Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Closet Renovation

This closet was the last big project we needed to do in our house. (There is still plenty to be done, but those are more than projects...those are more like renovations) But, I delayed so long because I didn't know how to use the deep corner and because I had stored random things like food storage and snowboards for a long time in this closet. With baby Pepper on the way, it was time to finally move everything from the baby room closet to the boys actual room. It had to accommodate toys, books, hats, and a small amount of hanging items.  

I mentioned to my parents that I was working on a plan, and my Dad asked me to send my plans. I did, he made a pretty version (more professional), and we got to work chatting and planning. We had to make sure my plans lined up with studs, etc.

After Abe pulled out the old shelves I got to work trying to caulk everything, attempting to smooth and level out some of the wall, and painting. I am pretty sure we would have done well re-sheet rocking it (I don't even think the wall is entirely made of sheet rock) but I did my best with what I had. One thing I didn't have was hours of Abe's time to accomplish that. 

My Dad pre-cut almost all the shelves before he came. After they arrived I got to work painting them. Next my Dad installed, then my Mom caulked and did paint touch ups. It was a huge team effort and I am sure glad I was able to have my Dad and Mom available to give our family such an amazing gift! I am really liking my Dad being retired!



















Now this closet is ready to start fresh for baby Pepper. I will hopefully get some clothes and blankets washed in May (June and July are already booking up) and start stocking up on diapers, wipes, and other fun baby necessities.

It seriously seems like Abe and I just tore out the old walls and did this closet while I was expecting Crew. It has held up very well through all the play. We now officially have 3 functioning closets in our tiny farm house!


Saturday, February 25, 2017

Out For a Walk

For some odd reason, the weather always seems to cool down when my parents visit. I was seriously in a t-shirt last week and hot, and now we're bundled back up. But, we all needed to get out and stretch our legs. These kind of moments melt my heart!

We went down to see the flock of swans that had landed on our little reservoir, but they had swam away from shore and weren't more than mere blobs of white when we got there.




Friday, February 24, 2017

Happy Birthday: Crew is 7

I am so happy that we have Crew! He is a great big brother, such a hard worker, very focused, aware of others, and a joy to be around. I am also happy that my parents decided to surprise Crew for his birthday weekend! Crew and Sawyer were definitely surprised and didn't know what to think when Grandma and Grandpa showed up at the door. 

We started the day off with some muffins, reading, playing, and working. For lunch we took a break and headed to Slanted Porch. Apparently Sawyer's gourmet PB&J looked so yummy that he decided that's what he wanted for his birthday as well. 

After we came home for a yummy cake made exactly as requested. Chocolate with caramel in the middle, green frosting on top, and cookies to look like dirt. I also had to search all over town for the right tractor to fit on the cake. It was a bit of a scavenger hunt. But, it did not disappoint. Crew said it was everything he wanted. 

Crew received money, a card picked out by Sawyer with a super hero bracelet, an older camera, and a box of activities to build.  I think he loves feeling grown up and using Grandpa's old camera to snap pictures of everyone.  Crew has already started making sure everyone knows they are invited for his birthday when he turns 8.




































Always have reading in the day at some point as well!