Friday, July 5, 2013

A room fit for big brothers.

It wasn't long ago I posted the below pictures of Max's room in our "new" home.  We were just weeks away from welcoming his baby brother and I quickly put together his new digs.
 Now, just two years later, that baby brother is rapidly catching up to Max and they're best friends.  Even if we didn't have a third baby on the way we'd be putting them in a shared room.  They're inseparable and beg us to let them sleep in the same room every night.  They finally got their wish.  The transition was surprisingly smooth.
  We bought a bunk bed from Ikea, but decided to leave Sullivan in a crib for awhile longer.  I like to keep them contained as long as I can :)  In fact, Max being on the top bunk is a great solution for still keeping him contained.  He won't get out of the bed unless we come get him :)  Once Sullivan starts trying to climb out of the crib, we'll move him to the bottom bunk.   But for now, he's not even two yet...and Max moved to a big boy bed at 3 1/2...so we'll see how long we can go!



I'm really happy with the way their new room turned out even though nothing really matches.  In fact, the more random stuff I added to the room, the more I liked it.  I see it as a challenge...to take a pile of seemingly unrelated items from different places and making them look like a cohesive, curated space.




My favorite thing about this room (and our home in general) is that most pieces have a story behind it. I love the feeling of living among the things that really make us, "us".

The stained glass pieces below are gifts to each of the boys from my parents.  They had them made for each grandbaby.  Max's is the Murray family crest...his name is written inside the lock in the middle.  The horse hanging in the corner and the pillow are from GG.

My Uncle Kent, who passed away when I was in elementary school, painted the Indian in the canoe when he was in school.
Billy gave me the below poster last year because it has the name "Byron" on the drum, which is my Grampa's name. 
The "Max's Kansas City" poster below was a 1st bday gift to Max from one of my best friends, Jocelyn.


The boys love to sit on the top bunk together.  Max was so excited that I hung his little flashlight where he could reach it easily at night if he "needs" it :)




 I decided to use old wooden hangers to hang the artwork after pricing out the cost to get all of the prints in the room matted and framed.  I think Plan B actually turned out better anyway.



 Now that the boys are comfortable and happy in their custom momma-designed room...on to decorating the NURSERY for new baby!  
Here's a sample of a few things I've pulled together so far.  The colors are grey, mint green, pale yellow (and we'll add some pastel purple in there if its a girl)

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Art al Fresco

"Art can permeate the deepest part of us, where no words exist."

The weather was gorgeous this past weekend so Billy brought the boy's easel up from the art room for them to paint al fresco.

I love watching the boys create.  Seeing how they thoughtfully choose colors and decide where to swirl the paint...and where to stab the paint brush into the paper repeatedly :)   It's a process.   When they're painting I don't interrupt them or offer suggestions.   I just sit back and let them go for it.   


Sullivan found some random strips of ribbon and added them to his painting.
Super serious faces.

Even when Max turned to his little work bench and decided it needed a new coat of paint I didn't say a word.  He told me that he wanted to change the color because he was tired of orange.  It made me smile because I saw a little bit of me in him at that moment.  He's seen me paint and repaint so many pieces of furniture.  Its humorous how normal he thinks it is to just put a new coat of paint on something :)

I recently asked Max what he wants to be when he grows up.  He said, "I want to be an artist."  He paused for a second and then said, "Well, I already am an artist actually.  So when I grow up I'll be a Daddy."  Both answers warm my heart.  Especially since my grandfather was an artist for a living.
The rose Max painted for me.
 The easel is still up outside and has been revisited many times over the past few days.  Paint splatters cover the deck and outdoor furniture.  Billy looks at the mess and a just shakes his head.  It'll all wash off eventually :)

"Messes are opportunities for creative expression, for delight and discovery, and for pleasure and celebration.  Messes are real.  They are how we live.  And they can be beautiful."
--Amy George Rush
{thanks to my friend Liz for posting this quote the other day...it really speaks to my heart :)}

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Vacation: Part I

We had a whirlwind vacation in June.  Nine days away from home with two boys, a growing belly and a packed car.  The last time Billy and I were gone for that length of time we were in Italy and had no children :)  Although our getaway destinations have changed quite a bit, we wouldn't trade what we have now for anything (or any place) in the world.

Part I:  Meyers family vacation at Table Rock/Branson:

A very happy Lolli & Boobo with their equally happy grandkids.  Four days of non-stop quality time ;)

Dinner time!

"Hey, where's my after dinner lemon? " - "Ah, much better. "  -- The only person in the world who possibly likes lemons more than I do :)


Each night the kids all got to take a bath and watch a night-night show together.
Sully still pulls on his ears when he's tired.
 Ah...kid's are in bed...:) 

Branson shenanigans...

Lunch at the "Big Chicken".  Where else are you going to eat when in Branson?

Sully and his "Nuk" were inseparable on our trip.   Everyone got to indulge in their vices on vacation (except for me...unless you count Dr. Pepper and fattening food).  Sullivan was a "Nuk" addict.  I'm happy to report he's kicked the habit since returning from vacation.
Pool time!

My blue-eyed babe.

17 weeks

Sullivan running to Aunt Jenni.

Silver Dollar City!
Fav photo in the upper right corner...Such a good Boobo ready to ride with Max.  Unfortunately he got kicked off  :)
 Poor Sullivan was too small to ride anything...



Visiting the park and playing in the creek...

Max was looking for butterflies and one landed right on his hat!  Too bad he couldn't see it :)

Throwing rocks and finding crawdads in the creek.  Lolli brought the kids' picnic baskets to pack snacks.

My sweet guys napping.  At nighttime they wanted to sleep in one (ONE!)  pack'n'play together, but they liked napping in the big bed.

Flying Boobo's helicopter.
 Everyone looks a little nervous.  The helicopter (or maybe the person piloting :)  was a bit unpredictable.

And more swimming!




Water balloons!


We all had such a memorable time!  Next we jumped into the car for a 9+ hour drive to Nashville.  Deep breath...

Pictures of that adventure to come.