Hardwood Floor Sealer

Well, we’re finally finished refinishing the office floor.
Pretty amazing considering how loopy we both were by the time we got around to it sealing it.

Here’s a clip of me (in full-on loopy mode) attempting to explain our process…

(Click HERE to view on YouTube)

After I stumbled through the making of that video, we did a bunch of this…

…with the tack cloth….stuff.

Then I did a bunch of this…

…with the Varathane “no odor, satin, fastest drying, water-based, all that good stuff” floor finish people have recommended.
I snapped this shot after I got done applying coat number two…

I did four coats total, and I’d love to show ya a photo of the scrumpdillyicious, completely finished new floor, but the room is now filled with everything that was previously packed into what will become our kids room!

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66 Responses to Hardwood Floor Sealer

1. Faith says:

   Mar 10, 2011 at 6:14 pm

   The floors look amazing. Can’t wait to see the completed room.

   I heard about the adoption change earlier today and it broke my heart. We’re praying for all the kiddos and families involved.

   

   Reply
2. Norma says:

   Mar 10, 2011 at 6:22 pm

   unspeakably sad for all those who would love to parent and would give their hearts and homes in a nanosecond
   to all those children and many like them all over the world………..something is so wrong

   

   Reply
3. Mary says:

   Mar 10, 2011 at 6:26 pm

   We adopted from China in 2007 and I now volunteer for a large charity as a Foster Care Coordinator for Chinese orphans. We can provide basic care, but we can’t give them the most important thing – a forever family. I will say a prayer for you and all of the families waiting to adopt from Ethiopia. As a mom who had to wait (so long!) for our little girl…well, my heart is broken for you.
   I encourage everyone to sign the Joint Council petition. Let your voice be heard for the orphans of Ethiopia.

   

   Reply
4. Mary says:

   Mar 10, 2011 at 6:27 pm

   Hi Layla & Kevin,
   We have also recently begun the adoption process, and we had narrowed it down to China or Ethiopia. When I saw that news yesterday, it obviously threw us for a major loop, too. Praying for all affected…
   Mary

   

   Reply
5. Crystal says:

   Mar 10, 2011 at 6:46 pm

   I thought about you when I read about this earlier…and all those precious children. Hang in there. God will guide you guys on the journey…whatever that may look like in the end.

   

   Reply
6. Dori Smith says:

   Mar 10, 2011 at 7:00 pm

   Petition signed!God Bless

   

   Reply
7. Comeca Jones says:

   Mar 10, 2011 at 7:07 pm

   All I can say is I am so sorry.Wait on the lord…

   

   Reply
8. Denise Collins says:

   Mar 10, 2011 at 7:20 pm

   I am more than happy to sign the petition and tweet and FB about it. We have an adopted daughter and I am about to become an aunt again through international adoption. I am praying for a quick reversal of this reduction so many more Ethiopian children can find their forever families.

   

   Reply
9. Olivia says:

   Mar 10, 2011 at 7:25 pm

   Praying for you both and the child(ren) God has for you, and praying for all the children in need of homes in Ethiopia in particular. I’m going to go sign the petition now.

   

   Reply
10. Flower Patch Farmgirl says:

    Mar 10, 2011 at 7:31 pm

    Cory and I just watched your loopy-loop. LOVED it! I was snickering.

    Praying for you guys…but you already knew that.

    ps – The floors look FAB!

    

    Reply
11. kami says:

    Mar 10, 2011 at 7:44 pm

    I have been a follower for a while now, but this is my first time to comment. I signed your petition and shared the link with all my “friends” on facebook.

    Love the floors too!!

    

    Reply
12. Donna K. says:

    Mar 10, 2011 at 7:45 pm

    Hi Layla-
    Have hope. You have been to my adoption blog before, and I just wanted to say that your children are out there. Of that I have no doubt. In the beginning of our process we were focused in a different part of the world, and we even had started sending money in that direction. But then God had another plan. We ended up finding our daughter in China. At no point of the beginning process, did we even consider China. Now that she is home with us these last 6 months, she has fit into our family Perfectly! As if she has always been with us. She is happy and has adapted beautifully. We often say that we believe the Hand of God is on this child. He is with us, and He will be with you as well. If your children are in Ethiopia, then I am confident they will be with you soon. Keep yourself wide open to the possibilities of the Universe. You may be pleasantly surprised, as we were, if God changes your direction.
    United in Adoption,
    Donna K.

    

    Reply
13. Cheri says:

    Mar 10, 2011 at 7:49 pm

    My heart hurts for you both, and all those sweet children waiting for a forever home. Praying for you.

