Come visit! Bring wine...

Well, Mike leaves for his golf retreat today... For the next 4 days, I'll be doing the parent thing all alone!  I have big plans to get things done around the house.  I have a birthday cake to make for my cousin's daughter's birthday party.  I would like to get some work done outside.  I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to do all of this without any whining, crying, fighting, or pouting from my two sidekicks!  Is it gonna happen?  Doubt it.  But, I'm going to try my best and hopefully still have a shred of sanity come Sunday evening when he returns :-)

My "Mike's on vacay and I'm insanely jealous so I have to keep myself busy for every single second" To-Do List:

1. Get my summer clothes into my closet and the winter clothes out.
2. Put the girls' winter clothes up in the attic.
3. Re-arrange Jaden's bedroom.
4. Start and finish the craft project I have been dying to do for like, FOREVER!
5. Dig up the garden.
6. Finish editing wedding pics.
7. Bake Raegan's birthday cake.
8. Start the entryway re-do.
9. Feed the cat (I know I'll forget to do this).
10. Breathe.

Jaden recently made charts for herself and her sister.  The chart looks like a giant staircase that takes up a whole piece of paper.  They live on the fridge and when the girls do something that I feel is chart-worthy, they get to move a little magnet up a step.  If they crywhinepoutfight, they move down a step.  When Taylor gets to the top, she wants to get a new baby that licks an ice cream cone.  When Jaden gets to the top of her steps, she wants to get a new bike.  It's been working wonderfully the past couple of days! "Stop fighting or you'll move down a step!"  Genius.  My goal for the next four days is to have the girls actually be on a higher step than they were when Mike left.  High goals, I tell ya!

Advice?  Suggestions?  My girls are wonderful, but there are two of them, and only one of me! :-)

Living Room Pre-Planning

I'm getting ready to start re-designing my living room.  This room is in the front of the house and has a huge window that looks out to the front yard and our street.  When we have the blinds open during the day, this room is very visible to those walking or driving by.

Right Now:
This is Taylor's room. She watches Dora DVDs and has picnic tea parties in this room. We have a futon couch and a recliner in there right now. The TV is not hooked up to cable, only a DVD player.  It is painted yellow.

What I Want:
We are getting a piano similar to this one:

Also, I want to get a new couch.  I have my eye on one, but need to get the measurements to make sure it will fit where I want it.  I also want an accent wall.  I have my heart set on a reclaimed wood wall similar to this:

Contemporary Kids by Birmingham Interior Designer AMW Design Studio

or this:

Eclectic Living Room by Atlanta Photographer Ashley Anthony Photography

I really like how it looks, but am a little worried about the maintenance.  Have any of you put one of these focal points into your house?  I also love that I can marry gray and brown because of the varying tones in the wood.

If I decide not to do a wood wall, I am thinking about a stenciled accent wall like I did in my family room at our old house.

I would do either a light/dark warm gray, or a flat/gloss dark gray/black for the colors. Maybe do the three other walls in the Gobi Desert (tan) that I've used throughout the downstairs, and the accent wall in Manuscript (the gray tone):

Maybe I could do a wood accent art piece?  That would bring both of these colors together.

What are your thoughts?  The couch I am eyeing is gray so I don't want the other three walls to be gray.  Also, I am liking these curtains from IKEA:

Also, Jaden's birthday party is in three weeks. I am kind of on a schedule for this room re-do. Help me out here!

Armageddon is close...

I'm done, you guys.  I'm giving up.  I don't know what else I can do in these TRYING TIMES!  I can NOT handle any more.  I'm serious.

I'm been slacking on blogging a bit and that is because on top of getting things ready for the Home & Garden Show, and wrapping up a few photo shoots, I am running on no sleep.  Last week (or was it the week before?), I begged for your help with my WONDERFUL three-year-old and her not-so-wonderful bedtime routine.  You guys were awesome!  I ordered the book that was recommended and tried a new approach to bedtime.  We've decided that at bedtime, Taylor is having separation anxiety.  Apparently this is very common with kids her age.  I've solved the problem by tucking her into bed, showing her where five minutes is on the clock and promising to come check on her, and then after five minutes has passed, I go to her room and sit on her floor to read my book.  Taylor knows that I will be back.  She knows that I will stay with her until she falls asleep (usually takes 5-10 minutes).  Our one rule is, she must lay down with her eyes closed or I will leave the room.  It has been working without a fault!  Yes, it may be what some would call a "bad habit" when it comes to bedtime, but I don't care.  If she needs someone in there with her, I'm all for it.  Five to ten minutes sitting on her floor, reading quietly to myself, is much more enjoyable that an hour of yelling and fighting.  I win.

