Box Remodel.

After we re.done.did Wesley's room (check that out here) and got the addition of a baby gate I felt ok with leaving Wes alone for a few moments if I needed to do so. You know to switch over laundry, grab a cup of coffee, pee by myself, you know whatever and I am seriously talking about mere moments here people. Well anyways I would always come back to find Wesley in his closet and his folding laundry basket tossed around. We have a plan for the closet debacle but I had to do something about the laundry basket thing because Wes could easily get his fingers pinched when playing with it. I had seen all these no-sew-box cover things on Pinterest. Genius. I could use some left over fabric from his crib settings and it would be all matchy matchy and cute. 

Box Covering Idea

So ready for a photo montage???

Get your box... (side note love me some Honest Company)

Rip the top tabs off and trim up the edges

hopefully with some better scissors than these...I have yet to buy sewing shears and couldn't find my kitchen ones :/ Merp do what you can 

Got your clean edges?

Cool. Next time around I'll probably tape the edges off...

I measured 1/2 inch around the base of the box.

 I originally thought I could pull this off with hot glue...not so much I ended up using Mod Podge because I could not find my fabric glue. Next time I do this I plan on having the proper materials...

See how bumpy the hot glue turned out. Modge podge worked great. I think they make one specifically to use with fabric...not sure though.

So I "Nurse-Cornered" the corners up.

 Gonna need more of coffee...

I don't have a pic of the covering of the sides but basically I wrapped the box with enough extra fabric to fold into the open end of the box. I also cut about 1/4 inch from the bottom of the box.

I took a contrasting fabric and made a thick "ribbon" around the bottom. This I did hot glue but I'm sure you could use the iron-on adhesive stuff which I will probably do the next time around.

Your box should like this now...

So with the MP I figured just using it on the edges and pulling the fabric taunt was better. Because when you paint the whole box side of it this is what happens... (And the is a pic of the finished product after everything had dried. But it's the back side of the box so merp :/)

I made a liner that could be removed and washed with another contrasting fabric. This I did sew. Remember to sew your like sides together!!

I sewed a double hem because I thought it looked cleaner than a single.

And tada! Wesley's new laundry box :)

This was my first project I made with my NEW sewing machine my amazing Nana got me!

She told me that she got my mom and Aunt their first machines that they learned on and she felt honored to get me my first machine to learn on. So incredibly sweet!! <3

 And don't forget to relax after you craft your fingers off.

:)

Enjoy your weekend!

Scars

We all have them. Some more than others. Some figurative. Some actual. Some superficial. Some down to the bone.

I am nobody to tell someone how to heal from a wound; figurative or actual, superficial or deep. 

For me, I believe everything happens for a reason. So clique, I know. Out of tragedy normally comes something positive. It has taken me time to find peace in relation to certain events that have happened in my life. That's just it though; I have found peace.

Physical.

I have had two spinal surgeries that took away my ability to dance Ballet. I was a teenager and was very bitter about giving up my dream. While I was hospitalized I had the most compassionate nurse who went above and beyond for me. Her outstanding care gave me the inspiration to become a Nurse and care for others the way she cared for me.

Emotional.

We have lost a child. One of the hardest things to face. Getting pregnant again was the scariest thing in the world for us. The fear of losing another child was palpable all the way up to delivery. Finding peace took years. Does it still kill me when I think about our angel; of course!! However, had we not lost our first child we would have never learned about my blood clotting disorders thereby saving my life, Wesley's life and any other future children we may decide to have.

I bear both types of scars as do many of you. 

These scars have made me stronger. These scars have given me perspective. These scars have shaped me.

We all have a life story. The scars are part of it. I choose to embrace mine.
What will you decide to do with your scars?

Love is in the air!!!

This past weekend Jimmy and I got the distinct honor of hosting a little Engagement celebration for our dear friends Greg and Ashley.

This oh.so.adorable couple actually got engaged November 20th last year but do to the holidays Jimmy and I felt it was better to wait to throw them a little something. We figured the weekend after Valentine's Day would be perfect. Love themed Engagement party?!?! Ah, I blush.

Her ring is gorgeous! It has a huge sentimental value as Greg placed diamonds in setting that were an heirloom! Again, I blush!

I did all the decorations myself (pats self on back!). You gotta love the dollar aisle at Target. And I am pretty sure you can do any craft with a hot glue gun, fabric glue and spray paint :0)

Ek, they are so cute!

I made this little banner out of doilies and bakers twine. Crafty huh?!?!

At first thought, I was unsure about the little wooden heart thingys but they really turned out good. I got a bag of assorted sizes at Michael's for $3. I spray painted some red to go with the theme. I used them on the banners, for little additions to finish a off an item and as confetti (I am so NOT a fan of real confetti...such a pain to clean up!)

Mmmmm Red Velvet and Vanilla cupcakes. Can you tell I have a LOVE of sprinkles?!?

The lollipops were a last minute addition to them but I feel that added a little extra love <3

Centerpieces on middle tables :0)

Cards and Gifts

Yummy food stuff. While I didn't do the food myself it was pretty delicious. :0)

Greg's Family 

Ashley's Grandparents

Us and Them (don't you like how I made Ashley take her shoes off so I wouldn't appear super short!)

The crew!

Oh and note to self for the future. Use a little more coverage before going all awesome on a project with spray paint. Opps :/

Firsts...

'

I realized after my last post that I have been blessed to be there for sooooo many firsts with Wesley and the wonderful memories we have created as a family.

 Here's a few I figured I'd share with you :)

First Family Photo

First time being put on display!

First time meeting Grandma Donna

First time meeting Godmomma Nicole

First time meeting Nana Nancy

First time meeting Papa Jim

First time meeting Great-Grandma Kinane

First car ride!

First time meeting MARLEY!

First day Home!

First time meeting Great Nana!

First time meeting Auntie Vick!

First time in my crib!

Watching his first Giants game!

After my first bath!

First time rocking a pair of Vans!

First time playing on my playmat!

First playdate!

First Birthday party I went to!

First Thanksgiving!

First time Haylee held Wesley!

Wesley's First Ornament!

Wesley's First Christmas!

Wesley's First Valentine's Day!

Wesley's First ER visit!

First time meeting the Z's!

First road trip!

First St. Patrick's Day!

First time Wesley rolled over!

First time mommy let Marley and Wesley play together!

First Easter!

First "dog bite"!

First swing experience!

First time in the pool!

First Strawberry Festival!

First Baseball Game!

First Family Vacation!

First time in a life preserver!

First "light-up" toy experience!

First Concert!

First bubble bath!

First Fourth of July!

First ODU Football game!

First Wine Festival!

First ODU Homecoming!

FIRST BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!

First time picking a pumpkin!

First time petting a goat!

First Trick or Treat!

First Giants Jersey!

First mohawk!

I'm grateful for all the firsts, the seconds, the thirds and the ones to come.

I am SO grateful.