Kitchen remodel

Its been a while since I've been on here to share life happenings and general updates. We've had lots of interest from family and friends as we have pursued our kitchen remodel this year. I think the biggest thing people chuckle at is when we tell them we hadn't originally wanted to buy a "fixer upper"... Emil had remodeled most of his parents' house with his Dad and brother as they grew up, and really wasn't looking to do it again. And yet it has been so evident how God used those years working with his Dad to prepare Emil for our current task. For those who don't know, this house was a foreclosure and needed a bit of TLC after we purchased it from the bank. But because it was a foreclosure, we were able to purchase it at a really good price. We have so far done every bit of the work ourselves and with the help of family. We're looking to pay someone to come in and tape and mud, but all the plumbing, electrical, demo, and design have been done by Emil and I, my Father-in-law, Emil's brother, Ashton, and my brothers, Josiah, and Mathias. 

Here are two quick side by side pics of what the kitchen looked like when we moved in and what it looks like now... 

 How the kitchen looked when we first walked through the house...
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How the kitchen looks right now...
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Two years ago Emil and I sat down and really thought through our kitchen dreams and how we planned on reaching them. We quickly realized that it would take us a long time to save the money we were going to need to do even some of what we hoped. If you notice in the first picture of the kitchen, the counter tops were painted this weird peachy color. Basically it was a tile countertop/backsplash that had been painted with wall paint. Gross. And it was starting to flake pretty bad. Double gross. So as a quick fix we stripped the tile, purchased actual tile paint and a tile sealer for kitchen counters, and went about putting a band aide on the counter tops to hopefully last us until we could begin our remodel. 

Below is the picture after we stripped and repainted (with tile paint) our countertops. 

Fast forward 2 years... The fall of 2017 came and one thing let to another and we realized our current roof was not going to last us the winter without causing more damage to some already pretty soft spots. So our hard earned and saved money for the kitchen was redirected.

So, again, with the gracious help of family and friends we replaced the entire roof. Had it not been for all the help we received I have no idea how we could have done or afforded this project. And  Menards will always remember us as one of only 2 people who ordered metal roofing and installed it ourselves. 

I am astounded and so very thankful for my hard working husband who attacks projects head on. If he doesn't exactly know how to do something, he learns. He asks questions. And guys, our roof is beautiful. 

And fast forward again to this spring. The Lord really blessed us financially and we were finally ready. The kitchen remodel was going to happen. 

I began emptying cabinets. We purchase storage containers and moved every non daily essential to the basement. 

Just having those tiny cabinets taken down opened the space right up. 

Liam has been Daddy's helper as much as he possibly could. <3 He would drag his little step stool around and hold tools, ask questions, and make comments. He would tell me every morning that "Daddy broke the cabinets, Mommy, but he going fix them." 

Above is my make shift kitchen in the living room. We have almost gone a month without a stove or oven in the house. I've grilled just about twice a day everyday. We have an electric skillet that we cook breakfast on and sometimes lunch. Emil set up a utility sink in the main floor bathroom (that we are also gutting...) So I can wash dishes. 

These pictures are of the dining room. The framed in area was our old laundry room. Last winter we moved the laundry room elsewhere and planned on enlarging the dining space by taking the small laundry room down. I can't wait to go table shopping. 

So here is where we sit. Drywall is up, we have talked to a mudding/taping guy and are now just working on planning a time for him to come in. We were notified that our new cabinets have begun being shipped. We will be building the cabinets when they arrive and installing them, laying new flooring, getting counter tops installed, and installing backsplash still this summer/fall. 

So yeah, life has been kind of chaotic over here, but we are surviving and have not yet gone entirely crazy. Its been a challenge to adjust to cooking things differently, to eating at a card table in the middle of the entryway/living room. But God is good and we are enjoying this "little" adventure. I'll try to keep up with posting updates and sharing pictures of our journey. <3 

Thoughts from a Saturday Morning

Many of my homeschooling friends (myself included) grew up in a home where we were protected from the world.  We were shown an ideal - a life that was (to the best of our parents ability) was fully encapsulated by the Gospel.  We lived and breathed that ideal.

We were given good role models, we could recite so much scripture, we could get all, and I mean all of the answers right.

Then we grew up.  We found out that our role models weren't perfect.  We found out that things can just go wrong in our life.  And sometimes it just doesn't make sense. When the trials of this life start to come, we found out that having the right answers all of the time doesn't fix anything.  The experiences of life cause you to peer into your soul to figure out what you truly believe - it tests whether you believe all of those 'right answers' you gave when you were younger.

We were (and are) being tested - we are being tried - we are growing up.  Who are we going to be?  When the doubts of life hit you square in the face, when you start to stew and become bitter over all of the wrongs people have done to you, both perceived and to be entirely honest, very real, who are you going to be?

