The smell of paint keeps us going

Hal Borland, American journalist, once wrote: “No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.”

In this case, I am not sure we had a real winter, but none the less, I am anxious for spring.

We are moving right along with remodeling.The great flood of 2017 won’t stop us. 

In fact, it motivated us to start a few more projects. (Thanks for the kick in the pants exploding water pipes.)

Faux wood, usually a no for me, but in this case I got wild and said yes. I love it. 

We finished painting Abby’s room and the master bathroom. Abby originally wanted grass green for a wall color, but we gently nudged her to a more subdued color.

A light teal for Abby's room. 

No more bunny mural. 

I talked Michael into a gray palette for our bathroom and bedroom. So trendy. We are even using some ship lap. (Insert a girly scream!)

This is the shower tile. We will use a light gray grout. 

Brown ceiling be gone!

A little white paint makes the whole room bigger. 

This past weekend Dad came to visit, and we took him exploring. He is a big Bailey fan, so we all loaded up on the UTV and gave him a tour.

We don't know what to do with Shale Hill yet, but it makes a great place to hike. 

From this view you can see a few mountains. We need to figure out which ones. 

On Friday we wore tank tops, but this day we wore hats and coats. 

I have adventurous babies.

On top of Shale Hill are lots of rocks. Might be a good spot for a bonfire. 

Gorgeous!

They go together like peas and carrots. 

Taking a walk in the woods.

Enjoying our ride while Bailey chases us. 

Exploring the property.

So only three more rooms to paint and a hallway…you’re welcome Lowe’s executives for all the money we spend. Just think of us when you are on spring break in Turks and Caicos.  

Why?

Many of you know my mama passed away two weeks ago. And some of you know during this time the farm house flooded. 

My beautiful mom, Barbara, or as the girls call her Bibi.

One of these can be fixed – the other is permanent.

When tragedy occurs one can start second guessing everything in life. At least that is what is happening with me.

Why do I believe what I believe? Why do I do what I do? Am I a good wife, mother, friend, colleague? Does Jesus love me as much as I thought He did? The list goes on and on until I start drowning in self-doubt.

But the more I dwell on these thoughts some of the lessons my mom taught me stand out:

• ·         Make a decision and stick with it.
• ·         Trust your gut.
• ·         People will remember how you make them feel.
• ·         Forgive, forget, move on.
• ·         Give 100 percent.
• ·         Yes, Jesus loves us unconditionally.

Mom was able to visit the farm a few times.

The first time she sat on the front porch, enjoyed the cool breeze and said she was so excited to come back and relax.

The second time she visited was for Madi’s sixth birthday party. Not so relaxing, but she loved watching the kids run around.

She had an eye for design and decorating and gave me input on remodeling. She also had a green thumb and was anxious to help me in the yard. Many people have given me trees and shrubs in honor of her to be planted at the farm. They don’t understand just how fitting those plants are.

So as we move forward with the remodeling, I know she would be proud. I want our home to be welcoming for all those who are weary and need rest, those who want to explore nature, those who need laughter and a good meal and everything in between.

Just a few more months until our move in date and we can make this dream a reality. Pray for healing for my family. Pray we can finish renovations so we can quickly move in. Pray for all those who have lost someone and reach out to them. It can make a world of difference. 

Remember how the dining room was done...here it is now after the water damage. 

We weren't going to remodel the girl's bathroom, but after a big leak now we are. A blessing in the long run. I chose faux wood floors and sea glass tile for the shower. 

The water came through the office. This will be painted a gray blue. 

This is the beginning of the custom master shower. This use to just be a tub. 

Everyone need a shower seat.