DIY window films...

This glass pane door leading to our mud room has had the same piece of fabric covering the windows since we purchased our home. I wasn't sure what to do with the door - I like the light that the door lets in, but for privacy we needed something covering it.

I already have a couple of different fabrics going on in the downstairs, so I thought I'd try something different. At a local craft store I saw some window films that you could pop in each window panel. I decided to make my own.

It may be hard to see because of the light coming in - I will try to get better pictures later in the day. I took clear contact paper and cut it to fit each window. I then used a white paint marker and drew on the contact paper.

This still allows great light into the dining room, but gives us the privacy we need. I love the results!

Pinterest obsessed...

I am obsessed with Pinterest. So many great ideas all in one place! This is my latest favorite - wood blocks. I spelled out "blessed" on one side and "gayeski" on the other. I added some cardstock paper to two of the sides on each block. Then each additional cube has pictures of our family on four sides, so we can rotate the pictures and always have something new to look at - so fun!

The boys love rearranging this one. What is your favorite Pinterest project?

I'm still a sleepy babysitter...

A few weeks ago I babysat for my cousin Debra's daughter, Abigail. Debra and Jason don't get out very much just the two of them, so I thought it would be fun to hang out with Abby so they could have a night out...so off to the opera the went!

I took these pictures with my phone so the quality is not very good, but don't they look great?!

Little Miss Abby and I had some fun. We read books and played. Then it was bed time. She looked at me, gave me a big pout and said "uh-oh!" Guess she knew I meant business. So cute!

This is their view from their balcony - love it. I guess the lights were mesmerizing... true to my usual babysitting form I fell asleep! I used to always do that when I was younger...guess some things don't change!

It's great having extended family living so close by - we need to get together more often so Lucas and Abigail can play!

New pillows...

I have been wanting to replace these tan pillow covers forever. The boys have drooled and spilled all over them and even after a good washing they still look dingy. I also wanted something that complimented my new round pillows that I love! So after my search at a few stores turned up nothing (well, there were some I liked, but at $90 a pillow I just couldn't do it)...so I decided to make my own....

I am pretty happy with how they turned out. I think they add just the right punch of color that we needed in our living room. And instead of paying $90 a pillow I think I paid closer to $10!

20 months of Lucas...

I so enjoy this little boy! These 20 months have flown by and I am one lucky mom.

His personality is shining through these days. He's super sweet, fun-loving and even a little mischievous. He loves watching and repeating everything his big brother is doing. He knows how to get out of the way when Aidan is coming! His vocabulary is growing like crazy! He loves Buzz Lightyear, Barney, Elmo, jets, "ruff-ruff" and "coo coos". His favorite thing to do right now is to torment Chloe...he pulls her hair, then pets her and says "nice." We're working on this one! He also LOVES to go outside, so we are really looking forward to Spring this year! Love you tons Lucas!!! xoxo

Winter nights...

Our favorite winter nights in our new home consist of a nice fire in the fireplace and hanging out watching movies, reading books and playing games!

Aidan got this Georello Gears for his birthday and we have had so much fun making all different things with it...

He has gotten pretty creative - love it!

Good Morning Sunshine...

Today is a new day - I am so happy you are feeling and sleeping better my sweet, sweet boy!

5 year old birthday party...

In honor of this little man's 5th birthday, we threw a party for him at the YMCA. He had such a great time with his friends!

Auntie Katie came early to help out....

Aidan wanted to have a robot party, so I found these really cute printables on Pinterest. I will try to share the link later...

He had "robot fuel" juice, fruit and pizza with his friends

So much fun seeing these kids play at this age. Such sweet memories.

We have a 5 year old...

I can hardly believe my baby is five. You never believe it when people comment how fast it goes...but I guess it is true.

This little guy still amazes me. He is so much fun!

So to remember this time in his life I am going to list a few things about him:

He LOVES Legos. He is also into trains, robots and transformers. His favorite show right now is Power Rangers.

He is an amazing swimmer. Only five years old and swims better than most adults I know.

He still loves to snuggle. He has a strong will, but he can be so kind, sweet and endearing. Out of the blue he looks at me still and says "Mom, I love you." Melts me every time.

He has a love/hate relationship with Lucas. He doesn't like having to share, but loves it when Lucas will chase him.

He loves animals, especially dogs.

He loves doing art projects with me. His favorite thing right now is to paint on canvas. He comes up with some really great ideas - very creative. Love that.

He weighs 50 lbs and wears a size 2 shoe!

He doesn't like to ride his bike (he was going so fast his training wheel flew off...he's a little scared now)...but he is amazing on his scooter.

He ADORES his daddy.


Aidan - happy birthday! We are so blessed to have you. The day you were born was one of the best days of my life. Keep being the energetic, lovable little boy you are - you have such a big personality and I love it. We are so excited to see what the next year brings for you.

To the moon and back -

xoxo Mommy

NYC...

I am headed out of town for a few days...without kids! For a real, grown-up trip to New York City.

You have no idea how excited I am. No, really. I love New York City. It's like Chicago on steroids. So much to see and do...such a diversity in people. I can't wait to soak it all in. But the main reason right now I can't wait?

You all know how much I love my boys, right? No question. But the past two nights my 19 month old has decided that he doesn't require much sleep...AT.ALL. For no reason. He's not sick. He's not getting any teeth. He's just being a pill. So this morning he decided 3:30 a.m. was the time to wake up, and if I didn't agree he would sob LOUDLY for two hours straight. And since I am after all mother of the year I caved in and took him downstairs to watch choo-choos, give him a snack and a smoothie...so I have now rewarded him for his behavior...just to make sure he will do it again....ugh...my excuse? At 4:30 a.m. I am just not thinking clearly. Hopefully my mom will not read this until I am on the plane. See she so kindly offered to take the boys for me. Sorry mom! However, she is always bragging when I come home how much better the boys sleep at her house...I'm hoping that still holds true!

So yes, I am ready. Packed. Heading out and hoping to come back refreshed, happy and content (oh yeah, and rested!). Oh...and I hope to have taken a few pictures too! :-)