DIY Old School Desk Makeover

This is my very first furniture makeover!!!  It's an old school desk, and a $5 yardsale find.  Score!

Be forwarned...this post is image heavy.

I was needing a desk for Rainbow's very first year in homeschool - 1st Grade!  I decided to tackle this project with no prior experience whatsoever, lots of determination, and plenty of pinterest tutorials.   It's certainly not perfect with a few drip spots, a small peeled spot, and a portion of mixed paint color on the side with the bars.  But it's complete and perfect for Rainbow...she said so.  :)

What you'll need:

• Primer
• Staple Gun
• Phillips screwdriver
• Pliars
• Paint Brush of choice
• Drop cloth
• Spray Paint of choice
• Mod Podge - Gloss Lustre
• Scissors
• X-Act Knife
• Fabric of choice
• Tape (optional)

Then let's get started!

1.  You need to prime it 2 times.  Let dry at least 30 min in between, maybe more depending on what brand or type you use.  The primer I bought was for all surface types since I had plastic and metal on the desk.

1st Priming:

2nd Priming:

2.  You need to remove the staples from the cushion and seperate the fabric from the cushion.  I used regular pliars for this, but developed a few blisters.

3.  Cut your fabric to size and be sure to leave an excess around the sides of at least 1 1/2 inches.  

4.  Use a heavy duty staple gun to begin, staple around the piece while stretching the fabric to ensure it is tight around the cusion.  Notice the round edges below...it's best to fold the fabric over and staple to avoid an awkward overlap on the cushion.

This is what the head piece looked like when I was finished on the back side.

Here are my cushions...all finished!

5.  Time to paint!  I chose spray paint to give it a more professional, finished look and to avoid the brush strokes from painting with regualr paint.  It's always best to spray paint in an outdoor area in an open space because there will be over-spray and fumes. 

 I used the drop cloth and scotch tape to section off the plastic chair from the metal bars.  I applied two coats of the pink, with 30 minutes in between coats to allow some drying.  It's better to wait an hour or two, but I was so anxious and inpatient to wait that long and kids only entertain themselves for so long!  

Afterwards, I removed the dropcloth and spray painted the metal bars a lavender color.  There was some overspray and a little bit of purple and pink mixed where the bars and chair met together.  Again, I was going for speed and not perfection here.  

Spray Paint takes an hour or two to completely dry, but it takes 24 hours at least to cure.  If you want to test it to see if its cured, use your fingernail to scratch an inconspiuous area.

6.  Mod Podge the fabric to the desktop.  I did this by taking the primed desktop and first adding a thin layer of Mod Podge.  I used my hands to roll and smooth out any air bubbles.  I added two more layers of Mod Podge, allowing at least 20 minutes to dry between each application.  Then I cut the exess with scissors, going back to make a clean edge with an X-Act Knife.  

When this is complete, it's best to go over it with a fine-grain sandpaper.  You may add as many layers of Mod Podge as you wish, sanding each time to make smooth and remove brush-strokes.

Mod Podge can take 3-4 weeks to completely cure, so its best to use some type of sealant.  My next trip to Wal-Mart or Lowe's, I'm going to pick up a spray can of sealant or polycrylic to seal it.

Drumroll.........The finished result!!!!!

So that's it!  Leave me some love and tell me what you think.

Have a great day and do some DIY!

Easter Funday!

 

 

Easter Fun

 

 

 

My In-Laws church does an Easter Egg Hunt every year.  My girls love doing it with their cousin!

 

 

Sitting with Nonnie during the resurrection story is always  super special!

 

 

 

 

 

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Spring is the Time to Grill!

 

We had a cookout at my brother's house for the family.  The adults hid eggs so the girls could do another egg hunt.  It's kind of an annual thing.  ;)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Hunt is Over...

Finally, we found all the eggs.  Time to get all the candy out!

 

 

 

Bubbles!!!  (Better than candy...)

 

 

 

Can't forget the Easter Gifts!

 

 

 

Happy Easter!!!!!

 





We Have a BIG Announcement!

This is my official public announcement.......

 

I am leaving my job to homeschool my children.

