Thursday, September 8, 2011

We Actually Did Bring the Sunshine In! #GliddenGallons #CBias

Well, we did it!  Two weeks of hard work, a few mishaps involving a change of plans, and a lot of Glidden Brilliance Paint, we actually brought the sunshine in to the babies' room and it is AWE-SOME!

As I told you here, we were given a fabulous opportunity to makeover the babies' room by our  friends at Glidden Walmart and Collective Bias.  We had big plans for this room which you can read about here.  

I often have "plans" but they rarely happen as I had expected.  I am the mother of 6 children from the ages of 22 to 2.  Things happen.  Plans change.  I've learned to roll with it over the years and I've found that sometimes they work out better than expected thanks to the little mishaps in life!

This makeover was no exception to those rules!  The original plan to paint the one wall, some trim, organize, replace dresser knobs, and add some artwork to the walls didn't happen.  Instead, on the first day of the project, I was busy organizing and my babies were busy flipping off of the end of Bug's bed (yes, I was actually in the room with them when this happened).  OH SNAP (literally) the bar on the end of her bed broke off and took chunks of wood with it.  

After my nervous breakdown, I pulled myself together and formulated a new plan of action.  I finished organizing the room, cleaning out drawers, sorting through old toys, just the usual (still sobbing of course).  When B got home from work, he fixed the bed.  That very night, I began to paint it.  I opened up my can of Canary Song Glidden Brilliance 2N1 (yes it's a paint and primer all in one, how cool is that?) and the new plan began.
This just made her dresser look even worse than I thought, so I painted it...
Which of course made the armoire look like hammered horse dung, so I painted it...
Which made me decide that I really do like the WHITE in this room (with the yellow) so the dingy whitish closet doors and trim, looked...well...dingy!  Guess what I did?  Yup, I went back to Walmart and bought some Glidden Brilliance Paint in White, and I painted them and added princess appliques (with sparkles of course)!
By now you might have noticed that Bubby's side had been neglected!  Never fear, I hit that side up too!  His side was "dark".  The furniture is in good condition so didn't want to paint it.  I, however, painted the knobs on his dresser with the white which really brightened it up.
And although we couldn't swing a new bed *SIGH* for him, I did get him a new gwanket (blanket) and headow (pillow).  Cars of course!  And I hung Cars appliques by his bed as well. 
I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I had managed to paint all of the picture frames that were already in their room, as well as dig up some old ones to repaint so I could hang more pictures.  I finished hanging the wall art, including Princess appliques on Bug's side and Cars appliques on Bubby's side.  I would also be remiss if I didn't tell you that I am SO happy that I picked the Glidden Brilliance 2N1 Paint.  I can't imagine when I would have gotten all of that furniture done if I'd had to prime first!

Talk about bringing the sunshine in!  I knew their room was boring, but I absolutely had no idea HOW boring it was!  Thanks to Glidden Brilliance Collection 2N1 Paint + Primer, Walmart Paint, and Collective Bias, my babies have the happiest, sun shiniest room I've ever seen!  Don't you just love it?

Since these few pictures (yes, in my opinion, that is only a few) don't do the room justice, I've put together a little slide show so you can see the full week in progress and all of the before and afters.  So sit back, listen to the music, and enjoy the sun shiny, sparkly awesomeness!  Shine on!


This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective BiasAll opinions, ideas, pictures, and video are entirely my own.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

"Place of Remembrance"

This statue entitled "Place of Remembrance" by Galvestonian artist David Moore was dedicated on September 9, 2000 in memory of the 10,000 plus islanders that lost their lives in the Galveston Storm of 1900.  It sits prominently on our seawall, standing 10-feet tall, as a memorial to those lost at sea as well as to the strength of the survivors that stayed to rebuild this beautiful island that we call home.  

My kids are drawn to this statue.  There are many on the island, but this is their favorite.  I don't know that they "get" it's meaning, but it's presence and vibe are so powerful that they insist we stop at it each and every time.  

Someday they will understand the devastation that their island and it's people have endured over the years, more than once unfortunately.  And they will understand the sufferings and the bravery, and they will "get" this statue, and they will feel sadness!  But for now, I'm glad they just enjoy the beauty!

I Love Him Because....

That guy over there in the red hat.  The one with my Bubby.  I love him for many reasons but I have "favorite" moments that get me through the rough spots and love that they keep on coming (the favorites of course, not the rough spots).

And yes, we have "rough" spots.  All couples do.  If anyone tells you they have a perfect marriage, they are either lying to you or to themselves!  

Marriage is rough!  Life is tough!  But being able to hang on to the good stuff and holding on to what really matters?  Now that's the important stuff!  We've maintained the balance!

