Pinterest Project Week: Day One

As I mentioned in a post last week, I have decided that I will tackle one project a day for the next 7 days in order to satisfy my to-do list, as well as cap off the last year of maternity leave. Today, I finally completed a project that I have been wanting to do for quite some time, a replica of a growth chart available at Pottery Barn. I "pinned" it a few months ago and since then have been plotting its completion, wanting it to be done for Colin's first birthday which will be in conjunction with his first "measure". There were a few stalls along the way, mostly due to improper materials, but I can proudly say that things turned out pretty well exactly the way I wanted it to.

See my inspiration here.

And now, for my version (pretty much a direct copy of the instructions)...



I had a lot of fun making this growth chart, partly because it was very simple, but also because it was fun to think about the way it will look in 20+ years. I am hoping for lots of markings, and lots of memories to go with them. When the basement is framed and dry-walled, I have a spot in mind for this guy, but for now, it will live somewhere upstairs...I just haven't quite figured out where yet. All in all this project cost me about $10 as all I needed to buy was the paint pen and piece of pine. Incidentally, the paint pen was not as easy a find as I originally thought it would be, however after a quick tip from a VERY crafty and creative cousin, I was told I could find many varieties at Artists' Emporium, someplace I had never been before. Walking into the store left me incredibly overwhelmed and intimidated, but also extremely inspired to tackle more art and decor projects.

Along side completing this project, I also completed the staining of our front porch, something that has been on my list for longer than I care to admit! Although I did not expect it to be the colour that it ended up being, I really like it. It warms up and cleans up the porch nicely.


Jason was able to find a few minutes to install our two porch lights the other day so the front is definitely coming together. A couple planters and a new wreath are all we need to really make our front door feel complete.

Day one feels like a success so far...I am feeling great already just to have crossed these two items off my archaic to-do list so I can't imagine how good things will feel after 6 more days! Tomorrows line-up is a little more staining (back deck variety now...pre-installation which makes things so much easier) as well as a couple new recipes to try for some of our favorite people coming for dinner. I am pumped (well for the company, not SO much for the staining) :).

Happy Pinning!

One for the Record Books.

In less than 2 weeks, I will be back at work and life will be very, very, very different. In order to celebrate the amazingness of this past year, as well as cap off a year of projects, baking and home decor, I am planning one whole week of steady projects. Next week, I will tackle one or two per day in order to finish off my to-do list as well as try a few new recipes that I have had my eye on for awhile.

For those of you who do not use Pinterest, you do not know what you are missing. Pinterest allows you to capture any image from the internet that catches you eye and documents them all in one place, allowing quick and easy reference. One of the negatives about Pinterest for me is that it is almost too much sometimes. Seeing all the clothes, food, and decor items I am swooning over in one place is almost overload. That is why I am going to pick 7-10 and just get them done. Enough swooning and dreaming, more doing and creating.

I myself am definitely not creative, however for one week, I will copy other people's creativity and enjoy it. Stay tuned!

A few things to cross off.

Ever since we got back from Florida, we have been trying to finish up some of the more dragging chores that we had left throughout the winter around here. In the past week, we have made some major progress and although it may not look like much, the jobs were long and tedious and therefore feel amazing to have been completed. Thankfully, some of them are jobs that we will never have to do again, like completing the siding on the house. Sadly, others are ones that we will fight every year, like the weeds. On a positive note, this morning we put the last piece of siding in and very much enjoyed crossing that off the list. Sure, there are still both gables of shakes to install, as well as the rock we hope to do in the next few years, however it felt great to know that at least something was finished. The siding was started about 10 months ago, paused throughout the colder months and restarted 3 months ago when the warmer weather came. The job was truly a family affair with both Jason's Dad and brother helping when they could. I will not miss this job. (P.S. the bottom of the garage will be rock, ie why there is no siding there)



Jason was also able to hook up our outdoor hose this morning which allowed me to finally plant something. My parents have been fostering this tree for us for the past 2 years, waiting to transplant it out to our house and it finally made its big move.

