Sophia announced with pride that she had cleaned her play kitchen. I was ecstatic as I have been trying to get her to really clean up for a very long time.  I wanted to see this immaculate masterpiece.  She stood in front of the doors and said “Look, All Clean Mom!”  Her words said one thing but her stance said another.

All Clean Mom!

 I asked if she could show me her kitchen and she told me I did not need to see the kitchen, just the floor in front of the doors.  I knew something was awry.  I asked how she cleaned the kitchen and she informed me with pride that it was “Just the way Daddy showed me”.  Houston, we have a problem.  Daddy has no idea how to pick up.  His mantra is out of sight, out of mind.  I give you Exhibit A.  No further exhibits are needed.

Daddy Showed Me How!

My husband showed her how to shove all her crap into whatever closet or bucket or niche was nearby and shut the doors.  He showed her how to hide the mess, not clean it up.  This is why he never knows where his stuff is.  I asked her why she did not clean her kitchen the way I do.   I was really curious.

A Clean Kitchen

She said cleaning that way is boring and takes too long.

Yeah babe – but my way actually puts things back where they belong so you don’t lose pieces or have things fly out of the closet when you open it.  My way is the mommy way and my way is the way we clean up around here.  Daddy is not so good at cleaning.  He fakes it.  This is like telling a lie.  You don’t want to tell a lie, do you?

Sophia said “No, but I like fun things and that is not very fun.”

Really?  Shocker.  Welcome to my world.  Wait until you have kids.  I am so going to say “I told you so.”

Like this post? Don’t want to miss a Mommy Words Moment? Then subscribe via RSS or by email to get all the latest from this Mom’s mouth! You can also use the social buttons below to add this post to your favorite sites or send it to your friends. Please spread the MOMMY WORDS!

Sophie and Miles Display their Silly Bling

The kids are obsessed with Silly Bands.  Essentially they are rubber bands that when off your arm take the shape of an animal or object.  Miles’ favorite is the purple Train.  Sophia’s is a purple and white castle and a pink mermaid.   When piled on your arm these bring me right back to the jelly bands and charm necklaces and yes, garbage pail kids of the 80’s and I can’t believe that my kids are old enough to actually participate in a fad. 

This Silly Band craze is so easy.  It’s about $5 for a pack of 24 similarly themed bands in multiple colors.  There are no nasty themed bands that I have come across although I am sure some perv makes them and I will admit some well loved bands do take on a definite phallus shape.  Oh well, that just makes it funnier for me when Sophie asks me why I am laughing at the inchworm and then follows up with “Mommy, do you want this one”?  No honey, keep your little penis.  Mommy is okay.

These Silly Bands are nothing like the last fad I can remember – the Garbage Pail Kids.  Doug Plug, Smelly Sally, Adam Bomb, Meg-A-Volt and the rest of the gang were nasty booger and puke and death inspired cards in the 80’s that me and my brother collected, traded and found absolutely hysterical.  I am sure our parents and parents the country over, feared for our generation.  These cards are disturbing.  I am always honest though – they are part of my childhood so I remember Bone Head Fred (his barber exposes bone on his skull) with fondness.

To be honest, the silly bands are totally positive.  I am completely stoked.  I  think they look cool on and I kid you not – these are teaching lessons.

Sharing:  If you have a majillion silly bands on your wrist and you wear them out and you meet a friend with no rocki’ bands of their own you MUST give that friend enough to rock some serious silly bling of their own.  This is not optional.  The kids do not get to take one measly band off.  They each must share a lot.  This has been a great lesson and now both Sophia and Miles love to give silly gifts to their friends and are even getting better with sharing other toys at home.

Appropriate Play:  All the trading and on and off is not good for school or temple or the dinner table.  The bands could also be a choking hazard for a little one so the kids are not allowed to wear these to school or to meals and they are learning that some things are really awesome and fun but might not be okay 24/7.  For some reason they are starting to get it and now remind me that it’s time to take our bands off.

