Projects Updates

The Girls’ Room

April/November 17, 2017/ Leave a comment Edit"The Girls’ Room"

I wanted to share the transformation of the girls’ room.  It’s so fun (at least for me) to look back on how things “used to be.” 

I was one of those kids growing up who loved to look at photo albums of myself as a baby and toddler.  I think I even said once to my mom that I wished I could “hold myself as a baby.”  No joke, Lily has already said this to me on multiple occasions.  I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!  Granted, things are a little different these days.  I don’t have albums printed out.  Instead, she’s swiping her fingers on our desktop and clicking away at pictures and videos of three years ago.  But the concept holds true.  I loved remembering (through photographs) how things used to be.  From decor and carpet color to themes and curtains, bedspreads, canopies, jewelry boxes, books… I remember it all thanks to the pictures my mom snapped during the process.  I even remember that she painted my name (in purple) in the back of my closet as a little girl when she first did my room.  It was there until the day I moved away for college [sigh]…

The point is, I want my girls to have that.  This is just one of the reasons I’m sharing these pictures!  The other is that I worked hard [literally] on painting things and deciding on colors.  I about killed myself in the heat of the day taping off and using the spray gun to paint the bunk bed while 7 months pregnant.  I truly hope all three of the girls can share this room for a while, because that part was NOT fun.  I know it’ll change again eventually, but I’m excited about the next few years!  Here’s the “before” picture of when it was first Lily’s nursery just three and a half years ago:

Next, when it was just the two girls:

And here’s a very cramped version of the transformation for three little girls:

After calculating it all out, the transformation cost approximately $350.00.  Which kinda seems like a lot to me, actually, but it does include all the paint and the little “extras” like bedding, decor and such.  I went into it thinking it’d be MUCH cheaper, but things add up quickly!  Here’s the breakdown:

Bunk bed from a friend on FB – $100
New twin mattress from Wayfair.com – $80 + $40 shipping (boo)
White changing table from a friend who moved off island – $Free.99
White crib from a friend who moved off island – $Free.99
Dresser from a friend who moved off island years ago – $Free.99
Toddler bed from the side of road – $Free.99
Handmade sign from garage scraps by yours truly – $Free.99
Can of white Rustoleum chalk paint from Home Depot – $16
New dresser knobs from Amazon – $10
Target bookshelf – $17 on clearance
Twin bedding set from Craigslist – $25
New toddler sheet from Target (not pictured) – $10
New crib sheet from Target – $10
New changing cover from Target – $15
Purple curtains from Ross – $15
Purple toy bin from Ross – $8
Teal picture frame from Ross – $6
Purple material from Wal-Mart for hoop craft – $4

This is by far the most nesting I’ve done during pregnancy.  At least it feels like it!  I have one final craft that’s not complete yet.  It’s going to be an old surfboard that I’ve painted white.  I plan to put all their names on it in different colors and hang it above Lily’s top bunk.  Maybe I’ll post about it when I finish if I can remember…  I should probably focus on having a baby first, but my mind is all over the place.

Ok, here are some better shots of the room!  Not the best quality though.  It’s also pretty cramped as you can imagine with places for three girls to sleep in a tiny room and all their clothes… but thankfully we don’t plan to keep toys in the room, so that should cut down on the clutter!  As you enter, pics start on the left and go counter-clockwise.  Enjoy   

Family Updates

Almost There

April/November 12, 2017/ 3 Comments Edit"Almost There"

You guys… I feel SO out of shape. It’s hard getting off the couch these days.  Rolling over in bed HURTS. EVERY. TIME.  I’m out of breath when I make it half way up the stairs.  This third pregnancy is really taking it out of me!  Sometimes I feel like she’s trying to kick her way out of my navel.  Yikes.  Yet, here I am… almost at the end… and not sure if I’m ready to make that leap from two to three children.  So much of my sanity will depend on this tiny human inside of me.  Will she be a wild and crazy newborn with so much to say like her eldest sister.  OR, will she sleep and snuggle in her car seat or swing for hours at a time like Emma?  Only time will tell.  I’ll be 37 weeks tomorrow, so the countdown is on!

