Kitchen Makeover - Quick Preview

Well, the kitchen still isn't quite done yet.  It's mostly just decorating that's left.  I don't want to show off the whole thing until I'm all done, but I thought I'd show you a quick preview since I was writing about it every now and then.  So here you go...

 and

Big difference, huh?  I wish I could reproduce the same before image for the after image, but my new lens doesn't zoom out that far and I already sold my other one.  Oh well!  I know that it isn't the most impressive kitchen still, but isn't it WAY better than it was (especially for being on a tight budget)?  I'm very happy with how it turned out.  I actually like being in my kitchen now which is so nice.  I'll post the rest once I've got all the decor up and a few other things are done. 

P.S.  Check out my new photos on my photo blog by clicking here.

Letting go...

Today I'm not doing so great.  Some things that have been weighing on my heart, things that I've tried to push back and forget, have been stirred up again.  I'm trying desperately to let it go and think of all my blessings and all the things to be happy about.  These are some things that make me happy:

Cute photos of me and my Leon, which are rare.  I love this one.

Leon walking around - it seriously is the cutest thing.

Kyle and Leon playing and being best buds.

Watching leon be goofy during bathtime

The knowledge that I have a husband who loves me no matter what.  What a blessing.

Knowing that I'll be seeing this on vacation in less than two months (and taking the most amazing photographs)

A beautiful photograph on a perfect day (more of these to come)

Figuring out who I am and what really matters in life:

I'm already feeling a little better.  Thank goodness.

Yesterday was quite the day.  Leon had tubes put in his ears after battling with several ear infections.  In fact, yesterday we found out that he had a double ear infection - we had no idea because he wasn't showng any symptoms.   I guess he has just gotten used to his ears bothering him.  Leon really hates nurses and doctors so there was lots of crying and clinging to mommy and daddy.  Once we left and were home, he was fine.  He slept a little more than usual but by midday he was back to his old self.  It was so hard to see my son in so much discomfort.  There were a few moments yesterday when I was cuddling with Leon that I just wanted to break down and cry.  I can't imagine my life without him.

Yesterday evening, we took a walk as a family down our lane.  Drury lane is so beautiful right now.  I'm hoping to throw together a little photography documentary for you guys later this week.  Leon, as you can see below, was fascinated with the creek the runs along a part of the road.

Check out some of my Dreaming of Magnolias photographs here.

Taking it all in...

We're outside on a warm beautiful spring day.

And Leon just sits in wonder, taking all in.

He discovers the earth God gave us.

      

and is amazed by it.

He says "look Momma!"

The wind wisps through his hair.

I love my Leon and how serious he can be when he's

exploring and discovering new things in this world.

Lawn Mower

We finally got a lawn mover.  Kyle found it on craigslist for a great deal.  We also got a leaf bagger, so all those leaves that you saw in this post will hopefully be gone soon!  Leon thought the lawn mower was pretty cool.  I didn't think he would becaus it's kinda loud but he loved riding on it with his daddy.  Can I just say it's a relief to know how we're going to mow our lawn this summer!