Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Winter Joy Ride


We have been hit by the first real snow of the year here and on Sunday we were all able to go outside and enjoy it. Easton wasn't thrilled to be all bundled up as you can see.
 
He also was not sure what to think of the sled.
 
Much more content to be carted around in mommy's arms.
 
He did venture out on his own a little bit, but with no way to pick anything up or really play in the snow it didn't last for long.
 
We are blessed to live next our dear friends, the Meiste's now so Jason hit the trails with the ol' banana snowmobile while we followed on the Commander. Brad rigged up a sled behind his ride and pulled the big kids in endless loops around the house and field.

 
Easton even took his first ride on the rusty trusty snow mobile.
He was pretty solemn about it, we're still not sure that he really likes the snow. However he loves being outside so I think he was tolerant of being wrapped up in ten layers of clothing.

 
What a fun afternoon to spend with family and friends!
 


Friday, January 25, 2013

Full Load

So Easton has potty issues trouble in the bathtub which is unpleasant all on it's own, but when his sister insists on bathing with him it's down right nasty for everyone involved. I finally resorted to putting diapers on him in order to keep things some what contained, but since he's not allowed to wear cloth right now and I haven't unpacked the swim diapers yet we had to throw on a disposable.
I just have to say I'm amazed at the capacity of this diaper! luckily it was not needed this time around, but to see him crawling around in it afterward was down right entertaining. I think it weighs almost as much as he does :)

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

A Few Teasers

Lots of people have been asking how our house is coming, are we loving it, what's it look like, etc. I figured I'd share a few sneak peeks. It's come a long way, but it feels like we still have a long way to go! The main floor bath is the only big thing we have to tackle. Then I have to deal with all the little details like picking out hardware and curtains- not really my thing. I could never build a house!
Living room before
I still want to paint the mantle and the fireplace doors, but it can wait.
  
Dining room before
Sorry for the funky lighting!

Multi-colored stairwell
Stairwell toned down :)

Master bedroom

Master bedroom- still not quite moved in.
 
Emma's room before
Emma's room almost done!


Easton's room before and the many layers
Easton's room- it was hard to get a good picture, his room is a little smaller now because his closet had a toilet in it. We moved one of his walls in and made his old closet into a bath.


Slowly but surely it's taking shape and becoming our own!

Friday, January 18, 2013

11 Months

I feel like you have changed so dramatically in this last month- mommy can hardly handle it! You are quickly leaving all things baby behind and racing towards toddler hood. While it's amazing to see you grow and develop your little fun-loving personality, I'm just not ready to let go of my baby!

Sleep at night is no longer a problem for you. Typically you go down between 7:30-8:30 and are up bright eyed and bushy tailed at 7:00. Nap time has become more of a struggle however. We are usually busy running during your morning snooze so you only get a cat nap. This has been creating hassles for your afternoon nap- the last few days you have cried, talked and goofed around in your bed for 2 hours before you drifted off for a 45 minute siesta. This has made for some tough evenings at our house.

You certainly have no problem eating. Mommy still can't fathom how you stay so petite. The other night you ate an entire grilled cheese for dinner! The only thing we struggle with is vegetables. I have found very few that you will touch, but we'll keep trying. You love fruit and carbs. We've also introduced a 'big boy' sippy cup which you've finally mastered. Besides nursing 4 times a day, you also drink at least 2 full glasses of water.
First art project with Reddi Whip. I think you're a fan!
There is no more army crawl, you are either up on all fours or cruising the furniture these days. You've also started to become much more vocal. Your current vocab includes: mama, dada, Emma, Harley, up, hi. Emma has started to really enjoying playing with you too. The two of you chase each other back and forth through the house, giggling the entire time. It makes your mommy so happy to hear that! You've also shown an interest in music and 'dance' whenever it comes on. Bascially you shake your little head back and forth, but move no other part of your body. Too cute!

We are struggling with another nasty diaper infection this month so we're sticking to disposables until your staff infection is completely gone. I bought size four diapers because there was a great sale and I didn't know how long we'd need to use them... turns out they are huge on you and we've used up most of them. You're still wearing 9 month or 6-12 month clothing. I've put a few 12 month things on you, but they're still huge.

Mommy is all geared up to throw your big first birthday bash. I had settled on a theme and picked out invites a long time ago. I can't wait to see you dig into your cake, I know your going to love it. One more month and you'll be one sweet boy!

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

A Romantic Mystery for All


Picture courtesy of Amazon.com

This was a fabulous story! The characters were well developed and once I got into the book I could hardly put it down. There is so many historical romance stories out there, that I tend to be a bit leery when I pick one up. The bit of suspense that lends to this story makes it stand out.
Emma and her widowed father travel to the country to tutor the youngest 2 sons in the Weston family. She is a bit hesitant about the arrangement since one of the older brothers used to torment her when they were younger. Upon arrival, the household seems to be in a state of distress and Emma wonders if they are truly welcome at the manor.
Over time, it seems that someone is playing tricks on Emma leaving her is a state of unease. I was constantly questioning who was behind the pranks and left guessing many times. Not only will the reader be shocked to find out who is behind all the turmoil, you'll also be surprised to discover who Emma falls in love with. This is a wonderful read!
Thanks to Bethany House publishers who sent me a free copy. It is not required that I give a positive review, but to express my own opinions of this book.

Monday, January 7, 2013

Washer Necklaces

I was introduced to these handmade pretties at one of my MOPs meetings and after some trial and error I tweaked my technique and decide to make a bunch for Christmas gifts. I was bad again and did not take step-by-step photos, but the instructions are pretty easy to follow.

You'll need:
-washers, any size will work
-scrapbook paper
-modge podge
-foam brush
-an exacto knife
-fine grit sand paper
-Mod Podge Dimensional Magic (or similar product found at the craft store)
-charms (optional)

Start by laying your washer down on top of the scrapbook paper and use the exacto knife to cut around the washer. It pays to have a good blade on your knife for this, especially when you have to tackle that inner circle.

Once you are satisfied with the circle you cut (I promise, it'll get better with practice!) use your foam brush to apply a thin layer to your washer and then adhere your paper to the top of the washer. Let dry for 5 minutes or so.

After the paper is dry, I used a piece of sand paper to smooth out the paper edges around the washer. Don't be too aggressive or you will be peeling your paper off and starting over.

Next, use the Dimensional Magic to apply a layer on top of the scrapbook paper. Do the entire outer edge first, then go around the inner edge before filling in the center. Also try not to lift the tip up once you have started to minimize the bubbles. If you do end up with a few bubbles simply use a needle to pop them.

Now you wait. I like to give them a full 24 hours to cure. I'm not sure this is entirely necessary, but I did have a few that had to be redone because they weren't entirely dry when I tried to work with them again.

I added a charm to the center of all of mine to give them a little something extra, but it is your preference. I made a few out of smaller washers for little girls. To cut costs I also made all of the chains, but you can buy inexpensive chains or even use one that you already own. I love how they all turned out!