Technical Difficulties ;0(

I am sad to say that this blogger is being forced to take a time out. 
Unfortunately, my computer is down so I am having to use someone elses to send this little note.
Until we "read" again WifeyMom Peeps...

Home Schooling Mom Continued...

As I mentioned before I have researched the subject of home schooling for the past 2.5 years.  I tell you that so that you understand that we did not just arrive at this decision overnight.  I also tell you this so that you can understand that arriving at this decision should be preceded by lots of research and consideration.  After gathering the info our decision was further solidified by a visit to the local campus for Classical Conversation.  I'll tell you more about Classical Conversation in depth and why we chose it's curriculum in a later post.  When I arrived I was greeted with friendly warm smiles.  There was clear structure and the children were so bright.  The class I sat in on was a class of 3rd and 4th grade boys.  They were reciting Latin, multiplying by 14, reciting times in history starting with the Crucifixion and doing class presentations.  Sounds like a lot of work?  Nope, it was short fun facets of the same class.  They were singing songs and acting out memory verses and all in a laid back setting.  Most importantly, they were having a blast!  I was have a blast as well.

The process is simple.  You get together once a week at the campus, usually a church.  There is an initial assembly to start, where learning is taking place.  Then you break up into groups.  The trained tutor conducts the class and introduces the information to you and your student.  You then take the resources acquired from Classical Conversation and put it with your own creative resources and teach you kids.  You have a support system, you have a network of other parents, and you have accountability.  Best of all, you have a child excited about learning!  The financial investment is minimal in comparison to the benefit.  It is God centered learning that teaches them the way they learn.  I am so pleased and look forward to beginning before years end.  I can not wait to see my children flourish as I teach them what God has led me to teach them.
I'll give you more info in a late post on Classical Conversations as a whole.

Home Schooling Mom

Well folks, I come to you today to speak on a subject that is taboo in some circles.  It's Home Schooling.  I for one NEVER thought I would even consider it.  I certainly didn't think I would actually be preparing to do it.  Yep, It's true.  After 2.5 years of research, and by research I mean looking for a good reason not to do it, I have found nothing but benefits. 

But first, a bit about my opinions of public school education:

I have an 8 year old son that has been in public school for 4 years.  He is and has always been a top notch student.  He works for it but in the end he achieves mostly A's and some B's. 
However, I have always picked up on a trend in his learning process through public education.  The curriculum seems to be geared towards a standardized way of learning.  They subscribe to the belief that there is this "On Best Way" approach to teaching.  There are some moving around and incorporation of additional schools of thought but the basic premise is the same.  There is a pattern of teaching that is taught so that it is measurable on a grand scale.  A formula, if you will, that when followed will produce a magic number by which a child, class, teacher, grade, school, or district can be quickly assessed for worthiness of resources.  The system expects a child to rearrange and conform to the expectations of it's stipulations.  Oh but my friends, I submit to you that it should be the other way around.  The system should be changed to better suit a child's needs.  But how can you with so many children to reach.  Let's be clear.  We are talking about students that make A's & B's that struggle taking a standardized test.  It's sad to see your child that was in love with math last week despise it this week.  The suggestion of ADD/ADHD is thrown around far to much since now the system is frustrating the very teachers it has set up to support.  They are often times looking for that one quick fix.  As I step down from my box of soap, I am relieved to have opened my heart and mind to the final answer.  Home Schooling.

Tune in again to hear the rest of the story.  Including more about Classical Conversations.

Are you a GPS?...Grocery Positioning System

It takes tenacity to navigate a grocery store at 3:30 pm on a school day.  There is no shortage of obstacles and distractions from the path in which you tread.  And if you are doing this with a 3 year old and an 8 year in tow, oh ho ho ho, yeah you da bomb.com.

