Happy 2017!
Before I share some more home renovation/decoration-related news, (which reminds me to ask- is that mainly what you’d like to read about here this year?), I *have* to tell you about our “wake up call” on New Years Day morning. Would you believe Steevenson woke BOTH Kevin and I up with kisses on our cheeks and “I love you”s whispered in our ears yesterday morning? I don’t think we’ll ever forget that. It was SUCH a sweet way to start the year!
Like I’ve mentioned in other adoption-related posts, we had a bit of a turbulent start together (#TransitionTrauma #FirstTimers #FiguringOutFamily), but MAN does it feel like SO much healing has happened in the past couple of weeks! I’ll share a more in-depth post about that in the future if anyone’s interested in the specifics (maybe folks that are thinking about or in the process of adopting would like to know?), but for now, I’ll just say that what has transpired over Christmas break has been *very* encouraging and I am SO happy to see our Sonny feeling “sunnier” and more secure. Praise the Lord!
Okay- now onto the renovation/decoration stuff…
Someone mentioned our sunroom (a.k.a piano room) in my previous post, and it reminded me to share that we’ve decided to turn it into a playroom for Steevenson.
It has literally just housed our (only occasionally played) baby grand piano for four years, and at this point, that doesn’t feel like the best use of that 130 square feet of space. We have a very creative kiddo that LOVES train and race tracks, so we feel like it would be nice for him to have a space to really spread out and have fun. I’m also envisioning some better toy/game/craft storage for him in there too. (It’ll also be nice to have our living room floor back- ha!)
So long story short, we’re trying to sell our piano (Jim & Katie are bringing their upright piano with them with they move in. It’s the one Kevin grew up with!) so that we can create an inspiring space for our Sonny (and his friends!) instead.
Selling the piano has proven to be easier said than done though (ugh!), but maybe one day we’ll find a buyer and be able to start pulling that space together.
And speaking of rooms with new purposes, since we can’t do the built-in beds quite yet, Katie invited Kevin and I to use their loft as a laptop workspace for the time being. He and I both work on the computer from home, and sometimes it’s hard to get work done with a curious little cutie pie around, if ya know what I’m sayin’. 😉 It’ll be nice to have a quiet place to work when we need to.
And speaking of sharing spaces, because there’s no room in their budget for kitchen right away, Katie is actually going to be using our existing kitchen for a while. Kevin and I don’t spend a whole lot of time in there, and of course she’s welcome to use it for as long as she needs to.
…and if you’ve ever tried one of her recipes, you know that we are more than excited to get some free cooking lessons while we’re sharing a stove with her, too. 😉
Layla
So happy to hear your sonny is settling in? As far as your posting keep doing what you have been. I love it all, the designs for your own home, what you do for others, the presto/change-o, your family life and how Stevenson and you and Kevin are doing. I found your blog a few years ago and you had adoption posts that then just stopped. I was sad for you because I have family that adopted and not everything went well so I figured that was what happened to you. Then suddenly there was foreign adoption and you taught us all so much about patience and grace and waiting for God’s timing. Now you are sharing your parenting journey and while my children are grown I know there are others out there who need to hear the reality of your posts. In His love, Cindy
Thank you, Cindy! I sure do appreciate your kind comment! And you are correct, we did put our adoption plans on pause for a while when we were working with HGTV, but when that season ended, we jumped right back in! So glad we did, and that God led us to our Sonny a year later! 😀
I agree. Please post as you have been. A mix of decor, fashion, regular life, and the adorable Steevenson stories. Love it all.
Thank you, Terry! I’m so glad we get to connect here! 🙂
I love your Steevenson posts! And it is wonderful to read that he is settling in and able to give and receive love. Please don’t change anything – I always hope for an adoption post when I check in.
I agree with the previous posts! Love hearing about it all! You are such an inspiration! May 2017 be all that you want it to be!
Layla, I love the mix you deliver. It’s always wonderful to get a peak at how growing your family with a three year old is going, and downright inspirational to read your account of multigenerational living.
