A Vintage Survival Pioneer Trek

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I looked up the word Vintage, and besides references about wine I found, a period of origin and dating from the past, and the word Survival means the state or fact of continuing to live or exist, typically in spite of difficult circumstances, and decided to use these words to describe the first pioneer trek I ever went on. Of course this wasn’t the first pioneer trek, that trek was the definitely vintage and the epitome of survival. Things have changed a lot since my first trek experience, even in the modern reenactment treks that happen now.

I was about 14 years old, and it was about the mid 1970’s. It was tough! I still feel a little uneasy about how this trek was done, and think it should have or could have been a better experience.

As I remember it, we arrived at the church on Thursday in our pioneer outfits. In our ward a common and expected thing would be for our leaders to have a table set up with a breakfast treat like donuts or muffins and maybe even juice while we waited for everyone to arrive. Not for this event. Nothing, not even water. I was a little bummed, because I didn’t eat before I left home, no breakfast, no snack or anything. This would normally not be a big deal if lunch was the next opportunity to eat, but as I found out later it would be a quite a long while till I would eat.

We got on a bus, and drove for some time, maybe an hour or two. We got to the location, in a canyon somewhere. I have no idea where it was. We got out and were assigned a family group. A Ma and Pa and siblings. The leaders went through the kids bags and removed all candy, gum and any distractions. We got our handcart and started on our way. We walked and walked, we may have even sung as we walked and walked and walked and walked, I don’t remember. We walked and pushed and pulled and took turns in the front of the handcart for a long time. It started to get dusk and we stopped. They said we were stopping for the night. I think they said we went 12 miles. Shortly after we stopped we were givin a cup of broth and a piece of beef jerky. That was it. I honestly don’t remember having water. We didn’t bring water bottles with us. It wasn’t like it is now when all the leaders encourage the youth to bring a water bottle and make sure they take lots of drinks so no one would get dehydrated. So once we were ready we went to bed.

The next day, Friday, we walked and walked again for hours. We may have stopped from time to time, I don’t remember. I don’t remember anything about the food on the second day, but it had to be better than the first day. We walked and pushed the handcarts all day again. I seem to remember that we went 15 miles, and when we quit, we made camp and planned to stay there for a day or so. I don’t remember tents, so I’m sure we just slept out under the stars.

On Saturday, early in the day we had all kinds of busy-ness going on. One thing they did was to release live turkeys and some of the boys chased them down until they caught them. Then they were butchered. Someone chopped off their heads and then we all helped to remove the innards and plucked the turkey. When it was ready it was put in a large dutch oven with other vegetables and buried down in the ground with coals to cook it. In the mean time we played pioneer games and messed around while the food cooked. When the food was done, we dug it out and had the best food I may have ever eaten in my life. That turkey and those veggies were cooked to perfection. Whoever was in charge of that part of the trip was a master.

The next day, Sunday we had our Sunday Sacrament meeting and sat on logs laid out in rows for pews. After Sacrament meeting we did a thing they called solo. We were asked to find a place to spend time in nature away from the other kids and adults. We were to use the time writing in our journal, or reading our scriptures or resting. This was supposed to take place till evening or dusk and then we all gathered together for testimony meeting. I remember trying really hard to have a spiritual experience, or to have something profound to write in my journal, but I was pretty much still feeling out of sorts and kind of insecure. I kept wondering who was in charge and why we were doing this trek. What were we supposed to learn. Maybe we were supposed to learn that we had it easy, that we were pansies, or that challenges are good for us. Maybe we were supposed to learn that we had no clue about how hard it was for the pioneers. I’m sure all of that is true, I just didn’t feel it at the time. Was I too young to truly appreciate what I was experiencing? Definitely, and I’m sure I just wanted to go home.

On Monday morning we broke camp and headed toward the bus and home. Thank heavens! In the end I think they were trying to teach us about hardship and to help us appreciate the original pioneers. I did, and I do. If that’s how pioneer trek reenactments happened today, I would never go on a pioneer trek again.

Thankfully the focus has changed from hardship and endurance to an appreciation of the people themselves. I have been on a pioneer trek since this vintage survival trek and it is much more positive, and even endearing. The kids are assigned or pick a pioneer, and act as if they are that person. They find out the history of that person and what was going on in their lives at the time of the original trek west. This gives them the opportunity to think about them and ask questions like: Why would they do it? What drove them to leave their homeland and sacrifice so much to come to Zion? When you think about that, it’s a lot to take in and contemplate.