 

Yes, you read that correctly.  Today was much more difficult that I expected.  My stomach was in knots as I sat at my desk in the office, writing my resignation letter.  Handing the letter to my boss was met with a sigh of sadness.  For me, it was all too bittersweet.  I have a fantastic office job, which I dreamed of all throughout high-school.  I have an amazing boss who has balanced the role of boss and friend with incredible grace.  All my coworkers are like a tight-knit family.  Let's not forget that I get a paycheck, too! 

 

A Season of Change

 

Making the decision to homeschool my children was not the difficult choice. I knew before I ever had kids that my ultimate desire was to homeschool when they came along.  Let's face it...Life happens.  Many mothers do not even have the option to be a stay at home mom.  I have not always had the option.  Alas, do not be fooled into thinking we're swimming in the dough!  We weighed the challenges, crunched the numbers, and are making sacrifices to make this happen.  But it's worth it. 

 

Nurturing a Love of Learning



 

 

Children are always learning.  They're like sponges, soaking up everything around them.  The Bible instructs and commissions parents with the primary responsibility of teaching and disciplining children.  This is my definition of success, my great ministry.  Teaching my kids and raising them in the ways of God is my main mission.  I am not simply preparing them to make it through life. My children are eternal beings and will live forever.  That's what I'm preparing them for.  

 

Let the heads roll.... 

 

Every life-changing decision will be met with criticism.  Friends or family members will have questions and comments tinged with skepticism.  I've decided that it is O.K.  In the past, I've been known to try to justify decisions that we've made.  However, my aim is to please God and do what is best for my family.  My Family.  At this time and in this season, I do not have any doubts that homeschool is God's will for my family.  I will, however, ask for your prayerful support in this time of transition as we embark on this new journey.

 

 

It has only begun.

Rainbow's "Rainbow" Birthday Party

I. Love. Parties.

Especially birthday parties.

Rainbow requested a "Rainbow" birthday party for her birthday this year.  You see, she just adores Rainbow Dash from My Little Pony. Therefore, I made it happen!

I scouted out a fairly awesome inflatable bounce house venue for the party. 

You can find them here:  The Kangaroo Zoo

The cake was amazing!  

I got it from Sassy Sweets...beautiful and delicious.

(Ignore the blur under the #6...I blur my kids names.)

My Rainbow party favors were a box of crayons and rainbow twizzlers from the Easter candy aisle.

We were given a great party room with a chandelier!  

Just love all the RAINBOW colors!

Rainbow was one happy little girl!

Happy Party Day!

Thankful Thursday

Good afternoon, everyone!

It's beautiful day here in Arkansas, and I am loving it.  I have many things to be thankful for, and here are just a few:

1. Grace

My God is a mighty God.  He is mighty in power.  He is the highest authority and the greatest judge.  We show our love for Him by keeping His commandments.  That is exactly why this concept of the abundant grace He gives to us is so amazing to me.  We are SAVED by GRACE through FAITH!!!  I mean...WOAH!!!!!  Thank you, Jesus!  It's nothing that I've ever done or can ever do to deserve to be saved or receive your love...it's only through the GRACE found in Christ Jesus, found by salvation.  

2. My Job

First off, I'm so grateful that I have a job.  I am thankful that I have not only the ability to work, but the opportunity as well. I am so glad that the work I do everyday is helping those who are less fortunate.  I love that I can make a difference.  I am thankful that I work with some awesome people, too.  I have an awesome boss, an awesome coach, and get to work with my best friend.  I'm telling you, I am blessed!  It's not exactly a walk in the park, but hey....it's called "work" for a reason, right?  ;)

3. My soon-to-be In-Laws

Meet my fiance's wonderful parents: Charles and Carol.  They are just great.  I mean it.  They are some of the most caring, generous, and loving people I've ever met.  If you told them that, they'd probably tell you to hush.  They really are that humble.  But regardless, I just love, love, love them!  I am so thankful and blessed to have them as a part of my life.  My girls just love them to pieces.  They've taken them in as their own and loved them just the same.  I could brag on these two all day long...so I'll end it here.  Haha!

4. This Kid's Computer Game w/ Dora @ the Public Library

No kidding.  It is awesome.  I had a lot of paperwork to do and print.  We all know kids love to be loud.  And we know libraries are quiet.  Kids and libraries don't usually mesh.  Well thank you, library of the 21st century, for capturing my child's attention!  It seriously saved my tail while running errands on a deadline.

