Pink Stuff

Still not much going on around here, but I AM loving all the pink stuff on Pinterest.  I am partial to pink, and I am partial to Valentine's day. Doesn't this all look divine?

Source: flythroughourwindow.com via Julie on Pinterest

Source: gratefulprayerthankfulheart.blogspot.com via Gabi on Pinterest

Source: cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Source: bedifferentactnormal.com via Gabriela on Pinterest

Source: makeandtakes.com via Gabriela on Pinterest

Source: goldenstatefruit.com via Gabriela on Pinterest

Have Fun

Happy Saturday. I hope everyone is having some fun with their family today!

Flashback Friday

Maddie and Dad
January 2007

Household Happenings and Crib Sheets and House

There is really nothing much happening around here.  It's been gray and rainy for the past couple days and my motivation just goes back to bed.  Haha.  I can tell my productivity is waning and I'm needing more sleep these days.  That's why I have to get all this baby stuff done now!  Tyler can't figure out why, since I still have plenty of time left.

I did get these 3 crib sheets sewn.  If you've never made crib sheets, they are super easy.  I would recommend this tutorial for the general idea, but her sizes are a little big for my mattress and I do my elastic differently (easier, I think).

So you can tell from the crib sheets that we are doing the gray and yellow thing.  I know, no imagination.  But we have this pale yellow chair (what the sheets are sitting on in the pic) that is the BEST nursing chair ever.  There's no way I'm getting rid of it.  I knew this going into the game, and I also knew that the new guy would be bunking with us for at least a year so instead of fighting the yellow, I decided to work with it.  Someday I'll actually clean up our room (it's also my sewing space at the moment, and you've seen how my sewing spaces look--so romantic!) and get something on the walls, and take a picture for you... but remember, this doesn't take much imagination.  Still, I like it.  The walls are a solid gray which I was nervous about (since I am a sucker for white) but I LOVE it.  It's a nice change from the old shabby chic master and feels quite grown-up.

That's really about it.  Somehow I manage to fill my days with just doing the dishes and cooking dinner and nothing much else.  Nothing is happening on the upstairs, we are waiting on more permit nonsense (yes, yes, we are doing this right) but as soon as that goes through, Ty can start the oh so wonderful process of dry-walling.  Then things should move fast.  I cannot wait to get the space finished.  I'm super excited about having an official office and sewing room and guest room (for guests!) and cozy family room.  It will make a huge difference around here.

In the meantime, Ty started in on the laundry room and got the washer and dryer moved and stacked.  I've got plans to make it girly and cute and bright, but that would require me picking out paint and being productive.  Probably will take awhile.  I'm getting tired just thinking about it.

I better go back to bed.

Ready--Diapers

In one respect, I think I am ready for the new guy to come.  I've finally built up a nice stash of cloth diapers.  You may recall my attempts at cloth diapering Will, but it didn't really work out because it was too late in the game and I wasn't willing to invest a lot of money in a kid that was close to being potty-trained.  But this time, I've been slowly stocking up, as my Etsy shop allows, to where I've got enough to make a confident start.   Here's what I've got (so far--I can totally see how cloth diapering becomes a hobby!):

12 BumGenius 4.0 Pocket diapers

2 Flips with 6 liners

16 infant size prefolds (diaper service quality--I found 2nd hand when Will was a baby)

2 Thirsties Duo Wraps size 1 covers

2 covers I made (have you seen the Babyville Boutique stuff?  Love!)

3 wet bags (also made)

2 diaper pail liners (Planet Wise in Owls and gray)

 5 snappis

2 different kinds of cloth diaper laundry soaps

and 2 dozen cloth wipes

 There's still a bunch of different styles and brands I'd like to try. But I'm glad most of my stash is one-size because my babies grow so fast (and big!)--I'm hoping we don't have too many fit issues.  I've been reading and watching youtube videos like crazy; I've even got the washing part figured out (I had to study the manual for the washing machine).  I'm hoping that knowing all this stuff before he comes will make for a good start, and I plan to give updates on how it's going.  So... wish me luck!

Here's Will.  He just wanted his picture taken. 

I left him at his friend's house today while I went to my Dr. appt. 

