Let's Get Organized!

I've been having a hard time managing my time lately, so I made this little lovely to help me stay on track. Each day I can write a goal for that particular day that I really need to get accomplished. The black rectangles are chalkboard vinyl, but you could definitely make this with chalkboard paint and get the same effect. I used one of the vintage frames I bought a few months ago for two dollars!

I began by spray-painting the frame grey. Or gray. However you prefer. ;)

I made the text using black vinyl on my Silhouette.


Then I added the chalkboard vinyl rectangles, which I also cut on my Silhouette. I can't wait to hang this puppy up! I have the perfect spot waiting for it in my kitchen. Here's to being more organized this year!

Homemade Dish-washing Detergent

I made my own dish-washing detergent using only two ingredients!

To make your own, mix equal parts borax and baking soda. Borax can be found in most grocery stores in the detergent isle. Store in an air tight container.

Pour vinegar into the "refill rinse agent" compartment. You're going to be saving money, keeping your family safe from nasty chemicals, and saving the environment!

It's a Bird... It's a Plane!

No, It's Super Gibson!

I bought some fabric a few months ago with the intention of making G a superhero cape. Then came the realization that he's a little too young to appreciate a handmade supercool superhero cape. I stashed the fabric away and decided to wait until Gibson is old enough to ask for a cape and customize it the exact way he wants it.

Imagine my delight when, while home for Christmas, I came across this pint-sized superhero cape at my in-law's house! It belonged to a pair of pajamas my husband wore when he was a wee lad. I couldn't wait to pin it on G and let him run around! His first vintage, hand-me-down, superhero cape! I think he's ready to save the world. After naptime, of course.

Resolving to be Resolute

(Source: A Step in the Journey)

So, I'm a few days late in the game, but I've been really pondering this past year, and thinking about some real goals I would like to make for the new year. In the past, I haven't really made New Year's resolutions because I believe that if you really need to change something bad enough, you should do it anytime of the year. However, this year, I'm feeling the need to jump on the Resolution Bandwagon. Maybe it's because I've become lazy in more than a few areas of my life. Or maybe it's because I want to set an example for my son. Either way, here are my New Year's Resolutions for 2012.

1. Invest in meaningful friendships. I'm going to let those walls down and let myself be vulnerable for a change. I plan on being there for others and (the hardest part for me) letting others be there for me. I need to do this for my sanity. Even more important, I need to teach my son how to have friends and be a friend too.

2. Memorize and meditate upon Scripture. Pray without ceasing. Invest in the One who holds this new year in His hands.

3. Encourage and challenge the hubster. Invest in our marriage. Begin monthly dates again.

4. Invest in my son. Play more, complain less. Have more patience with him, and cherish those moments. Remember that I'm home for him and not my schedule.

5. Be good to my body. Exercise more, eat healthier, but also be ok with the imperfections. (Not that I have any of those!) ;)

6. Learn my camera. Stop using the "Intelligent Auto) feature so much and actually learn about things like Aperture and Shutter Speed!

I hope I'm not being too ambitious. But if I am, I plan on forgiving myself when I don't live up to these goals, and vowing to start again if needed. It's going to be a good year.

It Had to Happen Someday

We took Gibson to get his haircut while we were home for Christmas. My husband wanted the lady who cut his hair growing up to give G his first haircut. It was a very emotional experience for me. In case the dead animals hanging on the walls didn't tip you off, we were in Alabama.

We had some fun with the camera while waiting. Someone should tell this kid the "duck face pout" for the camera was so last year!

This is the point where I started to get very nervous and regretted our decision to cut his beautiful, long, flowing hair!

Gibson was not nervous and took it like a champ.

Tip of the day: Smarties are a great way to keep your 15 month old sitting still. :)

I think his new hair makes him look like such a big boy. Is it normal to regret your child's first haircut? Here's to hoping it grows out fast. ;)