    

    Reply
14. Carolyn says:

    Mar 10, 2011 at 8:01 pm

    All signed and prayers being lifted for all the children and for you Kevin and Layla.

    The floors are gorgeous. Now, can you come do mine please!

    

    Reply
15. Cyle Lewis says:

    Mar 10, 2011 at 8:04 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing the information about Ethiopia. I will definitely be sharing with friends and church family while also praying for y’all. Oh, by the way I am LOVING my yarn spring wreath I made, inspired by y’all. Thanks- It makes me so happy every time I pull in the driveway:)

    

    Reply
16. kelly says:

    Mar 10, 2011 at 8:14 pm

    Hayley walked by as I was watching your video and she started giggling, “Layla is so professional!” and then 10 seconds later you said you were the “Queen of Professionalism” and we both just burst out laughing! too funny! Your floors look great and I know you are soooooo glad to have that job finished.
    On the unsettling news with adoptions …we are keeping you and your future family in our prayers. I truly believe God has good things in store for you guys.
    kelly

    

    Reply
17. Melissa Lewis - Midwest Magnolia says:

    Mar 10, 2011 at 8:21 pm

    I know the ache in the heart this gives you. Praying that you and Kevin, and all those waiting, find comfort and peace in knowing that God is the Master Planner in this whole thing. This will strengthen your faith even more in the end, and allow you the honor of spending time at the feet of God and letting him comfort you in a way only he can. Thank you for sharing this with us. I wish I could bring home all those babies waiting for someone to love them.

    

    Reply
18. Randi says:

    Mar 10, 2011 at 8:22 pm

    Praying for you guys and all of those beautiful children in Ethiopia. It is my dream to one day adopt from Ethiopia and I have been so saddened by this news the past two days.

    

    Reply
19. ashley says:

    Mar 10, 2011 at 8:22 pm

    ADORE your loopy video. Adore you. Praying big time for you guys. and the floors are kind of awesome.

    

    Reply
20. Alima says:

    Mar 10, 2011 at 8:27 pm

    So sad. The adoption news breaks my heart. I signed the petition and posted it to twitter and fb-hoping others will sign too!
    You guys will be in my prayers. I hope the news will change soon!
    P.S. The floors look great!

    

    Reply
21. Karrie says:

    Mar 10, 2011 at 8:27 pm

    Oh man. I just signed the petition. I hope this becomes a minor roadblock and the petition is a success.

    

    Reply
22. Mallory says:

    Mar 10, 2011 at 8:43 pm

    I had just heard the same news last night. This is devastating if it goes through. I’ll be praying for you, as well as all the families in the process of adoption. We are praying that God willing we can adopt from Ethiopia in a couple of years (been looking at the same agency that you decided to go with!)…it breaks my heart to think that so many orphans will continue to be without a home if they decide to change this. Thinking of you both during this time! So thankful that you posted this. By the way, floors look great!

    

    Reply
23. Tricia says:

    Mar 10, 2011 at 8:44 pm

    My Aunt and Uncle adopted a lil girl from Ethiopia and my Aunt was very upset by this too.. but she posted this web:
    https://www.adoptioncouncil.org/images/stories/documents/030911%20ncfa%20issues%20statement%20regard

    She feels hopefully after reading it and hopefully you will also. They adopted lil M this past summer and they are so happy! I hope that God will lead you to your children whether it be in Ethiopia or not.

    

    Reply
24. Annette Taylor says:

    Mar 10, 2011 at 8:54 pm

    Floors look GREAT!! I also heard about the Ethiopian adoption. My daughter and her husband are in the process of their 2nd adoption and they felt lead to Ethiopia. Praying for all the orphans!

    

    Reply
25. Caroline @ The Feminist Housewife says:

    Mar 10, 2011 at 9:12 pm

    Floors = gorgeous.

    On a more important note, I’m sorry to hear the discouraging news. I’m signing the petition and will pass it along!!!

    

    Reply
26. laurie@heavenswalk says:

    Mar 10, 2011 at 9:17 pm

    Beautiful job on your floor, Layla! (and I love what you’re wearing–so cute!). My heart broke when I read the letter from the adoption agency. I am so sorry….but I will keep you both in my prayers. Keep the faith. Good things will happen!

    xoxo laurie

    

    Reply
27. Erin @ Two Story Cottage says:

    Mar 10, 2011 at 9:17 pm

    I know adoption is a roller coaster – I’m praying that your journey is full of more ups than downs! My heart hurts for those sweet children. It is just so hard to understand!

