Plan B

Normally, I like to consider myself a "plan A" type of gal.

"Plan A" being to take care of and maintain anything of worth that I consider mine.

Since our house was lived in by multiple owners before we took it over, I have no control over the previous care and maintenance of the woodwork and trim.

So, I turn to "plan B"

In this case "plan B" being Old English Scratch Cover.

Ever heard of it?

I hope to familiarize you with its virtues by the end of this post.

It comes in formulas specifically for light and dark woods.

When we first bought our house, I planned on painting all of the woodwork, trim, and doors because I thought that was the only logical solution for repairing/hiding all of the scratch work left by the previous puppy.

When I told others of my plan (like my husband and Realtor) they looked at me like I was crazy and they probably thought it too.

Enter Old English. A modern day miracle.

You may think that I am being dramatic? (I probably am) But you will get excited too just wait!

Just choose your formula based on the light or dark tone of your wood.

Shake a few drips onto a soft cloth.

I happen to use a sock that my brother left laying around during our renovation efforts. I thought it was a rag until an hour later when he was looking for his lost sock so that he could put his shoes on to leave! Sorry Drew...I am still using your sock and I will assume that you do not want it back?!

Find a hideous and annoying scratch in your wood.

Rub some Old English over it thoroughly and HELLO! Scratch hidden!!!!!!!

Okay, so now for a major puppy infraction on my master bedroom door:

Isn't that AMAZING? If you look closely you can still see the imprint of the the scratch. It's like a magic eraser for wood.

Micah's bedroom must have been where they locked the puppy up during the day...

Yes! I take a lot of pleasure in using this stuff on any scratch or scuff that I come across. I wish there was something like this for that wrinkle on my forehead?

So now picture me on a mission with rag in hand attacking our woodwork while the boys are napping with a huge pleasureful smile on my face. Anyone else take pleasure in that?

I did this treatment on our wood originally back in May and I am just now having to do it again. So that's like 7 months right? Not bad. Wouldn't this be a great revival for an older piece of furniture?

It is not a permanent fix but it is gratifying just the same. I love to take something from trash to treasure. In fact I live for it.

So a big thank you to Old English and all of the labor it has saved me as I did not paint all the woodwork in our house. (And the crowd goes wild!)

AND a shout out to Drew and his missing sock. Thanks Bro!

A New Project

Remember my post from the summer about a fabric shopping trip?

They had a one day warehouse sale and I picked up a few remnant bolts of fabric and this is one of them:

Did I mention that each bolt was $4.00? Yes, $4.00 for however much was on each bolt! This one has approximately 4'ish yards. I snapped it up quick (it was one of those kind of sales) The color caught my eye immediately. It is a perfect compliment to my new bedding.

The fabric is a Duralee! Don't you love how different the pattern is?

Bold, modern, free spirited and feminine...

You know? The adjectives that I would hope someone would use to describe me...

The plan is to slice it down the middle (it is 60" wide), line it, and make 2 symmetrical drapery panels to hang on either side of the window in my master bedroom. To keep it even simpler and get as much height out of this fabric as possible I am thinking of using clip rings at the top to hang them.

So, what do you think?

And furthermore...Should we paint the walls?

Check out the finished look here.

Morning Baby

Micah normally wakes up happy! That makes for a happy mommy.

He dances when I come into the room.

Okay, so I was wondering why this part of the crib is so worn?

And this part too.

Trying to get to Big Brother.

Top of the morning to ya!

Now you know why Micah was trying to get out.

Luke making airplane noises with his mouth.

My "boy" morning.

Drying Herbs Can Be Frugal and Easy

This summer I watched an old Martha Stewart episode. She was drying herbs with the greatest of ease. I was floored with how easy it really is. I mean she has a knack for making anything look easy but this really is easy!

You can use herbs from the store or your own homegrown herbs.

Rinse all of your herbs and pat dry with a towel. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and preheat oven to 200 degrees.

Place the baking sheet in the oven until herbs are dry and crumbly to touch. I left these in about 40 minutes. You will have to adjust this according to your herbs/baking sheet etc.

Did I mention that rosemary is one of my favorite smells? Yes, I love the smell of rosemary baking!

When it is thoroughly dry, start to crumble the leaves with your fingers. The herbs will literally fall apart at your touch.

Crunch the leaves into a pile and throw away the stems.

Store your newly dried herbs in an airtight container. I keep mine in repurposed baby food jars.

I love rosemary on my eggs in the morning.

So easy and rewarding!

New Tricks

Without further ado...Micah's newest and biggest trick yet:

Standing alone!

He is a sturdy one and Luke thinks it is so "cute" (his words) and funny! He immediately said: "Can Micah jump up and down like this?" Luke could be his biggest fan!

Luke wanted to give Micah a bath for the first time:

It was funny to watch them interact in this way. Big Brother taking care of baby. Isn't it nice to feel needed?

Micah likes to grab the washcloth and put it in his mouth but Luke took charge and said nice things to Micah like "this won't help a bit" and "everything works out if you just have money." Luke has perfected some of the more (or less) classic American phrases.

Gettin clean.

Poor baby was a little wetter than usual.

Luke watched me make my bed and was inspired to make his own! I guess all that "modeling correct behavior" stuff pays off? Only time will tell.

Mr. Mouse got all tucked in as a bonus.

See? Hard work can make you feel pretty darn good about yourself!

My Kitchen Helpers

Luke has been wanting to wash dishes lately.

I let him...even though it stresses me out.

I've been reading "Preparing Him for the Other Woman" by Sheri Rose Shepard. If you follow the link and feel like a good cry listen to the audio clip "His Mighty Warrior" at the top of the page. The book is "a mother's guide to raising her son to love a wife and lead a family"

I am privileged to be the first woman in both of my sons lives and I know that I am not the last. If Luke is going to offer to do something around the house I better encourage it and give him some praise! Even if he is just playing at housework I can always hope that someday he can bless his wife with this background knowledge, right?

Baby Micah does not want to be left out!

He did what was at his eye level.

Unloading a drawer.

And then loading it back up again!

Luke helped me by spraying off Micah's high chair tray.

My 2 helper boys!