 I can't believe how sad I feel when he's not with me!  I'm going to have serious issues when it's time for him to go to school...

grateful sunday

• Every time I see President Hinckley's face pop up on pinterest my heart says, "awwwww."   I love that man, and I miss him.  
• It's 64* out right now, and storms are coming tonight (at least that's what they say--We've yet to have a good storm here), but I love the mildness.  I've been able to walk outside almost everyday, up and down our driveway for 30 min. and it has been helping my swollen legs so much.  I was really hoping I wouldn't store water in every part of my body this pregnancy, but that's not the case.  I look horrible and huge, but the upside is water is easy to lose afterwards.  I'm afraid the ward members here won't recognize me once I return to my normal self.  
• I still LOVE my calling.  I just love to sit behind the piano and watch the kids in primary.  I look forward to those 2 hours every week.  I love it.  
• Tyler bought a grill.  This is the first time we've ever had a brand-new grill and it's pretty nice.  It's also the longest we've gone without one, and I was dying for some easy, fast food.  We had burgers last night and they were so good!

New Listings

I've been working on my shop lately.  I still have so so much fabric, and I'm trying to pare down in addition to saving up for baby stuff.  I just listed a bunch of sheets today, and these are my hands-down favorite.  I have never seen such things.  They just crack me up.  It will take a brave soul buy these and use them.  I'm pretty sure they would keep me up at night...

The mushrooms are my favorite.  

Flashback Friday

Do you recognize these people?

Pretty, but Unwelcome

With the weather so mild around here, we figured there's no need to wait til spring to get some new chicks.  But, the wildlife around here has me a bit nervous.  I've seen a fox run across the backyard, and I know there are raccoon, and then when Will and I were eating lunch, he said, "look at that cute little birdie on the fence!"  Cute my eye.  Beautiful and amazing yes, I have great respect for these majestic birds, but they are vicious killers!!!  It's unfortunate that chickens are at the bottom of the food chain.  So we've been making plans to fortify a new coop and run, and hopefully we'll get some new chicks soon!  I cannot wait.  I have really really missed my chickens.

Refrigerator Makeover

I think it's a truth universally acknowledged that men don't like chalkboard paint

(with the exception of Ryan Gosling).

So when I suggested covering the refrigerator panels that Tyler really disliked with chalkboard paint I was surprised he went for it.  Here's our before:  lots of wood.  Country style curved panels.

And after:

The panels are now just inexpensive luann (or however it's spelled)  so they could always be changed back, or replaced with something else.

I think Ryan would approve.  

grateful sunday

• Tyler and I spoke in church today.  We are both super grateful it's over!  Our topic was "Gospel Living."  I admit, it was broad, and it was hard to narrow that down!  But I think they both went well and hopefully it will be another year before I have to do it again.  
• Maddie has taken her cooking to a new level.  She has helped with all the meals this weekend, including cleanup.  It's awesome!  We did a bunch of baking yesterday to be ready for a week of lunches.
• No school tomorrow--they celebrate MLK Jr. day here with a day off!  
• Elle has finally, finally decided she can read.  She, of course, can read, but she always says she can't/won't/doesn't like it.  Reading is tough for her (she's much more math minded) which is hard for me to understand.  How could a child of mine not like reading?!?!  Anyway, she finished her first chapter book this weekend and I am SO proud of her.  And even though I'm NOT crazy about Junie B Jones (the bad grammar just kills me) I bought her 5 more books just to keep her going.   Get her hooked on reading, then we'll move to better examples.  So if you know some good series for 1st graders, clue me in.  
• The weather here is so amazing.  The kids were out all afternoon enjoying the sunshine. I love it.  

When was the last time you watched...

The Sesame Street Crayon video? I LOVED this as a kid. And I still love it.

My Foray into Bento Boxes

I hate packing lunches.
I never did it in Fort Wayne because the school hot lunch was affordable, and fairly nutritious (lots of fresh) and   I adored the lunch ladies.  Everyone ate hot lunch; very few kids were "packers."

Well, at our new school we're "packers."  The hot lunch is super-expensive and lousy, and you have to wait in line for a long time only to have the lunch break (15 min!) end.
But I still hate packing lunches.  Slapping together a sandwich, a bag of chips and a juice box is just not my style.  Or my nutritional style (much to my kids chagrin).

I had seen bento boxes before, and they are indeed adorable, but I always thought, "who on earth has the time to create these masterpieces just to eat them?"  Well, let me tell you, with the inspiration from  THIS LADY I've ventured into that world, and it is so much more fun.  It really doesn't take that much time (I pack 3 at the same time) and with the exception of smoothies, I make them in 10 minutes before the kids leave for school.

This one above is not super creative (today is grocery day), but we just got our order of little shape cutters and animal forks, and even hard-boiled egg molds.  And yes, that is a frozen chunk of ice on that pea.  I don't think I'll ever make them as cute as the above link, but I actually gain a slight amount of pleasure from sorting and filling the compartments.  Anything that helps, right?

So now, instead of despising the lunch-packing process, I look forward to making them each morning and using the fun little gadgets and seeing the colors.

And of course, the kids are liking them too!

Help, I'm sewing and I just can't stop!

