Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Come on in ... I think ...

Well, I must admit that I'm feeling a bit intimidated to actually "post" these pictures of my chaotic home and actually include them in the Tour of Homes ... especially after viewing a handful of gorgeous well decorated and orderly homes. In fact, I wasn't going to, but since I had already taken the pictures, I just figured I'd go ahead and make my life an open book (since I'm so private, and all)... Just don't point out all the dust, 'kay? (And, I'm sorry I can't get my pictures to line up perfectly!)

And to start off ... I'm already a failure right from the very beginning! I didn't exactly follow directions. I took a "sweeping" photo of my house a few months ago when the azaleas were in bloom, so if you just squint real hard, you can see my front door. Sorry about that, but it's not a spectacular entry way, anyway!

Then ... in keeping with not following instructions very well, I have posted more than one picture of my rooms, because, well, I just did, that's all...

Here's some shots of my family room. The family plays here, rests here, watches TV here, and now that we have wireless connectivity, blogs here! You may notice the big empty space in the middle of the room, it's because we moved my beautiful wood and wrought iron coffee table out of the room so Hunter, who loved dearly to climb up on it, wouldn't smash his beautiful face up on it. We now call it ... Hunter's Safe Zone ... sorta. Sigh!!! Things change so much when you have kids, don't they?!




I'll start at the left and pan right with the pictures... This is where we try to keep all of Hunter's toys. Except for when he's playing with them. Then, they are all.over.the.place.





Here is "my" chair ... so inviting, so comfy, so relaxing, and the perfect place to blog ... when Hunter's not climbing all over me, that is!




This is Daddy's chair. It's a Mission's style recliner that isn't very comfortable to me, but he swears he loves it (because he picked it out, even though I told him I didn't think it would be comfy!)

This is the couch, which is where the dog loves to sleep when we're not around. Otherwise, you can find her in one of our laps, or running away from Hunter. It's only 5 years old, but it looks tired and worn. I hate that you pay so much money for a couch, and then it breaks down in no time at all! As you can see, the family room looks into the kitchen.




This is the kitchen ... Just ignore the back splash, as we're "still working on that" (we can't agree on what to do with it, so it's stayed white for over 3 years).














Then, we have the dining room. As you can see, I don't have a centerpiece on the table, because I can't decide on something that "fits." My mom made the window treatments (adorable) but I don't think you can see too much of them.





Finally, I want to share Hunter's bed room. It's probably my absolute favorite room in the entire house. When I was pregnant, my mom came over and painted the beautiful murals on the yellow walls. They are images she free-hand painted from the material she used for the custom bumper, crib skirt, drapes and pillow she made. She is so talented, and I'm so blessed that she does all this for me! She even made the cover on the cushions on the glider. Before Hunter was born, while the room was still empty, I would come and sit on the floor in the middle of the room, and just look at the murals in amazement that this was the nursery for MY child! God has been so good to us. And I even included a close-up of the area carpet, because some-how, some-where, my interior-designer sister (yes, that's really her degree) found it in North Carolina. She matched it to the nursery SIGHT UNSEEN, and by my small description of the main color ... Granny-Smith Apple Green. I just love it! It's so fun! And, it's the room I'm most proud of. My mother worked so hard in this room! I didn't do a thing. I was fat and pregnant, and swollen. So I just sat and watched.

The first two pictures are of Hunter's windows ... and the mural in between the windows. The window treatments are a combination of a child's black and white toil, green and white polka-dots, and white swiss-dot sheers. The mural is of a castle and a little soldier pointing to the left.




Then, if you pan to the left, you see Hunter's changing table, and a closeup of the mural over his changing table, which is a soldier pointing to Humpty Dumpty sitting on a wall.















If you continue to pan left, you come to the entrance of the room. The windows are directly across from the rooms door. To the left of the door is Hunter's armoire, and to the left of that, the glider where I rock him, feed him, comfort him, and cuddle with him. A lot of love goes on in that chair!














Finally, to the left of the glider, is the wall that Hunter's crib is against. And, in his crib, is the beautiful pillow my mom made that shows a sampling of all the fabrics she used. To the left of the crib, the mural is of children playing on a see-saw (one little girl is fishing in a stream) and to the right of the crib and into the corner behind the glider, is an apple tree with a little girl swinging off of one branch, and a little boy picking apples and tossing them down to another little boy below. When I sit in the glider with Hunter, I will make up stories about Hunter playing with his brother and sister... ONLY TWO other kids, unlike what Lauren feels God has told her, which would be THREE more kids. We'll see about that! And then, the last picture is of the magically-matched throw carpet.















I hope you enjoyed the few shots of my home (and I hope I didn't scare you off!). If you squint your eyes real tight, you can see all the disorganization and chaos in the back-ground. But so as not to frighten you, I've only shown the "clean and semi-organized" rooms in my home.

Now, hop on over to BooMama's and check out some other homes!

64 comments:

kpjara said...

I absolutely love it! I especially love Hunter's room, though the whole house is beautiful! I can't get over how uncluttered it is! Now I can picture you typing away from your chair...

Blessings! Thanks for the tour.