My husband is not always (rarely) eloquent.  He doesn't always do or say the right things.  But every once in awhile, he throws in something that sticks with me forever and I cherish those moments!  

My photographic mind has these cherished moments embedded.  And although there are actually quite a few of these etched memories, 3 stand out and carry me through the "rough" spots!  

I met this man over 9 years ago (and married him a little over 8 years ago) and together we have 6 children (2 mine, 2 his, 2 ours).  It's been a wild ride!  When we first got together, I was a VERY independent single mom.  I would not receive help from anyone!  I had this and the girls and I were just fine!  He offered, I always refused!

But he and "his" kids were spending a lot of time at our house, and I was cooking for them a lot!  That's what I do.  I love to take care of people, especially those that I love!  But the grocery bill was climbing so after MANY offers, I took him up on it and "let" him pay for the groceries!  He was elated!  He had wanted to help.  He felt like he was taking advantage of me.  He wasn't since I wasn't allowing his help, but that's how he felt, so I gave in.  

Somehow, he and I got a day to ourselves!  My girls were with friends, and his kids were with their mother (cough cough...yes, that's what we'll call her).  So we headed to Walmart for some grocery shopping!

I did my usual budget shopping, asking him along the way if he wanted this or that.  He kept saying "Whatever you want baby".  So I just did the usual shop.  I really wanted him to participate but he didn't.  I finally just asked what he wanted and wasn't going to take another no answer as an answer.  I noticed him grinning as he pushed the buggy.  Why wouldn't he answer me?  UGH men!  Then he said it! 

#1:  "I'm just here to push the buggy and sign the check!".  Yes he was proud and I had to smile!  Matter of fact, that was 9 years ago and it still makes me smile!  It was a good day and I went home and cooked us all dinner with the groceries HE purchased!

Then, a few months later, we caught another alone moment (wish we could find one or two of these more often), and we were sitting in the field on my property in Georgia.  It was raining but we didn't care!  

Please understand that I had convinced myself that I would never marry again (2-time loser was enough for me) and he knew this!  But sitting there, in the rain, with this man I had grown to love with all of my heart, he dropped the bomb!  And the bomb was eloquent (whether you think so or not)

#2:  "Will you change your name just one more time?  I promise, it'll never happen again!"  And this was the proposal that changed my life!

There have been countless "moments" since then that I could share with you, but just recently, he hit another all timer for me and this is the last (of many I hope) that sticks with me and makes me smile on a daily basis.  

We've been hit by this damned recession.  It's been rough, but we pay the bills, we have a roof over our heads, and the kids are fed.  That's what matters.  

He gets depressed that he can't do more for us.  He works hard, very hard.  I appreciate it very much!  So much so that since I haven't worked (ha ha...outside of the home that is) in the past 2 years, I was feeling guilty for the pressure I was putting on him!  I have skills, I am very good in my field.  I could get a job.  It wouldn't be easy in this economy and I'd have to leave the babies.  But I could get a job!  

I broached the subject again one night.  I don't want to leave the babies and he knows that.  But I brought it up and he knew I was serious.  

Understand that I do EVERYTHING for this man and this family.  I cook every day.  I do all of the laundry.  I do all of the cleaning.  I pay all of the bills (with his money of course).  You name it, I do it!  It's my "job" now.  He shouldn't have to do a thing while he's here.  He supports us so I should do the rest.  NOT because he expects it, but because I WANT to!

So after dinner as I'm cleaning up the kitchen after cooking for my family, while I'm preparing his lunch for the next day, he walks into the kitchen, gives me a huge hug and kiss and drops the next one.  

#3:  "You can't go back to work baby!  Who will take care of me?".

 
Yes, I'm sure he likes the servitude (LOL...it's NOT that bad) but he doesn't want me to go back to work because he wants to take care of us!  

I love this man!  I'm thankful everyday to have him in my life!  I love that he calls my daughters his own.  He doesn't do any of this because he has to, he does it all because that's who he is!  He's a good man and I love him!  
We'll keep making it through the "rough spots" and some day soon, everything will be fine again on the economic front!  But I don't put much stock in that part.  

As they say, "money can't buy you love" and that's true!  True love is all about "the moments" and if you find that, cherish it and hold on to it! 

I know I do and I always will! 

Monday, September 5, 2011

Meaningful Monday voiceBoks Sponsored Blog Hop

Happy Labor Day all!  Even though it's a holiday, it's still a Monday so the hop is on!  This hop is sponsored by voiceBoks, and if you've never heard of the community before, you need to go check it out!  I've made so many fabulous connections over there!  You'll love it and you can thank me later!  So without further ado, let's get to hopping!