Easing in and out of different aisles with stealth precision as you narrowly escape the granny giving out samples of "Sugar O's".  You know that sugar dipped caffeine crunchy goodness in cereal form that is sure to have a 500 pound adult up and bouncing for 3 days, much less your two little boogers.  Yep, you manoeuvre past the toy aisle unbenounced to your kids.  It requires heart, sticktoitiveness, and focus.  You've got 30 minutes to get your bag of salad,  potatoes and chicken breast before your shopping time cuts into homework time.  You are moving and shaking, bobbing and weaving.  As the stars align with Jupiter and Mars you get in a no wait check out line and complete a speedy checkout.  As you run past the "kid shopping rewards" machine you screech towards the exit where you get a high five from the sausage sampler lady and a chest bump from Mr. Door Greeter himself.  With kinetic energy on your side you hop onto the cart and let it's force propel you to the back hatch of your SUV.  Your 8 year old jumps out, throws the bags in the back while your 3 year old snaps right into his car seat.  The kids are buckled, the basket is out of the way and as you're leaving, through your rear view mirror, you can see the entire parking lot erupt in sensational applause. You have completed your mission and are on your way.  You did it!  You didn't win the lottery but the exhilaration and excitement is no less meaningful.  Take a bow, Mommy Dear.  You are on your way......To start the arduous multi-task of preparing dinner and completing homework, in a single bound. Lol!

You are woman and I hear you roar.  You are a super hero.  You Are A WifeyMom!!!

Are you a GPS?  Do you find yourself dreading the grocery store?  Tell me your funniest or not so funny grocery store experience.

Blogger Break...Taking a break from blogging today. See ya tomorrow WifeyMom readers ;0)

When That Time Comes

I was taking a moment to think of my boys and their future.  I know there will be a day when my current role will change.  I will go from primary caregiver to stand by advisory.  I tear up when I think of the day that they will go off to college, get married, and become parents of their own.  It's bitter sweet because it is exactly the crescendo that I have worked up to for so long.  I have long prepared my heart to receive my daughters-in-law.  I have prayed many nights for their mothers.  I have called them "awesome husbands" and "wonderful fathers" while they lay sleeping.  God has shown me little snap-shots into their futures and I am proud to be a part of it.  I look forward to all the different dimensions that God has set in place for my life.  But for now, I will relish in every moment as their main source, second only to God.

A poem/declaration written for my boys:

A Note To My Sons:

I am a WARRIOR Parent. Being your friend, dressing you in the best brands, helping you travel the world IS NOT in my job description. I am commissioned by God to give you the love and direction that makes you a great father, godly husband and compassionate leader. Thereby forfeiting my selfish desire to keep you from being sad and giving in when you cry. My reward...watching as your maturity and revelation not only out shines that of your peers but noticing how it serves as a bar by which others will measure their progress. I accept being unpopular, unconventional, and undesirable. I die to myself as I cry to myself when trading in your beautiful smile for the reality of inhibiting you from doing what ALL your friends do so freely. I don't know all the rules automatically. Therefore I posses the humility to apologize when I mess up because in that action I also teach you strength of character. We spend more time cuddling and smiling than we do crying. But it is the times that you may not like me that also shape you as a man.
Do I focus on this too much? Am I obsessed with the task that I have been given? Am I over zealous in the site of your growth or decline?
YOU BET I AM!
I Love You, So I Raise You To The Status Of King Not Peasant!
I am honored to be the Mother of Men!
-Alana Rene' Higginbotham Feb '10

Don't Beat Yourself Up

While navigating this treacherous terrain called motherhood, one can easily get caught up.  By that I mean it's easy to focus on what others are doing well in comparison to what you are doing not-so-well.  Self doubt can be crippling.  It can have words of discouragement swirling around in your head and creating a tornado cornucopia filled with missed opportunity and misguided criticism.  Well, point blank, they are all lies.  Quit frankly, if you couldn't do this job you wouldn't have been hired.  No everyone is not deserving of it and no all moms don't take care to hone their craft but that's not you.  You're the mom that just last week pulled over at a gas station to help an elderly woman fill a gas can that she was having trouble with.  That mom that thought enough to text or call the PTO President after you heard the family dog died, that's you.  The neighbor lady that moved the neighbors trash can out of the street just before the delivery guy pulverized it with his dually truck, yep, that's you again.  So what you're not always on time or you forget to send the field trip money in before the deadline. 

There are plenty other things you excel at.  Now I am not advocating that you shouldn't try to improve yourself in certain areas.  However, relish in the fact that you know your flaws.  I mean if everyone had no areas for improvement we could all just head up to the heaven right now. 

