Day at the Farm

One of our local "pretend" farms (I say that since they are more for the kids to enjoy then an actual working farm) is having a discount on Tuesdays this month. I thought that it would be fun to take Livy to see the animals.

You see, when I became a full stay-at-home-mom, I was determined that once a month I would take Livy out to a museum, the zoo or some other child friendly place. My intentions were good, but when I became severely ill and then became pregnant I forgot all about it. In making up for my slacking, the farm would be great.

A friend and I loaded up our kids and headed to the farm. But after sitting on the off-ramp for nearly 10 minutes (a ramp primarily used for this location) I figured it was going to be crowded, no parking, and too many out of control kids. We made a quick decision and headed back to the freeway to head to a different farm. With plenty of parking and very few people, I knew that this was a good idea.

Until I thought I was going to pass out from the heat. I don't do well in the heat when I'm normal and I'm even worse when I'm pregnant. I have made a mental note that the farm should be saved for Spring or Fall.

Livy on the other hand, had a fantastic time. In fact, every morning since she comes in and asks to go to the farm.

The Joy of Walmart

I personally truly dislike Walmart, but it happens to be the closest grocery store to me. This is a big deal when it's 9 miles away.

Olivia on the other hand LOVES Walmart. She recognizes it whenever we pass and will happily call out, "Poop-poo Store!" What does she love about Walmart? The bathrooms or more specifically the child size sink in the bathroom. I hope she learns quickly that it's better to use the potty at home and not at Walmart!

Oquirrh Temple Open House

On Saturday we took Olivia to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple House. This is the new temple that we will be assigned to once it's dedicated. It was a beautiful experience!

Livy loves the temple. This past winter we took her to a different open house (Draper) and didn't think much of it. She was roughly 2 and didn't have much concept of what a temple was or how special they were. When we left, she talked about the temple (or Tempay as she calls it) for months. Even several months later she was talk about what she saw or point out temples while we are driving. It must has been a very powerful experience for her, plus I like to think the veil is thin for someone so young.

After the Draper Temple open house, I knew I wanted her to experience going through another temple. I know that she had an enjoyable time going through the Oquirrh Temple!

Here we are in front of the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. (It's a little dark, it was taken at dusk).

Livy enjoying the temple grounds, which are always beautiful!

If you are not of my faith and wonder why we build temples, here is a short video on exactly that.

A finished room for my big girl!

I am so excited to finally say that my sweet Livy's bedroom is finished! At least until we get new carpet. It has been a slow process full of unfinished projects since December and I was determined to have it finished before I start on the new baby's room.

Livy's bedroom journey started out as yellowish green room with fish on the walls.

And soon turned into this......

Welcome to a room perfect for any little girl!

Fresh paint and bead board really make this room into a feminine space. The hanging butterflies above the bed are from her nursery in the old house. They give her room a little something whimsical.

Her dresser with the new inserts. (See below) I added some ribbon around the lamp and painted the once outdated frame.

This dresser was used when I did daycare to store diapers and such. In December we moved Livy to a toddler bed and no longer used her changing table/dresser. I pulled this one out for her use and hated how I could see the drawer organizers through the plastic fronts. (Only Ikea would think of doing that!) So I had the idea to put some bright scrapbook paper behind it. I love it!

Her custom butterfly pictures made by me before she was born. I changed out the cherry frames from white ones.

As inspired from this blog, I created a simple monogram for her wall. I decided to frame it so it can be used in a different room (far in the future when she moves to a room downstairs). This project was a HUGE learning process. I have taken very good mental notes on what to do differently if I do one for the new baby. I am happy to report this project cost me a total of $2.65. (.66 for poster board and 1.99 for the bright pink paint. Everything else I had on hand!)

A big project that Eduardo completed this weekend was a beautiful curio cabinet for Livy's pretty things. I was given this curio after we moved and simply didn't know what to do with it. It was oak, which is not me, and I truly didn't want it. Then I thought how special would it be for my little girl to have a place to keep her collectibles safe. Out with the stripper, and several coats of paint and polyurethane Livy now has a beautiful piece of furniture. (Book basket in the corner, which we rotate OFTEN. I am so grateful Livy loves books! And her precious baby.)

This was my bathroom mirror in the old house. A good coat of spray paint and it is perfect in here!

Finding good curtains was important to me. Not only do they soften the window but they truly finish a room. I love the pom-poms on the top.

Livy loves her new room. I can't explain how excited she was as we were hanging pictures and moving the furniture. I hope she will always love her room and that she will find it a place to play, explore, read, think and grow.

It came!

I love getting packages in the mail, especially fun ones that I order. Today the baby's bedding arrived and I'm looking forward to clearing out her room (currently used for storage) and decorating!

Let the planning begin!