project: Counters Done!

Ok sooo I DID IT! I refinished my counter tops (doesn't that sound better then "I painted my counter tops"?). Over all I am REALLY pleased. I mean it couldn't be worse then this? Right?



Here's the new and improved product.



I learned a lot and if I were doing it over again I would do several things differently. Here's my story.

Materials

1 roll Painters tape
1 roll Painter's paper
Caulk
5 cans Black Metallic Spray Paint
1 can Black Metallic Spray Paint
2 Gallons EnviorTex Lite (40% off 1 item at Roberts so make 2 trips)
1 Propane Torch (for bubbles in EnviorTex).

My Process

1. I spent a lot of time researching the look I wanted. I always thought I wanted absolute black granite in my kitchen so when I was looking at faux finishing my counters that is the look I gravitated towards. I practiced with a number of spray paints on old pieces of cardboard until I made a decision.

2. I found that I'd have to special order the paint I wanted so I did that 10 days in advance. (Rustoleum Black Granite)

3. I really cleaned my counters. I used TSP and a scrub brush. Did you notice how nasty they were AFTER a good, hard cleaning? I took the time to fix some problems and Oh BOY am I glad I did. I had some large chips missing that that I filled in with drywall compound, and multiple cracks I caulked. Make sure you follow manufactures dry times.

4. Tape Tape Tape. Tape everything. If you use spray paint tape off your floors, your cabinets, your back splash, your entries into the room. I failed to do that last part and I found dust particles in the basement. EVERYTHING in my house needed a good cleaning. Do a good job taping because the EnviroTex is an oooie gooie mess and will seep through everything. Notice how I taped off the sink using a black garbage bag. I should have taken a picture before I started painting. =)

5. I painted 2 base coats of Rustoleum's Black Metallic paint. It's sparkles and is so pretty. I let my counters dry over night. I mentioned I would do some things over. I would have primed the counters with dark primer so I could use less spray paint. Not only would that have been cheaper it would have saved my finger a lot of pain.

6. Next spray lightly the Black Granite Stone paint. I held it up about 12 inches and just did little spurts. I only used half a can on my 15 linear feet of counters. (that was one expensive half can see here.) I let that dry for 4 hours.

7. My downfall, EnviroTex. It's a good product I am just inexperienced and impatient. I followed instructions and mixed well then I poured liberally onto my counters. Again following instructions I smoothed it out and let it self level. It works GREAT on flat surfaces. Unfortunately, I have a "back splash" built into my counters. Getting the EnviroTex to cover my back splash and my edges was not easy. A lot of it ended up on the floor and I had to use LOTS of rubbing alcohol and a dish scraper to get it up.

Also I didn't have enough EnviroTex and had to run to the store at the last minute. Not fun and my counter by the fridge is not pretty. (I'll sand and redo it later, much later.) I didn't use a knife to remove some tape and.... Notice the white spot on the counter.

8. As it's setting up make sure you use the torch to get out bubbles. NEVER leave the torch in one place for long. I'll get little "pot holes" or divots in you finish. So just keep it moving and on low flame.

Over all I'm pleased. and I would recommend you do it if you dislike your counters. The final total... $200. $130 of that is EnviroTex (3 gallons, including the one I'll use to fix my screw ups) and $35 is my 6 cans of special order paint (of which I only used 1/2 can).

Lean From My Mistakes

1. Make sure you have enough EnviroTex. Get 1 gallon more than you think you’ll use. ( you can always return it)

2. Take the tape off as soon as it gels enough to stop dripping.

3.Use a square painter’s sponge on the back splash. I didn’t and I wish I had.

4.Tape Tape Tape Tape. Tape off EVERYTHING well.

5.Wear rubber gloves and have a back up pair, or 2, if you have to take them off before you’re done (you know, bathroom, kids, going to the store for EnviroTex).

6.We used a Sheet on our floor. It has always been our drop cloth. Use something heavier. The EnvrioTex seeped right through it and attached to our floor.

7.Have Lots of rubbing alcohol available for drips on floors cabinets or sinks.

