Hope you’re making happy Labor Day memories!
Archives for 2010
IOU
When I first started this blog back in 2008, I had no idea that I was entering a brand new world that would literally change my life.
It never ceases to amaze me at how many wonderful, talented people live in my computer. You guys are amazing.
You inspire me, you make me laugh and cry, you teach me things. You make me think and rethink.
I am so thankful for you.
And especially for those of you who have a link on your blog to lifeingrace. Because of you, I’ve met the neatest people in the world and my life has been enriched and blessed.
And about the picture:
I love the new Lonny magazine online. I saw the {IOU} sign in that magazine a few months ago. I thought it was just perfect. So I bought the letters from Hobby Lobby, spray painted them black and then sat back and watched as people took long looks at the letters.
What does it mean? *Who* do you owe? My husband chuckled and thought, “Yeah, ya kinda do—now pay up.”
Everyone asks about it. It’s a conversation starter. It’s my little nod to gratitude. That we don’t live in a vacuum. And that everything we have, even a little ole blog, is possible because of so many others. Because they read it and support it and write the sweetest comments and emails.
So from the bottom of my heart, I O U.
I really do. And I thank you for meeting me here and for introducing me to your friends.
And a special thank you to the top ten referrers to Lifeingrace, all of whom, I am privileged to call friends.
Tara from Between You and Me.
Lindsey from The Pleated Poppy
Emily from Chatting at the Sky
Melissa from 320 Sycamore
Kristi from Pink and Polka Dot
Amy from Playing Sublimely
Melissa from A Familiar Path
Donna from Funky Junk
Julie from Less Than Perfect Life of Bliss
Now when I look at my little letters above the bedroom, I’ll think of Stevie of course. Cause I owe him lots. And lots.
And I’ll think of my children, who’ve brought me countless joys. And my sister and my mother. To whom I could never repay my debt of love and gratitude.
And all the wonderful people who’ve touched and shaped my life. And that includes you.
Whew, I owe a lot of people, don’t I?
Oh and for your weekend reading, try out this brilliant post from Rebekah, who is much smarter than I , and can so thoughtfully articulate what I would have said if I had said what I was thinking a few weeks ago. She says it better. And I am thankful for her too.
So, who do you owe?
Project Pillow
So, remember I told you about my Home Ec class over at the Freckled Nest? Well, I’m just loving it. I haven’t made every single project but I’ve made most of them.
This is by far my favorite.
{And I know that pesky thread is driving you crazy. Don’t you just want to reach through the computer and snip it? Yeah, me too.}
I used some Anna Marie Horner fabric that I had left over from last year. And then I used this technique (just scroll down) to make the felt flower. And now I want to make twenty more. Wouldn’t they be the perfect Christmas gift? I mean, I would love to have a pillow for Christmas. Wouldn’t you?
It took about an hour. What an amazing gift from an hours’ work.
There is something magical about creating. It’s our Father’s fingerprint on us.
And it goes just perfect in the queen chair. Which is still in the kitchen. (fingers crossed).
Oh and thank you for your lovely words about the kitchen. I’m so glad you like it too. I’ve been dying to show you.
Today’s project: laptop case! Score!
Lake Cottage Kitchen :: Before and Afters
~~~a few sources have been added to the bottom of this post~~~
It’s almost ridiculous how long it’s taken me to get this kitchen post done. But in my defense, my light fixtures were just installed this week. They apparently sat in the Atlantic Ocean for 2 months waiting to get through customs. And sadly, now I think I should have ordered 3 instead of 2. But barring minor things like a few pieces of trim and an outlet cover and some caulk, I think it’s done.
Despite washing dishes in my bathroom sink and eating out more than usual, this has been such an exciting project. Steve’s only real ‘rule’ for this redo has been that we leave the existing major structures (wall, windows, etc) alone and find a way to work with the two full length windows that are right in the heart of the kitchen. It was a challenge but I’m happy with the way it turned out.
I start here, with this picture, because this is the sweet spot. This is where I stand for many hours of my day. I love it here. I’m at home here. Washin’ and choppin’ and bakin’ and dreamin’. This is where it happens for me.
But I guess we should move on.
One more thing. Some of you are attached to my turquoise kitchen (Ahem….Elizabeth). I know. I still love her too. But give the new girl a try. You might like her. She’s not quite as flamboyant as turquoise girl, her qualities may be a little understated. But she’s a work horse (hence the patriotic horse) and she’s quirky (hence the orange owl) and she’s practical (hence the IKEA sink) and well, I kinda think she’s kinda wonderful.
And she’s definitely a she.
So without further adieu, here she is. It’s like photographing a newborn baby—I took a bajillion pics from every possible angle.
You’ll be sick of her by the time this post is over.
