Dinner is served.

Welcome to the last room of the downstairs.

I know I've taken forevah to show you around. But at least you know when you do come visit, you can't overstay your welcome. I mean, you've been hanging out in my first floor for, what? ...over a week now?

And I haven't even kicked you out. Not even after the OB visit from...*ahem* ...elsewhere. I'm pretty impressed. You?

Worries go down better with soup. ~Jewish Proverb

Ah yes. What a proverb! I know I feel better when I get to eat comfort food. surrounded by comforting people. in a comfortable setting. *contended sigh* Don't you?

I always wax sentimental when it comes to meal times as a family. I've said the before. And I'll say it again because I just can't get past the The Leave it to Beaver Ideal.

And I really don't want to.

Because This is the place where we spend soo much time as a family. the place where so many memories are made. and the place where tastebuds as well as conversations mature.

The Dining Room.

Statistics talk about how few families actually sit down for a meal together, and even then, some are eating in from of the TV. And those same statistical studies show that the frequency of family meal time dwindles as children grow older.

I want to do everything in my power to make sure that this is not what happens to MY family. Because:

"Social scientists say such communion (family dinner time) acts as a kind of vaccine, protecting kids from all manner of harm." TIME June, 2006

And who doesn't want to protect their children from 'all manner of harm'?!

Admittedly, it doesn't always come easily though. At least not in MY house. Conversations don't always flow. Sometimes the Intimate-Family-Moment-Ideal never happens. And the thought of extracting teeth seems a little more inviting than convincing myself that it's worth the extra time and energy.

But only sometimes.

Because I know years from now (think TEENAGER) Jet and I will be deliriously happy (I don't know why but that word picture cracks me up. so I just had to say it) that we took the time to let our girls know we love them, want to hear what they have to say, and respect them for their opinions.

And no, Lani is not relegated to eat by herself, up against the wall. We do move the highchair to the table to include her. :) How could we not? She's soo funny!

Dinnertime is one of those moments that I'm SOO very thankful to not be a single parent. Because I've been with my girls all day. I feel I've said everything I can. or care to. *wry grin*

BUT THEN *cue trumpets and the angel choir* DADDY COMES HOME.

And all is alive with potential again.

Thanks, in large part to his energetic creativity, our meals become something worthwhile. We play games (I Spy and Twenty Questions are two favorites). We talk about the day. We He make up crazy songs.

He goes around the table and asks each girl one of three questions:

• What animal?
• What color?
• How many?

And then he goes on to make up songs about Twelve Green Toads. Or Five Pink Elephants. Or whatever else the girls have thrown at him. It's hysterical. and rather ingenious.


This room was the first room that we really started to fix up when we were moving in. The decades-old wallpaper actually fell off the wall. in large contrast to the remainder of the house's plaster walls.

where steaming, scrapping, and "proven-true" concoctions of wallpaper remover didn't quite do the trick.

I cringe at the memory. But *rejoice* that it's done. because this room continues to evolve a little more every month.

Not too long ago, I was on a quest to change the color to something bold and vibrant. But have since decided against it...because I can just change the decor as I am inspired. (one of the reasons the room now appeals to me so much)


My overall goal in decorating a house is two fold. I want to be surrounded by beauty. Yet I want it to be practical, usable, and inviting to families.

I want every room to be a room that my girls feel at ease being a part of.

Growing up, we'd go visit a family member who's house was not set up like this. (Maybe this is why I don't like trinkets? because they're breakable, not to be touched, and completely off limits to the only people who actually care to look at them: kids).

As soon as we arrived at her home, we were sent downstairs to play in the basement while the adults stayed upstairs talking. As you can imagine, "fun memories" didn't really happen there.

Don't get me wrong, I expect our children to be respectful of our home. to understand that there are certain things that should not be used as toys. certain rules that need to be followed (ie. we don't let them run around the circular downstairs. Just think: colliding heads as you round a corner. Or into a pregnant mommy's belly. <--THAT was what first brought about The Rule).

But we want for them to enjoy life here. all while learning how to maturely treat a home. So we have toys/play areas in all the rooms, giving them the ability to relax and play in every room of our living area.

Like in the dining room, we have their white erase board and pegboard (in above picture) where they can do school work (or just play "School"). And a world map and school chalkboard...
It's amazing to me what geography they learn by just casually observing it from time to time. We haven't been intentional about studying the map this year, thus far.

Though it is my heart to be a bit more intentional about teaching them that not all nations have the same freedoms as we have. that there are some Christians who are beaten and/or killed for simply loving Jesus.

Along with the fact that it's our responsibility to go to those places and share Jesus.

I know I have to do more than put strategically placed scripture and bumper stickers up throughout the house. BUT at the same time, I know that putting those things up will help in cementing those ideals into their everyday thinking.

maybe this is the Lazy Mom mentality? but eh. I'm good with that for now. *wink*

Yes, this is random. But I got this "plant" (weed thing) for my birthday.

Love the character its dried up booty brings to the room. ;)

Kind of snazzy, huh? :D

And this is the new door that Jet just put in this room...

giving us a view of a section of our backyard. and of course, at the aging back porch. :)

Man, my husband is some kind of talented. *le sigh*

And this is what the dining room looks like when I have a party and am quickly trying to take pictures of people in the different rooms without missing out on the fun.

I wish you could have been sitting at that table. or in one of the other rooms. The fun we would have.

And hopefully you're not tired of my house. Because there are two more floors. that I'll get around to showing you. One day.

But for now, I'm getting ready for another party tomorrow. My first annual Choctoberfest. Something I've been wanting to do for three years now, and am finally getting around to making it happen.

Ironically, when I've removed sugar from my diet. Oh glory.