Trading Skills:  Like baseball cards or sticker books, the kids trade these bands.  There are thousands of colors and designs and they want to get as many as possible.

Counting and Colors and Organization:  We count our silly bands.  We organize them by color or shape or theme.  We put them in special little boxes.  The kids enjoy tallying their numbers and announcing their wealth of bands in numbers.

So you see, these little bands are not so silly after all.  I am going to relish in this little fadwith my kids and enjoy the pleasure of a feel good fad before they are so old that they want to play with guns or get tattoos or any of the other crap that I am sure is in my future!

What fads are in your house?  What do you remember coveting as a child?  I would just love to know what else is out there and what I have to dread  look forward to!

Like this post? Don’t want to miss a Mommy Words Moment? Then subscribe via RSS or by email to get all the latest from this Mom’s mouth! You can also use the social buttons below to add this post to your favorite sites or send it to your friends. Please spread the MOMMY WORDS!

The Castle Before a Show

Many people looked at me like I was a looney bin when I told them we were taking our kids to Disney World for 4 days and 3 parks.  Sophia is 3.  Miles celebrated his 2nd birthday at Disney.  Violet was just 13 weeks old.  I am here to say that each and every day was magic.  I saw more smiles in that time than in the last year as my kids enjoyed rides, met characters, saw amazing shows and explored the different lands of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and the Animal Kingdom.

There is a whole side of Disney that is made for little ones, perfect for encouraging imagination, getting their first thrill of a ride, learning about different places around our country and our world and yes, practicing patience.  Disney has a whole program called Magical Beginnings for their smallest friends and they treat every little girl and boy like the prince or princess we all know they are.  Disney made my kids feel like their dreams came true! 

There was a lot of planning that went into this trip to make sure we got the most out of every day.  I am going to write a series of posts on planning your trip with small children and I will give you my super successful itinerary for each of the parks we visited.  If you can, put Disney World on your list.   You will be tired at the end, but you will never forget the magic.

Why?  Because kids this young BELIEVE the magic.  The kids think that Mickey and his friends live in Toon Town.  They think Cinderella and her friends live in Cinderella’s Castle at the Magic Kingdom or Akershus at Epcot.  They believe that each and every day all of their favorite Disney friends have a huge dance party and that they were invited.  Sophia was astounded that Minnie invited her to the dance party by the castle and that Belle invited her to breakfast.  Miles gave priceless bear hugs to giant fuzzy characters that he knows are his friends.  He loves them.   

Sophia was a Princess and met Belle, Ariel, Snow White, Mulan, Cinderella, Pohahontas and Sleeping Beauty.  Hello?  Could anything be better for a 3 year old?

Sophia and Belle at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

Miles finally rode Dumbo (which he has been watching of YouTube for months) and got to see Dumbo in front of the castle.   You cannot see Miles in the picture.  Kids must sit on the inside.  Still, Ross is having a blast!

Ross Enjoys Dumbo with Sophia and Miles

Miles is 2 – so even the little Iron Dumbo was awesome for him! 

Miles and Dumbo the Elephant

Lest you think we forgot our littlest princess Violet – nope!  She had a great time snuggling with Mommy, riding rides (yes, there are tons of family rides) and meeting the princesses and fairies like her.  Actually, Violet was a huge hit with all the characters.  Mommy LOVES the pictures!

Violet Meets Tinkerbell's Friend Fawn

We loved our Disney vacation and I am trying to plan another trip as soon as possible!  I will be posting all my juicy travel tidbits, reviews of rides and attractions, tutorials on making your own rockin’ character autograph book and of course, my itineraries so stay tuned!

Should you take pre-schoolers to Disney?  My answer is a resounding yes!

Like this post? Don’t want to miss a Mommy Words Moment? Then subscribe via RSS or by email to get all the latest from this Mom’s mouth! You can also use the social buttons below to add this post to your favorite sites or send it to your friends. Please spread the MOMMY WORDS!