They walked an 23,636 steps a day.

Do I put that much energy into anything? Am I driven to follow God and the Prophet like they were? I know I can do hard things for a noble cause, and I want to feel like my time on earth counts. It’s important to make good choices, and to follow good leaders, and bless others along the way. How many steps a day do I make to leave a legacy?

I’m grateful I had a vintage survival pioneer trek experience, but I am glad its over. I am more grateful to the pioneers for their spirit and tenacity and willingness to struggle and even die to get to Zion, and leave such a lasting legacy. Learning about them and following their example is a blessing I will always be grateful for.

You’ll Feel Better

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A handful of years ago I was in a challenging place. Our life had changed completely. If you visit the blog or know me you would already know this. Just for the sake of the story I’ll tell you a what happened.

One thing that I should share is that I have depression. I have had it for many years. I am a pretty good faker, but mostly because it’s my struggle and I don’t want people to ask too much about it. I have had a lot of responsibilities while having depression, so I would say I’m high functioning (whatever that means). I mostly just do what I need to do and cry or be by myself when I get home. I’m telling you this because I’ve dealt with this for a long time, and if or when something big happens or changes, it can have a huge impact on my wellbeing.

Somehow I made it through a son entering the army, a son going to South Africa on a LDS Mission, and two daughters serving missions, one of which was out of the country. I am very protective and a worrier, so my kids growing up, and living somewhere out in the world is not fun. I was only able to handle this time and these experiences because of my faith in God and my understanding that it is actually a good thing and important for our kids to grow up and leave home and make their way in the world. We always knew that the end goal was to raise our kids and send them off into the unknown. We wanted them to be amazing, independent and make the world better for their being in it. That is what they did. They are wonderful. They are incredible people and I look up to them.

When our youngest Emily, our Bonus Baby came home from her mission we thought, “What’s next?” All of our children were living at home. Our oldest and his sweet wife Janet were living in our basement apartment, while they looked for a home. And the other two were working and deciding what they were going to do. All the kids were working to give us help with the bills and such. We knew we wouldn’t/couldn’t make ends meet without them. We were house poor when we bought our wonderful home, but wanted to stay as long as possible. We lived there for 18 years. We raised our kids there, we loved our neighbors and location…but, we knew it was time to move. We prayed and felt like we needed to put the house up for sale. We sold it in 2 months. Riley and Janet bought a house. Alex bought a house and the girls moved in with him.

In a 3 months period of time we got our youngest home from a mission, moved and became empty nesters. I mean when it’s right, it’s right! I knew it would be hard, but I also knew it was right. Things fell into place. Next was adjusting to all the new stuff, and missing my kids. Sniff, sniff, waaahhhhh!

We love our home! We love our neighbors and new friends. I was just so lonesome. So lonesome for my kids. I guess we really ripped the band-aid off! I had a few different jobs, but was really struggling with my depression and finally decided to stay home and do daycare. What that meant was I could feel sad now and then, and hold and love someone else’s kids while I try to adjust to this new normal. It helped. I love children and they love me.

On one occasion I was feeling super sad, and I said to Father in Heaven. “If you’ll help me feel better, I’ll do more.” Meaning I’ll love others more, I’ll leave my house and serve. I’ll bless others with my love. I was having a hard time just helping with the young women in our LDS Ward. I wanted to help, but totaling didn’t want to help. I didn’t want to leave the house. Tears came very easy. I cried so much during this time in my life. After I told Heavenly Father that I’d do more if He helped me feel better, the very next thought that came to my mind was, “If you’d do more, you’d feel better.” Very clear, very calm, that was the answer. I said out loud, “Damnit!” I didn’t want that answer! I knew that that was the right answer, because we forget ourselves when we serve, but I didn’t feel like it. I wanted to feel like it and then do better.

Doing what God wants is always good, but when we do it while we’re in the middle of pain, hardship or sorrow, it is actually doing something that will help us to be more Christlike. Serving, loving and helping another while you’re in pain is what Jesus did after He suffered in the Garden when He healed the guards ear. It’s what He did on the cross when He was in agony and He gave John charge over His Mama. He is our best and most wonderful example. I want to be like Him.