It's important to prioritize your life.  If you are the kind of person that needs a schedule, Use one.  If you are the kind of person that doesn't use a schedule, Use one.  (I'm taking my own advice on this one)  I mean, everyone doesn't look like this while they are cleaning:

The main point is this: For a person with no on-the-job training (or any training for that matter), no checks and balances system and no ongoing evaluations to measure your progress you are doing pretty darn good. (excuse my language).  So keep  your head in the game and run for every touch down that comes your way. (sorry it's football season at my house)  Until next time WifeyMom peeps...

Tell the truth, you wanna smack her don't you? 

Happy Mom...

Nuggets Of Wisdom

Never lend out anything you are not willing to lose...

The Aftermath of a Morning Gone Right

WifeyMom Readers what a morning it was to behold on yesterday.  Before I get into the details let me issue a disclaimer:  If you have ever thought to yourself, "Gosh I love reading Alana's posts, I hope she doesn't run out of things to write about."  Pah, ha, ha, ha!  I can assure you that will never happen.  My life is one big blog post just waiting to happen.  NOW! On to the show!

Now, you should know that when my cell phone rings my boys have a habit of stopping whatever they are doing to bring it to me.  This is no matter what I am doing or Where I am doing it.  It is sometimes welcome but most times unnecessary. 
Back to the story, my cell phone rings while my oldest is supposed to to be finishing his spelling homework that morning.  After the first ring I can clearly hear him yell, "Moooooooom!"  I quickly cut him off by replying, "Son, just leave the phone alone.  I'll get it later."  My son, "But Mooom, there is smoke in the kitcheeen!"  "Smoke in the kitchen?!?!?!", I thought. 

I ran to the kitchen and the waffles that were in the toaster for my little guy were in flames.  Yes I said FLAMES people.  I quickly unplugged the toaster.  The kitchen was filled with smoke along with the rest of the house.  The waffles had popped up just enough to slightly raise out of the toaster but not enough to turn off the heating element.

Exhibit A:  The Naughty Toaster

She's given us lots of years, that little toaster.  But alas, her tour of duty has ended.  Fairwell Oh Family Dollar toaster.  Also, I love how this pic gives the illusion of a clean stove top.  Ahh, perception, lol.



Exhibit B:  The Senged Waffle Remains

The center of that waffle was white hot!



If you're wondering why the post is titled "The Aftermath of a Morning Gone Right" it's because even after this epic travisty I was totally unphased by it.  And that is because hours before this fiasco I started my day with prayer and then some quiet alone time.  That's right before I started a day filled with being needed by others I had alone time with God and then alone time to myself.  It TOTALLY centered me.  I have been waking earlier in the morning to pray consistantly for about 2 months now.  It has made a world of a difference.  However, yesterday I woke up earlier than my alarm and decided to just stay awake and start the day.  That gave me the extra time I needed to add alone time to my prayer time.  Because of that, a day that I anticipated to be a struggle was easy breezy.  I plan to make a habit of adding that quiet alone time to my day.

Do you have time or want to make time to rise earlier?  What would you or do you do with your extra time?

Whatever you do, make it a great day folks.

Quality Time with the Hubby

With our days sometimes running together we can forget the importance of quality alone time with our hubbies.  It is easy to get so involved with the kids and other activities that we put our husbands on the back burner or not on the stove top at all.  Just like many other things in my life, I find that this challenge is best overcome by making it simple and going back to the basics.  "Date night" doesn't have to mean going to a restaurant or a night out.  Go back to the beginning of your relationship and relive what things you two crazy kids in love did when you were dating.  Take a hint from some of the following simple Date Night In Ideas:

Car Courting: After the kids are in bed (and ASLEEP) sneak into the garage and sit in the car with the music on and talk the night away or whatever else you may have done when you were dating. 
SIDE NOTE TO MY DAD: We listened to music and mostly prayed while we were alone in the car back then. 
Oh and if you are gonna have the car running while in the garage please, please have the garage door up, safety first.

Indoor Romantic Picnic: Feed the kids early one night and save your dinner for after they are in bed.  Once the little balls of energy angels are in bed and asleep lay a blanket on the floor in the family room, living room, etc. and have your dinner picnic style.  You can even add a little music.

Starlight Movie Night: Brace yourself for this one girls there is a lot of cuddling involved.  Set up a new movie to watch in the comfy confines of your bed.  Use the popcorn recipe that I previously posted and you are set for a relaxing evening together.  And hey, with any luck you won't even be able to finish watching the movie........because you will have fallen asleep!  Geesh, stay on topic people, lol.

