Eighteen

How in the world did this boy get to be 18?  He seriously was born just a few years ago! He now towers over me, a mature, funny, smart, responsible young man.  His sister and some friends threw him a surprise party tonight and I marveled at these great kids who are all now seniors in high school.  It sounds so cliche....but seriously, enjoy those babies while you can!  They grow up fast!

Look What I Did!

OK, so I've gotten off to a slow start with this blogging thing.  But I've been really really busy.  Doing this....  It's not grouted yet, and obviously we will have electrical outlet covers, but I just couldn't wait to show it to you!  It's travertine 3x8 subway tile with an inset of 2x3 subway tile in a herringbone pattern set on the diagonal over the cooktop. 

This should rightfully be titled, "Look What WE Did" since my DH rented and set up the tile saw, cut a whole lot of tile, mixed mortar for me, and cheered me on.  I laid ALL the tile myself though.  Can you tell I'm very impressed with myself??

We are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel with our kitchen remodel.  After grouting and sealing the backsplash we just need to order the cabinet doors, paint and install them and paint the walls and trim and BE DONE!  Oh, did I mention wiping the gritty dust out of all the cabinets and drawers?  Yeah, that could take awhile!

MamaDog

Grandma's Bookcase

Ok, so I got off to sort of a slow start with the blogging thing.  But I've been very very busy.  I had a sweet little bookshelf that used to sit on the back porch of my grandparents' house. The last few years it's been in the garage, collecting dust and assorted junk.  I wouldn't let my DH get rid of it, but I admit it was looking pretty sad.  But I have a bunch of children's books that are way too young for my dear ones, but that I wanted to keep for little ones that come over, for my daughter to use when she babysits, or for, I don't know, the grandchildren I hope to welcome some day far far in the future!

 It started out like this.

But now it looks like this.

I smile every time I walk up the stairs and see it in my hallway!