This old (crappy, German) house.

After five yeas of living in our estimated 600 year old house, I'm SO fed up! So unorganized, so falling apart, so... undone (the house, not me...). But we only have two years left and I can't bear the thought of moving the whole family right now. I'd love some huge barn house nearer to the river, with more than one kitchen so the compound (our self-proclaimed center of fun) would have room to grow. Maybe an old gasthause? An indefinite stay in Germany would warrant such a find, but for now I need to just bite the bullet and make this place as bearable as possible. After all, there are many fine points to living here including nearly an acre of yard and two (two!) garages. Also, a creepy cellar that is fun to take weary guests into.

I was on a roll with the improvements until J decided naps were overrated. We might be back on schedule but I'm not holding my breath. You'd think I may have done these 'improvements' in the four years before we had a rugrat underfoot most of the day...

Anyway. First on the list was my old Kühlschrank. I bought it last spring and have been meaning to repaint it.



I'm fascinated with chalkboard paint but all our walls are covered in nasty textured wallpaper so it's out of the question, for the most part. Repainting the front of the fridge with it allows a place for Johnny to be creative a little later on, and a place for me to jot down quick notes when I can't find a pen (which is always). Plus it's cool looking. ;)



Then there were the canisters my grandma gave me, which never held what the label proclaimed on the outside... A little printable iron-on paper, some fabric and thread and they were good to go! I also purchased two more from Etsy, just to add storage space to the counter top.





Next, we tackle the play corner, here's a little preview (eep!)



Bet you can't wait to see what I do with that mess!