Filling My Time...

All of my kids are in school, so now I have time to do laundry, cleaning, run errands...  and maybe some more free time.  I've had this road bike from my birthday, and never used it.  It was time to change that.  I road about 13 miles round trip on the Jordan River trails.  It was fun, but wow, my bum is not use to that seat.

I'm also finding time to do some projects around the house.  Really, these could be a Saturday projects, but with limited resources and time, I have to take this a little at a time.

BEFORE

This is the basement bathroom.  I thought I'd do my experiment job on a bathroom that not too many would see.

The studs didn't exactly make things symmetrical, but oh well, it looks artsy.  I'm new to making these boxes, I'm improvising.

AFTER

I'm realizing how much I could use a table saw.  My hand saw skills are a bit shaky.  But over all, I like it.  A coat of paint and I have a complete project.  I think I did great for my first time. :)

My next project...

BEFORE

 Decided to try the upstairs kids bathroom.  I saw something on pintrest and wanted to put my own twist on it.  If anything, pintrest ignites my own projects.  I really don't like the bland bathroom and cheap towel bar that, potentially, will fall off soon.  So I thought hooks would be better.  Storage is also an issue.  So here is the before...with my probing stud finding holes...quickly remembered to get a before picture.

I found the studs were equal distant, a plus, and cut out the cubby holes.  Debated to do a fifth hole, but decided against the extra effort that would be hidden by the door anyway.

Wanted to do something horizontal.  I love the horizontal look!  So I bought the beadboard paneling.  I wanted to try out tongue and groove boards, but this was more cost effective (about $100 project).  I sanded down for a more vintage look.

This doesn't have the sanded down feature, this was my 'see if it fits' attempt, and the only picture I snapped before moving on.

Finally, functionality.  I used my compressor and nailed it all into place and mounted the hooks.  I love it.

Yes, I still need the shelf and boxes to do... but I love it!

PRE AFTER

I still have the boxes to do, that is more tedious and time consuming with my limited tools, but the shelf is in and this can be used until I get to the boxes.

wow this picture didn't turn out very clear...sorry.

Raegan Birthday Celebration

Raegan is 10!  I have a double digit girl.  She is growing up to be such a sweet, joyful sweetheart.  She radiates love and oozes smiles.  I'm so glad to be her mom.

Thanks to Kiley, Trent's sister, we had tickets to the Salt Lake Real soccer game the Saturday before her actual birthday.  A nice kick off celebration.  It was pretty cool to be there in the stadium and see these guys win the game.

 It was a bright, hot day (hence the wrinkly squinting on my part) but it was worth it.

Afterwards, we headed to the mall and did some fun girl time.  A great day!

Morning of her birthday, I had her door all ready for a great beginning to her day.

birthday waffle...make a wish!

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Raegan's birthday was also the first day of school!  Pretty wild!  But she was a good sport and made it the best day.  

I waited until the next day to take her out for her birthday lunch...Tarin came along, since she has a summer birthday.  Love my girls!

The next Saturday, we had her party at the bowling alley.  The kids get a party every other year...this happened to be her year to party!

Noelle, Averie, Tarin, Paytyn, Raegan and Jade

And of course...THE CAKE!  She wanted an oreo cake, so she got it!  It was fun doing this masterpiece. 

Life Scout

Jarom is officially a Life Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.  Proud of my big boy!  Next stop, Eagle Scout

My official pin that I wear proudly.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamCoat

Had the opportunity to go see the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamCoat at the Tuacahn Theater in St. George.  I had never seen it before, so I was really looking forward to seeing it.  Trent's sisters, mom and sis in law Kristin were there.  It was a fun weekend.

Me and Kristin

Clayton Family

I haven't done much photography lately, but my sister asked if I'd do her family pictures.  We went down by the Riverwoods in Orem, by Provo Canyon.  They are all so adorable.  They did a great job.