Shelf-Life

My kids took it upon themselves to redecorate the playroom. They are cute enough to be put on a shelf! It is the weekend and boy were we ready for it! Chelsea has a double ear infection, and Travis and I are exhausted from our week back at school. It is a nice day to rest and relax...A Jammie Day! Let the naps begin!

Bargains Galore...

It has been a week of bargains... It started on Monday when we bought a new car. We are now part of the minivan brigade. I must say I do love it. The thought of spending so much money stresses me out. In response, I do a little shopping. Probably not the best idea but I keep it within reason. I did something I never do...I went to Goodwill to look for some accents for the home. I have been reading all of these blogs about how people find treasures among the chaos of their local Goodwill stores so I decided to try my hand. I was pleased with my finds. I also hit a few of my favorite haunts...TJ Maxx and Target. I am not really bound by one style or period over another. My tastes seem to always fall in the "country" category. I pick what I like and don't worry if it is Colonial or primitive or shabby chic. I just like what I like....
I found this bowl in a pile of "junk" when my in laws were selling their house. They were leaving it out for the junk guy to take so I helped myself. I think the grater also came from the pile. I found the wooden spoon in a drawer and decided it was too old to use, but just worn enough to add to the display. But something was missing and I couldn't place my finger on what. Then at Goodwill I found the heart shaped wrought iron muffin tin and the wooden rolling pin. I think I like the way it looks, but I am not sure.
I also found the washboard on my Goodwill trip. I like how it looks layered behind the hutch with all of the stuff on it.
I found the butter crock in there also. Nothing special about it, per se. I have a thing for cobalt blue glass and pottery so I was glad to take it home. Once I cleaned it up I was glad I did. It works with the other items in my kitchen. I also found a red cuttingboard (and the dye is foodsafe!) at Target. I love wooden cutting boards and red is a continuous color scheme throughout my house. Yeah Me!!
On to TJ Maxx where I found this little cabinet. I am using it for spices. I like the fact that it looks distressed and I love the punched tin doors. And there are even stars on it! I guess it was just made for my kitchen!

Celebrating 100s Day Travis-Style!

Here we go again...another adventure on the other side of the desk! I just finished looking at my students' projects for the 100th Day of School when my son came home with his assignment. After I groaned and moaned about it to my colleagues we swung into action! There was only one project that would truly show off who Travis really is... 100 Trains.

I thought it would be easy to find 100 train stickers. I guess the train-craze is over (although not in my house) because after several shopping trips, we barely had enough. I could have sworn we had some in the basement, but I think I remember throwing them away after we flooded! Oh well! Travis was thrilled with the result. He was especially impressed with with his idea to put an exclamation point after the 100 on the last train.

And while Travis and mom worked on the project, Chelsea played princess with her castle from Tita, Uncle Scott, and Caroline. She kept me posted on the goings-on about the castle... Diego came to visit and then the princess got hurt. Then she got sick. Tough day for the royals!

The Gift of Time

Is there anything that feels sweeter than the first few hours of a school vacation? You have got the whole week stretched out in front of you waiting to be turned into memories. Today is one of those days. The kids and I are off for nine days! We only have a few little events planned. Maybe we will stay in our pajamas one day. A few play dates? Who knows? That's the beauty of it...the blank slate of unplanned time!

We had some friends over to celebrate the beginning of vacation. Here are some hightlights:

Don't Mess With Texas!

Our supper plans got off to a late start because we were delayed in an appointment. John told the kids to get their shoes on and we would go to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. I kiddingly told Travis, "Grab your Cowboy Hat! We are going to Texas Roadhouse!"

And he did!



After the few comments about what a handsome cowboy we had, some of the staff brought over the saddle seat and asked Travis to pose for a picture. He was reluctant at first. I think he changed his mind when Chelsea wanted to do it.
Chelsea left her pink cowboy hat in the car and was simply satisfied to snuggle in the booth with her daddy. Y'all come back now! Don't worry! We will!