Kaitlyn's Surprise Room Makeover

We've lived and breathed baseball this past month (as I've mentioned many times) and we're either headed to practice or a game.  Kaitlyn has been a great big sister, going to everything, and cheering on her little brother.  She'll even go up to him in the dugout and tell him good job after scoring a run.  

We decided to do something just for her that would make her feel loved and special.  When she left for church camp on Sunday, we knew it would be the perfect time to do a room makeover like she has been wanting.  Kaitlyn would be returning around noon on Wednesday, so we knew we didn't have much time.  

Kaitlyn's room was pink and purple with lots of princess and little girl decor.  She's definitely ready for something different and more age appropriate.  She has been saying for awhile that she wanted her room in bright pink, blue, and green.   Here's the transformation:

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

How we did it:

I had gone to Goodwill last week and purchased several, very cheap frames and spray painted them in those colors.

I even spray painted some purple frames that she already had in her room to a bright blue.

I bought coordinating fabric at Hobby Lobby and framed them in some of the frames.  I also made some 'Keep Calm' signs to go in other frames.

 This memo board was found in a matching bright blue at Goodwill for $1.95!!!!  I couldn't believe it.  The only thing wrong with it was the missing center button.

Once again, Hobby Lobby helped out and I found coordinating buttons.

Added a little hot glue and all done!

This frame from Goodwill was spray painted Berry Pink.

The hideous 3-dimensional fake flower and mat were removed and replaced with fabric.

I bought this natural looking framed mirror along with 3 smaller matching mirrors at a garage sale a long time ago.  I never used them for what I had planned and glad I didn't.  Spray paint does wonders!!!  I used the same pink, Maui Blue, and Key Lime Green.

The baskets were white with baby blue, pink, and purple fabric liners.  I took them out and spray painted the baskets.  One small mirror from the mirror set was hung above her desk.  The 2 blue frames on the wall were originally purple and held pictures.  After spray painting, I added green fabric to one frame and used dry erase markers to leave Kaitlyn messages.

This blue wall used to be purple.  It's hard to tell in the picture, but it's actually the same Maui Blue as the spray paint.  We showed the paint guy at Home Depot the color we were using and he was able to mix us a gallon of paint in the exact same color!!!  We hung the memo board next to her night stand and hung the rest of the frames on the wall.  We purchased the bedding on sale at Target, found the throw pillow on clearance at Hobby Lobby, and also found the coat rack marked down from $99 to $34 at Hobby Lobby!  It's perfect for all her bags.

This frame used to be brown.  I simply made this sign myself and printed it on card stock.

This frame was also brown and  spray painted pink. Blue ribbon was hot glued to the frame.

It makes the perfect bow holder!  Most of the bows are homemade as well.

Of course, we have to have a monogrammed door to greet everyone (purchased at Hobby Lobby).

We stayed up late, got little rest, and used every free moment we had cleaning (3 bags of garbage!) and redecorating the room for our favorite girl.  There are a couple things we still need to purchase, but we tried our best with the time that we had.

This reaction was worth it all!!!  

Kaitlyn, you are loved!!!!

Preston's Bday Celebrations

So, our baby boy turned 7.  He had many celebrations for this special bday.  Before school was over, he celebrated with cupcakes in his class.  Since he has a summer bday, I always ask his teachers if he can do something in class before the end of the school year.  Who doesn't love celebrating a classmates bday?

Since we spent so much for his All-Star team and have a crazy baseball schedule right now, we decided to do something very low key for his party.  Preston invited his two best friends from school to jump with him at Altitude Trampoline Park.  He also chose a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle theme.  

The day before his actual birthday, Preston got dressed in his new TMNT shirt and headed to the park to meet his friends.

We only stayed an hour but the kids had so much fun...and were so sweaty!

Afterwards, we headed back to the house for cupcakes, presents, and a little bit more play time.  I have a friend I use for our cupcakes and cakes.  She always does a fantastic job.  These cupcakes were oreo cupcakes with orange tinted vanilla buttercream and fondant turtle heads.  They were delicious!!!

The kids drank Hugs juice barrels.

Blowing out his candle!

I try to be creative with the goody bags and try to match the party theme.  The kids probably don't even care, but it's still fun to do.  If you've ever seen any TMNT cartoon or movie, you'll know they LOVE pizza.  Pizza Hut generously gave me small pizza boxes for the favors.

Then, I filled the box with TMNT stickers, tattoos, erasers, balloons, and a glow stick.  I also got each boy a $5 Pizza Hut gift card.  I made green Jell-o and called it ooze.  Pizza Hut also gave me the containers for it.  Since it was only a couple kids, I just wrote out the label.  Finally, I made eye masks out of t-shirts.

I cut a 3 inch strip off the shirt (on sale at Michael's), folded it in half, and cut two slits for the eyes.  Not the fanciest thing, but I've eaten dinner with a little boy in an eye mask several times already!

 That night, Preston had practice so he brought Pop-Ice for all his teammates.  He loves to share his bday!

The next day was finally his real bday.  We had summer camp all day and Preston got special treatment from his teachers.  That night we went to his favorite restaurant, Olive Garden, and then had more cupcakes.

Preston had such a fun time with all of his mini celebrations that it more than made up for not having a big party.  Happy bday Presto Change-O!!!

Enjoying the Silence

As I am typing this, it's 7:30 on a sunny Saturday morning.  Craig has been gone for an hour to start working another busy weekend.  But he has lovingly left us each a note and brought a wonderful cup of coffee to my bedside.  The kids are still sleeping, finally able to find rest that has escaped us so far this summer.  Even our 10 yr old Sheltie is catching up on her doggy sleep, when she's usually wide awake at this time.

All is silent.  All is peaceful.

And me...I'm awake early, as usual.  I always find it hard to sleep in when I know I have a days' worth of To Do's that need to be accomplished.  I am mentally going down my list and trying to arrange them in order of importance.  But yet, I am not in any hurry to get started.

We have a busy weekend ahead of us.  An All-Star baseball game for Preston this afternoon and then a possible chance to play for the District Championship.  My stomach is full of butterflies for our amazing team.  Then, Kaitlyn leaves for church camp tomorrow.  I will miss her but we have something very special planned for her when she returns.  We also have our regular job duties and chores that need to be accomplished.

But for now, I'm enjoying the peace. I'm enjoying the silence.

Preston's Birthday Letter

Dear Preston,

Our handsome boy is growing up!  Seven years ago today, you entered this world on your own time, not being rushed by mommy, doctors, or even medicine.  When you were ready, we were ready to hold you in our arms.

You love things in a specific order.  Everything must have a rhyme or reason or it simply does not belong.  You thrive on organization and can't stand chaos.

Your world currently revolves around baseball.  You eat, sleep, and breathe it and never, ever complain.  You take well to instruction and yearn to constantly learn more.

You make friends easily and adapt to any environment you are put in.  School is not a challenge for you and you've proven your quick comprehension.

Most of all, Presto Change-O, you are still the sweet, affectionate boy that you've always been.  You love to make us laugh, you love for the whole family to be together, and you've even coined our family hugs as a "huggle".  

There are times you get upset or frustrated.  There are times you don't like what we say.  But we've learned to let you sort out your own emotions and you always come around.  When you are ready, we are ready to hold you in our arms.

We love you, Monkey.

Hugs, noses, kisses,
Daddy, Mommy, and Kaitlyn

I'm A Baseball Mom

Since Preston made the All-Star team, our lives have been nothing but baseball.  And I have become one of those "Baseball Moms".  

It started when I bought an All-Star shirt while purchasing his uniform.  I bought one for Craig and Kaitlyn too.  No, Craig's shirt does not have the bling on it.

Then when I went to get my monthly pedicure, I asked the lady to give me a baseball design.

I saw another team mom wearing a blinged out shirt, so I ordered one too.

