Gorgeous Weather

 We finally have had a Saturday to catch up on some yard work.  There is still a lot to do, but we could finally clean up some of the sludge mess left from winter.  I know that all of that trash wasn't originally here. The wind has blown some interesting things into our smallish yard in the last couple of weeks.  Being the last house on the block, I think that we accumulate more than our share.  We found worksheets from the elementary school, candy wrappers, cigarette butts, tumble weeds, and just plain old weeds.  So I hustled the 'button boys' out there to help get the garden ready to till, clean out some of the flower gardens and mow the lawn!

 I love the smells of spring and playing in the dirt is my kind of fun.  I love discovering all of the flowers that are waking up, and making plans for what we need to pick up at the nursery.

 My dad also has our tomatoes and some of the flowers started in his green house. How lucky am I that he does that for all of us?  (We help buy the seeds and soil to get things started and then by Memorial day it is ready to plant out.) He has done this for as long as I can remember.

 I love being outside and my house doesn't get the attention it needs after the weather turns warm So if you come to visit, I might take you out to the deck  so we can sit in the shade and visit outside.  Just kidding. I'll just close the bedroom doors.

  I can solve all the world's problems when I'm weeding.  I get all kinds of quiet time to my self.  I think that the boys avoid me on purpose when I'm weeding.  I might ask them to help. I just make sure that my mp3 player has good batteries, and that I can find my gloves and a trowel, and the rest of the world fades away.

 Oh, and bare feet are a must! There is nothing better than being barefoot on the grass!  Ahhh, I'm  de-stressing just thinking about it.








                                                                            Any way, back to spring........the fairy garden is ready to go! And as soon as the last freeze comes, we'll get the fountain up and going. This is my favorite little corner of the yard.  It makes me happy to sit out there with some Chamomile tea and listen to the water trickle.  I'm SOO excited to get these things done!

So....how do you get ready for spring?











 Your signature ID: 54488-106-2CA06258D03ADDB32531B0C5E7A4202C

Fabulous Finds

 Life has been busy at the Button Box this last week.  I picked up  added 3 new clients at work, co-hosted a bridal shower for my darling niece and gave her a fabulous do for her bridals (which the wind promptly blew apart).  I finally have time to post my last two projects.  I am sooooo happy with the way they turned out.

So first we'll visit the junking shopping trip with my sister from another mother, Shawna. We spent a fun Saturday morning together and then I went back with my sister-in-law later that afternoon. And am I ever glad that I did!

Yes, as you can see, this was before Easter that I went shopping, so ignore the ever so cute eggs also on the table. This was from the morning excursion, along with a cabinet for my television (downstairs) and a small nightstand that my husband is using for his boy scout and hunter's education materials.  We will be for sure changing the appearance of the cabinet, but not until the weather warms up a bit.

This little cutie just needed a coat of paint and a new ribbon......to become this

Not too much work, and I happen to prefer lavender over forest green for Easter.

Now, for the rest of the story. shopping treasures........

 

BE-YEW-TI-FUL aren't they?  I have such plans!  Not sure what to do with the angel picture, it doesn't go with any thing I have in my home.  It was the frame I was after.  I needed it to fit........

THIS!! 

I am sooo excited about this find!  I have wanted a picture of George Washington for a long time.  My absolute dream would be to have 'the Prayer at Valley Forge' but I'm too cheap thrifty to pay that much. So this is the next best thing.  I do have to tell you that my dear sister-in-law kept telling me at the check stand how much she likes this.  I kept telling her, "I do too.  That's why I'm buying it".  I had to promise to leave it to her in my will.  She is way jellz that I found it first.

So, I ripped the angel picture out of the frame, sanded it and painted it black.  Thought I was going to love it, but it looked way too harsh with the picture, So I sanded that down a little lot and stained it with 2 coats of maple stain!  And now I have...........

THIS!!!!!!

I absolutely heart this! Water stains and all! So for a whopping $4.00 and a little effort I have a wonderful portrait of the father of our country hanging in my home, and yes Vicki can have it when I die, or get tired of it, whichever comes first.

