I can’t believe it! After almost a year since last April’s beastly tornado, through the love, sweat, sacrifice and devotion of hundreds of people, we spent the first night back at home Friday! I cried. We rejoiced. And we gathered around as my husband urged our children to remember, “This is not our house but the Lord’s, and we will live as such.” (“His mercy endures forever.”)
This is our living room, dining room and kitchen–all an open room and very livable for a family our size. Mallie and Kyla were trying to duck out of the picture 
The room you see to the left will be a library with floor to ceiling shelves. (And if you are a new reader, almost all the wood–floor, ceiling and wainscoting, was milled using the fallen trees on our property.)
This is the island with a built in bench seat (inside the “L”) for added seating. The cabinets were salvaged from our previous house, painted and distressed, with some repairs by a dear friend, and I’m so glad we were able to use them. The first of many cost-cuts. You’ll likely realize by the end that in another life, I would LOVE to do “upcycled” interior design. Not that I’m good at it, but nothing thrills me quite like making something new from something old, saving a ton of money and achieving a uniqueness not readily found in standard or commercial products. In the background is the school/office area.
This picture shows the counter tops that my awesome husband made–it is my favorite feature. We made them out of pallets, trying to cut costs (we were originally thinking tile). I could not be happier about “frugal-forced creativity” in this case. He poured epoxy wood glaze to achieve the glassy, protective covering. We also did these in the bathrooms. Cost of cabinets and counter tops: a lot of hard work…well, and the cost of the glaze.
This is a shot of the living room from the back. The salvaged wood on this wall came from a house just up the road. The little room is our guest bathroom, with a homemade partition made of old doors. Here’s a close up:
I had this idea because the layout of the room requires the bathroom to be uncomfortably close to the living room. I wanted a bit of a barrier. Notice the Ball jar light (squeal).
Another shot of the island and the backside of the kitchen. I plan to do open shelving made with the salvaged wood on either side of the sink.
This old door (found at “junk man’s” house for $75) leads onto what will be a screened in porch. That’s an old refrigerator you see through the window. The Lord provided us with new appliances the day before we moved in but they haven’t been delivered yet. “His mercy endures forever.”
Old metal gate used as stair banister–$25
Our master bedroom, the only bedroom upstairs (eventually). I white-washed the walls. To save money there, in case you ever want to do it, instead of buying the special paint, just mix regular paint with water, 50/50. I painted two coats. It’s so crisp.
Ladder: $5–Suitcases: $0—Painting from my children: priceless. Oh, and if your husband gives you roses or flowers, remember not to toss them when they start to die. Just take them out of water and hang them upside down to dry. My very favorite decoration.
I love our bathroom. I wish I could have gotten a shot of all of it. The metal was an idea I probably got from Pinterest and I love it!
There are no words to articulate what this year has meant for us. I almost feel I shouldn’t try because I will fall so short of communicating our gratitude and love for what the Lord has done through so many. I want to express my public gratitude for my husband. He has worked tirelessly to get us this far. And building a house with him was so fun, confirming our “made for each other” personalities. I dream, he builds. It’s like a beautiful dance.
It’s so true; a woman needs her nest. My heart sighs and sings to be home again. I feel alive.
Our basement has 3 rooms finished (laundry, closet and oldest child’s) and the rest of it is piled, I do not jest, floor to ceiling with boxes to unpack. So while I’m so glad to be home, the work still left to do is overwhelming. The basement will have to be finished little by little and in the mean time, five of the children are sharing a room upstairs (it’s the cutest though, I forgot to take a picture!) We built a “platform” across one end of the narrow play room and put a full mattress on top. The girls sleep underneath in what they think is a play house. It works for now.
We also still have a tremendous amount of finishing (trim, stairs, light fixtures, etc.) and the yard, well, you wouldn’t believe it if I tried to tell you
But it’s home!!! HIS MERCY ENDURES FOREVER!
We also have been without Internet for several days and will not have it for a few more. So I check in here and there, but may not be able to keep in touch with you for yet a little while. I can read your comments on my husband’s phone But if you wonder why this post might stay up for a few days, that’s why! And even then, our work will be long and hard, so I will do the best I can here.
I love you all so much. I can’t believe the sense of friendship I have here and the incredible blessing your words and prayers and gifts have been to our family.
You are amazing.
May The Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you.
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
motherhood | Word Warrior | 
April 6, 2012 9:05 am | 
Comments (16) 
I only have this life.
Making Maple syrup is a fantastic project, if you have access to maple trees, for the family! It is fun, educational, thrifty and nutritious, not to mention gives a great sense of accomplishment as an area of self-sufficiency is mastered!
Audio available soon!