5. Minnie Mouse Cookies

These are the "Ready to Bake/Ready For School" Minnie Mouse cookies by Pillsbury.  I found them at Wal-Mart yesterday.  Seeing as I got my mickey mail today for my honeymoon next month (Eeeeee!!!!!!), we decided to celebrate.  And well, my girls love Minnie Mouse.  :)

Adrian's Proposal

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

In the last post, I said I'd save the proposal story for its own post.  So, for the first time ever, my blogging self is fulfilling my blogging word.  Here it is, as promised....

*Warning*

This portion was taken from our wedding website, so it is written in third-person.  :)

When did it happen?

Friday, March 29, 2013

How it Happened!!!

Adrian had offered to watch Rainbow (Ava's oldest daughter) that evening while Chrissy (Ava's best friend) and Ava went out to get their hair done.  After getting all fixed up with her make-up on and her hair done, Ava went back to Adrian's parent's home to pick up him and Rainbow.  The plan was to go "hang out" at and casually look at rings.  Adrian says to Ava, "We need to talk."  Surely those words would strike fear in the heart of anyone.  They go out walking, leaving Rainbow with Adrian's father and Chrissy. 

Adrian started getting nervous and winded as they walked.  Ava asked him repeatedly if he was ok or if something was wrong, as he continued to reassure her everything was fine.  He noticed how far away the park was and decided they should just drive.  It' was nighttime when they arrived at Daniel Park in Beebe.  He lead her around the park until they reached the walkway to the gazebo.  Ava said, "Oh this is where I chickened out on Valentine's Day because I was freezing."  She was laughingly referring to the surprise date he had planned on Valentine's Day to watch a romantic movie at the gazebo, where they left the park half-way through the movie becauuse it was just too cold.  Adrian led her to the center of the gazebo and started telling Ava of his love for her and her daughters, how amazing she was, and how he adored her.  He went on to say, "What is the sun without the moon?  What is the sky without the stars?  What is the grass without the (long pause)..............ground!?"  Adrian then got down on one knee as he pulled something out of his pocket.  He said, "Will you marry me?"  A small pop could be heard as he removed the object from its container.  He lifted it up revealing it was a....Toy Ring!  Ava threw her head back in laughter.  Trying to quickly regain her composure, she replied, "Yes, of course I will marry you!" 

After quite a big of laughing, giggles, and excitement, the two returned to his parent's home. They made the initial announcement to those present and shared in their joy.  Adrian remarked on how he knew Ava was "The One" because she said yes to a toy ring.  This definitely appealed to the comedian side of him.  They soon departed to go shopping for that perfect ring...together.

Wow. Where did the time go?

I've pretty much proven myself to be an inconsistent blogger, at best.  Haha!  But here we go again!  I had a friend at work tell me about how she used to read my blog, and how encouraging it was to her.  It inspired me to write again!  So here we go.....

