wordless wednesday

DIY radio flyer shelf

i was browsing pinterest... so clearly i can't take credit for the idea.
but i can show off my version!

here it is... D's new radio flyer shelf.

what we did:
1. i posted on facebook that i was looking for an old metal wagon. {craigslist only had plastic ones}
2. i had a friend respond that she had one for me! thank you S!
3. ryan removed the wheels and handle.

4. he measured and installed two wooden pine pieces for shelves. he rounded the back portion so it fit snuggly {a compression fit my dad recommended}. he also drilled two holes through the back of the wagon in through the wood. 

5. he used the preexisting holes and mounted it onto the wall. best thing... since the wagon is metal, the level stuck right to the side making it easy peasy to level.  

6. here's where i come in again... i found fun things to decorate it with. 

yay!

oh... and D loves it. he looked at it, screeched, and continued destroying his room. 

he

'he's really coming along'... seems to be my favorite thing to say about him right now. he's happy. he's funny. he has a fluffy little head of hair that i refuse to let ryan cut.

he's walking. he makes monkey noises. he can sign milk, dog, and bye bye.

he eats blueberries, cheese, and fruit snacks. fruits snacks by the pound if i let him.

he steals toys and hugs and little smiles.

he's loud. he loves cars and trucks and trains. if you can't find him, he's on the floor pushing something along.

if you hear sweet little giggles, he's found his dream blanket and is nuzzled deep inside its wrinkles. just like he's nuzzled deep inside my heart.

christmas cards

photo christmas cards are one of my favorite things in the whole wide world. as kids my brothers and i would fight over opening holiday mail. we would lay on our bellies and study the families. excited to see the new details.

naturally, i can't stand the thought of throwing a single photo card in the trash.
this is what i do with them instead:

1. set aside your favorite cards and envelopes {i save envelopes from foreign lands because the postage is so neat}

2. laminate each card {most places like Staples have laminating services. you can also find a laminator pretty cheap on amazon}

3. punch a hole in the corner of each card/envelope

4. add the year

5. add a decorative detail {ribbon, bow, tag}

6. thread items onto a ring {found at target, staples, in your classroom}

stow away with your christmas decorations. come december toss the collection in a basket to display.

i was surprised at how many friends and family hunkered down and studied my assortment. it's also fun to watch the families change as the years go by.

happy crafting!

{favorite things} of 2012

some of my favorite things and memories of 2012:

{my favorite app}

(is still instagram) but my NEW favorite is waze. it is a navigation app that talks to you while you drive. it also alerts you of camera lights, police, and accidents. and since my car navigation seems to be on a mission to get me more lost... this app has been a life saver.

{my favorite home item}

the living room area rug from rugsusa.com. they have big sales. we bought it for 75% off and free shipping. i couldn't find a big rug anywhere for the price we paid.

{my favorite hobby of 2012}

quilting.

{my favorite quilting accomplishment this year}

C Man's birthday quilt.

{favorite movie of 2012}

The Hunger Games or The Lucky One. worst movie The Grey. 

{favorite overall accomplishment of 2012}

potty training that snarky girl.

{favorite shoe boot}

{favorite trip}

vegas with family and friends... and no kids. like none at all. 

{favorite event}

well... a tie between D's first birthday and auntie M's gender reveal baby shower.

p.s. it is a ... BOY!

{favorite witch, shark, and pumpkin}

cheers!

as the dust settles

{a christmas round up}

it was pretty exciting this year. moo was old enough to be excited... about presents, NOT santa. all she wanted were 'pink things' and a 'pink goat' at one point.

so... a pink dollhouse seemed appropriate. 

 and some pink boots from her grandma.

there were magical moments... and more snarky moments than any mother would like to admit. 

it's as if she sensed it was the most spectacular day of the year... and decided to fight it.

 we did lots of traveling and eating and baby wrangling. 

and now... we've settled in and are enjoying our new found treasures. 

D prefers his old faithfuls. after opening all the new stuff christmas morning, he walked straight over to the toy box and pulled out his much loved items. 

my favorite... their fishing sets. made by hand by their loving auntie M.

they made out like bandits. we're going through old toys to donate. 

 and of course... eating treats... at 10am. it really is the most magical time of the year. 

have yourself a... happy little birthday

although... it's not so little. the big three zero. he is 30. a grown up. but... his brother would say he's been a grown up since he was 12. 

15 years ago my heart skipped a beat when i noticed him. as in stared into la la land during biology noticed him. he was a baby. so was i. 

today he is the best version of himself. he's smarter. he's braver. he's my favorite. 

ask anyone who really knows him and they will agree... he's just straight up a good guy. nothing up his sleeve, no ulterior motives, authentic and genuine. makes a deal with a handshake. keeps his word. in all areas of his life. 

i couldn't be prouder. or more fortunate to have him by my side. 

happy birthday sweet boy. 

xoxo