Home Improvement

So my nesting and "always looking to improve our space for cheap" bug has been biting again lately. I have been evaluating our primary living spaces, reflecting on homeschooling and came up with a plan for intentionally making "away" spaces to aid in variety in play/learning. In other words, it was time for a change.

I decided to tackle these two spaces, ultimately making them three spaces to allow for separation and decluttering.

I will unveil first the before photos and then two of the completed spaces since the third space is not fully finished yet.

The before:

 The practicality of my homeschooling shelves clashed some with the reality of two small girls. So I decided moving the books away from the homeschooling supplies and "closing" the homeschooling/discovery play supplies to a "Mommy distribution" policy would aid in keeping it cleaner. 

 The "office" space is on the opposite side of the fireplace from the homeschooling supply and books/piano. [We don't have a room assigned for our office space b/c we decided instead to have a playroom and teach the value of "no touching" even in a common space, plus reserve a bedroom for respite care/adoption.]

 Our main room in our house is the living room, arrayed with two couches, a large TV (gifted to us) and then this wall of: cat climber (right), dollhouse (I painted and got from an old therapy work "exchange") sitting on top of a table (covered by a blanket) with extra blankets stored under it (movie watching snuggle time), princess castle, then large lego bin (left) and then you start running into our "entertainment" section by the TV.

And now, the After:

I started by moving the homeschooling supplies and the piano to divide our large common room that holds our missions table (outdoor patio glass table/metal chairs kept inside), dining room table (closer by the kitchen) and office area. 

[Side note]: Since our fireplace is not a working feature of our household (cracked chimney), we don't use this area as a sitting area, but we do use the "missions wall" to add/learn about missions projects, our world vision kids, missionary friends, etc. I've displayed information about the global hunger needs, persecution, and world vision village phases for the reminder and active, ongoing conversation about God's work and the labor/laborers still needed in the harvest. I am ultimately going to flip our large poster area with our (soon to be) three world vision kids display area to allow for an easier update space and a larger space to display the children's artwork/letters. I'm in no rush to complete this project since changes will be coming to our missions wall with two of our missionary friends coming home in August, therefore, taking down their pictures/information and moving them to the missions binder for continued prayer for the region, even when our missionary friends are not there. Anyway... so that's the posters/info you see displayed on the wall above the toys.

Hoping to deter run-by piano use, Matt and I moved the piano sideways, thus providing an endcap to the missions table/dining room area and making the illusion of a separated play area with the toys from the living room. 

Since we do homeschooling at the dining room table, this small play area will allow Abi a "space away, yet nearby" to play while Rachael does her table work. Abi, my more "touch-base" kid, didn't enjoy looking at books (the previous bookcase was there instead of the toys) for the homeschooling time and often would not play alone in the other room since her character likes to be close for a few "touch bases" during homeschooling.

This set-up will allow her to play quietly with the dollhouse/animals/legos/miscellanious basket of larger electronic toys while still remaining socially close by. 

I chose to use a small buildable shelving unit to allow for decluttering and easy "slide-in/out" old laundry basket storage. When everything has a place and we don't see all the utter details of the toys, things look much neater. Plus asking Abi to clean up entailing putting things in bins = realistic expectation for her age. 

Next I tackled the living room space. Due to the shape of our living room and the ridiculously heavy TV, we really have found the best set-up for the living room large furniture. But I was wanting to make a quiet space available for a little bit of a refuge away. Since we have toys in the other two play areas (playroom and large common room), I wanted to make a space where the girls could go to enjoy the quiet while still reserving their rooms for sleep (we've found it helps best to reserve their rooms for sleep, thus creating the environment at the "doorstep" of their room and clear expectations while in their room). 

Thus I give you, our new space (with minimal but nice changes):

 I pulled the toys out, made a "forward facing" bookshelf from a pinterest-inspired idea mixed with a "what we have around the house" reality.

I also decided to keep the small metal bin of "edible books" (cardboard/foam books) for easy Abi access. While Abi can reach the bottom shelf of the wall-mounted bookshelves, I know that she also enjoys her "dump and fill" nature in all environments and often finds "the right book" best by spreading books out on the floor. So her board-book bin allows such enjoyment at her level.Rachael can reach the bottom shelf with ease and the top shelf while standing on a pillow animal.

I put all the reading pillows under the bookshelves, with hopes to couple them with the blankets previously stored in the living room and also allow movie-time snuggling with pillows too. 

To the right of this picture is our large three-paned front window, which allows this space to be naturally lit for most of the day. Between the two couches, the pillows and the blankets, this allows a nice quiet area of learning, reading and discovering. We have already enjoyed the snuggle time on the couch (verses the floor in the previous room) which my back and my Mommy's delight so appreciates.

