I've been anticipating this project since we moved in almost 2 years ago, but it takes me a long time to get things decorated the way I want. But last month I decided I was ready to take the plunge and have been happily and busily planning, purchasing, and painting everything.
For the most part I enjoyed the gathering process. Painting the furniture became somewhat tedious (as it always does for me), but I found it was more enjoyable as I thought of the love I had for each of my children as I painted their respective pieces. The boys beds were probably my favorite thing to paint. The colors they chose were so incredibly perfect for their personalities and I was filled with love for each of them as my brushstrokes took me closer to the end of the project. I envisioned them happily sleeping in their beds in their brand new room. It really made this project special.
For the boys' room we took the afternoon hours of Labor Day to begin and finish the project, and though I had wanted to do both that day, Patrick got called into work that morning so Maylie's room had to wait. And despite a crazy, hectic Tuesday, we put Maylie to bed on the couch and did her room from start to finish from 9:30 till midnight. There was one hitch in Maylie's room--the canopy curtains I ordered--I must have mis-measured because they were about 2 feet too short. So I tied them on the bedposts, a little sadly, I really wanted everything to be perfect. But for now they will do and I'll post another picture when I get them looking just like I want them to.
For these two bedrooms, I wanted to do it differently than I usually do. I wanted to get every single thing ready so when the day came to "put together" the rooms, I would be able to do it all at one time. I was hoping they'd walk in the their rooms, their eyes wide with wonder. And they did. The boys were gasping and oohing and aahhing, and Maylie squealed in delight.
And now you can tour for yourself. I'm so very pleased with how they turned out. I really can't describe the feeling of laying them down to bed each night. I've always always always wanted my children to have special bedrooms where they felt comfortable and safe, but renting for so long stifled that dream for several years. But last night as I tucked them in after they turned off their lamps when Quiet Time was through, I pulled the covers around them and gave them a tickle and was filled with such immense joy and peace. I can't really explain it. I almost felt like I was living in a dream-movie. It was unreal and wonderful. To tuck them in each night is something I will treasure forever.
This has been my favorite decorating project yet. And I still find myself walking past their rooms and stopping just to admire. The feeling of peace is pervasive. I am so blessed.
This wall is special to us because of our missions to Portugal. Patrick had those license plates made on his mission for his future sons...
My good friend Lindsey painted these beautiful animals for their walls. A few weeks ago in family home evening I gave each of my children "an animal symbol," complete with a scripture and qualities that they possess--much like President Eyring did for his sons when he made them woodcarving.
I made these banners--they were so time-consuming but I loved how they turned out!
Each of my children got to pick out their own temple picture and Savior picture. This was more special than I could have imagined to see their personalities shine through as they picked out the art.
Maylie's room is special for several reasons. The first is that little corner hutch. That was made for me when I was little by one of my grandfathers. I painted it white and it's now going to be a little kitchen for my Maylie.
Secondly, May's bed was my bed when I was little.
Maylie's always been our little "star." So I wanted to represent this somewhere in her room.
Lastly, Maylie was blessed in my blessing dress and booties and so I wanted to display them as well. They are so special to me.
