Extreme Makeover: Memorial Day Edition

It seems, that Memorial Day, or the time right around it, always means some sort of overhaul going on at Casa de Chapman (or The Chapman Party Palace, its proper name, now that it is officially summer).  The first year we were in the house, we replaced all the flooring and installed a pool and last year we gutted the hall bathroom and added a deck (our amazing friend did an outstanding job, and the deck is definitely my favorite “room” in the house!).  This year, we decided not to tear out flooring and fixtures, but to focus our attention on a space that we new we would get the most out of whatever time/money we put in…..our outdoor living space! 

 

While it has more pieces, this set actually makes the deck feel much larger, and we still have our old dining table on the corner of the deck!  We are in LOVE this patio set (thanks Sam for the reviews!) and just FYI, it is perfect for a rowdy game of Sequence. 

note:  the umbrella and patio set came from two different stores and two different companies.  it is pure luck that they match so perfectly! 

trevor loves the new set.  when we were setting it up this morning, we finished the loveseat first and he hightailed it inside to get a book to read on it. 

Laundry Room Re-Do

Here are pictures of our updated laundry room closet. 

Prior to this, there was just one, awkwardly placed shelf in there so, my detergent sat on the dryer and my sorted piles took up space in the hallway.  Now I am able to better keep my laundry going throughout the week, as well as get rid of the 2 hampers and 2 laundry baskets that took up spaces in the bedrooms and other spaces in the house. 

 

the double folding doors on the left are our laundry area.  Trevor may, or may not be trying to run away from bedtime in this picture. 

Laundry sorting baskets.  With labels.   

Be still my heart!  This project may have solved my “Shane-piles” problem! 

never underestimate…

a sorority (well, Fraternity) woman who is in possession of a hot glue gun and an account on Pinterest. 

Introducing, part one of my laundry room re-organization.  (HAH!  who am i kidding?  i have a laundry closet.)

Laundry sorting baskets.

  

These baskets will allow me to pre-sort laundry throughout the week, hopefully get rid Shane’s piles of laundry he likes to leave everywhere (because he will be able to sort. it. immediately.) and help me get into the routine of doing a load a day throughout the week, instead of marathon laundry days (like the day I had today.) 

Hopefully, if the Navy ever gives me my husband back today, I will be able to post part 2, and the finished product, by Monday. 

Happy Weekending!

Butterflies, Microwaves and Pools, OH MY

To round out my massive updates (glad I could entertain you, Sam!) here is a sampling of some other family happenings…

The caterpillars that Trevor recieved for his birthday turned into butterflies! 

We did a little kitchen renovation, installing an over-the-stove microwave and moving the cabinets to accommodate.  It turned out nice, and is a good temporary fix until we gut the kitchen after Shane’s next deployment. 

And, we opened the pool!  Hooray!  Now this crazy Virginia weather just needs to cooperate so we can enjoy it!  I am ready for sangria Saturdays again! 

Zoo!

After 3 years, I finally broke down and bought a membership to the Virginia Zoo. 

Trevor loves going, and asks to go at least once a week (and by that, I mean every single day.) 

Here are some pictures of our family trip the other weekend:

Easter

Almost a month later….here are our Easter pictures. 

We spent Easter here at home this year and had our friends over for dinner.  We were blessed with some great weather, so the kids were able to have a great time playing outside!

Trevor’s 3rd Birthday

Trevor celebrated his 3rd birthday a couple of weeks ago….it was almost a week of celebrations.  The Sunday before his birthday, he got his big present from us—a sandbox for the backyard.  On Tuesday, he celebrated his birthday at school.  Wednesday was his actual birthday, and we celebrated by going out to Michelle’s dessert cafe in Virginia Beach and then to dinner at Red Robin.  Saturday we had Trevor’s birthday party here at the house with all of our friends.