Glimpses

I’ve had a few requests for more glimpses into our new nest and our new life (which is blessedly beginning to find a happy, good rhythm), so here goes (my flash went out for a few of the shots and I could not find our charger immediately, so forgive the grainy quality):

This is my early morning nook. The painting is from dear friends from my homeschooling co-op. Across the way from the plush couch are shelves of my favorite spiritual books. Right now I’m reading Let Nothing Disturb You: 30 Days with a Great Spiritual Teacher, which is based on the writings of Saint Teresa of Avila. Although it’s very difficult for me to sneak away from my bed without one of my girls noticing, I’ve learned that my children often oblige if I ask them to curl up beside me as I pray quietly. It’s usually my 3-year-old who gets up early with me, and she’ll sit beside me and look through books or attempt a puzzle as I collect my thoughts for the day and try to put peace in my heart. Eight minutes of quasi-quiet is better than nothing.

The photo is hanging straight; it’s the photographer (me) who was all cockeyed.

Now on to the kitchen. Here I’ll share one of my favorite decorative touches. I found these great hooks at Pier 1 and thought they would look perfect one large wall of the kitchen. But what to hang there? Our cabinets are a Dover White and the walls are painted a light sage. The colors set a calming tone; yet, my husband and I both agreed the room needed some warmth. That’s when I thought of hanging my collection of aprons from Anthropolgie. There’s nothing like donning a frilly, floral apron to make you feel industrious and feminine at the same time. And there’s nothing like using said aprons as ornamentations to make your kitchen feel warm and homey.

I’m really happy with the way the older girls’ room turned out. We decided on FLOR carpet tiles (thank you for all of the helpful comments after this post). It’s not overly plush, but I love the fact that you can order a new tile should a stubborn stain appear (and, yes, the rug has already been christened with something brown, which thankfully isn’t poop). I’ve also been impressed by how well it stays put despite being used as the ocean for a pirate expedition and a mat for a wrestling match with Daddy.

To keep with the blue theme, I ordered blue crystal knobs from D. Lawless Hardware for the built-in storage cabinets and desk in Madeline and Rae’s bedroom. One of my closest friends recommended this site, and I used it for our kitchen knobs as well. The knobs were very affordable (the ones I chose were just over a buck a knob) but also high-quality.

Of course, the girls’ most exciting addition to their room is a new fish to replace our beloved Izzy (who
sadly did not survive a flying – and foolish – leap out of his bowl shortly after our move). Madeline has named our new pet Lolly. She’s also assigned him (her? no bubble nest yet) the nickname Smarty because she’s decided he’s an exceptional fish.

 And now on to my favorite decor in our new home: the communion of my children and nature right in our own backyard!

Only God can make a tree.

The only thing more beautiful than the towering trees in our backyard is the children playing in their shade.