DIY Chunky Floating Shelves

 

They are finished! We have been in our house almost one full year, staring at an awkward blank wall, not wanting to hang pictures or mount the TV.  Just. Not. Sure.  The TV has to be on that wall because of the wiring, the massive fireplace and the window.  We debated about not having a TV downstairs, but quickly decided that we need all the motivation we can get to clean up after dinner.  A good show always helps.

 

We finally decided on floating shelves.  Our inspiration came from here and here. Of course Tom wanted to do his own thing, so they look pretty different.

 

Look at that carpet! And tiny Wal-Mart TV stand. Ha!

 

 Our original plan.  It quickly changed when the first shelf was quite a bit larger than I anticipated. Also, the bottom shelves would have been a little tooooo tempting for Mr. Cole Henry.

 We bought the wood, cut it and then stained it.  The outer pieces were a higher quality wood and the stain looks so much better on them! I'm glad Tom considered that.  I had no idea there was a hierarchy of wood. We used Minwax "Provincial" to stain the wood, and Varathane matted finish polyurethane (applied at the very end, once the shelves were on the wall).

Tom used 2 inch finishing nails to assemble the shelf.  He drilled small holes first, then hammered in the nails to avoid splitting the wood.  Another reason Tom was in charge here.  Had no idea.

With a classy headlamp on, Tom drilled deck screws through the partially finished shelves into the studs.  To put the outer board on, we used the same finishing nails on the ends of the shelves and Liquid Nails on the inner support boards for some additional peace of mind.  

 

 

 

 We went out of town several weekends before the third shelf was hung, so the Christmas décor is out! Can't wait to decorate the shelves for the other 11 months of the year with more than just "things lying around." Home Goods...watch out!

Updated Decor:

 Cole has had a great time watching Tom and playing in the garage.

He is still obsessed with paint brushes and hammers.

Family Pictures

Over thanksgiving, our dear friend Molly took some pictures of our family.  Cole cried for most of it.  It is AMAZING what she captured in an hour...especially because Cole was either angry or eating snacks, and you can't tell in any of these pictures!!! Hoping to send out our Christmas cards tomorrow, but to my few fellow blog readers, enjoy the sneak peak!

 

 

See more pictures here!

Thanksgiving 2013

We traveled to Plano for Thanksgiving this year. Tom's grandparents, Mammaw and Pappaw, were in from Florida and of course we spent lots of time with Cole's cousin Grant. We had a sweet time and enjoyed the excuse to eat way too much. G-Pegs makes a mean dressing. And creamed corn.  And mac n cheese. I would also like to point out that I am in some of the pictures! Yay! Trying to get better at passing around the camera phone. Cole was so spoiled with all the attention.  I will have to work extra hard until Christmas.  :)

Who doesn't love a good selfie?



Cole loves crayons! Well, he loves watching people use crayons.




This kid would not knock my tower down!!! He wanted to add to it! Crazy.



We needed a Daniel Tiger break.  Cousins play hard.




 



 



Cole and Grant are finally at the age where they can PLAY together.  And it is PRECIOUS.

 

My boyfriend and I racing to peel the dreaded potatoes. 

Many acorns were hit in the front yard.  Cole was obsessed.

  

 

Thanksgiving was delicious!

 Posing for us and playing with Pappaw.

 

Blowing bubbles in the backyard.

How many acorns can this kid hold at one time? At least 8.

We survived the cold!!

 

New Camera and Haircuts

On Sunday, we took a trip to the at&t store to upgrade my phone! Cracked on both sides and way overdue for an upgrade, I now have the new iPhone. I was thinking about asking for a fancy camera for Christmas, but the new camera on this phone is AWESOME....crystal clear pictures of a moving toddler...I am so impressed. Here are my favorite first pictures :)
 

Look at those quads! Jillian Michaels does a body good.  Imagine what we could do if Cole would stop eating his weights.  It is pretty hilarious to watch Cole try to jump around and attempt lunges.  Always a good time. 

 

 
Outdoors + parks continue to bless our family.This is one of my favorites, Hardberger Park.  Kind of far, but gorgeous and perfect for jogging and playing after.

 This is how we cut hair around here.  Bumbo + snack + Daniel Tiger.  Works like a charm!!
 

 New haircut looks pretty good! And cost $0!

 Hmmm.  This outfit is too small.  Ha!! Cole had a great time at the mall on a rainy day this week.

Cole Henry: 15 Months!

Our little massive man continues to grow and entertain.  I can't believe he is 15 months old! He is weighing in at 25 lbs (80th percentile), his height is 33 inches (98th percentile) and his head is still massive and in the 90th percentile.  Whew! What a growing boy. 

These last three months are overwhelming with change and growth.  Cole is talking constantly, in a mystery language.  He shakes and nods and gestures to no end. Words we can understand/interpret include: banana (nani), doggie, mommy, daddy, no way!!, uh oh, mooooo, a dang good fire truck siren, hot-t-t (toward coffee or fireplace, not at pretty ladies), and help please (happ peee).

We look at every airplane, bird, motorcycle, truck, school bus, construction site and animal. Cole is obsessed with the moon, Swiffer, baseball bats, lawn mowers, playing basketball and watching Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. 

Giraffe picture days may be long gone...

He loves to walk (started taking steps at 13 months and full speed ahead at 14 months), especially in the street. He loves to show off his muscles, point to a few body parts, be chased and tickled.  He actually enjoys brushing his teeth thanks to this ridiculous song. And after many long months of fighting bedtime, the sweet kid points to his crib when it's time for bed. (Thank you LORD!)

Giving kisses and hugs are new and so precious, throwing tantrums are also new and less precious, but he bounces back pretty quickly. We love this stage and are so thankful for our Cole Henry!

 

  

 

 

 

 

Ten on Tuesday

 
We walk everywhere now and in every form. Cole loves pushing shopping carts more and more, and sitting in them less and less.  We were letting Tom pick out wood for a project, so I let the kid do whatever would keep him happy. 
 

 

I left my wallet at home and didn't realize it until checking out at HEB.  This is our second trip back.  Trying to keep it interesting.

 

We watched my parents' dog for a week while they were at the beach.  Cole was IN HEAVEN. 

 

 

Meal time continues to be hilarious.  Look at this kid.

 

 

Last year's hat is a bit snug, but still my favorite and takes a little more effort to pull off.  Score.

 

 

Playing at La Cantera with some mama friends. Cole looks like he is 6 years old.

 

  

House projects continue!! We painted Cole's room (finally) "Silver Marlin." The Cole Henry sign is made by Aunt Jean.  Also the owl mobile.  Love having her in the family!!!

 

 

Project Floating Shelves... coming soon!!!!!