    P.S. Lovin’ those floors.

    

    Reply
28. a lovely mess. says:

    Mar 10, 2011 at 9:19 pm

    The floors look amazing.

    In regards to the adoption, God’s timing and ability is not affected by any “proposal”. Please be encouraged that this situation will be covered in prayer and you will be given the desires of your heart!!!!

    

    Reply
29. Teresa says:

    Mar 10, 2011 at 9:35 pm

    I signed the petition! Thinking about you!

    

    Reply
30. Kim says:

    Mar 10, 2011 at 10:01 pm

    Prayers for you both, the children and families waiting to adopt. Prayers that God’s will may prevail, and that MOWA will do the right thing. Prayers for our State Department and Agencies that will be speaking with them. This is such a sad and shocking development. There is no doubt in my mind that God will take care of those children and you, and it will all happen according to His plan.

    

    Reply
31. Finding Home says:

    Mar 10, 2011 at 10:09 pm

    I am so sorry for what you are all facing, it is unimaginable. And for all that now is facing the children, also too so unimaginable. You will be in my thoughts and prayers and hope you will find your path. Kindly, Laura

    

    Reply
32. Chelsy@sweetpeasandkisses says:

    Mar 10, 2011 at 11:52 pm

    I signed the petition yesterday and passed it on to all my friends and family. I’m praying fervently for this to be resolved and for answers. We sponsor a sibling group from Hannahs Hope and are hoping to one day adopt from there also!

    

    Reply
33. Janell Beals says:

    Mar 11, 2011 at 12:30 am

    I signed the petition, I hope this gets resolved and you and many others are able to move forward with their adoption plans. Janell

    

    Reply
34. Jessica Slingerland says:

    Mar 11, 2011 at 12:35 am

    I signed the petition for you and will be keeping you and the children in Ethiopia in my prayers!
    By the way, I absolutely love the floors! All that hard work paid off

    

    Reply
35. Sharyl@Thelittlebrownhouse says:

    Mar 11, 2011 at 1:13 am

    Beautiful floors, sad news, I will pray:)

    

    Reply
36. Melanie says:

    Mar 11, 2011 at 6:09 am

    I went and signed the petition and shared it on FB & Twitter.
    I hope it works.

    The floor looks AMAZING!

    

    Reply
37. lizziefitz says:

    Mar 11, 2011 at 6:53 am

    I signed it. Remember even this was apart of the master plan. It seems like a HUGE road block but in reality it is a test of faith. God , OUR FATHER, has placed the child (ren)in your your future. Stay true to Him and you will delight in his Mercy. PS This is so not like any other comment I have EVER left on a blog. I felt led to leave you these words.

    

    Reply
38. IAMSNWFLAKE says:

    Mar 11, 2011 at 7:13 am

    Petition signed!

    

    Reply
39. erin says:

    Mar 11, 2011 at 7:29 am

    I am praying right along with you.

    I know there is nothing quite like the ache of waiting for your sweet baby.

    I’m sure you’ve already read this, but I’ll link you, hopefully it will bring you some comfort today, friend.

    http://www.rareandbeautifultreasures.com/2010/03/dear-wynn-birdhouse.html

    

    Reply
40. angie @ The Cellar Door Stories says:

    Mar 11, 2011 at 7:56 am

    1) Pretty sure no one should be that cute while sealing the floor.
    2) Praying Praying Praying for the children of Ethiopia. We were hoping to start the process in a few months, but looks like that is very up in the air. Praying they reconsider.

    

    Reply
41. Melanie says:

    Mar 11, 2011 at 8:13 am

    praying for you and the children in ethiopia and all around the world.

    

    Reply
42. sarah says:

    Mar 11, 2011 at 9:20 am

    30662 +1 signatures on the petition!

    

    Reply
43. beth says:

    Mar 11, 2011 at 9:51 am

    There’s nothing better than God’s Word and my morning devotion for Wednesday is perfect for you and your situation and I just had to share – “If God has allowed a disruptive moment in your life, walk through it by faith rather than by sight (2 Cor 5:7) and be prepared to say, “Now I understand.”" I’ll be praying for you and those sweet, precious children that another door or window would be opened to you and Kevin.

    

    Reply
44. Kara says:

    Mar 11, 2011 at 10:08 am

    Petition signed and forwarded! I have a friend in Ethiopia as we speak on their first in country visit for their required court appearance and to meet her new daughter for the first time!! Praying for all of those children needing forever families and that YOU get your chance to make that trip to meet the son or daughter God has chosen for you!