In my house growing up, we had an annual tradition of taking a picture by the spruce tree in our front yard on the first day of school. Not only is it neat to look back at ourselves over the years, but it is also amazing to see how big the tree got over the course of 20+ years. My hope is that this tiny little tree will become our first day of school tree, and give us the same annual picture that I am so thankful to have from my own childhood. In order to have this dream become a reality, I have been watering it 3 times a day due to our incredibly dry summer, as well as ensuring that it has plenty of encouragement. I will also ensure that the tractor stays out of it's path!

Even though we have been working diligently on the siding and getting the exterior of the house completed before September, we also have started tackling the 4 acres of weeds that have slowly taken over. After spraying them with Round Up, we waited. And waited. And waited. We are in fact still waiting.


They have most definitely died, however now need to be cut and then tilled. Soon we should have a nice, flat, weed free-ish front lawn. Once spring hits next year, we plan to seed most of it and perhaps even lay some sod so we can have some outdoor space to play and run. In the mean time, we have been making good use of the front porch we do already have, although without a railing it makes for a pretty small play space.


Our hope is that by the end of the month the shakes will be installed in the gables, the back deck will be built and the front steps will be new and improved. My hope is that my own, "To do before going back to work" list will also see its match with a Sharpie as I haven't really completed anything on it lately either. My Pinterest project #1 is stalled due to lack of proper tools, my curtains are still not hemmed due to my own cowardliness with a sewing machine and the front deck is not yet stained. I feel a pep talk coming on though...

11 Months.

Dear Colin,

Three days ago (I am late!), you turned exactly 11 months old. 11 is such a funny number. It is so close to 12, to your one year mark, that parties are being planned and invites will be sent out soon. That being said, 11 is still one whole month away from 12, and I am going to make sure each and every day of the next 31 are savored, enjoyed and celebrated. We have spent the last 11 months as a set. Very rarely did we stray far from each other and lately we have led much more independent lives. Our time apart is about to increase drastically and I am really going to miss the everyday you. That being said, I am so excited that just like me, you are starting out on a new adventure come September too. Some days you will get to experience what it is like to be one of 5 kids, and others you will get to experience what it is like to be the center of attention every second of the day...neither situation have you had much of for the past 11 months!

This past month, we were fortunate enough to spent 17 wonderful days in Florida. The first 8 were spent together as a family of 3 and the next 10 were spent with your Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins, all of whom love you so much. As seems to be your trend, you surprised me during this trip. I went in with little to no expectations of you, considering I knew the demands Disney World can put on a kid, never mind a baby, and you exceeded and surpassed them all. You honestly were a dream, pretty much from day one to day seventeen. You were happy & content on the plane rides (although in need of constant entertainment...but we will take that any day over screaming!), happy to be in your stroller to nap (even if it was only for half and hour or so a day), and a dream sleeper. You seemed to like the rides you went on like Dumbo, Whinnie the Poo, and the African Safari and watched intently at all the lights and movement. Throughout the week, your Dad and I talked a lot about how it would be the next time we came to Disney with our family and how fun it will be to see you as excited as your cousins were to see Buzz and Woody, Handy Manny and all the other characters roaming around the parks. You are going to love it, and we are going to love watching you enjoy every minute.

Our 17 days away proved to be quite a developmental leap for you as well. You are now a super fast crawler and have added pulling up on anything and everything, climbing stairs, and standing on your own for a second or two to your repertoire. Our house is now your playground and you are exploring every single inch of it. Doors are now closed during the day in order to keep your mischievous ways in check. You seem to have some kind of radar that lets you know when the mud room door is open as your beeline for it instantly and spend your time in there spilling Jake's water bowl and playing with the water cooler...both of which are awesome to clean up. You are getting pretty brave and have no problem taking chances in order to reach whatever you are after. I love how tough you are. You hit your head on something about 47 times a day. You pinch your fingers in one of the kitchen drawers about 24 times a day. 99% of those injuries you take like a champ. You are easily convinced that you are ok and and on your way to something else before a tear drops. You are also a very independent player...something I love to watch. If I could be in your head for one hour, I would choose the hour that you play with your farm. You seemingly have some sort of method where you put all the animals in the barn, and then get them all out. This is repeated for a solid hour. Whatever keeps you happy.

