I have reorganized all my reading units for 4th grade. I am hoping that this will make life during the school year a little easier as the units are all put together in binders and ready to go. I have a few more school projects that I need to finish in the next few weeks, but overall I am feeling ready for another year of sweet 4th graders!
I decided last week that I wanted to join my sisters in a 5k the first weekend of August. I haven't been very motivated this summer to get out and run in the mornings, but I did survive a 2 mile run last week, so I think I will make it!
I spent a wonderful 2 days with my friend Amanda and her family in Utah. They were so sweet to let me be part of their family for a few days. Sometimes a change of scenery is all I need to get going again!
And my biggest summer project is almost finished...
During the last week of June and the first few days of July I was really dreading the 4th of July. For me, it is the worst holiday to be a single person and I was not looking forward to it. But the Lord saw an opportunity to bless my life, and I will forever be grateful.
On the morning of July 2, a neighbor knocked on our door and asked for my mom. She was playing the organ at the temple, so I took a message for her. The Cartmill's basement had flooded and they were looking to donate their piano to someone in need. I took the message and relayed it to my mom. I went boating with some friends that afternoon, so I didn't get to talk to my mom about it until I got home. When I got home, I was telling her that I would love the piano, but I didn't really NEED it. She convinced me that it wasn't a need right now, but it would become a need when I move out. Only minutes after this discussion, Brother Cartmill came to the door and asked if we wanted it. I immediately said, "Yes!" He had the cleaning and restoration employees load it up and bring it to the house.
I started looking for ideas of what I wanted to do, and I found this beautifully refinished piano on Pinterest. So I followed the instructions and started in on my project. Here is what it looked like from the start...
With the help of my dad, we took it all apart and started cleaning. I was actually very surprised at how easily it came to pieces. I took each key out and vacuumed and scrubbed the inside.
Next, I covered the insides and started in with the primer. After the primer, I sprayed all the pieces Ivory.
I called my wonderful brother-in-law and received "Glazing 101" over the phone! I added a black glaze to finish it! Lastly, I painted the pedals to match the glaze.
Here it is! I will have a tuner come in a few weeks to get it ready for playing and lessons.
I truly have felt like this project has been such a blessing for me. It has given me something to look forward to each day. And on the 4th of July, when everyone was out enjoying the fireworks, I was in the garage spray painting away and I enjoyed every second of it! Another small reminder that my Heavenly Father is aware of me, and He is anxious to bless me in any way He can!
