Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Thoughts of Spring

We had a warm, cozy fire over the weekend.




Every time we have a fire in the fireplace, we always ask ourselves why we don't have them more often. For some reason, our fires are lit in the coldest months of winter. As I suggested to Mike, a summer fire...with the windows thrown open and the chirping of crickets outside...why haven't we done that? 


My hydrangeas are already budding, inspiring some spring reading (or at least the thought of spring reading)!

I added an orchid to the mantle in anticipation of the changing seasons.




























Ever since the babies arrived, we've been spending most of our days in this room (which was tidied up before I took pictures!). For wear and tear (and spills and leaks), I typically throw a quilt over the couch. Baby swing is by Nature's Purest. 
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57 comments:

  1. BabyMacFebruary 22, 2011 at 3:43 AM

    It never fails to impress me that as we down here in Australia start to think about the change of seasons - of autumn and cooler nights, you think of spring. I mean, der, of course the seasons change but I do love to read about it. See the anticipation. Enjoy x

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  2. Andi's English AtticFebruary 22, 2011 at 4:27 AM

    A summer fire with crickets chirruping will be wonderful. The crackle of a (planned!) fire and crickets are two of my favourite sounds. Have fun. xx

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  3. A Room For EveryoneFebruary 22, 2011 at 4:40 AM

    What a beautiful spot to be with your babies Trina. It can make all the difference if you have a lovely, soft, light place to snuggle with them! The orchid is gorgeous too, you must be looking forward to Spring. We are anticipating my favourite season here..Autumn. Rachaelxx

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  4. Chris :)February 22, 2011 at 4:56 AM

    I live in an island in the meditteranean sea so our winters are not eactly winters and we have loooon ghot summers!
    so we dont enjoy the fireplace very much!!!
    every summer we rent a house in the mountain and we do just what you describe....we open all the windows of the house and we lit the 3 fireplaces the house has...its so much fun and all our friends remember it for years :D

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  5. Daryl at Vermont CottageFebruary 22, 2011 at 6:30 AM

    Your home is always so lovely. I agree: a fire in the summer is such luxury :). Why not?
    D.

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  6. Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your HomeFebruary 22, 2011 at 7:01 AM

    Summer fire...great idea! Your photographs are beautiful!

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  7. Simply LKJFebruary 22, 2011 at 7:02 AM

    Trina, so good to hear from you. The room looks lovely, so peaceful. Our hydrangeas are budding as well. And, some of the daffodils are already up! Can't wait.

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  8. pve designFebruary 22, 2011 at 7:18 AM

    looks so bright eyed, that room and that fire.
    pve

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  9. My Little BungalowFebruary 22, 2011 at 7:40 AM

    Lovely fire! I wish we could have a fire in our fireplace, but it was built to burn coal so it doesn't do logs well. We've have fires in it before with those manufactured java logs made from coffee grounds, but I seem to be allergic to them. So, until we convert to a gas "coal basket" fireplace, I'll have to be content looking at beautiful photos of your fires. Now, something is missing from the last photo ... oh yes, I know, that swing should have a cute wee baby in it! Looking forward to more photos of the little ones,
    Claudia

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  10. deborahFebruary 22, 2011 at 8:25 AM

    Beautiful photos... I think you have created a very lovely room for yourselves to enjoy life.
    I LOVE all the simple white, so heavenly!
    Have a beautiful day!
    xoxo deboarh

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  11. Southern LadyFebruary 22, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    What a perfect sunny spot to spend time with the babies! Enjoy every minute. Carla

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  12. lizziefitzFebruary 22, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    Wow, you really have it together. Twins and photo styling ,great pictures.

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  13. Chrissy...The Apothecary ShopFebruary 22, 2011 at 9:16 AM

    What a lovely space to welcome new ones into..I am sure your hands(and hearts) are full these days..enjoy!! Chrissy

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  14. the growers daughterFebruary 22, 2011 at 9:16 AM

    Oh lovely. I'm always inspired by how gorgeously simple and fresh your home is. I love the white - it just looks so clean and bright.

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  15. KelleyFebruary 22, 2011 at 9:23 AM

    A summer fire sounds like such a great idea! But your's look beautiful right now...xo kelley

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  16. ohiofarmgirlFebruary 22, 2011 at 9:35 AM

    I am dreaming of spring also but yesterday was yet another winter storm with ice and 6 inches of snow and another storm scheduled for Friday...Oh please spring come soon.
    I am enjoying some time with my teens today! Dianntha

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  17. Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid SassFebruary 22, 2011 at 9:38 AM

    Beautiful. Love the fire.
    Hope all is well.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  18. I Dream OfFebruary 22, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    A fire in the fire place is so cozy, especially with snow (!?) in the forecast. And I love that you are reading "The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady"... my mother had that book when I was a girl, and I used to get lost in the pages and try to copy the lovely watercolors...