We chose to go with Mid-Continental cabinets rather than Kraftmaid. They just started a customization program where you can pick from a very large selection of colors. I didn’t like the stock colors that came with Kraftmaid and although there was a small sacrifice in quality, I knew I’d be happier if I loved the color. And this option was MUCH cheaper than custom cabinets. MUCH MUCH cheaper. I chose maple cabinets in the concord style (paneled doors) in Florida Sand. I love these cabinets. And even though they may look standard ‘off-white’, there’s a huge difference in the whites that are offered. I ordered four cabinet doors before I picked this one. It’s the perfect hue of off white—a little modern, a little vintage—just perfect.
And then there was the huge dilemna of how to make the windows feel like they were part of the room. I knew from very early on that I wanted to try open shelving that would span the windows. But what kind of shelving? Where would I find it? Would it look right? Would it be possible to ever open the windows again?
Well, I’m happy to say that despite everyone’s (including mine) bit of skepticism that it would actually work, I love how they turned out. I had a local cabinet company come and tackle the project. They made them double thickness and then sprayed them with a melamine finish to match my other cabinets. They did a fantastic job and although installing them was a bit of a bear, they turned out great. We had to brace them to the existing cabinets on one side and then use brackets on the other—because ya know, it’s kinda hard to hang shelves OVER WINDOWS. (I know that’s what the cabinet guys were thinking. And dear kitchen people, I know you still think I’m crazy with my quirky ideas. But I think we pulled it off. )
It still amazes me how hard it is to find the simplest things. I looked for brackets everywhere and for…..ev…….er before I found these simple little brackets.
One thing I’ve discovered after living with open shelving for a while is this: it can easily look cluttered. Cabinet doors were invented for a reason. I’m working on finding some large glass items to place on the top shelves to give it a more uniform look. For now, until I find the right pieces, I realize it looks a little busy. I’ll still store my necessary items on the bottom shelves but I think I need to streamline the tops.
This is probably my favorite view of the kitchen. Probably because it’s where I have the best view of my crack pot/espresso machine.
I took this picture whilst sitting on the floor. It’s such a lovely view from here that I wished I had brought my latte along for the journey. I sat here for way too long.
And can I say that hoods just rock? They look so industrial and chef-y—and this guy inspires me to new heights of fried food. Because that hood will suck every ounce of fried food smell out of this house. I almost lost a small child the first time I turned it on. That hood is all business, baby.
I also had originally painted the small walls beside the hood white. But after living with that for a bit, I tried a light grayish color. I think I like it better but the walls are so small that it may be four different colors before I find exactly the right combo.
In the original kitchen, there was a separate breakfast area in the corner. We made the island fill the entire space and gave up the breakfast nook. It’s hard to tell from the pics, but the new island is ten feet long and nearly fills the entire space. It’s not only great for prepping and cooking but I love it for crafting, cutting fabric, etc. I think I’ve taken a nap on it before. But maybe that was just in my dreams.
And see what I mean about needing a third pendant? I ordered the largest size they had (14 inches in diameter I think) but they get lost over the large island. I think I’m gonna have to order one more. And then wait for three months ’til it can cross the Atlantic.
I also have decided to order cabinet doors in ‘lazy susan corner’. Right there beside the microwave and to the left. Because I have four long open shelves, I really think adding doors to that corner will help in the streamlining.
And see how my beautiful queen chair sticks out right there. Yeah, Steve has hit his knees on it forty seven times and I fear I will have to move it. But it just seems so at home right there, don’t ya think?
The countertops are quartz (silestone) and from Dupont. I chose the color snow white and they are truly snow white. They are non-porous and won’t stain but they are rough on glasses. Between the cast iron IKEA sink and those counter tops, I’ve already had to replace very many glasses. I can be a klutz. And these surfaces are not very forgiving.
So there you have it. I’m so thankful for this space. It’s modern and vintage and cottage-y and industrial all at once.
And then there’s this little spot in the kitchen where I blog and check my email and get inspired by all the wonderful people in blogland.
{Visit my friend Kate at Centsational Girl to see where all the blogging magic happens for lots of your favorite bloggers. And complain to me later how you couldn’t get off her site because of all the DIY wonderful-ness!}
And now for my acknowledgements:
I’d like to thank Erica, for endless inspiration and ideas. I wish I could afford to hire her.
I’d also like to acknowledge this kitchen from Southern living which I studied and dreamed about and tried to emulate in some ways.
I’d like to thank Stevie, who has endured innumerable inconveniences during this process. He was so kind to let me renovate this space right away. I think he’s hoping the payoff (in yummy meals) will be worth it.
The owl cookie jar, vintage tea towels and latte bowls are brought to you courtesy of Anthropologie.