That was pure revelation for me. It was then and is now a guide to doing better. If I’m struggling to love, serve or help another and I don’t really want to do it- I know that’s ok, but I also know I’ll feel better after I do it. I’m so grateful for revelation. I’m so grateful that even in my weird chemical brain I have been blessed with inspiration. I just need to be still and open to it. I want any and all the inspiration that Heavenly Father is willing to give me. I know that He will inspire you too with what ever help you need. Be careful though, cause you might just have to do something you didn’t really want to do, but I promise you will feel better!

Grandbabies!!

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Life just gets grander!! Look at these sweet little blessings in cute little human packages! I’m so grateful for them all! You never know when you’re a young Mama what a blessed and happy time awaits you when you become a grandmother. Each of these tiny souls has come into my life and made such a mark of love and happiness.

There was a story I heard once of person getting ready for a new child to come into their life. I can’t remember if they were parents or grandparents, but they couldn’t comprehend how they could love another child like they loved the one they already had. Like their love was only so much, and they had used all that love. Then someone told them that your love grows. Your ability to love increases. That is truth. I am amazed each time a new baby is born how much I love them, how much I can’t imagine my life without them.

The chorus to a very sweet Primary song says:

God gave us families to help us become what He wants us to be—

This is how He shares His love, for the fam’ly is of God.

God shares His love by giving us families. Children, grandchildren and sweethearts.

It is glorious!

Heroes: Jeri

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There are few people who influenced my teen years as much as Jeri. I was very lonely, insecure and needed a friend that wasn’t family. Family has to love you, friends don’t, they choose to love you. Of course I needed my family too, but I found a friend and confidant and mentor in my hero, Jeri. I called her Mom sometimes, because she was another Mama to me. Let me describe her if I can-Jeri was a very regal and gentle woman. She was soft spoken and polite, and very proper. She had a flare for decorating and celebrations. She could put together a party that was fun with a theme that was undeniably clear.

When she was my church young women leader, we went to her home for an oriental dinner. I can’t remember if it was Japanese or Chinese. Let’s just say Asian. She had all the long tables on blocks close to the floor so we could sit on the floor and eat. The tables were laid out with beautiful tablecloths and the perfect settings and decorations. I’m sure we tried to use chop sticks, but ended up using forks. She served stir fry. The meat was tenderized to perfection. It was delicious and a blast!

She had a beautiful home where I felt safe and loved. She was always busy with recipes and had a dream to write a recipe book. She had a closet in her home just for Root Beer Mugs, platters, soup tureens, china, pitchers serving ware that was like going to visit the homewares area of a department store. It was heavenly.

She loved all the church buildings in Salt Lake and would on occasion take us young women to the Lion House for lunch. What a treat! She loved a little restaurant called Dixon Pies. She would take us to get pie and sometimes even lunch. So much yum!

One time we were meeting with our church group up at Bear Lake. I got to ride with Jeri, and talked her into letting me drive her canary yellow Cadillac. It was a peach! We told her we knew the way and ended up in Idaho, and had to make a big circle to get to the lake. She was so cute about it, too. She just laughed and said it was a fun little adventure. She was so sweet and patient with us.

At Christmas time there was always a beautifully decorated tree positioned in the center of the living room window. It would have a theme and that theme would continue around the home. The living room was always perfect. In fact the whole home was something to behold. It could have been in a magazine! Maybe it was?

She loved little Shelty dogs. She had a few in the time I knew her and they always had sweet names like “Lady” or “Missy”. They were beautiful dogs.

She was a stalwart defender of God and Faith. It was evident in her example and the life she lived. She wasn’t perfect. In fact she was hard on herself. I would visit and we would sit for quite sometime visiting about the things that are important in life. She was divorced and very sad about that, but she didn’t focus on it, too much. She struggled with some health issues and did her best to keep her chin up.

She worked in the Temple and loved her time there. She volunteered as a greeter at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, and enjoyed being in the middle of the church sites. Her love of the gospel of Jesus Christ was an important thing to her and I’m sure she shared it as often as possible.

When I got past my awkward years, and maybe I’m still awkward, she continued to be a wonderful support. She came to the airport when I left for my mission. She would deliver sweet notes to my mailbox saying, “Just thinking about you! Love you! Mother Hen”. What a thoughtful lady. I always wanted to be like her. I knew I’d have to scale down a bit, because I would never have the big, beautiful home she had, but I learned so much from her that I knew I could try to be like her, in my own way.

After I married and had my first little guy, I brought him up to her house to show her. It was precious. She took him from me and doted on him, telling me how beautiful he was and what a good mama I was going to be. Every young mama is overwhelmed and a little scared and she helped me to believe in myself. I thought, “I can do this.”

