eat drink & decorate

We Are Family Retreat 2014

2014-10-19T12:51:00.001-07:00

We just got back from a great weekend with our church family. Every year we plan a weekend away for the whole church to attend. This provides a time for us to fellowship with each other for a nice block of time. The past two years we have gone to Camp Caraway, which is outside of Asheboro, NC. The surroundings are beautiful and fall is a great time to go to enjoy the outdoors.

I have to say that some of the best times of the weekend is watching Isaac and Jude playing together. I love watching their interactions. While I'm posting this, Isaac is looking at the pictures and saying, "Juuudd"

I am so thankful that these little boys are growing up together! Makes my heart full!

Pumpkin Patch

2014-10-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

We went to a great pumpkin farm yesterday, Riverbend Farmin Midland. It was a beautiful day but it is still pretty warm (almost 90* !?!?!) but despite the heat, we had a great time!

Dining, Done!

2014-04-21T07:41:00.000-07:00

I would have never guessed how slow progress on DIY projects would be with a little one. Looking back over the progress pictures I had to go back all the way to August!! Now granted this has been completed for a little while, I’ve just neglected to get around to telling you about it. So I know it’s been a long time for me and you probably don’t even remember what it looked like before or what the plan was.

So a quick reminder:

The first project at hand was to pull up the carpet. It was stained and icky feeling. I didn’t love the idea of wall to wall carpet in my dining room and I wanted to be able to put down an area rug. What we thought would be pretty straight forward and fast ended up being more of a project. Duh… isn’t that always the way! The carpet was easy to remove, it was the nail strips that were a bear! When they nail them into concrete its not a simple task to remove. Then you leave divots everywhere a nail used to be, so we had to then patch the concrete.

We decided to paint the walls next so we wouldn’t have to worry about splatter on the floors. As you may remember from the plan, I wanted to do some simple board and batten. So we painted the upper section in that gorgeous Templeton Grey from Benjamin Moore and the lower section in semi gloss “white” from Sherwin Williams.

After the walls were painted then the fun started. I researched some different options for nail guns and found a good one recommended by YHL from Sears. I also used their “how-to” for the B&B. I am happy to say I did it all myself (and I ~~kind of~~ really enjoyed it!)

I used the 1x3 for the chair rail and the lattice boards for the vertical boards. (tip: find the pre-primed lattice boards – saves MUCHO time!)

Next onto the floors. One day we plan on putting hardwoods throughout the main areas of the house but for now we did a quick fix of painting the concrete with porch floor paint. We went with Sherwin Williams in Urbane Bronze. I really am happy with how the floors turned out. (tip: this takes a LONG time to cure, so be patient and don’t put any furniture back for days!)

Once the floors were finished, we could start loading in the pretty things! Window Treatments went right back up, but wow did they look different in the updated space!

It doesn’t even look like the same room!

Next was the light… do you remember the lovely ceiling fan before… um no thanks. We used the Large Wire Globe from Shades of Light, YHL collection. Such a deal people! $89.00!! Plus you can use their discount code and get 10% off. I love the reflection on the ceiling of the globe.

It was finally time to load the space and add the pretties! Rug check.

I knew I wanted to add some contemporary art to the space to mix up the traditional lines of the board and batten. So I got to work on a canvas and just had some fun with bright splashes of colors. I love the punch that it gives the space.

I took the existing console table I had and added a burlap skirt and using my only tool = hot glue gun. Yep hemmed it and attached it with hot glue. That stuff rocks!

Here’s what it looked like before the skirt:

I am very happy with the outcome of this LONG project! It feels like home when I come in this space and I enjoy sitting in the wing chairs reading or chatting on the phone. It’s a nice little getaway space.

Some detail shots:

The next project is the hall bath… hopefully this won’t take quite as long. I’ve already got the cabinet painted so I should have an update for you at least by 2015. I kid, I joke.

A Much Overdue Update

2014-04-19T06:50:00.000-07:00

I have been pretty slack about updating the blog this year. I am very thankful I did the Project 52 last year, so I forced myself to get pictures of Isaac on the blog. This year... not so much. When I went to upload his birthday pictures my SD card had broken in the camera and now all those pictures are stuck on the SD card and I can't get to them. I've got to find a way to read the broken card, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

16 months old

Life is busy but oh so good! I started a new job in November and I love being back in the design world. Joe is plugging along at the Lodge and Isaac is a busy toddler! We are having so much fun watching him learn and grow!

13 months old

14 months old

15 months old

16 months old

He has been struggling with ear infections this winter and we have been referred to the ENT doctor so we will see what comes of that.

