Master Bedroom Makeover

 Since moving into our new house I have been wanting to spruce up our bedroom a bit. It's great how just a few simple, inexpensive changes can do the trick. I thought it would be a fun Christmas present for Andy too - he was out of town last weekend, so it was the perfect time to throw it all together.

In October I found new bedside tables, a pillow, a lamp and a few other accents at Ikea. I have also been pinning lots of ideas on Pinterest. One idea I saw was to use a shelf instead of a headboard. I thought this would be a nice change. I found the shelf at Hobby Lobby, repurposed a few frames with spray paint and did the Grow Old With Me painting (another idea found on Pinterest). We already had the candle sconces. I was really happy with how it all tied together. The yellow painting is my newest work that I did in November.  

The metal "love" I bought at Hobby Lobby also. It was black so I spray painted it gold to make it stand out more. Yay for spray paint!

I found the letters and scrapbook paper at Hobby Lobby (love that store!) and Modge Podged them. 

I found the wire photo holder at Pier One. 

 The small lamp is from Ikea and the small table I found at a local craft show, An Affair of the Heart, this fall. The painting above the chair is one I did several years ago. I still have plans for the empty wall space by the lamp. I also want to repaint the white cabinet that I bought back in college, but for now we are loving our freshened up space! 

The Lean

David has been doing this funny leaning thing while he plays. Yesterday Andy was laying on the couch while David was playing on the floor. David kept leaning down to look at Andy. It was funny & cute :)

Christmas with Po & Nana

We had a great time with Po & Nana! They came on Thursday to visit & celebrate Christmas with us! Thursday night they treated us to Mexican food. Friday we had some hang out time. Fri night Andy grilled hamburgers & I tried these 2 recipes (Sweet Potato Fries & One Pan Skillet Cookie) for the first time - both a success! We opened gifts afterwards. It was a wonderful visit! Thank you for coming Po & Nana! We love you!

 Kate loves her Puppy in a Purse (We named her Patty Puppy) & her tea set. 

David had no problem figuring out how to open his first gift! He tried with all his might to eat the wrapping paper, tissue paper & ribbon!

Michael was "Santa" & passed out gifts.

Salvation Army

Through a connection in our neighborhood, Michael & Andy got to ring the Salvation Army bell at Wal-Mart yesterday. It was a 2 hour shift which is a long time for a 4 yr old! They had a great time!

Sweet Childhood

Do you ever find yourself feeling extra sentimental? I've had one of those weeks this week -

 I loved watching Kate feed her baby.

   I loved our fun morning of crafts & baby dolls.

I love watching David play with the Taggy blanket that Michael played with too.

 I love this sweet face & his toothless baby grins.

 I loved finding Michael's Santa Dog, Birdie & Bear all tucked in for the day on his bed when I got home from taking him to school. 

 I love the small Christmas tree in Michael & Kate's bathroom. It had a few ornaments on it and as they have brought home Christmas crafts from church & school, I have added them to the tree. 

I love our sweet boy - 5 years old in 7 weeks! Now that's just crazy!!

David is 7 Months Old! 12-11-11

Seven Months?!? How can it be?!? He is doing a funny thing this week - sucking on his bottom lip. I think it must have something to do with his two bottom teeth getting ready to come in. David had fun this afternoon being the conductor on the "train." Kate & Michael took turns conducting, working on the engine and being passengers. Of course Minnie, Bear & many others joined the train as well. And at one point Michael made a rule that you had to be wearing a hat to ride the train. Too funny. They LOVED this - it was fun watching them play pretend :)

Cousin Henry!

Hey everyone! Michael here! I am SO excited to tell you that Kate, David & I have a cousin!! Our first one! His name is Henry & he was born on Nov. 27th. He lives far away but we really hope to meet him soon! Isn't he cute?! We love you Matt, Manda & Henry! 

David's Baby Dedication

Yesterday was David's baby dedication at church. 

 Thank you Papa Karrol for driving up to be here with us! 

Pastor Ben prayed for our sweet children to know the Lord, love Him with all their hearts & to serve Him all their days. The verse we had read for David is 1 John 3:1 - How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! We chose this verse because David means "beloved, greatly loved." We love you David & we thank God for putting you in our family!!

My how time flies - it was yesterday that we were dedicating Michael & Kate. 

Michael's Christmas Program

 Michael had his Pre-K Christmas program on Thursday night. The kids did great! The best part was watching all the kids wave to their parents from stage - so cute :) 

Sibling Love

Mr. David...

  ...LOVES avocado!! 

 ...started sitting this week! 

...has the SWEETEST baby cheeks!! 

...loves his brother! 

Some Updates

This little guy is doing great! We took him to the doctor yesterday for his 6 month well-check. No problems with weight gain~He weighed 16lbs, 13oz (25%) & was 26in long (25%). As you can see from the picture, he is starting to try some people food. After reading THIS book, I am introducing food to David differently than I did Michael & Kate. I recommend this book if you are about to be in the baby food stage!

And we couldn't be happier with Kate & her progress with potty training. She is doing awesome!! I am so thankful that it was such an easy transition for her. And hallelujah for having only one child in diapers!!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like...

Christmas!! I must say that I am thrilled to have almost all our shopping done! It's not even December yet & I already have wrapped gifts under our tree! (I was so stressed out last year that I am determined not to be this year!!) 

Phone Pics

A beautiful, fall morning before school

Michael's latest drawing of me :)

Love this pic of Michael, Molly & Kate playing together - such sweet 

friends!

I love my boys!