She passed away as a young Grandma. She preferred to be called “Nannie”. She was way too young and left a hole. If she were here I’d tell her how much she means to me. I’d tell her she made the difference in my young awkward years. I’d tell her that sometimes when I’m decorating for a party I think of her and think she’d be proud of my all around party abilities. She will always be a hero to me. She is a lady, an example, a mentor and most important friend. I love you, Mother Hen!

Feats of Athleticism

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In elementary school in my 6th grade year, there was a year end event called the Pentathlon. It was a fun and challenging competitions in 5 different areas. I looked up Pentathlon on the internet and laughed. We didn’t do those events.

The events in the Olympics are: Fencing, swimming, riding (horseback), shooting, and running. I’m sure because we were a small town school those in charge just came up with events that could be done with little to no expense.

Fencing-is a group of three related combat sports. The three disciplines in modern fencing are the foil, the épée, and the sabre; winning points are made through the weapon’s contact with an opponent. The equipment alone is expensive and not an option for a lot of people.

Swimming-This is a single 200 meter freestyle swim. The faster you swim the more points you get. A time of 2 minutes 30 seconds gets you 250 points. Of course we had no pool, which meant no swimming.

Riding Horseback-Athletes attempt a show-jumping course with 12 obstacles. Athletes do not bring a horse to the event; they are assigned an unfamiliar horse and have 20 minutes to practice with the animal. Completing the course scores 300 points with points deducted for penalties.

Shooting and running-The times for this race are staggered based on the competitors scores from the first three events. Athletes run 3200 meters (not quite 2 miles), with four stops to shoot at targets with a laser pistol. They must stay at the stop until they hit five targets (with an unlimited number of shots) or until 50 seconds have past. The placing in the overall modern pentathlon is based on position across the finish line. Pistols aren’t allowed in schools, so that one is out too. It sounds so fun, but would be such a challenge after you’d been running. Being still and aiming to hit the target would be hard.

Our Pentathlon consisted of: a 50 yard dash, a basketball shoot, high jump, long jump and something so memorable that it slips my mind.
I had so much fun! I ran so fast. I made lots of baskets. I jumped so high, and jumped so long,
and the thing I cant remember? I must have done that good too, because I took first place in all the girls in the school!! And 2nd place in the school counting all the boys!

I was so amazingly athletic in elementary school, but not quite as much so later in junior high and high school. I did compete in gymnastics and diving for the swim team in high school. I loved working my muscles and feeling like I pushed myself to be better.

L.A. On a Shoe String

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Back in 1990, my Dad had given us the opportunity to travel to Los Angeles for the wedding of a dear friend. He won airline tickets in a Handball Tournament and didn’t want to use them. So he gifted them to us so we could go. Sandy was my first companion and trainer when I was a missionary in Texas back in 1983-84. She was getting married in Los Angeles because the Oakland LDS Temple was closed for renovations. She lived in the Bay Area.

We were really in no position to go on a trip. Very little money, and small children we’d have to leave behind, were the main things that should have had us thinking twice about going. But…I love her, she’s my friend and we can just be so careful about spending and make it happen.

We decided to go! We loaded us our carry on luggage with snacks and got on the plane. A few things I should say about this trip are, the only definite things were- “But, she’s getting married Saturday in the LA LDS Temple, and we’re staying across the street in the Travel Lodge Motel!”

We had no idea how we were getting to the motel. We had no idea where, when or what we were going to eat. We had cash, a little. When the cash was gone, we didn’t have any other way of paying for anything. This is before credit cards, cell phones and all of the conveniences we enjoy today.

On the plane I sat by a guy who was going home from BYU. This usually means he’s a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He offered to take us to the motel from the airport. Wow! That was a miracle. I had found out he was traveling back to BYU the same day we were going home and I was hoping he’d offer to pick us up on his way. He didn’t. I thought, darn, but we’ll be ok.

We got to the motel and happened to see my friend, Sandy. She was staying at the motel too. It was right across the street from the temple so that made sense. We went to bed and got up early on Saturday for the wedding, and walked across the street. It was beautiful. They had a nice dinner after at a local restaurant.That was another miracle. We didn’t have to buy any food. When we got hungry we snacked on our snacks.

Sunday we went to church at the little chapel right next to the temple. It was very nice and fun to see how this tiny ward belted out the hymns. So much spirit!

