We made it to the other side. We made it to the other side! That sentence holds so much weight, after a year like this one. When it felt like the sky was falling, we watched as so many of us chose love + unity. When it felt like down was up and up was down, we leaned on friends that we call family. (Enter Favorite Thing #1.) We taped hearts to our front window, we drew chalk messages on our neighbors’ sidewalk and we masked up before capturing this moment in time. And while there is so much of 2020 that we’d prefer to leave in the past, we are fortunate enough to say that this was still a year of immense growth.
We became first time Airbnb hosts (safely). We oversaw a whole home renovation, and poured every ounce of our DIY-loving hearts into each room. We also learned that a renovation of that scale is not for the faint of heart – but ultimately, the reward was worth the risk.
We lost Jack. We lost CC. We cried until we couldn’t cry anymore, we cried some more, and then we began the healing process by opening our home to our first foster. We foster failed, although we’d call it a success! We watched as Lucy grew before our very eyes, celebrating with every scrawled line on our millwork. She’s also hilarious and kind and has more empathy than anyone we know. (This will always make me happy-cry.)
Thank you for being a part of our journey. Whether you’re here for before + afters, DIY + renovations or #yourdailycatfish, we couldn’t do what we do without you. Mean it. Wishing you a comfort-filled holiday season, and we’ll be back on the blog in January!
A Look Back | 2020
Below, we’re sharing the projects and stories across several categories that topped our list in 2020. Click on any thumbnail to take you right to the post! xx
What a year, indeed! Wishing you joy and adventure in 2021!
Kitty’s side eye! I die! Have a Very Merry Christmas and let’s hope 2021 is the do-over we all deserve!
Her side eye kills me.
Enjoy your holidays…and here’s to 2021, may it be everything 2020 wasn’t!
Your comment about Lucy stopped me in my tracks. I have a seven year old boy who is an empath. I didn’t really know about kids and empathy until we had him, but it’s been evident since he was born. I believe that our children who are empaths are special children, put here on earth with a mission to love and heal. I love that you acknowledge this about her!! Thank you for recognizing and raising a world changer. Okay, I’ll stop crying now.
Okay, but now I’m crying! We’ve noticed it more so as she’s gotten older and can talk and express her feelings. The way she treats others going through anything she perceives as a tough time, is so special to witness.
I never thought my own child would teach me how to be a better person and yet here I am. You’re little Lucy is so sweet and special! Glad the world has her here!
Not sure how I missed the video on IG of you and Lucy singing but it’s just about the sweetest thing ever. She’s a special little lady for sure. Happiest of holidays to you all!
Thank you, same to you, Meg!
I can’t believe the Treehouse bathroom was finished in 2020! It seems like a lifetime ago. Thank you for providing a place to escape by looking at beautiful reveals, a place to challenge ingrained thoughts by speaking truth about the state of the world, and a place to channel some creative energy by sharing projects, especially this year! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to your power trio!
Thank you, Danielle! I remember finishing the bathroom in anticipation of getting Tree House ready for our first year as Airbnb hosts. Which, you’re right, WAS a lifetime ago. What a year this has been, but I think a lot of growth has come from it. Happy holidays to you!
I’m so happy that I was able to hang out in this space another year :) Thanks so much for everything you share. It’s been a bright spot in such a crazy year.
Amanda, thank you to the moon and back.
It has been a year indeed. Thank you so much for sharing your family and your life with us. I think about your Jack and C.C. a lot and miss them! I also love that you see that Lucy is an empath. I’m an empath too, and it’s really difficult sometimes. Took years for me to realize there were other people like me, and I wasn’t just a soft, weak, weirdo. I can’t imagine growing up with parents who understand that gift, but I’m so happy your precious little girl will! Happy Christmas and New Year’s to you four!
Thank you so much, Carrie! Merry Christmas to you as well!
You guys had a great year and thanks for sharing it with us all! Merry Christmas!
Catfish, you have the side-eye nailed! Cheers to a much better year for all!