Gosh you guys… I’ve been trying to write a post all week about a question I get asked a lot… HOW ARE YOU SO PRODUCTIVE?!
But I keep laughing and snorting, and spraying coffee out of my nose at the very thought of having any authority on this subject.
It just comes down to this: I only blog about things that I DO.
I’ve never written a post about the MANY afternoons that I spend doing this:
Or that day I fed my kids plain tortillas for lunch because I didn’t feel like preparing an actual meal.
SO THERE YOU HAVE IT!
And while we’re on the topic of being unproductive, I’m here frantically raising my hand to let you know that I’ve accomplished nothing worth sharing here, let alone worthy of Pinterest or Facebook. THANK GOD that’s not the reason I blog… or I would have run for the hills a lonnng time ago.
My children are happy and well-adjusted, and I’m internally high-fiving myself for that accomplishment.
So, pretend we’re besties (because we ARE right?!), grab a cup of coffee… or a mimosa (no judgments from this girl) and let’s chat about the er’day!
Last weekend, one of Nick’s coworkers offered to take the girls up in his airplane. There was nothing about this experience they didn’t enjoy.
It was a weird feeling, as a mom… looking at a little dot in the sky and knowing my beloved offspring is in that dot. But the girls both had an absolute blast. And I’m ready for a refill on my Xanex prescription.
Cypress didn’t get to go up in the plane this time, but she’s young enough that she doesn’t feel left out. Our girl turned 7 months this week! The time has flown by (PUN!). She’s such a happy baby, and is starting to have fun milestones just about every week! This age is just the best! I update this post every week with a new picture and details about her developments and such… if you’re interested in that sort of thing.
We recently planted a tree for Cypress (ironically NOT a Cypress tree… LOL!) just like we did the year the twins were born. We did a lot of research, and wanted a fast-growing tree that would soon cast some much needed shade on the girls’ playhouse. So we went with this ‘Royal Empress’ tree… which is native to China. And BONUS… it’s a flowering tree too! Cannot wait for it to grow! Because right now? It looks like a weed.
My Granny K recently moved to an assisted living home, and we made a trip to see her and help empty out her home in preparation for renting it out. I have so many memories at my Grandparents house, and you KNOW how nostalgic I am. Every little corner of the house and yard has a story from my childhood.
And what’s even more sentimental is that my Dad grew up here… picturing my dad as an ornery little toddler running up and down the halls causing mayhem? ALL THE FEELS.
We spent lots of time going through old pictures and books with Grandma. She’s made the honorable decision to pass down her belongings to her children and grandchildren while she’s still alive instead of just boxing them up and putting things in storage.
Nick helped patch some drywall in the bathroom, and Grandma spent well over an hour coloring with the girls. I can’t express in words how much I loved seeing them spending time and making priceless memories with their Great Grandmother.
I was helping go through some of the many books my Grandparents have acquired from over the years, and I found this book called ‘Bed Manners’ … and it is HILARIOUS. It was published in 1943, and talks about the ‘proper’ bedroom etiquette. Join me in a slow-clap.
Also, do you recognize this vintage starburst clock she passed down to me?
What the heck am I going to do with the one I made?! (tutorial here) …I would do a giveaway if it wouldn’t be so darn difficult to package that thing effectively.
ANYWHO.
We’ve had so many busy weekends in a row lately… the girls are getting in a rut at home and are starting to feel like that should be ‘entertained’ at all times. NOT HAPPENING SISTERS! I’ve been promoting independent play by sending them outdoors a lot to soak up this last bit of glorious weather. And/or sorting laundry or beads. They LOVE to sort #allthethings
I admit, I do have several crafty projects in the works (including a giant 8 foot piece of commissioned artwork), but nothing is ready to share this week. So I’ll leave you with this AWESOME inspiration of a project I really want to try. Can you believe this is made out of colored pencils?
SourceI want to make one of these SO BAD! Just need to get my hands on a lathe ASAP. I’m thinking I could even make itwith twigs instead of colored pencils? I’m sure there are tons of other things you could use too… just need to do some brainstorming. Thoughts? Suggestions?
What have YOU been up to? Any projects on the horizon? Or airplane rides? Or elderly family members making memories and giving you rad things? Or spoiled children that are bored even though the weather has been AHmazing?
You and me both!
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I love the colored pencil vase! Any idea what was used to glue them all together? We have tons of colored pencils— I’d love to try this
I’m guessing they used some sort of resin. I’m going to give it a try as soon as I get my hands on a lathe, and I’ll be sure to share a tutorial!
