A Grown Up Bedroom... finally!

The DIY projects just keep plugging along in our household.  I know we are making progress yet feel we have barely scratched the surface. 

The very last of the gnarly, ugly Berber carpet was pulled up from the stairwell and our master bedroom.  Hurray!  Ruger may have helped this process along with his sharp puppy teeth and a strong desire to chew on a rope toy. Or maybe it was the days disappearing from this year and my desire to have a few more projects accomplished before I make the big life change and return to school full-time. 

Needless to say...  

After years of deliberating over paint colors for the master bedroom we finally made a choice. Our procrastination was cut short because this was the ONLY bedroom left in the house yet unpainted.  Actually it was more because we already had the darker gray color used in the other three bedrooms/office and less because I still hadn't made a decision about what color I thought I wanted.  The paint samples have been slid to the master bathroom for future decision making. Or not .

What luck that an area department store chain would be offering a Labor Day sale for $39 installation for any order of carpet.  We knew this was our opportunity to finally put a check in the project completion box.  

We were much more prepared for choosing carpets although we did make a change in our final decision.  The stairs and bedroom are actually different but very similar.  The stairwell has a hint of brown and beige fleck in the grey.  The grey in the master bedroom is solid color with change in hue as it's moved around. 

We returned to the same department store twice looking for a head and foot board set.  Even went so far as to think we'd have one built and stained to match our dresser.  We've never had a complete matching set in our bedroom but then thinking about this - the dining room isn't a set and our sofas are not part of a set either.  By chance I walked into an area of the store promoting rugs and accessories and discovered this pewter colored metal bed frame - it's perfect and reminds us both of the first old brass bed frame we had when we were married. 

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We also removed the old 2-1/2" baseboards and replaced with a 4-1/2" baseboard with a small curved edge.  We love how that little bit of extra pop of white really makes a nice addition to the finished look. It's an inexpensive and easy way to clean up some tired, beat up baseboards. 

 

Though we are still lacking wall decor, I'm happy to have a grown up bedroom again.  Honestly in the 30+ years we've been married, we've had a "finished" bedroom one other time that I can recall...  and it was soon after we put the house on the market and moved.  Not this time.  I've made a commitment to finishing my college degree.  PLUS we have a few more DIY projects to keep us out of trouble. 

Improving the View

With all of the work we've been doing to get our yard ship shape, one thing always bothered me.  

Sitting at the firepit and staring at those big, bulky trash and recycling  bins. 

So I had a plan. 

(I do this a lot to my husband...  draw out something on paper for our next project.)

And we went to work. 

Of course our favorite seven year old was here to help. 

Now you see it - now you don't!

The bins are still accessible.  The fence is actually panels which lift off to wheel out the mower or the bins.  I am very happy with the reality we created. 

A Week at a Glance...

Already into the "next week" but thought I'd catch up with last week's happenings.

Erin, Chris and Baby C went north to spend the holiday with friends in Moscow. Saturday was our DIL Karissa's birthday and her confirmation into the Catholic church.  The weather was a picture perfect Spring day.

Baby C liked the Easter Bunny better than Santa

Easter was a quiet day.  We attended mass and shared breakfast with Matt, Brit and Mr. T.  I'm not embarrassed to say we spent the rest of the day in comfy clothes, watching movies and napping. Yes, we caved...

Just relaxing.

My favorite part of Mass today was after communion.  The music started playing "How Great Thou Art" and I felt a rush of tears.  I cannot explain why but this was one of my Gram's favorite hymns and I felt her unconditional love hold me close.

We finally have the office done - check that box.  We found a nice rug for the boys to play on and Papa very smartly thought ahead - low pile rug making it easier to locate the Lego's played with in the office.  He's a genius I tell you!

We've gone through files and documents, shredding like a shady government official.  It feels so good to have things in order and clutter cleared.

The living room and dining room walls are now painted the two tones of gray.  The white trim just seems to 'pop' off the wall.  I'll be looking around for some white curtains to complete the look.  Everything looks so clean and fresh.

I started painting into the kitchen but didn't get far.  Sometimes my achy bones just need a break from the stretching and bending. I honestly believe I look forward to going to work to get away from all of the physical projects we have going at home.

Mike and I have an ongoing project outside.  He started moving the pavers surrounding the new fire pit.  It's like having a 500 piece puzzle sitting on the table.  You walk by and see a piece you've been staring at forever and it fits perfect.  Mike made major headway earlier last week but ended up with blisters on his knees from his knee pads and had to let them heal.  Gradually the patio is being put into place.  Soon we will have to go get another load or two to complete the patio area.

New Fire pit buried in ground and early stages of moving pavers

When I returned to work I was greeted with a beautiful bouquet of flowers from our boss for Admin Assistant's Day.  It's so nice to be appreciated for the contributions you make every day.  My coworkers are so much fun to be around.  I was referred to as "secretary to the people" because I don't limit the things I do to management but enjoy helping my coworkers as well.  I'm so thankful to have a job I enjoy while feeling like I'm making a difference.

