Just Do It!

Stella, Connor, and Kristjan on our way to the beach

Have you heard of Mom's Night Out?  My local church hosts a mother's evening out with snacks and activities for the little ones, but a national night out?  Woohoo!  I had no idea until I came across a posting at 5 Minutes for Mom who linked me to MNO.  Many moms have already had their parties for this year, but some of us missed it, so lets do it again!  On May 6th, moms across America got out of the house...without kids...and enjoyed themselves! 

I know for many of us, getting out of the house without kids in tow is a big deal and sometimes we leave and are just dumbstruck because we have no idea what to do.  Sometimes it's just nice to grocery shop without little fingers grabbing at the candy on hang tags or yelling about fruit snacks.  But, this Sunday - I pledge do something fun - FOR ME!

Plans are already in motion for a fun-filled night of BINGO at the club on base.  I love to see all the lol's (little old ladies) with their tchotchke's all in a row, taping together all their bingo cards, while sucking down a coffee.  I admit, I am not an avid bingoer and I often have to ask irritating questions like, "Which one is this?  Is this the one with the corners or not?"  But, my bestie understands, giggles, and always helps me out.  You see, I'm her good luck charm.  I don't win, she wins, but that's besides the point.  For $40, I get three hours of peace and quiet, get to accidentally dobber my fingers, eat the best french fries in town, and laugh with my friend (all kid free)!  

Moms, if you're out there - make plans.  Do something for yourself and don't feel bad about it.  The laundry will wait until you get back.  Dads, watch your kiddos with a happy heart and tell Mom not to worry - you'll do the laundry!

Plus, when all is said and done, I can use these really cute Jenni Bowlin Bingo cards and make a project!

Well Begun is Half Done

I am a crafter. I paint, glue, smudge, ink, and distress just about anything I can. Blogging is not in my repertoire, but I was informed that if you are a somebody, and you wanna be a big time scrapbooker, you have a blog! So - for the two of you out there reading this - I am making an attempt to write creatively and post my newest projects and ideas. Here goes nothin'!

Recently, I have been in class, which takes up any time I might have left over after taking care of the kids, house, etc. Thankfully, I am in art school and have gotten the opportunity to take an actual art class. (In case any of you are considering art school, don't be disappointed when they require you to take math and chemistry before you actually get to make art). I have been studying Art Nouveau and the Arts and Crafts Movement from the early 1900s.

In an attempt to complete a previous project and come up with a creative idea to complete an assignment, I made a chair. Now - let me set the record straight - I bought a bare wooden chair from IKEA and painted it laboriously, put a few screws in place with the help of my four year old, and then poly coated the whole thing. I did not turn wooden spokes on a lathe or anything! This chair is for Connor - my 11 month old. It's too big for him, but he'll grow into it and I'll get some cute pictures out of the deal.

So the goal is to paint six chairs and make my table like the one in Monica Geller's apartment on Friends. My chairs are all the same, but will have new shiny paint in each family member's favorite colors. We shall see how this project unfolds...