House Tour Part One~

Well, I have finally managed to take some pictures of the 1st floor of our home.  I am not the best photographer when it comes to dealing with indoor lighting, so I will apologize for the "not so great" pictures ahead of time.  Plus, it has been overcast lately making it even more difficult to capture the rooms in their best light.

First up...the recently renovated kitchen.  We changed out the countertops, from Mediterrean Blue Corian to Cocoa Brown Corian, added new subway tile,new under cabinet lighting, a fresh coat of paint on the cabinets, walls and ceilings, antiqued the island, and changed out a few accessories.  We are really loving the new look.  A little bit more contemporary than the French Country look we did have (picture blues, reds, golds with a toile motif), but yet with a little bit of that Southern touch.

Next up, the family room.  This is where we spend most of our time.  Within the last year we painted the fireplace surround and entertainment center a rich chocolate brown and then distressed it.  Recently we painted the walls and ceilings.  Wow, what a difference painted ceilings make.  Now everyone notices all the beautiful crown moldings we have!  I then added my favorite Southern Living At Home and Potterybarn accents.  I am loving the color combo of the rich chocolate with the red and aqua blue.

Next up, the dining room...we purchased the table, buffet and wine bar about two years ago.  The chairs belonged to our old dining set.  I painted them a wedgewood/slate blue, then distressed them.  I love the mismatched look.

Next we have the Living Room turned Library/Music Room...we never used this room until we added the bookshelves and the piano!  Now it is everyone's favorite place to read or play a board game.

On to the office...

And finally, the front hall and downstairs bath...

Hope you enjoyed the tour.  I hope to have pictures of the upstairs soon. We just recently finished installing new hardwood flooring in every room and the upstairs hall ourselves.  And, there's been some juggling of rooms.  Our younger daughter finally got the "big" room across the hall she has been wanting for years!  Big sis moved to her 1st apartment.  But, of course she still wants a room at home...so that meant redoing little sister's old room!  Fruit basket turnover!!

She Came to Play~

Well...still no pics of the renovations, but I promise they are coming soon.  We just spent the afternoon cleaning the carpets in the front rooms.  I will spend the next couple of days tweaking things, as I am hosting my first Willow House (formerly Southern Living at Home and Taste of Home Entertaining) party for a friend on Sunday.  My girlfriends are on pins and needles waiting to see what we've done now! LOL

We are also currently "Puppy Sitting" our "grandchild" for our oldest daughter who is in the midst of Sorority Rush Week.

We are now officially in the high school volleyball season.  We have a new Varsity coach this year and a young team, so it is all a learning experience.  But, I do have to brag on my child!!  In one match last night she single handedly served 18 points (plus 3 Aces) in one match (that went to 3 games to 25pts. each).  She was on fire.  My husband video tapes every game for stats and for her to watch later in the week.  A couple sitting just behind him made the comment, "who is this kid?"  It took all he had not to turn around and say, "that's MY daughter and she's a college prospect!"  I told him he should have! LOL This is her 3rd year on the Varsity team and we couldn't be prouder.

I promise to post pics from games soon too, but the desktop is in one of the rooms that currently has damp carpet.

Congratulations and Expectations~

My youngest daughter made the Varsity Volleyball team at her high school for the 3rd consecutive year on Friday (she will be a Junior this year).  While we celebrate her achievements, she knows they come with expectations.  Below is something we have taught our girls to live by...

Little Eyes Upon You


There are little eyes upon you

and they're watching night and day.

There are little ears that quickly

take in every word you say.

There are little hands all eager

to do anything you do;

And a little girl who's dreaming

of the day she'll be like you.



You're the little angel's idol,

you're the wisest of the wise.

In her little mind about you

no suspicions ever rise.

She believes in you devoutly,

holds all you say and do;

She will say and do, in your way

when she's grown up just like you.



There's a wide-eyed little girl

who believes you're always right;

and her eyes are always opened,

and she watches day and night.

You are setting an example

every day in all you do;

For the little girl who's waiting

to grow up to be like you.

Congratulations we are extremely proud of your accomplishments.  But even more so, we are extremely proud of the young lady you have become!

Love, Mom, Dad, Sissy and the Dog Crew

Back To School!!!

I cannot believe it is that time already...my youngest, a Junior in high school this year, goes back to school tomorrow.  Where did the summer go?  Side note, she made the Varsity Volleyball team for a 3rd consecutive year!  Congrats and May God Bless you in the year ahead!! We love you. Mom, Dad, and Sissy (Tyler, Toby,and Kylee Too!)

Love for Chocolate, Red and Blue!~

Not too long ago, I painted our entertainment center in our family room a rich chocolate color and then distressed it.  I've had so  much fun decorating the shelves with many of my SLAH pieces and family photos.  I am loving the chocolate mixed with the rich red and aqua blue. I need to remember to take a picture of it as a whole.

Some Chalkboard Fun~

My youngest daughter is loving her new chalkboard wall, and being able to write her favorite inspirational scriptures.

And, I love the new chalkboard I made for above our new bar in the kitchen.  It is great for menus, reminders, or as seen here...inspirational words! LOL

Summer Love~

I am loving Sunflowers and their bold color!  I am really hoping to post pics soon of all the projects we have been tackling.  "If" my desktop will cooperate! But, for now we will savor the last of summer as it is back to school for our household Monday!