The limitation of this bookshelf allows us the ability to put enough reachable books on there without overwhelming the girls with choices (fits about 25 books). That limitation also allows us to switch out books every few months or so to keep up the variety and interest.

I made this shelf out of 1 eight-foot 2x1 board we had left over in the garage, 1 sixteen inch scrap-board, and old laundry line. Thanks to our church maintenance guy, Michael, and a phone conversation with my brainy Dad, I got the boards measured out, cut down, screwed together and mounted with 5 metal brackets to the wall. I used an additional 8.5 inch piece of wood in the middle section of the bookshelf to provide extra support since books, while light individually, can add up in weight.  

I will unveil the office space another day when it is completed. When I rearrange I like to also take the opportunity to clean out, vacuum, wash down the items, etc. I have put the office on pause for a few days to return to my regular housework/chores (so as not to get too far behind on those) while taking on these new projects. I'm also waiting for a chance to put the finishing touches on my two bookshelves. ;)

Thus far, to flip the two spaces between the large common room and the living room it has cost me $10 in dry wall screws (we ran out and the small package was not a deal) and 5 metal brackets at $0.89 a piece to secure the bookshelf to the wall. As mentioned earlier, I already had the wood, extra laundry line, paint, and obviously all the toys. 

Plus with using black Tempera paint to paint the shelves, the girls enjoyed helping paint as well and I didn't completely spazz out when Abi decided to taste the paint. EEK! Granted, only one taste sufficed the child. ;)

The project took me two days of time (life had to happen between), which I also count a cost to the project. And it was a cost well worth the "new" spaces.

=)

Wordless Wednesday: Worst Prize Ever

It screams work crazy hard, making huge sacrifices,

... to only be a hopeful and go home. 

LOL.

A Trick of the Trade.. or Two

I have found reusing your old baby bumper on the twin bed keeps stuffed animal friends and lovey blankets from fall in the crack between the bed and the wall.

 Seahorse makes his blog modeling debut.

I also just learned that freezing a toy beanbag animal makes a nice and comforting ice pack for those little one ouchies that need much love. Plus your little friend is washable.

Now who wouldn't want one of these friends on their boo-boo?

- Suddenly a Congo line breaks out! -

- Hope these are helpful to you. =)

Laundry's Done!

So I joined pinterest. Yes, I'm now one of those. And came across, amidst the WAY TOO MUCH, explosion of stuff, a do-it-yourself laundry detergent recipe. I didn't like that one, but connected in a nearby search to a powdered laundry soap that promised to cost about $1.02 a month.

Now, we have sensitive skin needs in our household, so it perked up my ears to learn of a cloth diaper and sensitive skin safe detergent that you could make at home for $1.02 a month. And you only use 1-2 TBSP PER LOAD! So the formula-can sized amount made in the video gets the job done with extra to share. The shelf-life of the detergent is 2 months so you can have some hang-over.

I watched the video,

purchased by Borax/washing soda/Ivory soap for a total of $7 upfront (from Walmart), altered the "needed items" to use a hand grater (for soap) and a blender instead of a food processor and 20 minutes later: Voila! A month or so plus of detergent.


Ingredients:

1.  1-2 grated bars of Ivory soap (or other non-lotioned soap) to make 1-2 cups of soap for recipe. [I used 1.5 bars of original Ivory soap.]
2. 1 Cup Borax (found in laundry aisle at grocery store)
3. 1 Cup washing soda (found in laundry aisle at grocery store)

Directions:

1. Grate 1-2 bars of soap as thin as possible. Set aside.
2. Put Borax, washing soap and 1-2 cups of soap in blender and blend until mixed into fine powder. (Please wear gloves and avoid inhaling fumes from Borax and washing soda.)
3. Can and let sit with lid on can/container for 24 hours.
4. 1-2 TBSP per load of laundry gets the job done.

*** Detergent does not bubble so safe in high efficiency washers as well.


After waiting the full 24 hours of sit-time recommended, I tried my first load of laundry with the new soap.

It came out clean (good start), softer than usual, visibly brighter, and it smelled like.... nothing! (We're a fragrance free family so that's good.) Now the real test will come in the morning when my two enchiladas get dressed. I'll keep you posted regarding if any skin breakouts occur. Immediate hives are a big "no, no" in the laundry soap department. ;)

So thus far, it has my star of approval. I have yet to try it on our cloth diapers because we have yet to need to wash them since I just washed them a day ago. But I'll let you know how that goes too.


*********************************************************************************

RESULTS After Sensitive Skin Exposure:

 No break outs. After having no reaction to the washed clothes, I washed all their bedding today. No reactions post-nap. I'll update you if anything changes, but I think the verdict is in... detergent = cheap, effective AND proven good for sensitive skin. YAY!!!

