Hello Summer

Don't judge me, but I think I'm a little excited for summertime! For some, summertime in our neck of the woods is far from desirable. After all, temperatures soaring well into the 100's isn't ideal for most folks. But, since February, our lives have been one giant obstacle after another (although we've taken it in stride most of the time), and I think I'm ready for a little R&R. Otherwise known as summer at our house. I'm talking about no early morning rush for the coffee cup, lunch bags and running out the door to be at the front of the loooooong line at the high school for drop off. No more mad printing of homework and running out for missing school supplies. Just days of bare feet, pjs, and iced coffee by the pool while I watch the boys strategically plan their cannonballs. Yes, the hubs and I will still be working and my oldest son will go to summer school, but it won't be nearly THIS challenging. Thank goodness. So, let's cheer for summer peeking around the corner! And let's dust off our hammocks and our lounging pants!!!!

Until next time, think Happy Thoughts!

Springtime Baking

Since I've been displaced from my kitchen, I have experienced unusually strong urges to bake. Reminds me of when I was pregnant with the boys - wanted to bake all the time - and eat all of it, too! Isn't that a given when you're pregnant?

I miss my KitchenAid, too - very much! With spring upon us and Mother's Day right around the corner, every magazine I pick up has pictures of adorable cupcakes, beautiful cakes and delicious looking souffles. Now, I've never conquered the souffle - but I have made my share of cakes and cupcakes. But, which KitchenAid should I get? Red, black, white, chrome? There are so many options out there - I had no idea. I really like the red one - something about the positive, bright energy in that color. But the nickel one is pretty cool, too.

One of these recipes would be great to try out too......as soon as the mixer is out of the box!

So I wait - with idle hands (well, that's a lie - my hands are anything but idle these days - with an entire house to renovate) until my new KitchenAid arrives and my kitchen is complete - oh and the rest of the house, too!

Until next time, think happy thoughts!

Who says drywall isn't exciting?

My local Home Depot probably knows me by first name by now. I swear I've been there about two dozen times in the last week. Lumber, flooring, bath fixtures, more flooring - you name it, I've hauled it in the back of my trusty SUV. On one occasion, I had a small group of bystanders watching my creative juices flow as I crammed sixteen feet of trim lumber into the SUV. Hey, my dad taught me how to pack up from Home Depot the right way!

The bathroom has reached a stage of 80% completion. We still have the faucets to replace and all the baseboards to install. Then I have curtains to sew and hang, towels and accessories to purchase and dear husband will install the brand new toilet. I guess I've reached a new point in my life where I'm actually excited about a new bathroom toilet.

I discovered a new store in my neighborhood the other day, too. At Home Decor store. OH MY!!! This store is not intended for the quick stop. Rows and rows and even more rows of pillows, rugs, artificial trees and plants, outdoor furniture, mirrors, chairs, umbrellas - the list could go on and on. It has mom's night out written all over it. Grab a cup of coffee and browse the aisles. AND maintain control!! One could easily go shopping crazy!!

I see so many things I LOVE.....

Focus, focus...yes, the bathroom.....so, the windows are done - cutting all the lumber paid off - I think the windows look fantastic. I'm loving the "Craftsman" look, and the color scheme is really quite soothing.

Don't these look lovely? And wouldn't they just look perfect in the new bathroom?

Yes, those might have to be the next At Home purchase. Along with a few other things, I'm sure.

And in other parts of the house, we are making fabulous progress. After waiting what seemed like an eternity for work to begin, there is now what seems to be a large "push" to get this project done. The work has been phenomenal and the crews have been polite and always, always clean up - not all construction crews do this. But every time they leave, they sweep and stack what they've left behind. For someone who is a "clean freak" this ranks right up there on the importance factor. And I've never been so thrilled to see drywall going up.....

Yeah, I have a ceiling and I almost have walls....

And the outside of the house is coming along just as fast!

So, tomorrow is one more day closer to going home. We are so excited!!

Until next time, think happy thoughts!