There is one problem.  Taylor wakes up in the night, too.  She has been waking up and calling for me every night, usually around 2-3 a.m.  A couple of times, I've sat on her floor for a few minutes until she fell back asleep.  Some times were longer than others.  She would have a hard time falling asleep, so I would grab a pillow and blanket, and camp out in her room.  When she was softly snoring, I headed back to my bed for another hour or two of sleep.  A couple of times, I had her come to my room and sleep on the floor.  Whatever it took to get bot of us back to sleep as quickly as possible.  It sucks, I'm not gonna lie.  I have had enough of the broken nights.

BUT, waking up in the night and then going right back to sleep is WAY better than the situation we had last night.  Taylor woke up at 3 a.m.  I did as I usually do; went into her room and tried to get her to lay down.  I offered to sit on her floor... NOPE.  She would rather pout.  No big deal, right?  WRONG.  In Taylor, pouting is only a lead into a full-blown tantrum.  So I stood there.  Wait for it... wait for it... WWWAAAAAAHHHHHHH AAAAHHHHHHHH!!!  There it is!  I held her and calmed her down, trying to get to the root of the problem.  Last night, it was "wonky socks."  One little twisted sock totally wrecked her universe.  I tried to fix said sock.  No go.  I tried convincing her to take the blasted sock off.  Nope.  Change socks?  Ain't happening.  After an hour, she ended up coming into our room to sleep on the floor... and toss and turn for the rest of the night because of that stupid sock... or whatever reason.  It sucked.  I'm tired.

Tantrums are the worst.  People talk about tantrums and other people are like, "yeah, that must be inconvenient."  Or, "why don't you just give her a little spanking?"  Or, "Just give her what she wants, she'll stop."  Easier said than done, people.  Taylor's tantrums have the touchiest little trigger.  ANYTHING can set her off.  There is NO off switch.  She may start a tantrum because of a wonky sock, but fixing the dumb sock will NOT end the tantrum.  Nothing... not spanking, giving in, ignoring, NOTHING stops a tantrum.

Last week, Mike's mom picked Taylor up from daycare.  For one reason or another, Taylor started in.  Karen had heard us complaining about the tantrums, but had yet to experience one.  Sure, she had seen Taylor drop to the floor and pout, but she was finally able to get the full experience.  I went to pick both girls up at Karen's house that evening after work.  I walk in and BAM.  WWWAAAAAAHHHHHHH AAAAHHHHHHHH!!!  She was writhing on the floor, kicking and screaming.  From what I could get out of her, it had something to do with fishy crackers.  I had to fight to get her coat on, only to have her throw it off.  I had to fight to get her shoes on, only to have her kick them off.  I finally decided to just put her in the car sans coat and shoes.  We only live down the street from Karen's house.  It's seriously a 30-second drive.  I did my best to strap Taylor into her seat while she did her best to fight me, arching her back and kicking her legs.  In that 30-second drive, Taylor managed to slide her way out of her seat belt and climb into the front seat.  When we got out of the car, she was arching her back and sliding out of my arms, still screaming. It was NOT fun.

This has been happening daily.  Not always to that extent, but still happening.  You all helped me with my bedtime problems so I am counting on your advice with the tantrums.  I know it is just her age and that everyone goes through it.  But help me cope with getting through it because it is seriously breaking me.  I'm frustrated.  I'm tired.  I'm just done.  Help.

This Mama needs some HELP!

The number one most misunderstood thing when it comes to parenting is the Terrible Twos.  The number one most misunderstood thing when it comes to 3-year-olds is bedtime.

You see, when Mike and I were new parents, we heard talk of the Terrible Twos phase.  You know, when your child turns two years old, she would throw temper tantrums and even though it wouldn't necessarily be ok, we would deal with it because, well, it was to be expected!  Then when your child turns three years old, she would magically go back to being that angel that she was before the T2 phase!  You know what I'm talking about, right?  Well my friends, I'm here to tell you that it is all a big LIE!

The Truth About the Terrible Twos

1. The T2 phase STARTS at age two-ish and lasts for at least two years.
2. You will look back on those newborn nights when your baby cried for a bottle and then went right back to sleep and think, "It really wasn't that bad!"
3. The child will NOT win the battle.
4. The parent will NOT win the battle.
5. Threats don't work.
6. Rewards don't work.
7. Punishments don't work.
8. It is a battle... With no clear ending in sight.
9. It will stop as suddenly as it started.

