Best Wallpapers Flowers: Simple Abundance

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My Lenten News Fast

For those who observe, Lent began earlier this month on Ash Wednesday (March 9th). This year for Lent, I'm undertaking a news fast. No news coverage except for weather. I decided to give up news because as a "news junkie", I have a tendency to saturate myself with news coverage. News in the morning while I'm getting dressed, listening to talk radio on-line at work, more news in the evening. While its good to be informed, I find most news today is presented in such a manner that creates fear and anxiety. That's not a healthy place to exist. In 2 Timothy 1:7, it says "God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, of love and a sound mind." A sound mind is not a fearful mind. So in an effort to reclaim my peace and set my mind on whatever is excellent and praiseworthy, I said bye-bye to news (sorry Glenn and Rush!).

Since beginning my news fast, I've found that I haven't been able to completely escape the news of the day. I don't know specifics, but I gather a disaster has happened in Japan (prayers for those affected). And I've learned its not always the big things that rob my peace. But my reaction to the little things during my day also has the potential to steal my peace (God is still working on me with that one!).

Spring!

Bye, Bye 70s! Painted Paneling

BEFORE

Our house was built in the 1970s. Among its original features are yellow shag carpeting in the study, harvest gold tile in the master bath and the dark wood paneling pictured above in the living room. When we first saw this house, we feel in love with the layout instantly. Which is why the paneling didn't scare us away! We figured we would replace it with drywall once we settled in. But life got busy - having babies and raising babies. And the financial aspect of replacing the paneling seemed so overwhelming.

From a decorating standpoint, the room never really came together. I hesitated to put anything on the walls, because of the paneling. I had a vision for the room but struggled to bring it to life. Our thoughts then turned to painting the paneling. But the 12 foot ceiling in this room was intimidating! We had a local painter come out to give us an estimate. His price for painting the room fit nicely within our budget. And now we have a beautiful new room, that looks just as I had always imagined it would!

AFTER

I chose Sherwin Williams Comfort Gray (SW 6205) for the paneling, Sherwin Williams Dover White (SW 6385) for the trim, shelves and stair railing and the drywall above the paneling was color matched to a Valspar paint color (a beige color).

I commented to Dave not only does the room look better, it makes our "trashy" furnishing look better as well! And when I say trashy, I mean basically everything in this room was either given to us, bought at a yard sale or was a curbside treasure!

The painters also made repairs to the exterior and the gave our saltbox a fresh coat of red paint. The exterior color is Sherwin Williams Fireweed (SW 6328). Which I've come to learn is the consumer version of the paint color used for the Golden Gate Bridge.

We're so in love with this room now! It looks like an entirely different room. What a great way to start Spring, with a completely refreshed space!

Sharing this before and after with:

Remodelaholic - Remodelaholic's Anonymous

Valentine's Day

Clayton's class Valentine's - Lovebugs. Get it :)

For Ashleigh's Valentine's, chalkboard hearts.

Saved myself a lot of time by using heart-shaped chalkboard stickers from Michael's craft store.

Paper heart doily banner for the china cabinet

Red roses and chocolates from my sweetheart.

Valentine's Day is the anniversary of our engagement.

Roses for the table.

I found the prettiest red tulips at Trader Joe's.

Quick craft - framed paper hearts on scrapbook paper.

Chalkboard hearts in the foyer.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Birthday Clayton!

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY CLAY BABY!

Happy Birthday Ashleigh!

Happy 8th Birthday Ashleigh!

Happy Birthday Reed!

Happy 4th Birthday to my

Baby Reedy Pooh!

This Is What Jolly Looks Like!

Merry Christmas!

O Christmas Tree(s)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Using my Fall starfish frame door "wreath" as the star over baby Jesus

Our foyer Christmas tree (burgundy & gold)

Nativity wreath over berry trees in the foyer

Red, turquoise & apple green ornaments for the three accent trees in the family room

(only two trees are pictured)

Family room

Remember these from Target last year? Target is my first stop when it comes to after Christmas clearance sales!

Blue & gold tree in the dining room

Dining room

Dining room china cabinet

Kitchen tree

(we also have a small counter top tree in the kitchen as well)

Living room trees by the fireplace

Sunroom tree

(Red & cooper ornaments with pine cone garland strands)

The "Martha Stewart" tree

(pink, purple, pearl & gold glass ornaments with pink & gold bows)

This tree is decorated entirely with Martha Stewart ornaments bought on clearance from Kmart eight (yes 8!) years ago. The year after I bought them, Ashleigh was only 11 months old, so these glass ornaments have been packed away ever since then. But this year, I decided to be brave and put them out! The tree is sitting on top of a dresser in the living room. Safe from little hands - but not so safe from our new kitty Oreo!

The "Sweets" tree upstairs by the kids bedrooms

(Candy themed ornaments, pearl bulbs with gumdrop garland)

Adorable Country Living fabric cupcake ornaments

Red poinsetta for upstairs

Our Main Christmas tree with family ornaments, some dating back to Dave's childhood

We also have a tree in our master bathroom that wasn't decorated at the time I took these photos. But I did the same theme as last year with the recycled paper towel garland and copper ornaments.

Only 3 days till Christmas!

Think about the most delicious, moist cake from your Grandmother's kitchen. Topped with sweet (but not too sweet!) buttery, turquoise blue frosting. THAT is the Cafe Blue!

YUM!

Best Wallpapers Flowers