Living Room Furniture

We still don't have any new living room furniture. It feels as if I have been to every furniture store in town. We are planning to get a new couch and rug, barstools, and possibly side chairs. I had picked out a cute, cheap couch, but Porter didn't think it was comfortable (details!). So now he almost has me convinced to get this retro 60's number from Crate and Barrel. It is fittingly called the Petrie couch. I think it is pretty cute, and it definitely fits the comfort factor (it is very deep and firm). My only hesitation is the matchstick legs, which Porter says he didn't even notice! We are considering two colors, mineral red and fern.


Amazingly, we both agreed upon and love the circle rug, Genesis. I am sure it will look lovely covered in white dog fur!

These are the barstools I covet: But since they run $595 apiece, I am looking for a substitute. Do we think these, at $159 each, will do?

Big Po, Little Po

So, our dear friends, the Normands, just recently returned to Austin from Prague, had their fourth child on Tuesday. Porter was honored to learn that they named the healthy baby boy, Porter Blackford Normand. Craig (the dad) commented that they were honoring Porter Madden, the luggage transporters of the world, and (of course!) the beer, all at the same time! Big sisters Martha and Jennings and big brother Grayson are all proud also to have their own Baby Po.

All I can add to the whole story is that I am thrilled that Stephanie was able to deliver this baby with the help of a hospital, a doctor, and most especially, drugs.

Congratulations, Normand family! (for more photos of the cute little guy, click on the Normand blog link under "Family and Friends" in the right column)

Look out, Design Star!

So, Melanie and I did a little home decorating last weekend. She had several large prints that were outdated, but the frames were still good. So, being the loyal HGTV watcher that I am, I suggested we steal an idea, and fill the good frames with some fabric swatches as art. She has a chocolate brown sofa, red chair, and a cool TV cabinet with an Asian flair (it came from Austin Auction a year or so ago). These were our inspirations as we set off to Calico Corners. I have to say, I think we did pretty darn well for beginners! What do you think? Cool art for under $50. Note Callie playing the part of Vanna White.

Mariposas Spanish Camp FIESTA!

Last Day of School Sleepovers!

Callie had her first ever sleepover with best buddy Gwynnie.

Madden's best pal, Danielle, also joined in the fun.

Kinder Graduation and 2nd Grade Completion

The last week of school was a whirlwind with kinder graduation, 2nd grade completion (a whole future topic unto itself.....does anyone else's school do a ceremony for completing each grade??), class parties and talent show. Whew! But it looks like we survived. Here are some photos from the week.

Girls' Trip!

All I can say is it was wonderful and WAY overdue.

Love you, Kim and M'Lou!

Future Architects

The girls built their own house on move-in day!

I can remember moving into our house in San Antonio in 1975-6ish. Glenn Jr. made the BEST fort out of the moving boxes in our front yard. (Early signs of his building prowess!) That was such a huge move - all the way from Ohio. The house seemed huge! It was right next door to my school, and best of all it had a pool! (WAY cool when you come from up north!) When you walked in the front door of the house, you could see straight through to the backyard pool. Glenn ran in and headed straight for the pool. Too bad for him he didn't see the large sliding glass door in his way! He boomeranged right off the glass. It still makes me giggle.

It's the 1st Night in the New Old House!

I hope I am not too freaked out sleeping upstairs--it will be really weird!

Just Hangin' Around

The Dog Days of Summer Have Arrived!