First of Many Projects

This bed was a project that sat in our garage for many months before I started it. It seemed simple enough when we bought it but the more we looked at it, the more work it needed and the longer we talked ourselves out of even starting it. Finally, I'd had enough so I googled and researched to see what materials I would need. I then put on my big girl panties and dove into the numerous materials from previous projects (AKA: unorganized junk) so I could reuse some of those materials and save a little bit of $$. 

The bed started as a dirty off-white color with sticker remnants and marker on it so I began by cleaning off what I could. Then I sanded as well as I could into the grooves to give me a smooth bed to paint.

I painted the insets hot pink because I already had the color that a good friend had left with me when she moved. Of course, my little had to help me so of course I let her. It is her bed after all.

 I painted the other areas of the head and footboards bright white. I also painted the side boards the same white just to freshen them up a bit. After painting 2-3 coats of paint, I applied a polycrylic to help protect it. As I did this, I noticed several areas I had not paid much attention to during the process but I talked myself out of doing it over because it was a bed for a 4 year old. (I had to keep reminding myself of that)

One of the main items I was very excited to use were boards that had been sitting in our garage for several years just waiting for a purpose...so I found them one.

I measured and cut the boards so they would fit across the width of the bed .

TA-DA!! I was so proud to see what I had made! I put a twin mattress on it and the kids began to play on it because our daughter was so excited to have a big girl bed.

This was about 2 minutes later followed by a "MOM!" My inexperience shows here because it was particle board and was not made to withstand a 4 yo apparently. Nobody was hurt, I threw the boards away, and we went to Lowe's to get some sturdier supports.

Here's the final project complete with a cute little girl and her choice of bedding.

They Still Need Me

I can not even begin to describe the guilt I feel when (yes when) I get mad because my littlest won't stay in bed. And then there are nights like tonight where she just wants to "wock" (rock) in her chair with me. She usually wants to play a little but she does so with a whisper so I let her for a little while at least. Some nights I just can't muster the energy...most nights I make myself. Because I have learned that time truly flies when you are raising little ones. Pregnancy felt like it would never end...their childhoods feel like they're flying by. I try to enjoy every moment knowing that it will pass too soon and yet I fail some nights (and days for that matter) justifying it to myself by saying "You've done more than enough for the day" but still the guilt sets in at night, sitting here in the quiet. I like the quiet and sometimes I need the quiet. Raising a child is not about my needs though...I gave up that right, right?! I feel like every day is a constant battle to do everything I can for them while still making time for me...and my husband. Unfortunately, I fall short every day. Every day I am left wondering where I went wrong and why I am unable to do everything I feel like I should. The funny thing is that I am the only one who sees these shortcomings. And so I obsess even more. How am I so good at hiding my feelings and deficiencies from those closest to me? And why do I?

Both of my kids have different ways of letting me know that I am needed...and wanted. Sometimes emotions fly and/or voices are raised. Other times, cuddles and kisses are given with no strings attached on either end. Both methods get my attention although that attention looks different. You'd think being in a behavioral field that I would have it all under control but I don't. It's hard to be objective when it's your kid and you are in charge of their happiness and childhood and everything good (and bad) is because of you. It's a lot of pressure...A LOT! It's totally worth it but stressful and anxiety-inducing nonetheless. However, at the end of the day, all that really matters is my kids and husband know that I have tried my best...because I have.

Holy Wow!!

I was sitting here reading someone else's blog post (because I have nothing else to do *sarcasm*) and started thinking about how I haven't written a post in a while.  I looked back to my blog and saw that it has been almost a year - A YEAR!! Holy smokes have my kiddos grown in that amount of time!! So here is a rundown of things that have happened...

Bucky started 2nd grade

Playtime in the pool

Kira turned 2!

BJJ tournament

Our first NFL game

Gamma and Grandaddy came for snuggles 

Halloween

Soccer

Thanksgiving

Home for Christmas

Geocaching

 Easter in Tucson

A Year Already

Hard to believe that a year has passed since this little girl came into our lives...but it has. This beautiful little being has been such a blessing for us. She loves to growl, crawl to escape us after making sure we are watching her, get into trouble, put things in her mouth (like, everything), laugh (even if it's fake), make others laugh, build with blocks, race cars, chase things that her big bubby throws, roll around on the carpet, take a few steps if she feels like it, yell "Mama" if I am not paying attention to her, call for "Baba" even when he's at school, chase the vacuum, laugh at loud noises, yank glasses right off your face, give kisses (new), and sometimes help pick things up. She is a wonderful delight for us all and everyone we meet even if only for a moment. She can brighten a room with the amount of smiles she gives out expecting nothing in return. We were truly blessed with another wonderful child. I can't wait to see what the next year brings for us.

Picture Day

While everyone seemed to be sending their kiddos to school for the first day, we were getting ready for Fall pictures. We always practice a little before school because, well, I want pictures I don't have to spend a bazillion bucks to have. I do buy a package anyway because he's cute but the photographers don't take the time they did when he was in Preschool. 

Couldn't help but laugh :)

He wanted one with lil sis in it as well

(This one is going on my wall)

Getting Bigger

Our little girl is not so little anymore. In face, she is rapidly approaching the one year mark. Holy moly! She has learned a ton of new things the past few months and continues to learn much, much more. She loves to clap, chase you around (crawling), standing up, saying "Mama" especially when she wants something, books, and big Bubby. And tantrums....she LOVES throwing tantrums when she doesn't get what she wants when she wants it. Sometimes she gets mad because we were not able to read her mind and know what she was going to want. She is also teething off and on. We have had a few rough nights and very early mornings but this too shall pass :).