The last project was the Welcome sign, of course you already know that it won't stay that way.  I needed the wood for another project.  And I like to use the 3R's, (you know, reduce, reuse, recycle). So, go back a couple of pictures and check out the before, it's o.k., I'll wait for you................(insert Jeopardy music), ready? 

                                              

 First, I gave it a good sanding and then headed outside to give it a nice coat or two of my favorite black spray paint.  Silly me, the wind was blowing, yet again, sigh, it's hard living in a wind tunnel.  So back we go to sanding and then using one of my favorite tools, a Tack cloth!  It cleans ALL of the saw dust off!   A coat of black craft paint.....

A trip to my scrapbook stash and  Grandma's button box.............

.......And we get this frugalicious little gift for my Christmas stash! (Yes, I do shop for my gifts all year.  That's the only way I can afford it)   I am very happy with the way these have turned out! 

I'm having a hard time getting any scrap-book pages done........I keep watching all of you in blog-land to see the gorg projects that you are all doing.  YOU inspire me!! I have several ideas for my kitchen that is long over due for a makeover.  As soon as the weather cooperates, I'll post some of that project. For now, I'll just be happy with your projects. 

Your signature ID: 54488-106-2CA06258D03ADDB32531B0C5E7A4202C

Happy Easter!

Wow, hope you all had a fantabulous Easter Sunday!  Here at the Button Box we had lots of family fun, our favorite kind!

                        We started off Saturday  afternoon coloring eggs with the little cousins .....

 "Look, I can do two!"

 We try to get as much family together as possible and share all of the egg decorating supplies and duties.  Auntie Des showed the kids how to write with a candle before dying......totally forgot to get that picture.  Sorry, I was trying to get the rice crispy treats done at the same time.

When the dads and papa were through with their work, we all went to see "How To Tame Your Dragon"  I had more fun watching the kidlets than the movie.  But I will say that it is a cute movie and we will probably be purchasing it later this year.

This morning we listened to General Conference and loved that most of the talks from church leaders today focused on the ministry, atonement and resurrection of our Savior.  I couldn't have asked for a better Easter Sunday for my family. They munched on Easter goodies while listening to the General Authorities and our beloved Prophet  until it was time to go to Mamma and Papa's house for dinner and the egg hunt.

  Oh and we didn't want to leave Jade out of all of the fun........

                        PUPPY POWER!!

 For dinner, we had dutch oven chicken, dutch oven potatoes, salads, homemade rolls and deviled eggs and ................

.......... the cake that I made for our dessert,  I got the idea, I think, from Everyday Celebrating.  Check the link under blogs I frequently stalk.  She has some amazing ideas.

After dinner, you guessed it, it was time for the Easter Egg Hunt! We had enough eggs that we invited the little family across the street.  (Sometimes you have to borrow small children for holidays.)

It was very short lived as we have yet another snow storm coming in.  And I don't care which direction the wind comes from......without any sunshine it is just nasty and cold!

 I actually got to snap a few of the adults at the 'party' too!!!!!

My cute sister and her husband, posing cuz she can.

My Dad, observing the goings on in his back yard.........                                                                                

Me and the hubs, we don't have too many pictures of us together.......(I'm lurving the new 5 minute hairdo, he's NOT!)

Matthew and Camyce, snuggling to keep warm.

 My brother, his wife and the father of the other kids that we 'borrowed'.  He and his wife are soooo kind!

 Heath, Shane and Jesse had a great time being the "Easter Bunny" and hiding all of the eggs and candy.  I hope that they can always find something to enjoy about this holiday. 

 Your signature ID:54488-106-2CA06258D03ADDB32531B0C5E7A4202C

Project 52

 What a fabulous idea!  One of my girlfriends posted this idea on her blog a few weeks ago.  She had been watching a local T.V. station and watched a segment called Project 52, here's the web address: http://www.simplymodernmom.com/2009/12/project-52-date-nights/ (There is a dating contract involved.). She also has some guidelines to follow:
             
                * Can't do the same thing twice in one-month
                * Rotate being in charge on date nights
                * No-children allowed, if applicable
                * Must create a date-like-atmosphere. No frumpy clothes or pajamas. 
                       Make it a special event, mind  the details.
                          But most of all, keep it simple!

