In lieu of gifts of great monetary value (because of a certain vacation taken earlier in the month of December) we gave the boys room re-dos for Christmas. Fairly cheap-ish, as easy as a coat of paint, and presto-magic! It's done and they'll love it.
They loved it, but the done part left a bit to be desired.
We had grand plans to turn Josh's room into a game room for him, and replaced his bed with a futon. That alone would have been stellar, but then we were at a friend's house who did his basement in Steelers gold with black accents. The wheels in my tiny pea brain started turning and little hatchlings of ideas started running amok.
The helpful people at the store gave me gray primer along with my gallon of Steelers gold, and I primed and painted. And painted again. And painted again with what was left of my gallon. That gray just wouldn't be covered.
Long story short, white primer is the preferred under Steelers gold. Two coats of primer (one in gray, one in white) and 4 coats of gold paint later, and we have the desired effect. The good news is that half the paint used was generously donated by the store because of their very obvious blunder. The bad news is that at 11 PM at night I was painting walls, and at 1 AM on Christmas morning I was hanging wall decor on tacky paint.
The week of Christmas was stressful to say the least. I feel as though I'm still spinning from it. For two entire days the kids fended for themselves in the food and care department. Slacker mom, right here. I was locked in a black and gold nightmare trying my darnedest to give a Christmas gift that was giveable.
Somewhere in that nightmare I had the coherent thought that a mother to the children downstairs would also be a nice gift. Would the kids remember that I stressed a little too much over paint and presents, while neglecting them? Or would they remember the wonderful new room that awaited them Christmas morning?
I'm a little afraid to ask them. I just know that the boys are both thrilled with their rooms. And that I will not repeat Christmas Eve like that again.
12 comments:
I think his face says it all there. And actually, I think that was a way cool totally awesome idea. They'll remember it forever. Just don't tell my wee ones that this is ever an option ;)
How the heck did you keep that as a secret? That is impressive. I saw the room picture from an earlier post, and it looks great - both of them do.
Great idea, but like Michelle says, can we keep it from the kiddos? :)
You know, WE remember all the ways we've failed, but THEY see the final result and that's all there ever was in their minds. I think you RAWK as a mom, Karen. What a great gift. It's something they will treasure for a long time.
I don't know - it looks like the boy liked his surprise make over! His brothers look impressed as well. I think it is a fun idea!
Awww! That's so very cool and you know it. :) Awesome. I almost did the same thing last year and am glad I didn't. I wouldn't have finished it. But I want to take a page from Mayberry Magpie's book and spray paint the kids' names graffiti style on their walls. Wouldn't that be the bomb?
Great picture!!!! I think he likes it :)
I have this big hallway that needs primer and paint and scaffolding. Just come right over you can fly with your blue and red cape.
You did not touch the tacky paint, did you ruin it after ALL that work?
This is the coolest present. you did what they wanted tooo BRAVO!
You inadvertently gave me an idea, come by and see. Such an inspiration!
I'd have to agree that his face says it all. I think you done good.
I think they will remember what you did for them.
I have a feeling that they'll remember it just as long as you will the gray primer...only their memories will be much fonder. ;)
I can only 2nd (3rd?) the comments above . . . the look on his face is priceless, and I have no doubt that he will remember your gift for years to come, with no memory of having to fend for himself for a couple of days (which can really be considered a secondary gift . . . people pay good money for survival training!)
Post a Comment