The pot of Late Summer Vegetable Soup on stove, courtesy of me.
Voluminous handprints on all stainless steel surfaces, courtesy of two little girls who shall remain nameless.
The paint color is Collanade Gray from Benjamin Moore.
The rug is from Pier One.
I ordered these brass knobs.
Pendants from Kichler Lighting {freznel lens in polished nickel}.
Patriotic Horse painting from T.J. Maxx.
I’m still digging around trying to find where I found the knobs and brackets.
If you have any further questions, I’ll try to answer them and I profusely apologize for taking so long to show you the results.
Now, have a great weekend!
My friend Julie
I was so blessed about a year ago to reconnect with Julie through blog world. Her father was my youth pastor for several years when I was a youngster and made a dramatic impact on my life. I have such fond memories of their family and visiting her house the other day was like a sunny walk down memory lane. Julie’s friend Denise, who also went to our church back then, was able to be there too. I can’t tell you how excited I was to be able to visit with them. These girls are beautiful and just as wonderful as I remember them. Julie made a yummy lunch and then I got to tour her beautiful home.
Julie has a great blog called Less Than Perfect Life of Bliss and a neat canvas business called My Fine Art. After getting my digital files from Jessica, I knew I wanted a few canvases printed for the girls’ room. Julie’s prices are so much more affordable than anything I have found online. Plus, she’s just a sweetheart to work with and can do so many customizations. I just love how they turned out and can’t wait to get to work on making the girls’ room special. I’m off to a good start.
They decided to move their twin beds together so it’s been a bit of a dilemna pulling it all together.
I had already seen many of Julie’s great projects but it was so fun to see them in person.
I love this jewelry organizer she made. I NEED that pink fabric.
….and her kitchen is absolutely dreamy!
Her whole house is dreamy and she’s so lovely and down to earth. You’ll love her, I know you will.
She gave me this canvas as a gift and I just adore it!! Stevie asked me why the heads were cut off.
Artsy? Hello?
Thank you so much Julie.
We love them all.
P.S. I was so sad Amy, Julie’s sister couldn’t join us. I always LOVED her too and her brother David. They were ‘little’ when I was in youth group and I always wanted to babysit and play with them. Those were the good ‘ole days!
Daily Homeschool Schedule {Getting It All Done}
This has become one of the most frequently asked questions about our homeschool. How do we fit it all into a day? And still sleep and eat and relax.
And I remember those early days when I was researching homeschooling. I wanted to know every detail. I poured over Susan Wise Bauer’s daily schedule to try and imagine what my days would look like. I’ve been tweaking our schedule ever since and I think I’ve finally found a method that works for us. My girls (8 and 9) are doing 4 grade-ish work mostly and we follow a neo-classical curriculum (as classical as it can be in 2010). I wanted to come up with a method that gave them more ‘ownership’ of their work; where they would be motivated on their own to work hard and finish on time. The problem with that is that we still do a lot of work together. I read on average two hours aloud to them everyday. So how do we combine our ‘together’ work in a way that still gives them a sense of independence and accomplishment?
This schedule is how we do it. I tweak it depending on the day and print this schedule off every morning, giving a copy to each girlie. They love checking things off the list and it’s been a great tool to help them learn self-discipline. The harder they work during their independent time, the more time they have in the afternoons to play.
5-7:30am I wake up and do my morning thing: listen to Issues as I unload dishwasher and tidy the kitchen and living area, finalize the girls’ schedule for the day and print it out, make sure all supplies, books etc are ready for our school day, go for a run (depending on the day, the mood, the alignment of the stars), go to the grocery store (depending on the day), work on blog posts or answer emails, get the laundry going.
7:30 Wake up the girls with a bright sunshine-y song because I’m a very annoying morning person and hope to help them love and appreciate mornings! They roll their eyes get dressed, have breakfast, do their simple chores (make beds, tidy room, personal hygeine). We usually put on some classical music (whatever composer we’re studying at the moment) and have it playing in the background as we start. Right now, we’re studying Chopin so we listen to him.
8 or 8:15 ish Bible and Memory
Start our school day with ‘together’ time. We always start with a prayer from the Lutheran prayer book, read by one of the girls. Each week, they take turns being the helper for the week, so whatever needs to be done (praying aloud, copying, fetching mom’s diet coke) the girl of the week is in charge. We also do Bible study (we’re working through the OT) and memory period during this time.
Memory period takes us about 30-45 minutes each day because not only are we memorizing new pieces all the time but we’re always reviewing the stuff we’ve already memorized from the last two years. The girls LOVE this time of day. Although memory work can be difficult, it’s so rewarding to be able to recite from memory a huge stack of poetry, bible verses, random facts, etc.