16 months old

He's loves being outside and on rainy days he just looks out the window and yearns to get out there. I look forward to summer nights and pool days.

16 months old

17 months old

Next month Isaac will turn 1-1/2 years old! He is talking more and more - although not saying "mama" yet?!?! Not sure what's up with that! He's saying "thank you", "more" "done", "book", "shoes" and much more. He is also doing good with his sign language with is so adorable!

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2013-12-29T11:57:00.000-08:00

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2013-11-24T11:49:00.000-08:00

Baby Boy is 1

2013-11-21T06:20:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it?!?! It has been such an amazing year. Every day is more and more fun. More and more personality shows. More and more love grows. He’s just such an amazing boy. He’s always been a happy baby. Truly such a blessing… that I acknowledge every day! We had an awesome birthday party with lots of loved ones. Unfortunately I do not have pictures of said event. My SD card has broken (just the very edge) and all birthday pics are on that card. I am hoping to find a camera shop to help. Mimi has a good many pictures so I am hoping she’ll send them my way. (Hint. Hint.)

But we do have some pictures to share from our 1 year photo shoot by the lovely Sabrina Grady.

Such a cutie patootie! These shots were taken at the end of our Christmas card shoot, so he was getting done. But still that smile still shined out!

**you should probably know that I am actually getting this posted when he’s 15 months old. I’m running a bit behind. Lots of running after a toddler doesn’t leave a lot of blogging time**

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2013-11-17T11:49:00.000-08:00

11 months old

2013-11-11T17:48:00.001-08:00

Wowza. Yep – you read that right. Eleven months. You may be asking yourself… “wow can that be right? It sure seems like Isaac was just 6 months old.” And you would be right! Time has flown. My sweet BABY boy will be 1 year old in just a little over a week! 10 days. Say what?!?! It’s cray cray.

I am a little late getting these 11 month old pictures up but I just want to reiterate how much I have enjoyed having this specially made onesies! Such an awesome gift! If you are looking for a super sweet shower gift I would highly recommend making these! Here are some different ideas on Pinterest. I’m not sure where Julie found the ones for Isaac but they are awesome… BRAVO Aunt Dew – BRAVO!!

Isaac gave us some fun faces this month – such the little cheese! Ok… I know he can’t talk yet but I so can hear what he’s thinking. I must share some captions.

Oh Mommy, I love you so much. This taking pictures is so much fun.
Please don’t ever stop.

That’s funny – I don’t think my feet stink.

How many days till cake!?!?!

What you talking ‘bout Willis?

ELEVEN months old?!?! No way!

Precious baby boy – no longer baby. Officially Toddler!

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2013-11-10T11:42:00.000-08:00

In the closet

2013-11-06T06:49:00.000-08:00

When we first moved into this house I was so excited to have an actual WALK-IN closet. In our last house, we had clothes in almost all the closets spread out here and there. But now we actually have everything in our room!

Beware – I am sharing some pretty serious before pics. The actual space was nice. But it wasn’t working that great for us at first.

So we completely emptied the space and painted the walls for a nice good fresh start.

After we had painted everything, we reconfigured the shelving to make it more useful for our needs. Joe didn’t need as much long hanging space so we stacked the two shelves on the back wall for all of his shirts and pants.

And then it was time to load it back up…

Ahhhh… so much better!! This new layout also allowed me to have a little jewelry area. Last year at the Nester’s Big Sale we picked up a super cute piece of furniture that’s perfect for organizing all my babbles.

I love all the drawers! We lined all the drawers with felt and I have it all organized: earrings gold then silver – bracelets, etc. I ♥ organizing.

Then I used some hooks from Hobby Lobby for all my necklaces. I love having everything organized so I can see what my options are. I do such a better job of mixing up my accessories if I can see what I have, i.e. not forgetting what I do have.

I hung a small mirror so I could check out my bling. I also use a porcelain egg crate for my every day earrings for easy access.

The last little addition I made was adding a Lurton motion sensor light switch. Katie and Emily had told me about how great they were and I kept finding the light left on so I thought this would be a great solution. It was super easy to install! I did it all by myself – in a slightly dark room since I turned off the power like a smart little girl.

So needless to say, I am happy to stay in the closet and play with my jewels. Oh wait that didn’t sound right. TTFN.

Cost breakdown:
Paint: FREE (mixed 2 random taupe's together)
Shelving: 1 new shelf and bracket system $35 and used existing
Jewelry Cabinet: $40
Hooks: $22 Hobby Lobby
Light switch: $20

Harvest Time

2013-11-03T17:48:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we went to Hall Family Farm for a little Harvest fun! We got to go with these super sweet girls! They love Isaac so much and we love them so much!!

