Thursday, March 27, 2014

How To Have A Beautiful Living Room With A Busy Active Family

You want to see this, right?
Here it is for your viewing pleasure.
Isn't it gorgeous?
This is the living room that belongs to 
a busy, active family.
source/Lawrence Reaves

Well, at least that is how it is advertised.
You can follow the link if you don't believe me.

Here is the reality at my daughter's 
busy, happy family home
when the cousins are visiting.
Here you will find the two year old 
with a bowl on his head.
And you will find a mini-trampoline 
at the end of the sofa
with Cousin SweetCheeks jumping on it
and the 4 year with his soccer ball pjs on.
The pjs have to be peeled off 
to throw them in the washer
when he is not paying attention..
And...We have piggy-back relays 
over the block obstacles.
(while SweetCheeks continues to bounce)
And THAT my friends is the REALITY behind a
BEAUTIFUL LIVING ROOM.

Oh..and then there's this!
The perfect decoration!!!!
I am happy to say little Bright Eyes
got a tad jaundiced but is now
pretty and pink again!

your photo name

76 comments:

Sylvia said...

yep,and that's the normal for most homes with children. Love the last photo, that makes it all right!

Candy S said...

This is the best decor that any mother or grand mother could ever ask for. How I miss the toys and the children playing in the house and the toys being strewn across the living room (dining room and anywhere else in the house). Simply Beautiful Nana!

Ron said...

That is exactly how my sister's house looks with her two boys---- the one with blocks and kid's stuff all over. It is normal. Have a great day, Diana! xo

Susie said...

Diana, Now that is the reality of family living. Nothing wrong with it either, not when it all ends with kissing.:):) I see some wonderful baby sitters in the making. I miss all the forts my girls would make.Blessings to all of you, xoxo,Susie

Linda said...

Yes, I was going to say that the way to have a beautiful living room with an active family is to GET RID OF THE FAMILY.....but society frowns upon that so most of us make memories with the kids (esp if they are grandkids) and enjoy the laughter, smiles, and hugs while we ignore the mess for a bit. Your daughter has the right idea! The little ones grow up way too fast!!!

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

That living room was a showplace room that people just walked by and somewhere there was a family room or something that had real life in it. YOUR pics look like my place when the kids are here. MAYHEM! :) :) :)

Sharon said...

The first room is beautiful...but I'll take the one with all of the love and laughter!

Sharon

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Aww love to see all the cousins having fun. I would take the room with the chaos any day.

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Yep that's reality! When it's picked up it only lasts for a short period (like when they're asleep)! It's okay- all of a sudden they're grown up and then the home is all yours to make pretty! I miss the chaos! It's cute to see the cousins playing together- good memories!

Anonymous said...

I would take the second living room in a flash, with children, lol, much closer to reality!!!!What beautiful family!!!! Sorry bright eyes became a little jaundiced, but so common right, she is a beauty,

Jettie said...

Reality show living room versus a real home, that is what I see.

Nancy's Notes said...

First living room is pretty. Now that second living room is just full of love and oh so many kisses and full of happy, happy, happy kids! That's what makes my heart take a leap! Oh, little bright eyes is just sweet and precious~

Unknown said...

I agree Diana! My mother always said (she had us four girls) if people are coming over to see my house and not me then I don't want them here! Looks like a lot of fun going on over there!

Simply LKJ said...

They are surely having fun, and making lasting memories.

Connie said...

Good Morning Diana,
You just gave me my first big laugh of the day . . . thank you :)
Keep Smiling.
Connie :)

Tete said...

Yep, that's the way it really is...you won't see that in a magazine. Love the kid photos and the bowl on the head...seen that one before. Bright Eyes is going to have a lot of teachers to show her the ropes. Hope you are feeling better and have a good day!

Kathy said...

My house doesn't look like that and I don't have kids! Houses that are perfect aren't lived in. I want life in my house. Our time on earth is short and let's enjoy our life here before we see our Saviour face-to-face. Your little Bright Eyes is well loved. Sorry to hear about the jaundice, but I hear that's common. Glad she is better now.

Nellie said...

The perfect living room for a busy, active, and happy family! Where they feel welcome and at ease with one another and the surroundings. So happy to hear the Miss Baby Bright Eyes is pink again! xo Nellie

Penny @ Penny's Vintage Home said...

I need to give my blog readers a reality check too!!! We have our 7 yr old about half of the time. As I look around the room......big barbie house...barbie horses....legos....clothes....homework....just an average day for us! Love the bowl on his sweet little head! Hugs, Penny

Our Hopeful Home said...

Keepin' it real, Diana! I've always tried to do that, too! Glad to see that their house looks like mine did when mine were younger! xoKathleen

Kelly said...

I used to say that my living room was decorated by Playskool. When my kids were little, there were toys everywhere. Now, I have a more grown up house. LOL!

