Valentine's Day - sweet & simple

For Valentine's this years, we veered only slightly off our usual track.  We started off the day with simple treats...(balloons, and swedish fish for my valentines)

..then packed up the kiddos and their valentine's for school.

This year Caleb did crayon lego mini-figs, and Josh did crayon hearts...Be My Valentine for "crayon" out loud :) and Josh created a minion valentine box for class.

Natalie and I made ladybug cookies in the shapes of hearts (little lovebugs), and she was so excited to share them with her friends.

After school we delved into their treasures, and enjoyed pocorn and a movie before daddy got home.

For dinner we had a sweet simple dinner of heart shaped pasta alfredo, and then trophy cupcakes for dessert.

I'm so blessed to have such sweet valentines!!

Instagram Update

Things have been busy busy around here lately (OK, so nothing new) and thought I'd do a quick update..instagram style.

We had snow in late January, enough to play in, and look pretty, but not enough to miss school.  We've been feasting on lots, and lots of soup.  This fully loaded baked potato soup is one of our faves, followed closely by black bean soup and homemade chicken noodle.  With the sun rising earlier we've enjoyed some amazing sunrises, that just start our day off with a smile.



We've decorated for Valentine's Day, which means lots of hearts everywhere, and a love themed chalkboard.  I made hug & kiss countdowns for everyone in our family.  Each day we get to untie a hug & kiss, leading up to the big day..Valentine's Day!! Natalie and I have had a playdate each week on Friday with a friend.  Last week we went to an indoor trampoline, and play place, and then feasted on pizza for lunch. 



Leading up to the playoffs Caleb made this awesome Seahawks hat in support of our home team. Even though they didn't make it, we happily enjoyed a day of football fun for the Superbowl at a friends home.  I made sundried tomato hummus (yum!) and these two yummy desserts, Peanut Butter Pretzel Dip, and Football Whoopie Pies.

My busy life would also not be complete without home projects.  I finished these ruffled curtains for downstairs, and started another project today..can you guess what it is?

Printers Triple Console Cabinet

So a few months ago, I received the following message from a friend..

"Ok, I'm just curious, but would you possibly be interested in doing a comissioned piece of furniture??"

My response.."I would love to"

And so it began, we traded numerous messages back and forth, made changes to a plan she had fallen in love with.  We changed the height, took the drawers out and made larger doors, put in shelves, and changed the stain color.

And yesterday, my amazing husband helped me load it into the truck, and we delivered it.  She said it was beautiful, and her kiddos started filling it with board games, and puzzles. I was so happy to see instantly put to use!!

The inspiration for this piece came from this Sideboard available from Restoration Hardware, in case you happen to have $1595 +tax and delivery lying around.

(and a huge thank you to my amazing husband that helped me work out a few kinks with those darn doors!! Love ya babe!!)

Information:
The plans can be found at Ana-White
The stain color: was Miwax River Stone
I used PureBond Plywood, and Pine Wood to complete the build.
The pulls can be found here.
Notes:
I changed the dimensions to fit her area from 36"high to 33" high. (Entire measurements are 33"high x 72"long x 17.5"deep)
I took out the drawers, and made the doors 28" high, and the face frames changed from 34.5" to 31.5".
The only other changes from the original plans were the main box pieces which changed from 31" to 28"

Christmas Card 2012

Hoping you all had a wonderful Christmas and wishing you and yours a wonderful New Year!! Love, The Christensen Family

15th Anniversary!!

Today we celebrate our 15th Anniversary, even though he's had my heart for over 20 years.  Here's a little blast from the past, going back 20+ years...

Preschool Christmas Program

Natalie had her preschool Christmas program last week, it was so sweet.  Her favorite song was "Go Tell it on the Mountain", and "Away in a Manger".  She did a great job, and we are so proud of her!!

Here she is with of some of the children in her class/ Natalie and her good friend Frances / Singing "Go Tell it on the Mountain" / Posing for Mommy / Smiling with mommy, with a mouth full of chocolate :)

Gingerbread Men

We've been busy baking cookies, and doing crafts almost every afternoon. I grabbed the little ones (the big one was busy) and we sat down to decorate our gingerbread men. The great part is that they each get their own (and I don't have to worry about the house falling apart).

Here are their lovely creations..