It’s sounding like you may have gotten a chef in the package with the addition, if Katie is like most people I know who like to cook–they like nourishing people!
I love you’s and kisses, what a sweet way to start your New year! I enjoy the mix of life with Steevenson and decorating blog posts, so my vote says, just keep doing what you have been doing!
Steevenson will love the playroom and it makes it so much easier to keep the rest of the house looking uncluttered.
Selling the piano, did you contact any music teachers in your area? They might know of a family looking to purchase one.
Best wishes to all of you in 2017!
I LOVE hearing all about your home renovations and updates on your family (you, Kevin, and Stevensson)! Your content is always interesting and enjoyable to me. I have no suggestions on anything new to talk about on your blog because, quite frankly, I find it perfect the way it is! 🙂 I am so happy to hear that new things have happened over the holidays that have cemented your family together even more. That is wonderful to hear. And the new year kisses and “I love you’s?” That is so very precious!! Happy New Year Layla. I hope this year brings your family happiness, good health, and peace and joy.
I love your current mix of decor and family. Also have you considered donating your piano to a library, school, or church?
Great use of space. I had a piano that was in terrific shape. It was mine when I was a girl. Anyway, decided to sell it with no luck. It was not a baby grand so maybe that will be different. I could not even give it away – not to a school or a church or to anyone! Finally someone wanted it for her kids to learn on but it took forever to find a taker. Good luck to you!
I like everything you post, but I really love Steevenson stories.
I love the variety of your posts…decorating, inspiration, Steevenson stories. Keep it coming just like you’ve been doing. Good luck with the piano.
I agree with everyone else. Keep doing what you’ve been doing and, as you feel you can, I think reading about the tough parts of adoption help everyone, whether they or a family member are adopting or simply know an adopting family.
When it was time to clean out my mother’s home, we sought out a piano music teacher. She had a student who did not have a piano to practice on and we donated the piano to them. I realize that you wish to sell rather than donate, however, a music teacher may have someone in mind who would love to buy it. I enjoy your blog immensely. I would love to hear how your sweet boy is responding to all the new things in his life. Does he enjoy music? Does he go to Sunday School? Does he feel more settled in his new forever home? You do an amazing job of touching on every topic I enjoy.
Layla, like everyone else, I love your current mix of posts. I like the way you post certain things on certain days…..like Thoughtful Thursdays. I know what to expect.
The posts about Steevenson are among my favorites.?
Did I miss a post about built in beds? I wasn’t sure what you were talking about.
Thanks for the Roe With Me link. I’m looking forward to your next pop-up sale. ☺
Blessings to the Palmers!
Thank you all once again for a peek inside the Palmer Home & Family! For the New Year, I look forward to (of course!) more inspiration for Home. I also look forward to the adventures of three generations under one roof. 2017 is going to be another wonder-full year for you all—I just know it!
I love ALL of it and look forward to it every week. I enjoy seeing your home. I am single and have a small townhouse and need a lot of help fixing it. I feel like you’re family which I don’t have. I found you when looking up ‘harvest gold bathroom’ and I redid my upstairs bath using your help!
I’ve loved the consistency this year knowing most of the time Monday updated us on Steveenson and family life. I love how openly you share the ups and the downs, it’s not all picture-perfect! I don’t care for the links that inspire you on Wednesday but I know with Steveenson in the mix it may be difficult to create fresh content three times a week. I love the decorating posts on Friday.
So glad the three of you continue to bond and heal as a family. Here’s to a 2017 filled with love and grace.
Love reading all your posts! Keep posting what inspires you the most!
Wow, your life has been going through HUGE transitions! Hang in there and enjoy the journey! Blessings, Chris
Layla I love all your posts and think you should continue as you have been. I am someone with a chronic medical condition and I would love to hear a bit more about how you cope with that and how it affects your long term planning. Also a little more on how you budget for thinks would be really cool as well.
Thnaks fro Canada
When our girls were younger we used our formal dining room in two of our homes as playrooms. Creativity is where it’s at and the girls had room for reading with bookshelves and beanbags, a table (our old starter kitchen table) for crafting and drawing, and storage for toys, projects, and floor puzzles they could spread out. You will LOVE having the space! Even when our girls got older we transitioned the “playroom” to a “craft room” in the next homes extra bedroom, and finally that room transitioned to their “hangout room” with an IKEA sectional and space for computers and a TV. It’s great for sleepovers with friends.
I too would love to hear about the adoption settling in process and what worked (and didn’t). I think it’s great that you are turning the piano room into a play room. My son loved cars and trains and now has moved on to Star Wars figures (the light sabers are TINY!!!). We always need a space for those! If he likes to build, check out Magna-Tiles – they also work with other things like trains and action figures (build bridges, forts, buildings, etc.). Kitchen sharing sounds like a GREAT idea! I am guessing you are going to find yourself with dinner in the oven on occasion!! Perhaps it might be a better use of space to not have the separate kitchen so maybe it’s for the best that you aren’t jumping right into the separate kitchen now!
Pianos are a bear to sell! We couldn’t even give ours away, so we made lemonade out of lemons and turned it into a piano bar. It turned into a huge conversational piece, not to mention a VERY popular post ;).
It looks like I’m in the minority…I love the decorating ideas and presto change-o, which is why my daughter referred me to you. A little glimpse of family life from time to time works for me as you are a wonderful spirit in this world. But if it becomes too heavy on family and too light on decor, it’s not as relevant for me. But I can see there are lots of moms out there who love it all! You go young women! You and your life-mates are growing our future!
And the piano–that could be a trick. I had my grandfather’s in the garage for decades. Just pulled it out and had it refurbished a year or so ago.It is a century old Beckwith; I simply love it! I love tinkering around on it several times a week and imagining my grandpa playing it as he accompanied his band members. And family members who visit seem drawn to playing on the keys touched by their grand-, great grand-, or great great grandfather’s hands.
Blessings to all in 2017!
Ooh! I’d love to take a crack at another Presto Change-o sometime! 😀 Anybody out there have a photo they’d let me play around with in Photoshop? Send it to LaylaPalmer (at) aol (dot) com, if so…and thanks in advance for allowing me to weigh in on your space!
oh do i have photos to share! but i need to decide between my living room (custom baron batch painted massive elephant on one wall!) and the boyfriend’s bedroom (deep purple up to a chair rail, cream colored chair rail, off white walls). those are the rooms in each of our homes that need the most love. perhaps i shall send photos of both rooms and you can pick!
If only I lived closer, I would buy your piano. Have been looking for a baby grand for years! It’s my dream to own one!
I definitely like your design posts, but I would also be interested in the adoption transition post and any other adoption-related posts. ? And anything else you would want to post about too!
I would love to keep hearing family stuff as well as decorating stuff! Love watching your family grow!
I enjoy the mixture of subjects that you bring into your posts. Your lives have changed significantly since I started following your blog at your previous home; and your authentic words should reflect your living of your days.
I too wish I lived closer for the piano. Possibly a smaller church or a senior center might be interested. You might contact some piano tuners in your area, they might know of someone. My youngest sister found her baby grand through a piano tuner.
When my other sister had a piano she no longer needed, she donated it to a nursing home. Oddly the nursing home had started a fund to raise money for a piano so the piano donation was a perfect fit. Many people are daunted by the expense of moving the piano, but professionals can move it safely.
I love all your post but I’m really excited any time I see a post about Steevenson!
I would love to hear more about Sonny. The good and the not so good times. It really is helpful and motivating/inspiring to read about the changes happening. You have to work hard to make your dreams come true, right? God is so good!
I smiled when I read about the piano room turning into a playroom. Our “study” was a playroom for years. Do what works for you and your family.
Are you familiar with Nextdoor.com? Kind of like Craigslist, but is for subdivisions within x amount of distance from you. Try posting the piano on there, or can ask if anyone knows of anyone. Have you tried pianomart.com?
