Time for this week’s installment from 4 Moms, 35 Kids….

This week, we’re focusing on living areas.

If you are a first time visitor to my site, you should know, we moved here about 7 months ago. The living room is the only room we have remodeled.

We painted, refinished the floors, purchased new furniture and installed the tile entry.

It took a lot of time, but I think it turned out well. We’re still trying to add little touches to make it feel like home.

I’m not sure exactly what it needs so if you have suggestions, please speak up! One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about this series is hearing your ideas for this home.

This house actually has a living room and family room.

I’ll begin in the actual living room. My husband says it’s a “no toy zone”.

Honestly, I didn’t think I would like the idea too much when we first moved in, but I was also not prepared for how many people just drop in on you when you live in a rural area. We have visitors almost daily now- it is nice to answer the door without having to push something under the rugs, LOL!

So, this is the living room:

My favorite things about this room are:

my clock–

the old record player we pulled out of the basement trash when we first moved here–

the almost 100 year old piano, also in the basement–

(it needs a lot of work, but we love it…maybe we’ll be able to find someone to repair it on our budget!)

the little ones who run through the room *smile*–

a doily made by one of the Bluedorn girls—

the pictures that I hope will one day flow all the way down these steps–

pictures of my beloved Great-Grandmother, and Grandmother with her cousin on her Grandfather’s knee–

pictures of my Grandmother as a little girl with her sisters–

a painting by a once, very young Miss Courtney–

(hard to believe she’s graduating this year)

and an embroidered quote by Jane Austen given as a birthday present–

This is a painting of caladiums my mother made. It’s a temporary until she can make the larger one…if you know my Mom and could give her a gentle nudge, I would appreciate it!

No pressure, MOM!

I just know it will be beautiful here and extra special since it was painted by my Mom!!

Just while I’ve been typing, a certain young man’s red blankie showed up:

This is our family room.

We will eventually do a remodel project on this room too…but for now, it’s a while away.

On Sunday, we enjoy hosting our church family and this room is buzzing with grown folks and lots and lots of happy children!

We try and keep extra baby equipment out for visitors….

I love this room.

Last winter, it was a favorite place to sit and look out over the fog that settles against the surface of the lake (that has been temporarily drained).

Though it needs a lot of work, this house has been such a blessing….we are thankful every day.