

All is all - not bad and not expensive.  I say the late night work was worth it! 

Friends

I am so thankful for the wonderful friends my children have.  From school to church we are indeed very blessed with compassionate, gracious and loving friends.  This is a sweet picture of Peyton and her friend, Cora.  These two are only 2 weeks apart in age and already have such a sweet bond.  I love watching them love each other as they learn and explore life together.  I hope and pray that both my children have such wonderful friends during their lifetime.