Fix It Up Friday: Recovered Bulletin Board

Good morning!  It is time for Fix It Up Friday again.  I am so glad to have you join me.  This week I am sharing how I recovered a bulletin board for my daughter.

Here is the finished product. It looked much different earlier this week before I started this project.

My daughter used to have princess decor in her bedroom. However, at age eleven she decided she was getting too old for that. So, last week we totally cleaned her room and took down all of the princess things which included this bulletin board.

I took it all apart and this is what I was left with.  A foam covered board, a piece of backing fabric, and picture hangers.  I decided not to reuse the ribbon and used different tacks that I already had.

I cut a piece of fabric the same size as the fabric I took off and hot glued it to the back of the board.  Then I cut ribbon to the same size as the old ribbon.  I placed it on the fabric and hot glued it to the back as well.

When I was done with the fabric and ribbon I hammered on the tacks.  Then I hot glued the backing fabric to the back and attached the picture hangers.

I think it will match her room nicely now and is much more grown up looking than the princesses. (She will always be my little princess, though.)

This was an easy project and I was able to use materials I already had on hand.  Don't you just love projects like that?

Do you have a creative post to link up?  Please read the Fix It Up Friday guidelines before linking your post.  You need to put either a text link or add my button to your blog or blog post.  Thank you


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Fix It Up Friday: Recovered Bulletin Board

Crocheting for Baby

I recently completed a few crochet projects for our new baby. I am anxious to see how they fit her and will, of course, take pictures of her wearing the items. For now, here are the items I made for the baby, minus the baby. :)

I actually made this sweater back in the fall before we knew for sure we were having a girl. I was dealing with morning sickness and crocheting seemed to help take my mind off of it.

The sweater pattern is called Hexagon Granny Baby Jacket. It is crocheted as two separate pieces that you sew together. It is really a neat pattern. I decided to go with one color instead of two like suggested. I also added a scalloped edging.

Over the weekend I decided that the sweater needed a bonnet to go with it. I used the Beautiful Baby Bonnet pattern. I opted to make ties using a chain stitch instead of ribbon. I just couldn't find a ribbon that matched as closely as I wanted so I think this was a good option.

This little pink hat will hopefully fit Janna in the hospital when she is born. I used the Sweet and Simple Newborn Hat pattern. There were three sizes listed and I opted to use the one for a small newborn/large preemie. I made the bigger sized hat for my niece who is 4 weeks old and it seemed to fit her well.

I added a flower to the hat for a little added detail. The pattern for the flower was called the Little Double Blossom Crochet Flower. (You need to be a member of Ravelry to download the pattern.)

Finally, I made these little booties using the Fake Mary Janes pattern. They were easy to make and will hopefully fit Janna's feet.

I had lots of fun crocheting these things for our baby. Do you like to crochet?

I am linking this post to:
Strut Your Stuff Thursday at Somewhat Simple
Fibers on Friday at Visions of Sugar Plums

Crocheting for Baby

Pregnancy Update - 37 Weeks

Today I am 37 weeks pregnant and that means I am technically full-term.  It is a great feeling to have reached this point in my pregnancy.  Anytime Janna comes from here on out will be just fine with us.

This morning I had an appointment with my midwife.  Everything is still looking good with the pregnancy.  Janna's heart rate was in the 140's like normal and my blood pressure was good.  The baby's head is engaged and she is definitely lower than she was at my last appointment.

I have gained 34 pounds and my midwife says that is completely normal.  However, when the scale said 199.9 today I didn't feel normal.  (I am 6'1" tall in case you were wondering.)

The only negative was that I tested positive for Group B Strep.  I tested positive with Joseph, but that was the first time.  I had to have two doses of IV antibiotics four hours apart when I was in labor with Joseph and the same will be true this time.  I have no desire to stay in the hospital for 48 hours after giving birth which is what will have to happen if I don't get the two doses.  I am praying that this will all work out and I am leaving the details up to God.

