Our New Home | A Day in Mollywood

summer boys

June 21, 2011 By Molly

We are so enjoying our new little neighborhood even though there’s not much of one yet. Sunset walks with my three boys are just what this mama needs after a stressful day at work.

A little bit of the hurt inside me melts away as I watch my baby’s wispy hair curl in the June heat.

I swallow whole the smiles I’ve been waiting all day to see again.

It is moments like these that smack me in the face and make me realize just how damn lucky I am.

Slow down, summer. Slow down, life. You’re going too fast.

Filed Under: Brigham, Depression, Family, Landon, Mommy Moments, Our New Home, Photography 11 Comments

my week in iphone photos (3)

June 14, 2011 By Molly

This was supposed to be auto-posted on Sunday. FAIL.
It’s late but I’m posting it anyway.

We picked up the ikea shelf I found on craigslist.
I’m currently deciding how to dress it up!

We went to my favorite place (otherwise known as Target) to do some shopping. I decided to stop and have a snack with my boys. Salty pretzels with cheese. nom nom nom. And both my boys were so well-behaved at the store. Color me happy.

I love this face.

I’m trying to get organized. The calendar hasn’t been put up yet but the weekly menu board is up and as you can see is actually being used! I’m so proud.

Cayenne-rubbed chicken and grilled zucchini! It was yummy. Thanks to Suzanne (one of my blogher roomies!) for blogging the recipe.

His belly is getting bigger by the day.

I went to the cemetery to visit my friend. I wish I could go visit her anywhere else but here. She always made me laugh and I need to laugh right now. I put purple flowers on her grave. She loved purple. After calling many psychiatrists that day who could not see me for months I was scared. So I asked her if she could keep an eye on my situation and see if I could get an appointment sooner than 2 weeks.

Wouldn’t ya know it? My psychiatrist called the very next day with a cancellation. I went to see him 20 minutes later and I am now armed with new meds so I can get back to being happy! Thank you, Amy.

I also had a therapy appointment after over a month of not seeing her. It felt good to be back on that sofa again.

Later that night I self-medicated with chocolate chip cookies. An essential part of depression if you ask me.

Another essential part of depression? Chopping your hair off. I like it wavy!

I painted landon’s room again. This was the third coat if you’re keeping track. Are you as sick of hearing about this orange paint as I am of painting it? Nevermind, that’s not possible.

This was my grandmother’s writing desk and it has been passed down to me. I have big plans for this little desk. They include sanding, spray paint and new knobs. I keep reading on home decor blogs to fill your house with meaningful items. This is very meaningful.

link up at Amy’s blog!

Filed Under: Depression, Friends, my week in iphone photos, Our New Home 8 Comments

creating a colorful space – playroom plans

June 6, 2011 By Molly

One of the reasons I disliked living in our last house was the lack of separation between the living room and the playroom. As in, there was none. If anyone ever came over we opened the front door and there were all the toys! Our living room was the playroom! I hated that. I longed for a dedicated space to store all of boys’ play things. A place we can sit at a table coloring or doing kiddie crafts. A place with a cushy sofa where we can all sink in for story time. A place where I can shut the door and pretend my house is clean when we have guests.

Now we have it and I’ve been so excited to get it organized and decorated. You know, so they can ransack it and tear down my decorations. See, I’m not that unrealistic.

Here is the room before we moved in

I don’t feel much like painting the room right now. When we finish the basement this room will become a guest room/office so I don’t want to repaint in the future. So for now I have decided to infuse color with accessories instead.

I created my first mood board (yay, me!) and I just happen to love it. We’re going with fun, primary colors in here!

1. We already have an older love seat with a cream-colored surefit slipcover. It’s not the prettiest sofa but it’s comfy and great for story time!

2. I have been seeing so many photos of expedit bookshelves and I fell in love it. Unfortunately ikea doesn’t think Missourians like their furniture (boo on them). I have been scouring craiglist just waiting for the chance to snatch one up. Finally, after two months of searching someone listed one! And I didn’t even have to pay the ridiculous shipping fees. It looks amazing in the room and I can’t wait to add my touches to it!

3. I purchased this colorful kid’s table on sale from World Market. It is so cute and I like that I can actually sit at the table with my boys!

4. You know that boring sofa? It needs some pillows. I found these personalized pillows on etsy and I think they would be perfect for the space.

5. The light fixture in this room is builder grade. I would like to do change it up and a pendant light from Rosenberry Rooms is the current front runner. It’s kind of expensive though. I wish I could just DIY it.