I was so excited to receive this Fisher Price Newborn Rock ‘n Play Sleeper in the mail for my review.  I am a huge fan of Fisher Price products and have always gone to them for my newborn gear including my swings, bouncers and toys!  The quality is superb and they seem to last through many children.  Violet is my 3rd baby in just over 3 years and while all of our gear is still in great condition I was excited to get something new!

My new baby Violet loves her new rocker!

Happy Baby

I am adding this rocker to things you should have when you come home with baby.  You can see my post of things I used in baby’s first 2 weeks here.  I am not a full co-sleeper or a full attachment parent, but I like to have my babies near me every moment.  I think it provides the littlest people with a sense of security and trust when they open their eyes and see a caretaker.  This little sleeper works perfectly for my schedule and parenting style as it is higher up than most bouncers and lets her sit right by me when she is relaxing or taking a little cat nap and gives me a little babywearing break.  I can easily rock it with my leg and it also slides easily across the floor when you tip it up so you can move baby from room to room without lifting the piece off the floor or waking baby.

While we do not use this sleeper at night, it meets industry standards for a bassinet and can be used for baby to sleep in at night in lieu of a co-sleeper or bassinet.  It elevates baby’s head which gives baby a better view and makes sleeping babies more comfortable.  Many babies sleep better with thier heads elevated.  This position can help both with breathing and with stomach issues such as reflux.

Where We Use the Rocker

The rocker’s height is great for being next to me while typing or eating lunch, but it is not really high enough to go near my bed.  Violet would be much lower than my mattress height, so I prefer the co-sleeper as I can make it level with my bed.  However,  I think this is a great option if your bed is lower, you are not co-sleeping or you need the elevation.   Still, we use this everywhere but by the bed!

Newborn Rock 'n Play Sleeper

As a travel bed for little ones, this rocker was awesome and can hold babies up to 25 pounds!  It weighs almost nothing and folds up to almost nothing in a flash!  We took it to Charleston for an overnight and it easily slipped in the back of the car next to our suitcase and easily fit in between the bed and the wall in the room.  It took about 5 seconds to fold it up versus 5 minutes (or more if you hit a snag) with a pack ‘n play.  In your home it could just as easily slip under a bed or in a closet for storage.  This is a huge plus! 

Fits in Tight Spaces

We also take this to restaurants and love having Violet out of her car seat and in her own place next to us.  You can easily carry it with one hand and it is so convenient and so much safer and more comfortable for babies.  It fits easily next to the table and lets mom enjoy her meal!

Basically we use this rocker all over in the house and out of the house because it works so well for our little one.  I would say we use this more than the swing or the bouncer because it puts baby Violet so close to us and provides such a calming and safe place for her.

Great Things About the Rocker 

The rocker took all of 5 minutes to put together.  This includes taking the tape of the shipping box.  It was that simple.  There were no screws or strange small parts to figure out. 

Miracle of all baby gear miracles, the cover easily attaches to the frame and stays attached and just as easily comes off for washing.  Finally! 

The rocker is lightweight, compact and extremely easy to move around or store.  You can (and we do) take it anywhere!

This sleeper is a jack of all trades.  Baby can sleeep, baby can relax, baby can play! 

There is a cute little toy bunny and a pocket on the outside for baby stuff.  I keep a burp cloth, some wipes and a paci in there with the bunny!

The high sides are fabulous for newborns.  I have a Fisher Price bouncer upstairs that we have had for 5 years and used for all of our kids and passed around to other babies and everyone loves it.  They no longer make it and I was really trying to find one for downstairs.  It too has wonderful high sides for extra support and a feeling of safety for babies.  They just came out of the womb and many babies prefer to be in tighter spaces.  This is why we swaddle them!  In the picture below you can see violet in the standard style of bouncer these days and you can see that she is falling a little to the side.  You can also see how the product comes and the size versus the bouncer.  We weren’t using the bouncer much because she seemed uncomfortable at her young age.