Our dear friend Randy celebrated her birthday this past week as well.  Happy Birthday!  Tomorrow we are driving to McCall for lunch.  She's never been up to Valley County.  The weather looks like it will cooperate and we plan to stop whenever we want to take pictures.

33 years of friendship - 1981-2014

Our weather lately has been alternating between sunny spring-like days and April showers.  We've seen it all.  I went out on a limb and planted tomatoes already - but do not hesitate to cover them on some of these cooler nights.

I'm motivated to walk regularly and am excited to do T-25 every day.  I seriously watch the 25:00 minute clock count down and am often amazed to see how fast it goes.  Between T-25 and my 2 mile route with Ruger, I am easily meeting my 10,000 step goal nearly every day.   Even at work - it's incredible how much walking I do in a day!   I hope the regular activity will help build my energy.  I have to keep on schedule.  Erin and I have multiple bookings for Natural Touch Photography in July, July and August.  How exciting!

Tonight my mind is with family and friends back in the Midwest and South.  The spring storms are frightening and leaving so much devastation in its path.  You are all in my prayers.  Be safe.

From Top to Bottom...

Since our empty nest status has returned we've been talking a lot about having four bedrooms and only using two.  It would be lovely to have a single story home but then how would we get our exercise? 

Changing our mailing address or even our zip code is always a possibility when you are a military family, but moving after you've been in the same home for 12 years is something to seriously consider.  Our last major move was from Wisconsin - employment relocation...  left my home state, parents and siblings behind.  

Any how, I have slowly painted my way through the majority of our upstairs.  Guestroom, Grandson's room, Office and Hall Bathroom.  Even the upstairs hallway has been repainted.  We're talking ceilings and trim as well.  

Guest Room

Grandson's Room (with Ruger photobombing...)

Hall Bathroom (Hi Ruger!) 

And the office...  

We tore out the old carpet and pad, replaced with flooring purchased in 2011...  (don't judge).  We rebuilt shelves in the closet and hung new doors.  As of this weekend, we even have new blinds hung.

The Hall is painted  (partially as you can see the two colors in the corner) - but the second story of the hall/foyer will require paid assistance...  I'm not sending my husband up on a ladder to paint the three 2-story walls and I'm afraid of heights.  As we are heading downstairs we have more projects.  The living room and family room are partially painted and the stairwell will get new carpet and the banisters stained.  

By the end of the summer we will finally return to our master bedroom to paint and remodel the bathroom. No to worry - we won't run out of things to do any time soon.  We are saving the kitchen for last.  

Did It Myself...

 My shoulder and arm work out continues.  

Monday I finished up the trim and painted the closet and door to our guest room. 

After a extra long week at work I was happy to return to my project.    

I'm very happy with the color.  

After years of  '50 shades of beige' throughout the house 

(actually the guest room was sage green), 

I expanded our wall color to Montpelier Ashlar Gray and am so excited to see how it looks.  

It's exactly what I wanted.  Depending on the time of day and the light through the window, 

it ranges from gray to brown.  The trim and doors are Winter Dawn.

Good thing I like it as I bought enough to paint the guest room, the 'grandsons' room as well as the office.

We are waiting on new 2" white blinds and have some ideas for the window treatment.  

I'm am so not a shopper but decided to check out Marshall's this afternoon - and found a comforter with exactly the look I wanted - as well as throw and pillow.  We already had the down comforter to add for those chilly, winter nights.  

I'm hoping it will be appealing to our next visitors - to make them comfortable.  

Just need to add a few more finishing touches to make any one who stays feel right at home. 

Well I don't know about the next visitor - but Ruger found a comfy enough for a nap!

Paint:  Lowes; Bedding:  Marshalls; Blinds:  Bali

A Not-So-Routine Week

A typical week for us starts out with our 'to-do' list, matching appointments, errands and projects.  Mike volunteers once or twice up to Birds of Prey, Erin comes over for laundry day and 'girls play time'. But lately our projects have taken over.  We have really been kicking @$$ and taking names to reach our intended goal.

Last weekend we ended up with both of our grandsons here Saturday.  Baby C's folks had dinner plans downtown and Mr. T's folks were heading out on the motorcycle for a quiet dinner after a day of garage cleaning.  Papa and I split the list.  I headed out to run errands.  Papa worked on shelves for the garage.  After too many years we finally a tidy garage...  I don't even cringe when the door opens.  I bought a paint for 3 of the bedrooms but painting was delayed because of time with grandsons.

Monday morning I was determined to make things happen.  The guest room was emptied of furniture and calling my name.  Unfortunately so was work.  My job-share coworker left word she wasn't coming into work and I was asked if I could help.  I opted out of Monday with the promise to work the rest of the week.  I had a goal - to get the guest room painted - ceiling, walls and trim.  Well two out of three isn't bad...

