Holiday fun and Home Improvements

I know. I know. I have gotten behind again! You would think since it was summer I would have all the time in the world, but sadly my masters degree is taking up most of my time. However, I was getting in big trouble for not posting some of the recent things we have been up to, so this post is kind of a long one.

Recently when we were in Corpus for our friend Holly's wedding I finally got to pick up and bring home some new art pieces that I have been wanting and waiting to get for sooo long. Our walls in our home really needed something! So, one of the things that we brought home were these three paintings that were done by Deborah Males, a well known artist in Corpus. My mom had won one of the pieces and when I saw it a few months ago I knew I had to have more! My mom actually surprised me with more as an anniversary present for Chris and I, and we had them framed and matted so that they would somewhat look alike. I love them!    

  

Another fun piece I found was this mirror. I actually saw it at the same place where Chris and I registered for our China. I thought about it for months and finally broke down and bought it. I am really happy I did! Now all we need is a nice side table to go underneath it. I am working on it. 

Coco enjoying the mirror as well!

And here is a new rug we purchased for the office. Really Chris just wanted to show off his new camera and all the cool things it can do. I think this is a neat picture.  

And finally...Our newly landscaped backyard is done!!!!!!!!!! I waited and waited to post pics because we were not done with the staining of the porch, but it is finally finished. I didn't get to participate in Kelly's home tour of yards and garages last week, so better late than never.We have really enjoyed it this summer. The only problem we are encountering now is that our grass is dying. We had seeded in the spring, and it looked great,  but now it is becoming fried. We water almost every day.  Any suggestions on how to get grass to grow in this heat?      

This past Sunday we decided to have a neighborhood BBQ to celebrate the 4th. 

We just decided to do it on the 5th. So here are some pics of us setting up before the party.

One summer project I would still like to do is stain this porch as well. Still trying to decide on a color for it.

My 4th of July centerpiece that I was proud of. And yes they are real hydrangeas. I know they look fake from the picture.  

Coco, wearing her red, white, and blue! That only lasted long enough for us to get this shot of her. She is not fond of wearing outfits. Maybe she will come around!  

Enjoying the cool weather at the BBQ with some girls I teach with, a neighbor, and Coco.

More neighbors

And how can you have a 4th of July party without juggling! ha!  One of our neighbors,Logan,the one with the beard above, is actually a professional juggler. When Chris and I moved into the neighborhood on Halloween night Logan was out on his front lawn juggling fire-as he is doing here, and making balloon animals for the kids! I remember Chris and I looking at each other and saying, "wow, we have the coolest neighbors!" Ha!  Anyways, so when he said he wanted to come to our BBQ we asked if he wouldn't mind juggling for our guests. He was happy to do it and everyone loved it!   He first started juggling with our bocce balls, but he was having a little difficulty because they were blinking on and off. (We have the night game bocce ball set), so he had much better luck with the fire. 

We all had a super time and hope to do it again soon!

Last but not least, I wanted to wish my very special mother-in-law, Judy, a Happy Birthday today!  Judy is the BEST mother-in-law EVER! I am so lucky to have her in my life.  She is such a kind and thoughtful person, and she is always thinking of others.  I am always striving to be more like her! 

            

We love you so much Judy!!!!! Have a super day!

Love, Carrie and Chris