While he was gone...

Evan was out of town for the past week for work, so it was a girls week! The girls and I stayed in all week playing and while they napped I kept myself busy by painting and crafting. Since the girls go to bed at 7 and 7:30, I needed a big project to do at night so I didn't watch TV all night. I decided to tackle a few huge projects! My parents gave us their old crib, so I decided to paint the oak bright white. I also added a few accent walls- our entire hallway, in my craft room, and a large monogrammed "H" in Harper's room. 

It was a busy week filled with projects, but I think I needed them so I wouldn't miss Evan as much and it helped the time pass. 

I forgot to take a before picture of the hallway, but first I taped the strips off every 16 inches. I then taped three arrows an inch thick and 8 inches long. 

I was nervous to do such a bold pattern in the front room, but once it was painted and the tape removed I fell in love. Slowly our house is getting decorated. 

The crib was a huge undertaking and took most of the week, but I think it turned out great. I used our paint sprayer since there are so many angles. I used three coats of the white and two polyurethane. 

It took three days of paint/dry time. Harper finally has a crib after 4 months- now to figure out how to assemble it!

I painted a wall in Harper's room a while ago (see above picture). Her room still looked kind of plain to me- now that I think of it, her room only had a rocking chair and pack and play. So I added a big monogrammed H to one of the walls. Once the crib is together I will hang a few pictures and her room should be done. 

My craft room wall was simple. I randomly painted gold dots along the wall. They are heavier towards the top and lighten towards the floor. This room is still a disaster, but hopefully I can get it together soon. 

I had a few random projects that I also worked on- sewing the girls bedding, shadow boxes with their blessing dresses and working on baby books. Like I said- I was trying to stay busy!

Protection

I try my hardest to protect my little girls. As friendly as Lucy can be, I guard her from strangers. Harper has never been "passed" around relief society. I wash my hands often and request those around us to wash too. I can be momzilla when random people at the store want to talk or touch the girls. 

But, and a big but, I will never be able to 100% shield them from the world. As much as we teach them to do what is right, others are showing them what is wrong. I thing I am a little numb to different things and am not as sensitive to things that I should be. I don't shield my eyes like I would the girls when a half naked person is on TV and foul language on the radio doesn't bother me when the kids aren't in the car. 

I've been thinking a lot about protection as the girls and I have been stuck in the house with nasty colds for the past week and a half. I keep a (mostly) clean house, sanitize regularly, and take vitamins but I couldn't stop an outside source from getting us sick. Lucy and Harper go to the gym daycare every morning. I can't stop another parent from bringing their sick child to the gym. 

I've had time to think about what I can so as a parent. I can teach them the gospel. I can teach them to be kind and loving. But I think mostly I can set a better example and not let others damper my spirit. 

I pray for them to grow up strong in the church. I pray for them to be examples to their friends. I pray for them to be strong and walk away when faced with temptations. 

We are on the up and up with our health. Harper has slept probably 20 of the last 24 hours and Lucy has started eating again- it's funny how they each have their own way to fight this. Fevers are starting to break and toys are finally being played with again.