Donna said...

I just love the photos of the girls kissing their new sweet baby cousin, Diana! She is darling. And I'm glad you are keeping it real! The "people" (if there really ARE people who live in that first room) in that living room need a reality check!!

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

Well the first one is pretty, but a home filed with love and laughter is so much better! And we have exact same blocks packed away. Can't wait to break them out for Clare!

Tessa~ Here there be musing said...

It can get hectic, with kids.

But believe me (and you), Nanas know that this time is fleeting. Enjoy it! Even if it does get hectic. :-))))))

Vee said...

Oh yes. Bouncing children. Sometimes John stays and hangs out with the boys and me in the afternoon after they are brought home...usually long enough for the snack...when the bouncing begins, he's off like a rocket. ☺

I love the color of jaundiced babes, but am very happy to know that Bright Eyes is pink again. When I start saying, "That child's coloring is so beautiful" parents should be warned.

Japolina said...

I'm always cautious of a mom of school -aged kids with a perfect looking home. It means that there is no fun going on there!

Judy said...

reminds me of my daughter's house...they really LIVE in it even with all her pretty furniture and "stuff"!

that picture of the baby is so precious...jackson was a little "yellow" too but they put him under a "billy" light for a day or two and he was just fine!

hope your weather is not too bad, i think this will be our last "cold" week, supposed to be around 79 here by the weekend...it's about time!

living from glory to glory said...

Dear Diana, I do like to keep a few pictures of my cleaned up Den to have proof it doesn't always have Legos and Linken logs covering it!
As a Grand Mother I can say I do have a much cleaner home them when mine where little... But. I would choose busy and toys all over the place then a model HOME any day!
Did you say you jumped off the couch onto the mini trampoline? :o)
Love, Roxy

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

My house goes from the before to the after when the grands are here. Good to have a lived in home!

Shirley said...

The first picture I would be a little afraid to visit, but with your family it would be welcome and have fun. It looks lived in and enjoyed. Your family looked like they were having so much fun. Bright Eyes is being loved by all. Everybody will look out for her. Have a wonderful day and enjoy those grandchildren, they grow up way to fast. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

Lived in homes are the best! My boys used to have those cardboard "bricks" too. My living room floor was covered with those and matchbox cars for years and years! Happy times! Glad bright eyes is doing well. :)

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

It looks like fun. There will be time for a pretty living room when the kids are grown. Have fun while they are little and enjoy spending time with them, Nana D! Sweet hugs!

This N That said...

I thought she had a little jaundice in that picture with sweet cheeks..Thought maybe it was just the picture..Glad all is well..Cute post..The important thing is that everyone is happy and having fun..

Sonny G said...

Lovin that first room you posted :) wink laugh

good to see all the kids having fun..

aww Bright Eyes, you sweet little pink bundle of joy.

Ruth Kelly said...

Sweet kisses for the new baby. You are right, that first photo looked like a show piece not some place that people actually live in.

Babs said...

I get it! You can have a living room like this if you have a big family room or playroom for the kids. Right? :)
Loved seeing your family doing real things, and the photos of the baby are darling. I can see she gets lots of hugs and kisses.

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

Beautiful indeed!
Pat

Kelly said...

Loving the ''LIVING" room! Such joyful reality from these pictures. Family memories making up a wonderful life! Keep enjoying! <3
Way to go on almost 700 FOLLOWERS DIANA!!!

Unknown said...

Another beautiful grandbaby??? You are truly blessed, Diana. I wouldn't even mind the messes.
Hope you are well and staying warm. xoxo.

White Lace and Promises said...

Little ones and baby, beautiful, just beautiful! Prettier than the prettiest magazine living room!

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Diana, and a beautiful situation as it should be. What fun they are having, not even realizing the memories they are making. Oh, little Bright Eyes. I would take that one off your hands in a heartbeat..Happy Thursday to all..Judy

joanne said...

and the laundry basket. Don't forget the never ending presence of the laundry basket! Glad little chunka love is doing better. let's catch up soon! hehe.

Wanda said...

Reality is so much better than "perfect and in place"....The love and fun just jumps off the screen. And those last three shots...oh my ~ melt my heart.

A quick memory. Being a Pastor's wife...people always dropping in since we lived next door to the church. When my four were little I put a sheet on the living room floor with kids and toys...when the door bell rang....gathered up the four corners of the sheet, tied a knot, stuck it in the bedroom and walla ready for company...oops...did I leave a kid in the sheet...1,2,3,4... All account for...HaHa

Richella Parham said...

Yes, yes, YES!! Love this, Diana! I'll take a REAL living room over a magazine photo any day. . . even though our real life is rarely photo-worthy!

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

I like the second room the best...The first is pretty to look at, but it's not lived in. Cute kiddos!

cards4ubylouise and other treasures said...

