What Happens When Little Girls Do Their Math.....

It's a whole different story than when little boys do their math. I mean boys make noises....noises like cars, trucks, planes, helicopters, motorcyles, and even their favorite superhero! I remember that vividly from Colt! Girls, from my experience anyway, doodle, sing, or turn their math lesson into an imaginative fairytale story.



While I was busy cooking, Joy had completed her math page in her Math-U-See book and the math manipulative blocks that go along with it were still out on the table. Well I noticed her making several trips back to her bedroom and coming back in with.....well....stuff! The "stuff" multiplied into a table full of miniature doll houses. Every once in awhile, I would hear a frustrated growl or some sign of things not going her way (in other words blocks falling). After a bit, she seemed satisfied and called me over for a look. She created (with her math blocks) her own dollhouse, without a roof (since it wasn't raining). And of course, every house needs a family and furniture (that's my girl)! So with hundreds, tens, and every other size block we have, she created her own dollhouse. Who says you need all those toys from Walmart? Some kids just play with their math blocks!



Of course, this IS the same little girl (that her brother used to tease) because if she didn't have dolls to play with, she made them out of whatever was in front of her.....In the bathroom...the hairspray, lotion bottles, deodorant bottles, shampoo bottles, etc.....all became "people" and "families". She would line them up biggest down to smallest and have parades, or make them go swimming in the swimming pool (the sink of course!) So I'm asking myself WHY do I spend money on toys? With an imagination like that, who needs expensive toys? :)

Birthday Blessings

Today is my birthday! I guess I could be down about turning 45 if I chose to be, but the truth is...I'm glad to be here! I don't like the alternative to growing older, so I'll take it! :) And I have so much to be thankful for and I am!

Just to sum it up:

I've grown up in a loving family with wise parents and a wonderful childhood. I have a brother that I share many fun memories with. I became a Christian at the age of 10 years old...saved me alot of trouble along those teenage years! I married a good Godly man that treats me like his queen. I was blessed with a beautiful baby boy, Colt, and then nearly ten years later with a beautiful baby girl, Joy. I've been able to be home with my kids and then to homeschool my kids. I've enjoyed being there during all those learning moments. Along the way in there...right around the time Colt arrived....we were able to build our home we dreamed of building. We've not always had alot, but we've had enough. My whole family is blessed with good health. I have wonderful friends, relatives, and church family. My kids are good kids. How could I be upset about getting older? I would have missed all these things...I look forward to every year. Each one holds different memories and opens a new chapter. I consider it a blessing to be 45 years old and I hope I'm blessed with many more to share with all those I love.

My mom dug out some pictures of me growing up so I could share with you...here's a few from my childhood....

Just a baby....


One of my favorites....hair blowing in the wind....As a toddler


A little lady...


First Grade


Third Grade


Somewhere around the 5th grade, I think.


Seventh Grade


My 14th Birthday...Just beginning 9th Grade

A Kitchen Update

A few of you have asked how the kitchen was coming along, so I thought I would give you all an update today.

This past weekend, the only real visual accomplishment was the completion of the back door and pantry door and putting a little shine to the trimwork (hubby HAD to have this). We did come to some decision as far as countertops (I think anyway) and a kitchen sink and faucet.

Saturday, Jason took the pantry door down and "spruced it up". Now if you remember the before pictures, this door was a plain flat interior door. I knew I wanted it to have more character. We had talked about what to do to give more interest. Jason took it out to the garage and worked his magic on it. He planned to add trim to the door to make it a raised panel door. What I didn't know is that he used the old trim that used to be above the cabinets to make the panels (repurposed trim). Now that makes it even more special in that he used a part of my "old kitchen" on the door. And he purposely left me a 4 1/2" opening or space below the first raised panel for a "Pantry" sign (that I don't have yet but have always pictured there and plan to purchase).

