Five Years ago...

Today, this popped up on my Facebook Flashback.

It's hard to believe this was our kitchen at that time!

I hadn't started back to work yet, so had a lot of free time. I remember I was having a bad day. I took this shot to send to Mark to let him know I got my agression out. :-) I tore out all the old drywall in one afternoon. I'm not sure I'm that tough anymore.

Shortly after sending that pic, I found the roof leak that the inspector had missed. So, that was awesome.

5 years ago was also when I created my first blog. It was about the remodel. You can see it here if you're interested. I remember really enjoying the remodel project. It seemed like such a bonding time for the four of us. It was crazy, and chaotic, but we sure spent a lot of time together. Ha!

Looking back at photos, it hits me that it was a huge undertaking. And a much bigger risk that either of us was comfortable with. Which is funny now, but we are pretty cautious.

And, I really, really love our home. We lived in our previous house for 10 years, and it never felt as much like home as this one. Maybe because we tended to every square inch of the current one?

Anyway, enough nostalgia for today. I'd hate for you to think I was a big sentimental softie.

Sales 101

What have you been up to? Oh, not much. A little of this, a little of that.

 

The girls and I spent our weekend at the St. Mark's Christmas bazaar. It was fun getting to hang out with them. It was also fun to watch their sales pitches. I am terrible at marketing my own products so they were in charge of selling. :-) Syd was sure to tell everyone that the wood for the signs was at least 40 years old and from our property. And she would always tell them that everything was handmade...including the flowers. She told anyone, even if they weren't interested. But, it's good practice.

We ended up having some things left over, which is actually a good thing in my mind. I want them to know that things aren't always easy. I get the feeling they thought we would sell out all our merchandise right away. It's a good lesson that things don't always go according to plan.

And now, they are super excited to list things online. Works for me!

Princesses Need Not Apply

It's no secret that we are not raising girly-girls at our house. Not that there is anything wrong with being girly. My girls just don't roll that way. Which is cool.

So...

When Peyton decided she would like a desk for her room, Mark suggested they build one together. Which really means Mark will design it and make Peyton do the work. And why shouldn't she learn to build things? Certainly not because she is a girl!

They discussed what she wanted. Talked about how it should look. Redesigned based on their conversations, talked about it some more, redesigned again, and then began building.

Peyton did all of the cutting. I had to not watch this part. (Full disclosure, I COULD NOT WATCH THIS PART!!!) Mark did have to help with some of the screws as he is a bit stronger than Peyton. Ha ha ha. They got the base part done. I think in one more weekend, they will be completely done. It should be pretty cool. Part will attach to the wall and have shelving for her to store stuff.  Then, when she needs to use the desk, it will pull down. When she's done, it will retract once again. My people are creative for sure.

I'm actually super proud of both of them. Often, they butt heads. This project, Mark was patient and Peyton was a great "student".

Here are some action shots. If you can call this action...

[Just kidding on this part. Apparently, when I went to download photos from my phone, I deleted about 200 of them. If you need me, I'll be in the corner crying...]