Finally, I made Kaitlyn a baseball bow.

So yes, I've become a baseball mom.  I've learned more about this sport then I ever thought I would.  I've been to every game and attended every practice.  I've even had to throw the ball with Preston a few times (once while wearing wedges because Craig ended up being late to practice!).

I take the team pictures, set up our Shutterfly account, yell and clap during the games, and we're the team business managers.  Would I have it any other way?  Absolutely not!!  I completely love this baseball life.  Go Keller!!!

End of the School Year

The kids last day of school was Thursday, but their End of Year Parties were held Wednesday.  

Kaitlyn received a 'Ready to Learn' award.  Her teacher was always saying how much Kaitlyn loved learning.  She was always coming home and telling us some new and interesting fact that she remembered from school.

All the 3rd graders in the school received a canvas drawstring bag and signed them.

The kids played a game where they had to scoop up rigatoni pasta on a spaghetti stick without it breaking. 

Obviously, she didn't want her picture taken.

The class also had ice cream sundaes but I didn't get a chance to get a picture because I was in Preston's class at the time.  Kaitlyn said it was really good.

Earlier in the day, I had made 2 dozen hot dogs for Preston's camping-themed party.

Parents provided lots of other goodies too.

Each 1st grader received a pillowcase to sign.  Thanks to another parent, we ironed on all the transfers for our class.

The kids loved signing their names on each other's pillowcases.

The teacher put together memory books for each kid.  There were some great pictures, stories, and drawings inside.

Preston doesn't mind having his picture taken.

His teacher also put together a wonderful slide show with the sappy songs that make parents cry.  I was proud that I held myself together.  

Kaitlyn and Preston had fun at their parties. I'm so thankful to the Room Reps from the other 1st and 3rd grade classes that joined forces to organize the parties throughout the year.  It was tough being the Room Rep for both and I had to divide my time as best as I could.  However, I wouldn't have it any other way.  Kaitlyn and Preston loved having me in their classrooms each week and for each party and I did too!  And their teachers gave me great thank you gifts.  I love them!!!

Then, came the last day of school.  Always such a bittersweet day.  The kids are excited because it's the start of summer break.  Parents are excited for them and also sad to see their kids growing up.  What a difference a school year has made for Kaitlyn and Preston!!!

August 2012

 June 2013

Kaitlyn has grown, figuratively and literally.  I've seen her start to mature into a young lady and start to understand so much about this world.  3rd grade was a tough year emotionally and sometimes academically.  Although, she did maintain straight A's and had no problem passing her STAAR test.  In fact, she only missed 3 problems on the math portion!!!  We've had long discussions on bullying, manners, tattling, remembering to follow the 10 Commandments, etc.  She's cried about problems and I've cried along with her.  I never want to raise a 3rd grade girl again!!  Phew! What a year!  But overall, she's been more affectionate with us, shown more responsibility, and has really tried to help out more.  She had a wonderful teacher that coached her along and really mentored her.

Preston definitely looks grown up now.  Gone are the sweet baby cheeks that I just loved.  He has absolutely excelled in 1st grade.  Craig and I were so worried about his reading, spelling, and speech at the end of last school year.  We were prepared for lots of studying and extra work on these subjects.  However, something clicked in his little brain and he just got it.  His speech completely improved, he is now reading chapter books, and spelling is not a problem for him.  The most interesting thing is watching him with his hands.  He mostly writes with his left hand but he easily switches back and forth while coloring and doing other projects. (He also throws and bats right handed.  Go figure!)  Preston received all 'M's' (equivalent to an A) on his report card and does not seem to have any trouble in any subject.  He gets along well with other kids and loves to make others laugh.  His teacher has been great and always had good things to say about him.

It was a great year and it's hard, yet exciting to say that we have a 4th grader and 2nd grader in our house.  A big thank you to the wonderful teachers that took care of our children these past 9 months.  The school year is over and time to start a busy, fun-filled summer!