Off kilter.

My husband's parents are visiting, all so that FIL could help Mark paint our downstairs in exchange for a little bit of grandbaby time.   He painted our living room, entry hall, stairwells, and schoolroom in a warm, light beige, a milk-with-a-little-coffee color.

Before they could paint, of course, I had to move the big schoolroom cabinets away from the wall, and before I could do that, of course, I had to empty them. 

So for a couple of days, all my STUFF --- potholder looms, workbooks, bottles of tempera paint, paper of all kinds --- was piled on a table in the middle of the living room.

But then I had the opportunity to put it back, and I took my time.  Hurray!  Organized cabinets for the first time since we moved.

School really got shifted around, first because Grandma and Grandpa were here reading to the boys and playing endless board games, then because all the materials I needed were buried under a huge mound of materials that I hadn't used in months, finally because I spent a whole day putting everything back.  Oh, but it looks wonderful!  Next stop:  a nice celery-green color in the kitchen.  Someday.

Also, Oscar had a night of throwing up,  and then a couple days later Mary Jane ran a fever in the middle of the night.  Sleep was lost.  Finally MIL woke up feeling poorly this morning, so instead of starting for home this morning FIL is bringing her tea and crackers, and the boys are having to be reminded to play quietly so she can rest.

I managed to get Oscar going on catechism copywork and art narration, and got math lesson set up --- since it involves laying out cards on the floor to make a number line, we'll do that after Milo goes down for a nap.  Soon. 

(Here are the before pictures.  Will update later with cabinet interiors.)

Comments

[James]

I feel I have to say something. I just have to.
Those net curtains, Erin... please. for the love of God. Take them down.
Net curtains are only for those over 75, or for anyone called Mildred or Burt.

If you're not in any of the above category, they have to go.

Go for flat 'voiles' instead, if you really have to.

And curtains should never be tied back like that. Ugh. I shall have to pray for you.

[James]

actually one other thing...
why is John's blog on your blogroll and not mine?
John's is not nearly as interesting as mine.

Most people just hit on his to find my blog address anyway.

[bearing]

Those aren't "net" curtains! They're sheers with a nice pinstripe in them. And if I don't tie back the red ones there will be no natural light in the room.

Why am I taking decorating advice from a man with a ponytail?

[bearing]

Maybe I'd link to you if you actually updated your blog once in a while, James...

John, can't you, you know, PROVOKE him a little bit once in a while? James obviously needs inspiration.

[james]

i see you've liked me now... thanks.

i don't update my blog too regularly coz i want my vast readership to savour the profound blogs i write. and quality awaits inspiration.

i still say those curtains are nets. and as such must be removed or replaced with flat voiles.

and i no longer have a ponytail. i have a very trendy pencil thin beard instead.

[James]

I've posted on my blog...

[James]

sorry - the web address was wrong.. here it is..