Either way, I know God will give me the grace that I need.  Both of my girls have lived up to their names in their first year of life. 

Lily Grace taught me daily to draw from the well of God’s graciousness.  I needed his grace EVERY DAY to make it through the screaming and fits of rage.  Not that I don’t still need his grace every day, but he chose to make it plainly clear every hour of the first 3-6 months of motherhood with my Lily Grace.  It was a very refining season to say the least.

Emma Joy was just that.  She was God’s way of bringing pure joy into our hearts and lives through a smiley faced sweet heart.  My snuggle bug.  My happy girl.  My thumb sucker.  My content newborn.  

The cards are pretty evenly stacked now as they’re almost two and three and a half, but that first six months… whew.  We shall see how Cary Hope lives up to her name in her first months of life.  I’m curious and also very nervous, but I know and trust that God is sovereign and in complete control.

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These last few weeks and months I’ve been in full-on nesting mode.  I think I’m even exhausting my husband with all the projects I’ve done and am currently doing!  Here are a few examples:

• Sanded and painted a bookshelf for the living room, then added contact paper to the backing
• Added contact paper to the glass portions of our existing TV stand
• Painted and put together a bunk bed for the girls’ room
• Sanded, painted and changed hardware on the girls’ existing dresser
• Cleaned and swapped out cribs and changing table in the girls’ room (white theme)
• Put together a small bookshelf from Target for the girls’ room
• Changed the color scheme and theme of the girls’ room to include a homemade sign and multiple craft projects
• Tracked down new curtains, sheets, comforter, and changing pad cover to match theme (mostly on Facebook marketplace!)
• Sewed curtains for the laundry room window
• Sewed new pillow cases for the mini pillows in the girls’ room
• Painted letters for one final craft I need to put up in the girls’ room
• Created a hallway photo gallery to the downstairs (and sliced my finger in the process)
• Purged some toys from the playroom to make things a little less crazy
• Framed some pictures I have yet to hang

Just sitting down and writing it all out makes me feel more accomplished!  This weekend we plan to start getting a few things out of the attic that need to come down.  Things like the car seat, mama roo and swing.  And I still need to track down a bassinet to borrow for a few months too.  Funny how I’m not as worried about it this time around.

Welp.  That’s all for now.  It’s been a while since I’ve posted and I’ve kind of missed it.  Yet as you can see… I’ve been busy.  I’m sure I’ll be back on at least once before the big day.

Happy November Everyone!

April 

Adventures Family

Aloha & A Hui Hou

April/October 5, 2017/ Leave a comment Edit"Aloha & A Hui Hou"

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN…

Seasons come and seasons go, but this phrase has become all too familiar for the Wolfepack.  In the past six months, we’ve probably said goodbye to a least 10 different families that moved off island.  Some moved for work; some for family; some because it made financial sense; others because of their service to our country, and still others in search of their next adventure.  As much as we know it’s coming, it’s still a hard pill to swallow.  Of those 10 families, about four of them were ones we saw on a weekly basis.

We’re tempted to throw up walls in order to guard ourselves from the inevitable heartbreak of short-term connections, and yet God still uses those relationships (however short or long) to teach us something about ourselves and his goodness. He calls us to tear the walls down and let people in… to care… to give… to love… to do life together.

This past Saturday we said goodbye to some dear friends.  It was the kind of family friendship that just happened–similar interests, similar worldview, similar aged kids.  Plus our husbands got along, and being around each other was just easy and natural.  We will truly miss doing life with the Byrd ohana, but we are beyond excited for them as they embark on their next chapter. 

And for as many people we said goodbye to, there are more people moving here everyday.  It’s a constant influx of newness.  Just this summer, we had some sweet friends from Indiana take the plunge!  We’re excited to have them to adventure with for a little while.  We also have new ARMY neighbors who just settled in two houses down.  Likely, a three year stay.  I’m sure there will be memories made.  Hawaii is the most transient place I’ve known, but I guess that’s part of what makes it unique.  