My Rachael

I didn't get a chance to write to you on your birthday. So I wanted to take and make the opportunity now to write to you.

I know you're three years old and even if I read this to you, you'd probably be on to playing before a paragraph was complete. But some day later, if you want to make the time, you can look back and see and hear and read.

Rachael, I adore you.

You are my little Mommy look-alike, with Daddy's nose and character. Your patience blows me away sometimes. You have taught me so much in giving someone time to work through something, without pushing them to "get over it" at your own speed. I admire that about you and am really challenged by that in you.

Your nurturing heart is so alive that you just can't help but care for others. This precious little person in you finds such joy and contentment in serving and caring for others, especially those younger than you. I could not ask for a better "first child" to lead the way by example and grace. But even beyond that, I hope and pray that your compassion never changes as you view others with love, respect and delight.












We have found our clashing in three years old too. You challenge me to learn how to love you, while letting go and letting you feel and sometimes be "in control." Your autonomy is blooming. You're trying to find your identity outside of us - while still remaining tapped into the family. It's like the budding of your teenage years as you try to figure out leadership and followship. Sometimes your autonomy comes off as disrespect, flexing your wills with a selfish motive. But sometimes that autonomy has opened my eyes to the little girl you are becoming and the independent little character that has become alive in you. Even in the moments of fluctuating balance between "your wild side" and your need to be quiet and calm, I want you to know that I am working hard to love you from a confident distance. It's a new learning curve for me too. I want you to feel my confidence in your ability to try hard, even if the success is variable at this point. I want you to feel my love in me letting you go to make your mistakes and celebrate your successes. You don't want me to do things for you anymore, unless you're in a pickle, and I am trying to learn what it means to bless and release. Sometimes it's more hard than at other times. But loving you the way you understand love is well worth the challenge.

Oh and the delight of your joy - your raw, utter joy. Rachael that joy is so contagious. I just want to soak it up and delight in those moments to their depth with you. Life is so vibrant and exciting for you. Your little body wells up until you explode with uncontrollable delight. Thank you for running to me to share those moments with me. I'm so blessed to be your playmate in those times of excitement to the full. That kind of thrill makes me want to work harder to come up with surprises and ways to make even the ordinary extraordinary. Your energy and light on your face... that is just plain fun.

And then there's those shy, quiet moments. The timid, reserved Rachael that we have known since birth. Your contentment to take it all in and then choose your time to participate. Sometimes it's just a bit overwhelming to watch all the business. Sometimes I can see you studying and deciding where you fit into the play group. And while your ambitions tell you to dive right in with confidence, sometimes your calm preferences over-ride. Your ability to sit and be fascinated by books, learning, and wanting to know more. Your desire to accept the challenge of learning a new skill, observing the world around you and figuring out how something works. Sometimes it's curiosity that fuels your quietness and other times it's just your desire to study life, and absorb your world. I am thankful for those times of "just sit with me" and "just experience this with me". I will try to see those more in the chaos of caring for my responsibilities. Those times that are so contrary to your loud independence catch me off guard sometimes and remind me that the difficulties of autonomy come in phases. And even in the toughest looking, most confident looking child is a small person seeking affirmation and quiet love. I love that you are learning the balance of reckless abandonment in a project and reservation. Life calls for both.

Oh Rachael, there is so much depth to your character. There is so much life in your "big girl" world. Your changing and challenging needs followed by your "that's just our Rachael" consistencies. And even in the most friction-built, power-struggling moments, I see my Rachael in your eyes...

My Rachael whom I delight in. My Rachael whom I love to be with and find such joy in studying, learning and watching. My Rachael who has such passion for life, drive for discovery, and fascination with learning the depth of your own abilities. My Rachael who "needs space" away from and cannot play without her sister in the same moment at the same time. My Rachael who seeks independence, while clinging by Mommy's side in the same moment. My growing, thriving and delighting Rachael...

I love you so,

my Rachael Elizabeth.

Wordless Wednesdays: Generations

When my Mom stayed up late to finish this for her little three year old's birthday,

 Me (3 years old)

I wonder if she ever thought this would happen:

Rachael (2 years old)

Abi (2 years old)

- Because some things you just want to pass down.

For My Abi

It's something in that startling reality. It hit me last year too. That here amidst the fuss of VBS, my baby has gotten older. I knew it would come. I've watched you stepping out, embracing your independence, and conquering your discoveries.

Two had to come. But there is still something bittersweet about that reality.

I wonder at who you will be with how far your little personality has grown in the last year. Your character blooms with each morning. Your stubborn little likes and vibrant joy. That smile that ignites a room and turns us all to mush. Those blond ringlets. Your sweet little baby-fat cheeks. Your dimple. How you look like a little Daddy - with meat on your bones. Oh, little Abi how you melt Mommy's heart.

