Coffee & Plans

New Prints Up in the Shoppe!  Please, if you have any requests, I will be happy to come up with a design for you!  I heart graphic design and would love to make you something you will love.  The coffee cup print is designed to be a 5X7 but can easily be enlarged up to 11x14.  There are also two more color options which can be seen via here.  The second print is designed to be 8X10, but also can be enlarged.  Hope you love them as much as I love making them!

Oh Christmas Tree.

Making these tonight!  

I'm so excited I might watch a Christmas movie along with it!

Final products will be sold in the Shoppe!

Knock On Wood

The months after I was proposed to, and the days counting down to our wedding, it was my sole mission in life to obtain anything and everything we possibly might need for our future place of dwelling.  Who needs measurements or paint swatches when you've got nowhere to lay your head?  Craigslist, garage sales, and thrift stores were no longer safe.  Me, a betrothed and not yet edited-in-her-design-choices young bride ran rampant with the desire to furnish, design, and fill a home the moment I said. "I do."  Second-hand was my middle name.  Any opportunity of a deal was pounced upon.  Personal preference was often sacrificed out of necessity.  A choice that was an exception to this rule was our dining room table set.  I loved it from the moment I discovered it when a friend of ours was moving and selling it.  Little did I know, my husband-to-be liked his feet firmly planted on the ground when he eats, as opposed to dangling at bar height.  It's the little things that matter right?  So for the last five years I have lost sleep over this inconvenience.  Just kidding.  It's been great, but we wanted something we both loved and would enjoy for years to come, many-a-children and dinner party down the road.

Fast forward to today.  We have moved five times in our five years of marriage.  All of our furniture choices remain the same as I still sit on the same couch we purchased the first year we were married.  A few additions have been made, a new television when one broke, a hand-me-down crib that we painted for our sweet little boy, garage sale finds and thrift store gems.... one thing remained: a table that never gets eaten on that can only afford two dinner guests. So what could be done?  Obviously buying new was out of the question since other necessities remain.  

Enter Pinterest's ever evolving ideas and these nifty little pinsperations.

Even with such great ideas, these inspirations didn't change the fact that we had pocket change to spend on comfortably seating eight to ten guests at the drop of a hat.  So the ideas churned and we discovered the ever-popular trend of re-purposing unwanted palettes.  The key word being un-wanted.  We did not steal or disguise ourselves in the wee hours of the night in order to obtain lumber.  We drove around during the day, called stores, and did it the honest way.  No, I'm not going to tell you where we found our stock because we have lots of building projects ahead! Okay, maybe I will... if you're nice.  

After obtaining the right size palette that we wanted to base our table off of, we then began to collect any and all salvageable extras so that when it came time to rip into them, we would have enough for an actual table top.  Research and learning from other blogger's experiences helped us understand the art of working with palettes - you'll need way more lumber than just the dimensions of your finished product.  Our table took three LARGE  deconstructed palettes, when in fact it could have easily been constructed with the lumber from just one and half, had they been in pristine condition.  But where's the fun in "looking new?"  We wanted old, used, beat-up, and rugged.  And that's exactly what we got. For FREE!

Without further ado here's a quick little tutorial to wrap up 20+ hours of our husband and wife table attack.  Hi-yah. 

1.  First we obtained the necessary lumber and then some. Three times the amount needed is what worked for us, but living in the sunshine state, anything left outdoors tends to take a beating, via rain or heat.

2.  Then, we deconstructed only surface slats, as seen below. 

Again, after reading other blogger's trials,  we learned to use a saw-zall instead of trying to pry the slats from the supporting perpendicular beams.  Pete simply took the saw-zall to the nails, leaving our three palettes looking like this and this:

3.  Once deconstructed, we decided which base looked sturdiest and went from there.  Pete stripped all three palettes of their top layer of shorter-length slats (where sod or other palette-hauled merchandise would sit). 

4.  Then we began to process of choosing which of said slats looked better for the wear. Then we placed the slats along the base we chose.  Believe it or not, they lined up PERFECTLY and we only ended up having to do minimal trimming at the end. Miracle number one.

