LOVE, HUGS, KISSES 4EVR

I am blessed with a serious surfeit of alphabet blocks. As in, once I culled an entire set for my kid, I still had an small shipping carton full.  Yeah, thrift stores have been good to us.  And I have a lot of thrifty friends who know I Like That Sort of Thing, so they pass them along.  Although I'll never approach the heights of elaborate holiday preparation I'm seeing on some of the blogs I read, I still thought I'd get a little creative and have some fun.

Here are some of the letters in their natural state:

Since I want red for my end result, I spray-primed all the ones that weren't red to start with:

Next, I gave everything a coat of red metalllic paint.  The ones I'd primed, I gave two coats:

Have you figured out where I'm going yet? No? 

Does that help?

I did a very slap-dash job on these, but that's okay, because if you have looked at a lot of alphabet blocks (heh) you notice that they have varying quality paint jobs and that, over time, some of them get worn and dinged.  So even a lacksadaisical job looks pretty authentic, when you're done.  I considered gluing the blocks together so that little hands can't disarrange and lose them, but then I thought... seeing what else we can spell will be part of the fun in coming years and... you know I'll need to add another initial next year. Have fun!

Just for fun, I'm trying something new that I've seen elsewhere.  You can add a link to your own Valentine's Day blog posts by clicking the link below.  Try it out!  (Please link to a specific post, not your whole blog, or the list won't make any sense!)

Yes, my son...

There are holidays which are not Christmas and are still fun.

 This is a garland I made using the heart pattern from my Valentine's Day Heart Locket.  I made a dozen hearts, wove in the ends, and chain stitched them together, attaching a heart every 20 chain stitches or so.  For extra fun I am considering doing some white ones with picot edging...  This was a good "purse project" for a couple weeks, I used up leftover yarn, and the little dude loves it.

DIY Pet Stain Help

This concoction did a good job of heavy duty odor and stain removal on my light-colored basement carpet, which I had thought a total loss.  (We bought the house with the carpet.  Knowing how many pets we have, we'd have chosen something different.  Note to the world: Step away from the beige carpet.  Do not install that in the basement.  Pick a nice Berber that will work with you when you try to clean up after the occasional damp issue.  It's a BASEMENT.)

This works on mildew and pet stains, but you'll need to try something else for rust- lemon juice, salt, and Barkeeper's friend have all proved minimally effective for me.

1 quart hydrogen peroxide
1 cup washing soda
3 quarts hot water
1/4 cup CLEAR liquid laundry detergent- optional

Mix well.

What you're doing here is creating an oxygen bleach, chemically similar to OxiClean but at the right strength for the job at hand.  (AND CHEAP.) 

The laundry detergent will help where there are visible stains.  DON'T use a blue variety or you risk staining your carpet or upholstery blue instead.  It's important to use laundry detergent because it's low-foaming.  It's very important to note that WASHING soda, which is very inexpensive, made by Arm & Hammer, and carried around here by Giant, is not the same as Baking Soda.  You'll find it in the laundry aisle.

I apply this mixture liberally to stains, let it sit for as long as a half hour, and then use my carpet steamer to remove it and rinse the area.  I can't say it's restored the carpet to "like new" status, because the repeated application down there has resulted in some wear on the fibers.  But what it DOES do is remove the odor and stains at a fraction of the price of some of the things I tried that didn't work nearly so well.

You can store leftovers in a closed container.  The hot water is to dissolve the soda; I don't know that it makes the product more effective to use it warm.

So before you throw something away because you think it can't be saved, try this.  You'll be out a couple of bucks if it doesn't work, which is nothing compared to what you'll save if it does.

Not a new couch, but...

better! Why?

1. No heavy lifting. Fit in a bag, in my Civic.
2. No rearranging the room to get it in!
3. No calling special pickup for the old one!
4. It's machine washable!
5. It's just as comfy as the old one!
6. Price Tag: $18.75 plus tax and one trip through the washer.

