Axel would like to officially announce to his...my...blog that he is going to be a big brother!  This coming July we'll be bringing home our second little prince to Axel's welcoming arms...and room.

Today I thought we could make a special project just for Axel, the big brother.  While blogging around I noticed several people making magnet boards out of these ENORMOUS "Oil Drip Pans."  Reports said you could find them at an auto parts store or, more commonly, at Walmart.  I totally took the idea and ran, having wanted to get the magnets off my fridge for a long time and give Axel a place to display his own art – on his own terms.

We found the tray indeed at Walmart, costing $10, and also purchased $3 worth of the 3M Command Strips (the locking, Velcro-like kind).  The pan really isn't that heavy, just large.

When we got home, it literally took me two minutes to hang the thing.  There was a tacky emblem, indicating that it's an "Oil Drip Pan," and that didn't quite fit in to my "educational theme."  I asked Axel to make a sign to hang over the emblem, suggesting, "Axel's Room" or "Axel's Art."

Off the top of his head, without hesitation, Axel said, "No Mom.  The sign should say Welcome Home."

"Huh?" I asked.

"Yeah, for my new brother!" 

How clueless I am.

So that's what we did.  We made a "Welcome Home" sign and the first piece of art was Axel's prized ultrasound photo, the only glimpse he has of what's to come.

When I woke up this morning, a blustery day greeted me and reminded me of Winnie the Pooh.  It seems, in his stories, the wind is at a constant clip and the clouds fearlessly race by.  After preschool drop-off, I was blown to the grocery store where I found just what we needed to spend the afternoon – a kite featuring none other than Axel's pals from the Hundred Acre Woods.

When you have a four-year-old who has seen the world and experienced more than his share in just a short time, it's nice when you can give him a first.  Today was the first time he flew a kite.  He was thrilled!

Spring is definitely in the air this week, and my lawn is turning green.  I am so thankful this time of year for my favorite leafy green, one that is so plentiful in my damp landscape, moss.  Isn't moss the greatest substance?  It's like lawn...that you don't have to mow.  It's the first to show it's bright green face in the spring and the last to batten it's hatches for the winter.  It spreads...yea!  It feels awesome on your feet...mmmm.  It even looks cute as a photo backdrop.  Welcome moss, please stay for the summer?!

Along with the moss come a few of my other spring favorites.  Here is a list:
  - Balled-up man-socks at the front door. (Because I have to get mean if I see them in the house, on my furniture).
  - Slimy dog, with a side of newly thawed poo smell.
  - The ever-looming fear that snow could make a return any day.
  - It's now time to bathe your children every day, but not quite warm enough to do it with the hose.

But seriously, these are the things I really love:
  - Waking up, windows open, with a cold nose and not wanting to leave the covers.
  - Barefoot runs to the mailbox and beyond.
  - Seeing everybody newly invested in fitness and having "running partners" on the trails.
  - Freckles.
  - Picnics.
  - Grilling.
  - Bonfires.

Here's hoping our 60 degree weather is here to stay.  Here's hoping you have a bit of moss to brighten your day.

For Axel's birthday this year, we decided on a small family gathering last weekend.  It was all about wrapping paper, balloons, and...oh yeah...cake.  With the cake made custom to honor Axel's first true love, Pixar's Cars, it was truly spectacular and 100% edible.

About a month ago I saw the most darling coat racks at a boutique.  Using antique shoe molds and upcycled doorknobs, someone had cleverly created very primitive/modern wall art.  I had to have one...well a pair really.  The price tag: $75/each.  Ok, so I didn't have to have those, but I needed to make some! 

Literally next door to that boutique in downtown St. Cloud is an antique store.  Right inside the door, I had nearly everything I needed.  The antique shoe mold, size 4.5, a "Happy Medium" it's labeled, and one antique doorknob.  Total cost, $6.

I couldn't find another wooden shoe, but remembered the white antique wall hooks I picked up last summer for the bathroom (only to not end up using).  Together I could make a wall arrangement for sure.

I enlisted the help of my favorite "project finisher," Jahred.  He pulled together some trim and old bead-board from the garage, we used some of the paint left over from our stairway project and created the wooden bases.  I later attached the shoe and white hooks.

The result is stunning, and the perfect addition to my entryway.  The only problem is, I like them too much to hand yucky winter coats on them.  I guess the railing/kitchen chairs will have to carry on as the official outerwear resting places