Jeana said...

Don't know what you're so self-conscious about. It looks beautiful!

Actually, I've seen some of the others so I do know what you're self-conscious about...

Still love it!

Sarah said...

I can't comprehend why you would feel intimidated to post pictures of your lovely home. It's beautiful! Thanks so much for letting us take a peek inside.

Your chair looks oh so wonderful. I'd love to cuddle up there with a good book (or blog!)

Hunter's room is amazing. What a blessing to have such talented family members willing to share with you!

Jeana said...

BTW, did you happen to see your name in my post yesterday?

Lindsay said...

I LOVE Hunters room! It is awesome!!!
You took some GREAT pictures!
Thanks for giving us a tour!
{{hugs}}

Lori said...

Love the house! Especially the murals on Hunter's wall. Your moldings throughout the house are beautiful as well!

Paulette said...

Oh Paleeeeeze, it is only just beautiful. Why were you even hesitant???? It is a beautiful spotless home. loved it

someone else said...

Honey, are you fishing for compliments? Because if you are, you found them. Your home is just gorgeous (and NOT disorganized) and I totally enjoyed my visit. Who did the fabulous mural in Hunter's room?

Thanks a million for opening the door on that beautiful home of yours.

Beck said...

Hunter's room is amazing! Wow!
Your whole house is just gorgeous. I love everything about it!

Kristen said...

Hour house is gorgeous, gibee! And Hunter's room?! Amazing! You hardly have any reason to be worried about showing these pictures. Notice I didn't participate? There's a reason for that. ;-)

thanks for sharing your beautiful home!

Laura said...

Gibee you have a beautiful home AND a talented family. I haven't gotten my act together to share some photos but I still might. Days not done yet but baby is teething and the rest of us are suffering for it!!! Thanks for sharing your home with us. With each day I feel like I know you even more.

Mall Worker said...

You have such a beautiful home! I just love all of it! Thank you so much for sharing!

Mama Duck said...

What are you talking about, it is just beautiful!! Wowie about keeping the toys in one place, I'm happy to throw everything in a pile once a week or so LOL. I love the nursery, just beautiful decor!

Shawna said...

Beautiful, Gibee! What a wonderful home! Thanks for the invite :0)

Anonymous said...

Oh my word, honey, your house is just about the greatest one I've seen all day! And that's sayin' somethin'! I love it--and Hunter's room..well, it's to die for.

Katrina @ Callapidder Days said...

Your home is beautiful! I especially love Hunter's room, but really, the whole thing looks great! No need at all for you to hesitate - I'm glad you shared!

Anniesue said...

Your house is all beautiful...but you had me at the red front door!!!

Anonymous said...

i love your home. that baby's room is incredible. your mom painted that? i love it. makes me want to update my baby's room, he's almost two.

TJ said...

Nice to meet you and thanks for sharing your beautiful house with us!
:-D

Tammy said...

Your home is so elegant and absolutely lovely! I'm trying really hard to understand the intimidated part...it's absolutely gorgeous.

Now as for mine...it really IS a humble abode...really! But I'm still grateful for our little house. I was late getting the post up, but please come on by...our tiny, humble home needs some work, but the coffee's brewing...:)

Again, a beautiful home and love Hunter's room!

Grafted Branch said...

What a treasure the nursery is. I think your home is lovely. I'm a bright & airy buttercream kinda gal, too.

Wendy said...

I love it! I am surprised you were intimidated to post. Thanks for sharing.

Randi said...

I love Hunter's room! You put is together beautifully!

Eagles Wings said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Eagles Wings said...

Yeah Right, a cluttered home - where??? in your post????
You obviously haven't seen my post :-) I have towels & dishes on the counter... I have three boys under three. Your home is spotless and beautiful, I love Hunters room! We wanted to do that but then decided at 5 years we would have to change it again.

Pam said...

Wow! I echo all those comments about you having no need to be intimidated. That is reserved for me anyway!

Your home is beautiful and airy. I especially adore Hunter's room. I love the combinations of colors, especially since behind pink I absolutely love apple green next mostest : )

I'm not sure where the clutter was, but it was totally lost on me. I guess looking at boxes in various stages of unpack-age will help you to overlook the "disorganization" of others!

Michelle- This One's for the Girls said...

Uh, if you're intimidated, then I'm hangin' my head in shame.

WOW! You have a BEAUTIFUL HOME!! I love, love, love the nursery. Did you paint that mural?

Thanks for having us!

Susie said...

Your home is beautiful. Your baby must have the sweetest dreams sleeping in that adorable nursery. How lucky you are to have such a creative Mom!

Anonymous said...

I love your home! Pictures look great and that baby's room is just the best! Glad you included it.
Thanks for sharing.

Chilihead2 said...

I am speechless. GiBee, your home is just as beautiful as I imagine you to be. Really, you have a gorgeous home. Thank you for sharing it with us!

Donnetta said...

Just as I pictured it... absolutely BEAUTIFUL!! I'm so glad you decided to participate. It's just absolutely Lovely!!

Anonymous said...

Love the baby room. Your house is very nice..Thanks for the tour.

