Monday, January 18, 2016

Out of This World

This past year, I have been seeing more and more world maps appearing in decor. The more I ran into it, the more the concept grew on me. So, for Christmas, I threw the idea on my Christmas wish list. I did not give much detail or direction with my request, I simply asked for a large world map in earth tones. I actually had forgotten about the request entirely when my mother-in-law says, "Oh we forgot. We have one more present for JJ." I was completely surprised when she brought out a long, cardboard roll. Inside was a beautiful world map. It was perfect and I could not wait to get started on my new project.

Nathan, the kids and I opened our gifts to each other late this year. This definitely worked out to my advantage as Nathan had time to purchase all the materials needed to frame out my new map. He then went right to work cutting the thin particle board to the right size and painting it with magnetic paint. I had no idea they even made such a thing, but it was just the ticket for our DIY undertaking. We then used an adhesive spray to smoothly fix the map to our newly created magnet board. Nathan nailed a simple frame together using a few pieces of our leftover window stops and......




BOOM! 
Wall art that, in my opinion, is out of this world.

I personally think it turned out better than anything I had seen on Pinterest. I find it interesting, however that we attempted to make art out of the earth when God is truly the artist here, but like they say, "Earth without art is just eh." I am certain God had this in mind when he went to work creating. 

The best part of it all is watching the kids discover new places and interact with the magnets. After all, isn't it human nature to want to mark our spot in the world?

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Thank you Peter

Friday morning we woke up to a beautiful new blanket of snow


And a house that was sixty degrees.  Yikes!

After some investigating, we determined that our furnace had simply been turned off at the main switch. How did this happen? Well a certain small individual had been playing in the furnace room while his father was hanging his new gun cabinet and curiosity killed the heat.

Good thing he is cute or I may have locked him in the new cabinet.






It took a while but the furnace finally kicked back on and Jentry exclaimed, "Thank you Peter!" Ha! She has obviously heard the saying, "Turn on the heater Peter, we need her."

Oh and when I went to wash the breakfast dishes, I nearly scorched my hand.  Apparently the hot water heater dial looked pretty neat too.

Friday, January 8, 2016

A Few of My Favorite Things - Part 2

We said goodbye to the holiday season and 2015 with a grand time in good, old Orleans America.

Stockings were opened with excitement.






Carols were sung...Karaoke style.




Reindeer games were played.








Presents were opened with anticipation and great surprise. This year the kiddos wrapped a huge box for Chad. The girls insisted that he open it first, but Isaac was strangely no where to be found. We all expected to find Isaac in the box, but much to everyone's astonishment the large box contained: One. Naked. Barbie. Isaac suddenly appeared from the back room with an enormous grin on his face. I tell you, these kids are getting entirely too crafty!













Too much food was consumed but oh was it scrumptious.





Mason was spoiled by all especially Grandma and Papa who both let him eat breakfast on their lap.



We spent four fantastic days in Harlan County but were happy to come back home. It didn't take long however to want to make a quick trip out to the farm to see Grandma and Grandpa McKenzie and take rides on the "vroom vrooms."

 


Farewell 2015! 
May God continue to bless our family with a few of our favorite things.