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  19. A Vintage VineFebruary 22, 2011 at 10:43 AM

    So classic...your fireplace is so inviting!

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  20. Megan @ Restoring the RoostFebruary 22, 2011 at 10:59 AM

    I love have fires in Spring as well because the evenings are still cool. Fortunately we have two wood-burning fireplaces- one in the living room and one in the dining room. You have such a beautiful home and I never tire of looking at your photographs :)

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  21. BlairFebruary 22, 2011 at 11:11 AM

    you have two very lucky babes to grow up in such a warm & loving environment:). sending you wishes for a warm & cozy spring:). indoor summer fire- what a great idea;). will try it in a few months!
    xoxo,
    Blair

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  22. DianneFebruary 22, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    Oh Trina, that room is dreamy! I can imagine one baby in the swing and one baby in your lap. What a perfect way to spend the day! xoxo

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  23. JulieFebruary 22, 2011 at 11:52 AM

    A summer fire sounds wonderful, and the good thing about living in OR is that it's still cool at night well into the summer!

    I like that swing. Someone bought me the Fisher Price Little Lamb from BRU, and man, that footprint is HUGE!

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  24. Robin JohnsonFebruary 22, 2011 at 1:06 PM

    Thoughts of spring are swirling around inside my head dispite the freshly fallen 15 inches of snow we received over the weekend.

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  25. LeeFebruary 22, 2011 at 1:16 PM

    Your house looks lovely. I always want to comment but think you have so many you probably don't have time to read them all.

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  26. Cynthia and the farm houseFebruary 22, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    I too have thoughts of Spring. I am loving the room with all the sunlight.

    Cynthiaandthefarmhouse.blogspot.com

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  27. ahomespunyearFebruary 22, 2011 at 2:47 PM

    Such a light room...love the big windows, just right for surveying the view.

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  28. GailFebruary 22, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    I love a roaring fire too...so comforting and cozy. Your room is so pretty and light too. I bet the babies enjoy looking out the window. I put our baby swing in front of the window too. Its much more interesting than just watching me all day! Oh, and you're smart to put a quilt over your sofa. I've already had to wash spit up off of ours....not fun!

    Take care,
    Gail

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  29. Ami at A Sierra HomeFebruary 22, 2011 at 4:57 PM

    Trina, those photos capture exactly the feel I want my home to have. I've kept them in my inspiration file. Your style is so simple and absolutely beautiful. I just posted on a winter snow storm putting the halt on my roses and shrubs that were just budding and to add insult to injury my orchids won't rebloom. Thanks for the loveliness of yours (orchid and photos) to keep me motivated!

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  30. jules @ The Diversion ProjectFebruary 22, 2011 at 5:33 PM

    oh can just imagine how much you guys are going to have outdoors with two new bubs this spring!

    personally i'm aching for winter here, has been a long, very hot summer!

    jxxx

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  31. The Vintique ObjectFebruary 22, 2011 at 7:42 PM

    I know it's been said before, but what I most admire about your blog is your clear sense of style, to which you remain true. You are not influenced by trends of the moment. It is refreshing.

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  32. Lissa PierceFebruary 22, 2011 at 9:19 PM

    What a novel idea....a summer fire! I love a crackling fire so much why not extend it to all year long.

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  33. Between You and MeFebruary 22, 2011 at 9:56 PM

    what I wouldn't give for a fireplace...no such luck in Orlando, Fl.

    dreaming of days spent by the fire.....

    beautiful orchid.

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  34. KarenFebruary 23, 2011 at 8:44 AM

    Hi Trina - What color and type of paint did you use in your living room/perhaps rest of the house? I love the white combined with antique wood tones.

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  35. CatherineFebruary 23, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    Hi Karen,
    It's Simply White (EcoSpec line) by Benjamin Moore. It's in flat. The rest of the house is the same, although kitchen and bathroom are in eggshell.
    Trina

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  36. SimoneFebruary 23, 2011 at 12:51 PM

    I love your comment about the "thought of reading". I'm an avid reader and when my first daughter was born my friend bought me a book. Took me 9 months to read it!!! :-)

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  37. Heaven's WalkFebruary 23, 2011 at 1:16 PM

    What a beautiful thought - and a beautiful room, Trina! :)

    xoxo laurie

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  38. Julia R. Dominguez LawrenceFebruary 23, 2011 at 2:26 PM

    Counting the days, can't wait for the first signs of spring in my neck of the woods!
    As usual, your home looks beautiful.
    Julia

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  39. A.J.BarnesFebruary 23, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    So nice to have found your blog. The photography and art direction are beautiful. I'll enjoy following.

    www.ajbarnesonline.blogspot.com

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  40. laxsupermomFebruary 23, 2011 at 4:42 PM

    What a lovely fire! How nice for your babes to be able to swing away in such a beautiful light filled room with the fire crackling away. We've never had a fire in our fireplace, because we never got it inspected. The home inspector said that a separate chimney inspector would need to do that and we just never got it done. This is the year we'll finally schedule it and next winter we'll be enjoying the warmth of a fire, too.