I am so thrilled to have found a couch cover for the study at Unique Thrift today... it fits better than I thought possible, and now the marker scribbles, the torn arm (which is featured here, in case you missed it), and the sundry stains are all tidily and cleanly covered up. (Why, you ask, do I have a white couch in my study when I have a small child? Because it was FREE. That's why.)

I've known I should put a cover on that couch for a while, but the holdup was the skinny couch arms. Most covers that are made to fit the narrow arm on this couch are nearly as expensive as getting a new couch... and I confess, my thrifty soul has balked at the idea. But here you have it- the price is right, I didn't need help with the "heavy lifting," and it took very little time or effort. My favorite kind of makeover.

I'm ready to help!

Mister and Little Mister are putting up some shelves in the basement today.

Well, it took almost four years, but...

I found and installed curtains I like.  We moved into the house in March 2007, so I guess it's about time.

I got lucky at the thrift store- I found curtains that worked for three rooms (and possibly a fourth- still working on that!), and, after not only paying way more than seemed reasonable for drapery hardware, but throwing away FAR more trash than you'd think possible from the packaging for a couple of curtain rods, we are in business.  It's a pity I couldn't find the hardware at the thrift store, too, but you need all the pieces, they have to be the right size for your window, and must be the right type go with your curtains, so my odds were slim!

The burgundy is flecked with gold and picks up the colors in the chair seats.  It also covers the entire wall from side to side and floor to ceiling.

In case you are thinking that the dining room drapes look a little uneven, it's because they are.  The window is not centered on the wall, so there are two panels on one side and one panel on the other.  The family that lived here before us built the house for themselves, and one of their (four!!!) daughters informed us that "Mom always said the dining room would have been bigger, except that dad forgot to leave room for the kitchen stove."  In other words, they adjusted the position of the wall between the kitchen and the dining room, but didn't move the window accordingly.  These little quirks are why I love this house.

The embroidery is the exact same color as the wall paint!

We had to add some solid panels to make these wider- they were just a SMIDGE small on their own.  The colors look better IRL.

Shedding a little light on things

For instance, I cannot believe how many places under the new lights turned out to be much, much dirtier than I thought.  So, if you're planning to do this project, allow an hour to take your kitchen apart and empty all the cabinets, 45 minutes to install the lights themselves, and the rest of your day to clean up all the sawdust you create and wipe off all the dirty smudges that are suddenly very obvious.

PS: While I was up on my step stool, I observed that the dirtiest places in the room are those I can't see from the floor.  What a different world very tall people must live in.

Study Shuffle

Much as I love natural containers like baskets and wood boxes, and use them at every opportunity, there are times when there is just no denying that breaking down and resorting to some plastic storage containers is just plain tidy and convenient.

I had been using wooden boxes to organize the art supply area, and although I prefer the old containers, they did not organize the supplies nearly so handily.  And I can't say I'm sorry to trade in the teetering pile of puzzles for two tidy drawers full!

As always, a natural consequence of rearranging the toys is that Ian is playing with things he hasn't even looked at in ages.  Everyone wins.

Study Shuffle

My new bed is here!

We've been talking to Ian about his "new bed" for a while now.  The original plan was for Santa to bring it, but it turns out there were some good Labor Day sales, so it has arrived a bit early.  He's been going back and forth between being excited about his new bed and telling me he does not want a new bed.

At least, he was until we told him a big truck would deliver his new bed.  He ran into my study every five minutes all day yelling, "My new bed is here!" Finally, he was right.  The truck with his new bed had arrived.  The delivery guys set it up in about five minutes flat.  In fact, it took longer to put the new sheets on than it did for them to unload and set it up.

The minute Ian climbed aboard, he declared, "Wait! I need a book!" He got down to get one and then remembered.  "No, wait, I need all my animals first!"

"Wait for me to clear the animals and come on on the bed, Mommy!"

