I’m excited to share the part of a space I enjoy the most today: the decorative details, but before I dive in, I feel the need to get a few things off of my chest. I’m so grateful for you reading and the friendships I’ve developed through this blog. I think with blogging we tend to show the best sides of ourselves…the spotless floors, the perfectly styled party, the cute craft with our kids. We put our best foot forward, but that doesn’t mean our life is perfect. I have struggles and fears and problems like anyone, and this month has certainly included some of those sufferings.
Before Christmas I found out I was pregnant. I had all the signs and all the nausea. But last week, at almost 11 weeks, I found out the baby had no heartbeat and I miscarried a week later. While miscarrying was really rough, the limbo between knowing and losing was almost paralyzing. I went through the motions and did a lot of cleaning (am I the only crazy person who cleans when things aren’t great?) but I just felt in limbo. I’m thankful to say I’m feeling better now and really blessed to have two amazing opportunities coming up the end of the month that kept me focused on the good through all of this. While suffering is never enjoyable, it works in us patience, character and hope. And in all of it, I found myself enjoying the little moments with my children more and appreciating the day to day.
Well let’s get on to the pretty things! I’m so thankful God gave us lovely things and the ability to make!
Like I mentioned in previous posts, we had a very limited budget for this space. Other than the materials to build the space, I only bought a few roles of black tape and some Command hooks. We had the chalkboard paint and I used this marker to put the pattern of the kids’ silhouettes in the fireplace.
Janod Circus and Train | Robot (similar) | Wood Blocks
I took some old profile shots I had of the kids, printed and cut them out and then just traced them evenly spaced out with pencil. I’ve always been the type to measure and take forever to lay something like this out, but since it’s not permanent and it’s a kids space, I felt like winging it was fine (and freeing). Then I went over it with the marker and decided to color in Xander’s silhouettes for some contrast. I made the garland for Xander’s 3rd birthday party.
I bought this book at the thrift store for a dollar. I loved the quirky illustrations and colors, but I didn’t want to tear the book up so I made copies of my favorite pages and used them throughout the space. Xander was afraid of the cyclops above at first. I explained that he was similar to Mike Wazowski and that made things all better. I used a few rolls of black tape to put some stripes on the chairs and also put a design on one wall.
Again, I eyeballed this and it’s not perfect but I think kids spaces don’t have to be. The masks were left over from Xander’s 4th birthday party and I hung them up using some Command hooks.
All of the baskets and bins were moved in from the main area of the basement, and I tried to organize their toys in a way that they might keep them somewhat picked up…the things that can’t easily be thrown in a basket are on the top shelf so Milly doesn’t have access without help. The room is often messy, but the living space in the basement isn’t overrun with toys anymore. Mission accomplished.
Don’t miss the details on the bones of the space here and the initial reveal here.
Gwen–I'm so sorry to hear about the baby. I hope you're doing better. I would've never known anything was going on from your blog. Weird how we can make life look a completely different way sometimes, isn't it?
The kids space looks like lots of fun. I'm sure mine would hang out there all the time!
Thanks, Emily. I am doing better, and yes, that's the weird thing about a life online…you can make it seem any way you want, right? But this whole time I've felt disingenuous not sharing my heart, so it felt good to put it out there. I appreciate you leaving a note and hope you have a happy weekend!
I love the imperfections of this room…it looks great but still "real life" which is reassuring to the rest of us 🙂 So sorry about your miscarriage. The limbo is the worst but good always comes from it.
Thanks so much for the sweet comment, Beth. I'm glad I could give you some assurance and trust me, it doesn't really look this "well kept" anymore. 🙂
Huge hugs to you on your loss. Wishing you the best! Your space is wonderful. Completely kid friendly without being over the top. Just love it!
Angela @ Number Fifty-Three
Thanks, Angela! I appreciate your kind words!
Sweet girl, I am so sorry for your loss. Like Emily said, it's amazing how we can continue to portray the same 'person' online, even when she's feeling the opposite in real life. I love this room, and I'm thinking about you!! Virtual hugs! xo
Thanks so much, Cassie. It was really weird to blog the last few weeks, and I'm glad I finally got the chance to share what was on my heart. Your words mean a lot to me and I appreciate you taking the time to comment! Hope you have a great weekend!