Monday, Sandy had asked us on Saturday if we wanted to tag along with them to Disneyland for the day. We said yes! We had enough money. We rode together and then split up for most the day, after all they had just got married. That evening they treated us to a movie in a nice California Theatre. She said they are bigger and more amazing than the ones in Utah. We went and had a fun time.

When we flew home, I can’t even remember if it was Tuesday or Wednesday, but we knew we didn’t have enough money to get a taxi. We decided to ride the bus. It was something else. I wouldn’t even ride the bus in Utah, let alone in LA with luggage. Just to make sure I knew what to do, I called the LA Transit and talked to a really nice lady who gave me directions. Where to get on and all the particulars. The most important thing she said was, “Whatever you do, DON’T get off the bus.” I thanked her and we headed for the bus stop. We got on the bus and as we’re traveling I see things the lady told me I would see. I was feeling confident for a while, but then it felt like to much time had gone by. Then I saw a street sign. It was one that she must have mentioned . I thought maybe we are supposed to get off here, and go the other bus stop on that street. We get over there, running with our luggage and then I felt like I made a mistake. I called the LA Transit again. This nice lady answered and I tell her what I’m trying to do. She says, “I told you not to get off the bus!” I said, “I know, but I got confused when I saw the street sign.” She then proceeds to tell me that all the buses end up at the airport, eventually. Well, why didn’t she tell me that before. Haha. We got to the airport with moments to spare, running to catch our plane.

We made it to Salt Lake City where Brett’s dad was waiting to take us home.

We had $2 in our pockets.

Elementary Friends

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Mr Chard-I think my first best friend was Mr. Chard. 

My Heroes!

Rhonda-across the street and down the hill was another friend, Rhonda. She was the baby in a family with about 12 kids. We were only five years old and she was already an aunt. We used to ride branches on trees like they were horses bouncing up and down. One time I got new red Keds, and came to show Rhonda. She was in the bathtub, so I straddled the bathtub to show her and fell in and got my brand new shoes wet. I was really sad. We spent hours playing in the little creek near our homes. Then we moved up the road, too far for little kids to walk, so I would see Rhonda at school but we didn’t play together anymore. I run into her even now 50+ years later and we hug and visit like usual.

Kati-I only remember playing at Kati’s 2 times, and maybe it was the same time just a sleepover. We rode snowmobiles around their fields. It was fun and exciting to do something I’d never done, also something I wouldn’t do again till after high school. I remember her mom made me a soft boiled egg for breakfast. It tasted good, but I’ve never had one since. 

Martin-my mom would leave at Martin’s to be tended. I might have been about 6-7 years old and my favorite thing to do there was play in the barn. We would play in the tack room, sitting on the saddles pretending we were riding horses. if you click your tongue and move your hips it’s pretty close. It smelled so good, hay and leather!

Dawn-she was not a very kind friend. It seemed like I was always available to play and she wasn’t. She lived around the corner and most of the time she couldn’t play and if she could and would she was not very nice to me. I guess when you are lonely you will put up with a lot. So we played when she was in the mood, which wasn’t often.

Michael-my first “boyfriend“. We were in 3rd grade. He was adorable. Blonde curly hair, blue eyes and he thought I was cute too. He wore this fancy leather vest everyday, with long fringe on either side of the chest and across the back. It started about chest level going across horizontally and hung down to the bottom of the vest. It would dance around as he walked. One day I told him I thought his vest was neat and he took it off and said I could wear it. That‘s when I knew he thought I was cute, too.  I felt so special. He let me wear it everyday. 

Easter Time!

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Spring is wonderful, with so much to celebrate!

New life-Trees with buds and flowers blooming, baby chicks, baby lambs, and babies all around. More sunshine and warmer weather. What blessings!

Pretty dresses-Each little girl wearing a new dress for Easter. It’s a special feeling to get cleaned up and put on a new pretty dress to go to church and sing and pray. To remember Jesus on Easter morning. As a little girl Easter was the only time I got a new dress, and sometimes new shoes! In my bedroom, I would hang my dress where I could barely see it in the darkness as I fell asleep. My shoes would be positioned next to my pillow in their box in my bed, so I could reach over and touch them or look to make sure they were still there. I felt so special that I could have new and beautiful things.

