Tinsel & Trimmings

Well, maybe not tinsel…I’m too boring for that much fun.  But I did have a blast decorating our “new” abode for our first Christmas in this home!  As I unwrapped ornaments nestled in tissue paper and detangled strands of garland, nostalgic memories of the sweet people represented by each piece flooded my heart – presents from 8th grade students, a nativity scene gifted slowly over the years by my parents, treasures unearthed over a weekend in Shipshewana, an after-the-holidays sale extravaganza with my mom & sisters, a handmade sign from a friend, the German nativity from the family I nannied in college - mixed in with a smattering of other items from around our house.

In the past, I’ve wondered if decorating was a waste of time, since we spend several weeks (can’t wait!!) back in Indiana.  But having an inquisitive and eager 2 year old makes me all the more excited to deck the halls these days.  He’s been pretty helpful in the baking department too – although if he asks me for one more cookie, I might lose my mind…  : ) 

As we celebrate Advent – the coming of Immanuel – with nightly Scripture readings, a lighting of candles, occasionally a song, and the completely unspiritual Playmobile Advent calendar, we rejoice in the opportunity to teach Liam about the true meaning of Christmas.  How special it is to see him catching the Spirit of the season as his understanding grows!

Dinner-Time High

We had such a hilarious dinner the other night.  After watching the videos - which we promptly sent to her & Dad - my mom said Liam seemed “high.”  Errr… He wasn’t.  Haha.  But he was in pretty rare form, so we took advantage of it and totally blew the rules of “no singing at the table” (wait, we always break that one) and no phones at the table.  Oh, and please ignore his hardly touched, smushed up enchilada…eww.  : )

Arnold Schwarzenegger Impressions

Our Pets Heads Are Falling Off

Skippyjon Jones

Singing

Holy Guacamole

Tractor Tractor Song

What Was That?

Hot Sauce

Basement Bathroom

When you have a hankering to tackle a project, my theory is to GO FOR IT!  Because before you know it your motivation might be sapped by a crying baby, dishes in the sink, or a cup of hot chocolate and a good book.  So carpe diem, people.  That is exactly the story of our basement bathroom, because with a bazillion other projects that I should have been working on, this is the one I felt like doing.  Maybe it was the towel bars.  I’m pretty sure there were about five of them, and that fifth one just did me in, I tell you.  I mean, towel bars are one of my least favorite bathroom accessories anyway – give me anything but a towel bar, please!  So yeah, that’s where it all started – with the towel bar that broke that camel’s back. 

There was nothing too noticeable about this bathroom – other than its ubiquitous towel bars – and the purpley tile. 

I decided to paint the stark white walls a blue-grey color, and this time I stuck with it.  : )  It’s hard to see in the photos below, but it plays nicely off the tile.  We popped up some frames that we already owned.  I wanted them both to sit centered on the wall, but the toilet is off-set, so we decided to off-set the frames, as well.  The bird art is one of my favorite pieces from the ARC (a local thrift store) – it’s actually embroidered with thick thread, and I love its cheery self.  The basket on the back of the toilet holds toilet paper, because I didn’t get around to putting up a new toilet paper what do you officially call it holder.

Gray rugs and towels from World Market accent the room in an attempt to draw out more gray tones, rather than purple. 

Sayonara towel bars!  Hello there lovely hooks.  Thank you, Hobby Lobby, for keeping your knobs and hooks on a continuous 50% off sale.  Or maybe you just mark them up knowing it makes me feel better to think I’m getting a good deal…

Some purty knobs to replace the old brass ones.  Can’t replace the other sassy brass (faucet, shower door, etc.), but we’re okay with it.  I’m getting more into mixing my metals these days.  At least it sounds kind of cool to say that I’ve got an “eclectic” vibe going on, right?

In a last minute decision, I painted the cabinets white, as the oak just wasn’t doing it for me.  The white also helps to brighten the room, since it receives no natural light.  And it’s always fun to leave a small bouquet of flowers in the vase for guests. 

Oh, and just a quick tip for when you paint a bathroom… No one ever looks behind a toilet, so we opt to toss a trash bag over the back of the toilet and simply paint around it.  It sure beats removing an entire toilet. 

Hooray for semi-quick projects that leave a room feeling fresh! 

Sweet Carolina

After experiencing somewhat of a rough season recently, my sweet hubby decided that it was time for us to visit our dear friends who moved to South Carolina shortly after the new year.  He connived with my parents to buy the tickets without me knowing (an early birthday gift), and before I knew it, Liam was kicking the seat of the poor man in front of us on the airplane, and we were off!   

I’d never been to South Carolina before, and it did not disappoint.  After all, what is not to like about old oaks dripping with Spanish moss, beautiful marshes and beaches, fried food (hello hushpuppies and honey butter), and Southern hospitality?  And such darling architecture!  I’m convinced that if the rest of the world incorporated front porches and rocking chairs into their home designs, world peace would be easily achieved. 

Mike & Ellen and their two kids live in Murrells Inlet where they help to pastor a local church – which we loved.  It was so great seeing them flourishing in their new home.  They are already very much part of the heartbeat of their new church.  Toward the end of the week, our other good friends, Brent & Karen, joined us with their three kids.  Such a fun group!

Sweet Liza Jane – possibly the most content baby ever!

Maybe my favorite picture ever!

These trees – words cannot express.

Sweatin’ it out at Brookgreen Gardens.  They had a cute little zoo and a story book playground that was quite entertaining.

Matt pile-one!

Holding hands with Liza Jane in the car – and singing songs at the top of their lungs, too.  Such joy – well, in between whining for dropped toys & treats, of course. 

 

Dinner on the Inlet at Dead Dog Saloon.  They seriously have hundreds of photos of people’s dead dogs on their walls… Regardless of their rather interesting décor, the grouper and crab cake stack was incredible!

Don’t worry – six of us shared these.  Although I’m pretty sure I could have handled the entire basket on my own…

Brent with 3-week old baby Aaron – he’s already got traveling in his blood.  : )

Glowy lights were everywhere on the pier – love.

Some of my favorite people on the planet – truly.  So thankful for friends who feel like family. 

The Reese's peanut butter cup sundae – amazing.  And yes, I just added Reese’s to my grocery list for this week – not kidding.

Mike & LJ

Liza Jane was making the rounds as we walked along the pier.  Love my boy’s grin here…

View from the pier – lots of yummy seafood fare.  For the record, we hired a babysitter for four of our kiddos so that we could take a triple date, and it was 100% worth it.  The babysitter was a super sweet woman named Rina from their church who basically told us all she wished we lived here because she enjoyed the kids so much.  She served them strawberry milk – how could they not be loveable after that?! 

Kid’s table.  I’m trying to remember if this was before or after Liam spilled his spaghetti ever.y.where.

Aaron conked out at the pool.

Oh Liza Jane…

What are these goggle things?

A late night walk on the pier in Charleston. 

Belgian Gelato – best I’ve tasted yet.  It’s a tie between the salted caramel and the white chocolate mocha – oh goodness. 

Thanks for being such great hosts, Mike & Ellen!  We’re so thankful for your friendship – and hey, it doesn’t hurt that you practically live on the beach.  ; )