Kitchen, dining and lounge paint reveal

Looking through our transformed dining room into our transformed lounge.

My sister-in-law, Kim, and her husband, Brendan, gave us such a wonderful Christmas present. They flew down to Wellington for three days to help us paint our house. (And by 'help' I mean 'do most of the work themselves.')

I organised back-to-back play-dates for L and S with church and Playcentre friends while Kim and Brendan were here, and was overwhelmed by the kindness of all the people who took the girls during that time so I could paint.

It meant my girls had three days of fun, while we got heaps of hard work done.

And let me tell you, Kim and Brendan did work hard - and always with such a cheerful attitude! I really loved having them here and was so sad to send them off home to Te Puke.

Our much lighter kitchen. It used to be maroon. Even the ceiling!

I'm loving our new space. It's so much lighter! I don't have to turn on as many lights, which is a big bonus, and it feels so fresh and open. There's still a bit to do - sorting out blinds and curtains for the lounge and dining room, and finishing off the paint on the windowsills and doors, but even as it is, I am so happy.

Our fresh lounge.

From the bottom of my heart I want to thank all the people who made it happen:

Kim and Brendan for working their butts off for us. Nanny for babysitting Kim and Brendan's children. Fiona, Peta and Antonia from Playcentre for taking my girls on play-dates with your children. Liz, Janice and Faye from church for taking my girls on exciting trips. And everyone else who offered to help but I had to turn down because I had too much help. I'm grateful to you all.

Thank you!