Are you going to look at all of those role models you were given when you were young, see all of their faults, and just walk away?  Or are you going to dig deeper into God's Word?

Are you going to feel the pain of growing up and seeing that this world isn't perfect and become bitter and jaded?  Or are you going to love the body of Christ and forgive much less that the Lord ever forgave from your personal life?

Who are you going to be?  Are you going to lean on your Lord as the devil throws very real and tangible punches at your life? Are you willing to grow up?

-- Emil



“The world is rated R, and no one is checking IDs. Do not try to make it G by imagining the shadows away. Do not try to hide your children from the world forever, but do not try to pretend there is no danger. Train them. Give them sharp eyes and bellies full of laughter. Make them dangerous. Make them yeast, and when they’ve grown, they will pollute the shadows.” 
― N.D. Wilson

North Dakota trip for Emil and House Projects for Jesi

On Friday Emil got back from his North Dakota trip! He had left very early Tuesday morning, after all of his Monday flights had been delayed and then canceled... And was gone through till Friday night. This was his first work trip of the year, and its nice to have it behind us! Traveling is a part of Emil's job, and he is having fun experiencing new things and growing in his abilities! It has also pushed us as a couple, and I think brought us closer together! Of course we both hate being separated, however we have learned even more the importance of communication and love, even when we aren't together. I will normally fill the week with project plans and getting together with family and friends. When Emil was in Russia last spring I painted and decorated the living room and tore wall paper from the bathroom walls and then painted the bathroom. When he was in South Africa over the summer I painted and decorated our bedroom and Master bathroom. This time I didn't have a painting project... But I did have curtain projects! I wanted to make a set for the living room and the baby's nursery upstairs. Also, somehow having a toddler now is a tad more time consuming then just caring for a baby. Liam and I both stayed busy and had fun as we tried to help the days pass quickly. =) 

Tuesday Liam and I had the day to ourselves. We went shopping to Menards, Hobby Lobby, and Walmart that morning to pick up some of the remaining supplies that I needed for my curtain projects. We found some really cute pink fabric with white polka dots on it for the baby's room. And for the living room I wanted to try drop cloth curtains. The DIY tutorial that I found on pinterest was a no sew one... but I'm not a fan of unfinished seams, hidden or not. So I got the drop cloth from Menards for fairly inexpensive and cute two panels. The drop cloth comes hemmed, which was nice because I only had to hem the one side that I cut and then the bottom. I used 2 packages of 9'x5' drop cloth that Menards sold for $9.something per package. I purchased the curtain rod there as well, which was $20. Unfortunately the first curtain rod that I purchase was only 84" long... and I needed 86"... so it got returned and I purchased the next size up. I bought some burlap and lace ribbon from Hobby Lobby to decorate the inside sides of the curtains with, and that ended up being $9.something as well. And then with the curtain hooks that I also purchased at Menards, I estimated the living room curtains costing about $55. A pretty good deal since a lot of curtains I saw online were close to $50 per panel. Cost could have been cut if we went with a DIY curtain rod or a very cheap version, as well as if I had not used the burlap lace on the sides. But I am *very* happy with the turn out! And I had enough extra drop cloth fabric to make us some new pillows for the couch! 

Liam was my little "helper"... aka, he wanted to hide and dance in and on the curtain fabric. He kept life fun for me.

I did a basic envelope pillow case for the 2 pillow forms that I had. Then I cut out with my cricut machine and some iron on vinyl a quote for the pillow. I had previously done sharpie quotes on the pillow cases, but they seemed to wear out fairly quickly. I'm hoping the iron on vinyl lasts a lot longer! Plus it looks so pretty! Unfortunately I only had enough vinyl left for 1 quote. I'll have the other pillow made up when I get some more vinyl. 

Here is a black and white that I took on my ipad the night Emil was coming home. I'll have to get a better one up later. 

 Of course, there was one day that was particularly difficult... Wednesday started out just groggy and slow for Liam and I, and after realizing that all my jeans had been spilled on and were dirty I figured I had to do laundry. Not my favorite past time. So I put my yoga pants on and after putting Liam down for his morning nap (he had been so cranky that morning) I grabbed the laundry basket, sticking my phone on the top so that I would have an extra hand to carry a few other things downstairs. May I remind you that I was wearing yoga pants and did not have pockets... because all of my jeans were dirty... Anyways, I forgot my phone was in the laundry basket and just threw everything in and got it started. Not realizing my mistake for at least 10 minutes. Oh I was not happy. There was a tear filled skype call with Emil that followed, then my sister, who had come to spend the day with me, helped me make some chocolate chip cookies. Things began to look better... I was able to borrow a phone from my family so that Emil and I could still stay in contact and I wasn't without a phone while he was gone. And then my sweet sweet husband sent me a bouquet of yellow flower. My favorite! 