Bouncer Lacks Support

In the rocker she does not fall to the side at all and while she has freedom to move, her neck and torso are fully supported.

Violet Chillin' Out in Rocker

The design is simple and does not require batteries.  I will admit sometimes I miss the good old vibration feature but after much thought and observation of my 3 and 1 year olds I have decided it is wonderful to have something that does not fascinate them.  Sophia and Miles can help to gently rock her, but there is no music or toys on it to make them go crazy!  You can see Miles “helping” violet above.

Things I Would Like to See

The legs attach to the rocking frame with the standard pins and I would love if the height was adjustable.  Just a couple of inches would provide a lot of versatility for moms who wanted to sleep next to their babies.  An extra couple of inches would make a big difference.

The color and design is gender neutral and very cute, but I always like when a product is available in a “natural” color.  Creams and beiges and browns are also gender neutral but feel more modern and more easily blend in with home decor.

I would love a toy bar that could attach to the sides when Violet gets a little older.  This would give her a little entertainment while not leaving her on the floor when my kids and dog are running around!

Overall Opinion

I love this rocker from Fisher Price.  It was exactly what I was looking for to keep Violet near but give me some hands free time.  I have used in more places and situations already than any other piece of baby gear, and that is saying a lot.

You can purchase the Newborn Newborn Rock ’n Play Sleeper for approximately $50 from many baby stores and online retailers. 

I would highly recommend this product.  The Fisher Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper gets a big Mommy Words Woo Hoo!

Disclaimer:  Thank you to Fisher Price and MomSelect for providing me with this product free of charge in exchange for my honest review.  The opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Like this post? Don’t want to miss a Mommy Words Moment? Then subscribe via RSS or by email to get all the latest from this Mom’s mouth! You can also use the social buttons below to add this post to your favorite sites or send it to your friends. Please spread the MOMMY WORDS!

For Miles, it is his old bouncy chair.

It's Not Quite as Bouncy Now

Like this post? Don’t want to miss a Mommy Words Moment? Then subscribe via RSS or by email to get all the latest from this Mom’s mouth! You can also use the social buttons below to add this post to your favorite sites or send it to your friends. Please spread the MOMMY WORDS!

Call me Miss Flibbertyjibbit but I am too pregnant to write anything really coherent despite the fact that I am completing another fabulous DIY Project.  Well, at least I think it is fabulous.  It will just be a couple of days late.  Who wants to bet I will have to re-post the tutorial after the baby?  Now to my point – see – I have lost it….

Ghost Bunny

The good news is that the new game Sophia and Miles play does not involve me at all so I am free to do whatever the hell I do not remember doing in the first place.  This game is called Ghost Bunny and I tried googling it but I have no idea where the rules came from.  I know it is some combination of a Max & Ruby episode entitled “Ghost Bunny”  dealing with camping out and flashlights and both of my kids’ obsession with jumping out of things.

In this game Sophia and Miles shut themselves in her closet with just a tiny flashlight that has barely any light and then they tell secrets or something – I can only hear whispers – until at some point Sophia gives a signal and they open the door and jump out running in circles and yelling “Boo!”  Then they both dissolve into hysterical laughter, immediately talk about how great the game is and go back into the closet.  They will stay in that closet for 5 minutes or more and they will play this game FOR AN HOUR.  I am not allowed to play.  Usually I am forced to play games but I am left miraculously on my own for Ghost Bunny Time.  All I have to do is look scared when they decide to “scare” me.  Usually they do this to me when I am in the shower in the morning.  All I have to say is that they are CRAZY – at 38 weeks pregnant and naked trying to wield a razor I am the really scary one. 

Note: Please – do not call social services – Sophia and Miles can both open the closet door by themselves and when I am in the shower I do put a little thing on the top so it will not close all the way and chop off their little bunny fingers.  They are relatively safe during Ghost Bunny compared to some of the gymnastics games they play.

