Oh How I Love Thee Ikea !!! . . .

There is no doubt in my mind that I've spent several of my past lives in Europe. I am drawn to all things European including people, places and a simpler way of living.

We spent close to six hours walking around Ikea the other day and could've spent at least another two if baby girl had cooperated just a little bit longer.

We went looking for a dresser for Megan and for myself and came home with neither. We did come home with two nightstands, two lamps, an adorable chair for our bedroom and lots of other goodies. I saw so many different lights that I wanted to take home. They are like works of art to me and so reasonably priced!!

My dream bedroom!!!! There was not one thing in this display that I wouldn't have used in my own bedroom. I think it was a bit too "girly" for Jim but was perfect for me. : )

I seriously want to learn how to make my pics bigger. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!!!

Brendan brought along his friend, Miles. They had a blast running around and exploring everything.

Miles playing in the play area in the food court. I almost broke my neck taking this picture when I tripped over a stuffed animal!!!!

Brendan the ham!!!!!

I'll share the pictures of our purchases when our bedroom is finished. It should look so pretty when it's all put together. Right now it's a MAJOR DISASTER AREA!!!!!!!

Have a safe and happy weekend!! Just a few more weeks and it's back to school. I'm not ready for that yet!! UGGHHH!!!!!!

Many blessings ~ Wendy

Just One of Many Works in Progress . . .

I wanted to share a few pics of one of our many works in progress here . . .


We have a three bedroom cottage with an attached garage that is currently being used as a giant storage bin. : ) With the impending arrival of our fourth child we knew we would be needing another bedroom. We decided to convert the garage into one such bedroom.




After receiving estimates from several contractors (if that's not a financially eye-opening experience I don't know what is!!), we've come to the conclusion that it would be best if we did most of the work ourselves.




My husband basically tore down the house he owned when we met and built much of it back up with just the help of friends and neighbors and his dad and step-dad when they were in town.




We'll now be able to work at our own pace financially which is very important to us ~ especially with a new baby, a son going to college in a year and a half and our wanting to be able to go on vacation or out to dinner without having to worry about breaking the bank.






Time is definitely going to be my husband's biggest obstacle when it comes to doing all of this work. That annoying little thing called "a job" gets in the way!! : )




Right now, our top priority is getting our bedroom in order. All of these pics are of the work currently being done in our bedroom.

The baby will be staying with us for several months while the work is being done on the garage.










We're painting and putting up new trim. We're also laying down a new hardwood floor and adding new window treatments.
















My mother has generously offered her king-sized bed to us since she's going to be getting a queen-sized one. I've been resisting my husband's begging and pleading for a bigger bed but have since given in. I know the baby is going to be in between us once in a while and I'd feel a lot more comfortable knowing that she had more room.


Not to mention those occasional nites that our eight year old has a bad dream and crawls into bed with us.




How does someone so small take up so much room?!!?





He's lucky he's cute!! : )










So for now, Miss Megan's clothes are all put away in stackable storage bins until the garage gets done . . .


which is where son #1 is going . . .


so that daughter #1 can have her own room.



One work in progress at a time. OY!!!




I almost forgot to show you the hole dear hubby put in the wall when he fell down our bedroom stairs while carting out construction debris. Don't worry ~ the wall got a much bigger boo-boo than my man did!! : )








Many blessings ~ Wendy