Becoming Martha Stewart...

or at least the Highlights Children's Magazine version.  I always feel guilty for not doing the cute crafts in Charis' monthly magazine, but I would like to state for the record, that I DO NOT DO CRAFTS.  It is not on my list of things at which I seek to excel.  Someday, I will bake bread, I will garden, I will sew something more than curtains.  But crafts?  The problem is that cute little smile and the "Please, Mommy?" And suddenly I'm headed to Target for paper plates, staying up late cutting strips out of wrapping paper and gathering scissors, tape, and ribbon -- the whole time wondering, "Who have I become??" 

Well, it was worth it. We had a blast.  Gwyn even got in on the fun -- usually, we only play Legos or Cooties -- lots of little pieces -- during her naptime because she's either eating them or spreading them all over the house.  Today, I was brave.  And she did great.

Charis had a fun time picking out what wrapping paper to put on next, and yes, I did most of the work.  But it turned out great!

She decided each of us needed our own (including Daddy), so we made 5 and then another for cousin Susanna. 

please ignore the fogged window -- trust me, I've tried to clean it,

 but apparently it's in between the panes -- can't wait to replace it!!

So, there you have our spring flower garden. I think I'm good for at least a couple of months...

Starting upstairs

Well, James is still measuring and drawing and planning, but it's time to get to work tearing out upstairs. 

Here's the kitchenette -- well, what used to be a kitchenette -- and no, I don't think I ever got a picture of it before! AHHHH!! I asked James to put it back in for a picture, but he wasn't amused. :-)  Trust me, it was fantastic. 

Then, it was on to the bathroom... 

That tub on the right? Used to be there on the left. He apparently did this on his own.  The only indication this was happening was the loud thunks as he (I later found out) rolled the tub across the floor. What a madman. 

I've included a pic of the vanity area (yes, littered with a baby tub and probably priceless vintage albums we found in the house -- I'll get around to Ebay someday...).  I'm assuming these sinks and cabinets are next on the destroy list.  But at least I've got a picture.

Poison Ivy strikes again...

Well, remember this??

Anybody see any poison ivy in the picture? Cause we sure didn't.  We didn't even consider the need to wear jeans. And the result?  Well, I won't post pictures, because it's near-nauseating, but James' legs became victim to the poison.  Gross, not to mention painful.  He ended up at the clinic a week later, got a steroid shot, and is currently taking a steroid pack and 2 antibiotics. Wow.  Poor guy. But boy, the fenceline looks really good where he was working!  :-)

Can you believe how much it has green-ed up in less than 2 weeks?! Crazy!