Where do I even begin?  Ok so here's the nutshell version:
July 2012 - I run into this guy that I had a HUGE crush on in Jr. High and High School at a local coffee shop he volunteered at.  He loves Jesus.  He starts talking about the Holy Spirit speaking to him when he's on stage doing his comedy routine...and suddenly he had my attention. 
August 2012 - I felt led to start going to this new church. Turns out this guy goes there, too.  I started my first semester back at ASU-Beebe, working towards a teaching degree.
September 2012 - Money was super tight.  I had no idea how I was even making it by most days.  God was faithful and provided our every last need, including money needed for school.  "That Guy", Adrian, asks me out on a date.  We started dating and our first official "date" is September 7th.
October 2012 - Everyday relying on God, busting my tail in my college classes, spending as much time as possible with my kids.  Adrian and I had our first kiss and officially decided to get together in a relationship on October 10th.
November 2012 - Lots of college, good times with the kids when I wasn't studying.  My birthday was Nov. 19th.  Adrian treated me to going out for ice cream and we watched "White Christmas" together.  It was the first time I'd seen it.  Adrian's extended family came down for Thanksgiving.  So they had what they called, "Thanksmas" (Thanksgiving/Christmas).  First time I met all the family....talk about nervous!
December 2012 - Finished up my first semester back at ASU with a 16 hour load and a 4.0 GPA!!!!!  Adrian spent our first Christmas together, and the girls and I had our first Christmas back in Arkansas.  It was absolutely amazing!
January 2013 - Started back at ASU for the spring semester.  Doing my college student thing again.  Adrian and I started getting a bit more serious.
February 2013 - Good month, busy with classes.  Had the best Valentine's Day ever, hands down!!!  Adrian busted his tail cooking me dinner, afterwards taking me to the park with blankets and a movie on the portable dvd player!  It was so romantic!  All except for the fact that my toes were freezing in the cold air and we had to leave before the movie was done since I was frozen!  Random note: the movie was Sweet Home Alabama!
March 2013 - Had a great month, a nice spring break.  Adrian and I got engaged on March 29th, 2013!!!!!!  The proposal story is great!  But I'll save that for its own post later.
April 2013 - This was a very exciting month, as we were helping friends of our who were getting married on the beach.  I was maid of honor and he was the best man.  The couple had a beautiful wedding on the beach and we were honored to be a part of their special day!  To add even more goodness, this was my first time, EVER, to see the ocean!!!  It was magical!  And I got to share it with Adrian.  The back-story here is that when I was 13 years old, I prayed that God would allow me to see the ocean for the first time with the man I was supposed to spend the rest of my life with.  Interestingly enough, I had never seen it with my ex-husband.  Opportunity has presented itself, but it never worked out.  I bet I know why!!!  ;)
May 2013 - I finished out the semester at ASU with another 4.0 GPA!!!!!  Rockin' it out!!!  I was so excited!  I never did that in high school or as a college freshman.  It was quite an accomplishment for me, as a single mother with 2 children, ages 1 and 4.  As school finished up, so began the throes of wedding planning for Adrian and I.  Also, we felt God leading us to start attending church at The River in Judsonia, AR. 
June 2013 - Time with my kids, wedding planning to the max, thanking Jesus for a change of pace! It was also great to start seeing old faces of people I cared about at The River.  I had no idea how much I missed this amazing part of the body of Christ!
July 2013 - Wedding planning continued and Adrian and I tried to spend as much time together as possible.  I continued to spend tons of time with my girls, it was such a blessing.  God used this time to draw me nearer to Him.  I started a new job working at The Heritage Company on July 29th!
August 2013 - Well, here we are.  It's August.  First off, it's just hit me the past few days that I'm getting married next month.  To the man of my dreams, nonetheless!  I can't believe I can say that...NEXT month!!!  Wedding crunch time is here and I'm feeling the pressure.  It's the time where it all comes down to what its gonna be.  Deadlines, final payments, dress fittings, attendant gifts, sending final invitations, finalizing the menu...and the list goes on.  Reminding myself that it will be a successful wedding day, as long as I'm ending it as Mrs. Adrian Rogers.  :))))))
Second off, I'm excited about my new job!  Excitement tempered with a good deal of nerves.  My perfectionist style is good for my employer in that I will do my absolute darndest to do job to the best of my ability, right down to the wire.  On the other hand, it can feel like I'm playing Russian roulette.  I've just got to remember that I'm NEW.  And on top of that, as long as I'm giving it my best, working as unto God and not unto man, I can sleep at night knowing I am doing a good job.  Reminding myself not to be so self-critical is key here.  Prayer for me here would be appreciated!  I'm very blessed to have this job and am extremely thankful for the opportunity.  My prayer is just that God would use me there as a light, and I will give God all for glory for everything that I am able to accomplish.

***Change of Subject***

You know, God has raised up a generation for such a time as this.  I keep hearing "such a time as this" everywhere.  And well, it doesn't have to be super special and all glamorous.  It can be as simple as a smile given to someone having a hard day at work, or a "way to go!".  It can be a helping hand to someone at Wal-Mart, struggling to reach groceries.  It can be that simple willingness to throw it all on the line to help a friend in need of emotional support.  It's not hard.  It's love.  If we are abiding in Jesus, we should be walking in Love.
" Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God."  - 1 John 4:7

So that's where I'm at, ya'll.  Let's go and love some people today.  Let's walk like the God of the universe is living inside us...because He is!