Spring things and new projects

Ever since we moved in I've noticed this bird hanging around outside quite a bit. I don't recall seeing any back in the States, so after a little research I found out they are Eurasian Magpies.

 Related to the crow, they are considered to be the most intelligent of birds and among the most intelligent of all animals. Up there with chimps and humans. Attracted to shiny objects, seen taking out smaller songbirds in mid-flight and when in groups, known for exhibiting "teasing behavior" towards cats... I'm liking this bird more and more. Seeing how much Liam loved sitting on the kitchen windowsill at my parent's house and watching the birds outside I'd like to get a few birdfeeders and a birdbath for outside our living room windows. Unlike in El Paso our living room windows actually have a view of trees with ACTUAL leaves and green grass outside! Now if I could only convince our neighbor to pick up their junk lying around outside, we'll actually have something to look at once spring really gets going. (Even with the dead grass outside the view is better than our previous one.)

And speaking of things to to look at outside. I'm planning on starting a garden on our front patio (or is it the back). It's on the north side of the house so it will get plenty of sun (once the sun decides to actually shine). I've searched the Internet for info on gardening in Germany. I'd like to find out what is commonly grown around here but can't seem to find anything in English. Guess this first year will be trial and error. I'm also wanting to try out this new corn that's designed for containers from Burpee. It's currently out of stock though. Of course nothing tastes like Sachse corn, but I gotta take what I can get!

And speaking of new projects, I'm working on a new theme for Liam's room. New country, new room.  Something jungle/wild animal related. Inspired by all the new goofy, animal noises Liam seems to acquire everyday, Will and I decided maybe we should put our little zoo animal in an environment where he could feel at home with his people. My first project involves a picture to wood transfer idea I found on Pinterest.

I got these prints from Shutterfly. Apparently the transferring only works with laser-jet prints. I'm still waiting on the wood panels and the other stuff to arrive in the mail but I can't wait to see how they turn out. Probably should've gotten enough stuff to do a test run, but we'll see how it goes. I'm not a painter by any means so this is my version of an attempt at this:

I'd never be able to do that and I'm sure it would be pricey to find on Etsy.


Since we didn't have any curtains or blinds to fit the window sizes here (or rather accommodate for the fact that almost all the windows have a radiator directly underneath them) I had to order new blinds. I got these for Liam's room. I thought the bamboo would look good with the theme...

Makes me think of the blinds that used to be in my parents living room growing up. Lol. When we were at Ikea last weekend Will these leaf canopies that they had above a bed. I already have something for over Liam's bed so I would probably use it over the glider. It was only 10 euro too! (About $13/14)

Gonna do this one too. It's actually from Martha Stewart. Lol, ME... doing Martha Stewart crafts. "It's a good thing."

And a new look for his name too:

Minus the animals at the bottom. I'm not so into the cutesy baby animal stuff. That's basically the only style available to buy. I'd rather do stuff myself. When we first had this theme idea I googled it and didn't like what they had tried out in their rooms. I hope it all comes together.

I'm crossing my fingers some of this stuff comes by next week. Just got news this afternoon that Will's back on again for going back to the States next week. I'll have to drive him to the Nuernberg airport early Saturday to make his flight. He'll be at Camp Bullis in San Antonio all next week and he won't be getting back till the following Monday. So much for those two upcoming 4 day weekends and our trip to Rothenburg this weekend. Ugh. But I suppose if Rothenburg's been around this long it can hold out a few weeks more. I'm gonna have to find a thing or two keep Liam and I busy!