The Bed is Here!

Our bed has arrived!  Remember this post?  Well, after our long wait, the bed was finally delivered and put together this past weekend.  And it was worth the wait.

Harbor Bed from Crate and Barrel.  

We did have some room-tweaking to do.  For instance, the mirrors needed to be re-hung a bit higher, but beyond that we didn't have much more to do.  I will have to get used to sleeping up so high, especially after a month of snoozing on mattresses resting on the floor.  The room is coming together quite nicely and I'm incredibly thankful for our restful retreat.

Of course there are always a few projects I keep in the back of my mind, but none are pressing ones.  I'd love to add crown molding and somehow make the ceiling fan more attractive.  I think it would be awesome to paint the ceiling (hubby would kill me if I suggested this one).  I would also like a leaning wall mirror, but I haven't decided if I would rather it be in the bathroom or closet instead.  No matter what ends up happening, I am happy and very much thankful for the lovely room I do have to share with my hubby.  I firmly believe in having the bedroom be a sanctuary of rest and peace and mine certainly fits the bill.

Interested in more details or sources?  Check out this post.

Giving Thanks

It that time of year where we publicly declare our thanks for our privileged life.  I really don't have anything profound to say.  I know I'm surrounded with many blessings and I feel silly to list them.  Especially when these things I live with on a daily basis are not available in other parts of the world.

However, its the little things in life that brings be the greatest joy.

Residing minutes from this view.  Knowing after a difficult day feeling the ocean breeze on my face will wash it away.

Waking up in a warm bed next to this man that loves me.  Even if he does snore.

The bright smile of my little boy.  His joy is contagious and I am reminded to savor his baby kisses and snuggles.

My daughter asking for a "big hug and snuggles" then telling me we are "best friends".  If only I can lock this memory away and replay it when she turns sixteen.

I'm thankful to live in a country that allows me to worship as I please.

Most of all I'm thankful for a God that loves me despite my sin and continues to pursue me even when I falter.  #truelove

Writing on the Wall

My kiddos are creative.  At least that's what I tell myself when I discover marks on the wall.  We've been in our house six months and I already have permanent marker on the wall, purple crayon on the dryer, and numerous pen marks and fingerprints artfully placed through out the house.  Most can be easily removed with baby wipes or a wet rag, but messy walls still frustrate me.  Luckily, chalkboard walls are all the rage, so I decided to try it out myself.

The wall across from our pantry isn't in visible view from the living room or dining area, so I chose it for my first project.  Just in case it turns out awful.  Initially, I thought I would tape of a section and frame out a chalkboard.  However, it was too high for the kiddos (and I bit high for me, if I'm honest).  So I decided to expand and paint down to the floor.

 So far, I'm excited about the prospect of writing on the wall; its always been taboo and my inner child is thrilled to break the rules.  I'm hoping my kiddos won't be as inclined to draw on every wall if they are allowed a designated space to mark up to their heart's content.

If this goes well, I'm thinking about painting under our breakfast bar.  That area is visible to the living room, but I'm thinking chalkboard paint might help hide kick marks and toe scuffs?  I'm gonna wait a few weeks and see how my first project holds up before tackling another one.

Anyone else have a chalkboard wall?  Maybe your kiddos draw on the wall and you've addressed it a different way?  I'd love to hear about it.

Birthday

Baby boy had a birthday last weekend.  Actually, he turned three, so I suppose I can't really call him my baby boy anymore.  As long as he wears disposable pants I'm calling him a baby, deal?

I'm a realistic mom, now, since I didn't really plan anything or have a theme.  I had to work the weekend so my hubby had to pick up the slack.  My in-laws came in for the weekend to help celebrate, so between my MIL and my hubby, I really did't have to do much.  I had work Saturday morning, so the plan was to have the party that evening.  We ordered pizza, and picked up cupcakes from a local bakery.  Of course, the highlight was opening gifts.

Handsome was a joy this year.  His sister is on the pre-school circuit for birthday parties and as a result, H has been able to tag along.  He knows the drill.  Both kiddos were terribly excited. I'm not sure they really knew who was having the birthday, nevertheless, each one had a blast.

why does Mommy put bows on these?

Dinosaurs!  Roar!

Thanks to an uncle for the calendar!

Jurassic Park?

Cupcake!

Princess has thoughtful uncles who made sure she didn't feel left out.

The whole weekend was a whorl-wind, but we enjoyed the celebration.  The kiddos are already asking about the next party!