Hello!
Last week, we talked about some things that happened in 2016 that we wish we could’ve been better prepared for today.
I mentioned that one of the things I wish I had gotten a jump on was really giving our house one good cleaning before Steevenson came home in August. I didn’t realize how much I’d appreciate it at this (super dirty/dusty/cluttered/messy!) point in 2017, and I also didn’t know how much our Sonny would appreciate/positively respond to cleaner/tidier environments. He not only literally gasps with delight any time he sees a previously messy room cleaned up, I’ve also noticed that he is so much more content/creative in a tidy room. I can almost see a lightbulb pop up over his head when he sees a floor that has been picked up, a bed that has been made, or a countertop that has been cleared off. But like I mentioned in my other post, there’s not many of those around here right now. 😛
There are two rooms that I have been intentional about staying on top of though. One is Steevenson’s room, and the other is our living room:
It’s the room we spend the most time in, so it hasn’t been hard. I’m not saying you’re not going to find a layer of dust on every surface, or fingerprints on the TV, or Goldfish cracker crumbs in the couch cushions- but we do pick it up (together!) before we head upstairs for bath time each night. That way, it’s nice and “visually quiet” when Kevin or I come downstairs after Steevenson goes to sleep (unless we’re too tired, we take turns going downstairs to work for a few hours every other night) and when the three of us come down together in the morning.
I have a large basket, large wooden crate, and some big, fabric-covered boxes that make it super easy to keep all of Steevenson’s toys organized (they’re behind his chair in the photos below), and he loves the fact that all of his toys can go in their own separate containers, so he always knows were they are. Thomas the train stuff in one, Paw Patrol stuff in another, Hot Wheels in another, Mega Bloks in another, etc.
I scaled our Christmas decorating back to more of a winter vibe a few weeks ago, and I have really enjoyed the “hushed” look. I just sort of let texture do the talkin’ during this season…
You’ll notice we still haven’t gotten around to installing shelves or doors on that built-in cabinet. :-/ Maybe we’ll get to it this year? I don’t know. Things are functioning okay without them for the moment, and Kevin’s been super busy trying to land a new job lately (the church where he was leading worship shut down a month after we got home from Haiti 🙁 #AnotherOneIWouldHaveAddedToThatNoteToMyself ), so building (and spending money on supplies) just hasn’t been at the top of our to-do list.
This guy sure has though…
…and we were finally able to sell the piano (Hallelujah!), so he’s got even more room to spread out those tracks in the sunroom now! 😀 Maybe I’ll blog about that room on Friday. It doesn’t have anything in it, and it’s still under construction because it’s the room that connects the Bungalow Barn to our house, but it would be fun to share a “presto change-o” that shows what I’d (eventually) love to do in there!
Layla
PS- For those that aren’t on Facebook and have asked me to post it, here’s a link to this week’s LuLaRoe pop-up: LuLaRoe Layla Palmer’s Boutique. 🙂
That winter picture over your fireplace!!! Besides at your house, where can I find one???
Here’s a link to it, Dee: Pottery Barn
😀
Looks beautiful and cozy. I love the entire fireplace design – I’m working on deciding what to do with our new fireplace right now and yours has always caught my eye. The winter scene you’ve created is perfection!!
Kare
I really like the “hush” look.
Kids definitely like order until they hit the teen years. LOL
Praying for Gods guidance as your husband is looking for a job.
Beautiful, peaceful room!
Two questions: what color paint did you use in the barn and where did you get the cute light fixture over the bird painting? Thank you!
Layla! Adoption, husband job stress, and home improvements, man can I relate! At times it can be overwhelming but the Lord is gracious and you are obeying His call and He will not forsake you! Looks like He has big plans for the Palmer’s this year. Cannot wait to see His plans for Kevin’s job. I love your beautiful, honest, joyful blog and have enjoyed journeying with you guys over the past several years. Have a great week!
Gosh I forgot how much I love your living room! Sorry about Kevin’s job . . .
Is the link posted about how you did the bricks on your fireplace? I’m about to
Do this project with Marians paint and would love to review your project first!
Your home is so lovely and I enjoy reading your blog. After reading today’s I want to jump up and go clean!
I especially like that you are a fellow sojourner of Christ- I identify readily with your values and your gracious outlook on life- and love following the stories of your wonderful little Stevenson!
God bless you and your family!
Jeanne
Hello Layla,
Wondering where you got the glass shelf on the living room wall. I have been looking for something like this to display shells.
Thanks
The mantel looks serene and lovely! I always struggle with mantel decor after Christmas, it’s too early for Spring ( even though that’s what’s gets me through winter!) yours is once again an inspiration! I am so sorry to hear about Kevin’s job loss, I’m a big believer in that things happen for a reason and usually what comes next is even better that what was there before the change, best wishes to all of you as you wait to find out what’s next!
Congrats on the piano sale! I’d love to see your presto chango of what you have in mind for the sunroom!
Enjoy your day!
I LOVE the hushed look! Very tranquil and calming. And what is it about children’s hands that makes them so endearing? Sweet Pea’s little hand around the train is adorable.