I want to read that book, and see the pictures, Beth!!! What a hoot!!!!
It’s SO funny. 🙂
you are amazing; your husband is amazing; your children are amazing; and I’m sure, your grandmother is amazing! How blessed!
You’re super sweet Karen! We ARE pretty blessed. 🙂
Oh gosh that colour pencil project looks awesome. I look forward to reading about how you get on with it if you get your hands on a lathe.
I am glad you were honest about productivity. I have so little time each week I manage to be productive with and sometimes I find that it is hard to let myself get carried away feeling like other mums seem to manage to do loads. I blame unrealistic instagram/pinterest expectations of life.
Putting my kids in a plane seems like a terrifying idea. I dread the day they want to ride rollercoasters haha.
Comparing ourselves is the worst! But it’s SO hard not to do isn’t it?! Ugh!! 😉
Oh my goodness, you have no idea how much I love the honesty on productivity! I have felt so unproductive this week and needed this little “chat!” 🙂 Your kiddos are ADORABLE! I’m so glad I found your blog, I’ve really been enjoying it!
I’m glad I’m not the only one… Hehe! Good talk! 😉
Have you tried google image searching the original image? Since you made yours into one image, I can’t try looking for you.
Thanks but one of our other readers found the source, and I’ve updated the post! Thanks for looking though!
Please reconsider the tree you planted. Royal Empress (aka Paulownia tomentosa) is an extremely invasive species and is listed on the USDA’s Invasive species list – http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/plants/printree.shtml
Here is some great information about why you should avoid invasives along with some great alternative recommendations – http://www.ecosystemgardening.com/paulownia-princess-tree-on-most-hated-plants-list.html
Great post and I can’t believe how big Miss Cypress is. That pencil craft is amazing. Go for it! Vikki in VA.
I know… she’s growing so fast! I’m already mourning the newborn phase. But also enjoying a full night’s sleep. 🙂
Keeping your girls alive and well is productive too, just in a different way. I love to sew and have 29 projects in the works that have not been finished due to working a part-time job, fussy baby, etc. But hoping to carve out some time this weekend. I need to get started on a strawberry Halloween costume.
A strawberry Halloween costume sounds SO CUTE! I haven’t even started THINKING about Halloween yet, so you’re one step ahead of me 🙂
There’s not much I can’t find online. http://inhabitat.com/tuomas-markunpoika-turns-common-pencils-into-extraordinary-vases/
Lol… THANKS Suzanne! I’ve updated the post with the proper source link. 😉
The pencil vase is awesome!
RIGHT?! I can’t wait to make one of my own! I’ll be sure to share about it when I do. 🙂
This just gave me the warm fuzzies! Your grandma coloring with your girls? OMG, precious! My grandma passed away about 4 years ago and I acquired so many of her things and I love having them throughout my house. Gives me great memories of all the time I spent at her house growing up. I’m super nostalgic too. Also- thanks for keeping it 100 on your “productivity.” Cause really, a blog showcasing no productivity, doesn’t seem very … err… productive. You go, girl. *fist bump*
Aren’t grannies the cutest? I’m so sorry that you lost yours 4 years ago. I’m dreading that day. 🙁 But I love that you (and I) have so many little things to remind us of them. 🙂
I just got a copy yesterday of a picture of my Granny’s house burned to a crisp. She had been moved to a home years back and passed in 2006 but I can tell you seeing a huge black gaping hole where the “sleeping porch” used to be….that is a hit in the FEELS. I love that your Gram gave her things away when she moved, there are still vapour trails of mist where things my Granny had should be and will never be seen again because of a post-funeral clean out. 🙂 PS-I have 14 unfinished projects in my garage. Just sayin.
Oh no! I’m so sorry about your Granny’s house! That would be so hard to see all those physical memories gone. Hugs <3
I love that you posted about this. I have so many half started projects, and projects waiting to be started. I actually had to just toss some things out when I recently moved (yet already aquired another!). Being unproductive is just a part of life! Also can we PAAAALEASE talk about how much hair that beautiful baby girl has? So awesome =]
I do that too! Things that sit around waiting to be ‘fixed up’ or repurposed… someimtes I just get to a point where I’m tired of looking at it and just throw it away and NEVER THINK ABOUT IT AGAIN! Glad I’m not the only one!
Also… YES! Cypress’ hair is just my favorite thing in the history of ever. After having two very bald babies, I’m just loving her ‘Trump hair’ as we call it. LOL!