Egg Hunts-Fun times with kids and grandkids hiding and finding the eggs. As I’ve gotten older and can host or help with Egg Hunts it is so much fun to get everything ready for the kids to come. My Darlin and I work hard on the yard to make it look nice, and invite all the grandkids to come and hunt. The are so adorable and seeing them having fun is the best. When I was a kid, eggs would be hidden around the house. We would search and search. Funny thing is we would almost always miss one and find it a month or two later.

Sweet Treats-Baskets with treats and candy. Some people don’t believe we should give kids candy in abundance. Well, we don’t have candy all the time, but when I was a child it was so fun and unusual to get candy and a chocolate bunny in my basket. To me it gives all of us something sweet to look forward to in life. Landmark dates that keep us going and celebrating life. Treats are a must!

True Love-Most important and overwhelming is the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ who gave all for us. And our Father in Heaven who gave us a plan and way to learn and grow, because He loves us and wants us to become more! He knew we would make mistakes and need a Savior. When I think of the death of Jesus and all that happened on Good Friday I get so sad. I can think about it but it hurts to think of all He went through. I’m so grateful for Sunday morning and for His resurrection. It is finished. He accomplished what no-one else could do and because of Him we all are blessed. I love my Heavenly Father and His Son our Savior.

Happy Easter!!

Parents-Doing Their Best

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When I was little, I had a tricycle. I loved my tricycle, and rode it as much as I could. Some days were snowy days, and some days I was busy doing other fun things for playtime. I remember one year it was Christmas time, and I found my tricycle in the basement in Dad‘s room where he did projects. I was surprised to find it there, and wondered what Daddy was doing with it. On Christmas day I received a tricycle that looked a lot like my tricycle, but was a different color. How fun to get a new tricycle in a new color to ride and enjoy!
Many years later, and many Christmases later I was one of the parents with little children to surprise on Christmas morning. In the garage hidden in the back was a Wonder horse that had belonged to Riley years before. He had outgrown it and I thought he forgot about it. My Darlin and I thought we would paint it up and give it to Alex for Christmas. Early on Christmas morning the kids woke us up excited to check out their presents! It’s always a fun time on Christmas morning. As each of the kids surveyed their gifts, I noticed Riley checking out Alex‘s horse. I could practically see the wheels turning in his head. Then he said, ”Hey.., that looks a little like my old Wonder horse.” I said, “Hmmm, I thought your wonder horse was in the back of the garage.” and he said, ”Oh yeah!” and then continued playing with his toys as happy as could be.
Another Christmas, Riley had asked for a mountain bike for Christmas. Weeks before Christmas came my Darlin and I had found a bike in really good shape at a yard sale and decided that this would do for Riley‘s Christmas. Christmas morning came Riley surveyed his toys and came up to the mountain bike and said, ”Hey, this bike is used!” all the kids stopped what they were doing a looked. I had to think fast and said, “Well, maybe it is. Maybe Santa gave it to another little boy that didn’t appreciate it and so now he’s giving it to you.” Riley looked at the bike smiled and said, “This is a great bike!”

As children, we never realize the sacrifice our parents make to provide for our needs and our wants. It isn’t until we become the parents that we see how much love really goes into the gifts that are given. My parents were doing the best they could, and me and my Darlin as parents were too. The most important part of getting and giving gifts is understanding the heart of the person giving it. Most people are doing the best they can and we should appreciate that.

Teaching our children to love and appreciate what they have and what they get is the very best gift we can give them, and I’m so grateful my parents gave me that gift!

Entryway Re-do!

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We found a cute little China shelf on KSL classifieds and bought it to make a hanging place for coats, etc. in the entryway. We removed a few shelves and added hooks. It turned out pretty cute and I used the top two shelves to decorate for each season.

After 5 years or so, I was ready for a change and we needed more hooks and places to hang the coats and purses when family visits. So my sweety and I made a plan.

You can’t tell in this picture, but there are two cupboards in the bottom of this bench. The one on the right was for Tayzie to stay in while we were gone. Just so you know there was a wire door inside the wood door, so Tayzie was not closed in the wood cupboard without air and a way to see out. She loved it. The other one was just storage. So because we were still using the bench part we just took the top off and sent it to thrift store.

So here is the bench part without the top. We planned to paint it all the same color at the end.

My Darlin added a bench to either side of the cupboard, headboard, and a shelf.

Here’s another angle. We’re going to have lot’s of places to hang things!

And here it the finished project! It is perfect! We love it and it last for years and years. I love that me and my Darlin can do so many projects around the house ourselves. I’m super excited to see how well it works when the family comes for dinner!