The Good, The Bad & The Happy

Good News: I finally have local access to a super Joann's and am sewing again. Woot woot! This means my trips to Michael's and Joann's can finally become one stop!! That's fantastic news for a Mama who does not enjoy lugging my kid around on multi-stop errand runs.

Bad News: The new Joann's was packed today. It took me 45 minutes to get my fabric cut and out the door. E, thankfully, handled it quite well. And the other bad news: this current project I'm working on has been the vain of my crafty existence!! I'm so ready to have this thing complete. I'm sure I'll love it once it's done but it's hard to make something look good when you're really not sure what you're doing {read: I haven't used Pi since high school!}. All part of the adventure, eh?! My goal is to have a finished product by the end of this week.

Happy News: My Seattle girlfriend, Stef, thought of me and shared this print with me last week. 

I got a huge chuckle out of it! And if I actually had a legitimate craft space, I'd so have it hung and framed. 

Happy Tuesday, Friends!

Mellow Yellow

My current obsession! Ever since I've had to pour over paint samples to figure out what shade to paint our dresser, I've been all about this sunshine color. It seems to be popping up all over my radar lately as I try to figure out more ways to incorporate this fun color...

One of my bday gifts that I love wearing any day.

Spray painted Mason jars

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This bicycle print I want to hang in E's room. He's a bit obsessed at the moment, in case you haven't noticed.

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These recently purchased lanterns that will end up somewhere in our room.

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 I'm dying to make these my new Mama shoes for the summer.

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These DIY striped curtains

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And I'm also on the hunt for some fun yellow fabric for our headboard and some updated throw pillows...some of our up-coming projects!! What's not to love about this perfect summer color?!

In other news, I feel like I've hit celebrity status: my 86-year-old Grandma commented on our blog! ;) I have no clue how she figured out how to do it, but she approves of the updated dresser. Thanks, Grandma! I know you don't hand out your compliments liberally.

Also, we still have such a long way to go, but Boy is already using my bladder as a punching bag. Between that and my allergy sneezes, I so don't want to be thinking about Depends. This pregnancy could actually get uncomfortable before it's over...

So True.

Hooray!! It's the weekend! Now getting of the internet! ;)

New On the DIY List

Okay, so technically it was already on our list of projects we'd love to complete. But Dana over at MADE just put up a tutorial--potentially making this much easier for us to build! And of course! Why didn't I think of painting it fun colors!?! That's why she has over 5,000 followers and I have like 5. ;)

Now if E would just pinky-promise not to eat the sand, we'd be much more rushed to build this fun-ness...

Dresser Reveal {Not Your Grandma's Dresser}

 What we thought would be a bear of a project turned out to be fun! We were going to leave this as the very last thing to do, but when some friends volunteered to helped, we jumped at the chance after E's bookcase.

Here's the before:

This piece was my grandparents. It's in really good shape--we were the ones to put all the scratches and scraps in it. My grandma told me they bought it at an estate sale in 1973 while they were living in Kansas. It was part of a multi-piece set and survived many moves. She grumpily gasped a little when I told her we were paining it yellow. The cherry finish is really nice, just not my style. She relaxed a bit when I said our new color scheme for the master is yellow and gray-- she had a lot of yellow in her house...classy lady, that one!!

And our after:

Now, my favorite piece of furniture we have!

Easter weekend, W was able to get some friends over to help with the hardest part: sanding down the dark finish. What would have taken him several evening hours, ended after 3 hours. It's amazing how far a bribery of beer and fresh deli sandwiches can get ya!

 The dresser: post-sanding

The guys were so quick that we had to call it a day because I hadn't even purchased the paint yet. So we had to let the dresser hang out in the garage. With our entire contents just hanging out in our room. Just lovely.