You now have 4 top teeth and 2 bottom teeth with more coming each and every week. And let me tell you, your two front teeth are huge! I did not know babies could have such massively huge teeth. Not only huge too, those things are sharp! Since you love to pick up anything and everything and put it in your mouth, inevitably throughout the day I must retrieve things that you have no business on chewing. Think rocks, bottle caps, earrings, you know, really baby friendly stuff. Prying your jaw open and jamming my finger in to fish whatever it is out is a constant gamble as I am fairly sure at some point you will actually bite my finger right off. The other day I somewhat considered giving you one of Jake's bones just to file those things down a bit. No wonder you cry when you bite your own finger...

We have a growing list of strange things Colin has eaten and this month the major addition was an entire tube of lip gloss. I know, I know, I should be watching you better but the vacuum was going (I'm sure by now you know my love of vacuuming), and my mind was elsewhere. I was slightly worried at first, however quickly realized that a toxic lip gloss would probably not be a very good seller and relaxed and enjoyed your menthol freshness for the rest of the day.

You and I have major food standoffs at meal time now. I wouldn't necessarily call you a picky eater, but you definitely prefer to feed yourself now. Dropping things on the floor has also become part of your repertoire. When you refuse vegetables I simply say "ok, I can wait" and I sit there for a few seconds before trying again. This frustrates you and usually you give in and I win. My make shift "discipline" when you throw stuff of the floor consists of turning your high chair around to face the wall. You do not like this. I spent the entire 10 seconds you are turned around wondering if you have any clue what I am trying to do. It's a fun game.

Today, for the first time ever, I looked at you and did not see a baby. I all of a sudden felt like you looked so different. So grown up. There have been many new stories lately that involve tragedy and children. So many in fact that I have been brought to tears over the cruelty and mistreatment of helpless children.

I cannot and will not let myself imagine ever losing you as I would search the world over for you. I am so thankful to have you here, to have your giggles and yells echo through the house, the noise of your life in my ears, my little man, my bubaloo.

Love you to the moon and back x11.

Love,

Mama
xoxo

Motivation.

Our recent trip to Florida was not only an amazing getaway for us to spend some much needed time together, it was also a opportunity to "forget" about the amount of work we want to complete on the house before September. I say "forget" in quotations as I don't think Jason or I ever really do forget, however are somehow able to put it out of our minds for a moment or two when we are over 2000 miles away instead of the work starring us in the face when we are home.

Every day that we drove from the rental house in Florida to Disney, I would comment to Jason about how I always had a small hope/belief that somehow it just wouldn't be busy that day and there would be no line ups and we could ride all our favorite rides all day long without ever waiting. Naturally, as soon as we pulled into the parking lot, that hope and dream was shattered beyond belief as I watched the other 3000ish people all marching towards the entry gates. The entire time we were away I had the same dream for the 4 acres of 3 foot weeds that have taken over our entire property that I had for all those people...that they would disappear! Naturally, what I got was crowds of people every day in Disney and 5 foot weeds upon our return home. Bottom line is this...we have about 5 weeks to get this place cleaned up and closed up before school and work dictate our lives once again.

Jason and I are both very good list makers. I especially, can make a mean list. When I was in high school and involved in way too many things, I would get overwhelmed with the endless tasks at hand. My Mom would always save the day, calm me down, and get me to make a list. A list means you see everything in front of you and you can cross out as you go. I love the feeling of crossing things off a list. I catch myself making lists sometimes just because I know I will be able to cross things off. My phone is full of lists, the side of the fridge is full of lists, both mine and Jason's computers are full of lists. This house is one big list right now. The problem, or at least what has been the problem for the past 6 months or so is where the crossing off comes in. There has not been a whole heck of a lot of crossing off. See for yourself...


