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.

Let's eat, shall we?

They (whoever that is) say that the kitchen is the heartbeat of the home. A place where memories are created along side the creation of meals.

Well? ...this is the corner of my kitchen where I'm constantly telling the girls "Please give me a little space." as I throw together last minute preparations for said 'creation of meals'.



They like to be in on the action. Tasting, stirring, asking question after question. Right there underfoot next to me, as I repeatedly remind them that they will get stepped on if they insist on not moving out of the way.

What that says about my home's heartbeat, I don't know. ...Okay, maybe I'd prefer not to know. ;)

One day, I'll so be that woman who does bulk cooking. where I spend one Saturday with my girls putting together enough meals to last us an entire month. Maybe after this next baby makes her appearance, I'll introduce my culinary self to her.

But either way, it's on my Things to Do before I'm 50 List. heh heh

For now, I'm all about simple, fast, and inexpensive...oh, and usually last-minute. But no worries, with you being here, I've made something special.

Courtesy of Papa Johns. *tease*

One of the things that people comment about our kitchen is the massive amount of cabinet space we have...as they reach up to our 9-ft ceilings.

And yes, they are in obvious need of some refinishing. But that's so not priority.

Someone once asked me, right after we moved in, if we were going to paint them white. Nope. Though I like that look for some kitchens, it's not the look I'd go for.

It's either refinish their oak behinds and "distress" them. Or paint them black. Ever seen a kitchen make-over with black cabinets? Soo classy.

But I digress...

Were you here and I needed to get some of the cutesy, serving platters out (since God knows serving pizza is all about presentation *hee hee*), I'd be jumping up on top of the counter...so as to reach those very tall shelves.

Yes, I balance on the countertops even while pregnant. I'm part acrobat.

Well. except for that one time....

This is where I would tell you a story about how the cabinet latch once got caught on my pants. ripping straight through my sweatpants and latching onto my underwear, while I sort of hung there. like a fish on a hook. completely cracking up.

I would tell you, but I want to maintain some semblance of pride. ;)

Remember I said I'm all about the little details? This little corner is full of them for me.

• A magazine cut out that say If He can create a plan for the entire universe, imagine what he can do for your finances." I've written about it here before.
  
  
• A picture of Jet and me the night we got engaged.
  
  
• Handprints when Charis and Selah were little.
  
  
• A drink caddie of sorts, filled with hot teas, hot cocoa packets, and such. The girls feel really special when I pull it out for us to have a special Tea Time.
  
  
• And this magazine cut out that I saw years ago and kept...

It just spoke to me.

Especially since I know I'm an emotional eater, where far too often, I'm feeding my body when it's my spirit that's actually hungry.

Along that vein of thought: Last week I took sugar out of my diet. for many reasons that I'll most likely talk about sometime later.

But one thing that's definitely come out of this "little change" is the ability to plainly see how I mindlessly eat sugar to curb boredom or stress or...whatever other reason presents itself as convenient. Talk about eye-opening.

It's amazing depressing the places sugar hides. *groan* I feel I've been relegated to eat apples and cardboard. But moving on, before I talk myself into a craving I'm not allowing myself to have.



That blank white space at the bottom of the picture? There used to be a multiplication poster nailed up there. until Lani learned that persistence could tear it down.

Years ago I probably wouldn't have considered putting up "decor" like that. But since then, I've totally changed my perspective about what makes my house feel homey. which now includes bright, colorful things to make the KIDS feel at home.

With things like this pegboard, hanging in my kitchen for the sheer purpose of having a place to post kid's stuff to do...


Along with a basket of coupons that I so intend to use, but normally throw away when I realize *opps* the expiration date has run out. Yet again. (one day, Kristy, I'll be like you!)

And that gift bag? Yeah, it normally doesn't sit there. It was a gift of TUMS from a friend. :) It's become Raegan's my candy of choice when pregnant.

And then there's this...

my daily reminder of what I'm accomplishing. whether I acknowledge it or not. :(

Meaning, my girls are always watching me. Sometimes, like today, I can see them out of the corner of my eye, trying out the exact same facial expression or body language I'm currently expressing. *yikes*

So I know that they're always learning from ME, in arenas such as how to love. internally trying to model that which I play out before them.

