Happy 2013: Resolving to Be Intentional

 Happy 2013! This year I'm resolving to be more intentional.

One way we started the year with being more intentional is by visiting with a friend that I've had since elementary school. This girl and me...whew! We have been tight...I'm talking BFF charms and everything! It was so good to visit this weekend.

Here we are with the husbands. I mean...I can remember when these two started dating at the pizza place. #goodtimes

Now...here are all of our kids. When we were growing up, my friend always said "I want so many kids that I need a U-Haul to carry them around!" Well...she she has 3 super cute boys! And my 2 kids had the best time with them.

L to R: hers, hers, mine, mine, hers

 This photo below was taken around the last time we all saw each other...at Our Boy's 5th BD party in February of 2008!! Umm...that is 4 years ago!!  #toolong

We have made a plan to be more intentional about getting together. #lovethatfamily

Here is an interesting side note. On our way to visit their house, we passed "Barbie Beach." Hubby said that he has driven past here before with work, and that the person changes the scenes in the yard with the Barbies. I just had to share it with you so you could experience it too! #havetoseetobelieve #didtheyhavetobegeorgiafans #wow

More Home Updates in 2012

We did a few more updates around the house in 2012.

Our Girl's Room: I sewed a new valence for over her closet.

 Our Girl's Room: new rug (from Target with a gift card) & new duvet (from Ikea)

Our Boy's Room: new mirror (from TJ Maxx), new paint (Mountain Laurel), new curtains (from Wal-Mart), new curtain rods (from Tuesday Morning)

  Our Boy's Room: New rug (from Ikea) It's dark brown and light brown. I think we paid $14.99.

 Our Boy's Room: New duvets on bunk bed (from Ikea)

 Foyer: New table (from Marshall's that I bought with a gift card from a friend). I had Christmas decorations on it, but you can see Our Girl has now taken it over with her Lego Friends.

 Foyer: new rug (from Marshall's)

 Kitchen: new dishwasher (from Home Depot on Black Friday)

  Kitchen: new refrigerator (from Home Depot on Black Friday)

  Kitchen: new stove (from Home Depot on Black Friday)

 Family Room: new rug (from Hobby Lobby with gift card)

Front Porch Update November 2012

We have been saying for years that we wanted to update our front porch, but in November 2012, we finally did it. I'm posting before and after pics of the project that Hubby completed.

Before: There were railings. There were 2 full posts in the middle, and there were 2 half posts on each side.

 Before: railings

 Before:

In Progress: Here's Hubby with his helpers when they removed the railings.

In Progress: Hubby used unfinished 1x6 pine boards to wrap the existing posts. 

 In Progress: Here you can see the half post on the side and the middle post.

 After: Ta-Da!!!! Doesn't it look soooooooooooooo much better!! We love it! Completed posts & no railings

 After: You can see how Hubby trimmed out the columns at the bottom and top to finish them.

 After: Here's a shot of the half post and full post completed.

 After: Don't you always ask yourself after a project is finished...what took us so long?!?!