RISE and NOT SO SHINE

I love this little guy beyond words and he is very sweet, but 5:15 AM every day is getting very old.....

TGIF and thank goodness Daddy is home!

Finally, after 12 days on the road for work, Daddy is home. We had a great day reconnecting and spending time. He rode bikes to school with big brother. He was so excited. I could hear him chattering as they rode off. Then after school, we headed over to Elitches, just to find they were CLOSED! So, we spent a few hours at The Children's Museum, had some dinner, and now having a Star Wars movie night. Not a bad Friday! One more week of travels and then we're hoping for a break! Happy Weekend!

Laundry Room Makeover {DIY Projects!}

With Max being gone, we have new found space in our laundry room. Combine that with my love of searching DIY blogs we had our work cut out for us. We started with painting. Here's Big Brother doing some prep work:

Next, I bought a very ugly and used bench from the Habitat for Humanity resale store for $20. Kevin thought I was crazy, but let me do it anyways! We sanded, spray painted, and made cushion from these directions: http://www.younghouselove.com/2010/07/lets-build-it-karas-amazing-diy-ottoman/. Here's the before and a few afters...

The coloring is a bit yellow- we have horrible lighting in there- but you still get the idea!

Next, I made a scheduling center on the wall with whiteboard schedules and a bulletin board. I also made this scripture memory "thing"- Deuteronomy 6:5-7

So, here's the final outcome! If it would only stay so organized! At least I'm trying :)

Our Weekend in Photos!

This is a little glimpse at our weekend for Daddy and the others not able to be here with us. Enjoy!

The boys do these toilet paper crafts from here: http://www.dltk-kids.com/type/tp_roll.htm

They used them in target practice (an eagle hanging from the stairs) this time!

Target Practice

Their little friend they chased for about an hour in the yard!

Did a photo booth picture with the kids after doing mini-golf and arcades Friday night

A little neighborhood Slip-and-Slide action!

and of course, the weekend is not fulfilling without a lightsaber battle!

A project for school- to disguise this teddy bear cutout. He chose YODA! I thought it turned out well!

Happy Monday!

Abiding in the vine

We did a little garden experiment this year. We started with just old egg cartons and pumpkin seeds.

Now, a few months later, they are taking over the yard! I have to go out daily to pull the vine back to our side of the fence. Otherwise, I'll be hosting my own pumpkin patch come October!

But, the amazing thing is, we are actually getting pumpkins. I originally did this thinking it would be a good lesson in how things grow for the kids. I also thought it would be kind of cool to grow and carve our own pumpkins for Halloween. But, in the process, it's been a good reminder to me. Kevin and I went to a marriage retreat weekend back in May (thanks again, Grandma Sheryl!) The message that stuck with me came from John 15: 5.

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 

This vine taking over my backyard is reminding me to make time for reading my bible, praying, praying with the kids. My days are full as a mom and wife, and I don't want it be for "nothing." But, I know when I put God first and find time to pray, read my bible, and listen to Him, I am receiving life and will bear much fruit as a mom and wife, making my days matter for the kingdom of God. 

This lesson has been lost on my kids! So far, it's been your typical 5 year old "bathroom" humor!

Growing Up

He's 2 1/2, though most people think he's going on 4! The past few months have brought big changes to little brother. The greatest being his new big boy room. We went with a train theme, thinking little boys love trains, that should be easy! Well, unless you want Thomas plastered to your walls, it is NOT easy!

So, after many weeks of work, here's the final outcome! It's all been made by yours truly and I like the final  outcome. I have a few more small touches to finish, but he's happy and that all that matters! Now, if I could just get him to sleep past 6am!

The other "big boy" item is wearing his "unnerwear". He's nowhere close to being potty-trained, but at least it's a start in the right direction. Here's his cute little "elmo bum".

Off to sleep- 6am comes quickly!

I promise this is it for tonight!

I guess I'm on a roll now! Trying to get caught up from 3 months of no updates. So, here are a few of my favorite photos from recent. I promise from now on, I'll be limiting the updates to one a day (or less!) If not, the kids and house will be completely neglected and then there will be nothing else to blog about!

Wrestling with Daddy!

Wearing his homemade t-shirt!

The day we put Max down

Sporting his mohawk!

He wrote this all by himself! The sweetest message!