And the way you snuggle in close. And have those moments where only Mommy will do. When you first wake up from nap or sleeping through the night and you just want to sit with me - you come running to find me, many times fussing until you find me, just to sit. Just to breathe together with your head on my shoulder. Your little world is all right again. All is in order. Then after five to ten minutes you slowly slip off, announcing your desire to start your morning or afternoon. You just needed me. And how I love needing you in those moments too.

Abi your little brave heart - diving into the dirt, fully-alive... tasting, experiencing to the full. Your all-in bravery wells up within you until you just can't contain it. It makes you run at full-force into the playroom, following the lead of your sister's good idea. It makes you leave Mommy's side all at once and dive into the paint with two hands. What once was anxiety is now completely acceptable and inviting. My little Abi... so full of life.

And your shy, quiet Abi moments, clinging to Mommy's leg. A noise that was too much, an animal moving unexpectedly at the Zoo. I can hear it a mile away running down the hallway or across the room, "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!!!" You find your safety and reassurance in my arms again. The trust causing your body to calm. The fear releasing as safety and calm creep in. You make me feel like such a hero sometimes, Abi. I don't deserve that kind of love and trust.









And even those little spit-fire independence tantrums. Things not going according to plan. Love, the passion in your little soul welling forth. Such promise it holds with a little self-control. I remember my own zeal. Justice is a need - even if right now it's selfishly driven. Keep that spunk, little one, even when it feels more like rebellion and Mommy has to teach you the hard lessons of self-control and "being stubborn about the right things." Your heart and passion are such a beautiful thing to watch mature.

So tomorrow as we celebrate you, my dear Abi, even if Mommy has a little tear as the birthday slide show scrolls through your baby and young toddler pictures, please know:

Mommy loves you beyond words. Your beautifuls and your discipling moments. You hold a precious little place in my heart, my Abi.... my precious Abi. And it has truly been a privilege to hold your hand, snuggle you close, and let you go as I watch you grow into a little girl.

Baby... you'll always be Mommy's baby... no matter how many other ones come into our family. And I hope and pray and look forward to the day when I will get to call you more than Mommy's baby, but also my sister in Christ, Lord willing. Oh my Abi, how much the Lord has blessed us and me personally when He added you to our little family. And He is blessing me and challenging me and teaching me and growing me through the joy and the delight of you, my Abi Grace.

Happy 2nd Birthday, my Abi. 

Happy indeed. 

- I love you.

Wordless Wednesday: Nutella

A rare, but delightful treat.

Garage Sale Season

Don't you just love it? Going to a garage sale and finding that "excessively marked down" newbie. It's like getting a package in the mail, when you see it... sitting there amongst the junk.

Like these: There's over 2 complete sets of these alphabet, magnetic pieces. And they cost me A DOLLAR total. (We already had the double-sided magnetic white board that I've been using for teaching - it cost me $12 on Amazon.)

Now I couldn't find the exact same tiles online, but in the teacher store these guys were between $20-25 and in the online store they're anywhere from $20 to (this almost made me cry) $55. FIFTY FIVE DOLLARS! (You can get the exact same set on Amazon for a sale price of $41, but even so FORTY ONE DOLLARS?!?!)

[Though I think ours are better than these tiles because ours click together, making the concept of a word being a combined set of letters more concrete.]

I'll take our dollar find any day!

And Rachael's already learned how to recognize Abi's name through just playing with them for five minutes. No, the child can't spell, but in our homeschooling she has just begun decoding words through their letters as I spell them and distinguishing them from other words. (We've been working on decoding color names to the completion of the word, not just recognizing by the first letter or two.)

So these little tiles will have much life in our household as the concept of reading and building words is, oddly, feeling closer on the horizon. Crazy to think that the child is only 3.5 years old and is beginning to show signs of beginning reading skills.

Nice to be able to keep up with her little brain with a dollar find. ;)

I'm looking forward to starting to have her build the color words next as I spell out the color aloud.

Yay for fun, cheap, effective and non-bulky materials!

WITH Chocolate!

The other night we decided to make some cookies. We had some free time so why not add in some chocolate, right?!

Here's my THRILLED helpers who highly enjoyed the process. And are still enjoying the eating process. =)

Adding in the right amount is fun work. 

Stir the flour and backing soda and salt together. 

Sugar, sugar sugar. 

And more sugar of course! =)

Thrilled to be a "big helper."

(Abi vetoed the scary blender noise help part.)

"Stick your tongue out..."

Could she open any wider? hehe.

Mmmmm, chocolate chips!

Concentration helps to hold the gigantic spoon.

I didn't grab any pics of the eating part cause *ahem* my hands were preoccupied. But let me tell you what, the 14 minutes of excited waiting was well worth the yummies.

Good times had by all.