We have started and made progress in a lot of different areas, however for one reason or another have not quite got to the crossing out stage and therefore motivations are dwindling. That is where the next 5 weeks come in and a much needed, revised and temporary list. Our energy needs to see some crossing off and we need to see it soon. We have had our fun, and will continue to in moderation, however it is time to buckle down, refocus and just get it done. Winter is coming way too fast to delay these outdoor projects any longer. Siding needs to be finished (man am I sick of looking at housewrap), garage doors needs their openers installed, the back deck needs to be built and railed (in time for one small person's BIG birthday I hope), the front steps need to be redone and lastly and most annoyingly, the weeds need to be tamed and tilled. Somewhere in there I hope to make a fenced in area for Jake too, since as much as we love him, he seems to not love us so much and tends to prefer the people who live across the highway.

My own personal list apart from the house building is growing right along side with curtains to hem, Pinterest projects to complete and not just sigh over and parties to plan. I am determined to get this stuff done as I do not have much hope for my desire and/or energy level once September rolls in.

This is it. Here we go. I have my black sharpie ready and my work clothes on.

Forever Memories.

It has been a long time I have written and updated this blog and let me tell you, A LOT has happened! We have spent some much needed time together, visited with our wonderful family, seen all that southern Florida has to offer, shopped for a much needed new wardrobe for Jason and ultimately just had a lot of fun. And during all of this, Colin has changed and developed exponentially as well.

Tomorrow, we will head home, back to the reality of schedules, renovations and the everyday chores that life brings. Although I am excited to get back to "normal" and to see our pup again, I am also sad that this amazing trip has to end. It has been very busy and jam packed with excitement, however has also offered a lot of downtime for swimming, naps and overall relaxation. I would also argue that the shopping that we have done has also been relaxing, however I know that some (Jason) would disagree with that!

Our trip started with the longest day of life, getting up at 4:00 a.m. and not arriving in Naples until 7:30 p.m. Although Colin did not sleep at all on either plane ride, he was fairly happy, therefore there isn't much to complain about. He loved looking out the window and playing with the new toys I saved for the ride.


He did however save all his crying for the 4 hour car ride from Orlando to Naples where he got it ALL out...believe me. At least it was only Jason and I listening to it, rather than a plane full of others. Once we got there and were able to move around again, he was much happier. Here is his getting to know his new home for the next week. Every inch needed to be explored!

The next two days were spent with some friends and their son, who has already been deemed Colin's best friend for life. Hopefully as they grow up, Colin will stop scaring the crap out of him with his constant yelling and roaring :). These two had fun together playing in the pool, and the 4 of us adults had a great time catching up, fishing on the ocean, visiting an amazing secret home of tortoises and viewing the most amazing fireworks to celebrate the 4th of July.



It was then back to Naples for some relaxation and family time. Since Colin was born we really haven't had much time to spend just the 3 of us, so we made the most of the days we had in Naples. A beautiful condo gifted to us for the week was the perfect place to do just that. We enjoyed the space so much as it sits directly on Vanderbilt beach in Naples, a beautiful spot with a unobstructed view of the Gulf of Mexico and all the beautiful sunrises and sunsets that come with it.

Except for a couple fall-ins, Colin quite enjoyed the ocean and playing and splashing with the water and all the shovels and pails he could ever want. Unfortunately for me, while carrying a bag of garbage to the trash shoot, I cut my leg on some broken glass and ended up with 5 stitches in my leg preventing me for going into the water anymore. Although it was frustrating and disappointing, the entire process at the hospital was actually quite pleasant and wait-free! I was sure to keep my leg free of water and sand and chose to enjoy the sun instead.

