Monday, April 2, 2012

Before and After...Life with Kids

This is a different kind of before and after post for me.  I have always wanted to put a post like this out there but, for some reason I never had enough nerve.   This is a before of a spring mantel I did this year....

...days if not moments after I styled the mantel this is what it became.  A parking ground for a multitude of action figures.

I really think my 7 year old thinks he is adding to the decor...note the artfully placed fighter jet by the nest of eggs.

My living room is most painfully staged for some Christmas shots in 2010...

...when this is really what it looks like many days out of the week.  Yikes...I really cringe showing that shot.

I have a teen who was always a wonderful doodler.  I love the pictures I found in the fridge; of all places, this week.

Our o.j. looked a little disgruntled this morning.  Kids...you gotta love them!  My life has never been the same since they came along.  
 Sherry
  I will join: 
 Show off Your Cottage Monday  at The House in the Roses  
Seasonal Sundays  at The Tablescaper
Sunday's Best Party  at My 1929 Charmer
Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
Before and After Party  at The Thrifty Decor Chick

20 comments:

Rosalie said...

What a wonderful a post. I have to laugh ... as it is here also. The little ones all give their own personal touch. Wonderful! What would the world be without children?
Greetings Dear Rosalie ∙ ∙ ♥ ♥ ∙ ∙

Evie said...

Lol! Well I'm in still in the stage where there is virtually nothing below 4', so I'm a bit envious that you can have anything pretty out at all! :) Lol! Love the doodling on the food containers...it must add a smile to the day! :)

Anonymous said...

Your home always looks so elegant and tasteful but it makes me happy to know that you really do live in your house. Before I take photos I've only got a pesky husband to move. Maybe I have to move some toys if the grandchildren are here. Don't you just love blogging!

Gretchen

Sherry @ Thrift My House said...

I love this! I can sooooo relate! I have a 7 year old who likes to add to my decor too. I may just have to share... now that you have paved the way for us all :)

hron said...

Such a beautiful spring mantel!!! Inspiring! Can you tell me what the name and artist is of the painting of the Victorian House and Garden? I love this piece . . . Marcia at e-mail: hronbp1@msn.com

Unknown said...

A home is not a home unless it is lived in! And a great mom is the one that knows how to work around the 'stuff' with a smile..nice post.

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

Kids or not, I think all of our homes look like that most days. Unless we're doing a photo shoot for out blogs, that is. :@

Very entertaining post. Love the artist in your family!

Debbie said...

This post just made my night! I love every bit of it, and I can say with all sincerity that if I could have my kid mess back for just a day, I would take it, Barbie invasion and all.

Loved this!

Brenda Pruitt said...

Ah, such is the life with little ones at home...
Brenda

La Vie Quotidienne said...

What a cute post...life with kids can be a bit untidy, but it sure is wonderful.

Anonymous said...

I can totally relate, Sherry. I think we have some of those same nerf guns and legos. What I show on my blog is how I would love for my home to look all the time and yet I want my kids to play and have fun and grow up with happy memories. But why can't they play and have fun in a neat and tidy way??? Ha Ha!!

Katie @ Wildwood Creek said...

Too funny! Your home is beautiful and lived in--the best kind of before and after. Love the doodles.

Unknown said...

I would love to open the frig to that doodling. So cute

Maria Elena said...

Great post! Your home is beautiful! And I love the doodles!
Life with kids! Wouldn't have it any other way!

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

Hilarious!! The doodles on the can and o.j. are so funny -- what a fun surprise! My "kids" are all grown (20 yr. old twins and our son is married) and I SO remember not being able to see the floor. Wait, I STILL can't see the floor in my girls' room when they are home from college! Some things never change so take heart or be forewarned!

vignette design said...

Life with kids. Ah, I miss those days! But not the mess, haha!

Denise said...

Bravo, Sherry! This is the best post ever! :-D It's so nice to see that we all live in the "same kind" of house. Our son is in college, but he's close enough to come home anytime, and some things just don't change. I'm kind of glad. I'm not ready for him to be completely moved out yet.

Thank you so much for sharing this! I love the doodling on the orange juice carton. Starts your day off with a chuckle.

Hugs,

Denise at Forest Manor

Ramblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda G said...

Would it make you feel any better if I told you ...most pictures I take for my blog, I have to first rake the kid's stuff and SHOES out of the angle before shooting the picture! haha! I'm sure we're not alone! But those stray objects are just precious aren't they ...reminding of those kiddos we love so well! :)

Nann said...

Oh what would we ever do without the grandkids. I just smiled to myself. You could have taken those photos at my house on Sunday. Love it!

Nann

Simply Tasheena said...

Great post! I would love for you to link up at my Linky Party via: http://ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com/2012/04/show-me-what-you-got-linky-party-8.html



Mrs. Delightful
www.ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com