it's curtains for the blinds.

I found the cutest fabric at JoAnn's today, and I think it's going to be perfect for our kitchen window. I love the colors, especially the red berries. I was thinking "leaves" when I went to look, you know, something fresh and greenish and spring... actually, I saw this bedspread at Kohl's, and it gave me the idea to look for something in the same vein, but with lots more white in it. So I was surprised when I found myself wanting to bring this home, but I'm excited to give it a try. We'll see what the hubs thinks... What's even better is I scored two yards for $7.99--I left my coupon at home, but the lady at the cutting counter had mercy on me and gave me a flyer with a 50% off coupon. So nice! I told her it made my whole day, which it did.

So here's our window currently, with generic-older-than-the-hills-blinds. My dilemma is that I'm not sure exactly what style I'd like to sew this fabric into...

Here's the fabric hung over the blinds, to give you an idea.

Should I just do a simple hem on the top and put it on a tension rod between the window sills? Or should I hang a curtain rod that extends past the window? My mom suggested a cafe curtain, which would be cute, but I like the idea of full privacy if we want. Grr. Initially I thought a tension rod would be fine, but now I'm leaning toward the curtain rod. Thoughts either way? R may not like the fabric at all, which is an entirely different matter...

...Being indecisive is also what puts these projects at bay. :)

the beginning.

We are trying a few new things this year in our yard...including bringing back the grass Dex killed (hopefully), and starting up some raised beds. I FINALLY moved our yellow irises--they were originally behind where the raised bed is now, so I moved them to the right up on this odd semi-hill we have where there was nada. I hope they thrive there! They were so multiplied and ready to be split; we gave some to Leez and Ryan this last weekend as we had too many. (A nice problem to have!) PS. Their new little girl Emma is adorable, and big brother Mason is sweet and had fun cracking Livvy up during our visit! Gotta love that elvish laughter. :)

Raul, hard at work, leveling the beds...

Liv, hard at play, enjoying the afternoon...

Me, wishing I hadn't worn my favorite flip flops to do the dirty work. :)

Some poor before photos below... So, do you see where the dead white grass stuff is against the fence? Those are where the irises were initially. Note to self: winterize the yard this year... no fun trying to tackle it in spring...boo.

The rope and stakes you see above are meant to keep Dex off the grass in certain areas, which has actually been working so far.

We're hoping to get some soil this weekend and begin planting come May... fingers crossed!

some very special news: