Sunday, August 03, 2008

Swing of Things

The work is almost done on the addition project. We are two closet doors and a little paint touch-up away from our promised month-long cessation.

For over a year and a half we have planned, shopped, or worked on our large home project and finally Phase One is about done. Though we've been living in it for a couple of months still the burden of incompletion drains.

Tom promised us waaaay back at the onset that we'd take one month off between Phase One and Phase Two.

We're just about there.

It's like waking up from a long agitating dream. Or like breaking the surface of the ocean after tumbling around beneath crashing waves, short of air. GASP!! "Ahh, I'm alive!"

Colors. Sounds. Smells. Air!

We see faces again, faces of friends we have the energy to invite over for barbecues, desserts, and chumminess.

We went to church for the first time in ages. Refreshing to see familiar faces, to sing hymns together, to pray, listen, be inspired, and to lazily chat. No time pressure.

The girls are playing more, practicing their instruments, reading, swinging, and going for bike rides and long walks to the river. And I go with them a lot of the time.

I'm going to savor every single moment of our month-long respite when it arrives, and then I'll roll up my sleeves and cheerfully work all over again in Phase Two.

It'll be worth it.

But for now, hello!

I took these photos on the fly just now without tidying anything up. I'd promised some snaps of our handiwork and here's a small sampling. Hope you enjoy them!


One of two hand-painted sconces in our hall.


The skylight casts rays into our new bathroom.


Cassie and Caroline's room. The girls decorated their room themselves, choosing the colors, curtains, and furniture. They have blank spaces on their walls, awaiting life's experiences and discoveries to present them with the perfect hangings.


A large walk-in closet lies behind those doors. A spacious, well-let room of joy for two girls!


Two of the closet doors are done. Tom sanded and stained them perfectly. He's currently working on the last two for the closet to the left of this, not in the photo.


The master bedroom from another angle. Notice to the right of the door a framed print. Cassie had it made for me by a friend who took a Japanese calligraphy class. It says Thank you, Mother. A special Mother's day gift, for sure.


The tiled hall and bathroom floors are heated which is nice. When it was cold in early spring the heat from the heated tile kept the entire addition over 60 degrees. Amazing. It feels deliciously cool in the summer and cozily warm in the winter.

We're so spoiled!

14 comments:

Wandering Coyote said...

Wow - it all looks marvy! I love your light fixtures. I'm glad you're getting so much reward out of all your hard work!

deanna said...

Awesome, beautiful. Wow, you guys. Thanks for the glimpse! It was good seeing you at church today, too.

cecily said...

Wow! This all looks amazing. I'm so curious now about Phase 2, because Phase 1 is looking pretty spiffy! Enjoy the break. :-) when it comes ;-)

Cherie said...

Thanks, WC. Reward, yes, that's what it is.

Deanna, Thanks. It was good seeing you, too. Our paths have crossed a lot lately. :)

Cecily, Phase 2 news will be forthcoming...AFTER our break. Thanks.

tshsmom said...

I LOVE your wall sconces! The red wall makes your bathroom look so rich. And the CLOSET DOORS...GORGEOUS!! Nice finishing job Tom!

Thanks for the pictures. I love admiring someone else's handiwork. It sounds like you'll be taking off the month that we'll be slaving away painting our new porch, re-laying sidewalk, and finishing our yard project.

His Love is the Theme of My Song said...

What a treat to be able to share in some of your "down" time yesterday! Thanks so much for the wonderful lunch and precious time spent together. Your house is absolutely lovely, and you are all so gifted! We love you guys!

Sandy said...

Fantastic Cherie, gosh it must feel so good to finally have that done. You did a great job with colors and I love that sconce also.

I painted one of my sons room the same color scheme as the Caroline's room. I love those two colors together. His is a little more boyish though.

Congratulations, I hope you enjoy that month off!

Cherie said...

You made Tom's day, Tshs! He's out putting the stain on the last two doors today. I'll be thinking of you as you guys are doing the deeds. We'll be joining you soon enough. (Truth be told, 'rest' is a relative term around here. Sure, we won't be working on the addition but there are plenty of 'little' projects we'll be doing as we play.

HLITTOMS: It was our pleasure having you guys stop by! See, it wasn't hard at all. ;) You guys will have to come and spend a weekend with us sometime.

Sandy: It does feel good to be as far as we are. Really good. Those really are pleasant colors you and my daughters have chosen. Good eyes, you three. Thanks a bunch!

Pam said...

Hello, Dear Friend.
Your house is beautiful -- I shan't recognize it next time I see it!
More importantly, your beautiful mom is doing well... so sorry to read about all she (and you) have been through, but grateful that she is doing better!
I have been away for a long time... and still don't know when I'll be back, but I thought it was high time I check in on an old friend.
Love you.

Cherie said...

And hello to you, too Dear Friend. Thanks for touching base here.

I'll take my Pam Doses any way I can get them!

I love you, too. Hope all is well.

An email is on its way!

Gardenia said...

What a gorgeous, soothing beautiful space you have created. It's beautiful, congratulations! You'll enjoy it to no end. It reflects your artistry with words.

Anonymous said...

It's all so beautiful! Makes me curious about what you still have to do in phase 2.

Ann said...

Wow. Lovely-- I loved looking at these. I especially like the girls' beds.

Cherie said...

Gardenia: Thanks for the kind words!

Patti: Phase 2 is to turn two of the tiny old bedrooms into a family room. A much easier project.

Ann: I love those beds, too!