I love going in to work when it isn't expected.  Everyone is so appreciative and welcoming. Despite only working four days I still managed over 40 hours and kept all of my afternoon appointments

Ruger is doing great with his pet training - when he is at class.  At home he behaves like a 3rd grader high on sugar.  Actually he is a good puppy - and I have to keep reminding myself despite the fact he has a 'big boy' haircut and is nearing his full-grown status, he is still just that - a puppy.  He sits, lays down, stays and obeys leave it.

Ash Wednesday mass was this week.  We now have 40 days to reflect the meaning of Lent.  It's a good starting point to make changes in your life - especially changes for the better which will be able to carry on beyond Easter.

We all make sacrifices for Lent.  We try to let go of a vice.  For some it's chocolate, soda or coffee.  For others it might be eating dinner out,  .  Two years ago I gave up Facebook.  Most try to leave something behind.  In previous years I've tried to do something different - pay it forward, help someone in need, do something without being asked - you get my drift. I like this idea better.

Father Len discussed our vices and leaving them behind after 40 days.  I am trying hard to be less critical of others during Lent  I've never been a big 'pollyanna' type of person.  I call it like I see it.  I'm finding I enjoy the challenge I've chosen.  I've also given up idle-ness (is that a word?)  Even if it's just a walk every night with Ruger.

After two years following weight watchers, I've changed to my Fit Bit which is worn - and registers steps. I come close to 10,000 steps most days - and have met that goal often.  I can log additional activities, meals, water, and best of all my sleep.  It's been interesting to see how the restless periods affect how I feel during the day.

With the weekend once again up on us, we had two big ticket items - the back yard spring clean up and finishing painting.  After checking our weather satellite maps it was easily decided to work outdoors Saturday and inside Sunday.  I raked the flower beds and the entire back lawn. I rearranged some stones left over from previous ponds to make a small wall along the edge of the deck.  Mike trimmed grapes and berries.  It all looks pretty spiffy in an early spring sort of way.

AND we still managed to take a break long enough for Mr. T's soccer game during the afternoon!

We will definitely be doing some seeding this year to recuperate from the bug that ate the roots last year, but for now the shrubs are groomed, flower beds cleaned and grass raked.   Ruger spent most of the afternoon dropping a ball at my feet and chasing after when it's thrown.  He was dragging grapevines out of the pile as soon as they were collected.

Naturally we took advantage of the clippings that were bigger and enjoyed a few moments by the fire pit as well.

Saturday evening we shared a dinner date and sleep over with Mr. T.  He joined us for Mass today and did very well. The gray, gloomy skies didn't bring out the best in me.  I've been struggling with a couple of things lately and had hoped this was the weekend my folks were coming for a visit.  They had to delay because of my Aunt's health.  So today we weren't very productive and boy - I really missed that extra hour of sleep!

That Ah-ha Moment...

Since the beginning of time - or at least since we moved into our home in 2002 we've been fighting with the bottom corner cabinet.  The kitchen is already cozy (read small) and storage space is premium.  The corner cabinet is one of those that may have once housed a Lazy Susan type contraption.  (In our household this element is referred to as a Lazy Lucy because that's how our children translated it at one time...)

It's the only place where we have enough room to store baking sheets, the griddle, cutting boards of various sizes, cooling racks, well you get the gest.

Often times we would risk life and limb to adventure into the deep dark crevices of this cupboard for an item or (gasp) even the occasional frustrated cleaning moment.  The later usually occurred AFTER I attempted to find something and knocked myself senseless on the top of the cabinet space.

Recently I saw in Pinterest a picture of a cabinet organizer for the lids of pots and pans and I thought this was exactly what I needed for this cupboard.

I didn't have a clue what I was looking for and Googled "kitchen organizers" at Bed Bath and Beyond and eventually found this in Drawer & Cabinet Organizers.

The next day I went to the store and purchased it - $12.99.  I proudly presented it to my "Mr. Fix it" husband and was delighted to hear the clanging of pans being moved from the cabinet.  He installed it out away from the inside wall the same equal distance of the dividers which provided us with an extra section.  

It looks amazing!  I thought to myself - why the heck didn't we do this sooner?  Hmmmm what can I organize next!?

DIY Fireplace

 When we moved into our home in 2002 we made several attempts to update the look of our small family room.  I'm embarrassed to tell you how many times the walls were painted and furniture moved in and out. It just wasn't working for us. We pulled up worn, ragged Berber carpet and replaced with laminate flooring. But the 'elephant in the room' was still the fireplace.

I finally convinced my husband what we needed to do - and then employed the brawn of our two sons to do the demolition.  We expected the 2x4's to be giving the shape but not as many as we discovered.

As the 2x4's were coming off we decided to also remove the raised hearth.  Once the tile was chipped off we discovered it was just a raised wood step.

We selected a neutral tile for around the fireplace opening, as well the new hearth space.

Dry wall had to be replaced around the space.  The room was painted...  again! 



Our final product -  A more traditional fireplace.  Now we have a cozy place to sit with our morning coffee or evening glass of wine.