Manteling and Milestones

I've had my Christmas decorations down for awhile now. I just don't feel like my house looks as cheerful. I really try, though! The positive thing about taking the tree down was making more room for a toy corner. Seriously--we are very frugal when it comes to toys, etc., and we don't even have as much as most people, but toys take up room! So we just left the Christmas tree spot open and at night I gather them in that area. That way, when I'm up until very late hours for my alone/quiet/keep my sanity time, it's at least in a {relatively} straightened room. Here's my post-Christmas living room:


I always tend to change my mantel after the holidays. I shopped my house and this is what I came up with:

The only thing new was the cherub, which I bought in Dallas over Christmas ($7 in an after-Christmas sale!). This mantel would probably be titled, "Ashley loves crowns." Or "Renaissance-Styled Crowns and Cherubs." Yes, I like that title better.
Evy has been up to all sorts of things lately. Remember how Kurt mentioned that she's his little helper and buddy? Here's the proof:



We reached a milestone! Evy can now walk while pushing her baby stroller. {P.S. I think it's absolutely precious that little girl toys are geared toward nurturing and being a mommy. Just precious.}

She's now starting to even let go of things and balance while standing. It won't be long til we're walking!

Finally, Evy is really figuring out the world of food. Lately, I had a carton of Goldfish nearby, and she discovered that through that opening in the top of the carton, there are a TON of Goldfish just waiting to be eaten. Please watch this progression:

The Discovery:

"Mom, is this okay?"

Going for it.

This says it all.

Hope you're having a great week!