Then came the paint. We had chosen Cabin Red, also Lowe's Eddie Bauer paint. Everyone that came around agreed that from the paint sample, it complimented the bittersweet paint very well. However, one stroke of it on my door, and I knew I didn't like it! I was trying to be positive and convince myself that it would dry differently and that it would be okay. Well two doors painted later and dried, I was SURE it wasn't going to work. It looked pink! Jason agreed. Here's what it looked like:



So off we went to Lowe's again late Saturday evening. I didn't expect to get my money back, but I hoped maybe we could tint it some. I put the paint on the counter and proceeded to tell the guy why I didn't like it...and before I could get it all out, he said, "And it was pink." He said that I was about the fourth person in a couple of months with that same shade/color that brought it back for the same reason. He said they all complained that it wasn't the color of the sample...it was more pinkish. That made me feel a little better because the sample swatch really coordinated. He was willing to trying tinting it for me. He started to add more red, but I told him to try brown first. After a couple of times of tinting with various amounts of brown drops, we had a shade I thought would work. Had it not worked, I was going to Sherwin Williams on Monday to buy what had been my second choice of all the paint samples against the kitchen color.....Sundried Tomatoes. But we brought it home and Jason put on the "new color" and it was SO MUCH better. Here's how it the doors turned out:





However, I still thought they would coordinate even better if the color wasn't so bright...muted some. I told him I thought we should try antique glaze over them. He wasn't fond of that idea. Remember he isn't real keen on the old, distressed, grungy look of too many things! I convinced him to do me a sample on a board lightly brushed on with antique glaze (I had not been feeling well during all this...sore throat, headache...etc..). He did it for me, but brought it in and said, "There's your glazed one....see which way you like it better, but I hope you don't like it this way!" lol! Well which way do you think I liked better? Yep, the glazed one! I knew immediately that I liked it alot better. It just seemed to compliment the wall tone! I told him so, and asked him to trust me. I told him I thought he would really like it better in the end. And whew, was I glad when it was finished and he DID like it better. He liked the way the glaze brought out the wood grain on the pantry door, and that fact that it toned down the color a tad bit and made it go better with everything.



I have no idea why that circle is on the wall...the flash I guess..it's not really there in person:


A little closer view..you can see the wood grain Jason likes:


And after all of the painting ordeal was over, late Saturday night, Jason brought in a piece of formica countertop that we had been considering at Lowe's. Remember I told you earlier that we came to some decisions? Well one of them was that we didn't like the tiles for the countertop. The more we looked at them all week and "lived with them", they just didn't make us happy. They seemed to compete with everything! The four color combination was too busy. The two color combination (the floor tile color and terra cotta color) just made me think of a checkerboard and the one color (terra cotta) was best but still just seemed to take over everything. Maybe it was because there was tile on my floor. I'm not really sure. We also decided against the three formica countertops that I showed samples of in an earlier post. I think because my cabinets are so light, the countertops needed a darker contrast, so we had pretty much decided on a black(ish) countertop from Lowe's. A couple of friends from the Country Sampler forum have this countertop, and I loved the way it looked. It's called Labrador Granite. Here's a piece of it lying on my counter. What do you think?



The plans are this weekend to put in countertops and hope that our ordered kitchen sink arrives from Home Depot. The original sink I wanted just didn't coordinate well with the countertop, so I researched and looked....and researched and looked some more. In the end, we ordered this one.



It had good reviews. We sat the laminate piece near a similiar black sink in Lowe's and it seems to work best. We're hoping we made the right decision and that it arrives this weekend in time. If not, Jason plans to just cut the place for it and drop it in when it does arrive. I'm nervous about it all coming together, but I feel fairly confident and excited about it.

Then the next decision will be curtains. Too many decisions to make! Any ideas on curtains? My dining room burgandy sturbridge valances look great in there against everything, but that's just it....I already have them in the dining room and I have the navy sturbridge valances in my living room.



