Repurposing

It shouldn't be much of a shock. Billy and I, aren't having anymore kiddos. There are still mornings, when I wake up, and my heart aches for a newborn. I really want a baby some days. But when we first got married, Billy and I agreed. 2 kids. God surprised us with 3!! :) And I'm more than good with that!

Our twins are now 2 1/2 years old. Getting bigger every day. They have their "big kid" rooms. And all those pieces of "baby furniture," are slowly finding new homes. But there are still things, that I don't know what to do with. I don't want to give them away. And I don't know how I can keep them....

I originally found this picture on Pinterest. I don't know why I saved it. The reality is, we don't really drink. Billy has the occasional beer with the guys. Maybe once a year, I have a glass of champagne. So I don't need a "bar cart." But I like this idea.

To be 100% honest, we only have 1 changing table. It was a gift. And something we almost never used. Basically, we'd already bought Lauren's nursery furniture. Her dresser, doubled as a changing table. But someone really special, bought us this changing table. So I used it to store lots of Lauren's things.

When the twins were born, it was definitely something that came in handy. We put it in the family room. Loaded with lots of stuff that we might need. For over a year, we've not needed it. It's become a "catch all" for the kids stuff. Markers, crayons, coloring books, cars, dolls, etc.

But I saw this picture and had a thought. I could repaint our changing table. Add some wheels. And we'd have an instant "ice cream bar." Maybe use it for desserts, candy, or drinks....at the kids' birthday party.

Brilliant I thought! Right now, Billy is working on my project. ;) It's been painted white. He installed a board to the front. That he painted with chalkboard paint. Added some metal baskets to one of the short sides. And a handle to the other. Right now, he's working on the wheels.

It feels so good. To repurpose this piece of furniture. It has a lot of meaning. And I wanted to keep it. But also use it. In a way that would celebrate it. And make us all proud. I guess, you just never know where the inspiration will come from.

~Manders

New in 2012: Bunny Cake

My new thing this week, was making this Bunny Cake. I'm not a "fancy" baker. I make cupcakes, pies, cookies, cakes, etc. But nothing too fancy. Not shaped. Not bunnies. No fancy piping.

But this week, a few friends and I, decided to meet for a "Lunch and Play Date." For us and our kids. And I wanted to make something fun. Interesting. And something "Spring-y."

Lola pointed me to this recipe. Which was amazing! Now I feel like, I should have been doing this years ago! There were a few "challenging" things, but it was overall super easy! How could it not be? You use a box cake, and store bought frosting!



The thing I learned about making this cake was, to be a little patient. :) And to bake it, when my kiddos were napping. That worked perfectly! After I baked the cake, and "shaped it," I stuck it in the freezer. Just like the instructions said. It made frosting, and decorating it, so much easier!

Now that I've tackled one cake, I might try something else! I don't know. Something fun for Mother's Day. But I know one thing, I'll definitely be baking this cake, for Easter. I'm sure my family will enjoy it!

~Manders

Adorable Dolls

Do you remember last week, when I blogged about this hat? Super cute! Well, I decided to explore Think Crafty Thoughts some more. :) It's such a fun blog! And has so many great patterns. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who crochets. :)

I decided to sit down the other night, and really go through all the patterns. That's when I found this great pattern. For these dolls. They remind me of "Nesting Dolls." Lauren has a set of "Nesting Dolls," that my mom made her. They're wooden, and my mom painted them. They were the best present, for my then 2 year old daughter. :) She still plays with them. Almost 3 years later!

So this pattern, really got my attention. Lauren just loves those dolls! And I wish that I had found this pattern a few weeks ago. I would have LOVED to have made these for Lauren's birthday. But that is just a week away!



But I couldn't get these dolls out of my head. Does that ever happen to you? I visited this post, at least 10 times. Then I decided to print it out. I'm 99% positive, that I have all the supplies. And if I start them today, I might have them done, by Easter. I think this would be an adorable addition to her Easter Basket!

Now to just find some time. Being a mommy of 3, time is always a precious commodity. Especially, when you are trying to create some "surprises." But I'm hopeful. And I really do think, I can get all these things done, before the big days ahead!

