Summer projects!

I took on a project this last week...I thought it would be simple.  It turned out to be quite the process, but I was very happy with the turn out!  We have this honey colored pine all over the house.  It is ok, but I prefer the darker wood for a little more updated look.  I really want to stain the kitchen cabinets, but I wanted to try it out first, so I took on the boys' bathroom which has the same type of cabinet.  It cost me about $50 to do the entire bathroom!  I bought some gel stain by General Finishes in Java.  I had a difficult time finding it, but I finally came across it at Woodcraft.  The gel stain makes such a difference compared to the traditional stain.  It is very thick which covers better.  I still did about three coats of the stain and two coats of the poly top coat.  It took all week to do the doors and the side, but the dry time is apparently important, so I wanted to make sure to do it right! I used this tutorial below and did exactly what she did http://www.monicawantsit.com/2012/02/staining-oak-cabinets-espresso-color.html.

I also decided to paint the bathroom a little different shade of green.  The previous green actually hurt my eyes to look at, so I wanted to tone it down.  I ended up using a combination of two colors I already had from other projects. 

I also stained the side of the vanity.  It is just a laminate, and I was worried it would not stain.  But, I sanded it just like the wood, and it turned out great!

Here is the finished vanity!

The new green on the walls is also much more subtle!  I love it!

And, while I was working on the bathroom, we had the professionals step in and paint the outside of the house! 

I just want to pull up a chair in the street and stare at it now!  I could not be happier!  Thanks to Farmer & Company for a fabulous job!

Father's Day!

Kalyn came in for a visit!  We took them to eat Hibachi the first night.  The boys were amazed!

Logan gave Lyndon some really cute stuff he made the last week of school.  On one of the pages of the booklet he made for him, it asked for hair color; Logan's answer was bald.

Against my better judgement, I originally was going to get Lyndon a nail gun so he could start on the tree house for the boys; however, Luke spilled the beans on that.  I figured it was for the best and went with something a little less weapon-like.  He has been wanting a nice bird bath for the front yard, so I found this cute one for him.  We have already had several visitors! 

Happy Father's Day today and everyday to my amazing husband!  We are grateful for everything you do for us, and we love you endlessly!  

Summer is here!!

Luke taking on his first swim of the season!

Batman's first ride of the season!

Lawn movie! 

We showed We Bought A Zoo for the block and ended the night with Zoolander for the adults! I think we are going to make a monthly movie night!

I started off June with this cutie!  I got to fly to Lubbock, Texas to visit my bestie Ginger and her precious baby girl, Kailyn.  Ginger and I have known each other for 26 years.  Pretty amazing since we actually only lived in the same city for just over 3 years!

 

Then and now!

We also had our first visitors of the summer all the way from Indianapolis.  For some reason, we never get pictures when they are here, but Sophia and I took took this pic...

...our first manis and pedis of the summer season thanks to Nick, and thanks to Sophia for spending some girl time with me! We loved having you, and you are welcome anytime!

The boys also had a wild last couple of weeks at school.

Logan and his buddies at Field Day. This group could be big trouble in the future!

Batman stopped by their party to encourage them to continue to read and stay safe over the summer!

Best Buds!

Logan's wonderful Kindergarten class.  This is a great group of kids!

Luke's last day of Preschool.  Thanks to Miss Carol and Miss Michelle for a wonderful year!

Logan got the Lifesaver Award for always being a great helper!  His teacher said he was always by her side...I think he was literally by her side all. year. long. Thank goodness for the patience of kindergarten teachers!

Logan had three incredible teachers this year! Thanks to Mrs. Kisch, Mrs. McMahan and Mrs. Kwaiser for all that they did to make this year so amazing! His actual teacher, Mrs. Kisch, had a baby at the beginning of May.  She surprised the class at their end-of-the-year party with a precious video made up of pictures from all of their activities. Upon telling the kids she had a special video for them to watch, Logan asked very excitedly and very innocently if it was the video of her baby being born (he does not have a clue how this happens). I felt badly for him as I worried he would be embarrassed that some of the adults were laughing. In true six-year-old form, he shrugged his shoulders and moved on.  I did not make a big deal out of it.  He is six, and I figure I have time before I have to drop that bomb on him!

And, last but not least, we have actual veggies in the vegetable garden! 

Here is to a very busy and very happy summer!