Blogger profile name said...

Your home is just beautiful. I love the dining room. You obviously adore your son.

Melanie @ This Ain't New York said...

precious, precious mural!!! I love it!

the lizness said...

I didn't notice any chaos and disorganization whatsoever, just a gorgeous home and how precious is your mother for doing all that for you!

Michelle said...

Your house is just gorgeous...and a real home!

I love the babies room.

Diane@Diane's Place said...

Your home is lovely, and I envy you all that space! Gorgeous kitchen and so is the baby's room. :-)

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Your home is charming and beautiful and clean! I LOVE your son's room. The Nurals are so imaginative and sweet...I'm not sure I would ever leave that room!
This is such a fun thing that BooMama thought up...My Tour is up, too!

Jenny Quld said...

I love your home! Thank-you for inviting me in. Hunter's room is magnificent.

Carole Burant said...

Thank you so much for inviting us into your home...it's so beautiful, warm and inviting!! The baby's room is spectacular, love all the murals!

Katherine@Raising Five said...

Wow - that was like a Better Homes and Gardens tour! Your mom is incredibly talented. I do find it hard to believe all that creativity in your family skipped right over you. I'm sure you're being quite modest about your part in the beauty of your home! Thanks for sharing - very inspiring!

terrible speller said...

beautiful!

~Jennifer said...

I love your home! You've decorated it so beautifully. While I was touring your space my two year old came in and said, "Oh! I want to go there!" :)

Joy @ SAH Missionary said...

It is just beautiful! I love everything! I want to come stay!
Blessings.

Carol said...

GiBee, I always knew your home would be gorgeous, but wow! I love the soft tones and neutral colors in the living areas. And the baby's room - amazing. You can't let her grow up. Or else you're going to have to get more babies to put into the room as each child gets too old for it.

You need to call BHG and get the house in there, Girl.

Susanne said...

Beautiful home, especially the adorable kid's room! Thanks for the tour!

Susanne said...

Gibee: Beautiful home! Love the murals on Hunter's walls. I have the same prob with my couches, 5 years old and coming apart at the seams, literally! Hee, I laughed when I first read that paragraph 'cause I thought you were saying the dog is old and tired looking. Had to reread that! Silly me! Thanks for inviting us in. I'd love to visit in real life!

Barb said...

This may be the most beautiful home I've seen, bar none. I don't even know what to say, it's so gorgeous. I love you taste in color. So clean and airy looking and the children's rooms are adorable. Thank you - I really enjoyed dropping in.

PEZmama said...

Ooh, I love the backsplash. (I just had to say that!) But seriously, the house is beautiful. Especially the color in the living room. (I'm partial to yellow... at least it looks yellow on my computer.)

Thank you for the tour.

Anonymous said...

BEAUTIFUL HOME!! The toys in front of the fire place are great!!Thanks for the tour!
Blessings!

Heth said...

I want to live in your house.
Covet covet covet.
Beauuuuuutiful home Gibee.

Heather said...

YOur home is gorgeous! I am drooling over you little one's room!

Theresa said...

Beautiful home, I love the white columns in some of the rooms and LoVe the colors of Hunter's room. Too cute!

Perri said...

Beautiful home. I love it all.

Dianne said...

You have a lovely home-nicely decorated! Love the personal touches in your son's room. As for the backsplash-I just installed (myself) mini-glass tiles on two walls and embossed tin on the other wall (with one still left to do).

sarahgrace said...

Your home is very beautiful- thanks for the tour!!

Unknown said...

I love "your chair" by the fireplace and that beautiful chest behind it, too.

Brenda said...

Your home is gorgeous! I love the chair by the fireplace, and Hunter's room is amazing. Thanks so much for the tour!

Mama D said...

Your home is absolutely lovely. Wow! It's gorgeous enough to be in a magazine. Really. And of course I LOVE Hunters room. It's magical.

boomama said...

Any girl who uses black and white toile with apple green accents is a friend-o-mine.

The yellow walls are exactly what I pictured - and if my azaleas looked like yours, I would have taken a sweeping shot of the exterior, too. :-)

Thanks so much for doing this - your house is lovely.

Jennifer said...

Your home is BEAUTIFUL!!! I love how you have decorated and especially love Hunter's room! My mom and I did most of the work in Caleb's room, too, since hubby was working out of state. Fun, Fun!! Thanks for letting us peek around!

Girl About Town said...

Wow. Just WOW. What an incredibly beautiful home you have. And the murals in your little boy's room are delightful. Thanks for sharing.

Shalee said...

Yet another house that screams "You need to invite Shalee over to walk through this gorgeous house, hold Hunter and generally let her enjoy your presence." Or something like that. It is a beautiful home for sure.

And remember that bit of advice you got that said you should quit comparing your place to others? It applies here too. You have nothing to be intimidated about.

Thank you for opening your home to us. It was a gorgeous tour.

Paula said...

You have a very lovely home! Of course, Hunter's room was my favorite, but you've done a great job decorating the other rooms, too. Thanks for sharing. (Yes, still working my way through the Tour).
Blessings,
Mrs. C