I’ve put off cleaning up my sons room since he moved out for college. Seriously, here’s proof. Everything piled on top of his bed and that’s how it has been for months. (showing off my housekeeping skills, eeks!) Please somebody tell me they can relate!!
I’ve procrastinated because cleaning meant I had to deal with the reality that he is growing up. Every time I’d walk in his room, I’d notice the markings outside his closet door where he marked his growth. For years he felt like he’d never grow tall like his friends. (Sorry, I had to record this for me – the sappy sentimental mom.) Look how much he grew in 2004. I swear most of that happened the week he was at camp.
Finally, last weekend was different. The rooms mess had to go. It had to be cleaned.
Enough was enough.
Hubby and I had a big date to Home Depot – woo hoo! Do you hear a little sarcasm in my voice? OOps – so sorry! However, hubs had to work that night so Linds and I got busy. We were fortunate our neighbor came over and decided to help. Then about 30 minutes into the job, some special friends called and invited us all to “On the Border”. So, we took a break and went. Now, that’s the way I like to work.
When we came back to reality and got busy painting, neighbor was fixing to paint over the markings on the door and she stopped.
“Alene, are you sure you want me to paint over these? Look at them!”
Me – sad and teary eyes, “No, but we need to. I took pictures earlier.”
While my daughter is cracking up laughing, I was choking back tears! Neighbor slowly (it seemed like the slowest slow-mo ever!) and ever so methodically rolled Pottery Red paint (or Barnyard Red as Linds calls it) over those cute, adorable, filty, and priceless markings.
Right there – in the moment – precious memories covered up by a layer of paint.
Once I got over the shock, I (the girls found other fun things to do – imagine that?) got busy. It actually took me all weekend, but check it out!
(I swear the walls match – bad photography – I do much better on people! ha)
These three guitars are so special. The one on the right was my daddy’s guitar. In the middle we have my son’s first guitar. (the guitar was as big as he was when he first started playing) And on the left side is my first guitar.
Ah yes, a clean room ready and waiting for my son to move back in to. Actually, there’s not much chance of that happening. He loves where he is. I love where he is too . . . growing up with such a passion for the Lord.
So, we have a room for visitors now. You want to come over?
Amazingly, if you come quickly the room might still be clean.
Linking up with the DIY Homemaker’s Challenge.
Very nice!!! Hopefully, I’m right behind ya! We have got to get that room cleaned out!
It looks really nice! I can imagine that was really tough for you.
I can’t believe you painted over the growth marks! I put ours just inside the garage door to our house so I’d never have to make that choice.
The room looks great and very inviting.
Talk to you soon, Cindy
Alene,
When I saw houskeeping I wasn’t sure I wanted to stop by. :)
After see what you have done,great job,I think I need to work on my son’s room. He been gone for 8 years and its still a work in progress.
Now who the procrastinator?
Blessings,
Tammy
Love the remodel job! Makes me just a tenny-tiny bit jealous! ha I have 2 or 3 rooms that need to be re-done!
By the way…..I noticed the flag in the triangular box…..does that have special significance?
Thanks for sharing the pics!
Marilyn
Nice job on the room. I’ve had to do the same a couple of times. But don’t be so sure he won’t be back! That is the voice of experience talking. I had three daughters. #1 moved out when #2 got engaged. #2 got married and moved out. #1 moved back in when she got engaged. #1 moved out after the wedding was postponed. #2 + son-in-law and now two grandchildren moved back in after #1 moved out the second time. #3 has never left home and I’m not sure she ever intends to. When I go home I either sleep in the guest room or in my RV in the back yard. Yeah, don’t be so sure… ;)
You gals crack me up. Talkin' Texan you have me laughing and crying. Crying for you and laughing because I am pretty clueless. ha I still have one at home and no telling what the rest of this year will bring.
Marilyn, the flag in the case was the flag presented to the family when my hubby's grandfather, a veteran, passed away. The cloth flag folded in front of that is the flag they presented to hubby at his retirement ceremony.
My daughter now calls the room our M&M room. Military and Music. It certainly is filled with a lot of great memories.
I am conquering another room. However, there is NO sentimental value there. ha
When you are finished there you can come on over to my house. I have plenty of rooms that need to be painted and decorated. You did a great job on the room. I wont have to do that cuz I told my kids they cant move out. HaHa! I love the color. Oh yeah, I didnt know you played?
Hopefully will see you Saturday!
Love,April
It looks great! I love the wall color.
It is hard letting go isn’t it? My baby is 18 and will leave for college this summer.
You did a great job! You know you could have cut that section of wall out and replaced it. lol. (ok maybe not) ;)
Now how did you get help painting? I’m trying to do the whole house and no one has offered to help me. What’s the secret? :D
And last, I have a room that I fondly (NOT) refer to as the “junk room”. It used to be my workshop and I really need to get it cleaned out.
Loved the visit as always!
Vey nice job there. You ought to see mine after I put Norman in Padre. In 4 days the whole house almost got painted.
Not do again either.
No dark hiding places anymore.!!
HAHA!!!
Great job Alene. My son moved out this past week. His room is empty as he took the furniture also as it has been passed down for 3 generations now. My youngest is wanting to claim the new room. I'm not ready to move furniture. He wants to keep the paint scheme so I wont have to paint. Just dont want to deal with moving the furniture.
BTW–I stopped by to let you know I'm praying for the benefit concert tonight. Love & blessings in Christ.
Engrafted by His Grace-
Shonda
What a great post!! And it looks like you did a great job with his room too!!
Leah