More fun with plates

It's the end of a busy Thursday and my eyes are tired. Maybe it's the weird spring weather or our current level of crazy or something else totally unrelated... but, I'm tired. I wake up tired, feel tired during the day, and fall asleep tired. Repeat. Needless to say, I'm ready for a nice weekend - and what a coincidence that it's Mothers Day weekend!

Many of you were able to see my dining room redo post a few days back. I had such a great time gathering things to make that room a little more lovely. I still have one empty wall but until something comes to mind that I can really commit to - I'm leaving it alone. In the meantime, I've been having a little more fun with plates. Tonight I'll share a quick little project I threw together for our high school banquet last weekend.

.:DIY mini-cake stands:.

First up, do some shopping. I found all of my plates in one rushed trip to Goodwill, all scattered throughout the dish section. I wanted a little variety and it worked out.

Then swing into your local Dollar Tree or even that same Goodwill store. I can always find these candle holders at The Dollar Tree. Consistently. Once you get everything home - give it all a good wash. I didn't run things through the dishwasher this time (no time!), but normally I would. In my opinion it helps glue and paint stick better when all the dust and whatnot is cleaned off.

Then, you'll want to notice your leetle baby who is always by your side trying to grab anything she can get her grubby hands on supporting you. I LOVE this little munchie crunchie faced baby. Love!

Once you've paused to smooch her baby cheeks 49,847 times... get back to work.

Glue the candle holders to the backs of the plates, flip upside down and let dry. I used hot glue this time which DID NOT hold well. Normally I would use Gorilla Glue or something glass specific. But, I was short on time and the hot glue worked for exactly the amount of time I needed it to - 1 night. :)

I suppose the ok-ness of the hot glue is that I can just peel it off and start fresh with something else.
Once the glue has dried its time to take those puppies to the garage and do some spray painting!

I chose to use a chalkboard spray paint because it's what I had on hand. It ended up being a great choice and the matte finish was perfect! This is the brand I used - very happy with it. {and make sure to get one of those spray things - unless you enjoy stained hands for days...}

The painting can be tedious as you have to wait until one side is dry to do the other, etc. I'd say this step took me about an hour or so with the waiting times in between coats. It was super warm this day so it helped to dry faster.

Once they are dry - voila! DIY mini-cake stands. I love the different patterns and how they turned out. The matte paint looked awesome.

This was an inexpensive and easy way to glam up a high school end of the year banquet. :) You could really do any color combination and use any kind of plates or candle holders. Endless options!

I topped them with white pillar candles and they made lovely little centerpieces. Of course I didn't get any pictures of the actual event or the tables... but snagged this shot from hubby's phone.
You can get the idea. :) Congrats class of 2015!

If I had a million dollars.

Years ago that annoying song by BNL (I can't even handle that bands name) came out with the catchy tune,

"If I had a million dollars, I'd buy yer looo-ooo-ooove". 

Carry on many verses and choruses peaking of buying ketchup packets and mini refrigerators, etc. If you aren't familiar - you aren't missing much. But growing up in the high school years it seemed to be on the radio, constantly. Ah, who said the 90's were all that bad!? :)

Anyway, after doing some browsing on some of my favorite shopping sites this morning - I have the chorus in my brain. Is it just me or did the cost of EVERYTHING go up substantially over the last 5 years?! Perhaps I'm just more sensitive to it now as I begin to plan and prepare for this June baby.

Browsing through Amazon.com this morning I was "oooohing" and "ahhhhing" over these darling little sets, and then remembering... oh yea, bottles. And onesies. Paci's. And we should probably splurge on a new baby tub as ours is... gross. So if we had a million dollars I might be tempted to go ALL NEW with this little one. Good thing we don't. A good thing there are a million other things we could spend a million dollars on - more important things. :)

These little laced trimmed bodysuits....

 

Or what about this fun pink and brown stroller?! We are having another girl, so it wouldn't be horrible to buy a PINK stroller, right?