~Manders

Fast Food...

I've blogged many times, about Lauren's Little Pink Playhouse. To date, it's the best money, that Billy and I, have ever spent on a toy. No lie!

Anytime that Lauren has some money, she wants to buy something for her playhouse. When anyone asks Lauren, what she wants for Christmas, or her birthday, she asks for something for her playhouse. Lucky us, T-Lo always sends something fun!

I can't lie. The other night, I couldn't sleep. So I logged on to our computer, and started "Blog Hopping." :) Not only did I find a fun, and new blog...I found this fun pattern!



In our house, we make pancakes once a week. And on special days...like birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. This was a "no brainer" to me. I printed off this pattern. Looked through my yarn. And tonight, I'm going to start working on it.

This is going to be one of Lauren's birthday presents. :) I just wish that I could find some other quick, and easy patterns. Because I know that she will enjoy some new toys, for her playhouse. I don't mind buying the patterns either. So if you have some ideas, please leave me a comment. I'm always looking for new ideas, patterns, Etsy shops, etc.

~Manders

Inspired

I recently got this beautiful e-mail. From Lola. Very inspiring. Thanking many of her friends. She's had a tough battle. I know, personally, that it has meant a lot to her. That her friends have stuck behind her. Honestly, I couldn't imagine, not being here for her. Lola not only has a heart of pure gold. But she is the glue, that holds us all together!

Her words definitely choked me up. In fact, Billy cried as well. It was so touching. It's things like this, that make you realize, just how important friends are. Touching things like this, also let you know, what kind of friends you have.

I have to say this much, we have AMAZING friends. Friends that come together, when times get tough. I've never seen people, rally together, the way our friends do. Plain and simple. God has really blessed us.

Along those lines, Lola included this picture. That just made me think. If you never chase after your dreams, they'll never come true. If you never fight, the fight, you'll always lose the battle. And it got me thinking about her situation.



Life has not been kind. She's fought the battle with cancer. Never wavered. Never given up. Bumps along the way, have happened. In fact, literal road blocks. But she's always pushed forward. Looked for a different way, when something didn't work. What an inspiration!

It means a lot, to be Lola's friend. To watch her fight, the fight. To watch her, be the strong woman, that she is. To continue to grow. And be this loving woman. To all that she meets. It makes me realize, that I have so much room, for personal growth. A place where God can share his grace, with me.

Recently, I've just struggled with life. But I know that I'm lucky. I have an AMAZING husband. 3 beautiful and healthy children. We have a home, food, faith, love, and our health. We are lucky. But I know, that my work with God, is not over. I must pray more. Find more time to reflect. And ask God, to share his grace, with me. I know, that he sent us Lola, to teach us these precious gifts. I know that!

~Manders

New in 2012: Crafting with Felt

One of the things that I've always loved, is crafts involving felt. Before I even got pregnant with Lauren, I used to Google felt crafts. And I would just stare, at all the beautiful pictures. Reading tutorials for hours and hours.

When I was pregnant with Lauren, we moved to Texas. To the family Ranch. Near the end of my pregnancy. Right before we left, I bought a bunch of felt, and other craft supplies. I had all these big plans. But I never got to them.

Over the last, almost 6 years, I've bought so many cute hair bows, hair clips, headbands, and other items made out of felt. And you know what, it just makes me want to craft even more! I was pleasantly surprised Monday, when I found my box of supplies. I was cleaning out the closet in our guest room. And there it was. I put it in my office, and knew, I'd come back to it.

Monday night, after the kids were asleep, I took to Google again. And I found some amazing inspiration. Granted, most of it has something to do with Valentine's Day, I want to try these projects. Take a look...



So stinking cute! These hair clips have to be my favorite project! They're similar to some the Lola made for Abby and Lauren. They look so simple to make. And I can just dream up, so many fun color combos. :)



And this cute headband. Just imagine all the fun headbands, that I could make, for Spring and Summer. I've already begin to buy the kids warmer weather clothes. These would make the perfect addition, to all those new dresses. :)



This heart headband, is just too cute! I was thinking of making one for Lauren, Maribel, and a few of our nieces. I might be getting a little ahead of myself. But it's just too cute!



