Show and Tell

It's late, and I really can't sleep right now (can we say, HEARTBURN!). So, I decided to post some pictures of my latest projects. The frigid air, colder temps, and never ending snow keeps us indoors on most afternoons (I force myself to take the kids out in the morning in an effort to reduce cabin fever). Now, I could go crazy in these Ohio winter months, or I can keep myself busy with indoor projects. Thanks to an understanding husband who allows me the funds to complete my projects, and thanks to my kiddos who do well at quiet time/nap time, I have successfully completed the following.  This is sort of a "show and tell" post more than anything...

I have been trying to teach myself how to paint for a couple of years now.  I'm still learning so much through trial and error.  But, tonight I completed this picture and I LOVE the way it turned out.  I wanted to do something in black and white, and I didn't want to attempt to do a portrait in any way (I decided I'm not ready for people paintings yet).  So, I painted my old ballet slippers.  I used to love dancing (I still do).  Perhaps that is why I like the painting so much.  I love the way the black and white contrast against each other. 

My next project was fairly costly.  I wanted to make three or so of these crates so that I could organize the kid's toy room.  But, after the first one was completed (I would still like to put wheels on it), the final cost was just too costly... as was the anxiety attack I had after I had realized that I had just stained furniture while I was pregnant (hopefully my baby isn't brain damaged now).   So, the "girl toys" bin will have to wait and so will the "boy and girl toys" bin.  At least for now.  We shall see.  I originally wasn't going to put the train and truck painting on the front of it.  But, my three year old boy who is obsessed with trains insisted on it.  I didn't have a stencil for it, so I free-handed the simple train and truck.  Pretty simple, and pretty easy-peasy. 

This is kind of a sassy picture, but it's the best one I have for now.  Obviously, this "project" is still a work in progress, this baby's gonna have to cook for about three more months.  But, I am in the home stretch and 26 weeks (the time of the picture) is something to brag about and include in my projects list.  Heaven knows that this baby has already put me through the wringer and so I deserve some recognition!  HAHA!

I have way enjoyed learning how to take pictures with my new camera.  I took 12 pictures of our family, and I bought 12 frames from the dollar store (two for a dollar).  The frames were wood-colored, so I painted them black before putting them up on the wall.  I like the collage effect, but I wish I had been able to afford bigger pictures and bigger frames (with matting).  But, for the time being, I like it.

And, finally, to go along with photography, I have enjoyed playing around with the pictures that I take.  This is a picture of Mercedes saying "Yay!" as she so does at the end of our "stacking of the hands and breaking" game.  It's an Arizona thing that she does and it is just so cute. 

Thanks for viewing!