My sister-in-law rocks

I have lots of sister-in-laws. Eight, to be exact. But only one is the actual sister of my husband, and only one, as far as I know, is a tole painting genius.

She's the sister-in-law that I've always said (from the day I met her) I have nothing in common with. I mean, c'mon. She tole paints. That in and of itself is sufficient evidence. But, I found that as our lives have gone on, lo and behold, we have more and more in common.

Anyway, while she was here, she painted my breadbox for me. It was a perfectly acceptable light wood (see the color in the background of this post)when I bought it (for $5 at a thrift store), but when I brought it to my new kitchen (which my sister painstakingly painted and finished) and set it on the gorgeous granite countertops my brother made and installed, it began to holler "Hey, look at me! I'm a breadbox. And I don't match at all!" So, Jeremy and I talked his sister into painting it black for us. She agreed and, of course, did a lovely job. She WAS a little put out that I wouldn't let her put a decorative "rub-on" (did I get that right?) on it, but I think she and I were both pleased with how it turned out. Now my happy black breadbox can be comfortable in this kitchen and happy in its own skin again. Can't have any insecure breadboxes around here.

I love it.

We also went to Michael's while my sister-in-law (and mother-in-law) were in town. I know this may shock some of you, but Michael's is a place I never go of my own accord. In fact, the morning we were planning to go there, I had to check with my husband to make sure I actually knew where the store was. My female Darrington relatives, on the other hand, know the location of any and all Michael's stores in any city they visit. It's how they orient themselves in a new place--"where am I in relation to the Michael's?"

Anyway.

We went to that store for a couple of this-and-thats and ended up going to the aisle with the wooden letters. I'm a sucker for letters. So they convinced me to get the letters for my boys' names and let Jen paint them for me. We picked colors to match Charlie's new bedspread set and I sent her back to California with instructions to do it her way, just no footballs and baseballs. She was pretty excited. I think the free reign on design made up for the boring, no rub-on, black breadbox thing.

So, now, guess who called me today to say little Charlie's letters are done? Yep, you got it. I'll get them in April when we go down for her wedding. But in the meantime, here's a photo or two.


For some reason, hearing that Charlie's letters were done totally gave me a cheer-up on a day when my mood could only be described as foul. I'm so excited for Charlie to see them. Hooray for a nice and talented sister-in-law who does nice things for me and loves me even though I couldn't find my way around a craft store for all the world.

Thanks Jen!