Sunday, July 25, 2010

My Baby Nephew

On May 5th, 2010 my sister Janeth gave birth to a baby boy. She named him Kevin Jared Conte. When I got the news at 5:00am that morning from a proud new grandmother-my momma-I knew life was about to get even more lovely. I remember she handed the phone over to Jared so I can congratulate the new proud papa. I asked him how he felt and his reply, "it feels weird and so cool!, made me smile. I promptly made plans to meet the new little man that would steal my heart.

I fall instantly in love. As soon as I held Kevin for the first time I felt as though I've known him forever. 


My sister is a natural with Kevin! 

Our lifelong friend Esperenza came over while Jared the rest of the fam was at Jared graduation. I can't begin to tell you how much she means to us! We love her!! 

My brother in law and new proud papa Jared graduated a few days after Kevin was born. What a week! 



After this picture was taken Jon took a nice nap!

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Knock Off Wood!

3 months ago I wanted a sewing table. I decided I wanted to build one instead of making a purchase. Good ol' google led me to an awesome website called Knock Off Wood. I downloaded the plans to build a table and went to my local Home Depot where they cut all the wood for my future table. I started working on it and realized it was bigger than I had wanted. This is due to my brain thinking I had enough room in my living room. I didn't. But that was OK b/c I ended up with 2 great saw horses that I built and it made me happy!


My mother in law offered to give me her sewing table and that made me even happier! I refinished it and decided to use oil based paint for the first time. The paint associate at HD was right- oil based paint gets EVERYWHERE! But it was so worth it b/c it feels smooth and not rubbery like latex paint. I felt so satisfied knowing that the same table that was used to make Jon's Halloween costume's will be used to make sewing projects for my children.



The plot thickens........

Fast forward to two weeks ago and here is the dialog that led to my new adventure with wood:

Jon: I want a video game chair.
Claudia: But I worked so hard refinishing the one I purchased from Good Will. It's pink and cute.
Jon: The springs broke.
Claudia: How 'bout I build you one.
Jon: Hmm, we'll see.

So here we are today and I did it! I went to Knock Off Wood and built me a gorgeous red "Jon Chair". I highly recommend you visit the website.

#1 I downloaded THESE plans
#2 purchased some wood at HD (Home Depot)
#3 asked an associate to make some cuts for me please
#4 sanded, (my favorite part!)
#5 screwed the wood pieces together
#6 painted
#7 and patted myself on the back!

You can make anything!

Here is my process: