If you've been reading this blog long, you know I like to challenge myself. I like to do hard things. I feel like doing hard things makes me a better person and helps me discover who I am. It also makes more more creative and happier in life. We can all do hard things. I assume you too will have the same results.

Oh my goodness this is going to be fun! I have about four dresses cut out and ready to sew. Girl clothes are so easy because you can use fun trims, buttons and bows to make something really sweet and unique. Boy clothes require meticulous tailoring and stitching to make it really awesome. I feel like my creative juices are exploding.

In our living room we have this chair that is unbelievably comfortable but has seen better days. We didn't really want to try to replace it because we are trying not to buy any new furniture until we buy a house in a few years. Since I could live with this chair in it's current state I decided to do my first reupholster project.

Last Week's Thoughtful Tuesday was to say something nice. This isn't a hard thing to do but it may be a hard thing to remember. I really tried to make this my focus for the week and I felt a difference in my attitude and happiness.

I am off to sew!

Last week's Thoughtful Tuesday challenge was to take a thank you note or treats to someone who routinely helps you. We took ours to the library. It was fun to see their faces light up when we gave them a treat. It was also fun to see Calder's face when they told him thank you.

Remember those parts from Calder's bed that we weren't going to use because it will never be a bunk bed? They have been sitting in his room for the last few months and finally I came up with this awesome idea. I could make a bench out of them. So, I started looking for inspiration.

Well, my amazingly talented friend Katie of Clarenden Lane fame sent me some adorable numbers. I thought they would be perfect for Calder's dresser. Here's what it looks like now.

This is my son's room. He is three and was very involved in choosing everything in his room. After we moved from our small one bedroom in November all of Calder's toys moved from the living room to his bedroom. I LOVE how clean my living room is most of the time.

I am so excited to start posting weekly service suggestions! This will be a new series throughout 2012 where I present a suggestion for a service opportunity. Of course, you can do more service than one per week, if you want. Some will be harder than others and some will require more time than others. I would love to know about all of the service you do!

2011 was a fabulous year for me and my family. We reached many goals, were humbled and gained a deeper love and appreciation for each other. I honestly feel that not buying anything new was a deep and important part of that.

There is something magical about being in a city at Christmas time. I have been in many cities at this time of year and I honestly think there is something very special about each one. This is our second Christmas in DC and I have a few favorite activities. If you're ever in DC for Christmas you have to check them out!

I made Calder a coat. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the way it turned out. I have made jackets for me before but never a coat. We went to the fabric store and found the wool section. I told him he could choose whatever he wanted. As soon as he saw this navy pinstripe he knew that is what he wanted. He also chose the toggle buttons.