almost-done projects

I am sure many of you, knowing that I am a busy-body have been wondering what I have been doing with all of my free time since school has been out. Besides spending every waking moment with Carson (my heaven)going to the park, the library and the pool (Carson's favorite). In our spare time I/we have been working on some projects. I don't normally like posting home improvement projects but with the encouragement from some friends, here are the latest projects, starting with Andrew's work.

The first project you saw sneak peek of when I was painting the ceilings. Andrew's dad is a jack of all trades. He was enthusiastic about putting crown in a couple places in our house so we jumped at the chance to have his expertise and his HELP.


The crown was a little harder than anticipacted because who knew that our ceilkings are uneven! So an extra step had to be added to ensure that it would go up straight all the way around the ceiling. It was also super messy...sawdust everywhere! The project is not finished completly because we need to fill in the nail noles and then paint the crown. However, I am so proud of Andrew, it took longer than if we would have hired someone, but we appreciate things more when we do them ourselves!


This next thing is so silly and uncool but I love it! Whenever we carry in groceries or Andrew gets software or has to do a shipment we prop our door open with random things; my purse, a paint can, a shoe and with this, now we don't have to search to find a door stop because the door has its own. Seriously, if you don't have one of these, go get one! Thanks Andrew!


As for me, I have been busy "beautifying" our home.

For awhile I had wanted to recover my ironing board. I had seen a few covers you could purchase but they weren't very cute and I thought that I could make one for less than what they were selling for...and I did!


With the leftover fabric I replaced the existing "blah" curtain and recovered an old board to match for a complete look. I love how everything turned out! I also like ironing slightly more, I'm not in love but I love the fabric so it is more enjoyable for me.

Additionally, I have also made a few aprons (also pictured); one for me and one for Carson. Whenever Carson sees his he says "aarrggh" like a pirate-too cute! I also recently tried demonstrating apron making and I learned that I may be a doer but I am not a good teacher! I think I am burndt out on sewing for awhile.

Another project that has been on my mind that is not finished yet but so close is a picture wall for our master bedroom. Our room is pretty big and we have this big empty wall where most people would but a tv or an armoire. I am one of those people who believe that a room is for sleeping so the tv is off and I don't need more storage space so I didn't really want a bulky peice of furniture there either.

When I did my other picture wall I spent quite a bit on frames and for this one I wanted to keep the project inexpensive (close to #30) so I headed to D.I. in search of some frames that would look decent with some TLC.

Frames: $9 at D.I.

I only wish I would have taken a picture to capture the true hediousness of these frames and the pictures they held! They were gross!


Spray paint: $7.50 at Lowe's


mats: $10 at Michael's
pictures: haven't printed them yet
Time (sanding, painting, waiting, sanding, arranging): approx. 4 hours

Since taking the picture, a couple of frames have been arranged...I'll have to post a completed photo when I finish.

You know that they say; as soon as you get a home exactly the way you want you move...that doesn't seem quite fair and it won't happen anytime soon but I wonder what we'll tackle next...

Every day favorites

Carson while preparing the macaroni and cheese...Andrew called him my "girly-man" and I like to think of him as my helpful man who on this particular day was still in his jammies at lunch...I think I was too!

When Andrew was little he has great memories of going to grandmas. She is a great cook and at the time his favorite thing was her homemade macaroni and cheese. I have been searching for a good recipe because I have tried many and we have been disappointed. This recipe is compliments of Alyssa. Andrew enjoyed it and I liked it because I had all the ingredients one hand, it was easy and it tasted good too. It's a triple threat!

Macaroni & Cheese

2 c. uncooked elbow macaroni
1/4 c. butter + 1/2 tbs.
1/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. ground mustard
1/4 tsp. worcestershire sauce
2 c. milk
2 c. shredded cheese

Cook macaroni and drain.
Over low heat, melt butter.
Add flour, salt, pepper, mustard and worcetershire sauce.
Cook over low heat until smooth and bubbly.
Remove from heat and stir in milk.
Heat to boiling stirring constantly, boil 1 minute.
Remove from heat, stire in cheese
Stir in macaroni, pour into 2qt. casserole dish.
Bake at 350* for 20-25 minutes, uncovered.
Serves 6.

Recipe #2

I thought these two recipes kind of went together because they are both something kids enjoy. This one is for play dough. Whenever I buy some it dries out super quick so I make fresh play dough every so often. It is super easy and I think it is softer than the store bought kind. Your kids will think you are sooo cool-j/k

Andrew is an amazing Dad.

Carson is a lucky boy.

If I could only choose one word to describe Andrew as a father, it would be involved.

Andrew is not afraid to dare the "no dad zones" of free summer movie days, music day at the library, grocery shopping with child in tow (when needed), or an outing at the park-in the middle of the day.

He makes my life easier and for that I am grateful. Thank you for all the diapers you have changed, noses you have blowed, cereal you have made, tantrums you have handled, stories you have read, and m&m's you have shared :).

When I see Andrew with Carson, it makes my heart warm.

Andrew, thank you for all that you do.

Every year we make custom artwork (last years). Debuting 2009's personal artwork made just for Dad from Carson...I personally love it!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
xoxoxo