9:00-10:00 Spelling, Handwriting, Writing, Piano Practice {independent}
This is their first ‘independent’ slot. They can work on anything from their independent list and they tend to do really well with this and can usually check at least two-three things off the list during this time. For instance, they both almost always do their spelling, handwriting and either piano practice or their writing assignment, and sometimes all, during this period. I usually make beds and start dinner. They often need little bits of help during this time so I stay close and am ready to help. I’ve been working on my kindness and patience with their questions and pleas for help. I find that when I’m more patient, they have less questions. If they sense that I’m frustrated or really distracted (which I sometimes am!) they seem to need an endless amount of help. So I talk to myself and try to use a kind, encouraging voice and even if it’s the thirteenth time in 2 minutes that someone needs my help, I try to remember that this is why I’m here—to help them and teach them and guide them. And I think it’s working. They seem to need me less the more accessible and pleasant I am. Go figure.
10-10:30 History {together}
We usually read a chapter in our history book or work on a history related project or read a chapter in a biography about one of our history characters. They often play legos or do handstands or knit while I read. Those kinesthetic learners will drive you crazy but I often find that they remember more details if their hands and feet are moving. We try to incorporate some of our extra reading, memory work and writing into our history lesson. For instance, we’re studying Elizabeth I this week so 1) we’re memorizing a portion of her speech at Tilbury 2) Our writing assignments will all be about her 3) at the end of the week, the girls will use their writing assignments to give a short oral presentation on her life.
Our curriculum is history and literature centered as much as is possible.
short break (10 min) for snack or taking the dogs for a ‘run’ on the golf cart or dancing (them, not me) etc.
10:30-11 Literature
Read alouds together. On M,W,F, we read Shakespeare from Charles and Mary Lamb’s book. We usually read one play per week. The girls love Shakespeare but it’s better to take it in small bites because these writers use complex language structure which can be hard to follow. I’m usually the one confused. They’re always explaining to me what just happened. They each have their own literature book (Elea-The Princess and the Goblin, Emme- Hedge of Thorns) and sometime during the morning, they read a chapter or two each and read aloud to me. We work it in
11-11:45 Math, separate but together.
We do a new lesson each day which I teach to the girls together and then they individually work with me on flash cards and timed sheets while the other one works on the new lesson, then we switch. Math at our house usually involves weeping and gnashing of teeth. We’re working on this. I think it’s getting better since we’ve starting doing the review sheets every day. They both lack a sense of mastery with math facts and thus easily get frustrated. My goal is to help them truly master the basic facts so they don’t have to think and count and cry and scream. Wish me luck.
11:45-12:10 Literature
They each have their own literature book (Elea-The Princess and the Goblin, Emme- Hedge of Thorns) and sometime during the morning, they read a chapter or two each and read aloud to me—usually a page or two. We usually do it right before lunch.
Lunch and breaktime. Stevie comes home for lunch so we almost always have lunch together and then the girls play while we visit.
12:30-1:30 MWF Latin with Mrs. Harms.
We are so blessed to have Susan back with us this year. The girls and I love her and they’ve learned so much. They’re working on noun declensions. I listen in amazement and really should just take the class myself. I’m always so conflicted because I have so much I could ‘get done’ during this hour.
Usually I clean or craft or cook or blog or run to the store. Carpe diem, right?
Rest Time: Cue the drums. This hour will change your life.
This is the most wonderful amazing brain child of Susan Wise Bauer. Watch how she does it here. The rules are, you ‘rest’ in your room, by yourself and may listen to books on tape or play quietly with legos or crafts, etc. You may not come out unless you’re bleeding. My girls LOVE their alone time. It’s good for everyone. We’re thinking of extending longer than an hour. It’s wonderful and we meet back together refreshed from the solitude.
1:30-3:30 Science and Grammar/More independent time
We usually have science and grammar to finish in the afternoons. If we have read-alouds we didn’t finish, we do them here too. We almost always finish by 2:30 or 3. But alas, today we will have to finish grammar when we come home from dance. We had a busy, productive day but couldn’t fit it all in.
We follow this basic schedule on Monday-Thursdays and then use Fridays for more literature, art, music, library time and math. We study one artist at a time and try to relate some of our art projects to our science, history or literature. This week, it works out brilliantly because we’re studying the Renaissance and King David so we’ll talk about Michelangelo and his somewhat antagonistic relationship with daVinci and their work on the Sistine Chapel. We’ll study the sculpture of King David and gaze at our own replication of King David’s bust. We also will paint different birds since we are studying birds in science.
The girls have dance 3 afternoons a week and piano lessons once per week.
To see a host of ‘daily schedules’ visit Heart of the Matter’s Blog Hop.