Little by Little

Slowly but surely, our empty bonus room is being transformed into a play/homeschool space for myself and the boys.  Although there is so much I want to do, I'm reminded of what it looked like when we moved in November. . .

School space

Play space

And now. . .

Lookin' cute if you ask me :)  The shelving and desk are from Ikea with all other touches being pulled out of school storage bins that have been waiting patiently in our attic.  I told Michael he would one day appreciate my frugalness in keeping all of my first grade classroom goodies.  He debated, but has now agreed that the manipulatives, posters, charts, books, games, puzzles, and other items I saved are being put to GREAT use - and easy on the budget as well!  The only big item lacking is a table and chairs (in front of the bookcases) to use for schooling.  I have a small set situated in the reading nook that used to be mine (love), but that will eventually be Cade's area to play/color/etc. as we school.  Found a few things on GTP and our local Habitat Re-Store, but nothing that hit the spot.

A place to display art projects and other fun papers. . . I think I'm now addicted to corkboard :)

The READ art I recently made as a nap-time project while the boys slept.  Chipboard letters were 1/2 off at Hobby Lobby ($1 a piece) so I snatched up a few.  I thought about painting them, but then had the idea to use an extra Dr. Seuss One Fish, Two Fish book that we owned as the color instead.  Cole helped me cut the pages into pieces which we glued onto each letter in collage form.  I then sealed it with a coat of Modge Podge, hung, and voila!

The perfect place for displaying all of our themed/seasonal books for kindergarten.  We just filled them with all the back-to-school ones. . . Cole can't wait to read them all!

Cade's play area on the other side of the room.  Thinking of cutting the ABC chart into individual letters and hanging them on the wall as a banner.  Wouldn't that be so much cuter? :)

 This is how I find Cole most days.  He'd rather sit here and read a book or work on school pages than play.  Oh sweet boy how I LOVE you!

Hard to believe we'll begin schooling in a month. . . WOW!

Around the House

We're continuing to get settled and are enjoying making this house feel like home. Basic furniture is finally in place, boys rooms are coming together, and the bonus room has become a great playdate space :) I've got so many other projects running around in this head of mine, but take comfort in the fact that it doesn't all have to be done today (although sometimes I'd like to wave my magic wand and have it complete!).

Bigger projects have been on the agenda for this month, so once we build up the bank acct. again (a-hem), I'm excited to begin the small decor. that will bring warmth, color, and a sense of my style to this neutral space. Here's a small look at what we've been up to. . .

#1: Floor bonus room attic space.

Storage runs the entire length on both sides of our upstairs bonus room. Last weekend, Michael purchased wood from Lowes, borrowed a friends saw and set to work. So glad to have this extra storage space for Christmas decor., tubs of Cole's clothes that I'm saving for Cade, and other items.

#2: Install door to Michael's home office.

It's been such a blessing that Michael finally has his own space dedicated specifically to his appraisal business. Although his office is a separate room, there was no door - just an open archway. This allowed for noise from two sweet boys to drift in (not the best background during a conference call) and other distractions. To remedy, we called a friend from church and his construction team installed a glass door that adds just as much beauty as it does practical use. Love it!

#3: Upstairs bookshelves for homeschool space

I saw this picture on Pinterest. . .

and loved the storage around the window. It was the same exact shape as our bonus room so I knew these Ikea cases would be lovely. After checking it out online, I was surprised to see that one $60 shelf had a shipping price of $299.99. Seriously!? I had set my heart on searching elsewhere when Michael (unbeknownst to me) found ModerNash - a Nashville based business that sends trucks to Ikea every 10 days or so to pick up your specific order at a fraction of the shipping price. They also house frequently asked for items in their Nashville warehouse. In walked Michael one evening with the shelves (that were in stock here; hence NO shipping fee!). . .surprised my socks off :)

There are still bins to be bought, and organizing to do, but I love the way they turned out. Especially excited to turn the bottom shelf into a window seat with pillows and cushions. A valence and/or curtains with artwork will make it just perfect!

#4: A little splash of warmth

It's amazing what curtains will do :)

Feeling Festive

I cannot tell you how much I've loved every aspect of our Christmas decor - especially in a semi-sparce new home. The soft glow of tree lights and sweet scents of cinnamon have turned the cold to warm and added that special something that I've craved the past month.

A favorite family tradition is decorating the tree(s) together. Papa and Gigi joined us for a chili supper and we quickly got to decoratin'.

Reminiscing over each ornament as it's unwrapped never gets old. Watching Cole place them on the tree is even sweeter. . .

Excited for next Christmas when little man will join the fun (he was snoozing this year :))

The next day, we decorated our Jesus tree.

Filled from top to bottom with handmade ornaments by my grandmother, it's a treasure that I pray will stay in our family for many generations.

It's also where we placed the boys yearly 'Jesus' ornaments - each one declaring a name of our Savior.

Cole's ornament this year is "Bright and Morning Star"

Cade's first is the Nativity (which was also Cole's first). This specific ornament was crafted out of wood from the olive trees that surround Jerusalem. . . love.

Thank you Lord for the simple memories and blessings. . .

Mission Possible

This week was designated 'Operation Cade's Room' as we (okay. . . mostly I) wanted to prime, paint, assemble furniture, and organize his sweet new space. What can I say? Third trimester hormones are raging and I'm in full-force nesting mode :)

Monday was errand day and I began painting on Tuesday. Michael had previously primed our cranberry red walls, so I had a beautiful blank canvas to create my sweet boy's new palette. I chose to do a two-tone wall using a light sky blue and hot chocolate brown - LOVE the way it's turned out so far!

Before - the "Red Room" as Cole liked to call it :)

After - Beginning transformation!

Today, Michael (with help from a certain little boy) is assembling Cade's crib and dresser/changer which both have an espresso finish.

After it's up, I'll begin decorating with bedding attire and filling drawers with onesies, sleepers, and other baby goodies. Wall art and accessories come next. . . I can't wait to see how it all comes together!