Every now and then, in the midst of the mess and the chaos and the “what am I even doing” spiral, the universe hands you a little reminder. A moment. A sentence. A look.
And last week, I got one of those moments—and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.
A Story from the Mudroom
My youngest son had a friend over. Nothing unusual about that. They came racing through the mudroom like most kids do, dropping shoes and backpacks and laughter everywhere. I was in the other room, half-listening, half-tidying, probably also half-thinking about a DIY project I had half-finished.
And then I heard it:
“Look! Can you believe my mom built this cabinet?”
My ears perked up.
“And that wallpaper? She hung that too. She even made the frame around the TV—she built it herself!”
He wasn’t just talking. He was beaming. Guiding his friend from room to room like a mini tour guide, pointing out all the things I’ve poured my heart, hands, and hours into over the years.
And in that moment, something shifted.
They See You
As a mom of five, there are days where I feel like I’m stretched so thin that you could use me as wallpaper paste (DIY pun intended 😅). I juggle motherhood, business, content creation, home projects, and trying to get anything remotely warm on the dinner table.
It’s so easy to feel like no one notices.
But that day, I realized my kids are watching. They’re not just seeing the “pretty” after photos or the finished projects—they’re watching the process. The persistence. The creativity. The work ethic. The late nights in paint-splattered sweats. The moments I choose to fix something instead of buy something new. The way I turn “this will do” into “look what we built.”
They’re absorbing it all. And apparently? Telling their friends about it.
Why DIY Is About More Than Just Pretty Spaces
DIY is not just about saving money or transforming spaces. It’s about:
- Showing our kids that creativity isn’t just a hobby—it’s a superpower.
- Modeling the value of effort, even when the outcome isn’t perfect.
- Teaching that making mistakes is part of the journey.
- Building a home that feels like us—one corner at a time.
Every nail I’ve hammered and frame I’ve built has carried a silent message: you can do hard things, and make beautiful things, too.
The Heart Behind Every Project
When I share DIYs online, it’s often about the steps and the supplies. The tutorials. The transformation.
But behind every project is a deeper why:
- A cabinet built so the mudroom could stay (somewhat) organized in a house full of shoes.
- Wallpaper hung to bring softness into a space that once felt cold.
- A TV frame built not just for style, but to show that even the most everyday things can be beautiful with intention.
And now I know my kids aren’t just walking past these projects—they’re internalizing them. Remembering them. Proud of them.
That means more to me than any likes, views, or brand partnerships ever could.
Final Thoughts: Your Work Matters (Even When It’s Quiet)
So to the tired mom who wonders if what she’s doing is worth it, to the woman up late sanding shelves while the house sleeps, to the one who doubts whether anyone even notices—this is your reminder.
They do.
The little eyes see you. The little voices remember your efforts. The love you build into your home is creating a legacy—and it’s more powerful than you know.
And to my sweet son—thank you for reminding me of that in the most beautiful, unexpected way.
💬 I’d Love to Know:
Have your kids ever said something that stopped you in your tracks? What’s been your most meaningful “they’re watching” moment? Share it in the comments—I’d love to celebrate those wins with you.