    

    Reply
45. heidig says:

    Mar 11, 2011 at 10:46 am

    Prayers for all those families who are looking to adopt. May God look kindly upon your plight. Petition has been signed. Yours floors look wonderful!

    

    Reply
46. Lemonade Makin Mama says:

    Mar 11, 2011 at 10:53 am

    That letter is heartbreaking! I’ve had so many friends adopt, and heard all kinds of stories and hangups, but this one is downright discouraging. With this news in mind, are you going to try and pursue adoption in a different country, or hang on and see what happens there? I hope that’s not a stupid or insensitive quiestion I’ve just asked… only just wondering for your sakes, and knowing how it feels to want a warm little one snuggling in your arms.

    Praying peace and wisdom for you guys in this time of anticipation, and praying it all works out seamlessly for you and your man, and some very special child!

    Blessings,
    Sasha

    

    Reply
47. Lisa says:

    Mar 11, 2011 at 11:21 am

    The floors look wonderful!!!! Great job! I am praying for you and that wonderful child who needs you two, keep your head up!

    

    Reply
48. robelyn says:

    Mar 11, 2011 at 11:36 am

    Well you two sweethearts – ya’ll are in my prayers. And – I’m off to sign the petition in the hopes that all of those children are blessed enough to find hearts like yours to live with.

    But – first I’m going to tiptoe across you’re most awesome new floor!

    ;-D robelyn

    

    Reply
49. Nancy says:

    Mar 11, 2011 at 2:08 pm

    As a parent of 4 adoptive children (young adults now) never forget that there are many children and sibling groups here in the US that need loving homes also. My children were ages 11, 7, 3 and 2 months when adopted out of foster care. Sometimes, when God closes a door he opens a window.

    

    Reply
50. Dawn says:

    Mar 11, 2011 at 3:43 pm

    I am an Alabama mama who went through the adoption process a few years ago (2008). Our heart was set on Ethiopia….anyway we were deep in the process (homestudy finished, background checks completed, ready to submit our dossier) then our agency informed us that they lost their Ethiopia license.
    We were devastated and not sure which direction to go.
    Then some sweet social worker said to us – “if you are open to a sibling group with some special needs – there are thousands right here in the US”
    We made some phone calls, looked at the website http://www.adoptuskids.org, inquired about a child in another state, and after some paperwork and red tape – 6 months later – we were on a plane. We met our son on his 6th birthday. I knew he was my son the minute I looked into his eyes.
    I will say a prayer for your journey. Just know that you are on a path to meet your child or children and that your journey may not ever look like what you planned.
    I am so grateful that that door closed for us. Adopting a 6 year old son was not the beautiful Ethiopian baby girl I dreamed of – but he was meant to be my son, no doubt about it.
    Blessings,
    Dawn

    

    Reply
51. Jackie says:

    Mar 11, 2011 at 3:44 pm

    Hi Guys! First, Great job on the floor! Sorry to hear about the issue with the agencies. You both seem like you will be such wonderful parents. Any child would be very lucky to have you both as well. I pray that a wonderful child/children will come into your life very soon. I signed the petition with comment. Best wishes to the both of you

    

    Reply
52. Amanda Dittmer says:

    Mar 11, 2011 at 6:10 pm

    Love your floors!

    I am going to sign the petition right now. I will be praying that the reduction does not go through. I traveled to Africa in November and met our sponsored child. There are so many children that need hope, love, and a family!

    

    Reply
53. Sheila M. says:

    Mar 11, 2011 at 8:46 pm

    My sister and brother in law have completed all the paperwork and were just waiting to be matched with a sibling set from Ethiopia. We are heartbroken, but trying to stay positive. I will certainly include you in our thoughts and prayers and hope that this situation resolves quickly.

    

    Reply
54. Karen says:

    Mar 12, 2011 at 1:32 pm

    I’m so sorry for this set back. I’ll keep you and the children of Ethiopia in my prayers.

    

    Reply
55. Barbara | VinoLuciStyle says:

    Mar 12, 2011 at 3:14 pm

    It makes no sense; so many children needing a family and those families wanting and needing children. My prayers for your dreams to come true and that it will all resolve soon.

    And must say the floor looks beautiful. Great job you two!

    

    Reply
56. stephanie says:

    Mar 12, 2011 at 6:38 pm

    So sorry to read about the adoption update – doesn’t make any sense! Praying your little blessing will arrive soon! I signed the petition!

    

    Reply
57. Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking says:

    Mar 13, 2011 at 11:37 am

    Your floor looks awesome!! Really it turned out so very pretty. You all did an amazing job.