We are right in the middle of the T2 phase with Miss Taylor Max.  She is stubborn, she pouts, she whines, she cries, she throws herself on the ground, she screams.  The only thing is, she only does this at bedtime!  For some reason unknown to all other humans, she hates bedtime.  Apparently she believes that bedtime is just a myth and it is something that she doesn't believe in.  She also must think that her family is pretty dumb to believe in the concept of bedtime, because she doesn't like to let anyone else in the house get a full, restful night of sleep!  

When we talk about this with other people, the first thing we are asked is, "What time does she go to bed?"  Bedtime is 7:30.  Yes, it is early, but when you are a kid and need to wake up at 6:00 in the morning, 7:30 really isn't that bad.  Actually, 7:30 is her sweet spot.  Any earlier and she isn't quite tired enough and throws a fit because she isn't tired.  Any later and she is overly tired and throws a fit... for no reason except that she is tired.  We have the best chance of going to bed good if she is in bed at exactly 7:30.  On occasion, Jaden gets to stay up until 8:00.  Mostly to let Taylor cry it out for a half-hour or so, but also because she is past the T2 phase and "gets it."  We've tried rewarding Taylor with staying up a little later and it backfires almost every single time.

Mike and I have tried it all.  We have rewarded going to bed good.  We have taken away her Dora movies, her Maxine, her blankie, her stuffed animal... it does NOT work.  We have tried letting her cry.  We have tried closing her door.  We have tried reasoning with her.  It doesn't matter.  We have asked our parents, friends with kids, and even doctors for advice.  The answer always comes down to, "It is a phase and she will grow out of it."  We know this, but it doesn't make it any easier.

Jaden went through the same thing when she was 2½-3.  She cried and screamed at bedtime.  I remember it so well because Taylor was a newborn.  Between the two of them, Mike and I were getting no sleep at all.  I also know that Jaden grew out of it eventually.  

So, Mike and I are basically at the end of our rope.  We are about to lose it.  It is the most frustrating thing in the world.  I know that it probably seems like I am making mountains out of molehills, but I'm not.  It is hard to handle.  It is hard to know what is the right thing to do.  Right now, it basically boils down to the fact that she doesn't want to be left alone.  She wants either Mike or myself to stay in her room until she falls asleep.  I don't mind doing that every so often, but I'm scared that it will develop into a habit that will cause more problems down the road.  A few times this week, I have sat on her floor next to her bed and let her hold onto my finger.  She falls asleep almost instantly.  When she is snoring, I replace my finger with Maxine's (her favorite doll) arm.  It works, but I'm afraid it is only making the whole problem worse, because eventually we will have to not do that.  Then what?

I know that every kid goes through this.  I know that we will all survive.  I also know that she was pouting and throwing a fit off and on from 11:30-2:30.  We got less than three hours of sleep last night.  Tell me what to do next because I feel like it's time to call Supernanny!

Family Room Pre-Planning

So, since we moved into our house over the summer, we haven't done much to personalize it. Trust me, I have grand ideas, my friends! It's just the whole TIME thing that I can't seem to get enough of. The only thing I've really done to make it ours (besides a little decorating here and there) is paint the kitchen/dining room walls. The previous color was close to burning my retinas so it was considered an emergency. I've purposely not showed you much of the new digs because I'm waiting for the whole before-after shtick... as I'm sure you are, too.  BUT, Black Friday is just two weeks away. Black Friday for most means a day of shopping. For me, it means major home overhaul. This year: THE FAMILY ROOM.

You can kind of see the family room behind my loves in this picture (also the previous dining room color)


Here is another one:


Basically, it is a light green color... kind of similar to a cucumber-lime lotion color. There is wood paneling half-way up the wall. The built-in bookcases are super dark. There are exposed beams on the ceiling and hideous posts that separate the family and dining rooms. On the positive side, the carpet is fairly new and awesome! The furniture (that came with the house), not so awesome.

My plan is to lighten it up significantly! I'm also going to get new furniture and create an awesome (hopefully) DIY piece.  Here are some inspiration pics... In the first picture, I like the neutral tones and different fabrics. I like layering curtains with blinds on the windows. I LOVE the chair!

Traditional Living Room design by Charleston Interior Designer LORRAINE G VALE, Allied ASID

This one is very neutral and cozy!

Contemporary Living Room design by San Francisco Photographer Alex Amend Photography

The lighter built-ins really make this fireplace stand out! I also like the sofa table and the curtains over the doors.