I do not have any idea what they do in there but here is a quote from the Max & Ruby episode.  Valerie is telling a story and says

There’s no escaping Ghost Bunny. His ears are so big he can hear the tiniest sound across town.

Sophia always says no one will get away and she asks me if I can hear them because she says I am not supposed to.  And I have big ears.  I am VERY self conscious about them.  But I cannot hear them.  Usually they are screaming.  In this they whisper.

Is this not the best game ever?  I don’t have to play and they are basically silent.  If I knew the actual rules to Ghost Bunny I would totally share them with you.  This game is second only to the Quiet Game, which Sophia says “totally stinks”.  If I figure out how to get them to play that – you can give some giant mommy prize.

The Missing Brain

If you see my brain, let me know.  I think it might have fallen out of my huge ears.  I can’t remember anything.  I am saying words that do not exist.  I am responding to people who have not said anything.  I am lost all the time.  I do not ever know what time it is.  I feel like a raving lunatic.  Even Sophia asked “Mommy are you being crazy or just silly or are you saying a joke?”  Of course I lied and said I was joking.  I do not want my 3 year old thinking that I have lost my mind and with it every ounce of authority.  So if you have any advice – I’d love to hear it – but I expect this is just what is known as Baby Crazy.   I should just use it as an excuse to act like a fool and bear absoltely no shame or blame.

Like this post? Don’t want to miss a Mommy Words Moment? Then subscribe via RSS or by email to get all the latest from this Mom’s mouth! You can also use the social buttons below to add this post to your favorite sites or send it to your friends. Please spread the MOMMY WORDS!

Presenting Princess Sophia

Sophia realized she was a princess right out of the womb at a very early age.  Since the time she could speak her royalty has been a main topic of conversation.  She has had dress up clothes since shortly after her first birthday and yes, she loved them then and is obsessed with them now.  Between gifts and donations she now could clothe a small court in fancy dresses, heels and jewels and is taking applications for ladies maids.  The only pay is the pleasure of her slightly bossy company.  I have already been told that I can wait on her because I am pretty and good at working (Gee, thanks).  I tried to explain that I was the Queen and she just laughed and told me I was funny.  Other applicants will have to try out for the privilege to serve her.  Ross is not good enough.  Miles is not pretty enough, but he can be a handsome prince. 

As an aside – I think Sophia and my husband are in cahoots to keep me working for her and him playing guitar for her on the couch.   I also think if I asked him why he married me he would say something along the lines of pretty, funny (or maybe just pretty funny) and a good worker.  Where’s the romance huh?

Besides creating her royal court, she has been concerned about the fact that she has not had a princess party since her birthday in September.  We have discussed the annual nature of birthdays and parties but with Hanukkah already here and Christmas just weeks away she has been constantly begging for another princess party – not a holiday party.  I am considered quite the cheeky lady in waiting for actually denying the princess’ requests on such a regular basis.  According to Princess Sophia “It’s going to take such a long time until I am 4 and I really need a party!”  Don’t we all?  She is disappointed.

Then, this weekend, I convinced Sophia that I am, in fact, a kick ass mother and wonderful Queen.  While walking through Nordstrom for some tights we ran smack dab into a giant Princess Party.  With Make-Up.  And Crowns.  And Crafts.  And cookies.  And other princesses.  She thinks I did it.  She thinks it was a big surprise!  She screamed “Oh, Thank You Mom!”  I made her say thanks to all the nice ladies who threw the party but I took the credit.  I myself cannot thank Nordstrom enough.  They threw a little girl princess party that rocked!  

First, there was a long table with a white tablecloth and on this table was a giant tower of juice boxes and gourmet white cookies with pink and white icing.  They were in little clear bags with sparkling ribbons.  They were delicious!  The girls hosting the party gave some to Miles and Ross too before we went them on their way to Get Our Princess On!   At the other end of the table was a glitter picture frame project where we decked out our frame in preparation for our Princess Photo Shoot!  We had a blast meeting other little royals and socializing over our apple juice, cookies and glitter!

