Just a BlinkProof Time Flies

Just Beachy

Before-

What I wanted to change:

• Wallpaper border
• Peel and stick linoleum flooring (Do not install this if you ever plan on potty training a little boy! The cracks soak up everything!)
• Blah feeling to the room

What I wanted to have:

• A bold but neutral color on the wall without a border
• Fresh tile flooring
• A fun and relaxing feel to the room

After-

Details-

Thrifty Scores-

Total transformation for only $120!

• The paint on the wall was from the recycling center -  FREE
• All the accessories were found at thrift stores or garage sales.  Around $13
• The towel rack hooks were $1 each at Home Depot
• White towel $2 at Wal-mart
• Tile flooring materials about $90 (Tile was FREE – surplus from a friend)
• Craft paint $4

Result-

Making a bold decor statement in the bathroom was so fun! I like the uniqueness of my bathroom. It’s so theme-y without actually belonging to a “bathroom set” like you would find a department store.

Love,

Jess

Related Posts-

Before and After

Towel Rack from 25 cent Shutter

Oh so Little!

I steal every minute I can to be immersed in newborn heaven.

No sass. No crumbs. No toys.

Just baby goodness.

Welcome Claire and Leah

35 weeks gestation

Yes, I was huge. My, my, it doesn’t even look possible to carry that much! But, I did it!

The girls were born on October 13th (36 weeks) around 1:30 in the morning, via C-Section (after spontaneous labor). Claire was born at 5 lbs. and 12 oz. Leah was born at 5 lbs. and 5 oz. I can’t remember how long they were…3rd and 4th kids I guess!?

They stayed in the NICU for 8 days at the Hospital to gain weight and regulate their temperatures. The days surrounding my recovery in the Hospital are a big blur. I pumped milk a lot and tried my best to walk down to the NICU often to visit Claire and Leah in their room. The nurses lovingly took care of them both while we had to return home without our new babies! (So, hard)

Leah in Isolette

Claire in Isolette

We brought Claire and Leah home on Ryan’s 5th birthday, October 21st. Coming home was a huge relief! I was thrilled by the joy and ease of finally being close to my new babies.

Let the games begin! The realities of raising 4 kids, 5 years old and under, in a 1,000 sq. ft. home, are setting in! The sheer noise alone is unbelievable.  But, I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

See, aren’t they precious?

Leah at home

Claire at home

Proud Big Brother Ryan

Proud Big Sister Molly

I’ll be blogging about my home and family again soon. I don’t want to miss a moment of my crazy new life as the manager of a 6 person family!

Love,

Jess

Finding growth possible

My inspiration for today is this image of a single daisy, growing in bramble and parched vines.

In San Francisco, CA, 7 1/2 years ago, I took the above photograph as Peter and I honeymooned. The flower’s simplicity stood out to me all those years ago. How could such a lovely flower could survive and grow in such odd conditions?

Little did I know, in 2002, that this photograph would bring gratitude and hope to me today.

What I am grateful for:

• The twins and I are very healthy. Only 4 more weeks until delivery, if not before!
• Friends and family, that pitched in to help around my house and with the kids, as I was on modified bed rest.
• Decaf cappuccino mix from the whole foods store.
• My new “office/ blogger home” we made over the summer. Goodbye playroom. Hello new computer room!

What I am hopeful about:

• Being able to find joy in the chaos that 4 kids, 5 years old and under, can bring into a home of 1, 000 square feet.
• Remembering to grow in Christ; my writing abilities; and my marriage, all while growing my big pregnant belly!
• Spending time with the kids full time, after being away part-time for the last  3 1/2 years. (Still have mixed feeling here.)

Just a Blink readers:

It’s good to be back, writing out of the bramble of writers block, chronic pain and general busy-ness.

I am starting to grow like a strong, lovely daisy in all surroundings and circumstances. I can thank God for that!

I am planning on touching in when I can.…I ‘ve been decorating, the rooms are switched, and I am sure my belly could be a blog post on its own!

Love,

Jess