6packB

Toilet Sign

2008-11-22T07:14:00.000-08:00

I wanted something over the toilet in our newly redone bathroom. I found this saying on-line and tried to re-create it with a peice of scrapwood.

Carving Pumpkins

2008-11-22T07:07:00.000-08:00

Our AWANA program has a pumpkin carving contest for the kids. We had a lot of fun doing this. It is good that our church does this or I'm not sure I would actually do this each year! Breanna made the Cinderella carriage with horses and a polly pocket Cinderella. Bob the Tomato!

Mikayla carved and painted a vase that we filled with fresh flowers from Bre's garden. Wish these pumpkins could last all season!

Go Phillies!!!

2008-11-22T06:55:00.000-08:00

Josh and Moses created wonderful memories watching the Phillies win the World Series this year. I am not sure that it was as meaningful to Moses as it was to Josh but it sure was fun for me to watch them! Moses enjoyed the celebration the most!

Waving my kitchen towels.

Watching Chase Utley steal second base.

2008-11-15T17:36:00.000-08:00

This is the only full bathroom for our household of six. It is pretty tight in here especially on school mornings when there can be as many as five of us in here at once! The walls were always a creamy white and here I had already started putting up the beadboard. After the beadboard was up and calked, spackled and painted I painted the walls blue. I wanted a darker color and choose blue only because the counter is blue and the floors have blue in them. Also because I already have green, yellow, red, brown, purple and orange rooms! Good grief.

I really did not expect to like the blue as much as I do in this bathroom. I don't use blue much in any other rooms. I am surprised that it actually feels a little bigger - and a lot cleaner. I don't necessarily like the green in here with the blue. (There is a green braided rug on the floor, too.) But until I have more money it will do!

Kitchen Update

2008-11-14T09:36:00.000-08:00

These knobs used to be brass and porcelyn. I used a flat black spray paint and aged them with some acrylyc craft paint.

I used black Krylon paint for the refrigerator. It was white before and stood out. Now it blends so much nicer.

Favorite Things

2008-11-14T09:12:00.000-08:00

I like the vintage kitchen gadjets on this bright yellow.

This isn't really one of my favorite things. These are sports cards that Josh has collected for years. I bought the display cases for him for his birthday. This is the wall that used to be dark varnished wood. I like the painted plank look. The color of this wall is more gold than this photo shows.

This shelf has old marbles in a jar from my dad when he was a boy. I redid these curtains for the playroom from some cheap tablecloths that I found. I love the fabric. this tv cabinet was someone else's throw away.

This is an old tin I liked and framed it with an old cheapy wood shelf from goodwill that looks great painted.

This wall really is gold not peach! Love the glassless window.

Recent Accomplishments and Occasions

2008-09-03T06:39:00.000-07:00

Breanna has been begging to learn to use my machine, so we started some lessons this summer. She loves it! Mikayla finally lost one of her front teeth. As of this post they are both missing! She was obviously quite excited about this!
My Uncle Mo and Aunt Karen came to see us from KS. My uncle was born and raised Amish in the Lancaster area. We had a wonderful time with them.
Moses really thought is was cool to meet someone else named "Mo."

Breanna's First Broadway

2008-09-03T06:32:00.000-07:00

We got incredibly cheap tickets to take a bus to NYC to see Lion King on Broadway. This was both mine and Breanna's first Broadway experience. We had such a wonderful time together! This is an indoor Ferris Wheel in Toys are Us.
I think Breanna would travel all the way to NY just to go to their American Girl doll store!

Black and White

2008-09-03T06:25:00.000-07:00

I was taking pictures of the kids to make something for my mom. These were the best ones.

Painting fireplace bricks

2008-04-04T19:17:00.001-07:00

This is a project I have meant to get to for a long time. It took a lot of experimenting (and mistakes!) but I like the bricks red better than gray. It was surprisingly easy and quick once I figured out how to do it.

My entertaining kids!

2008-04-04T19:05:00.000-07:00

I have been taking pictures of things my kids do to entertain themselves. Some of them are cute and some quircky. These are just a few. I know someday these will bring back wonderful memories!

Rice heating pads

2008-04-04T18:57:00.000-07:00

This post is to prove to all my "crafty" friends that I can do crafts, too! Mine just don't look as nice! My kids were sick so much this winter and we thought making their own heating pads would be fun and nice when they were not well. The ironic thing about this is that by the time we finished Moses was running a high temp...yet again! The kids use these nearly every night.