I have been having some dull cramps with each Braxton Hicks contraction the past two days.  I don't remember this happening with my other pregnancies, but I probably just have fuzzy memories.  :)  I do wonder if it means labor will happen sooner rather than closer to my due date.  

As the time to give birth draws ever closer I am left wondering when and how it will happen.  Each labor and delivery has been different.  There are always so many variables but I am excited to have this opportunity to deliver another baby.

I did have to have my anniversary ring cut off on Saturday.  I normally take my rings off before this point I guess because this has never happened before.  Thankfully, the woman who made the ring came over and cut it off.  We are fortunate to have her as a friend because I am sure we could have been charged quite a bit if we had had to go somewhere.

I will leave you with a picture of me that was taken on Sunday at 36 weeks and 5 days.  I wonder if I will make it to 38 weeks.

Pregnancy Update - 37 Weeks

Weekly Menu Plan

I don't have a recipe to share with you this week, but I did want to share our menu plan.

Menu Plan

Sunday - Leftovers

Monday - Tacos/Taco Salad, Refried Beans, Applesauce, Chips & Salsa

Tuesday - Chicken Breasts, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli, Fruit Smoothies

Wednesday - Fish Fillets, Macaroni & Cheese, Green Beans, Fruit Smoothies

Thursday - Hamburgers, French Fries, Carrot & Celery Sticks, Fruit Smoothies

Friday - Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Cauliflower, Fruit Smoothies

Saturday - Steak, Baked Potatoes, Okra, Fruit Smoothies

Weekly Menu Plan

Fix It Up Friday: Clearing Away the Craft Room Clutter

Good morning!  It is time for Fix It Up Friday!  Today my Fix It Up Friday post is about the clutter in my craft room.

I have been decluttering and deep cleaning each room in our house during this last trimester of pregnancy.  Plus, I have been doing lots of sewing and crafting.  This has led to my craft area in our basement becoming a disaster.

No crafting or sewing has happened at my house this week.  It isn't that I haven't wanted to work on creative projects, but my craft area was so bad that I couldn't work on another project until I had fixed things up.

I am going to show you a picture that I took Wednesday of my craft area.  I am ashamed to say that this is actually better than it was earlier in the week.

Pretty bad, huh?  Like I said this wasn't the worst it was.

I finished cleaning off the floor and my table Wednesday night and it feels so good. Fixing this area up makes me want to finish some projects and keep everything clean all at the same time. Let's hope I can keep things looking nice.

As I was fixing this area up I tried to think about whether I really needed to keep the items or not.  Several things went to the Goodwill and some went into the trash.  The things that I decided to keep are in nice neat tote boxes in my storage area.

It is so much easier to let things go and tell yourself that you will just mess it up again. However, the older I get the more I realize this is just a lie we tell ourselves to not feel bad about the clutter in our lives.

How do you keep the clutter at bay when you are working on craft projects? I would love to hear any ideas you have so that I don't end up having to post about this again in a few months.

Do you have a creative post to link up? Please read the Fix It Up Friday guidelines before linking your post. You need to put either a text link or add my button to your blog or blog post. Thank you!


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Fix It Up Friday: Clearing Away the Craft Room Clutter

Mama's Got a Brand New (Diaper) Bag

Last week I made a new diaper bag.  After having three boys in a row, I thought it might be nice to have a girly diaper bag.  I used the Sew Baby Double Duty Diaper Bag Pattern and really like how it turned out.  I think this will be a very roomy bag and will suit my needs nicely.

The bag is made to be reversible, but I added some fusible velcro to the inside to keep the bag shut when not in use.  I just think that having pockets on the outside with a three year old might lead to some missing items.  :)

I do think that if I were going to use disposable diapers full-time that I would make two pockets on each side instead of three in order to accommodate diapers that are larger than newborn size.  However, I will just put the cloth diapers inside the bag and not in the pockets.

The pattern also came with instructions for how to make a changing pad.  I chose to use fleece instead of a waterproof vinyl type of fabric.  I think this will be nicer for Janna to lay on.