8.If you have a bathroom vanity, practice there first. I wish I had.

Good Luck and contact me if you have any questions!

foster: Protocol

Update: I guess I was a little too angry when I wrote this. Nothing has happened but our information has been compromised. There will be changes coming, partly because someone, probably unknowingly, said some things they shouldn't have. It's not like we're super hard to find but....

As members of the community you are bound to know families who choose to make the sacrifice to foster children. Please, Please, Please, respect their privacy. Never give their full name or address to ANYONE no matter how well you think you know the person requesting information. And NEVER give their name and address to a parent of a child in their care. It puts the family and the children in their care at GREAT RISK. As a member of the community, a family member or friend you do not have full disclosures. You may be unaware of a biological parent's background, mental illness, drug history or a myriad of other pertinent information the State has used to assess the safety of the children in it's custody. Weather you think the removal is fair or not, right or not, or even legal does not give you the right to disclose the location of a foster family caring for children in State custody. The foster family did not make the decision to remove the children and will not make the decision to return children to their biological parents.

Can you tell I'm a little angry? =)

Craft ideas

crochet patterns-Really cute Crocheted hat patters for sale in her Etsey store

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7075162

Car Seat Canopy Instructions- I'm working on this one today. Look for pictures!

http://while-they-sleep.blogspot.com/2009/07/my-good-friend-beth.html

Leg Warmers-As soon as I can make it to the store I'm making these with women's socks. I know some of you have already done this. I LOVE these girls in dresses and these puppies will make dresses possible more often.

http://everythingyourmamamade.com/2008/01/21/make-your-own-baby-leg-warmers/

Fabric Shoes- You kiddidng? I can't afford shoes for twins at $5.00 a pair. I'm hoping I make it around to these shoes before they go home.

http://www.michaelmillerfabrics.com/blog/cloth_shoe.pdf

Scarf -Love Love Love this scaf

http://vermillionrules.blogspot.com/2010/01/t-shirt-ruffle-scarf-tutorial.html

I've been dying to make a drum shade for my bedroom. Here are some sites that will help me on my way.

http://lakeslampshades.com/blog/2009/02/everything-drum-shades.html

http://www.instructables.com/id/Barrel_Drum_Lamp_Shade/

http://www.lampshop.com/

Love these little face plates! Can't wait to do that!

Have you seen this? I can't wait to have a child to decorate for! Love the fabric on the walls!

Adore this alternative to wallpaper

craft: Picture Schedule

Alright. I figure it's time for some pictures. We are super busy with appointments. I mean crazy busy. SOooo, to give the kids a sence of control I wanted to do a picture schedule. I have done this with other kids using these black boards, but these kids are so scheduled I didn't want to be erasing it all the time. This is what I came up with.

I started with an Ikea magnet board and sanded it.

Using some spray paint I made it match my house.


Next came the hard part. Using clipart, I found images to match our life style. Things like Potty, wash hands, doctor, car seats, sleep, you get the idea.
I printed them on card stock, then protected the card stock with clear contact paper.


Next came the easiest part! 2 sided tape holds the magnents to the back of my cards. You can buy the rolls of magnets with tape already on them if you like but I wanted a stronger magnet.


Ikea also has littl magnetic boxes for like $3. They are perfect to hold all my cards in. Everything I need is in one easy place. Love It!

If you decided to do this project I'd love to know what some of you images are. I'm always in the market for new ideas!

foster: Questions Answered

I received an email from a good friend requesting more details regarding our new situation. I realized many of you may have the same questions. (Or maybe I just flatter myself.) So, Megan, I hope you don’t mind if I respond publicly to your email.

1. Did you have notice that G and Lil G would be going home or did it happen suddenly? Yes and No. The caseworker gave me a heads up about 2 weeks prior to the court date. DCFS can make recommendations but the Judge is the one who makes decisions. Once the Judge gave us the proverbial “green light” we had 1 weekend (Saturday, Sunday) to pack up and say goodbye. The transition from our home to their home was nightmarish but we survived.

