Monday, August 13, 2012

This and That...

With our house for sale, I'm finding new ways to improve our space!  

*If you need to find motivation to keep your house organized and easy to keep clean, put it up for sale!  I am amazed with the projects I'm doing that are making my life easier!!
  
The most recent project has been our pantry!  It's pretty much a closet, but with some shelves and now storage containers, it looks more like a pantry!!  


 These containers are amazing!!!  You can fit pretty much anything in them and it makes the shelf look so much nicer!!!  Plus the boys can see what they want and I know how much is left! 

  And because they are just so adorable!!! 
 

 I also have been having fun with my own version of some braids from Pinterest!  This I'll take pictures of step by step next time...this was my first attempt!!  Pretty cute!!!
 

Friday, August 10, 2012

Trust God

It's been a fabulous week!!!! 

We had my two younger nieces stay with us all week and it was wonderful!  I know Del enjoyed every minute and I'm sure they were happy to have some alone time when they got home!  It was cute watching the girls be so patient with Del!  They were a huge help with Abe also and I was able to get some work done on my week off but I did enjoy every minute of not working also!  :)


We had VBS at our church Monday thru Thursday and it was AMAZING!!!!  I helped with one of the preschool/kindergarten groups and enjoyed every minute!  I just love they way they think!!!  I am so excited for next year!!!


The last day was by far my favorite!!!  God is so good and to know that more of our friends and family will be in Heaven with us is a wonderful feeling!

God is so good and I will try to remember NO MATTER WHAT - TRUST GOD!!!


Wednesday, August 8, 2012

DIY Fabric Headboard

Yah, we are home this week, so I'm tackling Maddie's room hard while we are here.  So most of you who have read my past posts, she sleeps on a big girl bed {a.k.a. queen size..........yes already}.  Instead of going "backwards" in size like toddler or twin, we are just going to keep the queen.  It does take up a bunch of room, but our plan is to start finishing our basement this winter and have a big play room for her so most of her toys will be there.  I also planned on going to Ikea for a bed frame, but after much thinking it's not a good idea to raise the bed up yet at her age.  So instead, I got a new comforter and to spice it up I thought I would make a headboard for it so it looks somewhat cute on the floor.  And the best part of it all---- it only cost about $35!

Things needed:

1/4" - 1/2" plywood {I used 1/2"}
2 x 4 board {size of your choice}
Staple gun & staples
Nails & nail gun
Foam fabric {optional.....I wanted it to be thicker so I used 1"}
Batting
Fabric

First cut the  plywood to size needed.  Since our mattress is on the floor, I only went 36" high to the top of the headboard.  That means I cut (2) 2 x 4's at 36" each, and my plywood was cut 60" wide x 23-1/2" tall.  Nail boards to the plywood.



Next, wrap and nail the foam and batting around it really tight.  This is actually a two man job, so thanks honey for helping!  Make sure you cut your foam, batting and fabric 2" longer to wrap around the back.  I actually didn't get enough foam, so the legs only got the batting.  Remember no one will see the back, so don't make it pretty!




Lastly, do the same with the fabric. Wait to cut your fabric until this part because with the foam and batting, it will take up a lot more space.  I ended up using a 80" x 36" pc of fabric just to be safe.



Finally, the bed is done {many more projects to come, especially for the walls}.  More to come soon!







 
 

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Give Thanks

 I know I haven't posted in a while, but things have been really crazy and blogging tends to slip my mind. ..I will try to get better :)

Today was a very emotional day as my 1 1/2 year old nephew had major surgery to try to close a hole in his diaphragm.  My mom called me a while ago to let me know that the hole could not be repaired and that he likely will need a feeding tube.  Poor Wyatt has already had many battles in his short life and continues to face challenges every day.  I am absolutely amazed at the strength my brother and sister in law have as they continue to be strong regardless of what happens every day.  They have great faith and believe that God will heal Wyatt and help them enjoy every minute with him despite the challenges.  As a parent I can't even imagine the challenges they face daily.  Today was a great reminder for me to give thanks for everything that I have and remember to love as you never know what will happen in life.

                                       Here is sweet Wyatt and my mom.
 
 

Monday, August 6, 2012

Pizza Pie

Cooking while camping can be a challenge, however it's been a fun challenge this year!  

We always have the usual - brats, hotdogs and burgers.  However, we have been using our Hobo pie maker a lot this year and it's wonderful!!!

When we were camping Memorial weekend and also over 4th of July, we made pizza pies!  

You start by spraying the inside of the maker, place 1 piece of bread inside, then a little pizza sauce, cheese and any other toppings.  We've added ricotta cheese too, YUM!  Then the other piece of bread and put the maker together.

Place on hot bed of coals, rotate after few minutes then check it and voila!

So, easy and delicious!!!


 
 

Thursday, August 2, 2012

5 years and counting......

Love is many things.  It's both painful and beautiful, burdensome and protective.  Most people want it, some people find it, and a few die never experiencing it.  I feel communication, an open mind and open heart, a sense of humor and a willingness to forgive and work together will make for a long strong marriage. 

This Saturday I will be celebrating my 5th wedding anniversary.  I can honestly say that I love my husband more today then I ever have.  We have both come a long way in life, and we've been by each others side through the journey.  I'm not going to say it's been easy because it hasn't.  No marriage is easy and perfect but we get each other and that's all that matters!  It is crazy to think where the last 5 years have gone, but I can't wait to see what our next years bring!  I love you babe and I can't wait to celebrate in the Cayman Islands in November!

This is from our wedding day, just feet away from our driveway now :-)




 

 

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Amish Country

Seems like I'm never home these summer days; yes girls I went to Shipshewana yesterday!  My MIL has been wanting to go for some time now.  I tried to convince her to go to Chicago for a night since Heidi is there for work all week, but she had to work tonight and of course my hubby will not let me travel  these days by myself anymore let alone with Maddie, especially to Chicago.  I miss the Cheesecake Factory :-(

It's been at least 7 years since I've been to Amish Country.  Even though in my eyes, I practically live in Amish land here in Vermontville.  I like to go to Shipsy for the huge flea market.  I love crafts and being creative, so it's enjoying to walk around all day to see what others like to make with their bare hands.  I bought a ton of little things, even some cute cheap crocs for Maddie.  I haven't really put shoes on her yet, but she loves these and walks good in them!  I'm wishing i would have bought two pair now.  I also bought some cute Halloween home decor....... Yes I'm thinking holidays already!

I also love to go there for their food.  I love the bakery; I always get their homemade cinnamon rolls!!  They also have the best cheese ball dip seasoning and kettle popcorn.  We ate lunch at the Blue Gate Restaurant. It's the best home cookin grub you can get.

If you haven't been here, you really should check it out!  The market is only open on Tues & Wed during the week and will be going on until October. It's a great day for a girls day out and great way to stock up on cheap unique stocking stuffer (yes..... The Holidays again)