Celebrating the Fourth of July

Independence Day is time for fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States.  A time to remember that we weren't always free and that this day is United State's special day. 

 Here are some ideas for your parties and family activities.

 

 

 

Bday fun and looking forward to what this year will bring!

 This month alone will always be a busy yet fun and entertaining month for our family.  We have had our anniversary, Father's Day, Derek's birthday, and my birthday, along with some friends birthdays as well.   Every year that goes by makes me very thankful for what I have had the opportunity to do and it always brings great hopes for what the new year in our lives will bring.  

  Wondering if we will be living where we are right now. Will Nolan be in a big bed next year and potty trained...that could be a huge step or mess?  One or the other.  Who will be getting married, having kids or their own, what jobs will change, new friends, old friends coming back...there's so much that could happen in just one year?!  Will I ever finish my upholstery projects? Who knows, only God,but it's so fun to think about.  

  For Derek's birthday, anniversary and father's day gift :) I got him a table saw. He bought one a year or two ago and it went "kurplunk" a few days later with no ability to return it.  He's had to make many things like cabinet doors, counter-top bases, a t.v. stand, a computer desk, and Nolan's furniture with a freehand saw.  Much more difficult and time consuming than needed.  It was starting to make his woodworking hobby turn into a dread because everything was a little more tedious than he intended.

Here is a little tour of Nolan's vintage room that would not have been possible without Derek's wonderful talents.  We used the oeuf sparrow collection as our inspiration and I think Derek got really close.

Handmade changing table with removable pad by Derek

Nolan on changing table at 4 weeks

a vintage touch

handmade crib by Derek

old windowpane with added chalkboard paint and fabric.

Gillie made by Lonie Mae and sock monkey by my mom

Handmade curtains with added stripes of ribbon

Ever since he got his table-saw he has spent many nights getting back into the love of woodworking.  I am so excited for him and selfishly for me as well because I know I may suggest a few things to be made as well.  

I searched for toddler beds and here's what I like:

this is my favorite, but I may chose "no" footboard. Just platform with storage.

Sources: oeuf and arlington petra

SO EXCITING.  Thank you Derek.  You are truly blessed. 

Umbrella Garland (paper craft)

I went to the library earlier this week and was able to get some great 

books to get ideas for nap time crafts.   Today I made a garland that is quick and easy.  It reminds me of an umbrella so I named it the umbrella garland but it's really just 

called a semi-circle garland.

Materials:

crafting paper

glue

scissors

beads

clear string (I used fishing line)

1)Pick out some paper!

keeping it simple

2) Cut 5 semi-circles per umbrella

3) Glue backs together and work your way around until all 5 pieces are connected.

4) Cut 7 inches of string per umbrella.  This is for adding the beads on the top and bottom of the umbrella.

you can just use an old necklace or bracelet

5) String together all the umbrella's to create a garland...and your done.  Yeah, have fun!

This makes dishes seem more fun. j/k

Home Projects and Fun with the Chickeroos (picnic time and indoor Forts)

It 's been a really good week.  Today's Friday and I normally feel pretty pooped out by then, but I feel like I've got a little more Spring in my step.  Possible because of the sweet tea I have been drinking today.  I feel like I have gotten a lot done and started a few new projects that are doosie's. 

 

Projects:

New Chair to upholster

Accidently picked up a 100 year old bench/mini couch to upholster at garage sale

Resized a pair of vintage pants for Nolan

Cleaned House/Laundry mania

Help paint Kendra's bathroom (so fun)
Cut and sorted coupons for groceries (trying)
Did I mention clean the house!

Antique Chair

Front porch seating

Antique Bench/Couch

This will be a longer project.  This will also be front porch seating.

 Well those are my upholstery projects that I will be working on for awhile. I am pumped to get into it.

I don't have a pic of the little boy pants yet, but I will get them up next week.  

Fun with Kiddos

During our Indoor fort time

From couch to couch

Outdoor Picnic with Nolan, Lola, and Lucy (our dog)

my little photographer

pool time with friends