2010-09-09 Ian's New Bed

Mommy's Crew

Each with a potty bag, all set to go!

  Today we went to the hardware store, where my two helpers aided me in choosing paint samples, a new toilet seat, and some door knobs.  The door knobs are needed because our intrepid gang can no longer be deterred with knob covers or other "childproofing" devices, and I have fished them out of my bed one too many times.  (Yeah, I hear you snickering.  YOU see how you feel about pulling a half dozen pairs of toddler shoes out of your bed two or three times a week.  You'll be washing a lot of sheets.)

The smudges came at no extra charge.

So we installed some brandy-new door knobs with key holes.  I made sure they are all keyed alike so you can use one key to open them all.  I realized I need one more for the bathroom- in case they lock us out of it (again) it will be easier to open from the outside with the "master key" instead of the screwdriver. 

I'm sure some future resident of my home will be wondering exactly WHY I have exterior doorknobs on all of my interior doors, but as far as I'm concerned, that just adds to the fun.  Plus they'll be no more bumfuzzled than we were when we realized you could only lock our bedroom door from the OUTSIDE when we moved in.  Naturally, Ian has already become adept at locking and unlocking them from the inside, which is good because I don't want him stuck in there in a blind panic.

Home Grown Modern Art

Next, we went downstairs to put up our sample paint colors.  I liked the orangier color at the store and upstairs, but in the basement I was not completely surprised to discover I like the more yellow tone.  I think I may need to try a lighter blue, too.  The blue is going in the powder room and the yellow/orange is for the main part of the room.  We are getting ever closer to "playroom" status down there.

Ian and his adorable playmate used a couple of (un-loaded) paint rollers to "paint" the carpet while I put up the sample swatches.  I look forward to completing this project with their help.  Ian  also begged for and received permission to help with one of the sample swatches, then immediately rubbed paint on his pants.  Mommy confiscated the paint and the pants and that is all I have to say about that.

For those who are coming in late (since, ha ha, this is the first I've mentioned it here on the Blog) I've been working my metaphorical fingers to the bone on trying to clean, rearrange, and refurbish our until now un-used basement into a fun playroom space for the kids before autumn brings the deluge.  For the most part it involves a deep cleaning like nothing you've ever seen before, some child-proofing, and some upgrades to the bathroom.

Some of the mechanical systems needed some help, too, so we do have a new dehumidifier that has been working hard for the last week or so.  It took several days, but we have now progressed from the initial humidity reading of muggier than a Florida swamp to hovering around 50%, which is HUGE.  The humidity down there was creating a whole category of issues that I'll leave to your imagination.  It took the better part of a week to get to this point, probably because we're talking about a room nearly the size of the footprint of our whole house and because, if I'm honest, dumping huge amounts of water on the carpet to steam clean it is not the best way to reduce the relative humidity.

The Building Zone

Friendly Murals are located at child-level

We took a field trip to the National Building Museum with some of Ian's buds. Obviously the main attraction was how much fun Ian had and how much he learned while doing it.  If you are a resident or visitor to our fine city, you should absolutely take your family to the Building Museum.  If the line for the Building Zone is long, borrow one of the Family Tool Kits and wait it out- it's worth it!  Family Tool Kits are available for a mere $5 checkout fee to non-members.  If your kid has given up naps like mine, consider timing your visit to the Building Zone around noon, when the line usually clears.

We didn't have time to explore the entire museum, but the parts we did see suggest that hands on activities are available everywhere you go.  The miniature building bricks in the Cityscapes exhibit were a nice surprise, and our gang of two and three year olds enjoyed their visit to this gallery.

Checkerboards define areas of play

Okay, so now that the totally unsolicited ad for the National Building Museum is over, let me tell you why I loved our visit.  Other than how much fun my kid had and how beautiful the building is, of course.  I obviously spend a lot of time thinking about ideal play environments, being as how I spend a great deal of time with my son.  I know there are those who will tell you that they think being a SAHM is fatal to the intellect, but I find that I just direct my creativity and problem solving into other areas.

