MLP 5

Maternity Leave Project

12 Projects in 12 Weeks

 

Project Five:

I realized that diaper boxes are a perfect fit for the top shelf of our closet. So, I decided to give the box a makeover so that it was not only functional but good lookin'. I plan to re-purpose many more diaper boxes in a similar fashion. 

To re-purpose the diaper box I painted 2 coats of acrylic and then hot glued fabric onto the box flaps. I then hot glued the flaps down and added a silk ribbon. I had all these items around the house so this project was free!

Productive in simply bonding

I subscribe to Jill Savage's daily thoughts and her message today was very convicting! (See below) Today I found myself texting Mike a list of all that I had accomplished... laundry, cleaning out the Christmas tree stand, putting clothes away, dishes, dinner, etc.. When I got to checking my e-mail this message really hit home.

I am only home with Owen for so long. I need to chill out with my tasks and make sure that I am finding the time to be present and bond with Owen. He is sleeping next to me right now. I love listening to each little sleepy snort he makes. Thank you Jill Savage for the reminder that "Bonding with a baby by just being present, is being productive."
 

Sometimes I need to rethink the way I think…

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 03:50 AM PST

You know, I try to accomplish as much as I can in a day. In some ways, it’s how I measure success.  I bet you do too much of the time!

My friend Jody said a post from another Mom on Facebook made her reevaluate this way of thinking, though. The post said: “I’m totally unproductive when I have a sleeping baby lying on me. I can just lie here and listen to her breathe….”
As Jody imagined this Mom being unable to get things done, she read another Mom’s comment: “Looks like it’s time to redefine the word ‘productive.’ I’m pretty sure sharing a heartbeat with your newborn is a good use of time.”

 

Bonding with a baby by just being present, is being productive. Being really present for much older kids, and my husband and friends is too. It’s like sharing a heartbeat all over again. How do you need to redefine “productivity” today?

MLP 4

Maternity Leave Project

12 Projects in 12 Weeks

Project Four:

This was just a fun project. I wanted to find some way to label our laundry baskets. I tried laminated a script letter but I had a hard time getting tape to stick to the plastic of the basket. So, I decided to make these letters to show who was whos. I was going to paint them black and make them look really sleek, but I decided to go with a personal touch for each one. This project cost me a total of $6. 

MLP 3

Maternity Leave Project

12 Projects in 12 Weeks

Project Three:

Becky, our nanny, wanted a white board to document small things that occur during her day. I searched high and low for a cute one with a frame. All I could find was the tacky plastic ones. I thought to myself, I could decorate the plastic ones with ribbon. Humm... But then it dawned on me to use a regular picture frame. I drove to the craft store and found a frame that was 40% off. Then I went to pay and the cashier had a coupon for an additional 40% off, then I used my 10% off teacher card. The frame cost me $7! I put some fabric behind it and vwalla! I want to put a shadowed photo of Owen but need to order that and was just too excited to put it on the wall. So, fabric works for now. I was pleased with this project because it helps with communication in our home and looks nice too~ win win!

Fear no fear...

In past pregnancy posts I wrote about fear. It is funny how becoming a mommy really is a scary thing. I find myself worrying about Owen in different ways every single day. 

"He has more snot today, maybe he is getting sick."  

"Is he eating enough?"

"His skin is getting dry. Is he getting diaper rash?"

I am reminded that God did not give me a spirit of fear and I am called to be confident in my heavenly Father. When Mike and I moved into our condo back in July I took a friends advice. My friend Christy told me to surround myself in the word and to speak those words over my life. So, I made verse cards, laminated them, and posted them around our house. I did not realize just how helpful this advice would be. Now that I am a mommy I have less quiet time with God. Opening my cabinets reminds me of His promises over my life. 

 And the verses are not just for me. Yesterday I sat on the couch, closed my eyes, and prayed because I just had an anxious feeling suddenly fill me. Mike noticed and when I opened my eyes again he recited one of our kitchen cabinet verses. I then realized that he too had been reminded of Gods truths posted around our house. 

 I am thankful for Gods Word and His promise to prosper us. I remember to present my requests to Him and let go of my fears. Thank you Christy for such good advice.

For God did not give you a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

MLP 2

Maternity Leave Project

12 Projects in 12 Weeks

Project Two:

So the whole nursery letter name is pretty popular these days. I searched high and low for letters that I liked. Anything that I liked was just too expensive. I avoided the letters and then I was inspired by a photo. The burlap letters at http://thevirginiahouse.blogspot.com gave me this idea. Instead of using expensive canvases I just wrapped thick foam board. Instead of painting letters I used fabric that matched the quilt in the room. Overall this project cost me $12, which is the price of one letter. I used thumb tacks to hold each letter up because the foam board and burlap were very light. Once my 12 projects are finished I will have to do a post with Owens Nursery featured!

2012 Here We Come!!

New Years is a time for reflection and for some resolutions. Here are my 2011 reflections and 2012 resolutions.

January 2011:
Babci went to heaven. 

February 2011:
Interviewed for my dream job, K-5 Science teacher.
Saw Becky off to begin her Americore adventure!

March 2011:
We found out we were pregnant!

April 2011:
Spent spring break in Williamsburg with Wojcik family. 

May 2011:
Whitnessed Heather and Chris be united in marriage!
Celebrated our own anniversary!

June 2011:
Got my dream job!

July 2011:
We bought a house!
Martin spent a month with us.

August 2011:
School started.

September 2011:
Mur and Boo Visited!
Maternity photo shoot with Casey!

October 2011:
Apple Picking with SSOR (Jennifer), Casey, and Buttonows! Yeah for apple fritters!

November 2011:
DUGH! 17th- Owen's Birthday!

December 2011:
Hosted Chandler Family, Coleman Family, and Wojcik Family! Full house of fun!


And my resolutions are easy for 2012...
1. Go even deeper with God.
2. Be a good wife and mommy.