DIY Work Bench

This past summer I picked up a "Handyman" magazine at the airport while waiting for a connecting flight. I thought as a homeowner it is a good idea to get some experience working with tools and building and fixing things yourself.

One project that caught my interest was building your own workbench, something that probably belongs into everyone's garage and was still missing in ours.

I bought the wood at Home Depot and hoped to get it cut according to the measurements - by the way  - why would you call something a 2x4 if it's not a actually a 2x4? It's more like a 1 3/4 x 3 1/2. Measuring also wasn't the strength of the guy using the saw, some pieces were longer, others a bit shorter than needed but thankfully still usable.

After having all the wood it was all just pretty basic. I just had to screw the right pieces together and follow the instructions. It took me about 5 hours in total to finish the project and I am now the proud owner of a homemade workbench!

Btw. these are not my beer boxes...

My little helper provided me with moral support and smiles.

You can already see what it's supposed to be, just some finishing touches...

Thanks for reading. I hope it won't be too long till I can write about another handyman project.

Benjamin

White Hot Chocolate

There is just something so satisfying about chilly fingertips on a heated mug - especially one filled with frothy White Hot Chocolate.

 Landon and I shared a big cup together topped with whipped cream after our morning walk yesterday. I still have the image in my head of the white mustache above his little lips.Since I'm not a coffee or tea drinker, Hot Chocolate is my go-to hot beverage - and white chocolate just takes it to that whole other luxurious level.

White Hot Chocolate

4 cups milk of choice (You can substitute half and half, heavy cream, or a mixture.)

1 tsp vanilla extract

8 oz. white chocolate chips

Whipped Cream or marshmallows for topping

1. Stir together milk, chocolate and vanilla in small saucepan.

2. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the white hot chocolate comes to a simmer. (Do not let it come to a boil.) 

3. Remove from heat and serve immediately, topped with whipped cream or marshmallows if desired.

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

Landon says more...

I've had quite a few people tell me how much they enjoyed the first "Landon says" blog post. So I figured I'd keep the amusement going and fill you all in on some other comical things that have come out of our sweetie's mouth this past week. 

I definitely have to keep the pen and paper close by everyday. 

M. There's a bee in the house!

L. Ahhh! Oh NO! Get help! Right back!............Paaapppaaa! There a BEE in da house! ( He comes back into the bedroom) It ok Mama. Papa hit the bee like this.....HIT! 

M. You're just looking for trouble today aren't you??

L. YA! I like twubble. 

M. OUCH! Landon why did you bite me!!!???

L. I'm a beaver!

(Ben was shaving and came out of the bathroom)

L. Papa has yogurt on chin!

(Laying in our bed in the morning and Landon comes into the room)

L. Papa, out of Mama's bed! 

B. No Landon, you come in and cuddle with us.

L. Papa out! Landon want come in. 

B. But I'm cuddling Mama. 

L. Papa, go out bed. Make Coffeeee!

(An orange car drives by)

L. Look! Punkin car!

L. Can Landon have a big hug, Mama? 

M. Of course you can sweetheart! (I give him a hug) 

L. Ah, TOO BIG, Mama! 

B. Landon we need to pray before we eat. 

L. Ok. (Closes his eyes....then quickly opens them and points his finger at Ben.) Don't eat my food!

(I hit my head hard on the kitchen cupboard) 

L. It's ok Mama! I kiss your BIG head! 

(Landon praying before dinner)

L. Tank you for dis day, God. Bye! See you!

Family photos 2014

I have a love for pictures. Especially of family and our children. The ones that really capture the things I love most about their littleness. Wrinkly little toes, chubby fingers, and loving eyes. Chunky cheeks, baby tongues, and smiling faces.

I love looking at a photo and being able to tell who they are - their spark and curiosity. Being able to freeze in time the beautiful features of these teeny little lives. I want to remember everything about these days. To be able to look back at these special moments captured.

We always find ourselves looking back at old photos - comparing their littleness then to their bigness now. I'm so happy we have them tucked away in files - those days frozen in one single shot forever. We've convinced ourselves going picture crazy is quite alright. That's all we have for later.

I just want to say a huge thank you to my friend Megan Preece for taking our newest family pictures for us. And to her amazing Mother Cathy for bringing some fun props along and helping us out with getting little faces to share a smile. We had such a fun day with you and couldn't ask for better weather. Thank you for your extreme amount of patience and love towards our sweet but spunky, stubborn toddler - And for helping us document this special chapter in our lives. Also for reminding us that just being natural and acting ourselves is the key to picture perfect. 

Things have definitely changed since last year.

So thankful for family and this indescribable love.



Megan Preece Photography
Check her out!