They are growing like weeds and we don't get to see each other near as often as we would like. Emily takes such good care of Isaac - she's been enamored by him from the start! And it pretty much melts me heart!!

Aunt Dewey was there as well although her face never made it in a picture. I find this highly suspicious.

Isaac was in good spirits considering he was exhausted and wasn't feeling that great. He is still fighting a tooth or two. But he definitely enjoyed hanging out!

This girl looks like she's 15 - when did this happen!?!?!

Such a fun time!!

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2013-11-03T07:40:00.000-08:00

This child is walking like crazy!! So impressive!

Halloween 2013

2013-11-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

We celebrated our first Halloween with Little man - a.k.a Little Aviator yesterday. We ventured over to some of our close friends home to enjoy the festivities. They do it up for Halloween and we thought Isaac would enjoy seeing all the kiddies out and about!

Our costume was super easy! Especially since I only found one piece of it and Aunt Mark took care of the rest. Have I mentioned recently that our family rocks?!?!

I found the hat that started the whole aviator theme on Groopdealz. A super fun site that has daily deals and a boutique to shop from. Kelly from Foodie Fresh first introduced me to the site. They have all kinds of fun stuff: jewelry, clothes, kiddie stuff and much more! Check 'er out!

Then Aunt Mark found this perfect jacket at a yard sale and happened to have a cute wing patch in her stash of "You never know when you may need something but better have it just in case". Yes I love accessing this stash. We call it The Store. Except typically you don't have to pay for your purchases. A sweet Isaac hug was all we had to pay for this beauty!

We had a blast hanging at Tracie and Roland's. Ms Trace made a yummy dinner of brains and bloody sauce (aka spaghetti) and Isaac stayed out past bedtime for the first time since he was a wee little baby.

He was a trooper!

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2013-10-27T05:54:00.000-07:00

Such a little pumpkin!

** We had 2 upper front teeth come in this week! Poor guy has been a trooper!**

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2013-10-13T06:43:00.000-07:00

Isaac had a great time in Statesville this week! He went for stroller walks, out to eat, visiting neighbors and so much more! He even had a photo shoot with his Aunt Liz at a pumpkin patch! Such a sweet surprise to come home to!!

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2013-10-06T06:34:00.000-07:00

Joe and I are going on our 15th Anniversary trip. We will not be able to kiss this sweet face for 1 WHOLE week! As much as we will miss him, I know he will enjoy being with his family! He gets to spend time with Mimi and Poppy, Aunt Mark and Uncle William, Aunt Liz and Grandmom and Grandpa Roland! The blessing of having all the grandparents in one city!!

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2013-09-29T05:48:00.000-07:00

This weekend I went to the Fall Consignment sale and scored big! Isaac's favorite find - this super fun car! He loves to sit at the end of the driveway and watch the cars zoom by! He also loves rides all round the yard. Such fun!!

10 months old

2013-09-28T06:49:00.001-07:00

We’ve made it to double digits! The big 1 – 0 ! Ten months old!!! Isaac is so much fun! The child loves to eat and many times I think he eats more than I do for a meal! So far we haven’t found anything that he doesn’t like!

He is definitely a growing boy! He’s wearing 12 month clothes and weighed a smidge over 20 pounds at our last doctor’s appointment. Such a big boy!!

Joe and Isaac went on their first boys trip this past month. They went to Raleigh for Joe’s Fantasy Draft. Both boys did great and really enjoyed hanging with his cousins!

“I’m worn out Mama – no more picture!”

Taking Stock

2013-09-24T06:08:00.001-07:00

Cooking : Loving the Morning Glory Muffins - must blog recipe!
Drinking : Mucho Coffee! Even Joe's addicted
Reading: Not much of nothing! And missing it!
Wanting: more time... why do the weekends fly??
Looking: at Little man bouncing up and down so eager to walk!
Enjoying: the fall weather that is upon us!
Waiting: For vacation.
Liking: the new wall color in the dining room
Wondering: How long it will take us to complete the dining room project?!?!
Loving: My boys. Feeling blessed after celebrating our 15th anniversary and Isaac's 10 month bday
Hoping: For a great weekend with a great friend.
Marveling: At how a baby learns.
Needing: More time.
Playing: on the floor... I love being down on the floor with Isaac
Smelling: The clean healing scent of essential oils being diffused.
Noticing: Joe is an amazing dad
Thinking: Vacation. Soon.
Knowing: I'm going to miss my little boy like crazy but we will both be better for it.
Focusing: The gifts He gives us. So many.
Opening: A package containing part of Isaac's Halloween costume. Too cute.
Feeling: Blessed.

{Inspired from Little Miss Momma}