Thanks, Sara, for helping me make some delicious cookies!! 

One of the first questions Emil asked me when we skyped about my phone was if I had had my coffee yet... I hadn't because I had been to busy running around to remember to drink it. So I warmed it up in the microwave and made sure to take a few minutes to drink it and focus that life moves on. 

Later in the afternoon Sara, Liam, and I went out for milk shakes and to Carters! Liam had some Christmas money to spend and I wanted an excuse to peak around on the girl's side of the store! Liam found some cute t-shirts that Mommy liked ;) and I found this adorable little romper for baby Munchkin on the clearance rack that I just could not resist.

Due to the fact that Emil was gone, I didn't feel like I had to clean up my craft station every night! It was nice to just leave it out (protected from my curious toddler) and work on my curtains during the evenings as I waited for my husband to call me. =) 

On Thursday I hung up all the curtains that I had been working on sewing, and then in the afternoon Liam and I headed to Mom and Dad Bandy's house for the afternoon and evening. The time was filled with wedding talk as my sister-in-law plans her wedding, as well as playing with Liam and the big tub of Duplos that Daddy' and Uncle Ashton and Aunt Grace used to play with. =) 

I didn't take pictures as I sewed up Baby Munchkin's curtains. But they were pretty simple. I bought 5 yards of the pink and white polka dotted fabric, cut the 5 yards in half so that I had 2 panels 2.5 yards long. Hemmed all sides, making the top hem thick enough to fit around a curtain rod. And hung them up! We had the curtain rod purchased already, so it was just $30 for the fabric. I'll probably find something cute to tie them back with... I haven't decided if I like them hanging straight or if I'd prefer them tied back yet... We will be getting blinds for her windows here sometime in the next few weeks, so I wasn't worried about about the fabric being too thin. I chose one of Hobby Lobby's apparel cottons that happened to be 30% off that week. The sheep skin rug was $6... no, its not real... I found the fabric at Walmart and got half a yard... It kind of makes me giggle with happiness every time I see it. 

This morning was a nice Monday morning. Liam was such a little ham and played contendedly until his nap time. After nap time we went to the grocery store and got back in time for lunch. After lunch we made granola and we exercised. 

 I got my week 24 baby bump picture taken that morning while Liam was sleeping. Baby munckin is 11.5 inches long and weighs about 1.3 lbs! She is gaining about 6 oz. per week now as she packs on the baby fat. Her face is fully formed and her hearing is becoming even more defined. 

We cannot wait to welcome her into the world in just 16 weeks! 

2 weeks ago I tried out a granola recipe that I saw come across my pinterest feed. I was very interested as Emil and I love granola... but it can be so expensive and/or full of sugar. Now, Emil and I love normal, sugar filled cereal just as much as the next person. In fact I think we have some fruit loops in the pantry from when I was down with morning sickness.... Cereal is such a nice option to have on those mornings you aren't motivated to make anything and just want something easy and simple. But those yummy cereals don't really provide us with the energy and protein to attack the day! So I'd been thinking about making my own granola for a little while, and decided that now was as good of time as any! I made just one batch, which consisted of just 4 cups of oats. I wanted it sugar free, so I substituted the sugar for truvia. Today I made a double batch and oh did it smell good baking in the oven! =) Here is a link to the recipe if you're interested in whats all in it! http://mygluten-freekitchen.com/vanilla-almond-granola/  I added dried cranberries and instead of almonds, I added some chopped pecans. 

It tasted oh so yummy! 

Liam was being awefully quiet... so I went into the play room to peak at him. He was sitting oh so proud on the couch with his tupperware container and his book. =) 

My sweet pea. 

Hashtag... Lets be Real

The scent of Carmel candles burns off in the other room as I sit here with my cup of freshly made Arrow Press coffee and still slightly warm cheesecake covered with whipped topping. How come I'm pampering myself so? Well lets start with the fact that I am finally sitting down and having a chance to focus on the fact that we are over half way through this pregnancy. Yes, we are 21 weeks this week and I couldn't be more excited. When I was down with morning sickness and energy fatigue, all I could think about was getting to 20 weeks and being able to say I was half way there. To have half of it behind me and know for certain that I can totally make it all the way. Even though obviously... I don't have much of a choice. ;) I'll admit, after the first week or so of excitement wore off after we found out we were pregnant, and even before we found out, I was a little apprehensive as to how I was going to make it through 9 months of crappiness with some sanity as well as a thriving toddler who didn't turn into a little monster while Mommy was on the couch sick. I think every 2nd time Mom out there can probably relate. My biggest fear was that I would become lazy with disciplining and taking care of Liam throughout the day. Obviously I would keep him alive, feed him, etc. But I feared not feeding him the healthiest and most nutritious of foods because I couldn't stand being in the kitchen long enough to make something.

