My Refurbished Cabinet

After re-working my dining room, I had an extra piece of furniture I didn't know what to do with.  I figured this would be a great piece to experiment on with painting and glazing.

I bought this piece off of Craigslist 2 1/2 years ago.  I figured some day I would re-do it.  I never thought it would take me this long.  Nevertheless, here it sits in what I hoped would be its new spot in the formal living room.

 After de-glossing it I primed it.

Then I decided to make use of my paint sprayer.  I found out this is not my favorite method of painting.  And, unless I did something really wrong it also isn't the most economical option.   I have to say I HATED the piece after this.  I called Hans and told him I thought it looked horrible.  How could I have been so wrong about the color?  But, I figured I would try glazing the piece before giving up completely.

 I'm glad I glazed before calling it a loss.  The glazing did wonders. 

 I thought something different for the bottom of the drawers would be fun.  I thought about wallpaper, but the quickest, cheapest and best option was actually wrapping paper.  I glued the paper to the bottom of the drawer and then put two coats of Polyurethane over the top.

Here it is all done and in its final home.  I purchased new knobs and drawer pulls.  I intended to buy new hinges, but after going to 3 stores and trying every hinge I saw I realized that wasn't going to be possible.  So I ended up just spraying the hinges to match the other hardware.

I was so pleased with this that I decided to do two other pieces.  Pictures will be posted shortly.

***After doing this piece I discovered that I glazed it all wrong.  The glaze should be more blended and less streaky.  Now I want to re-do it, but I fear my husband would wring my neck.  (Editor's note: I would never do such a thing and think it looks awesome and that my lovely wife needs to stop being so ridiculously self-critical.) Live and learn I guess.***

Me and My Honey

Family time is always great.  Generally there are tons of people around that want to take care of, play with, and spoil our kids.  This means that sometimes Hans and I can have a conversation that doesn't involve food, poop, or discipline.

Sometimes we can just snooze at the same time!

A Crazy, Fun-Filled 21 Hours

Hans' parents came to visit for John's last T-Ball game of the season.  It also happened to be the weekend of Channahon's Three Rivers Fest so things were a bit crazy.

 It didn't take the boys long to start showing off their costumes.

It was an evening filled with food, costumes, and conversation.

The next morning we decided to get in a park visit before heading to John's T-Ball game.

Gus and Anders are always trying to get someone to push them on the swings.  Grandpa was a good choice.

After the park I had to go to work and everyone else headed to the game.

 Anders had to make sure Grandpa was fully nourished.

 Somewhere along the way John forgot his t-ball hat and Gus was nice enough to let John use his.

 Of course that means that Gus took Grandpa's hat.

 Attempt #1 to get a picture.

 Attempt #2.  John and Solveig look good.  Fiene boys-FAIL.

 Attempt #3.  Just give up!

After the game.  1 out of 3 Fiene boys looking at the camera = success!

When the game and little award presentation were over they all walked to the festival to play some games and ride some rides.

The festival also had a nice little petting zoo.

21 hours after their arrival it was time to say goodbye.  I don't think we could have packed much more into our time with Grandma and Grandpa Fiene.