Groan...

Groan, G. R. O. A. N..... can you hear me making the sound?!!? Well, I am!!! Appropriately, groan is one of our big boy's spelling words today. And that is exactly how I feel as we muddle thru spelling and math homework... it's the 2nd week of school, for crying out loud!!! Shouldn't there be even a glimmer of excitement and want to do good?!!? UMMMM... negative!! Jake isn't a huge fan of school or homework for that matter (and frankly, neither am I - never was)!!! As I sit there with him, I am silently saying apologetic prayers for all the heartache I know I put my mom thru as I GROANED thru my school years!!! Heee...heeee!!!!!

Moving on... This little man started Mother's Day Out yesterday! I was happy to see him strut in, in all of his 'too big for his britches' glory!!!

He seriously thinks he is like 8 years old!!! But he is super cute, so he pulls it off!! There were no tears shed on his end nor mine... just a smile and a hugs all around!!! We will see how long that lasts...lol!!!

Once my weeks even out and I get a even pace to my days... I plan on kicking the crafting juices into high gear. Here is what I have in mind... Daily Chore Chart, refinishing/revamping some ugly chairs, flowers, flowers and more flowers... oh, and a garage sale!!!!!!

Always - Abbey

another day of firsts

Yesterday was another day full of firsts... first day of school, first day of a new school year, for some the first day with an empty house from 8am-3:30pm... the list could go on!! We sent off our big boy to 2nd grade... Man, this kid is something special!

When milestones hit people always say, 'where has the time gone?!'... I know where it has gone, it has gone by quickly and at a snail's pace, it has gone by in smiles and tears, in screaming matches and hugs, it has crept by while watching movies and riding bikes, sleeping in late and waking up every hour on the hour, it has zoomed by in endless sport practices and ever growing picture piles, learning to walk then running wildly... time just goes by and sometimes we don't even realize all the 'firsts' we have experienced! Time is such a crazy thing to me, it is the one thing you can never have enough of!! I am the type of person that doesn't always savor every moment as best I could, I am too busy looking ahead with anticipation and excitement! I forget sometimes to slow down and let the little moments fill me as much as the big moments do! I think we all are like that from time to time...

Yesterday I was honored to host a breakfast for some of the new Kindergarten Moms in my early childhood group! I was so touched by their stories. I was moved to tears by some of their emotions and I was reminded of my pride when our big boy started Kinder. It was a great way to start a new school year, sharing stories, laughing, tearing up a bit, eating yummies and spending some quality time with moms just like me!! I put together these little gifts for the new Kinder Moms...

I remember feeling so lost and worried that first day (and I know not all moms are like this... my big boy didn't adjust so swimmingly to Kinder, lol)! I wanted to give them something sweet and funny (note the wine glasses on the pack of cards) to remember their special day! I think being a Mom is such a roller coaster of emotions, some wonderful and some not so wonderful (it is ok to admit that ;)) )... and we need all the support and friendship we can get! I am blessed to say I have an enormous amount of friendship and support in my life!!!! I am beyond thankful for being able to say that!!! And I can only hope that as my little team of 4 goes thru life, we teach our boys to be thankful for and realize the love and support that surrounds them!
Here's to many more 'firsts'...

Always - Abbey

Dresser Make-over

Today I am going to share a dresser redo that I did a couple of months ago... not sure why I haven't blogged about it sooner?! But today as I read Miss Mustard Seed I remembered I had done this and wanted to link it up!!!

So here it goes...

As I have mentioned before I love to stalk follow blogs!! On a lot of them I was seeing many of them use dressers as entry way or hall tables... and I instantly fell in love!!! I found this little gem for a steal at our local antique store, so I scooped it up as soon as I could (and many thanks to my momma who then treating me to it for my birthday ;) )

As you can see, not the best wood color and it was a little boring... but I had a vision!!!

Using Behr Deep Base Paint, Color: Mocha Accent, this is what became of my vision...

Totally different, right!?

I didn't take step by step pictures because I was in a rush, but the process was super easy! I sanded the wood down and wiped it clean, painted it with the Behr paint listed above (which is so great because you don't have to prime it... Behr products already have it mixed in the paint and it usually only needs one coat). Then I distressed it by hand using sandpaper...

I  also changed out a couple sets of the hardware to add some pop to it!!

I loved the little original hardware but didn't like the look of it for all over the dresser!

Here is the finished product... somewhat... since we are moving (God willing) I didn't add as many accents to the wall or chach-keys (is that how you spell it?) on and around it!! But you get the idea...

Not the best pic, sorta dark... sorry!!! I so need to invest in a better camera :))

Although I haven't redone anything since, this project made me want to go thru my whole house and repaint, distress, and redo every piece of furniture we have!! Much to my husband's liking, I refrained! BUT as soon as we move... watch out existing furniture I'm coming for ya :D

Always - Abbey