We haven't been doing so well in the 'date night' department of our relationship.  We have let work schedules, children, and lack of money be our excuse for not spending the time with each other.  In the past we felt lucky to  have a date every 3 or 4 months.  So this will be quite that challenge for the Button Box.

Now, date night doesn't need to involve a lot of money or going out.  No no no, who can afford that right now?  For sure it's not us!  Dates can include a special dinner, at home, for just the two of you or for a few couples, (make it pot luck), game night, a special movie, working on a project together, or, one of my favorites, make use of a walking trail near you.  The point is, do something TOGETHER once a week.

I know what you're thinking, but stop it right now!  Your relationship with your spouse should be a top priority.  I had to learn this the hard way. You don't make a marriage last this many years without learning a couple of things.  Yes, you need time to do the things you like to do, but you also must make time to spend with the person you chose to spend the rest of your life with.  So, the hubs and I have discussed this at length and decided to jump on board.  I can't believe how excited he is about this.  He is even making plans for some of the dates without me reminding him!

There is also a link, here on my blog called the Dating Divas.(listed under blogs I frequently stalk)  Check them out!  There are 12 friends sharing their date night ideas. Some of them are pretty unique.  So, now what are you going to do??  Take the challenge?? I think you should! Happy dating and we'll let you know how our challenge is going from time to time.

Your signature ID: 54488-106-2CA06258D03ADDB32531B0C5E7A4202C

Get Your Spring Craft On

Wow, how did my house get so out of control?  Oh yeah, because I've been on the computer finding cute things to add to my spring decor.......and scouring the thrift stores to make said items.  I finally put both away yesterday to get things ready for a Mary Kay party last night.  And the laundry is caught up until Saturday, so this morning I can show you what I have done.  Fasten your seat belts, keep arms and legs inside while the ride is moving and enjoy!

First, I want to share 2 of my favs. that I made quite a while ago...

 

This little cutie has eggs in the baskets all around her skirt, the boys used to take them out and play with them all the time. Of course, they never put them back.

 I made this lid to the candy dish when I was teaching a ceramics class. I think that I have a few other lids for Valentine's day and Christmas.  I kind of miss having that class once a week, but at the same time, I don't know where I'd fit it in now.

And now for the current projects.........see if they look like some from the blogs that you own or follow. Remember, I get all my fabulous ideas from you!

Are these not ADORABLE! I saw the same idea in a pair of child's rain boots over at Everyday Celebrating. I looked everywhere for rain boots, but alas, there were none to be found, not even new ones!  Not that I would have paid for the new pair.  These were on the shelf at the local thrift store right next to a pair of hot pink boot.......serious dilemma.  Which do I choose, I really loved the pink.  But I'm glad I took these and so are the man cubs in my house.  I put some plastic cups down in the shoes and added some glass marbles and flowers from Dollar Tree. Ta Da!  Total cost for the cute arrangement......$ 7.00 !!

OK, this cutie patootie  decoration was inspired by the girls at Drab to Fab.  Bonnie wasn't going to do anything like this for Easter in the make and take class.  So my girlfriend and co-worker, Angie, came up with this idea.  Isn't is super cute!!  Her wonderful husband cut the wood and the vinyl lettering for us, and away we went with the ideas. We had a fun time deciding which buttons to use.  I brought my grandma's button box for us to sort through.  That was almost as much fun as making the project.  The books are another Drab to Fab project.  I told you that I'm a copy cat.