So that's the kitchen update....oh and just last night, Jason painted the pantry door knob black. He was going to buy a new one. I suggested we at least try the $1 Walmart black spray paint and see how it looked. I think it's fine.





And Jason got a big hug and kiss for doing the majority of painting everything this weekend when I wasn't feeling well....I got to be supervisor pretty much this weekend..so I'm really thankful for all his work, and all without complaining at all! :)

And now you know what work is in store for us over the holiday weekend......

Goodies in the Mail, Two Giveaways & An Award

Saturday evening, we had to make yet another run to Lowe's for paint adjustments (that's another post), but when we pulled in the driveway, I noticed a package on the front porch rocker! I could hardly wait to get to it and see what it was! I was expecting either a Mary Kay order or my goodies from Wendy (The Cozy Yellow House). I was hoping it was my goodies from Wendy! She told me to be looking for them on Monday, but this was Saturday.....but maybe! And lo and behold, it was! I was so excited! I brought it in and opened the box! I forgot to get a picture of the box before (everyone else THINKS of this!) :) Even at that Jason and Joy were laughing at me getting a picture of every step, instead of just tearing right into it (like I wanted to do)!

So when I opened it up...it looked SO pretty wrapped in the homespun bow and the prim tag attached:



Then I got past the very nicely wrapped bubble wrap to find the sweetest note in there too on sunflower stationary!



And then I finally got to hold that beautiful redware platter in my hands! It's just so pretty! Also in there were the bay leaves bag and the great prim note pads! I plan to add a magnet to the back of those and attach them to my refrigerator...dual purpose....a little prim decor on my black refrigerator and practical notepads at hand.....and then as an added bonus, she included some good ole Vermont maple candy! I shared it with Jason and Colt (Joy doesn't like any kind of candy except sour). Colt thought it tasted alot like maple syrup candy that we made one year when we were reading the Little House on the Prairie books. We made the old fashioned kind with molasses, but this candy was WAY better than that! I just ate the last piece as I wrote this! Thanks Wendy for that little surprise! Thank you for ALL of it! I love it and was so excited as this was my first win! I can't wait to find a place for my platter and bag! (I'm thinking kitchen here when it's done). And Wendy, I thank you for your friendship! I love reading your blog too and seeing what you and Steve are up to!



And speaking of winning a giveaway, here are two more giveaways that you'll want to be sure and enter!

The first one will be drawn on my birthday....I think it would make a great birthday present! :) It is in celebration of Rondell of Tomatoe Creek Prims' 100th post! She worked hard on these stitcheries....one for all the upcoming seasons! They are adorable! If you want to enter (if you don't that just gives me more of a chance) lol!, click on over to Rondell's blog and leave her a comment. She'll draw out a lucky winner on August 28th!



And second of all (but definitely not least...hers is just being drawn later), here's another giveaway offered by Tammy from The Olde Hollow Crow & Easy Livin'. She has a great prairie doll and prairie doll ornies to give away! She's drawing out a lucky winner on August 30th (and I believe that is Kindra's birthday)! Be sure and hop over there and check it out....leave her a comment!





And I have another award to announce....this is the sweetest award too! This one came from my friend, Angie, over at Sandals and Daisies. She presented me with this Perfect Blend of Friendship Award. I feel the same way about Angie....you can tell she is just the sweetest, down to earth, fun loving, creative, thrifty and likeable lady! I love her style of writing and she always amazes me with what she comes up with! You can tell she loves her family! We've decided we should live next door to each other.......or at least the same town!




There were no rules attached to this except to answer the following questions and to pass it on.

~I have to answer the following questions about myself.~

1. Do you have the same friends since childhood? I have a few of those (I don't get to see alot of them very often) and more new ones along the way!

2. Things you value most about your friends? Their values, integrity, down-to-earth(iness), faithfulness.

3. Are your friends sounding boards? Of course....but not everything....that's only for my hubby!

4. What is your favorite activity to share with friends? Different things for different ones......phone conversations, outings with the kids, shopping, blogging, crafting, homeschooling activities....

