Take Two

So...I had these lovely floors that we spent way to long on (see former post). But once we put polyurethane on them, thy looked like streams of sewage were flowing. Even my non-picky better half agreed that we could not leave them that way.

We were definately going to have to start over. The big debate was, do we do that time consuming stencil all over again??? Stephen had a very resounding "no" for his answer! But I couldn't stand the thought that we bought the thing, put all that work into it the first time and our floor would just be solid colored. So..... I present you with our NEW, new floors WITH a coat of polyurethane!!When I was taking these pictures, Iris came and put the shoes on and I just couldn't resist!but I did have mercy on Stephen. Since he didn't want to do the stencil again, I felt like it was unfair to make him work on it. So I did ALMOST all of the stenciling by myself. But then he had mercy on me last night and did the last row and half :)

Now I have to go soothe my aching back and hands.

They Did It!

Back in March I took my kids to Learning Express for the first time.

(I know I know...how could that have possibly been our first time??)

Anyway...we went because I discovered that my kids had apparently, for quite some time, been feeling left out at church because they didn't have silly bandz. Normally I don't really care if they have the latest thing or not, but these things were ridiculously inexpensive. They never told me they wanted some...I had no idea! I found out quite by accident.

So we went...and we found THIS....

and that's all it took. It was LOVE at first sight ;) Only an air pogo is not quite as inexpensive as silly bandz. I told the kids they would have to save their own money for it. It took some convincing, but Clyde finally talked the girls into putting all of their money together and saving up.

Here's the jar I made them. Lucy drew the picture of the tree and air pogo. Each red line represents $10. This was of course taken after they raised all the money. Relatives gave them jobs to do when they heard about the project. I was very surprised at how quickly they raised the money.

Here they are with the full jar.

Here they are running to the Learning Express.

and into the Learning Express.

And paying for their precious purchase....those dear sweet ladies cheerfully counting all of that change!!!

And the finished product!!!

I'm so proud of them. And so happy they've learned the benefits of saving in such a fun way! Stephen and I didn't learn that until after these lovely bundles were born!!!

Floor Frustrations Already

Okay people, you know those pics of my really pretty floor that we worked way to long on (instead of properly playing with our kids and doing laundry). They are in jeopardy. We put what was labeled "clear water-based polyurethane" on them.

They are YELLOW. Not a consistent yellow that I could try to work with....but a splotchy, puddly yellowish. Like it has been exposed to cigarette smoke for a century (Stephen gave me this word picture and now I can't dislodge it from my brain).

Any advice????

Future-brother-in-law, especially seeking advice from you, since you're in the know.

Thanks, all!!!!

My Floor!!

I'm not saying all my floors are done or anything, but I DO find THIS.....very exciting!!!

I mean we still have to do three coats of polyurethane with sanding in between each one and let it sit for three days before putting the furniture back. And we still have the kids' room, but even so.....I feel like we've really accomplished something. YAY!!! I LOVE prettiness!