While I could write a short novel on all the sweet friends we’ve parted with over the years, today’s post is meant to honor the BYRDS:

ALEX || Mike’s wave riding, soccer playing, technologically savvy, life of the party dad friend who understands the crazy. 

NATASHA || my laid back, life-giving, recipe-sharing, vent about whatever, real life mom blogging friend who gets me.

LYLA || Lily’s look-alike, princess loving, ask about, fight with, can’t get enough of, first slumber party and AWANA-going bestie! 

SIMON || Emma’s sweet-hugging, ice-cream loving, neigh-riding, chunky baby twin and perhaps very first frienemy. [though her cousin, Winston, may have won that title]

ETTA RAE || Cary’s would-be bestie with great big eyes and the sweetest smile and laugh imaginable. The girls absolutely adore her!

Anyway, I’ll let the pictures do the rest of the talking… 

Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

A HUI HOU…

Family Updates

Birthday Blessings

April/September 22, 2017/ 1 Comment Edit"Birthday Blessings"

Last Friday I turned 33.  I only actually feel old when I see current high school and college students. Other than that, 33 feels wonderful!

I have more blessings in my life than I could have ever dreamed up.

I like to claim an entire weekend for my birthday enjoyment.  This year was no different  Being almost 7 months pregnant, and Mike working in the evenings last week, I decided to keep it low key this year.  My actual birthday fell on a Friday.  The day started out with my husband sneaking downstairs before the girls woke up to cut up some fruit and toast and serve it to me in bed.  You guys–how special and thoughtful!  First of all, it was a treat just to have him home in the morning as he typically leaves for work before I wake up each day. Second, that he thought of me before anything else… how did I get so lucky?!

The girls woke up soon after that and we spent a few minutes snuggling in bed–all 4.5 of us.  Then we decided to take a family trip to Denny’s for my birthday breakfast!  Did you know that you get a free Grand Slam on your birthday?!  A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!  The four of us feasted on breakfast for about $12. All you have to do is show your ID when you pay, and they’ll take it off the bill!

After Denny’s, we visited PETCO to say good morning to the guinea pigs, mice, and fish.  The girls loved that, obviously. 

Later that morning, a sweet friend of mine volunteered to come over and watch the girls so I could have some “me time.”  Since Mike didn’t go into work until that afternoon, we got a day date at the mall together. B.O.N.U.S. We browsed around, not really knowing what to do without the kids, then we ate lunch together at California Pizza Kitchen.  It was really nice! 

Later that afternoon (after naps), Lily and Emma helped me bake myself a chocolate fudge cake.  We made it pretty (with icing & sprinkles) and brought it to AWANA that night   Emma’s class sang to me and I pulled Lily from Cubbies so she could help me blow out the candles.  She kept asking me when I was going to have my party, so I felt pressure to make a cake… and bring candles for myself.  Ok, so I have no shame when it comes to my birthday… And who doesn’t love a good chocolate fudge cake?!  Haha. Believe me, no one complained  

Early Saturday, I got to have some more mommy time down in Waikiki to celebrate a friend who’s moving back to the mainland at the end of the month.  The same friend who watched my kids the day before, and whose family we’ve gotten super close to.  Another post on that later.  It’s too sad to include now   Anyway, we went to Duke’s for breakfast, right on the beach.  Let me just say that the spread they had was heavenly!  I had to return to my post afterward to relieve Mike of daddy duty, but I’m grateful for the time I had with friends.  Waikiki seems so far away, and I try my best to stay out of the tourist trap… but every now and then it’s nice to be reminded that we live in such a beautiful place.  It’s easy to forget why Waikiki became so popular, but it truly is a one-of-a-kind beach with a unique vibe! 

Saturday evening I hosted a fondue and pajama party for myself and a few friends.  A super low key ladies’ night of dipping things in milk chocolate and listening to the crackle of the Birchwood fireplace on Netflix.  Great company, good conversation, and a few fun games together!  It was a much needed time to unwind and catch up with some friends.

