The Big Pool Reveal

Check it out!












Here is my fast attempt at weekend decorating.











We're beefing up these beams by boxing in the originals and painting them white, but we can't finish them until the deck is acid washed later this week. When that's done the concrete will be a tan color. It just has a fine layer of dust on it right now.




I love these candleholders I found at Lowe's. I can't wait to find some LED candles to put in them. They are glass, but I put them in front of the beam. Who would walk into a beam? I probably will. I'm also going to put some potted plants in front of them too for extra protection.




Hopefully, in the next year or so we will have a summer kitchen where the grill is sitting.





A rug at the back door is a must because wet feet make this tile really slippery. I bought this one at Target.




And, I have a basket of towels ready by the back door.



Obviously, we've been swimming a lot since there's only one towel left! My husband put a doorbell on the bottom that chimes every time the door opens. We can hear it all the way upstairs, which is important with small kids. Excuse my dirty floors!

We still have a lot going on this week-irrigation, grass, acid washing the deck, finishing the beams on the back porch, and fixing fences. But, I'm okay with that because we can still swim! I can't wait to show you the fire pits on at night. My husband is out of town and I'm a little nervous to turn them on.

It was an amazing night when we filled the pool! The kids were just absolutely thrilled. We had friends and family over and everyone just had a blast. One neighbor said this would be a night we would always remember. I think he's right!

An All-Star Gameroom

I didn't really have a plan of how I was going to accessorize my boys' gameroom after we remodeled. It's hard to make a decision since my three boys range from age 5 to almost 11, so their interests are very different. But, the one thing they all love is sports. Not only do we love how the room turned out, but I get to actually do something with their millions of baseball hats and trophies. Here it is!







This is the view as you walk up the stairs.







The view toward the stairs and new desk area.




The details



I was so excited to find this coffee table for $20 at Ikea. It's small, but perfect for the kids. If they destroy it then it won't be the end of the world either. The tray is from World Market and I initially bought it as a serving tray to use outside. I realized it would be perfect in this room after we put the table in here. The kids can throw books and video game remotes in it, and it's crazy how everything looks organized just because it's in a tray. The baseball opens up and we're using it to collect the stray batteries. If you have boys that play video games you know exactly what I mean!




I found these bins at Walmart for $10! I can't believe how perfectly they fit in the Ikea Hemnes bookcase. The chalkboard labels are nice, too. They also have very cool galvanized bins that are the exact same size if you are looking for an alternative to straw baskets.



I am planning to buy the door inserts from Ikea for the four middle cubbies, but they were sold out when we went. It will hide even more of their stuff. It's crazy, but this is only a small fraction of their books. The metal signs above the tv are from Hobby Lobby and the star hooks were bought years ago at Pottery Barn Kids.



The Bullpen artwork above the sofa is new. I used Command picture hangers so I didn't have to put a hole in the brand new woodwork. The art is from Hobby Lobby along with the Clubhouse and Route 66 sign. The frames and "C' is from Pottery Barn Kids. The throw pillows are all from PB Teen.

I also added a few things to the study area. The kids haven't really used this area much, but I imagine once school starts they will do homework here. For now, we're just supporting the Texans.



I want to add a few more things to this area to make it more functional. I'm thinking hanging files on the wall will be a perfect place for weekly homework packets.



I bought the mini buckets and chalkboard labels in the Target dollar section. So cute! I almost put crayons in there and then came to my senses. I want my woodwork to stay white.

One last look...



There are a few minor details to work on, but it's pretty much done! Yay!

Fourth of July Entertaining

Can you believe July 4th is next week?! After such a busy month, I am looking forward to sitting poolside and enjoying my husband's BBQ next Thursday. He loves to grill and has already loaded up on ribs since they were on sale last week. I'm already planning appetizers, side dishes and dessert, too. Here are some of my favorite Fourth of July pins that I might have to try out this year.

Get step-by-step directions on making the perfect pie here.




I wouldn't mind trying this strawberry and coconut cocktail.


These look so good!



Maybe cake pops for the kids?



And a tart for the adults.


We're planning on swimming at a local pool, and maybe heading to a festival and fireworks show if the kids are up for it (and it isn't 100 degrees outside). How about you, any plans this year?

Crazy Pool Progress

You aren't going to believe the changes to my backyard. I'm so amazed over the progress that has been made in just a week. Here's a recap.

Monday-Removed Four Huge Trees



I'm so sad to see the big oak by the swingset go, but hasta la vista pine trees!

After the mess was all cleaned up, the pool was drawn out again with orange paint. Stakes were also put up and that really gave me a good idea of what the pool is going to look like.



I had the kids stand inside the "pool" for perspective. My husband was out of town and wanted to see the progress. When I told them the pictures were for daddy, they decided to do this.



The little one obviously hasn't gotten down the concept of mooning.


Tuesday-The Digging Begins



I had a hard time watching this. The bobcat came within inches of my covered porch beams and it almost gave me heart attack every single time. The worst is what it did to my front yard.



It actually got much worse than this. It will be fixed, it will be fixed...

I did get excited once I saw the pool completely dug out.



Can you see it? I can see it. The hot tub is on the left. The two round areas are going to be fire pits. Yes, fire pits! In between the fire pits is going to be a waterfall. Thanks for all your feedback on the previous pool post. It really helped me decide on the waterfall.



They were just finishing up when I left the house to meet some friends at our community pool. I will not miss spending half an hour packing up my pool bag and cooler when we get this pool in! I figured they would be gone when I got home because they dug out the pool in one day. Nope! They had enough time to go ahead and put in the rebar.



Crazy! They were here into the evening hours until they completely finished the rebar. Can you believe they did this in one day?

On Wednesday, they put in piping for the water and were hoping to gunite. The truck was reserved that day and on Thursday. There are a ton of pools being put in right now from what I hear. But, no worries! The gunite is going in today. Next week, is going to be all about the rocks and stone coping. Can't wait!

Al Fresco Dining

Thank you for all the feedback on our pool! When I get home from work today my husband and I are going to sit down and look at pictures so we can come up with a plan. I'm the one leaning towards the rock waterfall and he's the one who likes the stacked stone rock wall. It's nice to know you think I'm right! ;)

I have to admit the pool decisions have me second guessing myself since this is new territory for me. I'm sure our pool guy is about to throw up his hands if we make one more change, lol. It's especially hard when my husband tells him one thing and then I tell him another. It's like Designing For the Sexes: Outdoor Edition. One thing I don't have to worry about my husband attempting to have input on is the outdoor furniture. This is all me. If you've noticed, outdoor furniture is not cheap. This limits my options since I know from past experience spending a lot is not worth it in this climate. I'm gathering ideas not only for furniture, but for tablescaping ideas when we have parties. Here are a few from my pinterest board.










My husband's idea of al fresco dining.


Yes, an outdoor kitchen. The initial plan had one included, but we had to scrap it in lieu of more decking for a dining table. He's bummed. I think he imagined himself as the grill master and bartender (his favorite role when we have guests) as everyone sat around the bar. However, we are making room so we can put one in later.

All plans are subject to change as early as today, lol.