Projects for Jessi and the babes!

I was working very hard trying to get these shirts done in time...I did it! With all of my procrastination (are you surprised?!) I thought I was cutting it close...I was wrong! Got them done in time for Jessi's shower for little Ian and of course, sweet Emma too! ;) I can't wait to see Emma wear this (to my house, of course!) ;) haha!
Ian has a matching shirt!! =)

I was cracking up after I made this one since Jessi and I both have a HORRIBLE BIRD FEAR! Bird things are just too darn cute!

Padre Game

Time got away from us this year and as a result, we were only able to squeeze in one game this year! It was a great game and a nice date night! ;)

Ryan Matthews threw out the 1st pitch
This guy loves his Padres (and Chargers) like crazy!

Horse Races in Del Mar

Yet again, a super late post! Yikes!

Wyatt was able to get us into the horse races this year because his aunt and uncle owned one of the horses! What a neat experience it was to be able to see the horse win and to take a picture in the winner's circle! We had a great time that day (despite the fact that I was sick) and hope to go back next year! Thanks Wyatt! =)

Trouble Times Three

The winning horse!

Isn't the name of the horse I bet on so fitting?! ;)

Lots of hard work is now D-O-N-E!!

This post is WAY overdue, but I just had to add it to the blog (notice that I just added Makena's dance recital that I wrote way back in July! Ugh!)! Better late than never! =)

In May, Mike started the fire academy! He accomplished so much during the 3 month span and is now in search of a career in the fire service and fulfill a dream he's had since he was a tiny tot! He was soooo serious! =)

Mike was a squad leader and was presented with an award! Way to go!
The squad leaders presenting awards to the cadre.

Such a proud Papa!
Grandma and Grandpa Ese and Aunt Kathy all made it down to celebrate! Oma came to help celebrate too!

My mom and dad were sooo proud!

Proud parents!

The Three Amigos!
Being goofy!

Proud Brother!
I love this picture of the fam!

We had a mini celebration at our house after!

We all love you and are so proud of your hardwork! =) xoxox

Couldn't be more excited...

Fall is my absolute favorite and with the COLD weather we have (finally) had this week, I am sooooo in the mood for it! Needless to say, I cannot get enough pumpkin fluff, pumpkin bread, etc. (you get the idea)....anything pumpkin, I am all over it! Besides all of the delicious treats, I have decorated too!! Here are a few pics! ;)

Some glitter pumpkins and a witch from Salem...make the perfect pair! ;) Skulls and witches hats!

This banner was an experiment! I thought it came out pretty good if I do say so myself! =)

Magnolia Bakery...Oh how I heart you so much!

I have a very bad addiction right now that I think I need to control! I have been spoiled two weeks in a row now with the best cupcakes EVER! Luckily (or should I say "too bad") they have one in LA! You must try these special treats yourself! ;) P.S. Only 2 are left and let's just say Mike didn't eat one! Yep, it was me! Now, I must go run some more...

Project complete!!

So yesterday I posted the "before" picture of my "thrifty" find...as I said, I am sad that I was too quick to jump on redoing it that I forgot to snag a picture of the bottom piece. Believe me, I wanted to give up on the sanding, etc., but learned plenty (more than I wanted) about refinishing furniture. Since this was my first piece, I now know what to do and not do for next time!

One last before picture...

Note the fake wood piece in the back...ick! It was all over the hutch..it just had to go!

Keep going...

Ta Da!!!

I could not find the perfect light to take the picture, but here it is!!!!!!!!!!! What sold me on this piece was the detail (notice the sides and the top, etc.!).

The bottom piece "before" had the fake wood behind each door, plain white knobs, gold hinges and the icky blue color with a ton of scratches! We added black hinges, fun knobs, and bead board (which was also added to the back of the top piece as well) to the back of the doors to make it just how I imagined it!

The knobs are one of my favorite parts!!!!

Total cost:

• Hutch: $40.00 Thrift store find (talked the guy down from $50!)

• Bead board: $38.00 Home Depot (didn't use the whole big piece though)

Paint supplies and primer: $45.00 Home Depot

Knobs: $50.00 Anthropologie (had a gift card for $50!) =FREE!!!

Hinges: $6.00 Home Depot

Grand Total: $179.00!

Yes, I spent a little more than I thought, but it was worth the outcome!

Pictures coming soon after I decorate the inside! Can't wait to decorate it for the fall! =)

My project...

Since last month, I have been working little by little to finish ONE of my many summer projects...here is a little glimpse of what I am doing.... This is the TOP of my new hutch that I bought last month when I was strolling around our local thrift stores searching for vintage frames to spray paint and make pretty...instead, I came home with this beauty (so just kidding...it's hideous!). I somehow forgot to take a "before" photo of the bottom piece (trust me though, it was just as hideous!)...The color soooo does not fit my taste and the back piece of wood just had to go! It has taken me a while to do, but is very worth it!! I cannot wait to show you the final product!

p.s. I normally do not have an "eye" for such projects, but was very inspired this summer to test my skills! ;)

Will update soon.

These last few months have been super busy and I really haven't had the time to share our pictures on here...I will soooooon! I am in the process of redoing a piece of furniture so those pictures will be up soon too! Very exciting!

Makena's Dance Recital

I had a such a blast at Makena's dance recital! She is an absolute doll and is such a ham on stage...that's just one of the many reasons why we love her! =)

She was showered with flowers and a Barbie! =)
We ended the day at Red Robin! She was exhausted and was so over pictures by then! =(

Here is a video of this little one having a blast!