    

    Reply
58. eryn kesler says:

    Mar 15, 2011 at 6:00 pm

    Hey Layla, I love your blog, but admit it’s been awhile since I hopped over here. SO happy to hear your news of Ethiopian adoption…we brought our ethiopian daughter home June 1.

    I am SO SORRY for the hard news and rumors surrounding MOWA right now. two of my good friends are both waiting for babies from ethiopia…and it’s just SO hard. I’ll be praying for you as well as the many others affected by this.

    

    Reply
59. Kim says:

    Mar 20, 2011 at 6:47 pm

    Kevin & Layla, When I saw this site, I thought about you! This couple is in Eithiopia right now adopting 2 precious little ones. They were there when the news from MOWA was announced. Here is the site:
    http://www.gusandlula.com/2011/02/sunday-adoption-related.html

    I hope you get this message! I will pray for your encouragement and strength, and for your little ones.

    Blessings in Christ,
    Kim

    

    Reply
60. michelle says:

    Mar 21, 2011 at 11:16 am

    Kevin and Layla, while I’m sorry for the discouragement the recent MOWA announcement is causing you and other waiting families. However, when a country identifies internal issues with their adoption system, it’s vital that those of us in the global adoption community respect their decisions and their attempts to rectify the situation. Pressuring a country to release its chilren is not the answer.

    While I don’t wish that any child would grow up in an orphanage, as an adoptee and an adoptive mother I also take ethics very seriously. I’m quite discouraged by the lack of concern adoptive and potential adoptive parents are showing, particularly within the Christian community, for the need for reform within the Ethiopian system to ensure adoptions are ethical. Fraud and misconduct within the adoption industry hurt the very children we seek to help. I’d like to offer a few links for readers to consider as the evaluate how to respond to the current situation in Ethiopia.

    Response from to JCICS “Emergency Campaign” from Ethica:
    http://www.ethicanet.org/petition-to-the-joint-council-of-international-childrens-services

    From PEAR (Parents for Ethical Adoption Reform):
    http://pear-now.blogspot.com/2011/03/pears-statement-on-mowas-decision-to.html

    Respectfully,

    Michelle

    

    Reply
61. Erin @ Dwell & Tell says:

    Mar 24, 2011 at 11:27 am

    Petitioned signed! As info, they’re over 39,000 now.

    

    Reply
62. Kathle says:

    Apr 5, 2011 at 10:20 am

    hi there! you might want to check out . . . .http://andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com
    they just brought their 4 year old daughter home from ethiopia last week. emily would probably
    be happy to share info and answer questions for you!
    best of luck!

    kathie
    soulkandie.blogspot.com

    

    Reply
63. Elisa says:

    Apr 12, 2011 at 5:15 pm

    I am7 so sorry to hear this news from Ethiopia. We had something similar happen a few years ago- we did all of our paperwork to adopt from Guatemala but we were in the middle of a huge house remodel and decided to wait for a few months. But then things went downhill and adoptions slowed down a ton and then eventually closed.

    We ended up adopting domestically.

    I knew our daughter was out there and I just had to find her- she just wasn’t in the place that I expected.

    Good luck- my thoughts are with you

    

    Reply
64. chinamommy says:

    May 24, 2011 at 8:36 pm

    I adopted from China in 2004 & have the most wonderful little girl!! It just breaks my heart to hear this news, WE are praying and the petition has been signed (& shared on facebook & twitter).
    I know God hears our cry’s for these children!!

    

    Reply
65. melissa adkins says:

    Jun 23, 2011 at 7:49 pm

    I first found your blog by looking for mantle ideas, I loved your fireplace. It inspired me.
    I noticed you and your husband are working on adoption.
    I just want to encourage you, My husband and I adopted from China in 07.
    God put adoption on my heart before I was married.
    I can’t express enough how His hand was in it all.
    I know one day soon I will get on your blog and see the cutest room EVER!! and you sitting there in a cozy chair holding your your sweet child. God has a wonderful plan and you get to be a part of it. What an honor. I am not sad for you but very excited about your journey. Our family blog is adkinsadventure.blogspot.com Its encouraging to see what God has done for another knowing He will do it for you.

    

    Reply
66. Natalie t. says:

    Jun 25, 2011 at 9:58 pm

    Hi Layla, Just checking in to see if there was an update on your blog about your future babies. Our Ruby is from Hannahs Hope. Good letter from agci on Friday about MoWa! Hoping big for you! I know the waiting to wait is super exhausting!

    

    Reply