Lego Box of Awesome

I honestly think I could hear my mom's heart breaking, despite the two time zones and 2,500 miles that separate us.

She was on the phone discussing upcoming Christmas gifts with our 9 year old and I only had to hear her answer, to know the question ..

"No, Gramma. I don't even like princesses OR Disney Princesses.  I like cars and guns and legos and robots and helicopters ...."

That answer, in and of itself, pretty much sums up our girls and our lives.

They're as happy as can be - living life as little, redneck tomboys.
It's nice, because I actually prefer them to be rough n' tumble versus frilly n' froofy.

Fast forward to Valentine's day .. 

our fourth grader had a fabulous idea for this year's Valentine's box.
She wanted to connect a few boxes to create a huge, three-part Tyrannosaurus Rex; complete with giant head, tiny arms and a tail.. :)

Cute.

ambitious and elaborate, but still cute.
I really did love her idea, but I knew it wouldn't be within the classroom guidelines.  So, I decided to innocently peruse pinterest for another idea that maybe, just by chance she'd like.

Within a minute or four, I'd stumbled upon the original lego box of awesome.  (ok, that might not be the actual title of the original post that inspired us.  sue me.)

I showed her the idea and she got so excited about making this, instead - that I actually thought maybe she had forgotten about the T-rex. 

until ..

"One day, mom, when I'm a grown-up and don't have a teacher to tell me how big my Valentine's box is; I'm going to build a HUGE T-Rex and you'll have to stick your hand in his mouth to give me my Valentine's card."

she smiled and laughed as she walked away to gather materials.

I didn't have a chance or the heart to tell her we don't build Valentine's boxes, as adults.

Then, I figured she already has to grow up too fast in this world.
So,  I'll save that, for another time. ;)

I also found it ironic she should mention robots in her answer to my mom;
considering her last years' Valentine's box .. lol - my kids RULE! <3 :)

supplies for our Valentine's Lego box of Awesome
a box, box-cutter, spray paint and six 'dixie cups'

I commissioned the local, hot handy man to cut holes into the box - about the same width as the middle of the cup. 

we also placed some tape onto the box, holding the cup up from underneath .. just in case.

we taped the top of the box shut, sprayed on a couple coats of paint

voila !

My Star Wars subway art

In between all the crafts, nails, fashion, and culinary goodies, I have a not-so-secret Pinterest obsession with subway art. I've always wanted to create my own for holidays and family members, etc. But, I could never conquer the feat in Paintshop.

Then tonight, I stumbled upon this great tutorial for making your own subway art using Picnik - a free online photo editor.

I'd never used this picnik before, so I decided to visit the link and see what it was all about. I need simple ... so I was reluctant to believe it would be as easy as the website said.

LoL - I was delightfully proven wrong; it's super-duper easy-peasy.

I also found out that all the features on Picnik are free until April 19, 2012.
Done.
I had to make one

When deciding on what theme to go with, the first thing that popped into my brain was Star Wars .. LOL - don't judge me .. I blame G. :)

so here it is - it's a little chaotic, but so am I :)
it's also a little more cluttered than the ones I've seen .. but it's 100% mine & I like it.

click the link below the picture for the full size version of the picture ..
also you can  follow the picnik link and make your own ..
I like sharing - so feel free to come back and share with us !!
... may the force be with you :)

full size printable version - Star Wars Subway Art