Here we go again......

This weekend will be number 6 for the amount of weekends that have been wasted working on one of our rentals.  The decision to do a remodel was a long time coming, however, we didn't expect it to take this long.  We, as a family, are physically and mentally DONE with it but have at least two more weekends to go.  Doing most of the work ourselves has brought the price tag from what would have easily cost us $10,000 to a whopping $4,000.  We have about 1/2 of the laminate flooring to install, about 1/2 of the cabinet doors left to paint, the raised garden bed to put together, some siding to fix, pressure washing and some touch up painting on the outside and touch up paint on the inside doors and trim.  We also have to clean it all up.  We broke down and decided to hire some help for some minor plumbing, installing the sink faucets, the bathroom lighting and the new stove and hood.  Pictures to come soon!  You would not believe the difference it all makes.  I doubt it will look like the same house.  We definitely deserve a break after this one....Luckily we are counting down to our Maui trip!  We didn't want to become expert remodel-ers but at this point I definitely think we are!  Pinterest has been the BIGGEST inspiration and help in bringing that price tag down!  And we are so appreciative of the help from my father-in-law Dennis with the flooring.  If we never have to do a remodel again, it would be too soon.

-Jenn

And so it begins....

Welcome.. Glad to have you here!

Even though I do NOT need yet something else added to my plate, I have a desire to document the wonderfulness, craziness, busyness that is our crazy blessed life!  Time is going by WAY too fast.  The kids are growing up before our eyes and our life is so busy that we do not take enough time to stop and take it all in.  The one thing that has been such a help to me when life gets to its all time craziest is re-reading my notes/journals/facebook posts about the happenings in our family life.  It helps bring me back to reality, humbles me and helps me focus on what is important.  The real purpose of this blog is three-fold:

1.  For my family:  I want to document our life and love for each other.  "the messy bits-the good, the bad, the amazing and the ugly".  For my hubby and I to look back on and for our kids to read and know how much they were loved.

2. For myself: I have always loved to write!  It's cathartic, it helps me make sense of what I am feeling and helps me put things into perspective.

3. For my mother: who lives very far away.  A way for her to feel connected and in the know.

If you are reading this get ready...you are in for a wild ride!

Jenn