Your living room is beautiful. I love your choice of pillows…the colors, textures, combo of prints and scale…perfection. I hope Kevin finds just the right job fit soon, and I look forward to your next presto post! They are so fun for me to see the possibilities and your vision.
Beautiful room!! Could you please share the source of your bird (Heron??) photo in the dining room? I love it!!
I know this has NOTHING to do with today’s post, but it reminded me that you have a couch with a couch cushion the same dimensions as a twin bed. Can you tell me the style/maker of that couch?
Layla, your house always looks so calm and inviting. I love the layered prints and paintings over your couch. If you don’t mind my asking, where is the rug from that you have in that space?
Thank you, Sara! And we got the rug from RugsUsa.com. It’s the same as this one in our master bedroom: https://theletteredcottage.net/master-bedroom-update-making-progress/
Beautiful home and definitely calm and inviting, as others have said.
The only thing missing, wink wink, is a video with that sweet boy’s voice.
I love hearing you guys talk to him. So much love.
Have a blessed week!
W o w!! You have a beautiful home 🙂
Layla –
As usual, your living room looks warm and inviting. As I look at everything, I keep seeing things that I especially like – for instance, the barn door to cover the window (love it!), the chunky throw on your couch, and your gallery wall. Do you mind sharing where you bought the glass box shelf on your wall? I have just the place for something similar. Steevenson looks right at home, building on the living room floor!
We just celebrated 12 years since we brought our girl home from China. ? When I see your pics I am reminded how precious those early days were. Enjoy every minute. You are blessed.
12 years, wow! That’s so neat, Sherri!
Our early days have been mostly…uh, “turbulent”…but we have had plenty of sweet ones too, and thankfully we’re all starting to mesh a little more these days. A friend told me to “measure success in decades, not days” recently and I’ve really been trying to focus on that perspective. It helps! 🙂
Sorry about the job loss. You’re a beautiful family. Keep the faith. It will all work out. Speaking of beautiful PLEASE tell me how you did the brick around the fireplace. I am trying to create that exact look in my kitchen. Will have to buy the thin panels and then paint. Can you tell me if you did use a purchased brick, which brand and color and what your ratio of paint to water was ( if that’s what you used) for the whitewash. Thanks so much Layla!
Lovely home. So organized. I find it so difficult to be organized, even now when I live alone.
Layla, I’ve enjoyed your blog for a few years now & have always wanted to make a comment. Of course, I’d be repeating what everyone else has already said. First, I’m so happy you were able to bring your beautiful son home last summer. He’s a darling boy. Also, I absolutely love everything you have done to your home. It’s gorgeous. I’m in love with your living room & the whitewashed fireplace bricks. Love the little houses on the mantle & the painting. It’s a beautiful, serene, comfortable room. And, I didn’t notice that you haven’t put shelves in the built in cabinet yet! Thank you for sharing your lovely home & family. What I really need is for you to come to my home!!
That white houses at your fireplace!!! where can I find one???
Thank you, Carla! I got them at Target around Christmas. 🙂
Layla, your home is beautiful but I must say it was your son’s picture that spoke to my heart. You see, we also adopted from Haiti. Our son Landon was 16 months old ….. he just turned 17 in December! ! His sister was 14 months old …. she is 20 !! They are such great joys and blessings. I am so happy for all of you. Enjoy every minute. Hugs from another happy Mom.
Ooooh I miss that!! sad
Hey Layla, thanks for telling us about Kevin’s Job. I’ll keep you in my prayers. Sorry to hear about the church closing. Kevin is so talented. Something else will fall into place. And YEAH for selling the piano.
What if some of your insta friend want to help $ you finish the book case shelves? Do you have VENMO? 🙂
And I might be the one person you know who is not on face book so i don’t get to see how LULAROE is going. How is your trainer? Hope to someday see you at a convention. You can e mail me too. [email protected]
Jenn
Kevin will find something soon, I’m sure. He surely is a talented man!
I think I have half of your house pinned, I love it so much. It’s great that Steevenson likes to be tidy! I have a few grandkids who could follow that behavior! 😉 Two of them even have a dad who is a bit OCD, and it tests his patience.
My husband lost his job for two and a half years back in the big dot com crash and it was stressful but it is was also a wonderful time for us to connect together and support one another and also to see how God provided over and over. Perhaps this time will be an opportunity for Steevenson to see how his love and support is valuable and feel like he is able to share and be an integral part of an important piece of family history . For us It was a time of walking through the valley and experiencing God as you only can when you walk through the valley. God has used those experiences over and over in the years since and we treasure those memories as difficult as they were. I will be lifting you all in prayer.
Layla, be bold and be strong for the Lord! For remember, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9
I will be standing in the gap for your family?
Tami
love that your sonny appreciates order. made me smile. (i am the total opposite. gimme all the clutter and disaster!)
praying for kevin regarding the job situation as well as continuing to pray for your whole family. love to you all.
Hi! Where did you get the painting above your fireplace? It’s stunning!
Hi Sarah! It’s actually a photograph and I got it at Pottery Barn. 🙂
Hi! Do you have a source list for the art on your gallery wall? I love the frames and art within and would love to know where you found them! Thanks so much in advance!