What was old is new!

Grandpa Jack passed away in May. We were at his house after the funeral and we spotted a unique piece of furniture in the garage. For as long as Grandma R. could remember, Grandpa had used this as a workbench. I thought it was kinda cool with the pull-out stools so we debated and then asked if we could have it. The answer was yes as it would have been added to the burn pile otherwise. Then the task was at hand to determine what exactly it was. My brother-in-law Brian had the winning answer....a science desk probably from the 40's or 50's! This made perfect sense as Grandpa was the custodian at the old school and would have volunteered to take it home! The before picture is on another device, but picture an old workbench with oil and chemical stains plus old white paint that had been put on in an attempt to improve...

This is the after photo...the wood is walnut and some birch. I am quite enamored with this piece. I looked all over the internet and was able to find only 1 other example of one similar to this. It didn't have the attached stools!

There was another desk right by the science desk that was in worse shape but it had some cool features. We decided that if we thought we might want it, we had better take it! (Thanks to some great advice!) We loaded it up and hauled it home. After investigating more...we discovered that it was made out of cherry wood and was hand-made...probably vintage 1880's give or take some years. Really at that age, what does it matter right? We also had it refinished. I am in love with it's character and charm.

The before and after...or after and before
Here's the fun part. It only had 1 of the original handles. After the paint was stripped, I got on the internet and found something I thought was close on E-Bay. Turns out it was an exact match! What are the chances of that!?! It really adds to the desk that both drawers have the same bin pull. I am sure Grandpa would ask why in the world we refinished those old things...
*smile*

Family Pictures

We had our family pictures taken in June, the first time since Madie was 1! I do believe it was about time! We hired a local lady to come to the house to do the pictures. She did a fantastic job and was absolutely great with the kids. Even my big kid relaxed a little had a little fun with it. All of the pics were taken on our acreage which is fun. Here is a small peek. {I tried not to use my absolute favorites as they may be seen in a Christmas card later on! :) }






In other news...

• We have been enjoying summer with a pool pass! That has been a lot of fun and the kids have really enjoyed it.
• Some little boy has a birthday next week so plans are in the works for a party!
• Mom was down the last two days. We had fun doing some shopping and of course~playing!
• We had the annual family reunion on my dad's side! Lots of good company and good food!
• The kids and I went to play with Grandma and Grandpa G. for a couple days. Fun times on the four-wheeler! Matt loves it! "I had fun Momma!"
• The girls have been busy with critters...we have had 3 litters of kittens this spring. Luckily they were litters of 2, 2, and 3! 5 of them found new homes this week, the other two are just opening eyes. These along with horses (borrowed from Grandpa R.) and dogs keep the kids busy, busy, busy. They are usually out the door in the morning before I am even out of bed!
• I think we have turned the corner with potty training! WooHoo! It is bitter sweet, on one hand I am sooo ready to not buy diapers any more but on the other, it means my babies are getting big!