You need: rice, an old sock (without holes), rubber band. After decorating (optional) and filling the sock just microwave to make warm. Do not overheat or the rice will actually burn.

Moses' birthday

2008-04-04T18:47:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe Moses is five. This present was in indoor adjustable b-ball hoop. I think he was more excited about the size of the present than the gift itself!

2008-02-24T13:12:00.000-08:00

We actually got enough snow to build a snowman - first time this winter!

2008-02-24T13:06:00.000-08:00

We don't get a lot of snow out here, but we do get lots of freezing rain. This is what our trees and road looked like one of the days that school got cancelled. It is beautiful.

Zofia and the Tissues

2008-02-24T13:00:00.000-08:00

We have all used a lot of tissues lately but nobody used as many as Zofia did this day. I picked them all up and put them back in the box and then had to explain the "used" tissues to everybody who needed one when they came to the house. It occupied her for a good 30 min. Maybe we'll do it again sometime!

New York City at Christmastime

2007-12-18T18:12:00.000-08:00

For the first time ever I got to go to New York City. I went with three other ladies. We took a bus tour and went to Macy's, saw all the window displays and finished up the day here at Radio City Music Hall where we enjoyed their 75th Christmas celebration. It was such fun to see all of this during this time of year. Everything is so elaborate and beautifully done. This is the famous Christmas tree. After taking a million shots - all with bad angles - we found this spot designated "Christmas Tree Picture Taking Spot." Or something like that.
These were huge ornaments suspended on a shallow pond/waterfall. Breathtaking.
This was my favorite picture of the day. It was neat to see all this stuff in person rather than on TV or a postcard.

Happy Holidays

2007-12-18T17:54:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos of my home during the holidays - for those who care! I love this season and love decorating for it. But these will all come down right after New Years and I am allways glad to unclutter again. The star on my porch was made by Josh's mom from some scrap wood - amazing! I am so lucky to reap the benefits of her ingenuity!

This is a garland I made for over my sink window that looks into the playroom. The snowmen were painted by my talented and crafty mother and sister-in-law. Love them.
This is in our TV room and looks so pretty at night. Especially with my FrankSinatra CE on and the TV off. So basically, when Josh is not home.... :)

Breanna's Birthday

2007-12-18T17:47:00.001-08:00

Breanna turned nine last week! This summer she entered a drawing and won a free birthday party at Michaels Craft Store. It could not have been more perfect for her. They chose to paint birdhouses. They were given bags full of extra craft items to take home with them. I am so thankful she was able to enjoy a birthday like this. It is hard to make her birthday special with it being so close to the holidays and I was really happy to be able to do this for her.

My baby is TWO!

2007-11-06T18:47:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe Zofia turned two this week. She is such a joy and blessing to all of us. I love seeing each of her siblings enjoy her and we are so thankful for her being in our lives!

The stroller was a big hit. I think she would have slept with it if she could have gotten it in her crib!

To Go, or not to Go

2007-10-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

I am not so fond of naked baby pictures, but these were too good to pass up. This was done of her own accord. Apparently she thinks this is all that gets done on the toilet because she wiped up and flushed afterward, but did not pee!

The Kids

2007-09-28T13:07:00.000-07:00

Mo and Zoe were begging for their picture to be taken - so this is what I got. Zofia has food in her mouth - of course! When my parents were here in Aug my mom brought rollers and set the girls hair! I don't have such fond memories of my mom doing this to me every Sat night!

Orange Room

2007-09-28T13:01:00.000-07:00

I debated a long time about this wall color. I do love it. I need the right fabric for curtains and the room will really feel good to me. One would think I could find something in the new fall fabrics - but I don't really want something with leaves on it!

Girls' Room

2007-09-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

I saw this done in a coffee shop and it was way more complicated and nicer, but loved the idea. This vase came from the dollare store and I just hung it with a ribbon. It was more charming when the flowers were alive!

My grandmother bought this doll when she was 16! I love having this old doll and carriage. The dresses hanging on the walls were made mostly by her and some by my mom when I was little for my own dolls. Memory lane! Wonder what my kids will be displaying that I have made. Hmmm.I painted and stenciles Moses old dresser for the girls' room. I also put their initials on their bed frames instead of the wall. Gives them a little custom look.