{This picture is giving my dad a heart-attack right about now.}

I'll spare you the pictures of what it all looked like post-vacation, a few weeks later. Not pretty. E started jumping on our piles like he does when I'm putting the laundry anyway. I knew it was time to get back to working on this sucker when we started collecting baskets of clean clothes on the floor too-- reminds me of my disastrous room in high school...eh. moving on...

After I finally committed to a color, it was back to the rollers again to prime.

Some light sanding and two coats of Behr's Citrus Zest later and we were in dresser business!!

After doing a bit of knob hunting, I realized that I didn't want to pay $5-10 dollars for just one knob when we needed 8. So with a bit of high-gloss white spray paint, we got some updated knob-age. This was my first time using spray paint and let me tell you, I'm hooked. Not so much on the fumes, but on the instant updated look! They were brass before, but looked porcelain/ceramic after a coat of white. Here was my take...

Then W stepped in with this contraption he made...

Seriously, this guy is the quintessential problem solver! Love him!

Well, she's a real beaut in her home. And will be a dandy, {temporary} changing table in a few months when Boy hangs out in our room before moving to his own. Thank goodness for protective coating and chux pads!

Break Down:
Roller, Tray & Brush Set: $11
Quart of paint: $12
Polyurethane Protective Coat: $14
White spray paint: $3
Sandwiches & Beer: $15
Total: $55...but $30 for us with a gift card!

Think Grandma will approve?!?

Eek!

Saw this on pinterest and will not pass up making a few for Boy! Just some felt and a glue gun. At least so I can get a newborn photo out of it. How silly cute are they?!

The Big 3-0

W turned 30 yesterday!! And I didn't have one thing planned for the weekend. Long story...W became obsessed quite enamored with a product called Utilikilt back in September. He's wanted one ever since he got fitted for one--but these puppies sell for $300. 

W had done some research and discovered that they travel to fairs around the area. Since the company is still in its grassroots development, they allow volunteers to help out with these fairs in exchange for merchandise. So back in March, W contacted them about the local Maker Faire on his birthday weekend. He was hoping to have fun helping sell kilts and then barter his time for one. He was super excited and was told he was first on the list. But come closer to the weekend and he still hadn't heard anything from them. Long story short, he had to jump through lots of hoops just to find out they had forgotten about him and were already staffed. My disappointed hubby was such a good sport and we made up plan B as we went along.

We went for a hike after a great morning at the Farmer's Market with friends,

Did some building and truck playing,

And had a fabulous breakfast before church on Sunday

I told W that our next weekend plans will by far make up for his cancelled ones, but he said he loved his birthday weekend even with Plan B.

Happy Birthday, Lover!

Painting With Water

One of the more simpler and way basic activities in the art book I recently purchased was painting with water. Totally not re-inventing the wheel here, but sometimes you just need a little reminder of easy peasy things to do. During a morning of outside play, I grabbed some water and an old brush and let E go to town. And to town he did! He totally loved playing and I loved the easy prep and clean up. All I did was snap pictures. We give this activity four thumbs up!

I think E was channeling a more passionate Picasso art piece than he was a mild Monet...

Pregnancy No-Where Land {25 weeks}

Since I've already hit the half way mark, I feel like weeks 21-29 are just out there. Like no real land-mark during that time--you're just humming along-- until BAM! week 30 hits and you've only got 10 more. I know third trimester starts week 28, but 30 seems so much farther along. It is a bit nerve-racking to think we've about 3 months until this little boy comes.

And after getting a sneak-peek of heat on our vacation, I've confirmed what I already suspected: being pregnant and heat are a recipe for horribleness. I despise swollen feet. We'll be spending all our time at the pool or I'll be hating prego life with its swollen toes. We might actually have to use our AC this year. Bummer.

Our little guy now has a nickname, thanks to G-pa. He's affectionately called "Boy". Quite original, huh? ;)

And I'm still in shock over how much of a sweet-tooth Boy has. I mean, I was not in the least bit sugar-crazed with Ezra. It was all about the salt. This time is a completely different story. I guess it's God's way of helping me finally understand those women who had ice cream, candy and cookies all the time. So I'm pretty sure I'll be gaining the same amount of weight, if not more, with this little guy. Yeesh!

