74 sentiments shared

done. dusted.

reno·vate (ren′ə vāt′)

transitive verb renovated -·vat′ed, renovating -·vat′·ing

1. to make fresh or sound again, as though new; clean up, replace worn and broken parts in, repair, etc.
2. to refresh; revive

Refreshed and revived?  Surely you jest.  The home maybe.  The home owners however, are the exact opposite of revived.  We are running out of enthusiasm for being woken daily by large machinery and trying to assemble breakfast on a work site.   We have no flooring, kitchen or laundry.  Walls have turned into plywood on their way to becoming doors.  And oh, the dust.   It all comes down to the dust.  I take it away and someone puts it back again.  Throw some children on school holidays in and you’re on the road to insanity.

The really, really good news though?  Apparently we’re almost done.  If I had a dollar for every person who’s said “it’ll all be worth it in the end” I could have paid for ten renovations.  If we actually get to “the end”, I’ll let you know if they were right.

Here’s Ivish annoying assisting  Dad with the painting yesterday. (Excuse the crazy bed hair.  It was early and her mane is a part nest/part fluff at the best of times.)

Sheye xx

1. Toni says:

   I’m with you Sheye! We are still there after 2.5 years! But loving the process now ( :
   Maybe it grows on you lol! Yes it’s worth it & yes I would love the $1 for every one of those too!!!! It does NOT make it any easier though!!
   Your Ivy & mine would be best mates, peas in a pod. Gosh they are so alike (in character, not looks)!!!. It freaks me out sometimes. We must get them together one day, they would adore each other ( :

   
2. Anonymous says:

   So sweet! Ivy is so gorgeous. <3

   
3. Cheri says:

   renovating is a bear, but what a lovely contrasting backdrop to photograph Ivy in! And her shoes…what a delightful finishing touch! I can’t help but wonder if she is sprinkling a little glitter fairy dust in the paint…;)

   
4. Brie says:

   Oh my word, her shoes are adorable!

   
5. Ness says:

   I’m sure it WILL be worth it, when all the dust is finally gone. I am still living with my delightful 80s kitchen because I am too gutless to renovate — you’ll have to inspire me! (Ivy looks gorgeous, as usual.)

   
6. Zak says:

   Because everyone knows a true lady paints in heels. :)

   Love her.

   
7. Anne says:

   I hope that it all comes to an end soon and that you *love* the results!

   As far as Ivy goes, she’s A.dor.able!! I think her hair looks styled! And that skirt and those shoes—just TOO much—in a good way!

   
8. Angela says:

   I love how Ivy is wearing a lovely, polkadotted dress even when painting. I like her style. She’s very sweet.

   
9. Jessica Borek says:

   I know how you feel, but once everything is finished you will sit back and relax and admire everything that has been done, well if your children let you relax. Ivy looks so sweet and angelic. She is one stylish chic who always looks fabulous even when there is painting to do around the house. =]

   
10. Sarah @ BecomingSarah.com says:

    Er. It’ll all be worth it in the end? =P

    
11. C@thleen says:

    Hey- I do housework in exactly the same outfit! (Ivy’s that is)

    
12. C@thleen says:

    P.S. Tell her not to worry about the hair. Most of the time my hair also look like that. That’s why the heels. It takes people’s minds off the hair ;)

    
13. Kristy@ksayerphotography says:

    That first photo is gorgeous! She’s standing there looking pretty while your dad does all the work.

    I love checking into your blog to see your gorgeous photos :)

    
14. Karri says:

    Wow! Her hair is gorgeous, even if its bed hair. What a lucky girl. The renovations in the background look great so far.

    
15. Liza says:

    Renovation rule # 1….one should ALWAYS paint in heels! Love it :)

    
16. Liz Kennedy says:

    Such a classic observation pose in frame one. Love the nest too.

    
17. Sarah says:

    Hi

    I found this blog and started too read..I thought it was just beautiful..the pictures,the colours, just everything..
    Then I read about Ava..I have not heard about hear story before, I got tears in my eyes..I lookt at her picture and I have too say…She may be the most BEAUTIFUL girl I have ever seen!!
    All your kids are sooo cute, but Ava look just like a little angel..I bet she is is the prettiest angel in heaven now, and that she is watching over all off you:)
    So sad to read about her..and you seems like a very strong woman.

    Just wanted too leave a comment, beautiful blog you have:)

    
18. Zoe, Conversation Pieces says:

    I love her hair! I wish I could get mine to look even a smidgen as cute as that! ;)

    And yes what a wonderful painting outfit :)

    
19. Katie says:

    Oh my gosh, how sweet is she with those little heels and her posturing? Precious darling. Love these shots.

    
20. Shayne says:

    Everyone should paint in high heels. make the painters put them on as they enter;-)

    
21. Gina P. says:

    what a little lady! i love that first image where her hip is cocked to the side. i so see the teenager that will soon be sheye!!!

    
22. Colleen says:

    oh my gosh she is too stinkin adorable!!!! Love that little bit of pink against the white…she is adorable!!! Love those chic heels…the girl has some serious style!!

    
23. Jennifer O. says:

    I adore these pics of Ivy! She just looks so playful and sweet!

    
24. Suzey says:

    aw shes so beautiful just like Ava! when i look at Ivy i see Ava she amaze me <3