I know it's ridiculous to research and calculate how much profit Mrs. O'Brien is making on her cookies until you think about what Ian might be learning from it.  Okay, yes, first of all he's figured out that Mommy is prone to bizarre enthusiasms that come and live in her head for a while and won't go away until you indulge them, but also he sees that it's okay to indulge your curiosity even if it seems a little silly.  And that you might find out something interesting as a result. But I digress.  Other than questioning the motives of fictional old ladies and trying to memorize every smile, giggle, and milestone, my brain does find ways to occupy itself.  As I said, with enthusiasms that come and live there.  Which brings us to play environments.  (Yes, I know we're getting here the long way around.)

Sturdy benches are seats or tables

When you visit the Building Zone, you'll notice first that the color is an incredibly friendly sky blue.  Attractive, friendly reminders are painted on the walls, like "Please Tidy Up."  And there are these beautiful murals that are simple in design but filled with vibrant, complex color.  And they are executed in a scale and location that puts them at the kids' eye level.  The abundance of natural light adds to the feeling of serenity.  High ceilings help keep the noise level down.  The max occupancy is 40 people, which is a lot for a single room, but it feels very spacious.

The designers took advantage of the practical, environmentally friendly carpet tile often used in public spaces to create a feeling of separate play spaces.  They added a couple of checkerboard areas, and, just peeping out under the playhouse, a square of grass-green carpet.  If you observe how the kids play in the room, you'll notice that they seem to follow these nearly subliminal indicators.  The "Block Stop" Legos, for instance, don't seem to wander around the room, but stay together.

Closing the Window

Next, notice that although there are a few large, fabulous items, the space is also filled with the same kinds of toys all kids have at home.  There's a book corner, a dollhouse, some puzzles, dress-up clothes, blocks, and toy trucks.    But the furnishings set this play area apart.  The room is almost exclusively furnished with benches that are the perfect height either for adults to sit on, or for small children to use as a play surface.  They are built of plywood and can be rearranged to suit the pattern of play.

I completely plan to apply some of my observations to the play areas available in my home.  Whether you plan to analyze the play dynamics or just want to watch the grin on your kid's face when he opens and closes the windows on the play house, be sure to put this one on your "to do" list!

Read more about our visit on the Building Blocks Blog.

The Big Boy Bed, Part Deux

Ian's first night in the big boy bed lasted sixty seconds before he walked out of his room.  After he went back, he was in there for 13 actual seconds (I timed him) before the door opened again.  I really don't think he actually got back into bed at all.  I think he just went in there and came back out.  Mommy informed him that no, nobody actually needs to go potty more than once a minute and sent him back to bed.  An hour and a half later it was apparent that he was actually asleep.

An inspection the next morning revealed half the contents of his bookcase in the bed or on the floor nearby.  I can live with that.  He is still super excited about his big boy bed, but tonight there was some fussing about not wanting to go to bed.  I told him to go get a book but not to let Mommy know he was out of bed.  He said, "Okay, Mommy!"

Door's still shut.  I win.

Big Boy Bed

Oh yes, I can get out, Mommy!

I need all of my animals!

Hi Mommy!

Caught!

We took the drop side off of Ian's crib today, because now that he's potty independent he needs to be able to get out so he can "go."  He was so, so excited about the idea of getting a "big boy bed," that I thought this would be the ideal way to try it out without scaring the bejeezus out of Mommy.  After all, we could always put it back, right?  Not to mention, this crib is one of several million that have been recalled because the drop side was unsafe.

So I popped it right off- it actually disturbed me a bit how easy it was- and took off the protruding metal track from the bottom.  Ian said he wanted me to take off the plastic track from the top, but I said no, I wanted to leave it for a while.