But, back to clothes... I don't remember things being so cute 5 1/2 years ago with our 1st girl. And there was def NOT an anchor theme, which seems to keep catching my eye. And, furthermore... all these cute summer time clothes are making me itch a little for the sun.

 

So yea, if I had a million dollars set aside for just baby stuff I think I could find a way to use it all. :)
But since I don't and I do have the wonderful joy of having TWO girls who have come before - we'll be thrilled to use our bins of girls clothes again, and maybe splurge on one or two little things for little miss before she arrives. And hopefully I can figure out a nursery idea before she is here. Pinterest has been helpful, of course. I'm eager for some warmth to show up so I can work on painting and creating! Here's an idea I've found:

 

This nursery would be WAY different then the normal pink/brown I always do. But I keep coming back to it and something about it just gets my attention. I already have a small brown dresser, and our crib is brown - so it would be easy. I dunno.

But then I get back into my frugal thinking - we already have SO much pink and brown, it would be easy to just throw together a simple nursery and then add little touches. I even have that very ottoman that goes with the recliner rocker.

 

 Fun to dream. Fun to plan. 

December Menu Planning

Is anyone else enjoying these 15 degree days we've been having around good ol' Iowa? :) I know, I know... probably not. The snow fell and we have a beautiful coating of white just in time to celebrate Christmas #1 with my parents who are driving in from Ohio this weekend. It's the little things like that.

I've been lousy at menu planning lately. Considering that nothing sounds good and we've had lots of little meals here and there for different events, it's been ok. But, it's my goal for the remainder of the month to get something yummy and somewhat healthy on the table through the 23rd. But the ultimate goal is COMFORT and togetherness type meals. (baby steps) Instead of my normal routine of picking a cook book and working my way through - I'm using Pinterest to cook up all those things I've pinned and have yet to try. I'm sharing my plan with you today, and would love to hear what kinds of good things you have planned for your fam this month. I'll put up a few pics of the items for the rest of week one, then the rest will simply be a link to the recipe in case you'd like to give it a go! But, all can be found online.

12 - Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole

13- Black bean & corn chili with cornbread

14 - Out to eat with my parents :)
15 - Tuscan Garlic chicken over linguine

16 - 5 year old birthday for my girl, her choice!
17 - Ham and Cheese pinwheels
18 - "South" Dish
19 - Lasagna Soup
20 - Pizza Roll Up's
21 - Chicken Broccoli Casserole
22 - Chili Jack Casserole
23 - BBQ Chicken Quinoa Salad


Well, that does it for my list through the 23rd. I'm eager to bless and WOW my family with some yummy dinner time meals, especially since our dinner hour hasn't been much lately. December menu planning made easy with the use of lovely technology and the brains of many women sharing their recipes - how great is that!?

What works - Gettin' our preschool groove on

It's 3:00 here in Iowa and my children are both upstairs asleep. Nap time. It's a wonderful thing. But I should be honest with myself - my almost 5 year old is def not asleep, as she proved 20 minutes ago by tiptoeing down the stairs... (sigh). I haven't given up the battle on rest time, she may not sleep, but she will be in her room to rest. Most days she feels asleep right around 3:15 after laying in there for like 2 hours. She STILL needs her sleep - I just have to convince her :)

We've had our first full week of preschool (Mon, Tues, Thurs) and I can tell you that honestly it was great! I'm still learning and trying to figure out how to give Ava attention on "big" tasks like writing and math while little sister is dumping bird seed onto the table. But, we are getting there. We have gotten our hands dirty on some fun projects this week and the girls are really getting into it. We start our time with a book on the couch - just to calm the wiggles and give us an official "start". Today we read a book about "Thinking of Others", one of those cute board books that even 4 year olds can enjoy. My biggest girl really got into the fun of thinking of ways to put others first, or just being kind, score! Later in the morning we found 2 baggies of halloween candy on our porch that someone had left for us. They thought that was SO cool that someone was thinking of us, too :) Don't you love those moments when something is lived out for your kids to see? One of those "God moments" for sure.

