Projects, Part 2

During our (homeschool) spring break, I decided I needed to do some kind of project with all my "extra" time. I wanted to see a transformation in our home; I wanted to feel (and see) the sense of accomplishment, without spending any money. :) So I decided to work in the kitchen.

Our wonderful photo screen has been around in the kitchen for the entire 10 years we've been married but I decided it was time to do something different in its place. Again, not wanting to spend any money on this project, I used the chalkboard paint we had in the garage, painted/re"covered" our wall clock, found unused white frames in the house (then distressed them), and moved vintage kitchen gadgets that had been displayed on shelves to create a whole new wall display. And really, another reason for the chalkboard wall was to write a quote on it.

Since I took down the photo screen and also the frames on either side of the window, I wanted something new to display photos. Looking through Dave's scrap pieces in the garage, I didn't see anything I liked or that would work for a photo board but behind the garage I found an old metal screening that was perfect for my photo idea! Dave took apart the old, broken frame and cut the screening into 2 pieces and then made a new frame for each piece. I then painted the frames, by mixing some paints we already had, and...there you have it...my finished, quick, kitchen transformation. :)

Total cost: $4, for 1 can of white spray paint

Kitchen Before

Kitchen After

One more spring break project: canning jam. I've had making jam on my list for a while too. (I have lots of things on my list!) :) Anyway, I finally decided to overcome my fears :) and make jam, using my hand-me-down canner from Dave's grandma. I thought strawberry-raspberry would be a yummy combination...and I was right!!! Mmmmmm!!!!! So delicious! I made 9 cups of that deliciousness! And I've already given 1 jar to a friend for her birthday, which they LOVED! and have plans to give another away for a gift soon. I am so happy jam making worked and that it is delicious! We have a large boysenberry plant growing with lots of blossoms, which I hope will turn into lots of delicious fruit that I can use for jam! I'm so excited about the possibilities! :) Who knows, maybe you'll get some homemade jam from us too?! :) 
 

Strawberry-Raspberry Jam with Homemade English muffins

 

Projects, Part 1

I've been updating things a little in our house lately. I like to see things change and love to (re)decorate. Here's what I've done.

Dining Room:
I recently read One Thousand Gift by Ann Voskamp and really enjoyed it! From that book, I was inspired to write some new words on the hanging door in the dining room. The door has 3 recessed panels, which I had been displaying the kids' artwork in but, because I like change and because I now have 4 kids, I decided we'll have to find another spot for artwork. Instead, the three panels are perfect for these three words - grace, thanksgiving, joy - all derived from Greek word Eucharisteo. (Read the book!) Anyway, I painted the words on the door and Dave made me the wooden, pieced-together, panel to paint eucharisteo on.

Growth Chart:
This project has been done for a while. It was on the list of things to do/finish before Lucy was born, but I just have never gotten around to taking a picture and posting about it. I knew I wanted to have some kind of growth chart in the house for the kids and had seen cute ideas around. After checking out ideas, I finally decided to paint on this small upstairs closet door. Right now the bird and berries are stuck on with paper so I can change them out if (more like, when) I want something new. And don't worry, if we ever move from this house, we'll take the door with us and put in a replacement door. I'm sure I'll figure out some way to incorporate a door into my decor in another house. ;)

Lucy's 5 months

We can't believe how fast Lucy is growing and changing! We just wanted to share some of our favorite photos of her from the past 5 months (or probably 3...since Christmas). For the entire album of fave photos, check out the Facebook link below.



https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150836619298268.486703.626588267&type=1&l=d9095d951b

20 years from now...

Ever wonder what you'd look like when you're older? We did , until we actually tried a website called, in20years.com, that tried to predict what our faces would look like in 20 years....now we'd rather not know! Check out the pictures below. It's good for a laugh.












Hopefully this website is wrong, I'm sure we'll look much better as our future selves...especially Jonas :)

In the Kitchen

This week I spent a lot of time in the kitchen. Well, I don't think it was a lot more time than usual but I did get to make quite a few new recipes! (Which I love doing!) I generally am trying new recipes, more than I am using ones I know. And I recently found a new blog with great recipes, which probably led me to trying a few more recipes than usual. (I try not to get sucked in to too many blogs because then my time gets sucked up too!!!) Anyway, I added the blog on the side of our blog - Mel's Kitchen Cafe. Some of these recipes are from there.

Just thought I'd share my list with you, maybe there's one you'd like!

Dulce De Leche*
Homemade Vanilla Yogurt
Mom's Easy Caramel Rolls
Baked Doughnuts*
Cream Cheese Coffeecake*
Cinnamon Swirl Bread (made 2x!)*
Strawberries and Cream Scones*
Easy Italian Breadsticks
Celestial Chocolate Cake
Chocolate Frosting (x2)
Chocolate-Peppermint Cream Cupcakes*
Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas*
Mexican Rice*
Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza*

* = new recipes to me

My favorites from the week: the pizza!!!, coffeecake and cinnamon-swirl bread! Mmmm!!!

I have another list of new recipes to try this week and also hope to (finally!) can another batch of pizza sauce! My pots and jars have been sitting around for a while... :)

Oh! And I sewed my first button hole(s) this week! Super exciting for me! It was really easy but has been really intimidating for a long time!!!

My list of project ideas keeps growing, along with my new-recipes-list. Maybe soon, I'll be able to post about projects I've actually completed! But for now, I guess I'll just keep working in the kitchen! :)

Before and After

Time to change things up a little with Elijah's hair!

BEFORE

AFTER!

He LOVES his new cut and being able to put gel in his hair to make a faux-hawk. :) Pretty cool!

And here's some more before-after pictures...well, just the AFTER.

Jonas decided to help stir the spaghetti sauce one night but instead fell off the stool, with the sauce coming after. Pretty funny!

Tricia is married!!!

This past weekend, my younger sister Tricia got married! We were so excited to go back to Iowa and celebrate with her and Allen (her now husband) and the whole family! Here are some pictures from our quick trip there.

One night it snowed a few inches, which really excited the kids! We are so thankful for cousins who are the same size and live in MN, with all the right snow gear! After getting dressed (yes, with just pajamas (Jonas) and leggings and jeans - for "snow pants") the kids headed outside with Grandpa. Jonas lasted a few minutes outside. And Elijah and Natalie only lasted a few minutes before they decided to lay in the snow and make snow angels. :) They didn't seem to care (or know) about being cold and wet! Fun times!

Making some snow balls!

Before the wedding

Can't believe how grown up they are!!! Natalie, 4, Elijah, 6 - Little Bell Ringers!

With 3 of my 4 kiddos...LOVE THEM!!!

Lucy just hanging out, in her matching-the-wedding-colors-dress.

Tricia and Allen with proud Mom and Dad

Mr. and Mrs. Allen Wennihan!!!

We weren't actually able to get as many pictures of the wedding weekend as we would have liked since I was busy standing up, etc., and Dave was busy with 4 kids!!! :) Right now Tricia and Allen are off enjoying their honeymoon in Jamaica and we are back to normal life. :) Good times with family!