These are just a few creative ways to spend time with your Prince Charming.  They are cost effective, time friendly and focus more on the quality of time spent.

Marriage is like a fine automobile.  With the right on-going maintenance and regular tune-ups it will serve you well.  I love my Sweety!

He always has been and still remains the best friend I've ever had.

I love him xoxox

The No Sew Window Treatments

Hello WifeyMom Followers,
Today I bring you more crafty ideas from the mind of WifeyMom herself...Me.  I have had a project on the cutting room floor of my mind for sometime.  It has evolved a few times for one reason or another.  I am talking about my family room window treatments.  Although we are working with a bit of color in the room with the nice dots on our chairs and ottomans I still felt it needed some pop of color. (and so did the hubby for that matter)  After much consideration, I decided on simple drapery panels that would frame our sofa.
I also decided, after not much consideration at all, that I did not intend on taking out my sewing machine to do the job.  So I went out and had some custom made, NOT!  Come on folks, they're only two panels not a full on widow covering.  Keep on reading to see how I achieved this.


My Supplies:

Lay out your fabric and measure to the desired length then cut.

Now fold over all your edges and glue them.

Let stand for glue to dry.  Since there are 12 clip rings I put 6 on each drapery panel. (And she's good at Math too!)
I hung the rod, then the drapes on the rod and Tah Dah!

Please forgive the not so great pics.  But I still love my drapes!

Do you have any windows that need an accent?  Are you daring enough to try this method?  Tell me your thoughts.

The Journey of the Entertainment Center

Oh the projects, they are never ending...And I love every minute of it!
Now, the entertainment center area in our family room has been ever changing.  Here are a few pics of its metamorphosis:

The Early Years...

Saddening I know, But don't you cry for me Argentina because

 wait til you get a load of the finished product.

This little beauty was a piece that I refurbished and showed to you in a previous post. 
It was my mother-in-law's dresser when she was a kid.

I absolutely love this as my entertainment center.  Aside from the one-of-a-kind look it has sentimental value.  However, it gets lost on the wall much like that poor excuse for a TV stand in the first pic.

My hubby gave a Diaper Party for a friend of his that was expecting a baby.

Just wanted you to know that we don't usually keep diapers and gift bags

stacked next to the TV in our family room, lol. 

Oh and I'm not sure who those poorly moisturized feet belong to. 

Surely one of the party goers.

So what's a girl to do?  Why use what she's got on hand of course.  My hubby had this one lonely speaker in our family room because the "mate" to it was acting as an end table of sorts upstairs, with its non-operational self.  So I brought it downstairs from the game room to create some semitry (that I am normally against).  Along with two lamps from a set I already had and two of the panels from a 3 panel screen/divider that was hiding out in our garage.  I also had a pretty iron piece that was intended for the foyer.  I put it all in place where it made the most scence to me and here it is...

*Que the Stevie Wonder music* "Isn't she looovelyyyy, Isn't she wooonderrrful..."
Ahhh, big sigh!  I love it.  It's just the right presence for the wall size and it was all re purposed.  Here are a few more pics...cuz I am in fun-i-chu LOVE with this set up!

Mmm, hmm, I see ya looking at those drapes on the far right...Well, don't worry your pretty (or handsome) little head, there will be a post on them soon, The No Sew Window Treatments.

Stay on the look out for more Do It Herself posts and Before & After pics of it all.
Stay Inspired ;0)



Artistic Expression...Removing Crayon Marks From A Door

Well, well, well...I have added yet another line to my resume.  Graffiti Removal Specialist. 

I'll begin the story back a few months ago when it actually started.  Let's walk down memory lane, shall we?  A few months ago I laid the little guy down for a nap.  It seemed to be quiet up there.  My mind wanted to believe that the silence was from his quiet angelic slumber.  (stop kiddin' yourself chick) But, I went on to finish my "nap time tasks".  When it was time to wake him up I sat on the edge of his bed and sweetly kissed him.  "Did you have a good sleep?" I said.  "Yes, mommy and did I blue on da door" he replied.  "Oh, blue on da door? Ok"  I mumbled.  I had no idea what he meant.  That is until I turned around to leave the room with him and saw this on the closet door....