5.  Then the tediousness that is the hand-sander began.  First we started out with a rougher-grit to get rid of the gnarlier slivers. After that I took two runs over all the slats and base with a finer 150 grit.  With my need to perfect a smooth surface, this took hours, but I had little chubby baby hands on the brain and wanted to protect those sweet fingers.  I also took careful measure to remove as many loose or protruding nails.

6.  Once the took-forever-sanding step was done-zo Pete proceeded to use a compressor-powered nail gun to adhere the table top slats to the base.  Cue the Tim Allen manly grunts.  He felt super awesome and so did I using the thing. At this point, our little, well big table looked like this.... pardon the poor iphone quality. I was took excited to grab the real deal.

7. After this it was leg time.  The scary part. The pass or fail part.  To best show how we attached the legs, here's a few photos.  We used a combination of: 

• 1.25 inch dry wall nails, since they have a little rigidity to them and will hopefully hang on a little better.  They were used in 3/4 of the leg attachment process. 
• Super short screws for the heads of the table underneath - pictured in the first photo on the far left group of four screws. We switched it up for only these four adhesions since the nails would end up going through the wood. 
• Super long screws to be screwed into each corner four times on the outside of the table, pictured last.  Screws also added a little bit of durability to the structural integrity. 
• Metal L reinforcements as recommended by our helpful hardware store worker.  Here's what she looks like underneath.

8.  Once the majority of the elbow grease was put in, we went ahead and sanded her down once more time, just for the safety of chubby baby fingers.  Here's a cute couple snap shots of us in all our saw dust glory. 

9.  From here it was smooth sailing....har har.  The next step was definitely the most fun and by far the most rewarding.  Stain time!  Since we were going for a more "reclaimed" look, we decided to go with a clear polyurethane sealer so we'd get that nice wet but not too new look.

Needless to say we are pretty pleased with ourselves having never DIYed anything, unless you call slapping paint on a wall DIY. She's a nine foot long, 3 1/2 foot wide miracle. 

Here's our budget breakdown: 

• Eight $2.50 metal brackets - $20.00 
• a box of drywall nails - $4.00 
• more nails for the nail gun - $4.00 
• stain - $11.00 
• 1 twelve foot long 4x4 for the legs $20.00
• 2 packs of hand-sander size sandpaper - $6.00
• 16 mini screws - $0.60
• TOTAL = $65.60 + some change.  Pretty awesome right?

Now comes to adventure of finding an eclectic set of eight chairs before Thanksgiving, since we plan on hosting it this year.  Here's to big tables, more than two dinner guests, and our very first and very successful DIY project!  Chair #1 = $2.00, hopefully the rest will be as affordable.  Garage sales, I'm on the prowl.

The Perfect Gift

Good Morning Friend!

Welcome to Little Wood Shoppe!  In this little corner of cyber space I hope you will enjoy my creative musings, day to day happenings with my family of three, and general wordiness that describes my life.  Thanks for taking the time to indulge in the mundanity!

All my life, I have always loved to create for people.  Whether it be handmade birthday cards when I was younger, mix tapes when I was a teen, to now personalized art, objects that just scream soneone’s name, or surprise brown boxes in the mail, I have always loved the art of gift giving.  I  love the look on a family or friend’s face when they relish in something you made for them, or found an item that they never knew they wanted until you bought it for them.  A simple comment made in passing to be later redeemed on a birthday or special holiday is my most favorite way of gift-giving because it shows that the giver listens to the little details and better than that, remembers them!  

To this day, the most memorable gift I have ever received was my very first film camera when I was sixteen years old.  The giver was of course my husband, but at the time, he was my twenty-year-old-heart-throb-boyfriend, and I was head-over-heels-seventeen.  He drove to my town to pick me up after celebrating Christmas with my own family (at the time I didn’t have a license). Once arrived, I found his family had waited all day to open presents with me!  The tradition of his family is to open one gift at a time, round robin style, and then throw the wrapping paper at one another – to this day we carry this tradition on and it has ebbed it’s way through my family as well – a fun holiday tradition.  