    Lovely blog. Thanks for sharing.

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  41. Lisa PorterFebruary 23, 2011 at 10:48 PM

    Dear Trina,
    My favorite ways to spend my days are all right here at your farmhouse.
    Enjoying good simple healthy cooking, collecting natures sweet bounty, watching my husband be a good dad, a warm fire and snuggling with my children, 16 & 19.
    It's so nice to see your happy family is doing so well.
    Love the wellies & gown : )
    xo Lisa

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  42. judiFebruary 23, 2011 at 11:02 PM

    hi trina,
    congrats on your flea market style spotlight.
    fms got it right..."best original photos to drool over". your style and photos are so pure and simple.
    judi

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  43. abby jenkinsFebruary 23, 2011 at 11:46 PM

    nothing like the sounds and smells of a fire indoors...we have been known to turn up the a/c and close all the windows and doors in mid august and have ourselves a great roar in the fireplace. Don't tell anyone, it will mar our tree hugger status!

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  44. red tickingFebruary 24, 2011 at 1:02 AM

    trina... i could have a 24 a day fire going! i love them.... tonight was so cozy... and my hydrangeas are budding as well... hope they dont freeze with the snow tonight...

    kisses to the sweet bebe's.... and of course... to you... xoxo

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  45. 24 CornersFebruary 24, 2011 at 12:51 PM

    Lovely fire! So happy any future ones will be for pure enjoyment only...not necessity!! ;)
    Love seeing the baby swing in front of the window, love your books...and love the orchid, it's beautiful...as white as *snow*!
    Have a wonderful and peaceful day...
    xo J~

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  46. House of FiddeliFebruary 24, 2011 at 2:26 PM

    What a beatiful home! :)

    Lina,
    Sweden

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  47. Home Sweet SeattleFebruary 25, 2011 at 1:44 AM

    I love your blog, as evidenced by the fact that I am up reading it at midnight~ and am 25 weeks pregnant with twins, and dreaming of my house smelling like pumpkin walnut muffins! I have been reading your older posts and loved seeing the pictures of you pregnant through the months. My oh my, I fear the time is coming when I won't be able to get up the stairs or get these feet moving much at all! I'll be back to visit often and hear your tales of life with two (beautiful babies!!!!!!!!!!!). You have a lovely home and family~ congratulations!!!

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  48. Mary Ann PickettFebruary 26, 2011 at 1:30 AM

    Beautiful fireplace, mantel and orchid. I would want to spend time there, too.
    Mary Ann

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  49. Ever Green TreeFebruary 26, 2011 at 11:29 PM

    Beautiful Pristine white thoughts!

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  50. MommabelleFebruary 27, 2011 at 11:41 AM

    Love the blog! We are just renovating an old house and mantles are on my mind! Yours is very nice and inviting! We have 4 fireplaces, 2 of which were covered up with faux paneling, and none of them have mantles. Lot's of work still to do, but looking forward!
    Tamara

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  51. UnknownFebruary 27, 2011 at 11:47 AM

    That setting looks ideal - no matter the time of year!! Hope those babies are sleeping well and smiling lots!!

    ~ Elizabeth

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  52. Yvonne @ StoneGableFebruary 27, 2011 at 9:11 PM

    Beautiful! I am anxious for spring too!
    Yvonne

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  53. DanFebruary 27, 2011 at 10:58 PM

    I am new to your blog and I had to tell you how much I love your house! It is beautiful! I will be back for sure to visit soon!

    ~Dan~

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  54. designchicFebruary 28, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    Love the sunny room you share with your precious babies!!

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  55. Angie HoldenFebruary 28, 2011 at 11:11 AM

    Clicking around and found your blog -- gorgeous!! :)

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  56. AnonymousFebruary 28, 2011 at 4:45 PM

    wow its beautiful! i'm so glad i came across your blog :) xo

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  57. Lisa PorterFebruary 28, 2011 at 8:06 PM

    Just wanted to stop by again and see the prettiness. It's always such a pleasure to visit you all.
    Kiss the babies : )

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Thank you for leaving your thoughts. Kind regards, Catherine