New grout!

*UPDATE at the bottom 2/29/12*

We have tile in our kitchen. Not what I'd pick, but it came with the house. Besides the issue of all the broken plates and glasses we've had around here the last four years, I HATE the grout. I simply cannot keep it looking clean. I mean, I can clean it, disinfect it, etc..., but it just looks gross. The tile itself is a cream color and the original grout is very light. {I only know that from checking the low traffic areas under the cabinet ledges}



Eventually we'd like to add hardwood to all of the downstairs, but that is on hold right now. Things keep popping up, like having to get a new air conditioner, replacing our sewer line and fixing/replacing our deck {although we are getting it done in the best way!} So my dream of replacing the dish monster tile and the gross carpet is on the backburner for now.



BUT! I found a great interim fixer! Ready to be amazed?




















The dark part is the before.
So, are you stunned? And maybe a bit grossed out by the before? Me too!
And guess what my 'magic' solution is?
GROUT PAINT!
Yes, paint. I got outdoor acrylic paint at Hobby Lobby in a color I thought would go nicely {antique mum}, then I cleaned the area took a small brush and painted along the grout lines. I am not the most careful painter though so I use a wet paper towel to wipe down the part I get on the tile. So simple and easy. I wish I had done this ages ago.

*UPDATE*
Well this is one of the most visited pages. I think from google images? Anyway I wanted to update anyone who's wondering how it's held up. Well, it still gets dirty, but it hasn't been hard to clean and although sometimes when it's mopped the paint can get a bit peely, overall I'm still glad I did it. And it's easily touched up, if I feel like it! Thanks for checking it out and good luck with your projects.

Incredible!

Lee and I have been talking about getting a piano. We both would love for our children to have a good grasp of music theory and music appreciation as well. I have been working on the recorder with Jake and had some success, but truly I have had a hard time disciplining myself to fit it in our schedule. We have a piano teacher in the neighborhood so they could walk to lessons....ahhh, if only we had a piano we sighed!

This weekend I was dropping some stuff off at Goodwill and then I was browsing around. Suddenly, I heard the unmistakable sounds of children goofing around and banging on a piano. It sounded as if it was coming from the back corner. I hightailed it across the store and there it was, a beautiful old piano. It sounded pretty good too! Cautiously hopeful, I stretched up and leaned over to check the price tag. Wouldn't you know it was quite *quite* reasonable! I called Lee and got the go ahead.

So, we are the proud new owners of this Grinnell Bros. upright piano. It will need a good cleaning and tuning and it is missing a panel at the bottom, but it has already brought joy to our home. The kids love plunking out tunes and Jake has mastered "Twinkle, Twinkle" and "Row, Row, Row, Your Boat". Yesterday my sister came by and we partied to "Heart and Soul"

As I was cleaning the counters before Mass yesterday, I listened to all of the joyful noise in our home. Someone was doodling around on the piano, someone was playing with Sparky in the den, a couple kids were up in the bathroom giggling and brushing teeth and Lee was in the shower talking and singing to Mary Clare. In that moment the noise really was joyful to me and not overwhelming. It is not always the case of course, but it was a moment to remember and cherish and pull out of the corner of my mind when I am, *ahem* less than enchanted with the clanging and clamoring around here.

Advent traditions

This is our Advent wreath that is on a table in the living room. This is before I added the pink and purple ribbons to the candles.



This is our North Pole village. My mother in law has maybe 4 sets of different miniature villages like this and she gave us a whole set several years ago. It is a total pain to set up, but the kids really enjoy it. The red stocking is The Jesus Stocking, a new tradition this year

Our Jesse tree sits on our front hall table. Last year I made the ornaments for the first two weeks and then I stopped. This year we will complete the ornaments! We also have a beautiful Advent calender from the Metropolitan Museum of Art sitting on the box that holds the Jesse Tree ornaments.


Another new tradition is our Advent Log. Because our wreath is in the living room, we only light it on Sundays. We have the log in the family room and have been lighting it to say our family prayers at night. Unfortunately, the candles are burning down so fast! I will get some better ones next year.



This is the beginning of our own children's creche. The "Jesus Box" is what Laine calls it! Joesph and a donkey are pictured, and we now have a sheep and 3 wise men too. This week we'll add some more figures.