There were so many things that happened, these are the projects and posts that made the most impact in our personal comfort.

So here it is the beginning of a new year and while we don’t have to set our goals here, many of us do. It seems like a natural time to decide how we want the new year to go. It’s good, but it doesn’t have to be the only time we think about what we want to do.

I have found that I am most successful when I set goals I know I can accomplish. Adding one (maybe two) that will be hard, but I know should be accomplished.

I don’t plan out the whole year. I make goals as I go and once they’re done, I set more. Things do get done, though I must admit even more than my usual is accomplished when my husband is involved.

Goals of 2018

The Back Yard

Because of Tyler, within the 2018 year, we finished our back yard.

And got a dog, which was something we had put off for years. Here she is on our finished lawn. With the pretty Pavers Edge I did. 😊

Losing Some Weight

Because of my husband I finally lost the 10 pounds I’d been trying to get rid of for four years. He decided enough was enough and lost 60+ pounds this year! To be supportive I adopted the same changes and the pounds I had been fighting with for years melted away. I was shocked and grateful.

Finishing the Basement

We also finished our basement. Well, we still need a few doors and trim… and a bathroom, but we are claiming it!

We do have carpet, but this shot is so nice and crisp. The carpet is just going to have to make its showing later.

Personal DIY

It’s strange looking back on these accomplishments. As of an hour ago, I was most proud of my personal DIY projects, but they pale in comparison to the above goals (that Tyler made happen😂😂). I’m still way happy about the following.

My front porch bench. Made from upcycled, reinvented parts. I’m mostly proud of this piece because I literally saved everything from being sent off to the dump or being burned. Now I have a gorgeous bench and place to sit while I watch my kids play. The time was worth it.

The Stenciled Storage Chest was also fun. Though it wasn’t a built piece like above, I had alot of fun giving it new life. Furniture refurbishing is a rush. I love to see how much I can improve upon the worst case scenario.

Finally! A refinished table. This poor thing sat for years with a scratched top. I finally drug it outside and sanded it down. I also used a heavy duty, outdoors, polyurethane so it would last a little longer this time.

(please excuse our lawn, it got a little too much fertilizer😒)

The Fourth Generation Dresser – this one was special. I had the opportunity to refinish the dresser my grandmother, mother and I had used as children. I then passed it on to my daughter who gets to use it.

In the process of fixing up this piece, I thought of my grandmother’s life and wondered what stories this little dresser would tell if it could speak.

Personal Improvement

I wrote a few personal improvement articles. Which were some of my favorite posts to write and I have a few more in the works. For now, Overcoming Obstacles and The Art of Saying Yes.

Goals for 2019

Being logical, I really just want goals I want to do, with a few things I don’t want to do, but know need to be done.

Build a Loft Bed

My daughter has been waiting years for a loft bed. Since her room is long and narrow that was our plan early on. Several other projects crowded the loft bed out. This is the year. I’m writing it down, so it’s an official goal now.

Refinish the entertainment consol

This piece of furniture was described by my husband as the ugliest piece of furniture in the house. Which isn’t true, the desk is much uglier. My goal this year is to make it look like a $2000 piece of furniture. Tyler knows my plan and though he can’t imagine it, he says he trusts me. 😂

Finish putting up doors

You know how I talked about realistic goals? This is one of them, the unfun, necessary part.

Finish the basement bathroom

This is a Tyler goal, which means he will find a way to make it happen and I’ll be heavily involved – can’t wait for it to be over. 😉 I’m also grateful for an awesome guy who makes things happen.