Our new things

 

This post is quite belated, but this is a collage of some of the Christmas gifts we gave each other this year (all homemade. Starting at the top left, going clockwise: 1. Toby's new storage system. We got the idea from Ikea and used their tubs, but Kevin made one that would fit Toby's room better. Since we had nothing before, it is GREAT to have all his toys/books neatly put away. 2. Elinore's hand-sewn felt doll that I made for her. She has been name "Arise", and has a few other outfits, but his pink dress seems to be the favorite. I got the free pattern here. 3. My new coat rack. I've been desperate for more hooks and having them low enough that Elinore, at least, can get and hang up her own coat. It looks lovely and really opens up our front hall better. 4. The awesome shirt that Elinore made for Kevin. She chose the iron-on design (a chinese dragon) and the bright yellow shirt and helped with the ironing. Can you see how proud she is to give it to him? This was her absolute highlight of Christmas! 5. Kevin begged and begged so much for a cover for his air compressor (in the garage) long after I decided to make him one, that I appliqued a pink heart on it as a joke! That way he can always remember how much I love him. 6. This was a pick-up truck kit from Menards that Elinore made for Toby. We thought the painting of it would last about 20 minutes, but she meticulously painted every inch of the truck for something like 4 hours. Unfortunately we were confused by the directions and switched the windsheild with another piece, so we just let it be an open-air truck. It is also only held together by glue, so we are nervous that a wayward foot could accidentally obliterate it. Tobin thinks its cool, so that's all that matters.

I'll try and put some updated photos on soon. This month has been a good break after the rush of the holidays. Be warm, wherever you are!