Week 10 - Kennedy Weekly Portraits

Kennedy is so excited about spending the week at MeeMa and Papa's house for Christmas!

Week 9 - Kennedy Weekly Portraits

KK loves her new headwear, custom made by the folks at me-n-mommytobe.com. They have two stores in Ankeny and West Des Moines, as well as a kiosk in Jordan Creek Mall. Check them out for excellent gift ideas for little one's and moms!

Week 7/8 - Kennedy Weekly Portrait

So I've been incredibly lazy the last couple of weeks and haven't updated blogs. Here are the last two weeks' portraits!

Since you've been so patient I've included a few extra shots taken during our recent photo session for our Christmas card, enjoy!

 

Week 6 - Kennedy Weekly Portraits

POW! Coming at you this week.

Kitchen Update - New Appliances

Christmas has come early! In my previous post I mentioned that one of the next projects we were going to undertake was to updated the appliances in the kitchen (most of them were original when the house was built) to match the new refrigerator. We found a great deal at Home Depot this Black Friday season. We decided on all LG, stainless steel (matches the Samsung perfectly). Just take a look!

We debated about leaving the previous Dishwasher because it had been replaced by the previous owners with a really quiet Kitchen-Aid, but we ended up splurging and going for everything. Also, in this photo you can see the shortened chain on the light over the dining table (it's the little things that make all the difference).

Love those IKEA curtains and Crate and Barrel curtain rod!

Finally, check out the new Washer and Dryer! These Steam-Powered beauties can get even the worst Kennedy messes out without breaking a sweat. Next we're going to build shelves in here so this room doubles as a walk-in pantry (since this kitchen doesn't have one).

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is one of the greatest times of the year, the chance to reflect on all the wonderful blessings we have is an excellent predecessor to the Christmas holiday season. This year Jen and I were unsure what our Thanksgiving would be like since we're in Des Moines. We were so blessed to have extended family that invited us to dinner!

Kennedy even got in the season with her outfit!

We are all so thankful for our friends and family and all the support we have, and continue, to receive. We love all you you!

Week 5 - Kennedy Weekly Portrait

Kennedy was not in the best of moods today, but in spite of it she did lay still long enough to get her weekly photo. Enjoy!

Kitchen Project - Over The Sink Light Update

 

A simple project around the house is updating lighting fixtures and the kitchen is one of the best places to show this off. On a recent trip to MN we found this light at Ikea (love hate relationship with that place...love the stuff...hate how much I always walk out with!). It's a great marriage of vintage boathouse meets uptown loft. Throw in a high efficiency bulb and quick installation (took 20 minutes start to finish even with those Swedish instructions) and the kitchen looks like a new place. Just check out the before and after photos...




Before: The original builders fixtures were really getting yellow and dirty, not to mention this light wasn't doing anything for the character of the room.



Progress: Along with the stainless steel in the new Samsung refrigerator this dresses up the space and gives it more personality.



Just look at it shine! We still have a number of things to go including new appliances (stainless steel of course), counter-tops, and someday painting the cabinets...too many things, too little time.

What are your favorite kitchen updates? Any quick updates/changes you love?