Now to pass this award on:

Honestly, I don't think I could single out a few folks for this award.....as I have found so many blogging and forum friends that have different personalities and styles, but that's why I like each one! They all have those qualities....all people I love getting to know! I hope I'm not breaking any rules here, but if you're on my blogroll, on the Country Sampler forum, or friends reading this....this award is FOR YOU.....my friend....display it on your blog...print it out on stationary....whatever you like! Just pass it along however you wish! If you display it on your blog...I'd love to see you answer the questions too!)

Thanks for your friendship....it really is the perfect blend!

Airplane Day

Today....August 24th.....is what we call our Airplane Day (it also happens to be my neice Laci's birthday too). What is an Airplane Day? Well, it's the day that our son, Colt, came home to us on an airplane all the way from South Korea with six other babies (all boys) being escorted to their families anxiously and lovingly awaiting their arrival! How excited we were to become parents!

Jason and I had been married for seven years. It was four days before my 26th birthday. Colt was five and a half months old. The wait seemed like forever to get him here! We thought he was coming home to us at three months, but he got sick and had to stay there until he was well. Then the next time he was scheduled to come home to us, the babies were bumped from their flight, thus delaying it all again! You can just imagine how it felt to have a picture of your baby boy and know he's that far away from you and to yearn to hold him in your arms! It helped some to keep a journal for him during this time.

(His airplane....we were watching through the window knowing he was inside...see the sun rising on a new, very exciting day for us!)


Then finally on this day, August 24th early in the morning, nineteen years ago, his escort, a very nice elderly gentleman, walked off that plane, called out our last name and placed our beautiful little blessing of a baby boy into my arms! I just knew I would cry when they did (NOW I'm all teared up as I write this), but I couldn't cry then. All I could do was smile...and then smile some more (as we all did that day!) Colt leaned back, looked at my face and gave me the biggest smile ever as if to say, "It's you..I know you..I'm here." And that boy has kept us smiling and laughing ever since! (And on our toes, I might add). As a matter of fact, he was nicknamed "Smiley" on the plane by the adults because he could turn the smile and charm on, and then go back to a straight solid face just as quickly as he turned it on!

(They had just placed him in my arms...right after the big smile from him...and notice the gentleman in the lower left corner....that's his escort looking on smiling!)


(Told you I was all smiles....he would smile really big and cut it off, then repeat the whole process all over again!)


Our lives changed that day (obviously) after 7 years of marriage, but I wouldn't trade it for anything or any feeling in the world! I became a mom that day....being a mom is THE best, most rewarding job in the world!

(Jason was beaming all day too!)


And for anyone that thinks even for a second that it feels different to become a family through adoption versus becoming a family by birth......let me tell you first hand (having it both ways)....there is NO difference in the way you feel!

(My mom and dad were there with us, along with a few other family and friends....it was quite an experience for everyone!)


The day they placed Colt in my arms and the day they placed Joy in my arms were the days my world changed. I've been blessed to be a mom to two special kids...both my miracle babies....and I wouldn't trade either experience for anything. I once read a remark that sums it up for me, "One of my kids is adopted they say, but I can't seem to remember which one."

Giveaway and More Awards

I recently just discovered Scoti and her blog, Red Cinnamon Prims, and on top of that I also discovered that she is having a giveaway! Sometimes I wonder how many more great blogs are out there that I'm missing! Sigh! There's only so much time in a day! I sure wish I had time to visit them all! People are so interesting to me and I've "met" so many new friends through my favorite forum and blog land!



But back to the giveaway, if you haven't check it out....hop on over there and take a look. Leave a comment to be entered for her drawing that will take place on Sunday evening at 11:00 p.m.

