Fine Dining

Can I get an Oh Yeah?  That is a phrase my little one loves from Kindergarten.  That is also how I felt after unpacking most of the new house this week.

Yes, I did unpack everything except for the basement.  That is a work in progress.  After unpacking, I felt I deserved a reward.  So, I went furniture shopping for the dining room table. 

The shopping didn't take long.  I went in to the store wanting something a bit traditional, but not too traditional.  Make sense?  I found it right away.  I decided on a Mission Style set, that fits the traditional aspect.  The non-traditional part is, the table is square and counter height.

The square table was a no-brainer.  My dining room is not very big, 11 feet by 11 feet.  So, to put a traditional rectangular table in there wouldn't make sense.  I would have limited seating options.  When I started measuring, seating six would be OK, but still a bit tight.  Using the square table, we can seat eight very comfortably, and the table itself is large.  This allows for plenty of room when dining formally or casually.

I also decided on just the table and chairs for the room.  I probably could have squeezed a hutch or server in there, but it may be cramped.  I have plenty of storage elsewhere in the house, so for now we just have the table and chairs. 

I sorted through my pictures and paintings, and decided on a floral, orange theme.  I hung a photograph of a poppy from my old garden, along with a painting I had of poppies.  My dad expertly hung the curtain rods, and simple chenille curtains finish the space.

The result: simple yet elegant, traditional but not "too" traditional :)

Closure!

It's official, our Oneonta home closed today and our Buffalo home closed yesterday! 

I want to say thank you to so many people.  It's like an Oscar speech, all the people I want to thank, but also don't want to leave anyone out.  So I will not name names.

I have a very difficult time accepting help.  Call it independence or stubbornness, that I can do it on my own.  Over the last two months, so many people have offered their help to my family.  Just knowing that it was there, was a huge relief. 

I am most thankful, for the moral support.  One friend in particular who shared daily late night conversations, and provided encouragement, for her I am grateful.  I am grateful for the most awesome lunch date in the world.  I have more dates with her than my husband, and I am so thankful. 

I am thankful for a special lady who made a trip to my house, when my phone was shut off to notify me of the early release last week.  Making sure I wouldn't forget about the kids :)  

I am grateful for an awesome Valentine's Day card I received today, that totally put a smile on my face.

I am thankful to all the people in my school community, who inquired on a daily basis, on our progress.  Always lending an ear or support.

I am most thankful for our families!  I feel very loved :)

Are you always tuned in?

Yesterday at school pick up, I mentioned to my friend I had a stomach ache.  She responded in her lovely Missouri accent, "You think?  No wonder with all that is going on."  Gosh, I really love her. Her candor makes me laugh.

So yes, it is no wonder my tummy hurt, probably from stress.  However, all the moving nonsense will be over very shortly. 

Which brings me to my question, Are you always tuned in?  Meaning are you always tuned in to  your children and others around you?  My answer is no.  Life happens and sometimes things slip by.  I was reminded of this the other day in the car.

I was having one of those mornings where everything seemed to go wrong.  I was taking the kids to school, and I was on the verge of tears, when I heard a little voice from the backseat.  "It's alright mommy, you're great, you can do it!"  My five year old is cheering me on.  I asked where he learned that, and he told me in school.  It helps him get through tough things at school, and I should say it when I need help too.

So my point is, I may not always be tuned in, but more often than not our children are.  Since then, even though I am stressed, I am making more of point to be tuned in to what my kids are hearing and observing from me.  I save my emotional breakdowns for my friends :)

Remember:  IT'S OKAY, YOU ARE GREAT, YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

Needs vs. Wants

I know I've been lacking on the posts lately.  As everyone knows, we are in the middle of a move.  Our movers are coming soon to take our belongings on to Buffalo, where either they will go to storage or our new house.  It all depends on closing dates....ugh waiting for closing dates.

So, for the past month or so I have been packing up our house in Oneonta.  Thanks to my dad for providing an abundance of storage bins from his old employer, the packing is going pretty easy.  I have had to purchase some boxes, but I am becoming very strategic on how to pack those.  According to Jay, the new "storage expert", I am following the correct guidelines for packing.  Oh well, I digress.

Okay, so packing over the past month or so has been very enlightening.  I have had to put a few things to the side for the apartment.  I classify these items as my needs.  I am amazed as to how little I actually "need" to manage on a daily basis.  Don't get me wrong, I really love all my kitchen items, and decorative pieces.  For the most part, I can survive really well on a few items. 

The boys have adjusted too.  We packed most of their toys and they are being stored at my parents house since the holidays.  I thought they would complain about not having all their stuff, but to my surprise, not one complaint.  They are being more creative with what I have let them keep behind, which all fits into a medium tote.

I am already thinking on how I can keep this simplified life strategy in the new house.  I have decided to sell and/or donate a lot of things.  For example, I have decorative art pieces that I have gathered over the years from home décor stores.  None of which have any significant value, so those pieces are going to the rummage sale.  I intend on hanging the boys' art work and meaningful photographs in the new house. 

So the whole purpose of today's post??  Evaluate your actual needs versus wants.  Put items you haven't used in a while in a box.  Store it away for a few months.  If you don't use it while it's packed away, think about donating it or having a garage sale.  This will help de-clutter your house, life, and mind :)