Tile Project #3!

Another project down!

For Mother's Day, *all* I really wanted was new floors in my kitchen and dining room.  No problem, right?!  After 5 days of grueling, labor-intensive, mass sweating, dirt, dust, and 100 trips to Home Depot.. here is the end result.

before:

 

out with the old.. and the mold... (SURPRISE!)

 

 in with the new...

 since I never posted a picture, here was tiling project #2.. backsplash...

 here's the REAL before... one of the pictures from the real estate listing

 and as it is now...

(paint, stainless steel appliances, stone backsplash, granite countertops & sink, new fixtures, faucet, tile floors, mosaic tile fireplace and carpet... among others)

...TO BE CONTINUED (someday)

Thank you SO much to my awesome renovation partner James.  I know there are probably a million things you could've been doing instead of helping me tackle this bitch of a project, but THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for all of your help, for doing the boring parts like prepping the floor and quarter-round, putting up with me, and helping me complete my vision!  Our THIRD co-tiling project -- DONE! 

(next up, master bathroom?  please?) 

Happy Mother's Day!

 I am so blessed to be a mommy to this beautiful little girl.  She is my sunshine, my purpose, my world.  Every day seems like Mother's Day to me!

I hope my mom, grandmothers and mommy friends had an awesome day.  I am so lucky to be surrounded by such strong, empowering women!

...and one amazing little girl

 Ava wasn't really digging the mother/daughter pic.. :(

 mommy self-portraiture

No more monkeys...

 jumping on the bed!

Sweet dreams, sleep tight, I love you, goodnight!

Ava the Helper

Here are a few pictures I took of nana & papa's trip this weekend!  Thank you so much for coming, we had a blast!

helping papa cook breakfast..

 Ava was none too thrilled about getting her picture taken with mommy :(

Ava 2.5

Last week, Ava turned 2 1/2.  So what exactly is Ava up to at two.point.five?  She still loves all things Toy Story.  She enjoys coloring, cooking with mommy, going to the park, reading books, and playing with her friends.  Her favorite saying is "THAT'S NOT MY CAR!" 

     *It all started a few weeks ago when aunt Bridget stayed the night and parked her shiny new car in the garage during a hailstorm.  When Ava and I left the following morning, Ava walked into the garage and looked at me and said "that's not my car?"  I said "I know, that's Bridget's car.. there's our car!"  So now, if anyone is at our house (and sometimes randomly on the road).. she'll shout "THAT'S NOT MY CAR!" Her other favorite sayings are "what are you doing?" and "I GOT YOU!" 

Ava is doing well with colors and counting.  She has decided that four does NOT belong in 1-10 :)  She gets into everything and needs to be watched carefully :)  She is very loveable and affectionate and enjoys snuggling with mommy on the couch.  She also likes being mommy's *helper* with laundry, dishes, and chores.  Ava's favorite show is The Fresh Beat Band.  Her favorite song is "Shout" by the Isley Brothers and can sing all the main parts.  Ava is making big strides on potty training and we hope to be done with pull-ups soon!  She is also drinking out of big girl cups almost full-time.  Ava is a happy, healthy and active two and-a-half year old.  We are truly blessed!

He is Risen!

 Happy Easter!

 the Easter bunny visited our house in a BIG way!  Ava is a spoiled little girl!!

(and a big thanks to the Easter bunny's helpers!:  nana/papa, g.gma carolyn & gpa bob, James, mommy and aunt steph!)

 thankfully, Ava was more cooperative at church than she was beforehand getting her picture taken!