While browsing DI in Rexburg a couple of months ago, Jordan and I found this rocking chair and got really excited. We wanted a chair that we could fix up and make our own, but nothing caught our eye until this little beauty. Sure it smelled bad, and maybe the original cushion was covered in cat hair (we left it at the store because it was so bad), but we knew there was a little treasure hiding beneath it all. I'm so glad we got it! $15 for both pieces... that's what I'm talking about.

After spending several hours sanding and painting, Jordan was ready for me to help finish it off. We only needed three things: a cushion to sit on, pillow for decoration/comfort, and fabric for the ottoman and pillowcase.

We spent FOREVER searching online and in stores for chair cushions but could never find one that was the right size. We decided to stop by Cost Plus to check out their selection while we were in Utah. After searching through the chair cushions with no luck, we started wandering around with hopes of magically stumbling upon something that would work. What was waiting for us in the 50% off section you ask? A cushion of not only the perfect size, but also the perfect color. It was love at first sight.

We found the perfect fabric to use for the rest from a body pillowcase (on sale) at Target. We cut it in half and used the part with the zipper for the pillow and the other part for the ottoman. I should do projects with Jordan more often - all I had to do was sew one seam and staple some fabric to wood. Best project ever.

I'm loving the end result and can't wait to rock little Baby Bevan. This chair is the perfect size for tall people like us and I hope it lasts for a while. I'm excited to post more pictures of the nursery, but we still have a lot of work to do. One project down, several more to go!

By the way, as I was walking out of Walmart the other day, I had quite the conversation with a mysterious old man. I thought I should share.

Old Man: You're walking out of the entrance door.
Me: Haha, yep... (so are you?)
Old Man: You know, I was at McDonald's the other day and they only had one straw left. Do you want to know what it was?
Me: What?
Old Man: The last straw. (Exits stage right.)

Just a little food for thought for the evening... something to ponder about. As for me, I'll continue to be freaked out by random old men (not the kind that resemble your cute grandpa or Santa) approaching me at Walmart, which may or may not happen every time I go. Super Target, please come soon.

Copycat

So, I haven't been able to sleep well lately. Jordan, on the other hand, has been passing out at around 10 every night, leaving me with my computer. Alone. All alone. This is not a good thing since every time I pick up my computer and there isn't anything or anyone distracting me, I end up spending hours browsing/stalking websites and blogs. I have been wanting to make something for my sisters for a really long time and figured Pottery Barn would have some fun things to look at.

While browsing, I came upon this little guy:



Cute, right? Oh, by the way, it costs $129. Do you think it's cute now? I can't believe how expensive things are. Who would pay $129 for that? It's ludicrous.

I ventured out to Porters the next day and bought all of my supplies for $5. The canvas was on sale for $2.99 and I bought a couple pieces of pink paper (my sister's room is pink and zebra). After that I went home and talked to my sister about what quotes she wanted for it. I predicted she wouldn't want some of the cheesy quotes about love, and she did indeed make it very clear to leave most of them out. I don't blame her. She's 12 and the last thing that is on her mind is that ""love conquers all". After coming up with some of our own words and phrases, and picking ones she liked from the original, I typed up the quotes, printed them, and cut them out.



Is it illegal to use the quotes they have on there? Because I'm pretty sure I could have thought those up on my own. Or I could have used the help of some 9 year olds to think of the phrases like "Life is awesome!" and "Sparkle and shine!".

First, I organized all my phrases and words on wax paper because it was easy to move them around how I wanted (I tried to lay them out on the canvas, but the papers would stick and it was really frustrating). Once I had them all where I wanted them, I busted out the modge podge. The end. (I may or may not tie a zebra or black ribbon around it somewhere. I don't know where I would tie it if I decide to. Suggestions?)



I guess this means I saved $124, even though I would never buy that full price. Or half price. Or half of half price.

Happenings

On Wednesday, I threw my very first baby shower for our Relief Society president with A LOT of help from my friend Monica. She made delicious cake pops and chocolate covered pretzels and helped out in a billion other ways. Oh, and I can't forget about my other helper and friend - the internet. Good thing there are so many talented, generous people out there who create really cute things for other people to steal. After we decided on colors, I found a banner, cupcake toppers, and really cute invitations from a blog that matched perfectly. To whoever made these adorable elephant printables, thank you!







I also played in my very first championship volleyball game at BYU-Idaho last night. It’s only for the competitive league, so it’s not really legit, but it was still a great game. Jordan was the best fan ever. He got all our fans in the stands to chant and clap for us, and he yelled so loud the whole night that his voice was gone after the game. Although we lost, I had a lot of fun. My team played great, but the other team’s defense was ridiculous. If you know me, you know I’m really hard on myself and only think of the mistakes I make rather than the good stuff. All I can think about are the things I could have done better or differently last night. So, I just keep watching this video over and over again to keep myself from getting too depressed:


I’ll miss playing volleyball at BYU-Idaho, but at least Jordan and I were both able to make it to the championships while we were here (Jordan actually won his). We’ll have to find a league to play in wherever we end up because I know we’ll die without volleyball.

Spring Has Sprung

Today we woke up to the sun. For once, my spring wreath actually looks like it is supposed to be hanging on my door.

Thank you, Spring, for deciding to show up.

Conference

During conference, there was one particular talk that was such a blessing for me to hear. I felt like it was written just for me and my family, although I know there are probably thousands of others who probably felt the same. I am so thankful that I was able to hear a talk that so perfectly answered all of my prayers as I have recently thought about life and why we are required to go through such difficult and unexpected trials. I am thankful for revelation and that we have prophets and apostles that tell us what God would tell us if He were here. I loved all of conference, but there are always a couple of talks that really touch me. This was definitely one. I love the gospel.
The Atonement Covers All Pain

I Love Burlap

Burlap is a mess to work with...

...but it's worth it.

The Latest Creation

So one day I was stalking blogs (what's new?) and I found a ton of really cute Christmas ideas. I read blogs about Christmas traditions, Christmas crafts, Christmas food, Christmas everything! I LOVE Christmas, so reading about all these fun ideas got me really excited. There was only one problem... it was June. I made a mental note of some of the things I really wanted to make or do when it got closer to time, and a Christmas advent calendar was one of them. I absolutely loved some of the designs that I saw, but the kind of calendar with drawers was my favorite. I thought the idea of putting a little Christmas activity in each drawer to pull out and do as a family for the 25 days of Christmas was adorable and I knew I had to make it a tradition for our family. First step: make the calendar. I went to Porters and bought this:



I was a fool to think this was going to be simple. First of all, can you see those tiny little crevices along the edges of the tree? Try painting those. It's not easy! Second, the knobs don't screw off. So instead of screwing the knobs out, putting the paper on and screwing them back in, I had to cut squares of paper to fit each drawer (which were all different sizes, even though it doesn't look like it), cut the paper in half, cut a half circle just where it could fit around the knob, make sure the two halves met perfectly and that the hole they created wasn't too big but big enough, and then modge podge them on into the perfect spots. Can you say pain in the butt? I can. It was a pain in the butt. Anyway, after much frustration, I finally finished.



I think I'm going to add a bow on top and call it good. I'm so scared I'll add something on it and then decide I don't like it. Plus, I don't want to go too overboard. But should I put the number of days on there? Ahh... I don't know. HELP!