Moses' Room

2007-09-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

It felt a little boring painting Moses' room all blue and I may change it again, but this looks good with the red. I love the old jars on his red shelf and the quilt made by Josh's mom. I need a new curtain idea and until then this is fine. The blue in his room is a little darker than this actually appears.

Baby Chicks

2007-09-28T12:36:00.000-07:00

Breanna got to bring baby chicks home from school one night. I must have counted and recounted 50 times. I was so worried they were going to get out. The kids thought they were the cutest things ever. This is as close as they get to owning a pet!

At the beach with the C's

2007-08-06T19:21:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at the beach. This is the first time any of them will remember the ocean. It was so much fun watching them take it all in. We even got to see some of the wild ponies on Asateague Island very close to the road to the beach. Thanks to the C's for this experience!
"Did you see that big wave?!"
Emma and Mik wondering how big this wave is going to be.
Josh and Breanna "riding the waves."

At the beach with the C's

2007-08-06T19:08:00.000-07:00

The house was really ideal even for this many children. We wore the kids out enough during the day that they were able to sleep all in one room (except the two babies.) Great memories for all of us!

My little man

2007-08-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

I took these pictures just because they are so cute and to remind myself of what he looks like when he is not in motion!

Blueberry picking

2007-08-06T19:00:00.000-07:00

We went blueberry picking with Mom B and came home with over 15lbs! We are having mufins, pie and coffee cake galore! It will be wonderful to pull these out in the middle of the winter for a taste of summertime. Feel free to share any especially good recipes. I would love some new ones!

Elysa'a visit

2007-08-06T18:53:00.000-07:00

Elysa introduced my children to the wonderful world of playing video games upside-down. They consider her extreemly talented! Obviously the kids enjoyed her immensly as did Josh and I. It was especially nice to see the McL again. Thanks so much for the visit, Elysa!

Camp in MN

2007-06-21T08:17:00.000-07:00

I meant to take a million pictures while we were in MN but had so much fun I hardly took any. Obviously my kids had nearly as much fun as I did. Thank you to all of you who made such an effort to make our week enjoyable. Highlights of my week were spending time with each of you and seeing my kids enjoy yours so much!

My Flower Child

2007-06-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

Zofia's Room

2007-06-21T07:41:00.000-07:00

Zofia's room is really tiny so it was not hard to do something like this in here. I even painted the ceiling- a first for me. I know I need a lamp shade, but otherwise I do like how it turned out. I used the left over paint from the girl's room in MN so it cost me nothing. The rug and wicker toy chest are yard sale/thrift store finds. Just one more reason to go shopping!

Yard sale finds

2007-04-30T20:26:00.000-07:00

I found these old lanterns and the kitchen scale at a yardsale this weekend. I like the "vintage" feel of them. I wish I had the big shelf I had in my last dinning room but this is working okay. I love the tin N and B. It is exactly what I am looking for in here!

Kids in PA

2007-04-30T20:10:00.000-07:00

We have had some beautiful weather here and I am really enjoying all the PA foliage. Isn't this tree beautiful! The kids went outside today to enjoy the "snow" from all the falling flower petals. Breanna likes to read in this tree. I have had so much fresh stuff from my yard to cut and bring inside. And thanks for the dresses BW!

The girl's room

2007-04-30T19:41:00.000-07:00

Here's what I have done so far in the girl's room. It looks pretty good now. We framed some pictures that they drew. I like how that looks. I would like to find some vintage things in these colors to add some "age" and atmosphere. I still feel like it is a lot of green. What about stripes on the top half? Or maybe polka dots?

Curly hair is back

2007-03-22T18:54:00.000-07:00

For those of you who think I straighten my hair every day, I really don't. Maybe if I lived by BethW. I had my hair highlighted last week and was not sure if it was even noticeable. It is really hard to tell in pictures, anyhow. I really miss having all of my fashionable friends telling me what to do. And how am I to stay updated without my personal hairstylist, fashion consultant and masseuse - MeganS!

Girls' room

2007-03-22T18:23:00.000-07:00

I have been so impatient to start on a room in this house. I wanted to start in the girls' room because it looked the worst probably. Refer to earlier posts. There was the wallpaper and border to take down and then I painted. This green looks really terrific in some lights and really off in others. I plan to repaint the top a slightly different green - hoping to like it a little better. I was thinking of using the tan that I used in their room in MN for the bottom half. Then maybe green gingham and white curtains with accents in that redish pink. If I had lots of money I could do a lot more, but I am really trying to use what I have to make this room look nice and have some atmosphere. Am open to any suggestions of course.

