This week it seems we’ve had lots going on, I think we’re trying to pack it all in before the babe comes in 4 weeks. 
New Van Day
Yesterday we hit a big milestone in our lives, one that we’re oh-so-proud of: We officially own a mini-van.
Look how manly Jaden is. Stats: 2006 Toyota Sienna, silver, 8 passenger, longer than any car I’ve ever owned, also used as a playground/fort by my children. Lots of places for them to explore. Hooray for “New Van Day”, March 6, 2008. Don’t worry Jules and Kirsten, there will be more photos of this glorious vehicle soon (wink wink).
New Cabinet Day
On Wednesday they came and installed the cabinetry in the basement as well as our little “mudroom” area right when you come inside from the garage. We did knotty alder (matches our kitchen) with beadboard accents. Loving how it all turned out.
Mudroom–we did basically 8 cupboards/lockers with shelves inside for storage (Brandon and Annie have their own to put coats, shoes, etc. in) and a bench in the middle to put on shoes and stuff. It’ll be nice to organize and corrall everything, esp. in the winter. This is like a dream come true for me! I have been SO looking forward to having this. I don’t have a wide enough lens to get the whole thing but you can get the general idea here:
Hooray for “New Cabinet Day”!! The guys were so sweet because Brandon basically chatted with them the entire time and told them his life story and asked about their life stories. It was pretty funny.
He is not shy.
Here is a picture of the group:
I was up way past my bedtime but it was really fun. (PS: Those of you girls who wanted a copy of this picture can just click to enlarge the picture and then right-click and save to your computer. It’s the full-sized image.)
Here is the project I was supposed to work on. I ended up finishing it the next morning. They are basically mini-albums from http://www.ggdigitaldesigns.com/ that fit into those plastic ID badge covers. I just used some of my favorite pictures of Brandon and Annie over the last few months. They are for me to keep in my purse since I’m a bad mom and never have pictures of my kids in there! I really love how they turned out, small and cute, roughly about 3.5 by 2.5 inches. They fit in the palm of my hand. So easy to make!
I got the badge holders at Walmart in their office supply section, 12 pouches for about $1.60. To print, I placed 2 of the little “pages” on a 4×6 document and ordered them from Costco, then cut them out and stuffed into the pouches. I think I did 18 little pages per booklet. My kids love to look at them too. It was a fun little project. Go and make one, you can do it!Well, I’m going to go lay down for a bit. At 6:30 am there was a knock on the door–they delivered our baseboards and doors and stuff for the basement at the CRACK of dawn. Isn’t that random?!? So I’m tired!! Tootles.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Congrats on all the major happenings! Awesome how we have twinner vans now (except mine is charcoal). You’re going to love it!!! I hate that I just said that about a mini-van. Your cabinets look awesome – good work!
You don’t like getting deliveries at 6am? What’s wrong with you?
brooke, i’m tired after reading all that you do/did. and i’m not even pregnant. i don’t know how you do it, girl. good for you!
p.s. you are looking so great!
Hey Brooke! I love your little kitchen in the basement, it looks great! You are one busy woman! I updated my blog with an answer to your questions if you want to check it out!
Wow.. you have so much going on. You are so positive. Congratulations on your new van!!
I am so completely jealous of your cabinets and your mud room. I dream of having my own one day. You lucky, lucky girl!!!
I love your badge books. They turned out so cute!
WOW! Such an exciting week. The van is beautiful- way to make the plunge. The mud room is definitely something to covet… nice design!! And the scrapbooking, as always, is lovely.
Wow, what a great few days you’ve had. Your cabinets look beautiful and wow…what a great car. I’m glad I’m not into the “mini-van” phase of life yet but when I DO get there…that’s a pretty one!!!
Brooke…You look fantabulous!! Congratulations on the new van and the new mud room and basement-they look great!
Wow! What a big week. Your van looks like a nice one! How fun to have more space. I LOVE your cabinets. Everything looks awesome!
The van is very nice…I’m anxiously waiting the “fun” pictures! The cabinets look so good. I LOVE the mudroom area. I’m so excited to see the basement in all its finished glory. The scrapbook night looks way fun. It’s quite ridiculous how photogenic you are, even at 9 months pregnant.
Dido on what everyone else has said. You do look fabulous. I’m sad I missed the scrap night, I actually didn’t know the final details about it, not sure why, anyway I had the R.S. b-day party in my ward, but I’m sad I missed seeing everyone. Looking forward to possibly getting our own mini van soon too, guess it happens when kid #3 is on the way. Hope you are feeling good, good luck with everything.
Never thought I would say this to anyone, but I totally am jealous of your mini-van. We are cramming into our little Honda Accord and the baby isn’t even here yet. Congrats!!
Brett’s most embarrassing moment was driving the mini-van off the lot!! I am so glad you made the switch, right in time for number 3. It really makes the most since. I am jealous you are finishing your basement. It looks liks so fun and your latest project was such a great idea and so cute.
Wow, busy busy busy. I love the new van. The pics turned out so cute, I might have to copy ya again!