The unnamed child returned to school last week. So far, so good — except that she has a an enormous amount of homework, and she has only been in school for 4 days.
She is taking Modern World History and Ancient World History at the same time, so how she knows what century she is in is beyond me.
She is also taking the hardest math class offered in high school. Since math has never been my strong suit, I definitely am unable to help her with Statistics and Trig. I’m pretty sure she surpassed me in math around the third grade. It’s a strange feeling when you realize that your child is smarter than you.
As far as “street” smarts and experience go, I still know a bit more than her … but I’m sure it won’t be long before she aces me on that too.
One thing she knows nothing about is cars. She has been scouring Craigslist ads looking for her future car, since she will have her restricted license in two months. So when I get questions like “Is two hundred thousand miles a lot?” and “Does replacing the engine cost much?” I realize she and Topher need to sit down and discuss vehicles.
I’m pretty sure that she is going to need to lower her expectations. What she wants, and what she can afford with her babysitting money, are two totally different things.
If you happen to be reading this, my dear daughter, you can cross that bright red convertible luxury car (in need of a front bumper and driver side quarter panel) right off of your list.
Speaking of homework, this little desk I just finished would be the perfect place to get some done.
My brother found this desk off of Craigslist, not realizing how low the desktop really was. It’s more of a child size than the size he was looking for — but it was cheap, and the people were nice, so he bought it anyway … and then he dropped it off to me. Once again, I forgot to take a before pic until the first coat of paint was already on.
Before:
I painted it a pretty turquoise color, and then I painted the drawer inserts white.
Last week I got a package in the mail from Decor Art where they sent me a few of their Gloss Enamels stick-on stencils to try out and some of their Americana Multi-Surface satin paint.
I used the small stencil around the border of the top of the desk.
Then I used another stencil around where the knobs would go on the drawers. I loved that the stencils stuck on and stayed right where I put them! I then distressed the desk and coated it in a clear wax. I then replaced the knobs with some cute ones I got at Hobby Lobby.
Voila! A perfect back to school desk!
After:
(And a special appearance by the cork board from earlier this month….)
Nana Diana says
What a cute, cute desk. Perhaps you could put a motor and wheels on it and solve two problems?;>) I soooo remember those days of new drivers! xo Diana
Shanna says
I like that idea Diana! It would save me sooo much money. I will see if I can get her on board with that!
Amy @ StowandTellU says
I often wonder just what they are teaching our kids these days. I recall trying to help my son with math once using my antiquated method of finding the right answer. He told me that even though it’s the right answer, he won’t get credit because he has to use the method they are teaching him, which seemed ten times harder and took four times longer??? Anyway, the desk is fabulous!! Those stencils look like they work really well. I’ll have to try them 🙂
Shanna says
I can totally relate to what he is saying. My daughter says the same thing. Have a great weekend my friend!
Diana Rambles says
I love it!!
Shanna says
Thanks Diana!
Stacey Sparks says
Even though I primarily write about pools for our pool business, we are moving in T-minus 4 days!! I am looking for ways to re-purpose furniture so as not to spend so much money decorating our new house! This would be a lovely piece for the entry way or a hallway! I have a toddler and this could even go in his room to be used at a future date! Thanks for the inspiration!
Home Coming says
So cute! I’d love if you’d link up to The DIYers. http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-diyers-and-last-weeks-top-three.html
Krista @ joyfulhealthyeats says
So cute! I wish I had creative skills like you, mine would so not look like this. But you sure do make it look easy! 🙂 Beautiful!
Liz says
I love how it turned out! I especially like the stencils around the knobs, way to add a little character to the piece!
elise says
I love everything about this desk… the color and the stencils! So very cool!
Katie @ Made to be a Momma says
This is beautiful! Love the colors you picked and that stencil is the perfect touch! Would love to have you swing by my link party and share this! http://www.madetobeamomma.com/2013/08/homemade-by-you-65.html
Sarah Schultz says
I love the bright pink in the drawers!
Al says
I love, love, love this desk! The pop of pink is unexpected and adorable.
Rhonda says
I love what you have done. You should come party with us and show of your creativity.
http://obsessiveandcreative.blogspot.com/2013/08/craft-frenzy-friday-2.html
Have a great weekend!
Theresa @DearCreatives says
Love the colors, desk & cork board! Hope you have a lovely 3 day weekend!
EMily says
this looks so lovely!! The colors are perfect! Thanks for linking up to Tasteful Tuesdays at Nap-Time Creations… You have been featured… I’ve tweeted, +1ed and posted on FB… feel free to re-list on your social media…see you at the party next week!
EMily
Jenna says
Love the additional of the stencils! Also pinned your corkboard, visiting from Blitzed!
suburbsmama says
Such a gorgeous transformation. I love the color. If you get a chance, please link up to my link party: http://suburbsmama.blogspot.com/2013/08/sunday-linky-23.html
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
Your desk is just darling! And good luck with the driving – very stressful for parents!
Rebecca @ My Girlish Whims says
ohhhh this looks great! i LOVE how it coordinates with the wine cork bulletin board!
Parrish (Life With The Crust Cut Off) says
This looks awesome!!! We would love it if you would link up at our linky party:
http://www.lifewiththecrustcutoff.com/two-girls-and-a-party-link-up-32/
Live every Wednesday to Sunday.
Hosted by:
http://www.lifewiththecrustcutoff.com/ Parrish @ Life with the Crust Cut Off
http://thissillygirlslife.com/ Dana @ This Silly Girl’s Life
We hope to see you there!
Hani says
I love the stenciled details on the table.. Great job! (Y)