coming clean

I’m afraid I might have misled a few of y’all. Based on some comments here and on FB, I got the impression that it might have appeared (based on my last post) that I am unhappy in my current painting-sanding-taping-refinishing-organizing craziness.

Okay, I did detest the insane amount of mental energy (and math skills that I do NOT possess) to complete the boys’ chevron wall. Oy. I never thought painting a wall could make me feel like a complete and total idiot.

But the truth is, I am kind of a closet DIY junkie who dreams about projects that she doesn’t have the time, dinero and/or creative mojo to complete.

When we move though, I morph into a DIY freak. It’s basically all I eat, drink and breathe until I get the new house to a point that I can exhale and call it home.

And when my back isn’t aching and my knees aren’t buckling, I love it.


I do my best to encourage my inner DIY superfreak. It’s one of the only times that I manage to get a lot done in a short amount of time. When you’re moving a household this size, you need all of that you can get.

Instead of cringing at all that needs to be done, I make another cup of coffee and press on.

Instead of being overly thoughtful about decorating decisions, I go with my gut and remind myself I can always change it later.

Instead of balking at a seemingly overwhelming project, I make a list and take it one step at a time.


Sometimes this natural response is thwarted, though. Our last place, we rented. Which meant no painting and/or permanent changes.

I traveled to China for Poppy within weeks of our move.

And for Tallula eight months later.

But this time, we’re staying. We’re owners. And there’s lots to do to make this house our home that I can accomplish without spending money we ain’t got.

And, possibly most importantly, we’re not currently in the beginning, middle or end of an adoption.

Which makes for a lot more free time. A lot more energy. A lot more brain cells.


This week has been another good week.

My sister and I finished up repainting the boys’ bathroom on Sunday.

I organized several closets, set up the office and finally found the bottom of the hamper.

I switched winter clothes for summer and have almost managed to get all the kids’ clothes organized.


And even found some time for flower picking. And sharing.

Much to Seamus’ everyone elses’ delight.