Did I blue on da door Indeed!  I have to admit, when I saw this little work of art I was so discouraged.  The first thought I had was, "As if I don't have enough to do!"  My shoulders sunk down and I just imagined how hard it would be to get it out.  I even tried one product in particular that I was certain would work.  But, no luck.  For those of you that don't know me, I am an advocate for natural products in the home.  My hubby has asthma & eczema and my little guy has eczema.  All this adds up to the seriousness of keeping an environmentally friendly home environment.  I have tried other products but I really needed something more powerful than what I was using.  The stuff that I tried first did not even so much as budge that blue Picasso.  So alone on the door it sat for a long while.  Then I found out about this little gem.

Sol-U-Mel Stain Remover by Melaleuca

It's made by a company with a funny name but an awesome line of products.  It boasts of the ability to get rid of all types of stains and mistakes.  So I put it to the test and these are the results.

I am so pleased to say the least.  And the little guy has been introduced to art paper.  It even left his room smelling so fresh and not perfumy or chemically.  If you are interested in the product and where to get it just contact me by commenting on this post.  I can set up your shopping account and you can order directly from the company.  What can I say, the hubby and I are so impressed by the company that we are now building our own business by referring other customers to the company...And we are excited about it.

Tootles to you all  ;0)

WifeyMom Makeup

As moms, we have a lot to focus on.  This can sometimes mean that we lose focus on ourselves.  But it doesn't have to be that way.  If you are like me, your mind can sometimes magnify a task to proportions beyond your grasp.  Even the simplest thing that comes easy to others can just completely escape your control.  And what do we do with those tasks?  We delete them, that's what!
Prettying your self up can seem to be daunting but like anything else if you put a system in place it becomes easy.  As a part-time makeup artist & fashion stylist I have helped women to find their own style that works for their life.  One of which is a quick makeup regimen that makes a huge difference.

Now let's get something straight first.  I am not telling you that you need to parade around the house fully made up in lace and stilettos with a furniture duster in hand. (Not unless it's your anniversary or something)  Because if you are a delivery person or repairman and you visit my house during the weekday in the middle of the day this is who will be answering the door...

I know what you're saying.  She.Is.A.Fox.  But try to contain yourselves and follow along.

But if you were a hostess or a waiter in a restaurant, this is the chic that you will meet...

Hally Berry, Who? Lol ;0)

It's quit a contrast between the two photos but the process to get from one to the other is quick and simple.  Look to find your own fast and friendly routine.

Here is mine...

The Tools:

For this particular look on this particular day I didn't use any eyeshadow on my eyes.  It takes less than 10 minutes.  After you have washed & moisturized your face you can begin the following steps. Hint: Using either a face primer after your moisturizer or a moisturizing face primer in place of the moisturizer will help your foundation stay longer.  It will also allow you to use less foundation.

1. Using the face brush, dust your powder foundation all over your face until your desired coverage is reached.
2. Fill in your eyebrows with an eyebrow pencil
3. Line your top and bottom lids as close to the lash line as possible.  This gives a more natural look.  Tip: You can skip this step if you like.
4. Apply mascara to upper and lower lashes by starting at the base of the lashes closest to the lid then wiggling the wand as you go to the end of the lash.
5. Using the blush brush apply blush starting at the apples of the cheek and lightly sweeping toward the ear.
6. Line your lips then apply either lip gloss or lipstick and gloss.  You can also skip the liner.  However, the liner allows the lip color to last longer.

DONE!

WifeyMom Uniform

It takes time and thought to put together an outfit that is not only presentable but a bit stylish as well.  But most days there is no time or thought available for such a thing.  With the hubby's schedule, the kiddos to look after and church activities that is the furthest from our minds.  That's where the WifeyMom Uniform comes in handy.
Once, for a brief moment in time, I noticed my fashion consciousness slipping.  Now this may seem trivial to some.  But the way you look is important.  Also, when you look better you feel better.  You can remain comfortable and stylish at the same time.  To achieve this all you need to do is take a look at your life and your life's activities.  Pick fabrics that are comfy, a fit that is easy to move around in and flattering to your figure.  But, most importantly pick items that are budget friendly.  Remember that just because you have the money to spend doesn't mean you have to pay top dollar.  Shop smart.

