Traditions-Folk Magazine's Community Journal Challenge

It seems that due to an upcoming birthday, I have been thinking a lot about how much my life has changed over the last ten years.  A decade ago, my work was my top priority and took up the majority of my time. I slept in, rarely had to do laundry, and wouldn't be caught dead staying in on a Saturday night. I was engaged at the time and looked forward to the big changes ahead.  I couldn't wait to start a family and create new traditions of our own.

Via Martha Stewart

Some of our favorite traditions are during the holidays. My mother-in-law always invites the kids over on Good Friday to dye Easter eggs. The cousins gather around the kitchen table and "ooh and aah" over the beautiful eggs. These past ten years have been good to our family and we were blessed with fourteen more children around the table.  A few kids always manage to dye their hands blue or green and it is still noticeable on Easter Sunday. A massive Easter egg hunt takes place after everyone has changed out of their church clothes. The kids are armed with their buckets and reminded of the rules. The "bigs" help the "littles" without being asked. The egg hunt usually ends in the hayloft of the barn where a swing hangs from the beams.  Everyone takes turns jumping off the swing and into the piles of hay.

Via Tumblr

I don't know what life will be like in another ten years, but I am sure our traditions will change a little bit over time. Maybe someday I will be lucky enough to invite my grandchildren over to dye eggs. If so, I will make sure to send at least one of them home with blue or green hands!

* If you would like to participate in Folk Magazine's Community Journal Challenge, you can check it out here.

A Little Bit Country House Tour

I have a great house tour for you today! I love the casual feel and neutral palette of this North Carolina home almost as much as I love that it was decorated on a tight budget. The homeowner used second-hand finds and reupholstered furniture with canvas drop cloths. They also built the dining room table themselves. The sliding doors are my favorite!

All images via Country Living

First Day Of Spring Lunch

Dirt cup
Via She is Dallas

It is the first day of spring! It is hard to see any signs of spring through the brutal cold and piles of snow. That is why I am making a special lunch for Bean that is full of signs of spring. I am hoping it will add a little sunshine to his day!

Wormy apple
Via Pinterest

Flower-shaped sandwich
Via Kelley Hospitality

Our Basement Rec Room

Can you believe I am finally posting photos of our new rec room? I like to keep people in suspense! Let me give you a little background info first. Our house was built in 1917 and the basement consisted of six creepy rooms. I, having watched way too many horror movies, refused to enter two of these rooms. My husband removed a few walls and we now have a storage room, utility room, and rec room. We already have a playroom on our first floor, but we really needed a space where the boys could be more active. Wisconsin winters are long and the summers are hot, especially without air conditioning. This is a space where they can run, play, be loud, and be messy.

We sprayed the cinder block walls with texture and chose 1/2 inch foam mats for the floor. We bought ours here. Recessed lighting will hold up nicely to any "wild" ball games.

Things To Do:

Swing, Play gym, Trampoline, 6 foot tunnel, Bouncy house, Tent and tunnel set, Basketball hoop, Hockey set, Puppet theater and stage, Hoppy ball, Bouncy puppy, Sand/water table, Ride on vehicles, Scooters, Giant cardboard boxes

* Many of our items were given to us years ago or were bought at thrift stores, but I tried to link to similar items for you. The stage is made out of a pallet and a pair of curtains that hang on a clothesline in the corner. If you use a pallet, make sure you know what it was used for. It needs to be clean and free of chemicals.

I love how the climbing holds look and feel like actual rocks. The kids love to see if they can make it all the way across, but making the corner can be a little tricky. The adults love trying it too!

Luck-Folk Magazine's Community Journal Challenge

I don't know how much I believe in luck. I know I believe in hard work, passion and perseverance. I guess I don't believe in luck enough to rely on it to get something I really wanted. However, I do think that sometimes the little things in life are due to luck. I feel lucky when:

• Both kids sleep through the night
• I crack open one of my hard-boiled eggs and it is actually hard-boiled
• I get into the fast-moving lane at the grocery store
• My husband calls to ask if he should bring home dinner (YES, the answer is YES)

What are the little things in your life that make you feel lucky?

*If you would like to take part in Folk Magazine's Community Journal Challenge, you can check it out here.