One room schoolhouse

2007-03-22T18:08:00.000-07:00

Note Moses' progression from working to "distraction" to "I'm looking for my pencil!" Having a chalk board helps give a little diversity and a "school room" feeling. Not sure yet what we are doing next year.

2007-03-07T19:54:00.000-08:00

Fourth vs First child: If this had been Breanna she would have been in trouble for getting the candy out, eating it without permission (which would have never been granted!) and then for throwing a fit when I took it away from her. Since Zoe is my fourth child I got the camera out to memoralize the occasion. I didn't bother trying to get the candy out of her mouth. She tried to chew up the several in her mouth and eventually spit them out voluntarily on the kitchen floor. The candy of choice being Mike and Ike's is due to Beth W!

Friday Fun Night

2007-03-07T19:46:00.000-08:00

Friday nights the girls are allowed to share a bed during reading time - assuming they have not lost this priveledge during the week. This time Moses made it downstairs and into bed with them. He didn't last long but it was cute while it lasted. I am currently tearing the wall paper and border (on top) off these walls and painting. I will post pictures of that as soon as it is done.

Recycling

2007-02-08T19:18:00.000-08:00

I was using old diaper boxes under Zoe's crib to store her diapers and supplies. I used wrapping paper and adhesive to make them more attractive. Since I'll have more of these boxes around for another year or so I plan to utilize them like this in Bre and Mik's room as well. Fabric would also look great and the inside could be lined as well. This was just a quick experiment but I think they turned out pretty good.

Siblings - gotta love em!

2007-02-08T18:58:00.000-08:00

For those of you who couldn't view this the first time around we'll try again! I added a picture of Moses and Zofia. They generally love to hug and kiss on her, but she wasn't having any this time around...

Tea Towel ladder

2007-02-07T18:51:00.000-08:00

I saw this little ladder and thought it would be a terrific way to display my grandmother's hand stitched tea towels. Especially combined with this vintage tray turned magnetic board thanks to a special "crafty" friend!

My latest projects (not the kids - the ladder and piano!)

2007-01-20T09:39:00.000-08:00

Anna's straight hair

2007-01-05T11:27:00.000-08:00

ok - what do you think? be honest Megan- I could use a professional opinion!

Ok ladies, what do you think? Be honest,

what a cutie-pie

2007-01-05T11:20:00.000-08:00

BethSt I think of you every time I use this red vintage high chair I picked up at the Salvation Army. You need to come out here and go shopping with me.

Mo's room - right side

2007-01-05T11:04:00.000-08:00

Mo's Room-left side

2007-01-05T11:00:00.000-08:00

I will eventually paint his walls but at least they work for now. Recognize the red shelves Nick? Obviously I also need to teach Moses to make his bed!

Zoe's Room

2007-01-05T10:56:00.000-08:00

Her room is about the size of Mo's room in our last house. Don't you love the "waves" on the wall!

Master Bedroom

2007-01-05T10:52:00.000-08:00

This room needs a bit of work but will eventually be great. The green on the walls actuall clashes badly with our bedding. I'll be glad to change it.

2nd Floor Full Bath

2007-01-05T10:50:00.000-08:00

1st Floor 1/2 Bathroom

2007-01-05T10:46:00.000-08:00

Laundry Room

2007-01-05T10:34:00.000-08:00

Excuse the laundry-but how nice to have a room large enough fold in. Except it tends to stay there until we need to wear it.

The girls' room

2007-01-05T10:29:00.000-08:00

Shock!! Breanna's reading! NO MORE BUNK BEDS!!!

Play Room -side 2

2007-01-05T10:25:00.000-08:00

This is the right side of the play room - also known as the school room

Play Room

2007-01-05T10:10:00.000-08:00

This is the left side of the room used mostly for play- Love the built in shelves!

TV Room

2007-01-05T08:07:00.000-08:00

This is Josh's room with HIS new TV.

This is our new dining room table. It expands - so you are all welcome for dinner!

Kitchen

2007-01-05T07:26:00.000-08:00

View from the dining room. These are actually cherry cabinets updated by a previous owner. I will remove the pear border and probably paint that a bright color.

Living room

2007-01-05T07:15:00.000-08:00

This view is from the front door. We have a fireplace! I plan to paint the piano.

Our new home!

2007-01-04T12:36:00.000-08:00

We have arrived.

2006-12-22T10:08:00.000-08:00