Milestones

Aubrey

• Has decided that walking is a good way to get around (finally)
• Is starting to say more words (mommy, daddy, doggy, ducky, bye bye, bubble, bus, Kiley, all gone, hungry).  Of course her enunciation still needs fine-tuning, and things only make sense in context,  but it's neat to see her starting to identify words with things
• Thinks shoes are great to stomp around in, but rips them off every chance she gets
• Is entering the terrible twos a little early I fear
• Still an early riser
• Favorite foods: bananas, pirates booty, pears, toast, chocolate milk

Kiley

• Turns 6 tomorrow!
• Is reading independently more and more.  It's so neat to see her have such interest in reading and to read to her sister.
• Has lost a total of 4 teeth: two on bottom, two on top
• Has learned to tie her own shoes!
• Is starting to put her own laundry away (hurray!)
• Is the ultimate crafter, creator of all things with paper, markers, pens, tape and today's latest medium: staples

Projects

I love me a good project.  I've tackled some good ones so far this year.  I mentioned briefly in a prior post that I purchased a hutch second-hand to refinish.  Here it is as sited in the craigslist posting:

It was originally listed for $165.  I asked the gentleman selling it to sand, prime, and deliver it to my home from a town 40 minutes away.  Total cost: $300.  It was so well worth it to have him break the finish for me - it would have been an absolute bear.
$30 worth of paint and $20 worth of hardware and here's my finished product:

I'm really pleased with the way it turned out and it holds so much stuff!  Our dining room doubles as a craft room, so this hutch does double duty.  My mother-in-law was so impressed with it and was especially impressed once she learned that the piece is made by Pennsylvania House.  The thing is solid.  I find that I'm attracted to pieces that look slightly aged, so I figured why not start with a used piece and make it what I want vs. paying $1000+ for something new?

Next project?  Converting a coat closet in to a pantry.  Stay tuned for pics on that one!