Bittersweet...

I have the unsettling feeling that my boy has grown much more in the past two nights than is regularly allotted.  He's so much older today and it breaks my heart.

I'm An Admirer...

I confess here and now, I am a copycat.  It's true.  I wish this noggin of mine came up with ideas like the rest of you.  Unfortunately, I'm not always savvy enough to look at a spool of ribbon or an egg carton and think, "ha ha! Project!"  Luckily for me, there are other Crafty-Macgyvers out there that inspire me to see the world a different way.  One of these incredible muses is Miss Mustard Seed.  Oy.  She is a-MAZ-balls, and that's not a term I use for just anyone.  She's not just a decorator, she gives genuine advice too, some that I've very much needed.  Really it was this lady who inspired me to sally forth and start this blog.  She's influenced almost all of my previous posts in some way shape or form.  I find myself at Goodwill thinking, "would Miss Mustard Seed like this?" or "what would MMS do with this?"  I've gleaned a lot of confidence from reading her blog.  So much so that I am entering this humble sign into her Copy Me Challenge.

Here are the inspiration signs:

(source)

(source unfortunately, I couldn't find the direct source to this sign, but snoop around, you'll find it)

Here are my own hand painted pretties:

*Please note that these aren't shot well, I was pressed for time- had to get my entry in before it was too late!

This one reads, "library, reading is a must!"  It will go in our guest bathroom.  Cheeky, right? (pun intended)

What I like about these signs is that I painted one side with the flowers and the other side is the bibliotheque.  This way I can simply turn it over and achieve a fresh new look.

Alright, I have a long way to go to get to MMS' level.  But, I hope I'm on my way.  I really am more grateful that she lends me the gumption to do write what I love, no matter if anyone is listening.  There are so many amazing entries to her challenge already.  For me, I'm just excited that she might actually be looking at my blog!!!  Brush with celebrity!!!

Thank you, Miss Mustard Seed!

Life With My 4 Year Old

For those who may not know (which is just 3 of you right now (thanks for taking a chance with my blog new friends!)), I have a four-year old son. He's an amazing kid and for the first two years of his life, I was almost certain that I had mommyhood completely under control. I got so many compliments about how well behaved he was that yes, I admit, my head was beginning to balloon. Then, the unthinkable happened- he turned 3. My sweet boy was no more. Sure, he had his moments, but by and large, it was a nightmare of a year. Most days, I was just happy to make it to bed time with everyone still living. If there was such a thing as preschool boarding school, I would have shipped him off.

He's four now and I'm happy to report that he's nearly back to his two-year-old delightfulness. Nearly.  Some days he has split personalities and sometimes those days turn into a week.  And that has been my life these last two weeks.  I was considering boarding school again.

Then, last night, we fell asleep holding hands.  

And I think I can carry on for at least another year or so.

And just so it doesn't seem that I'm playing favorites, I also have a nineteen-month little girl.  She is currently learning to be a diva.  O yes, she already knows how to throw a good ol' fashioned tantrum. Luckily, they don't happen all too often.  She does like to play dress up.  Check out this recent ensemble:

(we're ditching the binky soon, I swear)

Also, she steals my shoes.

I love them too much.

Have You Had This Talk Several Times?

Husband, "Did you want to do anything for Valentine's Day this year?"

Wife, "Nah...I'll just take the gift and call it good."

Husband, "Oh, uhhh...what do you want?"

Wife, "I've told you several times what I want."

Husband, "Just tell me once more, so I can tell you if you're right."

Wife, (smirk smile)...sigh...

Folks, let me tell you a little something I've learned from all the cliche relationship books I've read- Men need everything spelled out for them.  I am happy to oblige.  But what's a wife to do when she spells and re-spells, spells and re-spells and re - you get the idea?  Well, I'm spelling it again- it's the only solution I can find.

Here's what's on my wishlist:

*Disclaimer*

Consider this my life long wishlist- I do not want nor expect all these for one holiday.  Kapeesh?

First up:

Some kind of personalized necklace.

(source)

I love this version, just needs a couple initials added.

or

(source)

or

(source)

There are literally thousands of options out there allowing for a little creativity.

I'd also be happy with this little number from a previous post:

(source)

Actually, I'd take any of Lisa Leonard's designs...

Gorgeous, right?

Next:


A love letter.  Oh how I am a sucker for a good love letter.

(source)

One that tells you all the tiny things you do that you didn't know you did.

Something Cusack would say.

Another item on the list:

  

here

or 

here

Let me explain, because I don't think I've ever asked for such an expensive gift (my camera doesn't count since I am starting a business right?).  I want another wedding band for each child we welcome, so yeah, that means I actually (someday) want two of these.  Why?  The nurse that assisted my OB-GYN told me this lovely story of a husband that did this for his wife.  His wife was to give the ring up once the child got married.  

If they had a boy then the ring would go to his bride.

If they had a girl, the ring would go to their daughter.

Isn't that sweet?  What a beautiful family tradition.

Please say you noticed that while it is expensive it is also simple, understated 

and one of the least expensive options.  You noticed, right?

Am I a beast?

Finally:

The quickest way to my heart is through our children.  Watching my husband get down and play with our brood is the BEST way to make me feel loved.  Makes me smile just thinking about it.

And, making your partner feel loved is the real point of Valentine's Day, right?  

It's not about the gifts, flowers, chocolates or naughty lingerie ;)

(OK, maybe the boys just want lingerie)

It's simply a day to show you someone you know them.

(source)

What's on your list?


*Update*
Cakies is giving away a $50 gift certificate for Lisa Leonard Designs!  Go here to check it out!

Are You Sick of Seeing This Yet?

 I added a few more touches to this wall.  I've seen so many of these sewn messages that I wanted to try it for myself.  They'd look better if I weren't incredibly impatient and had ironed the fabric first!  Oh well.

I think I will do a black version and leave it year round.

Take a look at that dresser!  

 My mom gave me this piece.  Isn't it gorgeous?  Rather, it will be gorgeous after it's restored.
The photo below shows all the wear.

 But look at those handles...

 And decals...

And... she needs so much work... (no bottom, no back, the doors don't properly close, etc.)

I won't be tackling this project till this summer.  Any ideas what I should do with her?

Linked Up here:

Gallery Fred Style

I know this is a mom thing, but I totally love my kids' artwork.  It makes me happy to see what they come up with and how they interpret what they see.  So I've put together a little gallery.  

Tell me what you think:

 And yes, I need to put another frame in the center- it's on the list for my next IKEA run.

 Done by my son, 4 yrs.

Done by my daughter, 19 mo.

Excuse the box.  It's too heavy for me to take to the office and I'm not much of a nagger.  I certainly wouldn't mention it to the public that this has been sitting here for weeks and weeks and weeks.  

Photos Up

Part of the joys of moving into a new home is arranging furniture and hanging photos.  This is truly something I love to do.  Bit by bit our house is becoming our home and I think these little touches help.  

This wall is directly across from our formal dining room which is void of furniture.  We have our table in the kitchen and didn't need another one until we moved here.  Eventually I will find just the right table and chairs and hutch for that room, until then at least this little space is prettier.

Thanks for taking a look!