But, back to the point… during one of the round robin waves, I opened a pack of film and thought it odd, but didn’t want to show any peculiarity on my face, being I was trying to impress the fam back then…. They of course, knew that the film was an addition to a gift I had yet to open, and were all smiling on the inside, the way you do when you know something someone else doesn’t.  As the rounds shimmied  down to one, I was out of gifts but everyone else had one left.  Being so clueless to surprises as I was then, I just figured, well that was fun (as I watched each of them open their last gifts).  

They looked at me and questioned, “Where’s your last gift?”  

I bashfully remarked, “Oh I ran out.”

A chorus of voices replied, “Oh you have to find your last gift.”  

Slowly I rose to my feet and gave my boyfriend a look of bewilderment and slight embarrassment hoping the mystery gift wasn’t going to be so romantic that a flushed face was in my near future, with everyone around me watching.  As I roamed around looking for a wrapped box, we all played the hot and cold game until I stumbled upon a small box. I unknowingly shook it’s contents.  This sent up a roaring, “No!” tipping me off that what was inside could possibly be quite fragile.  As I returned to the chaotic-crumbled-paper-room all eyes are on me.  I slowly and carefully ripped into the paper, with unbelieving eyes.  I had never celebrated Christmas with a boyfriend before, so this was more than icing on the cake!  With him already owning a camera and dappled in photography, he hoped to one day be a professional.  I too took classes in high school and had always wanted to learn more about it, as well as share in this pastime with him.  After realizing it must have cost a great deal, hugs were exchanged and a thorough explanation of how to insert the film and what settings to use for different lighting.  

As the evening wound down, I remember feeling greatly cared for and greatly thought after.  I had never mentioned wanting to OWN my own camera, but maybe just mused at the idea of loving photography or loving spending time together in that fashion.  Shooting together would be so much fun now that we each were armed with our own creative arsenal.  Today we still share in the knowledge, ability, and love of  taking photos.

This only fanned the flame of my love for gift giving.  Since then, so many more thoughtfully, intentional  exchanges have taken place.  Even though so many things have changed since that day – a marriage, a family moving, a baby being born – I still love the connection of familiarity the perfect gift can bring.  Don’t you?  With the season of Christmas looming closely, I hope you’ll consider the thoughtfulness behind the gift.  Whether big or small, handmade or store bought, expensive or not, the perfect gift is just that: perfect for the receiver. Enjoy the opportunity.

Counting On Your Faithfulness

Often times I use this blog as a journal for myself to remember things that have happened in our life.  Today I writing for that reason, and also to encourage anyone whom this post may help.  Not many people know about a recent trial Pete & I endured.  On the exciting and happy day that Pete and I found out our little bean was a little boy, we also were informed that he has two cysts in the right hemisphere of his brain.  Being first time parents, although we were assured that it was nothing to fret about *yet* it was a little bewildering.  At first, the news didn't really set in, as we were so excited and joyful at the thought of a little boy.  But as the days went on before my next appointment to check on the cysts, I allowed anxiety to creep in.  Pete remained confident and reassuring to my blubbering episodes, and for that I am so thankful.

A little background information on the cysts:  they are called Choroid Plexus Cysts and are found in about %1-%3 of all ultrasounds.  They typically appear between 16 & 20 weeks resolve themselves at around 24 weeks.  The reason they raise any concern at all is that they are markers for Edwards Syndrome, i.e. Trisomy 18.  I will spare you any details of what these involve, you can research them on your own.  However, having only the cysts as a sole symptom, it is very unlikely of a child actually having Edwards Syndrome.  Other markers include club feet, fisted-hands unable to open, abnormalities within the heart, a small-measuring head, etc.... Canon had none of these other markers.  I am so thankful that his sole marker were these cysts.  Although my doctor assured me, that even if he had other markers, it would not necessarily mean he had Edwards.  The Lord was gracious to us in this area; if he had any other markers, I am not sure I would have been able to endure the following six weeks of waiting and check-ups with the little strength that I had.