6. I want to have a few colorful prints in the room. This fun print from etsy is exactly what I am looking for but I’m thinking I might try to DIY these too.

7. This art cable system from Pottery Barn Kids is on sale and has already been ordered. Can’t wait!

A few more things that I have to think about are window treatments and a big colorful rug to anchor the space. I am undecided on these pieces for now.

The part of the room I love so much is the built in storage bench. It holds so many toys and would make a great little reading nook (even for me!). I just need to make some kind of seat cover and add a couple pillows!

So what do you think? Any great ideas to add? I have definitely been bitten by the decorating bug but it’s slow going. Hopefully the playroom will come together someday soon. The boys aren’t waiting for the finished product. They are already enjoying it plenty.

Filed Under: Our New Home, trying to be crafty 5 Comments

my week in iphone photos

May 29, 2011 By Molly

A few of my blog friends have been doing this meme for awhile. I take a lot of photos with my iphone but no one ever sees them so I figured, hey, why not?! Hopefully I’ll be better at remembering which photos were taken on what day. But I can promise nothing.

Progress is being made in different rooms of our new house. Sloooow progress. Here’s a sneak peek of the boy’s new colorful playroom!

The first coat of orange paint is up in Landon’s room. I’m gonna be honest and say that I’m not sure orange was the best choice. My nose was pretty scrunched up as I painted. But for the love of all that is holy, I’m gonna press on (possibly while wearing sunglasses), finish the second coat and hope it grows on me. For the record? Landon loves it.

The boys continue to surprise me with their new cool places they find to play. This precipitated a trip to the babies r us safety section. Good times.

Hello, lovahs. Our new washer/dryer set arrived. Not only does it clean clothes. But it is super pretty and makes cool sounds when it’s done. It also has a cold water sanitize setting that uses 92% less energy. This wanna-be crunchy mama is happy!

Severe weather including multiple tornado warnings managed to scare the shit out of everyone in our city and the Midwest as a whole. I am still having trouble accepting that a town two hours south of us was ripped to shreds. Word that a 16-month-old little boy was killed had me breaking down at work. I have hugged my kids a little tighter this week that is for sure.

It was nice to see a rainbow at the end of the week.

I met some wonderful bloggers from kansas city on Friday! I was chosen for a wendy’s promotion and it ended up being really fun to meet some local moms who blog (more on this tomorrow!).

We celebrated my dad’s retirement from teaching at a classic Kansas City restaurant called The Majestic. A live jazz band played including a cornet player, which just happens to be my dad’s instrument! Perfect. The steak was freaking amazeballs.

Then it was off to the AMC theater movie suites. I had never been here before but it was awesome! We sat in huge leather recliners and I got to put my feet up the whole movie! Also? Hangover 2 is hilariously inappropriate. Two thumbs up!

The next day the brigs and I weren’t feeling well. We had a wave of the vomits come through our household this past week. First Naaman, then Landon & lastly me and the Brigs. Thank the Lord it was short-lived so we can enjoy the rest of our long holiday weekend.

p.s. who knows how to get the smell of barf out of carpet? Please and thanks.

Did you take any photos on your phone this week? Well then, link up silly!

Filed Under: Blogging, Double Trouble, my week in iphone photos, Our New Home, Sickies, Stuff I Love 9 Comments

thanks for putting plastic on your furniture

May 18, 2011 By Molly

Ever since we wrote an offer on our new house I have been following new home design/decor blogs. The big trend I see is refinishing and painting used and/or old furniture.

I thought, hey that looks so easy. I can do that!

We already have a formal dining room set but we have space for a casual dining table as well. So I started scouring Craigslist like it was my job. Looking for the perfect deal. I really really really wanted a pedestal dining table and told myself I would be redoing it with a distressed white finish.

I finally found a good deal last week. You never can tell exactly what something looks like by a photo on Craigslist but I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived to inspect the table.

It was a two-toned pedestal table with four x-backed chairs. I could tell the old lady selling it didn’t really want to part with it. She had just moved in with her daughter and had to sell all her furniture, which also just so happened to be covered with thick plastic. Everything looked brand new.

I never thought I would thank someone for putting plastic on their furniture. But I did that day.

I took home this beautiful table and chairs for $140. Cheaper than anything I found online or in the store. And I like it more! Go figure.