Below is a page taken from a "Style Diary" that I prepared for one of my clients.
These are her summer choices

She is a Stay-At-Home Wife & Mom and a student.  She has a side business that she is building on a part-time basis.  Because of this she does a lot of networking and meeting people.  Her daughter is just over 12 months.  All of the items on her "suggestion page" are interchangeable.  All of the tops go with all of the bottoms.  All of the accessories coordinate in some way with each outfit including the dresses.  The shoes also work with every out fit and are comfortable for any activity.  They are all made of nice, easy to care for fabrics that are easy to wear for a mom on the go.  You'll notice that the bracelets, necklace, and rings are stack able or multi-strand.  This feature gives you the chance to wear one for a simple casual look or more for a dressy less casual look.  This page from the Style Diary is just a visual example that can be taken with you to any store.  You can use these examples in any price point.  So from Ross to Rodeo Drive you are set to be stylish with no compromise on comfort or cost.

What are your thoughts?  Do you have a WifeyMom Uniform that you wear?  Tell me all about it.

No Kernel Left Behind

A few months ago I found a quick and easy method of popping corn on the stove.  It yields almost every single kernel popped.  No more trial and error for me.  It's quick and easy...
(scroll to bottom to see full recipe without pics)

Stove Top Popcorn

1-3 Qt Pot with lid

3 Tbs of Grape seed Oil

1/3 Cup of Popcorn Kernels

(I keep mine in the freezer for freshness)

*Pour oil in pot on the stove

*Place 4 of the kernels into the oil and cover with lid

*Turn on fire to medium heat

*Stay close and listen for the 4 kernels to pop

*Once the kernels pop, pour in the remaining kernels, and cover with lid, then remove from heat

*Count out 30 seconds and return to medium heat

     -The kernels will begin popping almost simultaneously

*Once the pops slow down and you can count 7-10 seconds with no popping sound then it's ready

*Remove from heat, uncover and dump into bowl

 -If you want butter just put into popping pot while it's still hot

-I add a sprinkle of garlic powder & lemon pepper ;0)

This recipe is ideal if you plan on making Carmel Corn or popcorn balls.  Hope you like it. 

*************************FULL RECIPE WITH NO PHOTOS***************************

Stove Top Popcorn

1-3 Qt Pot with lid

3 Tbs of Grape seed Oil

1/3 Cup of Popcorn Kernels (I keep mine in the freezer for freshness)

*Pour oil in pot on the stove

*Place 4 of the kernels into the oil and cover with lid

*Turn on fire to medium heat

*Stay close and listen for the 4 kernels to pop

*Once the kernels pop, pour in the remaining kernels, and cover with lid, then remove from heat

*Count out 30 seconds and return to medium heat

     -The kernels will begin popping almost simultaneously

*Once the pops slow down and you can count 7-10 seconds with no popping sound then it's ready

*Remove from heat, uncover and dump into bowl

     -If you want butter just put into popping pot while it's still hot

     -I add a sprinkle of garlic powder & lemon pepper ;0)

Family Time Doesn't Have To Be Expensive

Hey WifeyMom Peeps,
The hubby and I really do cherish the time we all spend as a family.  We have nights at home and even nights out.  On this night, we headed to the Town Center for a dinner out with the family.  It was an early dinner.  After which, the boys still had some energy to burn.  So we set out to find the most expensive activity that money could buy, Puh, huh, huh, ha, NOT!  Our Town Center is an open-air shopping area so we walked over to the learning toy store.  The store has tons of educational toys most of which can be tried out in the store.  It was early on a Friday night so there were not many kids in the store.  The boys played for about 30 minutes.  I enjoyed it as well.  It was fun for me to look at a few things and figure out how I could save money by making it myself.  After the boys had their fill at the learning toy store we headed to one of their favorite spots in the Town Center, the bookstore.  My boys are 8 & 3 and they both love to read. (as much as a 3 year old can)  The kids section of the bookstore has several toys and a few comfy  chairs to sit and read.  They played for another 30 minutes.  They had the most fun at the bookstore.  There were more kids there and neither of my boys have trouble making friends.   My 3 year old mostly played with the train set and my 8 year old hung in his usual spot by the chapter books.

While I was there I came across something that I think may help me with my 3 year old.  It looks like it could be useful.  Your thoughts?...

I'm putting my money on the cat.  My little guy would probably find it and use it on me, lol.