A girlfriend {who's also on her second and due the week I am} called me a few weeks ago just to ask, "Jess, are you tired? Like really tired? And like everyday?" "YES!!!!" is what I said in response. I'm seriously tired still even though I'm in my second trimester. But I've been told by two friends and a SIL that magnesium does wonders and I may be in deficit. So I'll be heading to the health food store soon for some topical cream. Other than that, I feel great.

I've just been trying to soak up only having one little one to chase after and the joy of giving him all my attention. All the while, making mental notes that my alone times are a complete luxury that I may not see for a long while after baby Boy is born. Mental preparations should help with transitions, right?! I'm sure it'll still be a wake-up call when I actually go through it. ;)

My hopes and prayers have been to get all our planned projects done in time, finish my reading stack, go through my teacher boxes to make way for more garage storage, have at least one night away with W, attempt to transition E to his bed, and cook and freeze some meals...in addition to all the other typical newborn prep-work. Long list with about three months to do it. Heh. A girl can dream.

Buh-bye, toes...

Mixed Berry Cobbler

I wish I was a baker! Where I could just 'whip up' some scones, rosemary wheat bread or some homemade sweet cinnamon rolls. W is definitely much more well-versed with his Kitchen Aid mixer than I am. I have unrealistic visions of me wearing my Anthro apron, covered in flour and butter while about to serve up some sweet treats {I just happened to feel inclined to make} to my mouth-watering family or invited guests. Still haven't ever come close to this...perhaps I should take a baking 101 class {Stef?!}. 

But pre-boxed baking aside, I've discovered I can 'bake' with my crock-pot! {Seriously, can this thing pay my bills too?!}

Mixed Berry Cobbler

What you need:

1 package {16 oz) frozen mixed berries

3/4 granulated sugar

2 T quick-cooking tapioca

2 t grated lemon peel

1 and 1/2 C all-purposed flour

1/2 C packed light brown sugar

2 and 1/4 t baking powder

1/4 t ground nutmeg

3/4 C milk

1/3 C butter, melted

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream {says optional but in this family, mandatory!}

What you do:

Coat crock-pot in non-stick spray. In medium bowl, mix berries, granulated sugar, tapioca, and lemon peel. Transfer to pot. For topping, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder and nutmeg in medium bowl. Add milk and butter; stir until just blended. Drop spoonfuls of dough on top of berry mixture. Cook on low for 4 hours. Uncover; let stand for 30 minutes. Serve with ice cream!

The house smelled amazing! One step closer to baking stardom! ;)

Switching Gears

For the past several months, I've been on a crafty kick. Well, that's finally slowing down some. I blame it on the fact that the new Joann's is still not open yet {the 20th}. But this also happens to be typical J style. I'll go in full-out burst then fizzle out and lay it aside with the hopes of picking it up again some time later. Probably explains why I start things so early-- I know I need some time when I don't do anything with it. 

All that to say, my current focus is back to the books. After lingering in Simplemom's recommended reading list, my amazon cart was quite full of some great books. I couldn't want to start!

Currently reading: Simplicity Parenting

Wow! This book is utterly amazing. It completely spells out W and I's parenting philosophy wonderfully. We've always understood that we do things a bit differently and are a bit hippy, but I've had a hard time fully laying out our intentions for doing the things we do or want to do. This author beautifully articulates what I've been hoping to rely to others. 

The basic premise is that our culture {and therefore our children} suffers from too much: too much stuff, too many choices, too much information, and too fast. Payne peels back each of these to reveal the joy of living simply so that children can actually embrace their childhood. "A protected childhood allows for the slow development of identity, well-being, and resiliency." {p12} It's been hard to put this puppy down and not read every paragraph out loud to W when he's home.