2. How are you feeling?
Mostly sad about the G’s. I found one of Lil G’s socks between the washer and dryer. I cried. School started yesterday. I thought of G. I cried. But over all I’m really REALLY busy.

3. How quick was the transition?
Quick. I got a call mid morning Tuesday. (The Gs went home early Monday) I almost said NO. I had so many projects I was really excited about and I knew these kids would need extra effort. But, the more I talked to the caseworker the better I felt. I met them around lunch time on Wednesday and they were dropped off 2 hours later.

4. How has this experience been different so far?
This is a good question for a private conversation. I will say it has been different in almost every way, except diapers. Both kids fit into Lil G’s diapers.

5. How has this experience changed your life? ( I took this to mean Foster Care on a whole)
Oh boy. There’s the normal parent stuff. No more eating on the couch. No privacy, even showers are interrupted. It’s now normal for me to stand up after Sacrament Meeting and make sure no Cheerios are sticking to my backside.

Today I cleaned poop off the toilet, bathroom floor and out of the bathtub, as my first attempt to potty train 2 children simultaneously ended with, me throwing up (several times), and Alyssa coming to my rescue.

But also my love for my husband has increased. My trust in my Heavenly Father tried and strengthened. My capacity for Love, Kindness, PATIENCE, and Understanding has been enlarged. Things I thought I could never do I have done. Most of the time I come off conqueror, sometimes I come off conquered (refer to earlier poop incident). I must say I am SOOO lucky to be surrounded by so many resources and AMAZING people.

Update: most people wonder if we'll be able to stay in contact with the 2 Gs. The answer is- Maybe. it's up to Mom but we remain hopeful!

foster: Post

I loved this post from Another Small Adventure. I just thought this was so beautiful I had to share it.

"Many times I hear people say how they can't do foster care because they can't bear to let go. Letting go is hard....but the Lord is there to help you through it. You are not left empty or alone.....you are filled with the knowledge that what you did was good and the Lord is happy with your service to HIS child. He will not let you suffer...He will bless you with a greater capacity to understand and to love. No loss goes unnoticed or uncounted.
There will come a day when you will reap the benefits of being counted among those who would love a child of God.

I share these things with you out of love....love truly makes little things grow. My heart has grown through little things...little tiny people who needed someone....little moments that are only known between me, a special child and God...moments when I was mothering someone who really needed a mother. And then there are those little moments when the Lord has whispered to me that He is pleased with me and that I am loved. In those little moments my heart changed and will never be the same!
The great thing about this is that these little moments don't just happen to me...they can happen to you too.
Are you ready?"~ ANOTHER SMALL ADVENTURE

Do You Have New Cheese?

Have you read this book? LOVE it! Quick read of about 1 hour and, it is a great book for work, family, social, well just about anything!

With a new family situation we are constantly refering to our "New Cheese" and in some cases still looking for it!

Did you know?

Did you know Toothpaste can get permanent marker out? Even out of the floor or TV? Yep, we now know that.

foster

On hard days like today it's nice to remember this conversation with G.

E: Did you have a good visit with the caseworker?
G: Yes, she asked some hard questions.
E: She did?
G: Yeah, she asked what my favorite part about your house was.
E: oh yeah?
G: Yeah, I told her "I don't know"
E: Hmmm what about crafts? you like crafts. Or friends?
G: No, I know, my favorite part is YOU!

I miss those 2 little Gs.

foster: Shout Out

I just wanted to give a shout out to Megan, Traci and Rachael for all their help. You probably don't think you have done a lot but these children came to us with very little. I was able to go to my basement and pick out 4 shirts, 2 pairs of pants, a set of PJ's and a blanket for each child. That, supplemented with what I was able to get before they came, makes a full week of clothes! Thank you for your donations! You 3 are AMAZING!

foster: Here We Go Again

I had some time to prepare myself for this one. I did a LOT of research and met the kids today. I did a LOT of shopping in advance so no late night scramble to Walmart. They'll be here in 30 minutes and I'm so excited!