Layla- Happy New Year! Please keep posting LOTS of Steevenson pics and stories! LOL Also, what is going on with Kit-Kat and Max? Miss them ! Also miss the photo shots you used to post of your neighborhood, (horses, the water, the decorated hay bales, etc.) Snippets of Kevin playing and singing are good too! Of course love to see all the progress on the addition, and any updates you do to your place as well! Had a thought for the addition “kitchen”……maybe you could put a small cart in there, temporarily, with a microwave,etc., and a mini fridge, so Kevin’s folks could have beverages, without having to come all the way over to your side all the time. So happy to hear of the recent “healing” progress for “Sonny” too!!!
Layla, I am so enthralled with your “grafting in” of your Sonny boy. We have 3 kiddos and have fostered 5 in all. By far the best thing that we have ever done in our family and for our kids is the years of fostering – by far! Note I didn’t say easiest but most rewarding. We were hoping to adopt but were only provided the opportunity to foster : ) which was still awesome. I am not a “techy” or “social media” person and not a big “follower” of this or that. But following your posts the past few years has been just natural – almost like you are one of my 3 sisters. I want you to post just like you have been! A little of your home decorating (which I am extremely in love with your taste) and also continuing with your sweet family life including your bungalow Parents-in-Law : ) Love it all. Thank you for your bright spot in the world – I mean it! Sincerely, Melinda Mills
I have loved your home renovation & decor posts and family life posts the most. I also have loved when you have shared videos.
HAPPY 2017!!!!!
Layla your family is so bold and creative. It is a pleasure reading your posts whatever the content. There is so much diversity. I am sure that no matter what you decide to write about God will be able to use it to encourage and inspire others. Thank you for living the servant’s life.
Blessings always,
KAM
Hi Layla,
Happy New Year to your beautiful family…I always love your posts, but always wished you’d post more about Steevenson’s adjustment. Of course, only what you think is appropriate.
I love reading about Steevenson and the adoption. I have another favorite blog, Posie Gets Cozy, and she too adopted a few years ago. Its wonderful to see the progress they made as a family and to see their child grow up in blog posts and pictures. Also, love anything to do with farm style interiors…..just keep doing what you have been doing!!!
Hi Layla
Everybody is different, of course, but I thought I’d say:
1. I love your blog ❤ so much!
2. My favourite posts are about your life, your family life & your wisdom (adoption, your health challenges and how you see the world)
3. I’m not really into decorating – I read your blog because of your beautiful perspective on life. But I know YOU love decorating.
So…I think you should continue to be authentically YOU, whatever that entails…and we’ll all be gracious and loving enough to cheer you on and be your internet sisters.
All the very best in 2017!
I like that you post about what’s interesting/pertinent to you, because it comes thru in your writing. You aren’t writing just to make a post, so it is interesting even if it doesn’t relate to me. Does that make sense? I’m a 62 yr. old with grown kids and some tiny bit of decorating sense ( I think!) so I don’t necessarily NEED decor advice, but I enjoy seeing what others like. And I don’t have a connection to adoption, but love hearing about your process and love seeing your son grow with you. So do what YOU want, and I’ll be fine with whatever. I’ve been a follower for years, and will continue as long as you do!
Happy New Year – it’s gonna be a good one for you, I know!
P.S.
Love Presto-change-o!
I love hearing all about your precious son and your journey! My husband and I will be beginnning the adoption process at some point this year, so I would love to hear more about everything. The good and the bad. SO happy to hear that he is becoming more comfortable!
I think you do a wonderful job mixing up your content but I especially love your home/decor and family update posts. I also love your video posts!
Hi Layla,
I was just going to ask if you would post about how you are living with sonny’s toys. You touched on it a bit here, but i would love to see the creativity i am sure you’ve incorporated into keeping your limited space stylish and organized. I have a 15 month old, and toys are quickly taking over our space!
Thanks!
Well, they’re currently spread out across our living room floor, but I hope to have things better organized when they move into the sunroom! 🙂
I love reading about your home posts and family posts equally!
really enjoy everything on your blog. checked out Katie’s Kitchen link – wow – how about a regular feature! Always looking for just good yummy food!