The colors are so rich and deep. To tell you the truth, I’m not even sure I want to refinish it anymore.

Someone suggested recovering the chairs, which I think I could very easily do. Material and a staple gun, correct?

Quite honestly I am loving the plastic covers. I have two male toddlers after all.

What do you think, bloggers? I am very non-committal with ideas for the new house. I am afraid I’m going to mess up how perfect it is by changing something.

Filed Under: Our New Home, trying to be crafty 12 Comments

out of this world – plans for Landon’s room!

May 15, 2011 By Molly

A few months ago Landon got a new book. It’s all about our solar system and planets. From the first time we read it he was hooked. We always read to him before bedtime. It’s part of our routine and this book is always at the top of his request list. Now he knows all the planets and can name them when he sees them!

The first time we went to visit our soon-to-be new house we decided to ask Landon what type of room he wanted. “Planets!” he exclaimed. And we’ve been hearing about it ever since.

I have scoured the internet looking for the perfect bedding set to go with the planet/solar system/outer space theme. Unfortunately, everything I found was either completely ridiculous looking or way too expensive.

I ultimately decided to mix & match sheets and bedding and room accessories. I’ve never really done a room this way before (just give me a “room in a bag” please) but I think with some time and effort it will eventually come together. I want Landon to love his room. I want to capture his face on camera when he sees it for the first time. I want him to think it’s out of this world (hehehe).

Here’s a sneak peek of some items we will incorporate into his room.

1. we’ve decided on quirky orange walls with a couple of blue stripes! Landon is helping us pick out the colors!
2. this solar system will hang from the ceiling and they glow in the dark!
3. after A LOT of going back and forth between what to order, I finally ordered the blast off sheet set from Target!
4. we also ordered this fun painting of the solar system.

I plan on incorporating lots of fun and funky artwork that match the space theme and colors. Outer space is kind of a tough theme to do. I don’t want it to be cheesy but I do want it to be colorful and kid-friendly. It is a kid’s room, after all!

5. I love this framed quote. Maybe I’ll create a gallery wall with photos of Landon as well as some art.
6. and this framed saying about Neptune is quite possibly my favorite thing I’ve found. From etsy of course.

I still need to decide on curtains, a bedskirt and a comforter. I am thinking of sewing the curtains myself (eeeeek!) although don’t hold your breath waiting to see the finished product. I’ve never sewn anything before. But I bought a sewing machine last December and have never even taken it out of the box. Maybe it’s time I try.

So what do you guys think? I am so excited to paint and get his room put together!

p.s. today is the last day to vote in the Circle of Moms contest. Two clicks is all it takes to help me stay in the Top 25 Baby Journals. I truly appreciate it.

Filed Under: Landon, Our New Home 14 Comments

We moved. Now what?

May 10, 2011 By Molly

I talk about many things on this here blog. But decorating? It ain’t one of them.

The first time we put our house on the market was in October of 2009. I was 14 weeks pregnant with Brigham and deep in dreams about what our next home would look like. A year and a half later we’re finally in our next home. That’s a lot of time to compile ideas. Ideas that I suddenly feel will never come to fruition.

I thought I would feel relief when we were finally here. And in many ways, I am relieved. But also? I am completely overwhelmed.

Our old house had a teeny tiny floorplan. With teeny tiny rooms. And two teeny tiny closets. And now, after moving, it has what appears to be a teeny tiny to-do list in comparison to our new house.

The old house had a little over 1,000 square feet and two bedrooms.

The new house has over 2,000 square feet and four bedrooms. And throw in an extra bathroom. And walk-in closets in every.single.bedroom.

Please don’t misinterpret this post as complaining. Because I am so grateful to be here and to have what we have. But simply put, I don’t know where to start.

There is a lot to do. A lot is probably the understatement of the century. What is more than a lot, my bloggy friends? Fill in the blanks for me as my vocabulary is hiding in the corner with my fear of committing to a color scheme.

Also, moving is so difficult with two young kiddos who really have no clue what is going on.

We have a garage that is still filled with boxes yet to be unpacked. It is driving me crazy knowing that those boxes are out there. Calling my name. Asking for their new place in our new house. But if I bring those boxes out while my little monsters boys are awake. All they see is stuff. Stuff. STUFF! Stuff to throw and stuff to steal and stuff to hide and let’s toss this pretty Crate & Barrel Trifle Bowl that has never been used onto the shiny new wood floors and make a dent!