Dear God give me grace because that thought can be IS overwhelming to me.

Especially on those days where I am feeling less than loving. (like when my inner cravings are screaming and my body is detoxing itself from sugar...it's amazing what small things in life can set our emotions off, isn't it?)

But wanna know something about me that effects my emotions in the positive realm? :) When Jet attacks yet another project off the House List.

Maybe one of my love languages is acts of service? I've been meaning to read that book for years now to "figure us all out". ;)

House Project #2871. This particular corner used to have a door in it.

It was an obnoxious little corner. Having three outside doors in a span of a few feet. Doors that leaked cold air in the wintertime no less.

So this fall he tore the kitchen door out and walled it in.

Ah. Gorgeous.

The cabinet is on loan from my parents while they add an addition onto their home. At which point, Jet will replace it with a cabinet/pantry he was planning on building for my birthday (last month).

I LOVE having a cabinet there! Because it suddenly gives me a place to put my food!! A pretty place, no less!! I'll show you the obnoxious place the food used to be...tomorrow. ;)

The one Jet will build me will be taller and a bit wider...but I have to say I'm thinking I'll keep the color. If I'm talented enough to be able to duplicate this "primitive antique" look.

...
This is the corner that used to house a rather large desk. But when we got the new dining room table, we moved Nana's antique table (sans the leaf) into here for a breakfast nook of sorts.


And yes, I am totally aware that one of the frames on the wall is empty. I'm still trying to figure out what to do there, but hated having a blank wall staring at me every day.

Maybe I'll just buy a large canvas and let the girls paint me some crazy picture.

Those little plates on the wall (on the left)? I JUST put them up a couple of weeks ago. They've been in the attic for YEARS.

But being that I bought them while in Romania (two weeks after Jet and I had met and were trying to figure out our relationship status), we both felt it was fitting to have them finally hanging up on display.

being that we finally figured out the ol' relationship status and all. :D

And this is what that little corner looked like last month, when I had a Women's Party. All the women were spread throughout the house (and I only got about 3 pictures) but man, I loved it!



This weekend, I'm having another party. My first official CHOCtoberfest. And yes, I planned it before making the decision to remove sugar from my diet.

Oh the irony.

But please stop by...I'll have a houseful of women and enough chocolate desserts to choke a zoo. Sounds divine.

Party Central...Preschool Style

With all the parties that have been going on in our home over the last couple of years, the girls have begun to take ownership of that "role."

Charis decided, at the beginning of the month, that she wanted to have a Princess Tea Party for some of her girlfriends from Sunday School. It didn't take her long to take that from idea-form to set-in-stone planning. And thus, the past few weeks have been a fury of random comments about what they'll be doing at said party.

Here she is, calling up two friends to invite them over. :) The girls on the other end of the phone were so excited that I could literally hear them yelling. You should have heard Charis talking all "grown up". She had no concrete details, but she was making them up as she went like they were the final say. "Yes. It will be next Tuesday. At 11 o'clock. uh-huh."

I'm thinking that listening to the conversations of girls dressed in Princess attire sitting around the Tea Party Table will be hysterical. A bunch of 5 year-olds, dressed to the hilt, thinking they're 20-something. ;)

BUT before we make the invites for that party, we have another one in the works...

This is Selah (at 14 months). I'm not sure why she has her "bubby" in her mouth, as she has only been allowed to use it for nap and bedtimes. Maybe this was before that rule was set in stone?

Bu regardless, I've mentioned before how she has not been interested in giving up her beloved Bubby. We've tried nearly everything. We've tried convincing her it's only for babies. We've tried bribing her with a surprise. We've tried talking with her, appealing to her sense of reason. We've tried giving her pacifiers that have lost their suck.

Nope. Not interested. Didn't work. Move on to something new, Mom.

I had begun to have images of my teenage daughter still needing her pacifier to fall asleep. Until yesterday when I decided to bring up the idea of giving Bubby away one. more. time.

Apparently, this time I offered her something a little more appealing. Because this time I offered her a party.

The promise was "When you no longer use Bubby, you can invite some of your friends over for a party of your very own." And THAT did it.