I feared him feeling alone and forgotten as I sat throwing up in the morning, with him crying outside the closed door. I feared him turning into a brat while I lay on the couch too tired and sick to get up and stop him from something he knew he wasn't supposed to be doing. I feared all of that and more. And so I strived from the very beginning to make sure there was good food available that didn't take much prep, that I still held and cuddled him and read him books. I comforted him after I was finished throwing up and could open the bathroom door again. I got off the couch when he was doing something wrong, even when it sent me to the bathroom, and the disciplining never changed. And after 20 weeks I think Liam has turned into more of a sweet and caring little boy than he ever would have been have I not been pregnant. He has learned to be more independant, a little more patient (though we still have some work on that ;)), he started giving me hugs when I came out of the bathroom after throwing up, and he made me laugh every. Single. Day. He got me off the couch and made sure I was taking care of myself as well as him. The past 20 weeks have been the hardest and the best. And now the morning sickness is behind me, and my energy is back up almost to what it used to be.

So that was me being real for just a second. I hope maybe it helped someone out there maybe feel like they weren't alone if they have felt the same way, or gave hope that it isn't really that hard.

I am also celebrating with my coffee and cheesecake because its Friday and the house is clean, pizza dough is rising, I've exercised, was crazy enough to brave the freezing cold to run and get more cream cheese for cheesecake that I was desperately craving, taken a shower, and the baby is sleeping. Err... was, I can hear him now playing with some stuffed animal in his bed or reading a book. ;)
Today started out as a hormone filled morning, not for any particular reason other then I was sleepy, a little crabby, and craving cheesecake that we didn't have cream cheese for. :P But then... It all turned around when I got pro active in turning it around. Sometimes I think it just takes a little effort from ourself to help turn a sour day around. Liam and I drove 5 minutes to Aldi to pick up cream cheese and graham crackers in the literal freezing temperatures outside. We ate lunch together and then exercised together while the cheesecake baked. There is nothing like a little encouragement to keep going then smelling a cheesecake baking and really really wanting to feel good about eating it... ;) And then we cleaned the whole house together. This has become a Friday afternoon tradition for him and I. He loves to help me sweep and he loves to run away from the vacuum.

He helped me clean up his toy room and get the rug vacuumed... mostly by running from one corner to the other thinking I was going to maybe skip whatever corner he was standing in... My silly boy. <3 This is our front room that Emil and I recently transitioned into what we call "play room". It holds all Liam's toys, a small sectional couch, and our tv with our wii system. I have really enjoyed having all the toys and clutter stay mostly contained throughout the day in this room. We normally will pick it up right before Daddy gets home and then again before bed time, because everyone knows as soon as Daddy gets home its major play time. ;) Liam enjoys running up to the big windows in this room and waiting for Emil to pull in the driveway. Such memories being made.

Then the 2 of us headed upstairs to vacuum and clean up his bedroom, grab some dirty laundry, dust, and put Liam down for a nap. We are working on our little girl's room, and Liam loves to go in there and gently touch all of the little things... 

Emil will be traveling for 5 days here soon and my goal is to transform this room into the nursery. The cradle was hand made by a friend of Emil's grandparents. Grandpa and Grandma had it made for Emil's future kids before he was even married. 

I will be making some curtains (I'm thinking pink...) as well as making a repurposed pallet sign that I will white wash and paint a quote on to hang above her cradle. We will move the rocking chair in here and probably move my hope chest out and get a small dresser for her too. We will transfer the changing table topper in here at some point too. Can't wait to get started on it here soon and put together a post about it!! 

After cleaning and vacuuming Liam's room it was the master bedroom's turn. Things had begun to stack up over the holidays and it needed a good dusting and vacuuming. 

I thought that I would end with a picture of the envelope book I made for Emil for Christmas. I had seen something similar at a cute little book shop down town Saint Louis, and was inspired! So I looked up a few tutorials and put one together myself. The idea is to have any number of envelopes bound together in a book fashion, and then write letters filling the envelopes with dates or occasions when the letters are to be opened. I've seen them done for lovers, for future babies, growing toddler, etc. I thought it was a fantastic idea and would love to make one for both of my little ones and fill with letters for them to read throughout their lives as they grow up. =D 

And I will leave you with my 21 week baby bump picture. We're beginning to actually show in all my clothes and I am very excited about the coming 19 weeks as we await our little girl's arrival! <3