Monty Don!

We have been watching "Big Dreams, Small Spaces" on Netflix and have been inspired to redo our front yard. Last year we had some kid-made yarn teepees which I was happy with, but Ryan has decided that this is the year we need to invest in a long-term strategy. We would love it if the front yard was grass-free so no mowing would need to be done! Ryan broke up all the cracked concrete path and patio and we bought tons of tumbled pavers. We now have a patio all the way around to the grill area as well as two patios for art or whatever else we decide on. My job has been to plant and plant and plant little pieces of moss between the pavers so that it will grow in FAST and not be so muddy! Also, while Ryan was removing the old patio, I took the pieces and made the base for a mud head-- sort of like the one from Monty Don's show. It was a good use of concrete but we are a little worried that the Town will notice that it is partially on public property. Hmmm. Now come the flowers (mostly pink/peach) AND I will try to get moss to grow on an old antique sofa I've been saving for just this purpose! All we have to do is remember to water.

Mindless valentines

Kit got a concussion over the weekend so instead of doing something involved, we made heart soaps for the class party. So much flu going around anyway-so this will be great! Ryan thought grating soap might be more fun than taxes so he took a turn too. Harry mostly worked on the fortune tellers for the class game and was happy to give instruction. Look at that bossy face!

Happy solstice!

Always time for a little swap out

It still leaks but when Ryan gets home I’ll have him hold the screwdriver in the drain hole so we can really tighten the bottom washer. I’m so sad to see my wooden sink bowl go, but after 18 months of epoxy fixes, I give up! I don’t love this ikea sink though. Maybe someday I can try a custom concrete sinktop. I would prefer an antique marble one but this music cabinet is so tiny it’s been a real challenge to find something small enough—
even this sink looks a little ridiculous.

Cookie time!

I can do that!

Making animal butt magnets for the kids’ stockings. Very satisfying.

First wave of wrapping done!

If you are giving us a gift, please use coordinating paper!