Projects, Projects, Projects

When you're a SAHM, you need to find something to do besides laundry, dishes, dirty diapers, and story time.  For me, I'm taking on getting the playroom sorted as that's where we spend the vast majority of our time during the day.

We have a bookcase full of toys and books.  I bought a mat for the floor so that she won't bonk her head when she rolls over.  I have a chair for me to sit in and we got a tv to play PBS Kids or something more adult for me when I'm getting bored.

But during her naps, I'd like to try and find something else to do.  I've found four projects on pinterest that I want to try out.  I am, however, not being very proactive in getting them done.

Texture Wall - I found this on pinterest and thought it would be fun.  We've already been to Joann's and picked out a few fabrics for the wall.  I had no idea how expensive fabric was and especially since I don't want large swatches of fabric.  Anywho - I have these all done, I just have to find a way to attach them to Gigi's cork board without using tacks (I don't want them to fall off onto the floor).

Book Shelves for Gigi's Room - In the old house, we had some small book shelves up in Gigi's room but with the new house, she has a whole playroom with large Ikea book shelf.  I thought it would be fun to still have some books in her room so I found this pinterest idea for book shelves using Ikea spice racks.  I have the spice racks - I just need to paint them white.  I should just get this done - it would be super easy.

Magnetic Chalkboard - This one will be fun as she gets older and should be super easy.  I have the drip pan and chalkboard paint.  Again, I should just get it done.  Note - mine will not be as fancy as the one in the picture.

Alphabet wall - I've really wanted to do this one since I found out that I was pregnant, but it will be the most time consuming and expensive project to do.  I've bought the scrapbook paper and three letters (her initials) to see just how time consuming this will be.  Who knew that these 8" paper mache letters would cost $2.99 each!?!  I'm going to try the letters I have this week and make a decision on if I want to finish the project or not.

Playing Dress Up

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine asked me to help with pictures of her daughter. She had been on Pinterest and saw photos of a little girl in her mothers wedding dress and wanted to give it a go.

We decided we wanted to try creating the pictures with a dreamy soft feeling so we decided to use her mother-in-law's house which has a larger window in the front room which gets quite a bit of light. 

Leslie is naturally very creative and when I arrived, she had a number of props and jewelry to use in the shoot. That is super helpful for a photographer. If I were to ever decide to do this professionally, I would need to get her help to get the studio setup with really cute props and backgrounds. 

Liv was super excited to get to play dress up in her mom's dress that day. She's a bit of a goofball, but we were able to get some really great shots. Below are some of my favorite. 

Thank you Leslie, Don, and Liv for letting me help make some memories! I can't wait to do it again with Ella!

Little Girl Brooks Turns 2!

One of my favorite little girls turned 2 years old this month!  It seems just like yesterday that we were doing her 1 year old pictures.

Gabby has been going through a phase lately where she doesn't want to have her picture taken.  If you pull out a camera, she makes a face at you and covers her face with her hands.  She really does not like having her picture taken.  So Kim and I were fully prepared for a break down and were trying to find ways to keep her entertained.  Thankfully though, Gabby was a trooper!  Not only did she smile for the camera, she was posing for me.  I'd call out to her and she'd look over her shoulder at me and give me a look.  She could be a little model if she wanted to be!

Below are some of my favorites from the session!