I mentioned it in the morning. Last night we sent her to bed without Bubby. And she was just fine. Yes, she cried for about 5 minutes. But then, she must have decided that the promise of a party planned by her outweighed the sadness of "ByeBye Bubby." Hallelujah!

And this morning...first thing out of her mouth...she listed off the small group of friends she wanted to invite.

Hopefully, she'll keep that in mind. Come Naptime.

Party Central

Life has been busy. Postponed party after postponed party. :)

Sickness has been running rampant throughout the valley. If we weren't sick, the people supposed to be coming to our house were. BUT Friday night, we were actually able to make it to someone's house for dinner! AND then last night one of OUR parties actually happened. Pleasant surprise, I assure you. ;)

Grant it, six people had to back-out last minute due to illness or being on-call at the hospital. But we had a grand ol' time. And an almost-full house of 20 laughing women. All women from my large church...from varying ages and friendship circles. It. was. a. blast.

I'd love to do more parties like that. Really soon. In fact, I WILL do more like that. What's that you say? You want to know why? Well, allow me to "rewind" life five years...

In 2003, the Lord called Jet and I to Texas. Simply put, to break us. Now we weren't privy to that small bit of information while happily obeying his random instruction to up and move our family. Nope. Nary a clue. I mean, what fun would that be, right? *Forgive me a slight roll of the eyes and a wink towards Heaven*

So we moved...and suddenly found ourselves fully emerged in waters we'd never crossed before. The raging rapids known as Church-hopping. And while embarking on the venture of finding a church family, we got to experience, on a painfully intimate level, what other people may experience when walking into the doors of my church for the first time. The feeling of not quite fitting. Of being looked over in a crowded room of fellow Believers. Of trying to find their niche in a group of people that really don't need any new niches, thank-you-very-much.

Honestly, my hub and I are extremely outgoing. Neither of us are afraid to start up a conversation with a perfect stranger. To engage ourselves fully in the unfamiliar. Yet time and time again we were denied access to the one thing that we wanted. Friendships. Inclusion. Circles of fellowship. In fact, there were MANY times when the most anyone would say to us was "Are these seats taken?"

Now there's more to this story. But that will have to be for another time. For now I'll just jump ahead 16 months when the Lord released us to return "home".

Our hometown. Our home church. Our old friends.

Ahh, sounds good, right? You'd think. Yet quite frankly, the return home was anything but smooth sailing. In a lot of ways, it felt like we hit a brick wall. One that had been erected smack dab in the middle of What Used To Be.

Things had changed. WE had changed. Not one relationship remained the same. For not one area of our lives remained the same. Nor the lives of the ones that we had been close with before.

And so...the rather lonely feeling of our early Texas days seemed to resurrect itself. We felt like we were having to start over. A-gain. Finding our niche. Identifying the place where the "new us" could fit...

We remained in this "identifying state" for a while. Not by choice. But, looking back, I'd say by Design.

For then the Lord spoke. We weren't to wait for an invitation to some one's house. We weren't to wait around for someone else to include us. We were to set our hearts to include others. He went on to say that we were entering into a season of giving parties...

And thus, we have invited tons and tons of people to our home. For game nights. Meet Random People nights. For dinner. For No Reason at all. Some people that we've never even spoken to before inviting them over. People we knew by name...but had no relationship with.

Until they walked through our doors.

Our heart is to create a place of inclusion. To open our doors to fellowship with all types of people. And to create the atmosphere where other people can fellowship outside of their immediate circle of friends as well.

During this stage of life we're unable to be involved in our church's options of weekly homegroups. With Jet in school and our girls' bedtime of 7pm, it simply just doesn't work.

And so we give parties. Dozens and dozens and dozens of them. We open our arms...our doors...our hearts to the people that God has put right in front of us. With the hopes of including and connecting with them. Of forging new friendships. Of strengthening the Body by way of food, fun, and fellowship.

And you know what? In the process of taking our eyes off of ourselves and our own needs, we found our niche. I guess you could say we're bridge builders. The heart-to-heart kind.

So *lifting my glass of champagne* Here's to another Year of Parties, Lord. May those who enter these doors feel cherished. included. energized. And to include my newest prayer request... May those who enter these doors experience instantaneous physical healings. ;)

Party On! ;)