Outside work begins

 First I painted the plastic chairs white. It took multiple coats to cover the aqua. Then I made the umbrella. I had the right size dowel to fit the existing umbrella holder already on hand.

 I printed a photo of an umbrella from the top and cut it out. I made my own vented portion from the scraps. Folding and gluing took forever. But it all turned out so well.

The deck has been stained pale gray. I'm thinking I need to add some dark gray over the top to look more like weathered wood. I really need to start cutting siding strips but my daughter and newest grandbaby are here enjoying our air conditioning during this crazy heatwave. I promise I will get to it eventually!

I think I am happy now

 I really didn't like the living room mantel before so I did some digging and found some pieces that I like much better.

 Looks like someone is taking a break from their solitaire game. (And I may be cross eyed after setting it all up.)

The green is not really as bright as the camera made it look. The cupboard on the left is the kitchen pantry for under the stairs. The chest is the one from the loft. The room needed a splash of color. Both pieces are from Dollar Tree. Both pieces also had some structural changes to be able to fit in their spots.

Grandpa James got a low footstool for his feet since I had to raise the chair height. There is also a tall plant in the corner behind him.

And, finally, the skylights over the loft got all new "glass." I need to try to change the kitchen window glass and the sunroom windows will all be new. The only original glass will be the large 3 story front window. All of the others were dirty or had paint on them. Another one of those little details which make such a huge difference.

Making it pretty

 The skylight windows look so much better with a bit of trim.

 I gave the chairs "cushions" with a bit of the fish scrapbook paper I've used in other rooms.

 Our computer is back and still messed up so I hand lettered my art pieces.

Each little bit makes it feel like a cozy place to be with family.

Little touches

 A large map rug for the loft

 Master bedroom mantel decor

 Flowers and a trinket box for the night stand

 The lamp shade

 And ottoman both got some much needed trim.

 Living room mantel decor

And a better look at Natalie's new outfit

Little Jimmy also got some new clothes

And he's making himself a sandwich.

Grandpa goes by James. Dad goes by Jim. The dog is Duke. Mom is Natalie. I'm not sure why these "people" were so easy to name when I still haven't named the people in my last project, lol.

Mama must have gone shopping

Because she has a new outfit and the living room now has a rug. I had to make her shirt with long sleeves because of the way she is constructed. It looked dumb to have her cloth covered arms showing since the tape used wasn't flesh colored. I am much happier with the bell sleeved top and skinny ankle slacks. I am waiting on our computer to get back from the repair shop so I can make artwork for the walls. It is slowly coming together. I will soon have to start cutting poster board strips for siding...

I did it!

 And all it took was a straw, some toothpicks and beads, a paper fastener, nail polish, black paint, and a couple of mini grommets...and a whole lot of patience waiting for paint and glue to dry. Not my strongest attribute, lol.

 It even got the husband seal of approval for looking realistic.

 We will assume that the tripod is adjustable for when he is looking out that window.