Finally, we measure up! My DIY Measuring Chart

So I have seen tons of these Measuring chart boards on Pinterest and various blogs.  None that I thought quite worked with our decor. However I wanted one badly, because we were missing our precious opportunities to measure these boys....I had done all of Zanes measurements on our laundry room door in our old house, and of course didn't take the door with us.  Now if, IF, we ever moved, this puppy can travel.

My girlfriend Amy sent me a blog with one similar to what I created- I loved the really distressed look, but the modern color of the wood.  So I did a variation.

First I stained it a darker stain. Of course I missed a few photos in the process. Did you expect any less???  The ones I did get are in my dark dungeon of a craft room....ha.
Then I took chalk paint (my homemade version!) and I taped off the segments by feet.  I started the 1 ft mark 6 inches up the board, because whatever wall we were going to mount it to, I know it would need to mount 6 inches up due to floor board etc.

So I taped at the 6 inch mark, then a foot up each time. 
Once that was completed I stenciled on the numbers.

Then I took a hand sander and heavily sanded the entire thing, followed by 2 coats of clear semi gloss poly.  Voila!

We were going to put it up at the top of the stairs by the boys rooms, but my husband liked it so much he wanted it as part of our decor!  Now each measurement we will use a sharpie to mark it, date it and label to whom.

I have so many cool ideas for these, I think I might put some customizable ones on my Etsy store as well.  Will let you know when I do that.

Hope it inspires you to keep track of your growing babes.  It happens so fast. My boy who just turned 5 in April just measured in at 4 ft.  Oh my.

buffet makeover- using chalk paints, Annie Sloan & homemade

So I had a dresser in our living room, trying to use it for diapers, toys, etc.  However the drawers need serious fixing, and the kids were wreaking havoc on it.  So it is now in our bedroom....and I have a new idea for it, but that will come later.

I went on Craigslist (of course) and bought a buffet for like $70.  It is Per-fect!  Holds diapers, blankets, toys- so much neater in our living area now!  The basement...well that is another story :-)
It is a heavy piece, and was dark brown.  Yet again, I seem to have not taken a good before picture.  I am not sure I will ever get better at that part! I have some 'in progress' though. Anyway, you can see the darker wood that it was.  I love yellow, it is one of my faves, and the dresser that was in there got so many compliments I decided to keep the same color. I did however, clear wax the entirety and only use the dark on some spots, whereas the dresser was done in all dark wax.

I did however decide to add some 'trim'.  I was out of white chalk paint though, so I finally got a chance to try out the homemade chalk paint.  It was super easy:

1 cup of flat paint in your choice of color
1 Tbsp of unsanded grout

Thats it!  And it works!  However, I have yet to find a way to store this effectively.  It basically dries up and turns into a brick.  So if you are doing a smaller job, just 1/2 your items (ie 1/2 cup of paint, 1/2 Tbsp of grout, etc).

So here is my final piece.  Loving it.  Hope you do too!

Try, and try again...and again. I'm not a quitter.

So I am realizing (have already realized) that this Blog and Etsy store is not going as I thought it would. I got so fired up about getting creative again, and sharing, that I didn't think about the fact that I have 3 kids....that are constantly going to change.  So although it was getting easier, and Zane was in school, and I had a bit more time on my hands, I didn't anticipate that another change of events was on the horizon.  The fact is, the twins are getting older- yes, they are able to play together better, occupy each other etc...but they also are hitting the 2's. Also, Zane is now done with preschool for the summer. So even less time to do projects. 
I never thought I would have a hard time getting stuff done- and I don't!  Once I set my mind to it, I can get it done..but if there isnt time to do it, well that is where the problem lies.
So, I have to come up with a solution.  Its what I do- I find solutions, and I plan.  Sometimes too much, which is where another problem lies. 
I have come up with a plan that I believe I can live with.  I will blog twice a week for sure.  Anything above that is icing on the cake so to speak. Believe it or not, blogging takes time.  Especially focusing on projects where you have to do before, after etc.  I bet the longer I do it, the easier it will get, but right now, it still takes time. Especially when trying to do it while 3 kids are screaming, biting, and playing with anything that is NOT a toy.
As for my Etsy store- that is much trickier.  Much more time consuming, and currently seems almost impossible.  So, what I will be doing is getting a sitter once a week for multiple hours, and also organizing 2 other evenings where I have "project" time.
I do not expect in any way that this will work out perfectly or as I see fit...but its a start!  And mentally I need this. I need a plan.  I also need to understand that life happens.  I need to appreciate that there are times I will push aside these types of things to spend quality moments with my kids.  I want to learn to stay patient when they are stopping me from completing a project. I want to stop- breathe- sit down with my kids and give them the moment they need. 
This is my plan, these are my wants and needs.  Because a year from now, when my oldest is in school every day, and the twins are playing together and I am doing more work, I will be sad.  Even though I will be doing what I want, I will be sad at the same time because they are growing up.  And things are changing.
So, I will try, and try again.  I'm not a quitter.  Not with my family, and not with myself.