Friday, September 30, 2011

Halfway There!

I cannot believe I'm halfway through my pregnancy already! In some ways it has gone by really slowly, but in other ways the time has flown. Up until recently, I've had to remind myself at times that I am pregnant :) Besides the off-again, on-again nausea, there haven't been many reminders. Now however, I have the slightly bulging belly that makes sleep elusive at times and the occasional kicks from within. Regardless of the symptoms, I wouldn't trade it for anything! I love being pregnant and am trying to fully enjoy it, since baby #2 may just complete our family. Next week will bring a big announcement: is it a boy or girl??? I'll keep you posted :)

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Photo Blocks

Here's the long promised post on the wedding gift I made for my sis-in-law over a month ago! I found these adorable photo blocks on etsy and thought they'd be the perfect gift. After pondering it a while, I thought why not make them myself? Mine are not exactly the same, but I love how they turned out!
I started out with 4 pieces of wood, cut into 4x6 pieces. The hubby so graciously cut the 2x4 down for me :) I can use the hand saw, but my precision and ability to produce straight lines is lacking.

I then took the blocks and spray painted them black. Once they were dry I sanded the edges down bit for a more rustic, natural look.
I chose four engagement pictures of my sis-in-law and her hubby and had then printed off in black and white.

While that business dried I took wood letters L-O-V-E that I picked up at Hobby Lobby and painted them red.

Once the blocks were dry and trimmed the pics down a bit to fit them on the blocks. I used a spray adhesive to glue the pictures down to each block. After I had them securely fastened, I once again used  a fine grit sand paper to rough up the edges.
After my letters were dry, I used the spray adhesive to attach one letter to each block.

Here's the end result:




I love how they turned out! They made a great, personalized gift. These would be great for baby gifts as well- the possibilities are endless!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Sweet Innocent Slumber

No words are needed :)

Monday, September 26, 2011

Play Makeup

In years past, I have always made something for Emma on her birthday. It's a tradition I hope to continue over the years to some degree.

For her first birthday I made a growth chart out of a 2x4. I wanted to keep track every year, but also be able to take it with us when we move some day.

On her second birthday I gave her this table and chairs. I re-did the entire thing, complete with chalkboard paint on the top so she can color right on the table.

This year I found a tutorial on how to make play makeup and decided I had to give it a whirl. My little princess has become an early riser, so she tends to hang out in my room and drive me bonkers in the morning while I try to get ready. I have since given her a set of clean makeup brushes for her to use while I put on my 'face'. With every product I use I have to put some on her brush as well- little does she know, nothing actually goes on her brush, but she's happy to do as mommy does :)

This process was actually quite easy, it just takes a while to dry the paint.
You'll need:
-old, empty makeup containers
-old or out of date nail polish
-brushes or clean makeup sponges

Take any old makeup containers and clean the out using warm soapy water. This gave me a great excuse to go through my makeup and get rid of things that I hadn't used in ages!

Once the containers are dry, fill with nail polish and let dry. It's as simple as that! I found that the polish tended to settle in once it was dry so I had to go back and add more once the first layer was completely dry. I also had trouble with bubbles in the finished product. After a little trial and error, it seems to be best if you don't shake the nail polish too much before pouring it into your containers.
I also took one of the empty nail polish bottles and laid it on it's side, rotating it every hour or so to coat the inside of the bottle. Now she has a bottle 'full' of nail polish just for her too.
I put it all in her own makeup case and now she can get ready in the morning with mommy :) We did discuss that she is only allowed to use the pieces in her case by herself- I didn't need her thinking she could help herself to my nail polish collection unsupervised!

Linking up with Craft-O-Maniac

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Time for a Quick Catch Up!

Just realized today that it has been almost a month since my last post! Not sure how that happened.... Be ready for a whirl wind of posts over the next week as I try to catch up on the happenings in our lives.

September has been pretty busy at our place. We started out with a final camping trip for 2011 with some close friends. Sadly, I didn't get a single picture to capture the occasion, but there are plenty of fond memories and the promise of trips to come in 2012!

Last weekend I was able to pull of a surprise party for my dad's 50th with the help of some family and friends. I wasn't sure we would be able to truly surprise him, but he assures me we succeeded. The look on his face said it all when we yelled 'surprise' :)


I hope we made your 50th memorable daddy, and look forward to celebrating many more with you!

Jason's birthday is the day after my dad's, so I worked hard to make his birthday enjoyable as well. I served up some if his favorites for dinner and dessert and wowed him with a new Gerber utility tool. That man is hard to shop for so I was pleased that he was elated about his gift!

I have also headed back to work. Emma is so excited to have her playmates back. It is an adjustment having to get up so early, but I love taking care of the boys. Aiden has headed off to young 5's this year, so it's just me and the little ones in the afternoon.

I think that covers all our excitement this month. I have a few craft projects that I'll post about in the near future- how did I get so far behind???