Hopefully this weekend I can get some of our real pics up of the girls in action - but for now, I'd love to show you what has worked for us this week in the department of Preschool fun. Thanks to Pinterest for allowing me to pin all these ideas in one location - brilliant!

Ladybug Math:

We did our own spin on this. I cut out 6 red circles and then had Ava draw the correct amount of dots to go with each ladybug. Then she really enjoyed drawing the legs and antenna. This could easily adapt with any kind of bug, but since we have an abundance of ladybugs outside our house - this was perfect for us.

Goldfish sorting:

We adapted this one as well, as I didn't have the time to make the fancy fish bowls (doh!). Instead, I drew 4 rectangles with each of the goldfish colors - the girls sorted their snack bowls onto the rectangles and then got to enjoy their treat when finished. August really enjoyed this - thinking it was a little too young for my big girl. But, she enjoyed the color review.

Weather Plate:

Suprise, suprise, we adapted this one, too! I had Ava draw the 4 temperature groups and glue them to spots on the plate herself. Ours is not perfect, but it was totally hands on and the girls love telling the weather each morning when we begin. It is taped to our back door!

Bird feeders:

Painting with peanut butter is MESSY, add to that the ping-ping-ping of tons of birdseed hitting your hardwood floor... ahhhh. But, it was SO worth it. My girls really enjoyed making these bird feeders and I was happily suprised to find a HUGE bag of birdseed at walmart for only $2! They are now hanging outside and we are waiting on the birds. So far, the neighbors dog is the only one interested.

Felt dolls:

Winner Winner chicken dinner! This one has been the biggest hit!
I took an hour during nap time earlier in the week to cut out a felt family, clothes, accesories. Felt was .23 a sheet at walmart and the ideas are endless on this. I use it as a "quiet time" bag, or a transition activity. My 2 year old asks for it every day "I pway fet dahls?" My only mistake was to only cut out ONE wedding gown. What was I thinking? If you have two daughters, you understand that comment. ;)

Friends, I am so enjoying my children SO MUCH MORE now that things are so much more hands on. They know our school time and when it's time for Mommy to get housework done. Boredom seems to be less frequent and the guideline for the morning has been great for my relationship with my very testing first born. So, this is what worked for us this year! I cannot wait to show you some pics of the girls doing their hard work!

All of these ideas are on my Pinterest boards "Arts n' Crafts - kiddo style" and "Preschool fun".

The Long Weekend

Happy Labor Day weekend to you all! Hopefully you have something fun, or, at the very least, relaxing planned. We started our day out with hot pancakes around the breakfast table - full of chit chat with our children. Throw in some hot coffee sprinkled with cinnamon... dynamite start to the day!

I don't want to sound complainy, and I know the bitter cold winter days will be here before too long {grin}. But, it's still horribly hot here. The children and I have spent most of our days indoors and when we do try to go outside - it's just uncomfortable. Last night we went to the 1st of the season football game for one of our local high schools - we have a teen in the band, one a cheerleader and a few other who we thought might just be hanging around. While it was great to support them and share a smile, I was melting, literally. I felt bad for the guys wearing helmets and pads :/ The bleachers registered a toasty 100 even after dark. Seriously!?

Anywhoo, during this long weekend I have great plans of enjoying the "cooler" temps...in the 80's and spending time with my family. Hubs is preaching Sunday and I always enjoy what he brings to the stage. :)

We have about 4 more weeks until we can move into our new home. I will remain as positive as I can on that topic! So in the meantime the girls and I have been discovering our new-temporary city and finding all sorts of fun and FREE things to do. This week we ventured down to the local library and I was blown away with how age appropriate it was! Aside from the anticipated books and comfy reading pillows there were texture walls, manipulative boards {zippers, chains, etc}, a puppet booth and the usual kids computer. My girls were in kid glory and it gave me a lot of time to browse the cookbook, DIY, and crafty aisles. I came home with these two gems -

Can you tell what's on my mind? Good old fashioned, sit down, family dinners :) I have been pouring through Amish cookbooks most of the summer - and found this Mennonite one this week. It's a little different and I have to admit I laughed when one of her main ingredients was, "MSG". I didn't even know you could buy MSG! But this cookbook has awesome ideas, in detail, and I am so enjoying it! This momma is weary of frozen pizzas, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and all things "easy". Although, I am thankful for the calm of it at the same time. Weird.