At 24 weeks, I had an appointment at the hospital, as they needed a specialized nuero-cardial ultrasound M.D. to take a peek at our sweet boy.  Unfortunately, Pete wasn't able to be there with me, but a dear friend came and supported me.  I honestly had no anxiety and didn't think I would even need someone to sit beside me, but a few days before the ultrasound, I felt overwhelmed at what it could mean if the cysts were indeed still present.  I am so thankful that this close friend was able to support me throughout this long appointment.  Legally the ultrasound tech wasn't able to tell me anything as she was inspecting my son.  She took pictures of his heart for over an hour, while my friend and I sat in silence.  It was difficult to not be told "he's beautiful, he's growing so well, he's right on schedule" ... the typical things I was used to hearing at my Doctor's office.  Unfortunately, the cysts has not resolved themselves at this point. Because of this, I was asked to come back in two weeks so that they could check on him again to make sure they weren't growing or multiplying.  The only hope that I held onto those next two weeks was that one of the cysts has disappeared.  The Lord knew my anxious heart, knew my uncertainty, and He gave me a shimmer of hope.

Although the next two weeks were very hard to wait through, I leaned on the Lord, on His peace and that He knew all of this before Canon was ever a glint inside me.  I never became angry with the Lord, only scared for my son, which is still a sin as I was anxious.  I prayed daily for the Lord to remove my doubt, wept only once, gave it to the Lord and took assurance from my husband.  Pete kept reminding me, "God is still on the throne.  He isn't worried, He isn't pacing.  He knows, He cares, and He loves us. God is sovereign."  I am so thankful for the worship music that God placed in my life during these two weeks, for the encouraging words from close family and friends that knew the inner-workings of the situation, and for God's peace.

Two weeks later, 26 weeks along, I made my way back to hospital alone.  My friend offered to be there, but I didn't want to take up another 2-3 hours of her time, and I also wanted to go alone, knowing that God was with me.  I can not explain the amount of peace I had.  There was no room for the devil on that car ride to the hospital.  I worshipped Jesus, I prayed, and I went into my appointment with a clear mind.  I had already prepared my heart for the cysts to still be present and but I held onto the promise that God was in control.  I was also so excited to just see my little boy's face again.  I was SO blessed to be able to see him in 3D/4D - an unexpected blessing that Pete and I wouldn't have been able to otherwise enjoy.  With confidence, I joyfully cried at the beautiful sight of my son: he sweetly posed for several shots (he must know who his parents are).

No cysts were found, no new developments discovered.  I rushed to Pete's work and showed him the dozens of pictures of our son and told him the exciting news.  Although Pete was a steady rock for me during this period of time, I saw relief and joy in his face as he saw his son in 3D/4D for the first time.

Thank you Lord for protecting our son.  Thank You for the mercy bestowed upon us.  Thank You that he is healthy, growing, and perfectly on track.  Thank You for the heart You have tenderly woven inside of him and for the plan You have for him.  Thank You for every movement, hiccup, and sign of life You assure me with daily.  We give You Canon, Lord.  We surrender our will for his life.  We pray for a safe delivery, a healthy baby boy, and a joyful time of becoming a family.  Thank you for this blessing and for the opportunity to be parents - what a great responsibility it is.  We love you, amen.

Just for Kicks

Dear Canon,

    I am writing this down so that some day I can read these memories to you.  Yesterday marked 6 months of you being in my tummy.  We are getting ready for you, buying clothes and toys and all kinds of fun things.  Here's a couple of dates you did really cool things that  I want to remember.  On January 24th, just a few weeks after we found out who you were, your Daddy felt you kick for the first time.  It was kind of hard for him to feel, since you were still so tiny, but since then your kicks have gotten much stronger and you seem to be moving around all day long.  On January 31st, I got to SEE you kick from the outside of my belly for the first time.  My belly just looked like a bass drum, thumping with each movement you made.  You always seem to do neat things on Tuesdays, which also happens to be the day I count your age by, so it's neat to be reminded that even after you're born, you will learn new things every week: you're already changing so fast, I know will always amaze me!  On February 7th, just a week after I saw you kick for the first time, your Daddy got to see you kick too.  Your kicks are getting really strong, but sometimes only you and I know that your practicing your wrestling moves.  So far you weigh about a pound and half, but your doctor says you will gain about 4 ounces each week until the last month before you are born; then you'll gain a pound a week - YIKES!  Here's a picture of you inside my belly at six months.  I can't wait to take pictures of you outside of my belly, see your sweet face, and get to know you better.  I love you baby boy.