Yes! I’m hoping she will be open to the idea of a monthly blog post when she moves in too! 😀
Hi Layla,
I must say that I have a small bland ranch home and I originally started reading your blog when you were in your previous home because I love everything you did to it and for your diy videos and decor style and especially pick my presto! ( one day I’ll figure out how to send you some pictures)
I’ve learned so much from you guys (and John and Sherry over at yhl). As time went on, I’ve really enjoyed your personalities, and values, going through the adoption journey with you and Kevin and Sonny, especially since I’m adopted. It’s interesting to see it from others point of view.
I’m always amazed at how much of your life you share with us perfect strangers. So I say to you, Thank you! for letting us share your experience and knowledge and making us feel welcome in your home and lives!
As far as I’m concerned, you write about anything your heart desires as often as you want! I’ll always stop by with some tea and a cat in my lap to see what you guys are up to!
Thanks for sharing!
P.S ( yes, I’m in Philly)
I love it all as well. Just love checking in to see how you all are doing and often find design inspiration/courage to try things as well. Happy New Year!
i personally am a huge fan of the house, decorating, real life, and adoption. all of it! your family is beautiful and your design style always makes me swoon. truly a pleasure to have you share a small part of your life with us!
happy new year!
Always a pleasure to see your name pop up here, friend! Thank you for the super kind comment! XO
Good day Layla,
Happy New Year! I’m wishing you guys every blessing for 2017!
To be honest, I miss your decorating posts, but I also understand the HUGE change your life is undergoing at the moment. I think you’re handling it all very well.
My vote is for a balance of life-work blogs since you’re asking – but only because you’re asking. Your happiness is the top priority.
Your décor ideas are what drew me to your blog and I have learned much from you – but I have much more to learn and I’d love to keep learning with you as the teacher. I love your down-to-earth approach, I love the mantel decorating posts, I love the “here’s how to make something designer for cheap”, I love your ideas on changing a room for the seasons/shopping the house/recycling design, and I love presto-changeo…
I have actually been seeking out other blogs because you don’t do as much décor content the last little while (but again understandably – when you give birth to a child you get a mat leave, when you adopt or have stepkids that privilege isn’t currently given – not to mention that you’re self employed)…so I get it, lots going on.
I would LOVE to see a return of the presto-changeo, as that is a fast (?) way that won’t exhaust you as you guys find your new routine yet would give the blog some décor content.
I also love your life perspective posts and family content. You are beautiful from the inside out. I actually stopped by today hoping for the word-of-the-year wondering if you’ve had time to be still and listen for it. I’m trying to create space to listen for mine – lots of change in my life too.
So the selfish part of me hopes for more design content – but the other part of my heart hopes for you to be happy whatever you post and not exhaust yourself. Another thought on adding more design content, it would also create more privacy for Sweet Pea, however I know you hope to help those in the same process as you and gain wisdom through the process.
Whatever 2017 brings, I’m cheering for you & Kevin as well as you guys and Sweet Pea.
Hugs from cold & snowy Manitoba, Canada,
Maryjane
Thank you for weighing in, Maryjane!
Like I mentioned in other comments, I would love to take a crack at another Presto Change-o! Hopefully, someone will send me a pic or two! 🙂
I will confess, they take several hours to create (usually 8 or so), but I have so much fun doing them…and my Photoshop finger is ready to re-do if anyone submits a photo! 😀
When we moved across the country we decided to sell our baby grand piano. I called the local piano store and they came out and looked it over and gave us a bid. No private offers came close to what the store offered so we ended up selling to the piano store. Might be an option for you.
Ooh! Thanks for the tip about the piano store, Andrea! I hadn’t thought of that! 😀
I encourage you to write about what ever you want but the reason I started following you and my favourite thing you do is pick my presto! I LOVE them!!
I would *love* to have fun with another Presto Change-o, Chella! If anyone out there is interested in having one done, send me your pics at LaylaPalmer (at) aol (dot) com! 🙂