In the stack, waiting to be read...

 First Art Experiences for Toddlers and Twos

I've already leafed through this one a bit and am excited to try some out with E. It basically takes the approach that at this age, it's all about discovery. Not a final project. So the ideas in here are meant to spur exploration through an art process. You probably won't get a cute little piece to hang up on the fridge, but they'll be tactile-learning about the world around them!

Big Truths for Young Hearts: Teaching & Learning the Greatness of God

Theology 101 for little ones. Sharing ways of living out and teaching little ones God's truth.When the author's girls were just toddlers, he tried to creatively teach them the same things he was teaching his seminary students. Looking forward to reading this gem!

Heaven On Earth

Super new-aging-ness aside, this book follows the Waldorf/Montessori idea that parents are their children's first teachers. What I was most interested in was the ideas about creating play spaces for indoor and outdoor areas with variety of natural toys, incorporating kids into daily chores and rhythms, and it's very do-it-yourself approach.

It's been awhile since I've read anything 'instructional' and not just for entertainment. I'm really looking forward to some learning and seeing where I can implement these goodies in our day-to-day routines!

{28th} Birthday Weekend

May {as well as December} is kind of a big month in our home. W's and my birthdays are a week apart days wise; but he's 2 years older. This year turned out to be a weekend celebration.

Close friend and adopted sister, Linds, was visiting from Colorado for a wedding. And we got her for two nights! Such a treat since we haven't seen her since she moved back home in December. Saturday morning, we reunited with Meggs and my parents for a walk to the farmer's market. We shared some coffee and hardy laughs before meeting up with the boys.

 E and his {once all local} Aunties.

From there, my parents took E for the day. W built a fire and we relaxed before I got ready for a women's tea event at our church. It was my first year going--Nat was hosting a table and she did a fabulous job!!

Morgan modeling gracious tea etiquette.

 Long haired Mamas!

I dashed back home, changed, and headed out with my hubby to do some fun, kid-free activities...{well, actually, not all that different from the usual except with the pleasure of uninterrupted attention on each another}

We fed the ducks for a short bit...

Walked ever-so-slowly through Draeger's Market, buying a few things I've needed for recipes but couldn't get at our local Safeway. Then headed to my favorite-of-favorites store. I also walked that entire place very slowly, tried the lotion samples, handled all the merchandise, and ignored the fact that my belly is growing by trying on some clothes. Simple girl, simple needs, simple pleasures. :)

Here's happy me with 2/3 of my birthday loot. They have new monogrammed mugs which I was all over! And I actually found several items that I could pass as maternity so I had a hard time deciding what top to get.

And I so appreciate my hubby who joyfully indulged me. Then it was off to Thor 3D.

And out for a late dinner. Definitely our latest night out in a long time, but so refreshing! It was such a delight to have some extra afternoon time to each other. For my actual birthday, we relaxed at home. We all just needed a "down day" and the weather wasn't really one for an adventure out. W brought me breakfast in bed. I napped, read, and baked. W played some worship songs on guitar since E napped through church. We enjoyed many warm fires, a walk, and some good family time.

There are moments, if I lose perspective, when I become anxious or scared about aging. I don't know if I'll panic in two years when I hit the big 3-0. I have a feeling I won't. Maybe because I didn't really have a mental checklist of requirements to accomplish by that age or a standard of looks to uphold. I think my challenge will come around 50 when my healthy parts start to fail and just not work as properly. Or I can't do the same things I once did with speed and without help. When aging brings you face to face with the simple fact of your mortal limits, that's hard. Good thing I have a few years before then. ;)

But really, I enjoy aging. I love adding years together with my husband, adding experiences with my son, and adding adventures as a family. All of those joys take time. Take years to build. I'll happily exchange some of the" pains" of aging for these precious gifts of time!

Thank you, friends and family, for making this girl feel special!