Much Love,

Mama

The Day I Met My Son

Yesterday was a day to remember, January 9, 2012.  Your Dad and I had a very important doctor's appointment.  So far, you had been living in my womb for twenty weeks, so that means we got to find out if you were a little boy or a little girl.  We had been waiting and waiting to give you a name, to start working on your nursery, and to be able to bond with you all the more knowing if you'd love hockey and wrestling or sparkles and princesses.  All along, we both wanted a boy.  You see, we wanted you to be the best big brother to the rest of your siblings some day.  We wanted you from the start, and in my heart of hearts, I knew you would be a boy.  God knew our desires, and he honored us with them.  And for that we are so joyful.  I had two dreams, which I truly believe, were God confirming to me that you were going to be our little boy.  Now that we know you a little better, and now that we've got to see you playing inside my belly, we know you are going to be such a blessing to your Daddy and me.  I can feel you moving inside of me, a lot in the mornings, and a lot after my morning coffee.  Your heart beat sounds like a train coming through a tunnel, and was 150 bpm yesterday, which everyone says is a great rhythm.  You are in the 60% for weight which is a healthy 13 oz.  Soon, after you weigh over a pound, Daddy will be able to feel you move from the outside of my belly.  Dr. Stanton says if you grow bigger towards the end of my pregnancy, we might get to meet you earlier than expected.  Your Daddy and I were pretty big babies, and your Grandma Tom was a ten-pounder, so that might be a good possibility!  Yesterday, we also found out that you love your feet, just like your cousin Kaysen.  The whole time we were watching you, you just kept playing with your feet and rubbing your eyes.  I think you will sleep just like your Daddy with your arm covering your eyes, since that's what you were doing when we saw you last.  


Well, after we told everyone you were a boy, your grandparents and aunts and uncles were so excited.  Here's a few things they and some other pretty important people said about you:


Grandpa Jim - "Canon James,  I really like the name, the middle part especially."


Grandpa Tom - "Yay, another boy! Congratulations! I bet Pete is excited."


Grandma Patti - "Oh what fun!  Oh my goodness!"


Grandma Karen - "Yay for blue!  Did you hear that, I'm going to have another grandson!"


Great Grandma Esther - "I knew it all along.  A sweet baby boy, I can't wait to meet him!"


Miss Mary's Voicemail - "Um hello, yes I'd like to speak with Canon please."


Aunt Athena - "I'm gonna have a nephew and Kaysen is going to have a boy cousin to terrorize the grandparents with! Yay!" 


Uncle Nick - "So, am I going to be an uncle to a niece or a nephew! I couldn't tell in the tiny picture!"


Aunt Emily - "I am so excited!  I knew it was a boy!"


Uncle John - "Congratulations guys!  A baby boy, what a blessing!  I love the name!"


Great Aunt Linda - "Yippee! Congratulations!!!"


Cousin Ashley - "I knew it!"


Cousin Kara - "I can't wait to lay eyes on Canon!"


Auntie Lolo - "Oh my goodness, my heart is very full for you two! Can't even imagine how you are feeling, love you guys!"


Auntie Candace - "I knew it! Love you and baby Canon!"


Pastor Mark - "Hey Phil Wickham has been singing about him.  So exciting!  He'll be a point guard in tradition of his Dad I guess."


Aunt Haley - "So cute!  I can't wait to meet you guys, and now baby Canon!"


Auntie Dani - "We love you already!"


Dr. Stanton - "What a beautiful baby boy, I see.  He's going to be gorgeous.  Good job Mom & Dad."


Canon, we just want you to know, that you are very loved by so many already.  Everyone is so excited to meet you, hold you, watch you grow, and see you love Jesus!  So many people are praying for you, and for me: that we will stay healthy and that when you decide to come into the world, that all will be safe and well.  But for now, keep on growing strong and growing big.  We can't wait until May.  What a big change you will bring about.  We love you so much baby boy.


Love,
Mom & Dad