Reflection

I found a pin on pinterest yesterday that looked very familiar. On the pin was my cub #1, thumbs up after completing our first project.  DIY Step Stool. So I clicked it and was lead to my own blog. I couldn't help but read what I had written on my first post ever. It was like finding an old diary. It was wonderful to walk down that path again. We were still home-schooling at the time. I still had my precious children with me everyday. Oh how I miss that!

Last night I was sitting on the couch, exhausted from a full day of doing nothing. As I was sitting there recuperating, I watched cub #1, playing. And it hit me that I do not know him very well anymore. Being at school 8 hours a day takes a lot of time away from me to spend with him. Evenings are always busy with family activities, and rarely a moment to spend quality time with just him. Oh I know there are ways, but with three other children it seems like the effort that it requires is almost more than I can muster up. 

So as I sat there watching him, I was filled with a longing to cuddle him, hug him, squish him, absorb him. I called him to me and made him sit on my lap. Yikes, what a big kid! He used to fit so nicely on my lap. Now its more awkward trying to cuddle in his long lanky frame. But he came willingly. Sat on my lap for a moment and then moved on to more exciting things. 

God heard my cry, and has given me what my heart desires. To spend more time with my children.  And how did he do that you asked? Well, last night as we were about to go to sleep, we received a text from the bus driver saying that the bus was cancelled because she was sick and couldn't find a replacement. So my children are at home with me today. Thank you Jesus!

Cub #1 amazed me this morning with his first-born personality. He was all ready to go to school (they didn't know about the change in plans). He was dressed. He had made his own sandwich. And his backpack was ready. All without an ounce of prodding. Once he found out that he wouldn't be going, he had put his sandwich in the fridge. Talk about responsible. And I can't even take credit for teaching him those things. God knows that I need all the help I can get!

You know how older people always tell the younger parents to enjoy their children while they are still young? It used to irritate me. But now, I'm on the brink of saying the same thing!

Funny how time changes people.

God bless you today, in whatever you are doing. And if you are a mother, enjoy your children :)

~ Esther ~

Project Hallway: Part 2

Our hallway has been completed for a couple of weeks, but I haven't blogged about it until now because I was hoping that my photography skills would improve before taking the 'after' pictures. I have learned some new things but am still limited with lighting. Which apparently is a very important element in taking good pictures. So since I don't have extra lighting and buying some isn't in the near future, I decided that I would go ahead and work with what I had...

You can see Project Hallway: Part 1 here

So, okay, lets get to the point. I am LOVING my new hallway!!!! 

AFTER

It was a painfully slow process...

But the end results meets my expectations! It is brighter, has storage to hide dirty laundry and the vacuum cleaner, and a great big counter top to fold laundry. Best of all, it feels bigger!

AFTER

Hubby built the cupboard and counter out of MDF, which I then painted and stained.

AFTER

Let's check out a few before and after's...

BEFORE

AFTER

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BEFORE

AFTER

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We installed new doors in the bathroom, linen closet, and bedroom door to match the door that previous owners had replaced. New doors made such a huge difference that it was well worth the work and money!

BEFORE

AFTER

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Here is a better view of the old door and the new door...

BEFORE

AFTER

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BEFORE

AFTER

And that's that! I can't wait to DIY some artwork to hang on the walls, to help bring in some color as well as character.

One last look...

~~Esther~~

Coffee Dilemma Solved!

PTL our coffee-maker dilemma has been solved!

My last post left off with this photo...

Saying good-bye to our appliances that had been with us for 11 1/2 years. You can read that post here. 

I bring you an update on our coffee-maker dilemma...

It's short and sweet...

And...

 That's right, hubby and I decided to go with a Tassimo and a 'drip'. Merry early Christmas to us :)
We bought both so that in the mornings when it's just me, I can quickly make a single cup of coffee. And when we have company, we will use the 12-cup coffee-maker.
We went with a Tassimo instead of Keurig based on other people's opinions and because the T-cups are less $$ than the K-cups! SOLD!

CHEERS!

P.S. The above photo is me right after the two oldest cubs left for school. It's a stay-at-home day so I am enjoying my coffee, from my new Tassimo, in my PJ's!

P.S.S Happy Thanksgiving America!

~~ Esther ~~