We finished off the evening watching Cosby Show reruns and eating stove top popped corn.  (Recipe coming soon)

I have found, after years of mistaking, that times spent like this are the memories that your children remember.  It's when we spend lots of money that we tend to focus on the lavishness of the event and it is more often than not lost on the children.  They really do relish in the simpler things.  It's those things that I remember about my childhood; the way my mom boiled the eggs for Easter, watching her make the extra large peach cobblers, and the crafts she facilitated as my Camp Fire leader. (that's like Girl Scouts)

Take time out to focus on time with your family when you plan your next event.  Make it about the time spent and not the story you'll be able to tell your friends.

All of us had a blast and we didn't spend a dime on our after dinner activities. 

Until next time...

From Dresser To Entertainment Center

Gooooooood Mornin' WifeyMom Peeps!  I hope you're reading this post while you are in the middle of having an awesomely productive day...even though I'm not, Puh! lol
This little transformation started with a dresser that belonged to my mother-in-law when she was a kid.  The dresser had been at my husband's grandmother's house for many many years.  It was still in good condition but I couldn't see where it would fit into the decor that I had envisioned for our home just as it was.  In comes the trusty spray paint....


Here is what this little beauty looked like before:

I had already started sanding and painting before I took the pic.  What can I say, I was excited!

I started by removing the hardware and using blue painters tape to tape the holes on the inside of the drawer where the hardware was.  Then I used wood filler putty to fill the holes and the tape acted as a barrier to keep the putty in place and from falling into the drawer.  After setting the drawers aside to let the putty dry I moved on to wiping down the dresser so as to have a clean surface to prime.  I used 4 spray cans of Kilz.

By the time I was done priming, the putty on the drawers were dry.  And that's when I figured it out.  What is "IT" you ask?  "IT" is realizing that putty sometimes shrinks when it dries and therefore left more space that needed to be puttied (is that a word? not sure, but I'm going with it)  So putty again I did.  Side Note: I had to putty the holes because the new drawer pulls had a different hole placement.  While the second putty job was drying I went back to the dresser and sprayed it down with this magic stuff...

 Krylon Indoor/Outdoor in Classic Gray

After sanding down the drawer fronts where I had puttied, then priming and painting the dresser & the drawers I allowed it to dry.  I chose the top two drawer openings (sans the drawers themselves of course) as my electronic roosting place.  I taped off the exterior area around the openings and painted it black inside.  With my handy dandy drill attachment my husband's handy dandy drill attachment I carved out a circle at the back of each opening for any cords to fit through.  I just love my drill my husband's drill. 

Hey Pretty Girl, MUAH!

When all that was done I applied an antiquing glaze.  For this process you brush a bit of glaze over the painted furniture then wipe it off with a clean lint free cloth.  You need to work in small areas at a time.  It leaves behind a beautiful look.

Now on to the hardware.  I searched and searched for something at a great price.  I found some at the best price I could on eBay.  At least I thought it was the best price until I payed a visit to my local Home Depot.  Even though I had a feeling that the Depot would not beat eBay I strolled down the hardware aisle anyway.  BOY, am I glad I did.  I turned the corner and began to peruse the shiny silvery furniture jewelry.  Out of my left peripheral I could see a small box in a bin that looked a bit out of place. (yes my brain grasped all that in a matter of seconds)  When I turned and looked and began to read the label I realized it was a clearance box of drawer pulls that was a return from a special order.  I don't know if angels hang out at The Depot often but I know I heard a few singing at that very moment.  When I read the price I wasn't too, too tickled but it was still a pretty good deal.  But man-o-man did I turn pretty good to really great.  I approached the department guy and with a bit of humor and a lot of patience (and a call the Asst. Store Mgr.) I walked out paying half off the clearance price.   Only $1.33 each times 18 drawer pulls.  That's the exact number I needed since I am refurbishing a chest of drawers also.

Look at that slashed price on the tag.  A beautiful site to behold!

Using this plastic guide that I got from The Depot I marked the new holes for the drawer pulls and got out that sexy lil' drill again. (heart pounds in anticipation) 

                                

                                                                          

Next, I drilled the new holes and screwed in the new pulls.

Aaaaaaand Noooow.......



Voila!

The top first set of drawers look like 4 long drawers and 4 tiny drawers but it's actually 2 regular size drawers made to look that way.

Tell me what you think ;0)

Stay tuned to see the full transformation of the entire entertainment center area...

Later Folks :0)