Happy Sunday, Journeyer!

I refer to May and June as the hamster-wheel months as so many events are crammed into that sixty-day period, especially when you have active, school-aged children.

Toss in a graduation and life becomes busier.

Toss in a Valedictorian and, well…busier yet…

Don’t get me wrong, I’m super happy that all of Big Guy’s dedication to his schoolwork has paid off and I’m definitely a proud mama…

Let’s just say I’m thankful my day job entails only twenty-five hours a week because our evenings during the next few weeks are going to be filled with recognition ceremonies and banquets…

Toss in a complete master-suite overhaul, and…

I know you can imagine…

Warren and I first gutted the lathe and plaster walls, ripped up multiple layers of flooring, and upgraded our 1903 farmhouse back in 1998.

The galley closet was so narrow that even walking in sideways meant being stabbed in the back by hangers.

And when we ran out of funds to finish the initially-intended bath, we turned the room into a nursery.

Twenty-eight years later I’ve outgrown the pink carpet and chair-rail with the floral printed wallboard.

We’ve spent the past two weeks stripping walls, removing carpet and the windows that need adjustments since the house has settled.

You’ve heard the expression, “It gets worse before it gets better?”

THE MESS! THE DUST! THE CLUTTER!

Furniture stacked on top of furniture…

Warren and I sleeping in twin beds in Fave’s old bedroom…

Our bed frame in the hallway outside of Big Guy’s room and our king-sized mattress leaning up against the 1800’s foot-pedal organ that occupies an adjoining hall…

THE DECISIONS!

I’ve spent much of the past two days shopping for lighting fixtures, a vanity, faucets and shower stuff…

Just like life in general, this project is filled with excitement, enthusiasm, and some parts excruciating…

Regardless, though, there is happy in the refurbishment…

Happy in the fact that this has, overall, been one of the least stressful projects Warren and I have ever undergone!

I once heard that there are a few things that will tear a marriage to shreds: Remodeling was at the top of the list.

I’m happy for the helpful folks at the many stores I’ve visited this past week.

I’m happy for our friends who came over last night to help us install the closet system and the electrical outlets and switches.

I’m happy Warren suggested we hire someone to come in and help clean once the dust has settled…literally…

Aside from the house project, I’m also happy to report that the restoration to Zee is done and I’ve got her back!

There’s not doubt that the guy who stripped and re-painted my car loves what he does. I’m super happy to have found him!

And to top it all off, I enjoyed an afternoon at the circus with Beauty and my in-laws.

I haven’t been to a circus in years!

Following that outing, Beauty, who now lives in her own apartment, came to the house for a little dinner gathering.

Now, Journeyer, I’m off to refurbish my tired but fulfilled soul by turning in for the night…

I’ll try to come back and post some more pics, but for now I’m just going to wish you a good night!

Sleep tight, Journeyer…

What about you? Did you experience a moment or two that refurbished your spirit? Share your story in the comments below!

Until we meet again, yours in hope, healing, and happiness…