Traditional Family Room design by Portland Interior Designer Jenny Baines, Jennifer Baines Interiors

This one may be my favorite! LOVE the organic feel!

Contemporary Family Room design by San Francisco Interior Designer Amoroso Design

This picture is all about that ottoman! Love it!

Modern Living Room design by New York Interior Designer Tara Seawright

Check out these exposed beams... Love it or hate it?

Contemporary Family Room design by Dallas Design-build Ellen Grasso & Sons, LLC

Great furniture choices in this photo.

Contemporary Living Room design by Raleigh Photographer Tad Davis Photography

So, those are my inspiration pictures.  Now, I need a little assistance with my fabric! I am completely torn on which way I want to go!
    

My paint color will be one of these (or similar):

Paints Stains And Glazes design by Benjamin Moore

Paints Stains And Glazes design by Benjamin Moore

One more question:
Does anyone actually have IKEA's Ektorp Sofa? I've read mixed reviews on it. Mike is 6'3" and people have said it is dwarfy... Also that it is not as comfortable as it looks. Anyone have personal, real-life experience?

Also, anyone want to come over on Black Friday and help me ;o)

Kitchen Cabinet Dilemma

Mike and I are beyond excited to actually move into our new home!  We are only days (possibly today or tomorrow) away!  Naturally, I've been stuck in the universe that is Pinterest and Houzz, looking for ideas for our new place.  My plan is to get the girls' rooms done and then RELAX a bit.  There is so much I want to do to the house, but first I want to take a breather.  My spring project will be the kitchen/dining room/family room.  Right now, it is pretty outdated.  The cabinets are dark, the paint is dark, the wood paneling in the family room is dark.  I need to lighten it up a bunch!  For as long as I've been collecting Pottery Barn catalogs, and from way back in the day when I was probably the only 15-year-old subscribing to Metropolitan Home magazine, I've wanted white kitchen cabinets.  When I lived in an apartment, I obviously couldn't paint them.  When we moved into the Bolton house, everyone raved about how wonderful my beautiful oak cabinets were (gag!) Now, I'm painting them!  They are mine and they aren't "beautiful oak."  BUT, do I keep them painted white, or do I glaze them?  Do I go with stark white or opt for an antique white? Here are some of my inspiration photos, courtesy of Houzz.com, of course!

Traditional Kitchen design by San Francisco Architect Arch Studio, Inc.

Traditional Kitchen design by Minneapolis Architect Murphy & Co. Design

Traditional Kitchen design by Burlington Architect Smith & Vansant Architects PC

Traditional Kitchen design by Austin General Contractor Redbud Custom Homes

Mediterranean Kitchen design by Boston Kitchen And Bath Artisan Kitchens LLC

Contemporary Kitchen design by San Francisco General Contractor Dijeau Poage Construction

This is a good glazed example:

Traditional Kitchen design by Birmingham General Contractor Structures, Inc.

Traditional Kitchen design by Chicago Interior Designer Claudia Martin, ASID

Traditional Kitchen design by Chicago Kitchen And Bath The Kitchen Studio of Glen Ellyn

Traditional Kitchen design by Other Metros Design-build Witt Construction

Here is an antique white:

Eclectic Kitchen design by New York Architect Ben Herzog

Traditional Kitchen design by New York Architect Crisp Architects

Traditional Kitchen design by Other Metros Design-build Witt Construction

I think this next one is one of my favorites.  It is also very representative of how my three areas all blend into one.

Traditional Kitchen design by San Francisco Architect James Madson

Traditional Kitchen design by Raleigh Interior Designer Southern Studio Interior Design

Here is another glazed example:

Traditional Kitchen design by Chicago Kitchen And Bath Kitchens By Julie

This next is also a big favorite.  I like the wall color with the white cabinets in this next photo.

Traditional Kitchen design by Seattle Kitchen And Bath Kayron Brewer, CKD / Studio KB

Eclectic Kitchen design by Minneapolis Interior Designer Vivid Interior Design - Danielle Loven

Contemporary Kitchen design by Other Metros General Contractor Weaver Custom Homes

The next one is a little TOO white, but I do love those drum lights, no?

Contemporary Kitchen design by San Francisco General Contractor Matarozzi Pelsinger Builders

Traditional Home Office design by San Francisco Interior Designer Kathleen Burke Design

After looking through the photos again, I think I'm leaning a little toward the white or antique white cabinets instead of the glazed.  I know that the glazed look would hide a lot of the fingerprints and dirt, but I think that I could stay on top of it and keep them looking nice... I don't know!  What do you think?