I tackled a fun house project this month. Our pantry closet in our mud/laundry room has been useful, but not very efficient since we moved in. We had a metal shelf along the back wall that I took out before remembering to take a picture. It was a mess to get out. I had to bring my angle grinder in and cut it in to pieces! That along with the two level bottom often turned it in to a disorganized mess and I made a plan to improve it. I designed some u-shaped shelves to utilize more space and have items more accessible. I lucked out with some clearance particle board which cut the project cost in half! My dad helped cut them down on his table saw and I spent many hours installing it. It's amazing how taxing it can be to work in such a small space. I had to use many creative tricks to get all the parts in.
I gave it a paint job about a week later and am in love! We can fit so much more and see it all!
I found this fuzzy fabric while purging in my craft room and remembered my plan to make dino chicken nugget stuffed animals maybe 2 years ago. I am so glad I finally followed through, they are so cute!
Parker was elated to see them too. Esme requested I make a customer shirt with this blank red one she had.
I also finally got around to making fan gear for Parker's adapted athletics teams. #gorobins
My last fix was my beloved cow clocked made by Jimmy's Grandpa. The mechanism stopped working years ago and I left it up as decoration. Someone was giving one away on Facebook and I decided to give it a try. It's a little larger than the one it had, but I am so happy it's working again. Parker noticed right away!
Parker is back in action on the court after winter break and they started with a bang! They secured their first win of the season over Minnetonka/Wayzata.
He also had his high school *sob* preview night. We got to meet the teacher team he'll have next year and see his room.
The visit wasn't without some excitement. Parker pretty quickly went to check out the washer and dryer. The washer was not on or running. He opened the door and approximately 10 gallons of water came pouring out on him and floor. He bolted out of the room, worried he was in trouble, shaking the water off his feet. They called in the custodial team with the big floor cleaner and got it taken care of. He waited patiently until he could return and check out the dryer. He will have several teammates in his class next year which I think will be fun for him.
Jimmy wasted no time spending his Christmas money on a new scooter. This will be needed to continue our summer riding tradition. Parker has outgrown his scooter and will pass it down to Esme. Jimmy will pass his down to Parker and ride the new one.
We finally made it out to the sledding hill.
We broke out the bingo cards and played for candy canes.
Esme showed off her wares at Skyzone. Starbucks drink, new purse, and pink jeans!
Grabbed a free month of car washes and have been really enjoying them.
Esme asked for a new shelf in her room so I pulled out the shelf I made in middle school and it's perfect for all her tween things. The massage chairs have returned at Menards and that's one of Parker's favorite past times.
Esme's 2nd year staying up till midnight!
Esme has been bugging me to go bowling since summer and we finally did it to celebrate the New Year.
I won the first game and Jimmt won the second.
Lots of jumping!
After (kindly) telling she was too old to snuggle with me at bedtime recently, Esme has cuddled up a few times and I will take them when I can. We made out first stop at Nautical Bowls to visit our niece, Emma, working. The bowls are right up Jimmy's alley, but I went with a snoothie.
We love a trip to IKEA. I was hoping to snag some meatballs, but the lunch line was so long!
Esme wanted a chair in her room as well so we moved in Jimmy's grandma's chair from the basement. We finished the football dip season with a repeat of my favorite one, hoagie dip, and a win over the Packers!
We started Christmas day with opening presents. It's amazing how quickly Esme transitioned from toys and girly stuff to clothes and tween stuff. She was elated with her gifts.
Parker rounded out his appliance collection by adding the Fisher-Price fridge!
It had some stationary clips that I used to attach his school picture and a grocery list with his favorites.
We headed to my parent's to celebrate with my family.
Esme got some gift cards, a book and her big gift was an inflatable paddleboard.
Parker also got some gift cards, a light up star gazer and some sweet mac and cheese socks.
Prime rib and all the sides for Christmas dinner.
We finished the day with pizza dip and win over the Lions. We are out of the postseason, but we'll take every win we can.
Esme wanted to check out her paddle board and is so excited for the weather to warm up.
