Organized Back Door

The door we come in and out of most is in the kitchen, leading to the back patio.  Keeping shoes, coats, bags, etc. organized in this area has long been my nemesis.  We have tried hooks on the wall, portable clothing rack, bookshelves.... it all looked good for about 5 minutes.  Then we would come home from somewhere and only piles would develop.  So began my quest for something that would serve us well and not be expensive.  On one of my tours d' internet I stumbled across a blog called I Heart Organizing. Well, the title alone made my heart go pitter-pat.  But contained within the blog are countless posts on organizing.  Her boys' closet caught my eye and thus, my inspiration to fix up our back entryway.

**NOT MY HOUSE**

see her post here

I could kick myself for not taking better "before" shots.  But I am not much in the habit of going paparazzi on our problem spaces unless I know for sure we are fixing it.  Just shows how quickly this back door area came together.

In progress

The culprit wall with a remnant coat rack on the wall.  See the pile of shoes?  That's a  glimpse.

We got some organizers from Lowe's and my sweet husband put them together right away.  They were $12.99 each and we got a total of 4. Plus, the rod and brackets which came to about $12, as well.  So for just over $50 (and we had a store credit so it was less!) this is what we got:

A place to hang coats on hangers, a rack for the boys' coats (within their reach). a shoe shelf for each of us and cubbies galore!

Shoe shelves with bench close by.  We put a carpet scrap underneath.

Cubbies for the various bags we seem to use and  baskets for hats & gloves.

Even Budreaux can appreciate order.  :-)

Now, if I can just train the natives to put their coats and shoes away every time!

Striped Eli

*Edited to link up to Mom Tried It just for the fun of it! (If anyone offers critique, please be nice!  I have no idea about apperatures, shutter speeds, etc.  Just have this ol' pocket digital camera!)

Here is one of those serendipitous photos I love to get (stripes on stripes!).  Eli was on the floor so I actually got my camera (gasp!) and snapped about a dozen shots.  Here is my favorite.  I put it in B&W, too.

 So, now is a great time to post a little update on above-pictured sweetie. 

• He is almost 6 months old.  His pastimes include rolling all over the floor, eating all manner of toys and clothing and feet- but only his (except for that one time...), heavy breathing which fortes into squeals, opening his mouth so wide when he is excited and general adorableness.  
• He is eating rice cereal, bananas, avocados and butternut squash.  He is finally on a gentle formula instead of Nutramigen.  He is not the funnest to feed the bottle, but it can be entertaining.  He likes to swat it out of the way when he doesn't want it.  Seriously, he has some Karate Kid moves.  He gets definite points for coordination.  
• He loves his big brothers.  They are (mostly) the best helpers.  Sean acts silly and thinks the louder he is, the more helpful.  Sometimes this is effective.  Sometimes.  Luke likes to get in his face and sing "EEEElliiiiiiii!"  
• He has an appointment this month to get his flat head evaluated.  It is looking better since he is more mobile and sleeping on his side. 
• Speaking of sleeping, he could be better, could be worse.  He wakes up 2-3 times a night to eat.  Jeff and I tag-team it, though, so it is bearable.
• Changing his diaper is, well...,  more like a sporting event.  Let's just say he is a squirmer.  Add that to the aforementioned foot eating fetish and I may or may not be out of breath by the time I get a clean diaper on.  Plus, I use cloth diapers about 25% of the time.  He likes to attack my left arm while I am whipping diapers on and off and adjusting things just so.  But I have news for you, Mr. Eli.  This is not my first rodeo.  I know how to ever so gently pin you down with one arm while using the free hand to assist.  I'm pretty sure it's a classic mom-move.
• Although he is happy and generally given to good humor, lately he has been a lap baby.  There.  I said it.  I have a lap baby.  But that's okay because he is the cuddliest thing.  Well, if he's not whipping his head back and forth trying to see everything going on (while I desperately try to dodge getting whacked in the face by that cute, albeit misshapen head). 

I hope it is evident, to you, my sweet boy, that I am quite smitten with you.  I love to kiss you and breath in your baby-ness.  I am honored to be your mommy and thank God every day for the privilege.

Brotherly love

This is what happens when I try to get caught up on some posting.  I had this in the drafts for a while (summer time??).  As I recall, Luke had gotten into trouble and Sean comforted him.  Then, of course, they had to switch.

I love the way they love each other.  Must.Remember.This. When they are fighting over who gets the ball, has the happiest plate, closes the door, opens the door, picks the movie, cleans up the toys, sits under the faucet at bath time, rides the trike... was that all just today?  Not really, but some days... whew... God's grace is my rock and I am so thankful He compels these boys to love and I get to be a part of it.

Apple Pies

These are old pictures from the Fall when apple pie baking was a regular occurrence, but I wanted to post them.  One- because they are making my mouth water right now!

And two, just look at this cutie "pie!"  My little helper is not usually far from me when I am cooking.

Catching up

I have not taken many pictures lately.  I am doing good to get some lessons in!  Here are a few action shots, though.

Sean playing with trains, Zoobs and LEGO Heroes.  The 1 toy out at a time rule just does not work for us!

Some random sweetness.

Reading The Story of Dr. Dolittle, we studied different animals. 

Learned about snowflakes.

Spelling workbook- look at that pencil go!

Reading (Luke in the background with his books, too!).
If you look right above the corner of the couch, you can see the bust of Beethoven peeking over.  Creepers!

Sean is doing better and better with his reading.  He has a hard time with writing a lot at a time, so I just adjust his lessons.  He loved The Story of Dr. Dolittle and Dolphin Adventure.
I am ordering some math workbooks and handwriting curriculum soon.