My mom is ready for me to update my blog.
I've been on a sewing frenzy lately.  And seriously, these burp cloths and cloth wipes are so fun, so easy and so addicting!  I can't stop making them even though I have more than enough now (expect these if you are having a baby!).

The downside is it is hard to find cute flannel.  My absolute favorite combo for burp rags is flannel on one side and chenille or terry cloth on the other.  It is the best for catching that spit-up before it rolls down your back/shoulder/front.  I know this from experience.  2/3 have been reflux babies and I won't be surprised if it becomes 3/4.

Fabric sourcing has been interesting around here.  In our micro town of 10,000, where there is virtually NO retail there happens to be a little quilt shop.  It actually carries some nice stuff, just not a ton.  If I drive into Memphis there are Hobby Lobbys and Hancock Fabrics everywhere, but they are really lame when it comes to cute fabrics.  There is a Joanns, but it is sooooooooo far away that it's not even worth it.  I made the whole family drive all the way over there after I had no success at the other stores, and I made sure to stock up while I was there.  They have cute stuff.  The frogs with the orange cheeks are my fave.  I'm thinking that online fabric shops are the way to go.

I had another Dr. appt. today.  The new guy is sounding good!  I really, really like my doctor.  She's so mellow and hands-off.  She's very pro-natural childbirth which is so refreshing.  I have great hopes that this will be a wonderful birthing experience (I think I deserve one, for real.  Maybe one day I will tell everyone why).  Will adores her too.  He can't wait to go to her office, which is good since we're now to every 2 weeks.  Crazy how time is flying.

Nesty

I've been feeling it: nesty.

I made a list of the things we'd need for this new guy since we got rid of almost everything baby-related.  I let myself save 1 tote of kid/baby clothes and most of that is clothes I've made (and mostly girly at that) and a few other extra cute outfits.  Luckily these 3 pairs of shoes made the cut.

But this got me thinking, ok, obsessing (I love obsessing!) of all the things I need for the new guy.  And even though I decided at the beginning of the pregnancy that this would be "simple baby" he still needs a place to sleep (easy), and a car seat (not easy), and some clothes (easy--and fun!).

It was pretty simple when Maddie was a baby.  We bought the cheapest thing on the market--made the decision for us!  And then you just have more kids and you don't even think about it. But now, I'm older, I've got time to research and we can actually afford a baby so there are a lot more choices!  It's amazing the stuff that is invented for each generation of babies.

Anyway, I've got my little list of things to buy or make for the new guy and it's fun to think about, and plan and create, or obsess (poor Tyler) and I'll share those things along the way.

And if you have any thoughts on your favorite infant car seat, let me know!

Accomplishments

I have lots to accomplish today: clean kitchen, plan meals, put away Christmas stuff, laundry, picking up everywhere....

But this is all I've managed to do--a dino-rawr t-shirt.  

It's a New Year

New Years Day and the beginning of a new school are 2 of my favorite times.  I just love fresh starts and opportunities for new beginnings.  I love those optimistic and hopeful feelings of what lies ahead.

2011 was a good year.  It seems like a long time ago when I look back because so much has happened and I live in a completely new place (world, sometimes), but it was just a good, nice year.  I have much to be grateful for.

2012 is going to be a great year.
I am so looking forward to this little (big) guy making his appearance.  My thoughts on motherhood are so different this time.  Even though I am gaining my regular crazy amount of weight, I'm loving being pregnant.  I have never loved it before.  I feel so much more relaxed and comfortable and faithful.  Like I'm doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing--which brings great peace.

On the other side, as much as I'm enjoying this pregnancy, I am super looking forward to fitting back into my clothes.  Knowing that will happen in 2012 is a good feeling too.

I also look forward to making this place more of a home, feeling like I belong, settling in.  There are still lots and lots of things that make me feel like the new person.  Still lots of things that have to be taken care of.  Speaking of which, I must get a new driver's license but my pregnancy face does not look forward to being memorialized.  It will be a nice feeling to feel comfortable here.

Some other things I want to happen in 2012:

• Work on my shop--sell my whole inventory, then focus on other things.  Besides, I don't think Memphis can support my shop.  I had zero success finding vintage fabric at the 3 stores I went to last week.  Vintage kids clothes, now that was another matter...

• A beach trip with my family.  The beach is one of the few vacations that Tyler truly enjoys.  He can relax and have fun and seeing him in that state is pretty darn nice. We live lots closer, so I hope it happens.  

• Lots of temple trips.  It is sooo nice to live close to a temple.  They have monthly ward temple trips with babysitting.  Could that get any easier???  We are already scheduled for January.  I can't wait. 

• Elle's baptism.  Can you believe she's going to be 8?

• Widening our health world.  I'm not sure how else to put that, but I'm ready to take some more steps toward Real Food eating.  I can't wait to restock our freezer with healthy meat.  I need to do better about soaking the whole grains (or eliminating them all together).  Creating new eating habits such as bone broth (with chicken feet!) and fermented foods (I am going to try sauerkraut and like it).  Cutting out even more processed foods (I think we're better than most, but could still do better).  Limiting sugar.  
• A big canning garden (I miss all my home grown food!) and a new flock of hens!

So.  Just some thoughts on the new year.  I can't wait. It's going to be great.   I hope yours is great too.

Barnwood Coatrack

One thing I really like about this house is the long "service" hallway in the back of the house.  It just leads to the half bath, garage and laundry room.  This big blank wall was perfect for a long row of much needed hooks.  Everyone needed a place to deposit their stuff coming in.

As soon as our awesome barn next door got tumbled down, I had all kinds of ideas running through my head for projects with all that wood.  And I knew I wanted to do this.  So a long board (we let it dry, and checked it over for termites and bugs, and brushed it with a wire brush), some screws and hooks (Hobby Lobby) and we now have a place to hang our stuff!

I plan on adding some quirky pictures of each person over their hook, but I haven't gotten around to that part yet.

I love it!

Life Changing Present!

OK, can you handle it?  Here's my life-changing gift:
Yes, that's a new sink and faucet!!!

I really wish I took a before shot because you would understand why this is such a big deal.  It was a normal enough looking sink, but it was only 4.5" deep.  I'm serious.  It held nothing.  It was really more of a depression in the counter top.  And the faucet was so low-down and immovable that if you had something in the sink you couldn't fill up a pot with water.  In addition, our dishwasher is tiny so I have to wash lots of things by hand.  Things that don't even fit in the sink.  Anyway, my mom took pity on me and got me a new hunk of metal for Christmas.  Tyler spent a few hours installing it as my present also.

In case you can't tell, it's 9" deep on the left side and 7.5" on the right.  Plenty of room to wash pots and pans.  I've included my big pot to show the scale.  Much much better.  The faucet is tall and has a built in sprayer and came with a soap dispenser.  2 things I really wanted and was missing from the old house.

So thanks Mom and Dad and Tyler!
 Now I can let the dishes just pile up forever!

Christmas Aftermath

I didn't take many pictures of our Christmas celebration, but it was excellent.  It was fun having my parents and Uncle Kyle here (Will and Kyle and best friends now) to celebrate for a day and a half.  

Here are the few pictures of Will waking up and happening upon the scene.  

 I did think I'd catalog the kids' presents just so we can look back at the changes as they grow:
Maddie
Santa: the pink Lego box
Want: Duvet cover (brown with pink and orange flowers)
Need: New pink fan (she'd been using a hideously ugly broken box fan)
Wear: James Avery charm bracelet plus "Big Sister" charm (I LOVE that they have JA here!)
Read: The Daring Book for Girls --very very fun

Elle
Santa: School set
Want: school grading stamp set + dry erase markers
Need: Room decor--duvet cover and fitted sheet (I made out of vintage sheets--post to come), rug, picture frames, "Smile" wall picture (I thought the sentiment would be helpful)
Wear: JA "Middle Sister" charm.  I don't know what I was thinking when I bought middle sister instead of little sister.  Maybe it's cause I'm holding out for a girl at the end of this family :)  Elle will get her bracelet when she's a bit older.
Read: Berenstain Bears anthology

 Will
Santa: Fireman dress ups, "Robot Updozer" (this is what he kept telling people Santa was bringing him.
I, uh, Santa did his best to find one), Mac car transporter

Want: Trio blocks
Need: Church shirts (exciting!)
Wear: new pajamas (also exciting!)
Read: Lego Ideas (way cool book)

Ty:
Want: new screwdriver drill bits (I had heard him complaining that his were all stripped out)
Need: 2nd battery for cordless drill (I even managed the right one!)
Wear: Vintage cuff-links
Read: I failed at this one, didn't find anything he'd be reading other than the blueprints.

Me: (don't worry, I took care of myself)
Want: new bar stools (realistically these will be for my birthday)
Need: I'm getting myself a color printer--a GOOD one-- any recommendations?
Wear:  a new charm for my bracelet (post to come)
Read:  ok, write-- my 2012 red daily journal

This was our tree.  Will had decorated with little white yarn strands.  It made the tree look like it was covered in cooked spaghetti.  I left it on.
We were also blessed with many other lovely gifts from grandparents and other relatives.  And my parents bought me a LIFE CHANGING GIFT which I will blog about tomorrow!