Date Night with Judah Bear

As a tradition, we take one of our boys once a year or so (as they are ready) on date night with Mom and Dad, you know, so they can learn manners, how to act in a nice restaurant, and what not. The other night was our middle son, Judan's turn. He had seen his brother go to Hot and Hot Fish Club last year, which is one of our city's finest. So, we had been building up for this night for over a year. We got all dolled up and went to Highlands Bar and Grill, which is Mom and Dad's favorite, and what a night it was.

When we arrived, and our drink preferences were requested, Judah whispers in my ear that he wanted coffee (his favorite), so I ordered him a decaf. Then he moved over right beside his dad, and looked like mini-me for the rest of the night. Judah tried some new dishes: grits, grilled rabbit, stuffed rabbit, among others, but to shock, triggerfish was his favorite. This from a boy who is not very inclined to try new things. The experience was great...one of those moments where you see your little man grow a little more, right before your eyes.

(Judah took this picture)

Project White...

Recently, I bought some Valspar tinted primer in my shade of creamy white, and wanted to give it a shot. What I didn't realize was that once I got started it would be difficult to stop. This stuff works very well. One or two thick coats (depending on what you are going for), and that old dingy yard sale find is definately looking better. Another cool thing about it is if you decide the color is not right, or you want to change it, well, all you have done is prime (something you needed to do anyway), so no guilt.

I found this pine farmhouse table at a garage sale for $50. I debated on leaving the wood work, but decided the color didn't work with my floors, so I decided...why not white? I could prime it in this creamy shade and not feel bad if I have to paint it later if that doesn't work.

BEFORE


AFTER

Step 1: Sand, or course.


Step 2: Smile for my 7 year old

Step 3: Roll on a thick coat:

The legs were a bit tricky. Used a brush for those.

Ready distress a bit...

60 grit sand paper around the edges. I went conservative at first, because I can always go back and do more, plus it will get some natural wear and tear, and that always looks better.

Next item up: This little $10 yard sale side table. I had temporarily put some funky knobs on it to pretty it up, but now it was time for a major overhaul. Believe it or not, this guy, although a 5th of the size was much more difficult than the big table. Look at all those intricacies! The whole thing was brushed, inside and out with 3 coats!

After two coats, I decided to paint a little white chair ($1 yardsale find) while Mr. Sidetable dried.

There are actually 7 Rockers, and thats where I am for now, but I have to pause for a garage remodel with my hubby, so more later!

Lunch with My Heart in the Middle

This lunch was inspired by Quincy Coleman's song 'Baby Don't You Cry' because it is extremely special to me and my boys! I had it stuck in my head this morning while I was fixing their lunch. So what did I do? Grab my new heart cookie cutter and make a ham sandwhich with my heart in the middle. Simple but sweet, there was no problems getting the boys to eat!

I know they don't look too happy about their surprise in this picture, but they were! Nothings too much trouble for my guys.

The New 'To Do'

I could write it down on a piece of paper, but it will just get lost or thrown away, so here goes my 2010 to do list:

1.) As George Bernard Shaw said, "Life is not about finding yourself, it is about creating yourself." Some would not go along with this. In fact, I am not sure I am totally on board either depending on how you read it. Nonetheless, there is one way in which it applies to me. This last year, God used this quote to deepen his desire in me to be an artist, to explore what He has put in me to create, and to continue to take in and enjoy His beauty in things. In the coming year, I desire to take that to the next level - whatever that means.

2.) A lesson I intend to learn (because I have to teach it to my boys) is to be a team! Somewhere deep inside I think the premis is there. I know what it is to feel like 'I can talk about my mama, but you can't talk about my mama,' and all that really means is My People are just that. Mine. And they come first to me. With individuality such a strong pull, I do want them to know that, no matter what, have each other's back. Family comes first. Bros before, well, other people. :)

Those are the two main themes I am going with for now. :) Now on to things of a more practical nature...

'To Do':

1.) Make speghetti every week. It's the only dinner I make that the boys actually get excited about. I know, says a lot about my cooking, right? And, although I am not too particularly fond of the dish, maybe if I vow to make it every week, they will start to get tired of it.

2.) Eat more eggs for breakfast, more salads for dinner. I started this in November, along with drinking an ocean load of water, and I have felt great. It's the first Christmas where I think I actually lost weight instead of gaining it.

3.) Paint the dining room table. You can't beat $50 at a yard sale for a pine farmhouse table that seats 8, but the raw pine is really taking away from the Swedish farmhouse look I am going for, so it needs a paint job and some gorilla glue. Also, the bench and sidebar in there will require a coat or two to match.

4.) Do something with the trampoline. My boys have demolished the net, and now it is nothing more than a hazard and an intense eyesore. And since I have a wedding reception here in a few months, I really want to make the yard look, well, a little less trashy. So, what to do with it? That, my friend, is a very good question. Let me get back to you on that. I am definately open to any creative suggestions.

5.) I will float around with my head in the clouds all day long if I let myself, but I really do better with a steady routine. So here's mine during the week:

That's all I have so far. There's really a lot on the calendar to do this year as always, and I just know it is going to be so wonderful!! Here's a little preview of whats to come:

1.)A possible ski trip on the calendar (Blake has been begging for 10 years, so its finally time just to do what it takes to make it happen.)

2.)A 10 year anniversary.

3.) Sshhh...somebody is turning 30.

Decor 09

No! No! I know its January 3rd, but I don't want to take them down!!!