Gwen, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. It takes courage to share these things. I hope you feel better soon and get plenty of hugs and love right now.
Thanks for sharing the details of your adorable play area for your children. I love that you put in a 'fireplace' and drew their silhouettes- so creative! I really enjoy your blog and all your beautiful images you share. I can tell you are a beautiful person on the inside and out.
That is so kind of you to say, Tracy. I so appreciate you reading and the words you had for me today…they mean a lot!
So sorry to hear of your loss! I too am a fan of blogging real life and not just the "pretty things" and wrote about my own loss at almost 20 weeks in the spring of 2011. It changed, strengthened and humbled me – all for the glory of God! Sharing has always been a form of healing for me and I hope it is for you as well.
Thanks so much, Chelsea. I'm so sorry you had to go through that, but I am grateful knowing God does not wish for us to suffer alone. I am so thankful He puts people in our lives who have been through similar things that can comfort us. Thank you for being that today!
So sorry to hear of your loss. Hopefully you will continue to be strengthened and heal over time. Focusing on your kids' space hopefully was good therapy. It looks to inviting and fresh. Well done!
Thanks so much. Yes, focusing on the good has been helpful!
My heart is heavy for you tonight, Gwen. Thank you for sharing your life and sweet family with us. {hugs}
~Wendy
Thanks, Wendy. I appreciate your kindness!
Love it, Gwen! And I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. Thanks for sharing, and for having such a sweet and hopeful heart. Thinking about you and praying for continued healing!
Thanks, Joni. You're words and prayers mean a lot!
You are amazing. So talented and beautiful. I'm so sorry for your loss and you are so brave for speaking out. I read your blog all the time. I never have read any till I heard about yours! I love it and I love everything you do!
P.s. I swear I saw you driving on 1-70 exiting Van Brunt the other day!
You're so sweet! Thanks, Christy and thanks for reading! It means a lot to me.
That was most likely me…my doctor is down off the Plaza, and I was down there a few times this week. Please tell me I wasn't driving too fast or swerving or something. 🙂
I'm so sorry, Gwen. I had no idea!! Love you guys and will be praying for you!
Thanks, Jen! We appreciate the prayer!
So sorry to hear about the miscarriage. I'm glad to hear you are doing better!
The space looks great! So light and airy!
Thanks so much, Laney!
I'm so very sorry to hear about your miscarriage Gwen. You have such a positive outlook . Keeping you and your family in my thoughts.
Thanks, lady!
gwen – you are so brave for sharing your deep loss – i am sorry to hear about this difficult and heart breaking experience in your story. the first word that came to my heart after reading your post was: grace. not only the grace that comes from god in these types of trials, but the incredible grace with which you have expressed where your heart and spirit are at after going through this. i LOVE feeling like i am getting to know you better by reading your blog! your heart is so beautiful and your ideas so creative. thanks for your honesty, even when it can be tough! xoxo
You are too sweet, Lindsay! I know, I really wish we would have gotten the chance to know each other a bit better in college or that we lived closer now. Your words mean a lot to me. Hope you all have a lovely weekend!
Oh, Gwen…I'm so sorry. I'm a cleaner when I'm upset too. Like the cleaning makes you feel like you have control over SOMETHING when things are happening that you can't control. Will be thinking of you and hoping the sadness passes soon. Glad to hear you have some fun things coming up to take your mind to other places.
That's exactly it! I vacuumed the whole house every day, and it felt amazing. 🙂 I forgot how much I really love a super clean house. Ha.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Jennifer. I'm definitely on the ups. Hope you have a great week!
Just found your blog this weekend…loving all the inspiration and just wanted to say "Hello!"
Thanks for reading, Andrea! I appreciate you stopping by to look around!
Thinking of you and your family! I can't wait to hear what lied ahead.
Thanks, lady! Hope you had a blast at alt and can't wait to hear more about it!
So sorry to you and Micah. I didn't read this post at 1st because the boys needed something, but I'm so glad I went back and read it. I'm glad that you are doing well and are finding joy in creating and making!
Thanks, Julie! I appreciate your kindness and sharing your story really helped me deal with mine. Thanks so much, Julie!