Valentine's Day garland. What more can you say? Isn't this adorable? I think it would look so cute draped over our kitchen windows. :)



How about some gorgeous Valentine's Day wrapping? So simple. But very cute! Now to think of what's going to go inside...



And finally, a little project for me. A fun necklace. I'm thinking more of a soft pink, light grey, and white scheme.

Do you like all of my inspiration? I actually got down to business on Wednesday night. I whipped up some hair clips for my girls. 2 flower ones, and 2 heart ones. I want to try and tackle some headbands this weekend. These projects are so simple. And fast! Can you think up, any other ideas for me to tackle?

~Manders

Petits Details

For a few years, I've been reading Petits Details. A beautiful blog! I've been meaning to share it with all of you. But I just kept putting it off.

I originally found this blog, because of Google. I was searching for some inspiration. And one of Shannon's pictures, just drew me in. Look at this gorgeous piece, that Shannon made!




Whenever I need some inspiration, or I'm having a tough day, I go to Petits Details. All of Shannon's pictures are beautiful! Her crafts, and style inspire me. I hope you enjoy Petits Details, as much as I do!

~Manders

New Project

One of my goals for this year, is to get crafty. To actually, put some of my craft supplies and gear, to use. Good use hopefully! :)

I especially, want to start creating things for my kids. Things that they want. Things they can use. Heck, I have entire files, on our computer, with saved pictures and projects. And I need to actually start working on them. The first that I'm about to attempt, is this cute hair clip.



For the world of me, I can't remember where I saw this picture. I even Googled, "Karma Box." I got nothing! But I know that this project looked pretty easy at the time. My daughters are in love, with all things Hello Kitty. And have I told you, they won't leave the house, without some type of ribbon, bow, or hair clip.

I have my felt, some clips, and embroidery thread. I'm ready. I've never attempted something like this, but I'm very excited! Lauren has already asked me, if I can make Hello Kitty clips, in different colors. Because she'd like to wear them to school! :) I guess, I should get started! What other projects would you suggest for me?

~Manders

If Only...

If only I had thought of this idea. At least a few weeks ago. Or at the very least, seen this picture. It would have made me, and some sweet little girls, very happy!



Yes, 5 days before Christmas, I find this picture. Actually, my sister-in-law sent it to me. I would have loved to make little food for my girls. But I'm just not that good at crocheting...not yet anyone. To make this in 5 days. So I will save this picture. And tackle this at a later day. Maybe for my girls' birthdays. If only, I'd had this a month ago...

~Manders

Love This Glow

It's Fall time. And I always think of glowing candles, in the cool Fall weather. But they can also be so expensive! Well, when you're looking at the ones, that I'm looking at. :) I don't just like a good smelling candle. I like a beautiful candle. When I saw this picture, I immediately, wanted to try and make these.



What do you think? I have so many, gorgeous smelling candles. But they look pretty generic. This idea, can just take them over the top. Best thing, it's pretty much free. Who doesn't have some sticks. And hot glue! Can you tell, what I'll be working on this weekend?

~Manders

Learning

"A bible that's falling apart, usually belongs to someone who isn't." ~Charles Spurgeon




Recently, in Bible Study, this topic, quote, and picture came up. I've been going to Bible Study for years now. And I really enjoy it. I'm lucky enough to live in a small community. And the Bishop, he teaches our bible study.

The thing that I enjoy most, is really learning about, and exploring the Bible. I'm always writing little notes, highlighting, or placing sticky tabs, on my Bible. I remember when I first starting going, I was so unsure of this. Lola always used to tell me, it's OK. Actually, it's a good thing. It helps you understand better.

But I had grown up in a very traditional family. You don't talk or wiggle around in church. You don't write on the Bible. And you don't disrespect the cross. So it took me a while. Until I actually saw the Bishop write on his Bible.

Tonight, it came full circle. I've had this same Bible, for 6 years. It's falling apart. All marked up. Highlighted. Some pages are smudged. The spine is a mess! But my Bible is well used, loved, and read. I know, that this is the way it's supposed to be. I use my Bible every day. And I wouldn't have it any other way!

~Manders