Monday, February 27, 2012

Zadie on wheels

I don't think winter is coming to Alabama this year... and that is just fine with me.  Zadie remembered her bike today (the one that has been tucked away since summer) and asked if she could learn to ride it.  I can't remember why we didn't get around to it in June.  Sheesh, what was I doing in June?  Ah, that's right, bringing a new life into the world.  Poor middle child.

So here is a taste of our beautiful sun-shiny day and a very happy little girl pedaling her little heart out.
Let's get this thing road ready Daddy!


I can help!  I'm very strong!



Look Mama!  I'm doing it!



And what was Rosie up to today?  Well, she's working on mastering her mobility... but no wheels yet!

Bum up, bum down, bum up, bum down, you get the picture
Just a little frustrating

Think I'll just eat some grass
Delish!
Perhaps the best Monday ever!

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Burlap door hanger tutorial

So, lately I've fallen in love with all things made out of burlap.  It's cheap.  It's easy.  It's cute.  Fabulous.

My mom is throwing a shower for a friend who is having a baby girl and she asked me to make a door hanger in the shape of a baby buggy.  Got out my burlap and here it is.


Thought I'd share with you how it's done so that you, too, can make cute stuff to hang on your door.


First, draw out the basic shape of a baby buggy (or whatever you like) on some butcher paper and cut it out.



Trace the outline with pencil on a big piece of burlap.  (some folks like to prime it, but I like the edges raw and stringy)


Grab your acrylic paint and go to town.


Here it is all painted in.  Cute, but still needs the details filled in.


Use a permanent marker (I chose a brown Sharpie to go with the brown paint I used for the wheels and handle) to outline your details and make it 'pop' when you see it from a distance.


Cut around your painting, leaving at least 1/2 inch of extra fabric.  It doesn't have to be perfect.


Here it is laid out on my kitchen floor.  Then cut a second piece of burlap for the backing.  (I didn't get a picture for that step, but it's very easy.)


For the baby buggy, before I glued the layers together, I inserted a few plastic drinking straws in the 'handle' to keep it from flopping over.


Next, simply use your hot glue gun around the edges to stick the layers together leaving an opening big enough for your hand so that you can stuff it in a minute.  I think the hot melt works the best but you could really use anything.  Liquid stitches or any good strong craft glue works, but the hot glue dries right away so you don't have to wait.  You know, in 20 minutes, the children will probably be up from nap and coloring on the walls with your Sharpie.  So for me, the quicker the better.


Next, make your buggy smushy by stuffing it.  I used plastic grocery bags.  Up-cycling?


Almost done.  I decided mine needed a brown satin bow, so I hot glued one on.


I added some floral wire (I'm hoping to get out for some nicer looking sculpting wire) to the back... I just stuck it through the little holes in the burlap and made a hanger for my buggy.  I think it turned out pretty cute!  And so easy.

Oh, and while I was being all sweet and helpful to my mom, I made one for myself, too.  Here's my rainbow that may be hanging at Zadie's birthday party this summer.... if she doesn't change her mind 10 times by then.


Happy crafting, Y'all!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

A few of my favorite things

I'm a little late for Valentine's day with this post, but I'm going to share with you, in no particular order, some of the things I love the best.  And, of course, you'll want to see some pictures of my adorable children.

Baby kisses


Birthday wishes


Hiding places


Smilie faces


Ginormous hugs

Rosie's belly button



The kids' bedtime


Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny yellow polka dot bikinis


Heated pools


Swimming races


Sunsets


Andy's crazy hair


Sprinkled donuts


Goofy boys


Baby cheeks


Chocolate cake


Grandparents



Playing at the park


The preacher man


Hope you're surrounded by the things you love today and everyday!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Andy's Valentine's day party

I had a great Valentine's day.  Partly because I got to spend the afternoon with 17 of the coolest second graders around.  What a joy to get to see Andy in his element, spend some time with his friends and soak up a bit of the place that is helping to form him into the mature, considerate kid I'm seeing glimpses of more and more each day.

I led the kids in a few games, and still managed to snap a few pictures.

Did I say mature?

Madison sporting a mustache



Madison and Matthew reading their Valentines


The kids getting some instructions from Mrs. Whittle

Stacking conversation hearts to win, you guessed it, more candy.
Wonder if the kids will notice if I sneak just a few pieces of their candy while they're sleeping?  Yeah, they've got it sorted, labeled, memorized, and protected by anti-theft devices.  Guess I'll go rummage around for a girl scout cookie.