The Projects

Drumroll, please...the completed projects:

Stuffed animal containment was getting out of hand in each of the kids' rooms. So, I showed Jip a solution I had seen on Pinterst a number of times. We decided to run with the idea and found the best blog we could that had measurements and a supply list.

Jip was in charge of cutting and assembling. I sanded as much as I could by hand and Jip finished with the power sander. The kids each picked out their own paint and got to watch it be mixed. The kids helped paint the first coats of paint, too. The grown-ups did the second coat of paint. They dried in the garage all week, then Jip put on rubber feet and I made the letters with my cutting machine and attached them with 3M Command poster adhesive strips. The kids picked out what they wanted their letters to say--I have no idea why Ry insisted on using "cage."

We all think they turned out pretty darn great!

Before we go, I have one more project to share. I actually did it a few weeks ago, but tweaked it a bit this week to end up with the final result. Presenting my Frozen-inspired canning ring wreath:

Those are 84 canning rings, each one wrapped with one of four patterns of washi tape. I cut a foam wreath form and threaded them onto the wreath. I glued the wreath back together, added a bow, and voila! I think it looks great! And a friend of mine who pickles and cans will use all of the lids (rings can be used over and over, but lids should only be used once), so nothing went to waste.

It's been a crafty few weeks in the Mosman House between the stuffed animal containment, wreath, and the food on a stick party. With February here, I can finally recycle some stuff from last year for decorations. But, before you know it, I'll be starting the work on the kids' school valentines. I've got something good planned for those--but that will be a post for another day.

Not Much to Report

We've all been dealing with colds, so there really isn't much to report this week.  We tried to stick to ourselves and focus on getting better.

Ryleigh has been a bear lately when it comes to sleep.  Getting her to lie down for a nap or at bedtime has been trying to say the least.  The day I had the most success was the day that she decided to take a nap in her Frozen tent on the floor.  Here she is, Oreo-faced and sleeping peacefully.

This weekend we tackled a project.  And when I saw we, I mean all four of us.  The project was for the kids, so they pitched in.  I'm not going to say what the project was yet--Jip and I each have some finishing touches for them (each kid gets one in his/her room) and I want to reveal the results when the project is truly complete.  But, hopefully by Thursday, they'll be in full use in the kids' rooms and ready to photograph.

The beginning of the project was mostly Dad's responsibility.  Ryleigh wasn't too impressed with that.  So, she asked me to take pictures while she rode her bike.

Meanwhile, during a pause of RJ getting into everything he possibly could in the garage, RJ received a little lesson on the miter box and saw.

Intrigued?  Stay tuned...

Sticking Around

No, no.  It's not what you think.  Jip doesn't have orders. He doesn't have an inkling of what is next for his Navy career.

This "sticking around" was a party we had for Jip's work people on Saturday.  We asked people to drop by and stick around for food on a stick or stick-like food.  The menu was fun:

Meatballs (on a stick) with two dipping sauces
Corn dogs (on a stick) with ketchup and mustard
Crispy breadsticks wrapped with prosciutto
Mini-peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and bananas (on a stick)
Carrot sticks and celery sticks and cherry tomatoes on toothpicks in cups of ranch dressing
Fruit, cheese, and pickles (with cocktail picks)
Pretzel sticks
Rice Krispie treats (on a stick)
Donut holes (on a stick) reglazed and sprinkled

In the backyard, we fired up the chiminea and served:

Marshmallows roasted (on a stick) and sandwiched with chocolate and graham crackers, AKA S'mores

About 30 people showed up.  The kids played hard and got along so, so very well with each other.  Work conversation was minimal.  Socializing was maximized.  It was a lovely afternoon!

In prepping for the party, I updated our AppleTV photo album with pictures from the last couple months and some pictures we captured using the Heirloom app.  It was fun to share pictures, both new and old, like this one:

(Sorry, Jip.  I had to do it!)

Although there's always a little clean up AFTER the party, the bonus part of having a party at one's house is the massive cleaning that occurs BEFORE the party.  It was so nice to do some spring cleaning!  We put together a couple boxes of donations, the Play-Doh got scrubbed out of the rugs, and shutters got a nice wipe down.  

Anyway, we thank you for sticking with this blog!  Until next week, cheers!

Two more "firsts"

Another good week in the Mosman house with a couple more "firsts."  Ryleigh had her first official gymnastics lesson, and she also had her first day of preschool!  Where have the past few years gone?  Wasn't she born just a few months ago????  She was super happy and did extremely well at both events.

After a pleasant week where Amy actually got to rediscover a few hours of complete freedom again (Tuesday and Thursday mornings), we headed over to Indio to visit my grandparents.  It was a good visit and the we're glad that we went.  The kids got to enjoy some time in the hotel pool and my grandparents got to enjoy the kids--even though the kids quickly wear them out!

Have a great week!
-Jip

Winding Down, Winding Up

It was a very low key week for the Mosman Clan. Jip worked half days Monday and Tuesday. RJ had his well-child visit with the doctor (he is well!) and resumed speech therapy. Jip had duty on Wednesday, so the kids and I met Jip for lunch. On Thursday, we said good-bye to the Christmas decorations. Friday entailed dinner out to celebrate 16 years of marriage. After dinner, I went to The Container Store for the first time since RJ was born. It was dreamy. I came home with a bunch of fiberboard boxes to organize the desk--it was out of control! Friday night and off and on all day Saturday were filled with laughs about some of the stuff that we had saved. We tossed lots of old pens, cords to electronic devices we don't own anymore, and some random stuff we had kept in our desks at our respective jobs at VA OIG and on USS ENTERPRISE. We made plans for a bigger purge before the next big pack-out, whenever that will be. Saturday morning we did the monthly Home Depot workshop with the kiddos. And, Sunday was a chill day at home. All in all, it was a good week to wind down from all the hustle and bustle of the previous month. Below are a few photos from our week.

Now it is time to wind up and get back into our routine. It's back to school tomorrow for RJ. Jip returns to work and has duty tomorrow--yes, two days within a week, but tomorrow might be the last one if there are enough other people with fewer watches and who are qualified to stand the watch. Ryleigh starts gymnastics tomorrow. AND, Ryleigh starts preschool two days per week for 3-hours each day on Tuesday. She is excited and I think a bit nervous. Pictures next week should be great!

Until next week, have a good first full week of 2015!