Glitter Crafts - Perfect!

Then, as if the cookies and crafts were not enough excitement, the little girls got to have their full glitter make-up done in one of the grown-up chairs by a real make-up artist.  The pink glitter was included in everything from the lip gloss to the blush to the eyeshadow.  I don’t think Sophia has ever had so much fun!  Her whole face was sparkling and her smile was ear to ear.  When they gave her a sparkling crown and wand her “Oh my goodness they are beautiful!” scream rang through the girls department.  I don’t know if I wanted to laugh or cry at her overwhelming enthusiasm.  While it was all very funny, Sophia and all the other girls were just beautiful and the moments spent with their moms and dads were priceless. 

Following the application of gobs of makeup we were sent on to our Princess Photo Shoot in front of a dazzling Christmas tree on a red velvet chair.  Sophia said it was perfect for her!  So, fully decked out in her crown and wand we proceeded to the picture station and smiled for our royal portrait.

She Graces Us with a Smile!

All of this partying was completely FREE!  Sophia hugged all the Nordstrom girls ( I wanted to give them mushy kisses for giving my daugther so much joy)  and then we got another beautifully wrapped bag of cookies, for the baby of course, and went to meet Daddy and Miles.  They actually asked me if we would be back for the Tutu and Tiaras party next month.  UM….YES!  I COULD BE IN LABOR AND WE WOULD NOT MISS IT!  Sophia agreed with a hearty “Of Course we will be here!  I am a ballerina too!”

So thank you Nordstrom.  Usually having fun in your store costs a lot more money.  And causes marital distress.  This was awesome.  We Got Our Princess On and We LOVED it!

I would love to hear of any randonly wonderful things you have discovered with your kids.  When you thank God that some marketing genius thought of this activity to get you in the store…or whatever…you get it.  Share!

Like this post? Don’t want to miss a Mommy Words Moment? Then subscribe via RSS or by email to get all the latest from this Mom’s mouth! You can also use the social buttons below to add this post to your favorite sites or send it to your friends. Please spread the MOMMY WORDS!

Sophia has very strong opinions on fashion and as yet she will share her knowledge and lessons with anyone who is interested.  Her most important fashion rule is to always wear heels when you are allowed.  If possible one should wear mommy’s heels.  Otherwise, the heels in the dress up box will do.  Sophia’s most devoted follower is her little brother Miles, who has been trying to learn from her the art of walking in heels for weeks.  She gave up on me when it comes to fashion.  Miles actually wants to wear heels every day with her, while I am just fine in my flats, thank you.

Miles has taken many bumps and bruises on his journey.  She told him to keep it up.  She screams “Go Miles!  You can do it!”  She is a good teacher.  Firm but supportive and always honest.

These are Cute - Not Easy!

He has learned from Sophia that his feet are too fat for her smallest heels.  These barbie ones are just right.  Wide at the top with a rubber bottom.  She taught him that wearing socks with heels was dangerous because it was slippery.  Thanks Sophie – now he takes off his socks as soon as he comes in the house looking for his dress up shoes.  She told him the yellow ones were ugly with his outfit – and she was right.

He has had to come to her for help putting on a lost heel many a time.  He tries to run with one shoe off and one on moaning about his “sh”.  She never runs out of patience helping him put on the shoes.  I can’t help thinking this is so funny and so cute!

Can you Help Me with my Sh?

Well today, Miles finally walked the Catwalk without falling once.  The catwalk around here is our downstairs hallway.  You put the music on the cd player in the playroom and then you walk from the playroom to the living room while everyone watches and applauds.  Everyone includes all grownups and children not in the show.  Miles being able to walk the whole walk is so important because Sophia does not like people in her regular fashion shows who cannot make it down the hallway in the outfits she picks.   This is Miles – almost finished with the hallway.  He made it to the end.  H even had a little model attitude!

