Before and After: Kitchen

We bought our house brand spanking new 5 years ago this month. We thought it was just perfect when we bought it.

Ahem.

There is not a single room in this house we haven’t changed, updated and organized.

Home improvement, its a disease really.

So without further ado, I give you the BEFORE

Notice the abnormally large faucet? We called it Nessie. (As in The Loch Ness Monster) Proof that just because its a steal at Costco, does not mean that it will actually go in your kitchen.

RIP Nessie. Although you weren’t beautiful you served us well.

Our first order of business involved under cabinet lighting. I know I’ve said this before, but I cannot underestimate the power of lighting.

It made our ‘so-so’ kitchen look ten times better.

Good thing I have a husband that is handy with wires.

AFTER

Granite counters, tumbled marble backsplash, ginormous new sink and an oh so pretty faucet.

Our main goal was to update this room for the real estate market. We know that we’ll be moving in two years. But I hated the thought of updating our house JUST to sell it. I wanted to live in it too! While this is not my dream kitchen, I am thrilled with the results we got for the price we paid.

In which I attempt to clear the fog that has encirlced my brain

Oh hum. Where to begin?

We've been going through a whole lot of grandparent detox over here. And I'm not just talking about the kids either. I got spoiled rotten for three weeks. I slept in every morning! As soon as Olivia had nursed my mom would whisk her away and send me back to dreamland. I didn't do a lick of cleaning. Even when I cooked (which I love to do) my mom cleaned up after me. Ethan and I went on more dates in the one week he was there than we have in the past six months. Yes, it was bliss despite the 104 degree Texas heat. I even lost 6 lbs while I was there. You see, my mother is an artist, designer and decorator extraordinaire. She has so many splendid ideas swimming around in her head she rarely gets concerned about mundane things like grocery shopping for goodies or cooking. Bad for my Dad, but GREAT for me! I told her that she should start accepting reservations.

Susie's Fat Camp. Make art not food.

It has a ring to it don't you think?

I've been home almost a week. And let me just say, I really cannot accept that time passes that quickly. I mean, I still have a newborn right? A 9 month old newborn that likes to eat cat food and walk along the furniture. Even though I can't wrap my head around SATURDAY(I'm still thinking Tuesday people) the house is almost back to normal. I inherited a few new rugs and paintings so I've been rearranging as I've been cleaning.

You can't help but be inspired by my mom's house, so I've got quite a few projects and ideas brewing. Maybe I'll blog about them, maybe not. I tend to be more of a starter than a finisher so we'll see how many I actually make happen. Mostly I intend to soak up the rest of the summer, hanging out at the pool (maybe a beach trip), trying NOT to regain those 6 lbs, getting back into entertaining and actually accepting the fact that I did not JUST have a baby.

Every story whispers His name

I know many of my friends already have this book but I have to share it anyway, just in case there is someone out there that doesn't. This is seriously THE BEST children's Bible.
I sit down and read it to myself on occasion and often end up with goosebumps and/or tears because the message is so beautiful and so clear.

There is a new audio version coming out in October.
Listen to the first chapter here. Its stunning.

Snapshots from Texas

Because I'm lazy you have to go here

Reporting for Duty

Aw shucks! Who am I kidding? I’m not anywhere near ready jump back into the bloggy world.

I’m taking a short siesta. But, don’t worry I’ll be back.

I just need a little more lazy back yard swinging, fire fly catching, marshmallow roasting, sprinkling jumping,  and ice tea sipping.

I’m taking lots of pictures. Savoring it all up.

Left Behind

Guess who...

is 8 months old today!

I caught her sitting up in her crib all by herself!