foster: New Kids

We got a call today... After talking to our Resource Family Consultant (RFC) and the case worker we decided to take on a new challenge. And this will be a challenge. Two children a boy almost 4 and girl almost 3. One of the children has some special needs. We're hoping to meet them tomorrow. We'll see!

foster: Home

Letting the children go was like breaking-up. Letting someone you love leave, for what you hope is a better life, is bitter, bitter sweet. (2 bitters because it’s more bitter then sweet.) I am so grateful for the relationships in my life that aren’t temporary. My relationship with my wonderful husband is eternal and everlasting through sacred covenants made in a Temple of God. The Lord teaches me the importance of this relationship so often. I am so grateful for the truth that Families are Forever.

foster: Going Home

Some of you may be wondering why I've been so hyped up on crafts this last week. Today we had court and the two G's will be leaving us Monday morning. I've been trying to prep myself for dealing with lots of free time. I noticed on days they had long overnight visits I would get down. I don't want to be that person! Soooooo, my coping strategy is to stay busy! Wish me luck!

problem

Does anyone else want to do their counters with me. I'm set on this black granite look from Rustoleum. The problem is I'd have to special order it. It comes in cases of 6 and my tiny kitchen will only need 1 or 2 cans. I'd love to split the cost with you if you wanna. We're coming to Oregon for Thanksgiving so don't let distance stop you!

Update: It's 7 something a can. For all six it'll be $42+.

To achieve this look I plan on the following:

1. Clean counters with TSP
2. 2 coats of KILZ primer
3. 2 coats of black paint
4. LIGHTLY spray spray paint on
5. After completely dry use 2 boxes of EnviroTex Lite to smooth and seal ($20 a 1/2 galon after 40% off at Roberts)
6. Use small propane torch to get rid of bubbles

Planning on not using my kitchen counters for 4 days.

I have the kilz and black paint from past projects. so for me to do this project it'll cost about $65 including 2 cans of spray paint. (I'm hoping to borrow the torch.)

craft: Necklaces

Love Love Love these Scrabble tile pendents. I made them for our Activity Days girls for about $10. I'll give them away for birthdays this next year. We will have 22 birthdays between now and next December. Can you say WOW!


They say Child of GOD. I wish I had better hand writing but this project is so easy.

adventure: Timp Caves

We hiked to Timp Caves on Monday. It ... was... a blast. Wait let me catch my breath. It was harder then I remembered it being 7 years ago and 70 lbs lighter. Here are some pictures from our hike.

The caves are AWESOME and have lots of cool formations.

These were my faves. Can you see how they look like coral? The defy gravity to go every which way and I think that's cool!

Here's some tips if you want to go yourselves.

1. Go early
2. Don't being young children
3. Go early
4. Bring lots of water
5. Go early
6. Bring a light coat or sweat shirt, it's cool and damp inside the caves
7. Go early
8. Allow lots of time for the hike. We kinda scoffed at the 1.5 hours they give you to get up there. We used it.
9. Bring your camera
10. Bring a flashlight. there are lights in the cave and your guide will have a flash light. Having your own gives you a chance to explore nicks and crannies. It's way more fun.
11. Did I say go early? Be on the first hike. It's cooler and you are going to work up a sweat. Plus it's not crowded on the trail you can take your time and enjoy it.

I hope some of you go and share your pictures. I LOVED IT again!

fun:JJ's Ceativity

JJ began designing his own blog. I'm sure he was going to wait for it to be finished and polished before he showed it to anyone, but I'm pretty proud of him for figuring out the code/html stuff.

craft: Counters!

So I'm doing this. She also did it. This is where they learned how. I'm thinking I'll do it in the next 2 weeks. It can't turn out worse then I already have, can it? No. I'm totally inspired and I CAN do this. RIGHT?????

craft: U CREATE

I'm back! I haven't been able to find time or the desire to craft but thanks to U Create I've got several projects in the works. Working on this skirt for G. And this bib holder for future placements. Can you say cute? Love these bracelets. Might even make them today!