On Sunday, I wanted to have a family beach day… so after church and Sunday School we packed a lunch and headed straight for the Westside.  We randomly ended up meeting a few friends at Makaha.  Overall, it was a great birthday weekend!  I can’t believe another one is in the books.  This time next year will look much different with our newest addition in the mix!  I can’t wait 

Before I wrap it up, I just want to remind myself of God’s many blessings.  Our van has been in the shop going on three weeks now!  Technically, it’s in the third shop now. We’re frustrated, baffled, and annoyed.  But it has been a time of refining for me.  The first week, we made due asking friends for rides here and there.  The second week we were able to borrow a car from some dear friends of ours who were out of town.  This week, a friend from church offered her car since her husband’s away for work.  I cannot tell you how humbling it has been to depend on others for our needs.  In our culture, it’s easy to become consumed with ourselves.  Often we don’t see the needs of others because we’re so focused on our own.  I’m guilty of this mindset.  I have been overwhelmed by the response from friends and their willingness to give us rides, watch our kids and lend a helping hand (or car)!  One of the many reminders God has used to display his goodness and provision. Thank you LORD for your daily bread.

And thank you all for your prayers and birthday wishes.  What a marvelous year it has been!  Here’s to many more…

Faith Family

Feeling Grateful

April/September 13, 2017/ 3 Comments Edit"Feeling Grateful"

I’m still here.  I haven’t taken the time to blog lately, but I’m still in the thick of life just like you. 

I wanted to take a few minutes tonight to express my gratitude:

*To my Lord and Savior–for the promise of eternal life, and making it possible through his son. And the blessings we get to see this side of heaven.  I know none of it is deserved, but I’m thankful nonetheless.

*To my husband–for his hard work day in and day out both here with our family and outside the home.  He has such a strong desire to provide for his girls, and I’m thankful the Lord has given him that ability. 

*And lastly to my sweet, sweet treasures–Lily and Emma. I am blessed beyond measure through their laughter, imaginations, silly antics, and even through the hardships and whining. God uses them each day to refine my character. I love them so so much!

*Oh, and to baby Cary (in my womb)–who reminds me daily, as she’s being knit together, of the one who holds all of life in His sovereign hands.

Though I’m feeling great tonight, that’s not so for my poor husband and littlest girl. It’s been days since we’ve all been healthy.  While I know it’s nothing life threatening, being sick is still hard to cope with sometimes. This past weekend was rough for me. Anytime I did any amount of housework, my belly tightened up and left me feeling nauseated and very uncomfortable.  The only thing that brought reprieve was lying on my side for hours at a time.  At 28 weeks, this was the first time during my entire pregnancy I felt this way. Thankfully I’m much better now.  And good thing, because there’s no time for the mommy to be sick.  Not when two others in the house are… Emma’s on antibiotics now, so hopefully she’ll kick this ear infection quickly! And so far Mike’s missed two days of work.  I pray his body recovers swiftly and this nasty head cold doesn’t linger any longer.

To add to the fun, we’ve been without a vehicle for exactly one week now.  Let me just say it’s incredibly humbling. Our van broke down on the way to family group last Tuesday evening and has been at a shop ever since. It still hasn’t been diagnosed, and though it’s frustrating it’s also sanctifying.  It always seems that another expense rears its head just when we’re finally starting to catch up.  But I have been overwhelmed by the willingness of friends to come to our rescue when necessary. We have had rides to and from swim class, AWANA, church, the doctor’s office and the grocery store! We may even venture out on the bus later this week.  What an exciting adventure for the girls 

All this to say that I’m grateful… grateful for life, and health and air conditioning. Praise God for air conditioning!! I’m grateful for this computer, working appliances, running water… all the little things I take for granted each day. And as Irma passed through Florida, I’m grateful for the health and safety of all my family members who reside there. 

Praise be to God.

I pray that we wouldn’t dwell on the have nots of life, but all of life’s many blessings–both big and small!