 

Ok, remember the black sign that I picked up and told you to watch for?  Well, here it is! I sprayed it with blue paint from Wal*mart  and also used a remnant from there to cover the wire.  Angie's husband saved me again with the vinyl and the trees were out of my scrapbook stash.  After I roughed it up a bit, I 'aged' it with walnut ink.  The hubs has a hard time with the roughing up, he would like it to look 'new'.  He's learning.....oh, and not our last name, btw, this is a gift for  someone else.  Total cost, $3.00!

And last but not least, I pick up these drabular little candle holders.  Not loving the brass finish. So of course I broke out the trusty spray paint and sand paper.  After a minor mishap, ( the wind blew one over into the dirt) we have these cuties!

The eggs are from Big Lots (one of my favorite stores) and I attached them with glue dots, again from the scrapbook stash.  I LOVE THEM!  I can't remember whose blog I stole the idea from, so you might have to do some blog staking of you own to figure it out. 

So, now I need to get the troops moving and get my body to work, got a busy day on the books.  I can't wait to see what all of you have been doing and what projects I can add to the notepad by the computer.  Happy Crafting and Happy Easter! 

Your signature ID: 54488-106-2CA06258D03ADDB32531B0C5E7A4202C

Sunday Drive

We decided this morning that after church we really should take a drive up the mountain before all of the snow melts.  (We have enjoyed a few days of wonderful warm weather.) I know in my heart of hearts that we will still get a few more snow storms before school gets out. But it won't be like those bone chilling storms we have experienced the last couple of months. 
 Just a little info on where we live.  Our town is at the base, (or half way up, depending on how you look at it) the mountain.  We are at the amazing elevation of 5846 feet. The top of the mountain, where we stopped is the incredible elevation of 10,000 feet.  And we love it.

So, without further ado, here are some shots of the family and the snow that we saw today.

I don't think these will be used for a little while. This is at one of our favorite picnic areas.  It is about 10 miles from our town. And this is not quite half way to the top. 

This is the inside view of the covered area where we have had family reunions, class reunions, and cub scout day camp. Brrrr.  I didn't go in very far because the floor is covered with ice.  No need to show off my figure skating skills, er,  I mean, the lack thereof.

The next few shots were taken on top of the mountain.

 These are taken one right after the other.......if you look close, you can see the second sign further down the road in the first picture.  I didn't even exit the vehicle to take these. We were not even supposed to stop, let alone get out. There is no room to pull off the road safely.

From l to r: Shane, Heath, Jesse, and Ron.  Notice that we don't have a clear day today either.  Gotta love those clouds.........

        Me and the hubs.






I hope you enjoyed our Sunday drive.  I know we did.
 
 suYour signature ID: 54488-106-2CA06258D03ADDB32531B0C5E7A4202C

A couple of projects

So, the weather is NOT cooperating.  So much for the big stuff getting done.  I did finish a couple of little projects that I can share now.  I have been doing some serious stalking and searching.  I love what I've seen and have made notes and sketches of things that I want to do.  You should see the notepad by my computer.  I've also been scouring the thrift stores here in search of things that are similar to the project sketches.  So without further ado, here is what I have been able to finish.

Some of the found items, before the make-over...

                                              
                      Some thrift shop treasures...........

                   Lovely brass candle sticks that I already owned.......

                beautious Easter Eggs from Big Lots......

And......drumroll please.......ddddddddddddddddd

I spray painted all of the candlesticks black and then glued the glass on top.  The eggs I sprayed white, painted with the blue and then speckled with a walnut ink. (I cut off the 'cute' ribbon hangers on the eggs of course.)  The tray has been painted several times, it doesn't know for sure what color is was when I brought it home.

The two candlesticks that match were my grandmother's and were already black, lucky for me huh?  The tall one in the middle was also already black, but it is really a small vase.  I love that a candle fit in it perfectly, all I had to do was clean it up a bit.

The black sign has been sanded down for me by my darling husband and is ready for the next project.  I just need time to paint it the color that I want and to find the perfect adornments for it.  Check back later for that one.

Surely you will recognize some of these from the blogs that I love.  I tell everyone I am a great copy cat!  I can never quite come up with an original idea of my own.  So to all of you who inspire me.........keep up the good work.