On our last day in Naples we met up with the same friends from earlier in the week, as well as her brother and family whom we are also friends for a day at the waterpark and a feast of blue crabs for dinner.


We had a great time to end our week in Naples and headed out for Orlando the next morning. After meeting my parents, sister, brother and families in a great rental home about 10 minutes from Disney we were up bright and early Monday morning to start our week at the happiest place on earth.

First up was none other than the Dumbo ride...could any other ride ever really be first?

The rest of the day was spent on other great rides including all our favorites from 1988 (the last time we were all together in Disney) as well as some new favorites. Even though it was VERY hot all week, the kids (including Colin surprisingly) did awesome and were happy and energetic all day long. I am loving this next picture...one to keep for sure.


To my relief, our little man did occasionally chose to fall asleep in his stroller as well. THANK GOODNESS. Although it was only for half an hour a day, it did wonders for him and gave him the little bit of energy he needed to finish off the day.


Thankfully on the Epcot day we even ran into an old friend of mine and a new friend of Colin's. Epcot proved to be just as educational as I remember it being...so naturally, Jason loved it :).



At the Finding Nemo ride in Epcot, Colin got himself into an dangerous predicament. When I showed this picture to my nephew, he got a very concerned look on his face and asked "how did Colin get away?"

I am not one to take pictures of "fake" scenery, however this "Tree of Life" in the Animal Kingdom really took my breath away. I don't know if it is because I have never seen it before (as this park was not around the last time I was at Disney), however it is truly something to see. It is massive and smack dab in the middle of the Animal Kingdom for all to enjoy as you make your way through the park.

Like I mentioned earlier, even though we were busy trying to squeeze as much Disney as the kids and the heat would allow, there was still lots of time to relax and enjoy the pool that as my nephew pointed out "was glad that Grandpa bought for us!"



After my sister, brother and families left back for home, Mom, Jason and I took the opportunity of Grandpa staying home with Colin to check out Universal Studios for the day. Stop number one was a given, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter as both Mom and Jason are avid readers.

The castle was something to be seen, looking very unique and authentic, even in the Florida sky. What wasn't something to be seen, at least I wish I hadn't seen it, was the 2.5 hour wait for the main Harry ride. We did however wait, and it was fun...I guess :). I did however get a Coles notes version of the entire Harry Potter story while in line. I probably had time to read the entire first book had I had a copy.

After the ride, we took a break for some butterbeer, something I was told was a must!


Something I found out on this trip is that my days of riding big roller coasters and simulation rides may be over. I just can't handle them and end up wishing they would end seconds after they start. I almost have a mini panic attack and do not enjoy the feeling. So instead of boarding some of the thrill rides Jason was excited for, Mom and I enjoyed walking through Universal for the rest of the day while Jason sampled some of the coasters. I did at one point almost leave with Captain America...he is very dreamy :).

Over the past 2.5 weeks, Colin has become a quick, brave little mover and has us on our toes even more than before we left. Here is a quick look at a new skill we have mastered while here...

We all have so many amazing memories that will last a very, very long time. There are so many more pictures, stories and quotes that I am sure will be recounted for years to come.

This trip would not have happened had it not been for my parents. Even though the official reason we are all here together at this time is to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary (Happy Anniversary!), I feel like an even more amazing reason to celebrate is just how wonderful our family has always been, and continues to be as little people are continually added to it. We could not ask for better and I am eternally grateful that I get to be a part of it. Thank you Mom & Dad/Grandma & Grandpa for an amazing couple of weeks. It was just what we needed and we will remember it always!

View from the toes.

Wedlake tradition reads that a view from the toes is a definite must, on all hot-holidays.

I never, ever, ever, in a million trillion years, thought I would be so lucky to have THIS view, be MY view from the toes. The ultimate of all views is looking up and seeing the ones you love, experiencing new things right before your eyes. I would take this view over the most beautiful places in the world as these two mean the world to me.


More Florida updates soon. Lots of love from the beach!