Kids

Okay, so I know it's not Valentine's Day, but I tried to post this Friday, and for some reason, my site will not let me upload pictures.  I have just discovered a way around the problem, but it takes about twelve years to get everything done.  My site manager is working on this problem, so hopefully, all will be back to normal soon. Since our oldest was born, I have made the same type of valentine for my husband every year.  He loved it so much the first year I made one, I decided to continue the theme.  I've made seven of these family valentines now, and it is so much fun to look at all of their little faces and how they have changed.  When taking these photos, I try to capture lots of little things that emphasize their personalities.  Here's a look at these family treasures...

They are pretty easy to make, so even if you're not much of a crafter, I think you can do this. : ) Plus there's just something special about homemade cards, right?  They may not be magazine worthy, but they are yours, and they are sentimental, and they were created with your time and hands. Here's how I make my family valentines...

Stringing cranberries for Christmas trees is a tradition that probably began back in the 1840's with the earliest Americans who decorated their trees with fruits, nuts, and candies.  I prefer a simply decorated tree - some white lights and some sentimental ornaments are all I really want or need.  This year, I thought it would be fun to sit down with the kids, listen to Christmas music, and celebrate traditions past by making our own cranberry garland. Here's how we did it...

AStoriedStyle.com

chalk art by Kat Phillips, TheGrayAttic.com

I've got some goodness going in the girls room (coming soon), and I felt like I needed to show some love in my boys room, too.  Before we moved into this house, I would come over at night and paint with a flashlight and go home when I got too tired.  (we didn't have electricity here yet)  You can see in this photo the chalkboard map wall I made for them. AStoriedStyle.com This is the larger of the kids rooms, but it only has two windows so there is not a ton of natural light in there.  I feel like the current wall color with the black wall in the same room just feels too dark.  Therefore, I'm thinking I need to lighten up the other three walls. AStoriedStyle.com When I'm trying to decide on a paint color, here's what I do.

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