July 30, 2011

Summer Thus Far


 I've never been the biggest fan of summer. Why? Well, I'm a Pacific Northwest girl, so full swing humidity and temps above 85 are unbearable to me. Let's not forget about about the bugs that come along with these months. Here in Oklahoma, they are bigger, smarter, and in your face. I promise you. Then there's the grass that turns brown in June, the higher water and electric bills, the sun blaring in when it's time to put your sleep-haten' children to bed, boring television, and let's not forget when the power goes out in 110 degree heat for seven hours (grumble, grumble, grumble).
Cue the Debbie Downer music.

But, I have to say... so far the events of this summer have far outweighed those little nuisances.
First, we had the cousins here for a week. That was awesome. 

But, as a family, we've also made some memories. Check them out:
Ben started T-Ball last month. I love his little uniform and the way he absolutely has no care in the world when he is out on the field during a game. Will you see him twirling on third base? Yes. Will he be oblivious about the ball headed in his direction? Yes. But, then there are those moments where he'll actually make contact with the ball or he'll even run in the right direction. Either way, I'm a proud mama when I'm loading up the washer with his filthy little uniform. One proud mama



The kids fell in love with the free splash park in OKC. I just fell in love with the free part.

Sadly, if there are puddles on the ground, my son is drinking out of them. 
I don't think he gets that from my side.



We dragged the kids to see Seussical the Musical at a local theater, and you know...
I think we all thought it was pretty fantastic. And, the kids got in free.
Sensing a theme yet for what makes me happy?



Hello my name is Beth, and I am addicted to Pinterest
Hello Beth.
Our 4th of July was filled with goodies that I copied gathered from this amazing site!
These patriotic little guys were a hit with the family, and were so easy to make.



This idea was also inspired from my Pinterest perusing. I modified it just a bit to add a couple of my favorite things like: butter pound cake, cream cheese whipped filling, blueberries, and a sinful amount of sugar. These my friends, are happiness in a jar.



Nana and Papa spent the 4th with us, and we had such a good time with them!
When these fine folk are around, our kids forget that Darrel and I exist and I'm
pretty sure just see us as live-in help.


Can't forget Grammy. Yep, these kids were spoiled in heaven with all their grandparents visiting.



Again, I think I'm changing my mind about loathing summer.



Pushing daddy into the pool. They thought they were being sneaky, 
so daddy didn't disappoint with his dramatic fall.



Walking home from swimming, lightening bugs, popsicles, sunscreen, and headless towel children. 
The essence of our summer.



Changing my attitude,
July 8, 2011

An Old Friend, the Twins, and a Cheerleader

We moved into our new house about four months ago (Hallelujah), and I am just now putting stuff up on the walls. Just now. I adore arranging furniture and styling pieces, but for some reason I would rather prepare taxes then hang pictures, plates, or worse...shelves. 

I had found some inspiration here that I was actually pretty pumped to try out. So, after gathering some items I already had, "enduring" a little bit of childless shopping, and practicing some minor patience, I was able to put together a spot that's pretty and functional.

The spot for this dresser is kind of unique. It's a little bit in the living room, a little bit in the kitchen, and even a little bit in the dining room, thus it functions a little bit for each room. We needed some lamp lighting for the living room in the evening, and some extra storage for dining linens and paper goods. Thus, meet my new best friends:


(See how it's a little part of every room?)

Here's a breakdown on how it came together:

The Dresser: is an old reliable friend from my college days. I think I paid $75 for it at a yard sale, slapped some white paint on it, and named her Mary. Not really. Names for dressers are silly. She's been our guest room standard for the last 10 years, so her free and painless transformation from sachet connoisseur to our fab new table console, slash key holder, slash linen closet, slash paper goods keeper, slash stereo table (Pheww...she's busy), is kind of cool.

Lamps: Found these girls at TJMaxx for $29.95 a piece. It was love at first sight fo sho.

Leather Tray: Target, $16.95 on clearance. Not bad. Not bad.

Accessories: The silver bowl was a gift from a work Christmas party like six years ago. It is the perfect place for the hub's keys, wallet, watch, whatever. It's not just a bowl. It's a peacekeeper. The stacked books are just from our stash, but you know the kind, these are the ones that are too tall to fit upright in the book shelf. Yay! Finally a home where they fit in (Get it? Fit in? Nope. I'm here all day people.)

Stereo: It may be little, but it definitely puts out great sound.  It's a Philips Ipod Stereo/Charger that I am pretty sure I got it at Target last year. This is a great spot for it too, because music radiates between the dining room, kitchen, and living room, which is perfect for entertaining. 

Plates: They're all from TJMaxx at some time or another, and I can promise you I didn't spend over $4 for one of them because I'm cheap like that. I did splurge on these adhesive plate hangers from Hobby Lobby for $1.99 each (see below), well, because I'm lazy like that.

 

Love these guys. They are so easy to attach to the plate, and hanging is a breeze. Which bodes well for my "hanging stuff" aversion. Arranging tip #1: Place your plates on the floor to play around with the design and look you want before hanging them. You'll have less nail holes. Well, less nail holes then me probably. Arranging tip #2: Do not ask your husband what he thinks after hanging them. He may say at first that he likes it a lot, but then later concede that he thinks your design might look like a cheerleader holding poms poms. This will make you sad, because now...that's all you see. Just saying.

Never moving again,

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