Speaking of sit down dinners. I thought I would share a few more pics of our new home, as I'm kind of wanting to see it again anyway. :)
This is a view of the kitchen - I like how simple it is! And I have BIG plans for it. {including not having a green counter} I'm really, really, excited about the window overlooking the deck/back yard. I've never had a space where the kids could play outside alone for even a minute! I don't plan on putting them out there alone all the time - but, it'll be nice to know I can if I need to for a second or so. :)

 

And, I'm excited for our dining room which leads out to the deck. 

I really like the parquet floors! And, I even like the gray paint! Normally I'm a dark and nature-y colored girl...but, this might just stay gray. :) 

We have an old and kinda shabby brown table and chairs that I found at Salvation Army a few years ago. And I'm debating doing this to it - because I love it! The dark top and creamy colored legs are so nice..and I wouldn't need to paint all my chairs.

 

Here's another pic with the same idea. Seems pretty easy, right?

 

Next, the basement. Partially finished and just exactly the extra room that we'll need! This is the big room down there. This place will be the play room and a guest room when need be. I love the windows and  I think I remember a closet just around that left corner.

What a blessing it will be to have a place to do our preschool and put all our toys :) Ah, I'm so eager to get in! 

Well, enjoy your long weekend whatever it is you choose to do! I'm going in for another cup of coffee :) 

Let's do this.

 

Sitting here right now, at the end of another busy and full day of family and fun... I'm feeling oddly motivated. I have a kitchen and front room full of empty cardboard boxes, reminding me that July 18th is very near to us. Maybe that's why. Or, it could be the toys tossed here and there throughout our home. How many kids do we have!?  All the same, let's hope this motivation sticks around for the rest of the week. Let's do this moving thing.

The Lord has answered some very specific prayers in the last few days - which, I'll love to share all the details with you come Fall, once the rest of the story takes place. How's that for a teaser? {grin} But in short, we have found a place to live for FREE during our transition time before our new house is ready.  So many little things are falling into place and we so clearly see the Lord caring for us. Praise God! 

I'm having a fun time looking up new ideas for our new home on the ol' Pinterest site. Hubs and I agree we want to get in there and make it HOME right away. Considering we'll get in either late August or early September and already be FULL SWING back into youth ministry... it's even more good motivation. We cannot wait to open those doors up to our teens and people in our church! 

So, the ideas. Ah, it's fun. Here's a few I've dug up in the last few weeks. 

This first one is NOT the most exciting, admittedly. But for a lady who has NEVER had a coat closet at the entrance of their home - I'm going crazy excited over it! All things organized :) Just love the double level of bars in here, and the big ol' pot for umbrellas. 

 

And staying on the practical theme - this fridge organization will be happening, pronto. Dollar store frames with magnets on them. Genius. How nice 'n neat is that?

 

In the new place we'll have an actual mudroom/hallway/transition space coming in from the garage and back yard - I have all kinds of dreams for that space. Including the use of my HUGE pallet that still sits in the garage...2 years later. Geesh. Scratch the rainbow colors, but, the idea for coat hanging is pretty great.

 

And, while you are in there... how about...rolling crates. You know. To catch those outside toys, shoes, random toys straying from their homes, random things found in the van. I love this idea! 

Have I mentioned the deck outside? Huge. We so look forward to entertaining out there and watching our kiddos love a real yard. I'm seriously digging this idea for the outside area -

Anyone have any old barrels they want to get rid of? 

