A former life

Its 9pm and I am actually finished with my (desk) work for the day - or night I should say. What should I do next? Sleep. No. Go clean out that bedroom that needs a transformation very soon. Nahh.
I think I will blog about a former life. I found a folder of pictures of a couple projects that I recently accomplished and I remember the incredible sense of fulfillment that came with these hobbies. I miss this life and I don't think these hobbies are forever gone, but on sabbatical right now due to time constraints - and space constraints. One day i will be able to share this with two little boys - maybe.

I love to make stuff. I enjoy being crafty. It was the day before the last day of Miles' Mother's-Day-Out and I thought, "Uh-oh. I need some end of the year gifts for his teachers." I didn't have time to really make anything super nice and funds were low, so I picked up some cheap mugs and coffee to stuff in them, and made a little cup of Joe for each teacher. I really debated whether to leave the mugs alone or paint them. I am sure the plain white mugs would have matched everyone's decor better, but I had to add some color to them. I used plain red acrylic paint to cover the bottom and make the dots, coated the bottom with a spray clear coat, and then used clear fingernail polish to cover the dots. I left a little note to not put in the dishwasher but it may still have all washed off after a couple washings.


I made a little card to go with it that said "thanks a latte" to tie it all together and a strip of vellum with the quote "Teachers touch eternity one child at a time." I think the cards took longer to make than the mugs. I was very proud of my quickie gift - it turned out darn cute and only cost me about $3 each.



I also enjoy playing in the dirt. We gave up the garden and most of the other yard duties except mowing last spring/summer because we had a new baby in the house and that tends to take up a lot of energy. About a month ago Miles went down for his morning nap. The house was clean. I didn't have any work to do. And I sat and looked at about 8 empty pots sitting on my patio. I decided to just up and go to the Hardware store and get some plants to add life to our sad little patio. I spent the remainder of the morning filling those pots, planting some daisies in our beds, and even adding a row to our tomato garden with some watermelons. (I am proud to report they have taken off and have actually made vines. We will see if any watermelons come from those vines.) I find eating food from your own garden one of the most satisfying and fulfilling experiences out there. (Other than nurturing and growing your own children of course.)

MIA...

Sorry that we have been Missing in Action here lately on the world wide web. I don't have a good reason other than just life. I will try my best to not let a month go by without posting something again (though during the month of August Mason may have to take over.) Here is what has happened in the past month:

Pregnancy - I am obviously very pregnant these days and all that comes with being in that condition is annoying at times. Yes it is hot. But aren't you hot? I don't know that being pregnant has made me any warmer though I may sweat more (TMI?) Here are a couple obligatory pictures. I would be perfectly happy for this pregnancy to be completely undocumented with a picture but I suppose one or two won't hurt. (Oh and I got my hair cut too.)

We went on a weekend jaunt to Heber in celebration of our anniversary.
Overlooking the White River valley at Mason's 10 year high school reunion.

Milestones - Independent walking is right around the corner for Miles. He can walk about 4 feet on his own before falling over. It is very wobbley and stiff-legged but he will get the hang of it soon enough. I need a video of it. Maybe I will do that tomorrow. I have given him an ultimatum that he must be walking by the time little brother gets here.
With summer here Miles has enjoyed the pool a few times. He even has his own Wild River Country season pass. Here he is with best-bud Sam taking a break from the kiddie pool.

Miles thoroughly enjoyed some chocolate pudding dessert I made. When it was all gone out of his bowl, he picked it up and tried licking the bowl.
I seriously don't know where he would get an idea like that.

We made a trip to Camden to visit Mason's grandparents. During Miles' exploration of the kitchen cabinets he found his own little oven. He would move the little baking sheets in and out and open and shut the doors. Watch out Bobby Flay - the boy is going to cook.
(Note: the toaster oven is not plugged in. it is in storage in the cabinet.)

I promise I do take some pictures of Miles when he is not eating but obviously this is not one of them. These days, he is the stillest, happiest and contained the easiest in the highchair which makes for the best pictures. I could have photoshopped the snot out but I wanted to keep it real for you.

Baby #2 as we have affectionately called him for the past 7-8 months now has a name. Grant Mitchell Atkinson. The handful of people that do read and post comments liked this name the best. It was the name in most agreement at Hazelwood house. It has also been printed on a baby shower invitation so I guess that makes it as official as offical can be (with the exception of a birth certificate.) I said from the beginning that it would be Grant if I couldn't come up with anything better. Seems like I have given up, and I suppose I have. I am tired of thinking about it and there is nothing wrong with the name. (Why can't I get this to NOT be in italics - we are having technical difficulties.)

Only about 8 more weeks to go until Grant's estimated date of arrival and the room (which will be Miles' new room) is no where near completion . It's really no where near started. I have thought about it and even have paint chips taped up on the wall. I want a light smokey blue color and a darker blue ceiling (because all the purple is going to have to go.) Here is a sample room from the Behr paint website of the color I am considering. It's called "Light French Gray"



I have also found a painting for the wall that I have fallen in love with. I don't really have a theme to the room right now and I thought this might could go with a transportation theme or even just general travel theme later down the road. I found it here at rosenberry rooms



While I am "decorating", here are the sheets and then the graphic design nerd in me hung the picture and curtains in the sample paint room.




I am on the lookout for a cribskirt to match. The coordinating one has to be purchased in the crib set which I am not wanting to do. So, what do you think?