Simple Little Coat Rack Tutorial

I bought a coat rack years ago at TJ Max. I really love that store. And I liked the coat rack I got. Hooks are so much easier and a must for kids. But it was made from pressed wood and the back hardware fell off after a couple of weeks. I tried several times to fix it or nail in new hardware, but nothing was working.

Then I thought I just need to make one. Really it's not that hard. On one of my Monday treasure hunts I scored this free piece of wood. (The first Monday of the month where I live people set out things they don't want) I cut the wood to fit the space I had for it. Originally I was going to paint it but I love the way the wood looks.

I was at Home Depot for one of their Kids Workshops. I had met my cub scouts there so we could passed off Achievement 5e. I was able to pick up these hooks for around $10. I had all the other supplies on hand. I love when I don’t have to spend much on a project.

Supplies:

• Piece of wood
• Stain or paint
• vinyl stencil or decal (optional)
• Hooks
• Drill
• Ruler

wax

Hard ware for the back to hang it up

Cut your wood and sand as needed. Stain or Paint your wood. Then measure out where you want to screw in your hardware. I had to use a drill bit to make a small hole so my screws could go in easier. Careful not to make your holes so big that the screws won't actually screw in. I’m not an expert in using a drill. And one of my hooks isn’t quite perfect but I’m okay with it. And I remind my sometimes OCD brain that when I see it.

This rack is next to our garage door and it is where we leave every morning. It's perfect for my purse, the kid’s backpacks, and jackets. One thing that we need to be better at is morning prayers. We are pretty good at praying in the evening and before dinner. But our mornings are really crazy. My kids never can seem to find their shoes or clothes. Really they just wanna play and read and not get ready for school let alone church. All that extra clothing like belt and ties makes life that much harder.

Family prayer is essential. I want to have a chance to pray as a family before I send my children off in the world. They need that protection. That's why I added a small little saying "Did you think to Pray?" (I love that song) That way when I grab my purse or the boys grab their backpacks we can have a reminder that we need to have a family prayer.

Really you could skip a saying. Or add your family name or a saying like "Be Kind" or any other message you want your kids to see. I like that it isn't flashy, but just a small reminder.

Originally I had the saying higher but my sweetheart thought it would look better lower and I quite agree. I was blessed to get a Cameo Silhouette and was able to make my stencil. Then I used leftover paint from my dresser. If you don't have a silhouette and need a place to get vinyl there is a great etsy shop Little Mrs Crafty. She does a great job and can get you what you need. She makes toilet targets for little boys. They are too cute.

When I was finished I sealed it with wax and hung it up. I am happy with how it turned out. I love how solid and secure the wood is. Going weeks with the back packs on the ground was driving me crazy. And I am hoping it helps us remember our family prayers in the morning.

Thanks for reading! Hope I can help make your home a little more organized.

Baby Girl's 1st Cookie and Sunday Thoughts

Tonight seemed like the perfect night to have my baby girl try her first cookie. I thought she might enjoy a gingersnap and seeing how my friend Judy makes the best Gingersnaps we had to use her recipe.

Ginger loved it! When I tried to pull it away, she tugged it back. Her older brothers were so excited she got to eat her first cookie. And they were excited to eat some as well. Some how as I was taking pictures of my girl little Yoda got a cookie even though he didn't eat his dinner.

Last week our Bishop (our local leader of my church) asked us to join him in fasting for a family in our ward that has some pretty big things going on right now. He shared how he has personally felt strength when others have prayed and fasted for him.

I have no idea who this family is. But my heart was touched. Because I too have felt the quiet strength that comes when you are being sustained by the prayers of others I knew our family should join. The first time I can remember feeling supported by others was when our second son was admitted to CHOC. He was 3 years old and we were pretty sure he had diabetes. I knew his numbers weren't good and our good friend told us we needed to get him there. 

While in the hospital room I was reflecting on what was happening. I thought about how much my husband and I were praying for him. And then I felt it. The quiet power when others, who love you, are offering prayers on your son's behalf. And not just mentioning it as a after thought at the end of their prayer, but sincerely petitioning on his behalf with full heart. In the coming weeks, people were telling me how they are praying for our brave son. I remember my dear Stake President telling me he put his name on the prayer roll at the temple. I know he is so busy and has stewardship over hundreds and yet he was concerned about my little 3 year old. It made me love and appreciate them so much more. It made me want to be better about sincerely praying as a family for others.

And of course I felt the peace, love, and prayers when we were in the NICU with our baby girl. She was so loved. So many prayers offered for her from all faiths. People who had never met her seeking the Lord to heal and care for her. My heart was so touched. And I know it made a difference.

Our experiences help us to have more compassion and love for others. I am so thankful for all those who have offered prayers for myself and my family. And I was more than happy  to extend my love to this family that I never met. My oldest son is having a hard time with fasting. And he promised last week he would join us (for at least 1 meal).

Before we started our fast I asked my husband to find a video to help our children prepare and understand this great work that we were doing by fasting. I hope this video inspires you as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qQApICCALo


This video above was perfect to invite the spirit and testify that we can all do good things and look for service. I am so thankful for so many people who have served and prayed for me. Our eldest had a good experience with his fast. It was hard, but I think he felt good. And, extra blessings arrive tonight by way of yummy brownies from a member of our church who wanted to welcome us to the ward.  I know that we can look for ways to serve and help others and find true happiness. I know praying and fasting for others can bring strength and peace. I am thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who hears our prayers and answers them.