It's fun to dream and imagine. Now, keep praying us through. We have lots and lots to get done and a few more steps in this whole selling and buying process before we can even think about attempting the fun ideas. 

But I'll tell you one thing - we are learning daily what real trust and faith in the Lord looks like. Minute by minute. And, maybe I'll share more about that in the future, too. 

Have a wonderful week. 

'Twas the last day in April... next up, May challenge.

Today marks the end of April. Crazy, huh? I don't know about you but I felt like that month FLEW by us. We have been enjoying some wonderfully warm days here and the weather man has now announced we may even see some of that white, cold, stuff again... before the real warm settles in for summer. {boo!}

My one lone tulip opened up today. Last year I had 12 - this year - 1. It's been a cold spring! Poor little tulips. It's like my yard knows I'm eager to move away from it. :) Speaking of...

THE FOR SALE SIGN IS IN THE YARD! I came up from working out in the basement and saw it stuck out there. I just smiled. :) The Lord is good and has a plan. Now we just wait for it in anticipation.

Tomorrow I'm starting a 31 day photo challenge that I found on Pinterest. It looks like this:

I've been playing around with our new camera and I'm excited to try out some new techniques. Listen to me... talking like I know what I'm doing. :) Anywhoo... I'd love for you to join me. I'm not super techy and still learning the ropes even about blogging, but, I might attempt to add a link up thingy for those of you who want to hop on board. My disclaimer is this - I may not get to EVERY single one of the 31 pics. And that's ok with me! But I'd like to try. :) So, who's in? 

Have a wonderful Tuesday! See ya next month {wink, wink}. 

.Think happy thoughts.

Happy Tuesday from Iowa. November 6th. Election day here in America. The children and I went to the polls after bible study this morning and it was quick and painless! Feels good to be a part of something that men & women long ago {and currently} gave their lives for. Now we wait to see what happens... and honestly, I don't know if it's just because I'm not a politics buff or what - but, I'm not concerned. The Lord reigns and He knows exactly what He's doing. Rest in that friends. Do your part, then rest. :)

It's a happy type of day around here. Most days are I suppose - but, I'm feeling so thankful and happy to be home and enjoying life. I took a few minutes earlier just to walk around our home and just be THANKFUL. Above is one of my smile makers. This spot by my kitchen sink - a fave verse framed. Owl craft made by my little girl. Fall flowers from my hubby. :) It's in the simple times and moments when I'm washed over by just how fortunate and loved I am by my God. And even if all these pretty things weren't here... I am still loved.

Our cable tv has a Christmas music station, so I have that going and it's been a peaceful afternoon. Hot mug of Colombian coffee with Peppermint Mocha creamer sits here with me. The girls are napping and the laundry is washing and so I snagged a few minutes to look at ideas on Pinterest. We have a ladies event coming up at church called REJOICE. It's a wonderful night of music, good food, fellowship and great encouragement about what Christmas is all about. This will be my 3rd year decorating a table for the event - and, I couldn't be more excited! {which, is thrilling considering my lack of decorating skill} You laugh...

I have two ideas running in my brain. Since I may need to do two tables - this is a good thing. However, being the gal that I am - my ideas are total opposites. Table 1 would be classic or rustic Christmas. Reds, greens and nature type things. Table 2... heirloom china, pink roses, lace and pearls. See what a maniac I am!?! So as I was browsing the boards of people all over the world I found one good idea after another. :) Whoever invented Pinterest is a GENIUS. Jus sayin'.

I have this antique set, and it's precious. It was given to me by my grandmother and I will cherish it forever! It's so pretty - and it has a gold trim all around it. :) Very feminine, very classy. So now I'm searching and searching for just what to do around it. Centerpieces and all of that jazz.

