HIBERNATION TIME

Hibernate (verb): to take a season-long snooze; to pass the winter in a resting or dormant state; to withdraw.

Yup. That's me right now. I'm in hibernation.This cold weather compels me to curl up and withdraw. Caring for the house has come to a stand-still. I don't like it, but it is reality. Working a full time job only to drive home at the end of the work day in the dark and cold does little to motivate me towards action. The list of places to paint and fix in this house will have to wait a little longer.

But our new home is cozy and comfortable in spite of the unfinished areas. And since the sun decided to shine brightly today, we were inspired to set some goals because winter is now half gone...which means spring is around the corner. (I'm trying to be optimistic here) So this month you will find me on a painting schedule. And as soon as the outside temperatures begin to rise, you'll find us up on a ladder staining the exterior of the house or working in the flowerbeds ripping out weeds and parasitic vines.

So while we wait for motivation and energy to once again flow, I'll provide you with some before and after photos of some spaces we've already worked on. Enjoy...

KITCHEN- BEFORE...

Out dated tile backsplash and broken appliances had to go.

At one time it had been a lovely custom kitchen.

Use of space was poorly designed.

It took a couple days to remove the ceramic floor tiles.

It resembled a war zone...(we won the battle)

New cabinets arrived and were put into place after the new hardwood floor was installed.

 KITCHEN - AFTER ...

It was fun creating a custom look. I united the upper and lower cabinets with matching bead board. Then our carpenter tied them together with some maple braces stained to math. Choosing a different crown molding and toe kick and varying the height added to the look.

I love the butcher block island and subway tile backsplash.

...and a small breakfast table makes this space very efficient.

STAIRWAY - BEFORE...

A large Brady Bunch like stairway greeted you inside the front door. Note the large ugly closet built in the middle of nowhere.

The slate floor was the only thing worth redeeming.

The built-in closet was removed which opened up the space nicely. We kept the slate floor at the entryway and installed new carpet in the livingroom area.

I couldn't wait to remove the jail cell like bars and enclose the steps that go to the basement.

 STAIRWAY - AFTER...

Isn't it amazing how different it makes the whole house feel?

LIVING ROOM - BEFORE...

The open space and vaulted ceiling were the only things to love about this space.

We moved in and had to live with the colors for awhile.

Our goal was to have the painting done before Christmas Day. The high places were tricky.

 Living room - AFTER...

Warm tones cozy up the space. Larger furniture will hopefully come in the future to fill the space.

 

The large windows give us lots of light and beautiful views. And over the holidays it was a joy to be able to host family and friends in the large space.

So you see, our home is quite comfortable for hibernation. And we know the season will pass. 

As always, there is a spiritual application to consider. It's as if we must curl up and get cozy, closer to the Father, when our soul is experiencing winter. While I've been battling this lack of energy and grayness, he has shown me he is there. As I've felt a need to pray more specifically during these weeks...he has answered quite clearly. Even in the cold and gray of winter, He is warm and tender and gracious. In that I find comfort.

May you find comfort as you move closer to Him during this cold winter season.

FAMILY ROOM

Family room - a room for family. This is the space where we gather to relax, play and be together. But it's not just for family; it is for strangers, friends and neighbors too. 

Everyone wants to feel welcome and belong to someone. We need spaces where we can just be ourselves. This is my desire for this room.

But in the beginning, it was dark and dirty. Plumbing from the upstairs bathroom had leaked through the ceiling. The carpet was soiled and wet. It smelled bad. There were no lights. The sight of the stone fireplace gave me hope. It WILL become a warm place for family and friends to gather.

We didn't even own the house yet...but the listing realtor refused to fix the plumbing. So Keith had to patch the ceiling himself so the appraiser would give our bank the okay to loan us the money to buy the house. Don't worry, we had permission. Things just go differently when you're buying a foreclosed property from the bank. (It's a long story...believe me.)

  

 We replaced old sliding glass doors with windows.They were cheaper, and there was another set of doors right next to them leading out to the deck. Who needs 2 sets of doors? But the window delivery was delayed. Lighting was installed, too. So we moved into the house with things unfinished. But with new carpet on the floor and a comfy couch, we could still enjoy the space.

 While waiting on the windows, our carpenter was able to get ahead and used the time to install trim throughout the house...something we hadn't planned on. But the day the window was installed was a glorious day. 

What a view! 

Light filled the space!

  
And while the fireplace still doesn't work, we know we will surely enjoy it's warmth someday. 

A good friend created a beautiful fall wreath with grapevine and bittersweet to complete the look.

But THIS is the way it's supposed to be...snacks, reading, napping, watching TV, working on the computer; young and old, with family and friends, all generations.

This is our greatest calling; to love each other and to help others belong. I am challenged daily to extend grace and love to each person I meet, whether it's family, friends, coworkers or strangers.

As a new year begins, receive this challenge. Create space for others. Help them feel comfortable. Show them they belong. You will find prosperity and blessing along the way.