Come on in...

I don't know if it was the dog days of summer or just not in the mood to blog, but it's been sometime since I shared. Here's one thing I've been up to lately. A new entry! I found this table at the Lamp Emporium - pretty random place to find an entry table but they had just what I was looking for. A table that would (1) fit the small without causing an obstacle for the running path of the kids (2) deep colored wood and (3) character. I should have taken an above photo b/c the curves of the table don't show up well here but it's and amazing table. I'm probably going to replace the drawer knob with a crystal one.

Then, I happened upon the perfect mirror. Again, not the best detailed photo. I'll have to post the picture I took when I found it at Arhaus. Which, by the way, I'd love to just move into that store. I literally drool and have heart palpations when I am there.

And finally, the finishing touches start. I wanted something crystal or glass to lighten things up. I really liked this vase (or candle holder) for it's lines and options. Just got these flowers today at Tom Leonard's while shopping with Julia. Jackson was at his first day of preschool this year. What a big boy he is! I'm so impressed with his ability to just adapt to new environments and kids. When I brought him home, we actually used the front door and he walked in to say "wow". That definitely gave me the positive feedback I was looking for even if it is from my 4 year old!

I'd like to find a small lamp to join the vase and some smaller nick nack for the odd number of objects rule. But, I'm waiting to see if this vase lasts with the kids first.

More changes are coming in my bedroom:)

Focusing on the funny things

So, it was another Sunday that Julia decided to skip a much needed nap. Thankfully, we had a friend's 2 yo birthday party to go to this afternoon. Much to Julia's dismay, it was not her birthday - although she kept trying to convince me otherwise by saying "MY BIRTHDAY!". All in all, the party was fun but the drive home Julia was crying and begging for her "paci" which I didn't have with us. Jackson said, "Julia, you don't need your paci because you are a big girl". To which, I agreed. But, then Jackson turned to her defense, "but she likes her paci when she's crying". I explained further that she needed to stop using it and that he didn't need one when he was crying. "But, I need bandaids!"

Chopstick Skills!

Here's Jackson eating chicken nuggets with chopsticks. I'm impressed! He actually wanted to order Chinese food and did try the dumplings. He was inspired by a cartoon Ni Hao Ki Lan, which is a cute show about a Mandarin girl and her friends. Actually, it's Julia's favorite show and she demands it regularly. Thankfully, Jackson gives in to her requests most of the time.

An Out of this World Room

Recently, Jackson and I added this cool wall decals to his room. He loves planets so I choose this for his "big boy" room decor.

A fun magnetic chalkboard in red - his favorite color!

His 2 print series paintings of "waterfalls".

The sun and hat are pinatas from previous birthday parties. Not too long ago, Scott added an activity table to his room. One day maybe he'll actually use it:)

Julia's 2nd Birthday Party

My grandma from Florida even came to my party.

Big "cheese".

My special yummy cake.

Blowing out the candles and making a wish.

Eating cake with friends.

Yeah! Presents!

Big brother helping her.

Yes! Dress up like a ballerina butterfly!

My new favorite outfit!

Even with my crocs on the wrong feet!

Jackson with his "best friend", Katherine.

Rocker Redo

This rocker was my dad's when he was a boy. My mom had recovered it probably 15 years ago in this cream fabric. Not a good color choice for actual toddler use. Julia use to teeth on the back of it. So, it was in major need of new fabric.

Here it is now in a fun microfabric zebra print (a Ufab find for $9/yard). I love it! I plan on making pillowing for this family room with the same fabric.

And you can see, Jackson is a fan!

A start with sisal

Finally, I decided on a rug for the eat-in dining area. It's sisal with a black fabric border. I think it pulls the room together, and with the eventual addition of valences, this will be an awesome area. I made a run to UFab, which is a discount fabric store in Cary town, this past weekend. Of course, I found fabric for other projects. I bought a cool zebra print microfabric to recover the kids rocking chair and make some fun pillows for the family room. But, I'm still on the hunt for valence fabric. I'd like to find a reversible print some I can use on side for the eat-in area and the other side for the kitchen window. This was done in the house we rented in Duck and it looked great. Maybe Williams and Sherrill will have what I'm looking for. Guarantee I'll pay for it if I find it but I do look at these windows everyday!