What we've been up to

 It's been awhile since I've posted anything.  For my faithful blog readers (thanks mom and dad) you'll want to look at the living room update too.  We have been very busy around here with school, fall activities,  friends, and painting our living room.  This mom is exhausted by the new school routine.  I have truly became a taxi driver now.  Samuel is in school Tues, Thurs and Speech M, W.  The bus picks him up at the daycare house M, W (usually about 1hr after Amelia's bus).  Amelia is in afternoon kindergarten.  She rides the bus from daycare also.   We are thankful how it all worked out, but it does mean more running around.  The kids are also in swimming lessons, Ballet (Amelia), T ball (Samuel).  This adds to our weeknight running.  I'm getting good at crock pot meals.  In all of this the kids are adjusting amazingly well to school.  They love it and are doing so well.  Below are some of their recent projects.  Samuel's preschool was asked to make something out of a leaf.  Samuel drew Daddy with the body as the leaf.  It makes me chuckle every time I look at it.  I think his was the most creative.  Amelia is working hard on writing and learning to read.  She was so proud to earn 2 "Bearprides."  This is a reward system her school has.  It still amazes me what she is learning at this level. 

It is such a joy to watch our children reach this more independent level.  They are blessed with good friends, but still are each others best playmate. They make up elaborate games together and generally enjoy being together.  We are blessed.  Happy Fall to everyone.

Living Room Redo

 Since we moved into this house almost 8 years ago, I have not been able to decide what to do with the living room.  I wanted to paint it, but what, I wanted new pictures, but what.  I did buy 2 new chairs when we moved in, but have never loved them as much as I thought.  I do enjoy the leaning bookcases. Finally I decided I needed to paint this room... nothing hugely drastic... beige with a corresponding warm color called winter garden... a greener/yellow beige.  After several afternoons of painting, below are the finished colors.

 I got a new picture for above the couch (still may get some sconces) and new lights.  We tried different arrangements, but it left a whole in the room that looked too open and we ended up moving it back.  You'll notice some new pictures in other areas too.  I also got a small reading light for by my chair.  I'm still looking for a small table to put in the corner.. the large fake plant is gone.  You may notice the windows look empty.  We are awaiting our new hunter Douglas blinds.  Next it's on to our bedroom where we are going to paint, organize the closet and got a new comforter set.  Aren't home painting projects fun??