Well, apparently I did not secure the screwdriver, because I heard a suspicious noise a short time later.  When I went to investigate, I found him in the act of removing the last of the six screws holding the plastic tracks onto the crib.  He even stacked the removed hardware tidily on the dresser, just the way Raba would have done it.

I guess we're committed to this whole "big boy bed" thing.

Ian's Personal Art Gallery

Small children actually enjoy fine art, and of course there are a bevy of experts telling you that you "should" expose them to it for their "development."  The dryness of that advice aside, we do like to give Ian the opportunity to see and experience fine art without having to practice his "museum manners" at the same time.

Daddy's idea of how to do this is a good one- when fine art calendars go on sale (usually in January or February) he buys a couple for peanuts, then uses spray adhesive and foam core board to create an art gallery in our hallway that is just at Ian's eye level.

This latest time Ian helped. Not only was he involved in the construction of the posters, Daddy said, "show me where to hang this," and Ian picked the height himself.  Then the judicious application of a level and adhesive velcro tape finished it off.

Mommy's approach to this is to laminate 5x7 art cards and put them in thrift store frames.  Here's an example from the "dress up" area:

Good Fences Make Good Friends...

In a perfect world, everyone would have friends like mine. We held a "work party" yesterday to begin building the permanent back yard fence. (Goodbye, hillbilly wire!)


Ian is ready for work...



The posts for the new fence are all in place- the concrete is still curing. Once the panels and gates are in place, we will have an attractive fence that will resist the children's efforts to dismantle it. (I wish I had video for you of the day Ian and Sophie decided to try to defeat the fence. First they tried to push it down. When that didn't work, they tried to push it down with the yellow jeep. When that didn't work, Sophie got into the jeep and drove it while Ian pushed. Then they used buckets to try tunneling under it. When they moved on to trying to remove the bungee cords on the temporary gate, we told them, "No more fence!")



Chuck, in particular, was a very good sport- showing up at Home Depot early on a Saturday morning to pick up supplies for someone else's home improvement project, running out to the equipment rental place to help pick up the LAST one-man auger they had on hand, digging fence pole holes out by hand when the auger hit a root it couldn't get past, measuring, rejiggering, and backing my car up to the side yard to unload six 80 lb backs of Sakrete... you get the idea.

While Chuck and Chris were busy working on the fence (and I'm sure my next door neighbor was thrown for something of a loop when they saw the new gap in the hedge for the first time...), Nathalie, Claire, and Danette kept the collected kids from taking over the world, I made supply runs, and Heather and I made a good start on dismantling the trash pile masquerading as a flower bed in the back yard.

I am convinced that the previous owners put in a flower bed at the front of this area solely to escape the responsibility for cleaning it up so grass could be planted there. It is a very narrow area of plantings backed by some terribly inappropriate, scrubby bushes which are just front-men for a thicket of poison ivy, sticker bushes, rusty metal, tin cans that have been through the lawn mower, dead dog balls, old carpet, styrofoam, and broken glass.



What I OUGHT to do is have a truckload of dirt delivered and bury the whole thing. What we ARE doing is clean it out, trim back some bushes and remove others, and turn it into a "play fort" for the kids now that they've reached that imagination age.



The high point of the day for me (new fence not withstanding!) was watching Ian and Jade play with a large tree branch. It wasn't immediately apparent what they were doing- they'd put it to the ground or a tree trunk and lean into it. Once I got close enough to hear the sound effects, I realized they were "running the auger." Priceless. Absolutely priceless. A few minutes later they noticed the pile of leaves Heather and I had made and the "auger" was suddenly a "leaf blower."

Close behind it was watching Ian and Gregory use shovels to move dirt from one particular spot to another in support of a plan known only to them...

I am now more motivated than ever to complete both projects in a timely fashion. Because obviously we can't allow them to take over the world- which they will surely do if all that's between them and domination is a flimsy hurricane fence- but they also need fodder for their emerging imaginations!

work party