The changing pad rolls up and is secured by a loop of elastic when not in use.  I think I will like carrying this bag around.  I am not sure that my husband will enjoy it quite as much, though.  :)

What style of diaper bag do (did) you like to use?

Don't forget that tomorrow is Fix It Up Friday.  I would love to have you link up your posts.

I am linking this post to Strut Your Stuff Thursday at Somewhat Simple.

Mama's Got a Brand New (Diaper) Bag

Pregnancy Update - 36 Weeks

The big day is drawing ever closer with only four weeks left until I am due to have our little Janna.  I know she will come when she is ready, but 28 days, give or take, is not very long.  We are all getting excited as the time draws near.

On Friday I had an appointment with my midwife since she wasn't going to be in this week.  Everything is still looking good with the pregnancy and baby.  My blood pressure has remained pretty consistent and Janna's heart rate tends to be in the upper 140's.  I did gain 5 pounds in 1 1/2 weeks which wasn't too fun to see on the scale.  Considering I didn't gain any weight between 32 and 34 weeks I am telling myself it is alright.

I have been experiencing quite a bit of pain in my tailbone, but that is more than likely due to all of the reorganizing we have been doing.  I am just trying to sit on a heating pad when it gets too bad.  I know it is only temporary and that Janna is worth any pain or discomfort I may experience.

My mom made two things for Janna that I wanted to share with you.

She made this adorable pink bear out of super soft minky fabric and a pretty rag quilt.  They will definitely both be treasured items made with love from Janna's Memaw.  :)

Pregnancy Update - 36 Weeks

Turnip Greens & Weekly Menu Plan

My husband and children are on Spring Break this week and I am so excited to have them home. There will probably be one day we will go out to eat for supper which will be a nice change of pace.

Before I share our menu for the week I wanted to share about a new vegetable we have tried recently. Last week I shared about how we have been enjoying Brussels Sprouts. This week it is turnip greens with diced turnips.

Turnip Greens with Diced Turnips

1-2 Tbsp. Bacon Grease
1 Bag of Frozen Turnip Greens with Diced Turnips

Heat the bacon grease in a skillet. Add the turnip greens. Saute over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.   (You can cover the skillet with a lid to speed up the cooking process.)

The bacon grease makes them especially tasty we think. :)

Now here is our menu plan for the week.

Menu Plan

Sunday - Leftovers

Monday - Chicken Breasts, Turnip Greens, Baked Potatoes, Applesauce

Tuesday - Smoked Sausage, Fried Potatoes, Cooked Carrots, Fruit Smoothies

Wednesday - Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Salad, Apple Slices

Thursday - We will more than likely go out to eat this evening.

Friday - Fish Fillets, Macaroni & Cheese, Green Beans, Fruit Smoothies

Saturday - Beefy Noodles, Brussels Sprouts, Fruit Smoothies

Turnip Greens & Weekly Menu Plan

Fix It Up Friday: Nursery Furniture on the Cheap

Good morning!  It is time for Fix It Up Friday!  Today I want to share with you how I have been able to have some "new" nursery furniture for our new baby without spending much money.

This is how one wall of our baby's "room" looks now that I have added a dresser and some accessories.  The red and aqua match the crib skirt and valance I made last week.

The dresser is part of a set we inherited from my husband's grandma when we were newly married. Two of my boys have the other two dressers in their rooms. This dresser I had painted pink for my daughter several years ago. It has been in her closet storing junk (She has another dresser for clothes.) and she was willing to part with it for her new baby sister.

It took me a couple of hours on Saturday to put about 5 coats of white enamel paint on the dresser. You would have thought it was red with as hard as it was to cover up the pink. Thankfully, the day was windy or it would have taken much longer to paint.

I painted the knobs with some red glossy spray paint and have already filled the dresser with Janna's tiny clothes. :)

This expandable rack was a 25 cent yard sale find that I spray painted red to match the dresser knobs.  It not only will be good to hang some of Janna's little clothes, but it will double as a decorative piece.  I love how the dress I made her matches perfectly.

