Around the House Part 2

As of last week, I had NO pictures of my kids on the walls. That needed to change. I LOVE Canvas prints and would order a ton if I could. Unfortunately, they don't fit in my budget right now. So I found a solution. Behold the Faux Canvas
I was a little skeptical before I started, but I actually really like them. And, It cost less than $20 to make all Three! I bought a board at Lowes (about 3/4 inch thick) and had them cut it into 12x12 pieces. Then I painted the sides black, had the pictures printed at Costco for $3 each, and mod podged them on the boards. And Waahlaa! Faux Canvases! You've got to try it. Fun, Cute, and Cheap!

HoW tiMe fliEs...

It seems just like yesterday I was buying girl clothes and bedding before even knowing the sex of baby #3 (more on that here),  hoping, waiting, wanting another sweet babygirl. My wish was granted and this last year has been a dream in so many ways. Livi has not been the easiest baby, but she has won my heart. I am head over heels for this little girl. 
Enamored.
I had so much fun planning her party. Things didn't go quite as expected (the weather forced a few changes on us), but I think it turned out pretty cute and we had a great time! 

I didn't have time to take pictures before the party, so you will just have to use your imagination a little as to what the table looked like with all the food and stuff :)

I found a ton of cute craft projects online that I knew I had to make for the party. First was the adorable crepe paper rosette balls that I hung on the tree branches. So cute and fun to make! The doilie banner was the perfect delicate touch for the table. And one of my favorite ideas I came up with was the picture time line (I was going to hang it up outside but it was too windy). I cut out 12 birdies, labeled one for each month, and hung the corresponding pictures up with clothespins.

The party favors were fun to do too. The goods included 1. bags of gummy worms with tags that said "early bird gets the worm" 2. Felt bird clips for the girls made by my amazingly talented mom 3. Bird whistles (do you remember these as a kid? this was to add a little nostalgia. I loved these when I was little and knew I had to have them for here bird party). You fill them up with water and they really sound like birds tweeting. And some bubbles and play doh 
number 4 shows the cute shirt that my mom also made for Livi


Here is the cake topper. And oh the cake! It was really hot and humid the day I made it. I put the filling in the middle and decided to do the frosting after I finished up a few other things. After a while I looked over and noticed that the filling was oozing out the sides, melting into a big mess. So I picked up the cake to put it in the fridge. As I bent over to make room for the cake, The whole top layer slid right off and splattered all over the floor. not pretty. I almost cried. But, I happened to have an extra layer (long story) so it wasn't as tragic as it could have been. but no party is complete without a little DRAMA!





Livi LOVED the cake. I gave her a cupcake and she seriously devoured it! 


Lucky for us Uncle Austin and Aunt Andrea got to be there to help us celebrate. Andrea was my picture taker so I could enjoy the party. I think she did a great job. Thanks Andrea!!!



Around the House

This post is for you Kathryn!! :)

Last winter My Friend Kathryn and I bought some old doors off of Craigslist with the intent of making headboards for our beds. We both were really excited about moving and decorating our new pads. Unfortunately we never got around to making them and after moving into my new place I lost my zest for all the DIY decorating projects I had planned. Mostly because I realized we are only going to be here for 1 year and every house has different needs, so there is no point in making everything for this house. But, last week I caught the decorating bug again and was determined to get the headboard made. This was my first woodworking project and lets just say I learned a lot! :) Thanks to my sweet hubby who answered my dumb questions and came to my rescue a few times, I am very happy with the way it turned out! So without further ado, here are some seriously crappy pictures taken with our point and shoot of the finished product :) Except I really want to paint the walls now. But I can live with them for a year.




I also did a few projects for Avery's room over the summer with my mom. Avery got her duvet cover for christmas last year. I LOVE it, but it is a peachy pink that is hard to match. I saw this Liberty London print at Target and knew that it was perfect for her bed. I ordered a duvet cover online and it took over 5 months to get it (no joke). But I was elated when I finally saw the package on my doorstep! I made curtains, the bunting, and lampshade with the duvet cover. I LOVE it!


and of  course her room could not be complete without a "you are my sunshine" picture :)


I always tell Andy that when we buy our next house I am hiring a decorator :)


okay Kathryn, I want to see what you've done with the fabric for the family room, Kolette's room, and your room!!

☀ Liquid Sunshine

Avery was almost one year old when Andy's brother Adam was first diagnosed with Cancer. Grandma Cindi was having a rough time (rightfully so) but always tried to look for the positive. One of her happy spots was Sweet Avery Jane. She called Avery her Liquid Sunshine, the bright ray of hope to shine through the dark clouds. There is something amazing about a child's ability to help you feel the love of the Savior and put a smile back on your face when life has you down. Avery is especially good at this. She is my Sunshine baby girl!


see more here

He Thought This Day Would Never Come

Drew started PRESCHOOL today! He was SO ready. Ever since Avery started kindergarten, he has been asking incessantly when his school starts. Today is the day. He walked right in and never looked back. I can't wait to hear all about his day! 


Drew and his empty backpack :)

I LOVE them!

Those EYES that is!
sorry, I've got Livi on the brain. You may be seeing lots of this girl in the next few weeks. I can't believe she is almost one! 
see more here