And last, but definitely not least, I'm overwhelmed by the kindness of my fellow blogging friends that have yet awarded me with the smile award again (I just love this award....just typing it makes me smile)! My friends, Farmchick, Jenn of Bittersweet Prims and Rosemary from Prim Thymes have been so sweet to think of me with this award! Thank you so much! I look forward to seeing a new post on my blogroll from each of you! And since I just gave out this award and posted it a couple of days ago, I'll not to that again, but I do appreciate each and every person that visits and that I get to visit! You all make me smile!

I sometimes get upset knowing I don't have time to "make my rounds", but if you don't see me right away, I'll eventually get there! We're starting our homeschooling schedule at a laid back schedule this week and then full force the day after Labor Day, so I'll have to find a routine schedule that works to check out my blogging and forum friends! Thank you all so much for all the comments that you have left and continue to leave. Your support, encouragement, and input in all the areas I post about mean alot and brighten my day!

Through the Rockin' Years

Forty nine years ago today, August 22nd, 1959, my Mama and Daddy were married at the (ripe old) age of fifteen and seventeen. Daddy was a country boy that grew up in a large family working in the cotton fields and Mama was the sheltered small town girl that captured my dad's heart!


(The early days)

I love to hear the stories of how they hung out at the Midway Cafe listening and dancing to the 50's music on the juke box. And they both can dance those 50's dances too! As a matter of fact, Joy had a 50's party on her 8th birthday and my mom came over and taught the kids some of those dances. And let me just tell you...she's still got it! She might have been a little sore, but then so was I! And I had to put some of my daddy's favorite 50's songs on here today too....Chantilly Lace and Rockin' Robin.


(Aleady married 3 years here!)

As a couple in their early years, times weren't easy and they didn't have alot materially, but the most important thing they had (and still have) is love and devotion to each other. They've been an example to both my brother, Richie, and me in their marriage and family life.

Mama was always a stay-at-home wife and mother and there for us and daddy was (and is) a hard worker providing for his family. I don't know what's it like to have anything but a loving family that's there for me, so I've been truly blessed.


(Their 25th Anniversary Celebration)

Forty nine years is a long time and I want to wish Mama and Daddy a Happy Anniversary and many more blessed "Rockin'" years together!


(Recently...a year ago at Easter)

Thanks for your living example of a happy marriage! I love you both!
~ Tammy ~

Goodbye White, Hello Color!

Years ago when we painted our living room "New England Red", I was very apprehensive about it. I had been talking so long about doing it (but concerned I wouldn't like it once it was up) that Jason finally said, "Come on, we're getting the paint." "We're going to do it...if you don't like it...we'll paint over it." Sometimes I need a push like that, and he knows it. Well we did it, and I never looked back. I've always loved that red room. It's a warm and cozy color.

From that point on, I knew I would never have a white wall again if I had anything to do with it. I just love color! So slowly, since our whole house was white....Dover White to be exact....we've painted rooms. Now some of those colors I want to change! Can you believe we painted a bathroom peach? What WAS I thinking? It's the upstairs bathroom luckily and it's not even on my list to change anytime soon because they're many other rooms and projects ahead of it on the list!

Jason thought of doing the chairs on the angle instead of straight in on each side and it gives us more room. It never occurred to me to try this....I told him I was impressed...he's becoming a decorator. I think he's pretty proud of himself! (And my windows do need a good washing outside...you notice it more at night...another job!)


The kitchen was probably the boldest, darkest color we've done though, and I love it. I can't wait to walk in there in the mornings when I get up. I do wish it was all completely done...countertops, new cabinet knobs, chairs painted, all primly accessorized...but it will all take time and money so I must be patient. Until then, I won't be putting things back on my walls until I can get what I want. That's my motivation to save for it. I'll just be picturing it "in my mind's eye" and gathering my plans and ideas. That's part of the journey and the planning and collecting IS fun!

Notice the two black knobs? We were trying them out to see if we liked them. I like them so much better with everything than the white. What do you think? You can also see the color against the cabinets here.