First picture is not for real...even with two people our front room is not picture perfect. I like your "lived in" style of living....that is more real!!!! Have a great day!!!

camp and cottage living said...

I do not believe any family has ever lived in that first room!
Who do they think they are fooling?
I think your daughter's LR is far more fun and practical for any real family, for sure.
It appears Bright Eyes is getting plenty of love and attention-so sweet.

Something Nice and Pretty said...

I love the pictures of them girls kissing Bright Eyes.

Jackie See said...

We must be sharing the same decorator - LIFE! Our youngsters are all grown up now but those days are still fresh in my memory. My living room now has three dog beds (our grand dog is visiting), a cat pole, and toys all over the floor. I would call it a Home Decorated By Love! Thanks for sharing Diana xxoo back to ya!

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

I love it!!!...Real life...have fun with your "sweeties"...Life is good!

Celestina Marie said...

This is great!! Real living with healthy and happy kids having fun and making moments. This makes the perfect living room!!
Love your pics and those last ones are precious!! So glad Bright Eyes pinked up too.
Hugs XO

Mindy said...

My living room ALWAYS looks like the first photo. Buwahaha.

Kim said...

I always get a kick out of those magazine photos. My cousin emailed me that she couldn't stand my perfectly perfect kitchen photos from the blog anymore. So I sent her a real pic of my kitchen- dishes in the sink, bills on the kitchen table, shoes at the back door, homework and kids...that's reality! It's messy, like your daughter's living room, but filled with love and life and I agree, that's what make a beautiful room! ps...love the bowl! ;)

SImple and Serene Living said...

Reality is so much better than staged. I am getting the impression that baby is getting a fair amount of kisses. xo Laura

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

So funny you posted this...Jim and I were just talking about the days when our whole living room was a fort for the week when kids were on spring break!!

Lucille said...

Diana, that's how real life should be, not picture perfect. The children look happy and that's the important thing. Glad to know the baby is okay!

NanaNor's said...

Diana, This is life filled with laughter and love!!! My youngest girls house often resembles your daughters house. Bright Eyes is so very precious-I know you are loving the time with them. Hope you have a delightful evening and great weekend.
Hugs, Noreen

Willow said...

I love the activity of that real living room :)))
And Awe ~ beautiful baby bright eyes .
I await my first grandchild coming this July !!!

Angela said...

I like a pretty room as much as anyone, but I find more joy in the mess!!! Loved a glimpse into the sweet chaos!! :)

farmhouse-story said...

now, that is a beautiful room:)

Bmore Bungalow said...

I am a design junky and expecting my first child. I'm secretly afraid my living room will become overrun with toys, but in the end I;m sure the trade off will be well worth it.

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

When the grands visit, it literally takes about a nano second for the house to go from neat to nutsville so I can totally relate, right down to the bowl on the head :)

Faye said...

That looks way more normal, much more comfy and real! I'm uncomfortable in a tidy perfectly organize home...clutter is my style!

Sew a Fine Seam said...

Oh yeah! THAT is the definition of a living room of a happy family :)

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

That is a happy living room with lots of wonderful memories.
Mary

sweetvintageofmine said...

A beautiful, normal, happy family in a toy filled untidy room doing their thang! The BEST! Blessings~~~Roxie

Gert said...

When I saw that first picture with your description..I thought.."what?" Lol Never was it like that at my house...lol

Blessings to you all!

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

I had to laugh at the first photo. Yeah ... right. Not!

The real thing has much more appeal.

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Oh yes...that is just what a living room looks like with an active family! (Not the first one, of course...)

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

L O V E x 1 8 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ditto Dayle: I love the appeal of the last several REAL photos!

Hugs and happy highways, Diana! STAY WARM!
Kelley~

Joy Junktion said...

Yup...That is exactly what a 'living' room is supposed to look like - Lived in!! Blessings to you and all those beautiful kiddos, Cindy

Art and Sand said...

My living room looks perfect now because all of the puppy's toy are put away, the pillows are plumped and everyone else is in bed. But then, come morning, it is lived in - all day.

Unknown said...

What a gorgeous room Diana - love that they actually LIVE in the living room - I never learned the art of that sadly lol
XOXO

Ann from On Sutton Place said...

My house is usually picked up because it's just me and my husband...but when my kids visit there is stuff everywhere and I love it. A little clutter adds that special, homey feeling. Your family looks like so much fun...you are truly blessed.

Maureen Wyatt said...

You mean everything we see in magazines is not real? Darn! There's a whole lot of living going on in the second room and that's the way it should be.

Patty Patterson said...

So, we get to choose.... lived in or elegant? I choose lived in. Because elegant is also empty and empty is loveless and lonely. Pretty yes, but also kind of sad. A room full of children is happy and alive! :-) And your children are precious!