why??....

Since I have a few followers(yippee) that I haven't met yet, I thought I would introduce myself! My name is Andrea or Andy, I am 34 and I am married to a really cute boy named Joe.  Every day he gives me a reason to smile. Together we have 5 energetic children.  Every day they give me a reason to smile...and cry...and scream....and wonder how in the world I am going to make it through the day. I truly love them and am so happy I get the privilege of being their Mommy!  

I also thought I would share with you the reason that I blog.... I belong to a wonderful church organization that stresses the importance of education.  I have heard many talks on the subject, and each time I do, I feel an urgency to follow this counsel and become more educated. I have really struggled with the thought because my children are so young and financially it just isn't the best time.  I have felt impressed that I should develop my interests and talents at home until it is a more appropriate time.  I really love to refurbish furniture and I love interior design. Although I feel inadequate, I think it is a blast to learn and try new things.  Blogging about them helps me to stay motivated and helps me to get (hopefully honest) feedback about what works and what does not. The blogging world also gives me incredible ideas and inspiration. I sincerely appreciate that you would take the time to look at the my little projects!

I was introduced to a couple of fun blogs this week. Lisa has some awesome learning activities for kids. She has some really fun projects that give you some productive, quality time with your little ones!  Also my neighbor Cassie has a really fun blog for moms. She has a different focus each day. She has some great ideas and wisdom to share!  

Stay tuned this next week, I am attempting a boys room. My son really wanted a black bedroom. We comprised and decided to try gray with black accents.  

We'll see how it goes. I think the colors will look pretty together, I'm just a little nervous that they might end up looking elegant instead of boyish.  Maybe we'll throw red in there too.  If you've seen any gray bedrooms that have worked please send me a link!  Here's the headboard I bought at DI for $15.

 So boyish right??? I'll be painting it black tomorrow along with a farmhouse shelf above the window.  Wish me luck!! I'm gonna need it!

Happy New Year!!

There is something so refreshing about January 1st.  It really isn't any different than December 31st, but it always exciting for me. I feel like I can make new goals and have another chance to become the person that I would ultimately like to be. As I was trying to think of ways that I can improve over this next year I thought about really treasuring the times that I have with my children. I want to make the holidays throughout the year special for them and give them distinct memories that they will be able to hold on to. There are so many areas in which I would like to improve. I hope that as I work on my goals I will be able to somehow involve my children. As I grow spiritually I would like to give them the basic fundamentals of faith love and charity that I know will benefit them immensely. As I work on my physical goals I hope to involve them in such a way that they can understand the importance of living a healthy lifestyles and take advantage of these wonderful bodies we've been given. I would like to educate myself and give them an example of the importance of constant learning and mental development. Most of all I would like to create a home of tranquility and virtue. A resting place for my children. A safe haven from this crazy world we live in.  I want to yell less and cherish more.  I love to create and decorate, but I also would like to remember that what happens within the walls of my home is way more important than what happens on the walls. I hope you all have a wonderful year and enjoy this wonderful life!!

(Picture from Better Homes and Gardens via theinspiredroom.net)