It may be a bit before you see more progress, but I promise to share as we are working on it (I'll try to hurry, Mary)! For now, I'll show you the new completed "bittersweet" walls.

I took this one when it was still daylight outside. This backdoor I want to be burgundy/barn red. I think it will really pop against the bittersweet.

Pre-Company Dancers, A Giveaway, & Awards

Last night we began our routine of going to dance class again....twice a week! The exciting part for Joy and her best friend, Katie Beth, is the fact that they are in Pre-Company with the Dance School. They will now be cast in the ballet play that takes place at recital every year. This year's play will be Sleeping Beauty. They are SO excited! Last year's play was Peter Pan...and it was fantastic! They have ballet technique class on Tuesdays and jazz/tap on Thursdays. Here's a picture of them on their first night back (last night) in front of the school.



They are also excited because when dance starts back, they see each other four days a week....those two nights at dance, Wednesday night church and Sunday at church!

And most of you probably know already, but Kindra has been celebrating her 30th birthday that will take place the end of this month with pictures of her childhood and bits and pieces of "history" from the year she was born. It's been fun to read. And now it's HER birthday, and she's giving away this!



Be sure and stop in and leave a comment for a chance to win this beautiful gameboard painted by Kindra! The drawing takes place on Friday, so be sure and visit before it ends!

And last but not least, I have been so kindly awarded the I Love Your Blog award by four of my great blogging friends! I am very honored and I thank you very much for being so sweet and generous to think of me! I have met so many kind people and I look forward to reading all your blogs! It keeps me very busy and you all have the best ideas to share...I love your creativity! Thanks to Lisa of Black Sheep Prims, Mary of Gettysburg Homestead, Carolyn of Cranberry Crossings, and Rondell of Tomatoe Creek Prims!



The rules are to pick seven and post also leave a comment telling them of the award then post the award pic on your blog.

I know that many have received this award and many are deserving! If you haven't received it yet and you're on my blogroll...well...now you have! I truly enjoy visiting all the blogs on my blogroll! I'm never content unless I've been able to stop in and visit them all! So grab your award and proudly display it on your blog!

And Colleen of And Baby Makes Five, has given me the sweetest award...The Smile Award. Just her thinking of me for this award made me smile! Thanks so much, Colleen! I'm so glad I've "met" you through blog land! Your blog always lifts me up!



The Rules for the Smile Award are as follows:

1. The recipient must link back to the awards creator (it's right on the award)
2. You must post these rules if you receive the award.
3. You must choose 5 people to receive the award after receiving it yourself.
4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award (see below.)
5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient.
6. You must create a post sharing your win with others.
7. You must thank your giver. (s)

Characteristics for the Smile Award:

1. Must display a cheerful attitude. (not necessarily at all times--we are all human.).
2. Must love one another.
3. Must make mistakes.
4. Must learn from others.
5. Must be a positive contributor to blog world.
6. Must love life.
7. Must love kids.

Okay, here's my five on this one. I think this one hasn't been distributed as much, so I'm going to choose five (which is VERY hard)...you all make me smile!

1. Lea of Farmhouse Blessings - Lea has the sweetest spirit about her. She adores her kids and her husband. She loves being a wife and mother and her blog always lifts me up!

2. Mandie of Life in the Craft Lane with Mandie - Mandie is a very generous person. Out of the kindess of her heart, she gives free graphics for us all to enjoy and she even performs random acts of kindess, of which I was a recipient (with my new header). She always makes me smile!

3. Paula of The Fraker Farm, always makes me smile and sometimes just outright laugh! She is always upbeat and she turns every adventure on her farm into a positive one! I always leave her blog with a smile on my face!

4. Deb of Deb's Country Kisses, is a very wise, cheerful, and fun blogger! She is very inspiring and adores her family and her kindness shines through her blog and comments!