Finally, I covered two cardboard boxes with some red and aqua felt. The boxes will serve as extra storage for diapers, burp cloths and blankets as well as add a decorative element to the room. I used my tutorial for covering boxes with fabric.

Who says you need to spend a lot of money to decorate a nursery? A little paint and some time is all it took for me to create this look for our baby.

Do you have a creative post to link up? Please read the Fix It Up Friday guidelines before linking your post. You need to put either a text link or add my button to your blog or blog post. Thank you!


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Fix It Up Friday: Nursery Furniture on the Cheap

Homemade Crib Sheets

I made two crib sheets yesterday.  I like to do a lot of DIY projects, but making crib sheets was something I had never thought of doing.  However, when I tried to use a sheet we already had, it just didn't fit the new mattress for Janna's crib.  It actually made the mattress bow.

So, I decided to make my own.  Now, I not only have two sheets that fit the mattress, but they also coordinate with the crib skirt and valance I made last week.

I used the crib sheet pattern that came in the pattern I used for the crib skirt.  Vogue 7245 Nursery Accessories

As you can see I used a white with red polka dot fabric that is the opposite of the crib skirt fabric. I also made a plain red sheet.

I did find a tutorial for making a crib sheet that I would have used if I hadn't already had a pattern for one. The tutorial can be found at Make Baby Stuff.

Homemade Crib Sheets

Pregnancy Update - 35 Weeks

Today I am officially 35 weeks pregnant.  That means there are only 5 weeks until my due date!  I am still feeling good and thankful for the blessing that this pregnancy has been.

I love to feel Janna kicking and moving.  Sometimes my whole belly shakes with her movements.  I have been noticing her little feet stretching and kicking up high lately.  It won't be long until I get to kiss those little feet and see the face of this baby who has been doing gymnastics in my womb.  :)

I have been working on various projects for the baby as well as doing some major spring cleaning.  I am noticing that by the afternoon I am pretty tired, so I have been trying to pace myself and take naps as needed.

My husband took a few pictures of me on Sunday and I thought I would share two of them with you today.

I was 34 weeks and 5 days pregnant when these pictures were taken.

Everyone always comments about how low I am carrying the baby.  I know she is low because of how I have been measuring at my appointments.  Some advantage are that I don't get out of breath or feel like Janna is in my ribs.  :)

Finally, I wanted to share a baby gift that we received from a woman at church.

Isn't this a pretty Sunbonnet Sue quilt?

Check out the details she put into the blocks.  This is definitely going to be a keepsake.

Pregnancy Update - 35 Weeks

Brussels Sprouts & Weekly Menu Plan

We tend to stick with pretty traditional vegetables like corn and green beans.  My husband and I have recently started branching out on the vegetables we eat.  One of the vegetables we have added to our repertoire is brussels sprouts.

Here is how I have been cooking them.

Brussels Sprouts

Boil 1 (12 ounce) package of frozen brussels sprouts in a pan of water for 8-10 minutes.  Drain.

Transfer the brussels sprouts to a baking dish.  Cover the brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle on a little salt and pepper.  Bake uncovered in a 400 degree oven for 25-30 minutes.

I have to say that I don't mind eating brussels sprouts.  Isn't it funny how a food can be built up in our minds over the years as "yucky", but actually not be that bad once we actually try it?

Now, here is our weekly menu plan.

Menu Plan

Sunday - Leftovers

Monday - Grilled Pork Chops, Baked Potatoes, Corn, Blackberries

Tuesday - Grilled Steak, Macaroni & Cheese, Brussels Sprouts, Fruit Smoothies

Wednesday - Fish Fillets, Butternut Squash, Green Beans, Applesauce

Thursday - Sweet & Sour Pork, Rice, Broccoli, Fruit Smoothies

Friday - Family Night at Church

Saturday - Homemade Pizza & Breadsticks, Italian Tossed Salad, Fruit Smoothies

Brussels Sprouts & Weekly Menu Plan