I Love You Because...

My Youngest and My Oldest

I might not have much room in my lap anymore with my youngest stretching my tummy by the minute but at least my arms are big enough to hold my oldest, I hope he never stops wanting this time with me. 

Silent Saturday

This year? The Viper

I think it's turning into his favorite event of the year.... 
2011 

 

 

Read

I love it when she reads to him..... LOVE IT. 

 Never, EVER Shout in A Zoo   By Karma Wilson  

 

She has always been my little reader. 

 

Updating Chairs

This project I've been wanting to post for a LONG time but never got around to actually taking the after pictures until today. I bought this chair at a Bethlehem yard sale for $5 back in June, the week our offer was accepted on this house. Bonus, it was actually a set of two! I knew we'd need a lot more furniture and I had always wanted to learn how to reupholster so I figured for ten bucks I couldn't go wrong. I love the shape and the actual chair was in wonderful condition. 

When I got these home Husbandface was completely sceptical and kinda annoyed 'to haul more crap' in the upcoming move. I promised him they wouldn't be another unfinished project moved around but I'd be done by then. I only had 3 weeks so I knew I better get busy! I started by just taking the thing apart, just to see how it was put together. The original material was an ivory pleather so I knew that had to go but once I was poking around I realized that the batting and cushions were in great condition. SO i decided to keep everything and just add another layer of batting over the existing pieces. 

At this point Husbandface started seeing it's potential and he got involved. While I did appreciate his help, he opinions on the fabric made that process take way longer then it should have. So we started painting. I just quickly sanded the existing arms/legs down with my Mouse Sander, cleaned it with a wood conditioner and let it dry before pulling out the black spray paint. I knew I wanted that professional look and so after a little research talking to my go-to furniture finishing expert (aka my sister-in-law Teri) I put on three layers of PolyCrylic.... First time I used it and let me just tell you? I'm in love. BEST STUFF EVER. If I were you I wouldn't get the spray paint like me though.... too many bubbles and twice as expensive. 

One we had the furniture arms/legs drying and once we finally agreed on the fabric. I started covering the pieces of the chair that I had taken off. Batting first then fabric and just holding it on with staples on the inside.

Doug hated the fabric but since this was a chair he wasn't emotionally attached to he didn't get a say, I told him if he hated it I'd sew a pink pillow or two to put on them and I'd stick them in Lorali's room... He liked that idea and I knew it's beauty would grow on him... eventually. 

After the fabric was just where it needed to be we added the black the bottom to give it that perfect store finished look. At the last minute Husbandface had to admit how impressed he was with them and decided to give it more attention by 'man-ing it up a little' with silver nail heads to the edges front and back, I loved it and couldn't wait for them to be in the new house displayed by my piano in the living room, or creating a sitting room in my bedroom with them, or at dining room table in our new dining room, or.... yeah, I had no idea where I'd put them. I just knew that I was in love. 

We'd bought the chairs for $5/piece at the begining of June. Spent $50 on fabric and batting and staples. Another $20 on paint and then at the last minute Doug spent another $10 on Silver Nail Heads.... Two weeks and $90 later we were pleased as punch with our first official  reupholstery project and packing them into the moving van.

We've lived here what 7 months? and They've been moved around so much we wish we had a set for every room in the house to refinish and update esp. for only $90! Right now they're seperated. One in the entryway and one as my desk chair in the music room. I'm sure they'll be moved over the years alot and maybe even refinished again but for now they're perfect just the way they are. 

Thanks for keeping up with us! 
Joanna  

 

 

 

Missing Grandma

My Mom was in a pretty serious accident this afternoon and it's times like this I kick myself for living so far away. I hated getting random updates and not hearing her voice. I hated myself for not being able to jump into the car and head to the hospital to sit by her side. She is my best friend in the entire world and I honestly don't know what I'd do without her. As much as I hated all the bad news and scary thoughts pouring in, I LOVE that it has all ended with some great news. She is okay! A few cracked ribs so she's in pain but it could have been WAY worse! Her car is totaled but at least she will be home soon. I can't wait to talk to her and make sure she knows just how much we ALL love her! 

Simple Saturday

A perfect rainy Saturday.... 

Snuggling on the Couch with our little ones and working on Pinewood Derby Cars before heading out on a dinner date to Shakespeare Tavern with Husbandface to see Merchant of Venice. 

It doesn't get much better then this. 

Through the Eyes of Owen

It's always a surprise to me when I go to upload pictures off my cameras.... the kids have all these hidden gems of the world through their eyes. 

Mommy w/ Baby Cameron  - - 30 1/2 wks

We got Annie!

I love, LOVE going to live theatre productions... It's my weakness and moving in closer to the city has really brought the addiction passion to new heights. Last night I splurged a little and took Lorali to Annie! We planned to go with a few friends and it was such a fun girls night out!  

We stopped at Cheesecake Factory for a quick bit then it was stright to The Fox Theatre. It was such a great production made even better by Sally Struthers starring as Miss Hannigan. I love her! I mean, Hello?! What self respecting Gilmore Girls fan isn't? She did a wonderful job and stole the show. My favorite part wasn't in the production though... it was when I looked over at my daughter singing along with the music with the biggest smile on her face ever! TOTALLY WORTH the late night to this pregnant lady who loves her sleep. ;)  I think I'll make a theatre lover out of her, yet! 

Ethan's 9th Birthday

 

Dear Ethan

This past year has been one of huge growth for you. You've turned into such a strong, confident and loving boy. You are growing so much and you have learned a lot over the last 12 months. You've learned how to be a friend and how to have a best friend. You've learned how to make new friends and even how to say good-bye to so many people you love. You have worked hard in scouts and accomplished so much, it has been wonderful to teach you so many new things and see the wonder in your eyes as you discover them. I hope you NEVER outgrow that. You've learned how to adjust in new and different scenerios and you've handled all the changes we've thrown at you since the move better then anyone expected. You have become happier this past year and you have really become a wonderful big brother. You are always checking up on the little kids and always reminding them of the rules. You are so excited for the new baby and I can't wait to see how much you will love and protect him. Your brothers and sister are going to be in your life forever and they will always be there for you. I hope you are able to remember that and apprieciate them and devolope strong friendships with them that will be unmatched. Ethan, I am lucky to be your Mom. I'm lucky to have you stay younger longer, I'm honored to see so much progress and hardwork from you. You are constantly accomplishing things that others say you can't do yet. This year you have also become more aware of people and thier emotions around you. You come up to me when I'm having a bad day and love on me, you try to cheer up your brother when he's hurt and you are always trying to get your Dad to play with you and goof off with you. This year we decided to buy you a puppy for your birthday. You have been begging for one for months and months and I can honestly say you have proved to me in just one week how responsible you actually are. You remember the rules and you clean up after her. You love her constantly and you feed, bath, walk and take her out all the time. It's been a happy surprise how good you are with her and I hope you are able to make her into your best friend.

Please remember this year, Sunshine how much I love you. You mean the world to me and your giggle is one of the happiest sounds in the world. Happy Birthday, Big Boy! 

Love Always,
Mommy 

eight, seven, six, five, four, three

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