5. Rondell of Tomatoe Creek Prims, is a friend of mine from the CS forum. She helped me when I began my blog. She has a kind heart, is a great mom, wife, and grandma. Her comments and friendship always puts a smile on my face!

Thanks to all my blogging friends for your visits, your comments, and for sharing your creativity and lives with me! I feel like I have so many friends on here! Thanks a bunch!

Have a great day! :)

My (Not So Pretty) Kitchen

The part of remodeling anything that I really don't look forward to.....is the big mess you have to go through and live in before you see a light at the end of the tunnel!

Jason and I started pulling down wallpaper Friday night. We managed to get one layer down (the top part without the backing) and get to bed by 1:30 a.m.! The next morning, Jason had to make a run to the store for sponges and other things we kept thinking of! This always happens....there's always something we didn't think of or a problem arises that requires a trip to town. I've learned to expect this. So...we didn't get started until going on noon. I worked my way around the room removing wallpaper with a sponge, spray bottle of hot water and fabric softner, scraper, and a rag to catch my runs down the wall. Jason came along behind me spackling and repairing the drywall. This seemed like the longest part! (Jason got a picture of me...which I don't like....cameras always add unwanted pounds and I'm in my lovely overalls too, but in all fairness to the photos I take of everyone else and add to my blog, I'm going to go ahead and put it on here!)



The plastic was covering everything, so we couldn't get to anything pretty much the whole weekend! We finally did cut a slit in the front of the plastic of the refrigerator so we could get in there! Joy helped Jason put up the plastic. She actually helped on various parts, but she drifted back and forth between watching her movies and helping us with something we were working on in the kitchen. (Colt managed to dodge this project....he was working again!) :)





After the wallpaper was down, Jason painted the ceiling. I had nothing to do with that but supervising! I don't like painting over head like that, so he took care of that and I'm so thankful!



The next step was priming the walls which we tackled by Jason cutting in with the detail work and me rolling. When Jason opened up the actual paint can color of bittersweet to begin painting, it looked like mud to me!



I was wondering what in the world I was thinking! It was shocking to see my white walls go to such a dramatic bold darker color! You can see by this photo the contrast of the white to the bittersweet!



By Saturday evening, with Jason cutting in and me rolling, we had the side of the kitchen with the bay windows and by the back door primed and painted. We stopped there and managed to get in bed by 12:30 a.m.!

Sunday was Pastor's Appreciation Day at our church so we had a dinner there afterwards and wasn't able to get home right away, but we didn't have church in the evening, so when we did get home around 3:30, we were able to begin again. This time, I finished taping off around the cabinets while Jason cut in and primed again. Then I rolled the paint on behind him and we actually had it finished up and treated ourselves to dinner out at a local Mexican restaurant while it finished drying!

We were able to get all the plastic down and clean up when we got back in and pretty much get things back in order and get in bed before midnight. I still had some minor clean-up work to do on Monday, but we were very pleased to accomplish this in a weekend. I think Jason was surprised too! I think we've learned how to work together the more we do so and things just seem to move along better! It's definitely more fun working as a team!

So the bittersweet paint is on the walls and I'll show you a picture of that when I mop my floors and take some photos! :) I have to say that I have fallen in love with the color! It's so very warm and it's really a hard color to describe as it's not really a green shade but has brown tones also. I think prim accessories are going to really look nice and stand out with it! I'm really excited now and I love to walk in there (although it echoes because there's still nothing on the walls!)

Joy is missing our "old kitchen" but I think she'll be fine when we add in some of the old accessories! Colt likes the color, but says he'll have to "get used to it" and Jason loves it!

Now we're still trying to make decisions on other coordinating factors such as the countertops and more, but for now, I'm so glad to have especially the wallpaper stripping behind us and the painting all done! We did have to put up with our not so pretty kitchen for a weekend, but I just kept envisioning my pretty prim kitchen that we could enjoy one day after all the hard work!