Fireplace Room Progress

Hey everyone!!!  Sorry I have been a little absent around the blog. I have just not been feeling it lately.  I am hoping it passes soon.

I thought I would give you guys an update on our progress in the fireplace room (that's what we call it).   We finally decided to bite the bullet and just install the door that we had.  We miss the old full glass door, but this one is way more energy efficient.  Installing the door was a bit of a process, but Mitch finally has it in to his satisfaction.  Mitch was also able to install a doggie door for Bailey.

We have been debating on what to do over the fireplace.  Mitch finally decided last weekend to beadboard the whole wall.  He still has to build the fireplace surround and mantle.  I have already painted the room.  We used delicate mist by Behr.  You can kind of see the paint color in the first picture if you look at the wall in the left hand corner.  It is a very light greyish blue.  I think it is going to look nice and go well with the crazy colors going on in the kitchen.  Then we have to install all of the trim and paint it.  We are so, so close to being finished. I know it has taken forever, but June has been a crazy busy month for us.  On top of that Mitch had Shingles at the beginning of the month.  I think all of the stress of the remodel may have been a contributing factor.  So we have been taking it easy and not stressing about it too much.  I think we should have it all finished in the next few weekends though.  Then I get to do fun stuff like shop for new rugs and decide if we are building or buying a dining room table. 

Oh, and in case you forgot what our fireplace looked like before we had to tear it down.  You can also see my full glass door that I miss so much.

Here is a before photo.

Here's a photo after we tore down the falling facade and had a new one built.  So you can see we are making progress, even if it is slow. 

Seeing the photo of my white fireplace is making me want to paint my new fireplace.  I don't think Mitch will go for it, but what do you think?

RH Baby and Child Inspired Tie Quilt

One of my friends is having a baby in a couple of months.  She is registered and Restoration Hardware Baby and Child.  After taking a peak at her registry, I knew I wanted to make her a blanket that matches the items she registered for at RH Baby and Child.  I was inspired by this quilt.

 

This blanket was so easy to make.  I used 1.5 yards of each fabric, so I didn't have to cut the fabric at all.  The top is kona cotton and the backing is a blue and off white striped ticking. I used a high loft batting, which makes the blanket really fluffy.

I marked where I wanted to tie with safety pins.  Then tied it off using these instructions. The finished blanket measures 42" x 52".

I love the simplicity of the quilt.  I kind of want one for myself now.

 

Reusable Lunch Tote

I was in desperate need of a new lunch bag to bring to work.  I have been looking for months and just couldn't find anything that I thought would fit my needs.  So I decided to make myself a lunch tote.  Now I can fit everything that I need and more into my lunch bag.

I used my Easy Teacher Tote Tutorial, but increased the size of the bag to make it roomier.

Here are the measurements I used:

4 Pocket Pieces-  8" x  9"

2 Exterior Pieces (home dec fabric)- 18" x 13.5"

2 Bottom Pieces (canvas)- 18" x 6"

2 Lining Pieces (canvas)- 18" x 19"

2 Pieces of Insul-Bright- 18" x 19"

I added a loop of elastic and button to keep everything inside cold and secure. When I boxed the corners, I measured in 4 inches instead of 2 inches to make the bag wider at the bottom.

Next time I might add a zipper and make the straps longer, but overall I am happy with the way it turned out.

 

 

Happy 8th Birthday Harper

Dear Harper,

I can't believe you are eight today.  You are getting so tall and growing so fast.  It won't be long before you catch me.  Eventhough you are turning 8,  you really think you are a teenager.  We have to remind you that you are indeed still a kid.  You are still enjoying Tae Kwon Do.  You are now a purple belt.  You did great in school this year.  You won an award for best girl Spanish student in your class.  You also won two gym awards.  You ran the fastest mile for a second grade girl (8:06).  You also received an award for most consistent mile run in the fall and spring (8:06 and 8:11).  You love to take care of others, whether it is a child with special needs or your brother.  You are always doing something that makes me so proud to be your mom. 

I hope you have the best birthday ever, babycakes.

Love you,

Mom

Kentucky Trip

We spent a long weekend in Kentucky with extended family. 

We spent lots of time enjoying the great outdoors.



Miller was happy to have some boys to play with for a change.


We hiked to the Natural Bridge.











The view at the top.



Tight squeeze.


The Natural Bridge



Sweet cousinly love




The best bubble bath ever!!

Happy 6th Birthday Miller

Dear Miller,

How is it possible that you are already 6 years old? Stealing kisses and hugs from you is getting harder and harder, which makes me sad.  You learned so much in kindergarten this year.  You made some great friends.  You proved to me that I probably worry about you too much.  You just finished your third season of baseball.  You really enjoyed playing and would have liked it if there was a game every day.  You are happiest when you are playing some sort of ball.  You love playing any type of game.  You are learning to read, but do not have much patience.  Eventhough you are doing great, it's definitely not your favorite thing to do.   Your feelings are easily hurt, which always breaks my heart.  Your smile can light up a room.  I am so proud of the little boy you have become.

I hope you had the best birthday ever.  I love you so, so much.

Mom



Miller's birthday was actually on Saturday, but we were out of town. So I am just now getting his birthday post up.

Happy 6th birthday Millerman.