I’m trying to chill. Hey, I said I’m trying. I didn’t say I had mastered the skill of chilling quite yet.

So, what the heck is this post about anyway? I’m not sure. Is it to tell you that I’m adding a decor component to my blog. I am currently undecided on that endeavor. Although I think it would be super cool to show you guys my progress in making our house a home. Would you be interested in seeing stuff like that? Are home projects and photos of curtains exciting to you? If so – I will do it. Anything for my readers, right?

But right now I need support. I need all you people out there who encountered complete chaos after you moved to tell me that it all ended up okay. I need you to tell me that come Christmas time, there will be gorgeous garland wrapped around our beautiful banister. That my wedding china will rest safely in the dining room buffet. That the boys’ playroom will have some cute art on the walls. Someday. I need you to remind me to breathe in and out when I begin to freak over how I still cannot find the scissors and that you think Landon probably didn’t hide them under his pillow.

I will say that one thing that is helping me organize my thoughts is the coolest thing I’ve discovered since twitter. And that would be pinterest.

What? You haven’t heard about it yet? Then let me introduce you to the awesome. It’s a website that allows you to create idea or inspiration boards for anything your internet-addicted heart desires. There’s a little icon you download and instead of saving a thousand images to your hard drive you can organize it online. And then, the icing on the yummy cupcakes? You get to see what all your online friends are liking for their house or kitchen or closet. I love how it gives you a glimpse into their personal style. As you will see, my home style is a cross between comfy casual and shabby chic with a dash of fun color thrown in. Why do I crave white furniture and textiles while also being a mom to two boys? It’s not fair, I tell you.

Do me a favor and sign up for an invite! And then follow my pin boards. I am putting all my ideas for the different rooms of our house. Oh, how I need a couple more hours added to my night just so I can pin. It’s addicting. And it helps me feel better about the fact that nothing is decorated in our beautiful new house. It’s the house of beige. Sigh.

In the words of one of my favorite movie characters of all time, Scarlett O’Hara . . .

But I won’t think about that right now. I’ll think about that tomorrow. After all, tomorrow is another day.

Please vote before my brain implodes. Two clicks. That’s it!

Filed Under: Mommy Moments, Our New Home 9 Comments

What time is check out?

May 4, 2011 By Molly

Since Brigham turned 1-year-old on Monday we decided to get him a little something to mark the occasion.

We thought after sleeping in a cramped pack&play for a year he deserved a new house. With plenty of space to run and play (yes, our 1-year-old already runs. Send help!).

So we signed on the dotted line on Brigham’s first birthday and moved in that night.

When I woke up the next morning I felt like I needed to call the front desk of the hotel to find out what time check out was. It just didn’t seem real. It still doesn’t. We came so close to this dream not becoming a reality. So I think it’s gonna take some time to sink in.

Until then, you’ll have to wait for photos of Brigham’s birthday dinner. Because we won’t have Internet until Saturday (again, send help!). Ordinarily, this would be unacceptable but my iphone means I don’t have to go through a complete detox. Thank you kindly WordPress app!

I miss you, my bloggy friends. But we’re enjoying this exciting time in our new hotel. Er, I mean home. HOME! I will be back online soon!

Here’s a view from our new living room to tide you over =)

Filed Under: Our New Home 11 Comments

Today was supposed to be moving day

April 21, 2011 By Molly

I’m gonna make this quick. I can’t write or talk about it without crying and getting stomach cramps.

We were supposed to be closing and moving TODAY. We thought our dream was finally coming true. But 48 hours ago the buyer’s lender decided that they would no longer give him the loan to buy our house unless he had a cosigner. We were told as long as he found a cosigner everything would be fine and we would be closing before the 29th.

Yesterday we waited to find out when the new closing day would be. At 4:45 p.m. I got the call I never expected to get. The buyer’s lender STILL denied him the loan to buy our house. We would not be closing at all.

I cried. I screamed. I got sick and vomited all of everything I had eaten that day and spent the day on the toilet. I lost three pounds. Another three pounds I could not afford to lose.

Our entire lives have been packed away in boxes. Waiting to go to a beautiful house that may never be ours.

Our mail was already forwarded. Address changed on numerous accounts.

Invitations for Brigham’s first birthday party have already been sent – with our NEW address of a house that now will set empty on his birthday.

Our dreams were shattered in an instant.

I’m not doing well. Not at all.

Today was supposed to be one of the happiest days of our family’s life. But instead, we are so sad.

Today my heart is broken.