You don't like the shoes or the drool?

Sophia was so excited by her pupil’s success that I was unable to capture the final moment with my camera.  They hugged and kissed like he just won Miss Universe and then they fell over together.  She told him she was proud.  Then she got all serious on his ass and said he could be in the show as soon as he learned to wear a crown.  He must have been devastated. 

Rule #2 in Sophia’s book includes wearing a crown whenever possible with hairbows.  He will rock the hairbows if she puts them in but come on now – he is a little man – he draws the line at a princess crown!

Like this post? Don’t want to miss a Mommy Words Moment? Then subscribe via RSS or by email to get all the latest from this Mom’s mouth! You can also use the social buttons below to add this post to your favorite sites or send it to your friends. Please spread the MOMMY WORDS!

Sophia's Retro Play Kitchen

Monday is DIY day in bloggy land and this might be my proudest achievement to date.  It is certainly the one that has brought the most joy!

My daughter has always loved play kitchens.  She finds hours of fun in making dinners, having tea parties and washing dishes.  I think it is just precious.  Now my son plays too.  My heart melts.

When we go to the mall and “play” at Pottery Barn Kids, we spend at least 30 minutes with the play kitchen (and another 30 with a vanity – next project!) every time.  I think all of their little kitchens are to die for.  Having said that, my husband would actually die if I was ever to purchase one of these kitchen sets.  Currently the cost for a 3 piece kitchen starts at $450 and runs up to a whopping $879!  This does not include a 10% delivery and processing fee!

Here was the look I was going for from Pottery Barn.

PB Retro Kitchen

So, I searched the web, found some wood and decided to build her a large kitchen of her dreams!  I happened to have had an old closet that had tile in it from before we moved the laundry area so she also has a white tile floor and a WORKING SINK!  We love this kitchen and we build it for a total cost of less than $150!  Pretty good wouldn’t you say?

Here is where I started.  I found a set of plans for a wood play kitchen at Lowe’s.com and then modified them to be closer to the retro look I wanted.   The plans were cute and I followed the dimensions but rather than fake on the sink parts and stove knobs I found the real thing for this kitchen.   I also built a drawer for below the stove to store pots and pans!  The shelves in all of the pieces are closet shelving.  The handles were a bit expensive at $20 all together but they were scratched or they would have been a lot more.  I think they really add something cute and retro feeling!  I also installed a little white shelf in the extra space to hold silverware and pantry items.  The paint was a can of red oops! for $5.  It is a little brighter than the perfect red but man is it close!

We have so much fun with this!  I found bins at Target to store dress up and other toys in cute khaki and red above the kitchen so that all the imagination fun mess would be contained in the closet and the kids would need to ask before we play with this!

Here is where I started after I cut my furniture grade plywood found on clearance!

A Long Way to Go

Here is the basic box assembly of the sink.  All of the pieces follow the same simple assembly pattern.  After I did one with hammer and nails I got out the nail gun but it is possible with just a hammer!

The Basic Box

Little Oven

Working Little Sink

Working Plumbing

 The Fridge fits everything!  I love that I can keep all the food in the bins it came in.  It’s easy to clean up and easy to transport to the table for “parties” or cooking school!

Little Fridge

Old Laundry Closet

Little Kitchen in the Closet

Like this post? Don’t want to miss a Mommy Words Moment? Then subscribe via RSS or by email to get all the latest from this Mom’s mouth! You can also use the social buttons below to add this post to your favorite sites or send it to your friends. Please spread the MOMMY WORDS!

We had the annual Festival in the Park this past weekend and I think it is safe to say Sophia had the most fun!

Sophia on the Whirly Ride

Sophia on the Spinning Ride

Sophia in the Helicopter

Sophia Rides a Pony

I hope you are enjoying the fall as much as we are!

Happy Wednesday!