I stumbled upon this idea - 

SERIOUSLY! The plate shown is almost identical to what I own. How easy is that!? Anyway, I love the idea of a pearl garland sweeping over a lace runner. {have I mentioned this is not exactly my style?} But, I'm hoping it will be a beautiful blessing to the ladies of our church. I'm secretly hoping the precious, older ladies sit at this one and just feel so loved and spoiled by all things pearls, lace, and roses. :) Sort of a tribute to my amazing Grandma.

And about the other table. I just wanna have fun :)
Here are some things that have caught my attention...

Thinking this yarn ball wreath might look cute as a centerpiece. Throw a big ol' white candle in the middle - low key, and pretty.
But then I see things like this...

Still easy. But, a little more of a statement. :)

Ultimately, I keep going back to this... as I've looked at my pin boards and have it re-posted {in different pictures} at least 5 times. What is it with me and old boxes with greens and candles?! :) Hmmmm.

Happy thoughts. :) Just enjoying my quiet few minutes with beautiful pictures and visions of the JOY of the season! 

Pinterest Shares

I know most everyone does the whole Pinterest thing now. But in case you don't or you haven't stumbled upon these yet... I wanted to share. And by the way, thank you to all of you who have been praying and loving on me! So thankful for you! 

Yes, a real, creative way to keep those annoying adorable stuffed animals everyone gets your kid! 

The EASIEST to make - and will be adorned by my sweet noodles next week :) 

And if Salval hasn't been totally swamped with women looking for these already... trying to get my hands on a few for my Thanksgiving table look next month! 

And...

because I think this is hilarious. :) 

Happy Pinning. But, not too much pinning, of course :) 

Getting ready for "THE" week

As much as I try NOT to have a countdown to hubby's departure, it is happening in my head anyway. :/ I even got teary eyed today thinking that next Sunday it would be me flying solo with the girls at church. BUT I am SO EXCITED for his trip - truly!

Anywhooo... This week I found some time to jump on Pinterest and gather some ideas for the time while daddy is gone. Who knew kids needed so much more attention and direction when just one parent goes away! I've learned my lesson and will not depend on Ava to entertain herself {entirely} next week. Here's a peek at what will be happening in our home during daddy's trip to Haiti:

 

Balloon painting! 

And, after we are done painting - we'll hang the balloons on string to dry. Those will then become a "Welcome Home" banner for daddy! :)

 

Toddler skeeball!

I held onto the last diaper box for this one! 

 

Mess-less finger painting. :) These are ziploc bags taped down - filled with paint. Think magna doodle type deal!

And, last, but not least -

I'm looking to do something like this:

 My hearts desire is to be gentle, kind, and patient with my girls. I have been struggling lately in each of those areas. Bah! Brad and I are going to concoct some sort of rewards system that I hope to carry on into Ava's preschool time this fall. I'd love to hear your ideas on this. Pinterest had a TON of similar ideas. 

So, yea, lots to prep for. Not to mention getting daddy ready to go and out the door. So thankful he doesn't leave until Friday! 

I'm doing really super great with my weight watchers this weekend - which is so encouraging. I had a few weeks slump, only losing ounces or even gaining a pound here and there. Annoying. I've been enjoying lots of fresh veggies with olive oil and sea salt {yum!} and keeping close track of my "Points". I lost a pound since Friday. A pound people. This is all fine and good and motivating - until - I got my Midwest Living magazine in the mail with THIS as the cover. Yep, how does one feel motivated to lose weight when drooling looking at this? I'll tell you - they have cucumbers in olive oil and garlic salt instead. I know...be jealous.

Good thing I love my veggies... and can factor in something like this with WW. I love that program! Granted, it may mean eating raw veggies the rest of the day...but, I could do it. :) 

We are officially into having Sunday nights off for the summer around here. Normally we would get together with church friends or something - but, tonight its a laid back, messy living room kind of night. Hubs is excited to turn on 60 minutes - or favorite show. :) And, I'm excited to just be home and together. Praise the Lord for a summer rest tonight! 

And, if you are in the area - let me know if you'd like to get together next week. We would love to plug in some fun play dates! {is that lame to say??? oh well}