The steps below follow the order of the work for this furniture project.
So, I guess it truly is the end of the year?… It has flown by, don’t cha think?
It has been fun to look back at my goals for 2011 and even more fun to see what we have finished this year and thought it was about time for my top ten… (like last year’s review of 2010, then 2009 and 2008) I am not sure these are in well fitted order, I have always had a hard time picking favorites… BUT I do know that #1 is the best work we’ve done this year… the rest of the projects is subject to opinion… But without further adieu…
10. making some new art for our house…
Rustic Found Wood Vinyl Art Piece & Scrabble Art Using Family Names
9. Revamping our 70’s Craig’s List find hutch!
I am so happy to finally have a place to display dishes! Post 1, Post 2 and Post 3
This is a REALLY bad before…all the better for the after-ish! (will still haven’t added the drawers…) if you are wondering what those hanging things are in our hutch before they are dryer sheets, it stunk SO bad… they totally didn’t help! I have heard that a good wipe down with vinegar can do the trick, I will have to try that next time!
8. Helping out my Mom and Dad
Let me start off by saying I am not a mural painter… but my parents just took over one of their tenants businesses, because of this bad economy. It has been a really stressful undertaking… It is one of those crazy bounce house playgrounds! It has been a ton of work to try and get it all cleaned up and back in shape! We visited them in October and were able to throw Etta family birthday party!
She is still talking about it. While we were there I decided to update one of their party rooms… It was a whirl wind day to get 3 wall murals painted, and try to match the first painting and The fun part was creating a tree canopy… I was about 85% happy with the results but considering the time constraints, I am just glad we finished! I want to fix a few things the next time I’m in town.
The room only had one wall with a striking jungle mural, but the other three walls were blank and white so it felt a little off to me. I wanted to make it a little more exciting… more of an experience for the kiddos. This is what it looked like when we were all done. I created a tree canopy with wires and hunting mesh, it kind of makes you feel like you are in a jungle. (special thanks to my sister Kristen for painting, and her kids for playing with my girls while Justin and I painted too)
Also… I have to show off the cool carving my dad made for it, he is making two more for the outside sign. (He was a chain saw wood sculptor before retiring about 15 years ago, I always loved that my dad was so cool!) If you live in Utah County please support them by visiting Jumpin Jacks Springville!
My dad is a very notable artist and loves to remodel too, we can talk for hours about our schemes! it is a lot of fun! I love you Dad (and Mom!)
7. Computer Desk Reveal (and plans)
Technically, I think we made the desk last year, but I just barely posted about it… so it counts for this year! Here is the reveal post and here are the desk plans!
6. Beach Themed Living Room Design!
I was invited to attend Shaw’s HGTV line Room Designing Competition in Asheville and High Point North Carolina! We didn’t win, but I got to know some great bloggers (hey Roeshel!)and had such a blast! AND one of the best parts was going back to our old home of Asheville to see all our friends!
5. Our Family Room Remodel (almost done)
Last Christmas we started working like crazy on finishing our living room… a project that has taken us some major time! But we are getting there, and we have new wood floors, and LOTS of moldings which makes me happy till we finish!!
4. Finishing our Stair Remodel!
Or technically almost finishing our stair project! There are some random things that need to still be addressed! (are you sensing a 90% complete pattern syndrome that we seem to be suffering with!)
3. Building The Indoor Playhouse and kitchen for the kiddos!
Still not done all done, but here are some pictures of it currently imperfections and all… technically we still have the whole second story to finish, but so for, this is the most popular space in our house! Lydia would play in there all day if she could!
I should have the post up about the kitchen by Tuesday! Sorry I don’t have that all finished yet!
…And for those of you that don’t have an extra walk in closet…
I finally got the kids tee-pee walkthrough up on the blog. It only takes me a year or so to get things up on the blog! No worries.
2. Adding storage to our family room!
This project was a STRESSFUL mess, but I am SO happy we did it. We are right in the middle of updating the faux fireplace surround…, to be bigger and better, like I had in my original plans but had to temper, because of funding and time! I will be showing you more soon!
Just cuz I love this picture… Lydia is definitely a baby pack kinda girl!
1. Adding Lydia to our family!
She is our best best project this year by far!
God is good!
Isn’t it wonderful how, children just meld right in as if they have always been there? Lydia, is just the sweetest little munchkin around! She makes me laugh, all the time. The second go round is especially fun, cuz you know what to look for, and they exceed your expectations in everything.
And with two so close in age, there is a lot of kiddie melt downs over sharing toys, Sippy cups and even just Mommy, but there is something so striking in watching your children love each other. There is this wonderful kindness that you see them learn and comes out right before your eyes. Like when your two year old pats her crying little sister to help her feel better, or says and I quote “ Lydia, I love you so much”
2011 was a great year! Bring on 2012, this may be a year of some big changes for us(like my husband’s job transferring to Dallas, starting January 23rd…yikes!) , but I think it will be a whole lotta fun too!
