For the past few months my “big” kids have been begging for bunk beds.  I have to admit that the idea of bunk beds is really fun and appealing.  But I also know my children, and I worry about broken bones and concussions when they eventually jump off the top.  I’m not completely against the idea, but it just stresses me a little.

Also…it’d be really nice to have a separate space for the new baby.  When Lydia was born, she and Carter shared a room by necessity and it was difficult to keep him asleep when she woke up in the middle of the night.  (She ended up spending her first few months sleeping in the hallway, actually.  In her infant carrier.)  (I know, I know…)

If we split them up this way, the “big” kids will have one room, and the little ones will each have their own space on the other side of the house.  That will(hopefully) mean that we can have two slightly different schedules so that everyone (except me, I imagine) will get adequate sleep time.

Moving Asa to Carter’s room is a no brainer.  It’s car-themed and he already loves to write on the chalkboard track painted around the room.  And he’s really just getting into the train table, so that’ll be fun.

Lydia’s room is up for grabs.  It’s pink, so if the baby is a girl we can pretty much leave it as it.  If the baby’s a boy, a coat of paint should do the trick.

But the big room(which is about 14×14)…I have no clue.  What color?  What theme?  How elaborate?  My creative juices just won’t start flowing this time.

I generally don’t like:

• primary colors
• painted murals
• character themes(like Spider-man or Dora)
• super-minimalist/modern look
• super-country/shabby chic look

I generally do like:

• plaid/madras prints
• greens and blues
• easily identified storage spaces for toys
• starting with an IKEA bed and embellishing it
• putting in some work to get a good result
• happy, smiling children who sleep in their own beds]

So…ideas people.  I need ideas…

Amazing Grace.

How many times have I sung that song?
How many times have I talked about grace?
Or referenced it in conversations or lessons I’ve taught?

How glibly I let the words slide off my tongue,
Without a second thought.

Amazing Grace.
How sweet the sound?

It should be sweet.
Grace should be amazing.

But so often I am wrapped up in things, things that side-track me
And leave me feeling bitter instead of sweet.

As a parent and as a teacher to teens, I find that:
There are times when I feel like I am too lenient.
There are times when I snap too quickly.
There are times when I ignore things that I should have spoken up about.
There are times when I should have just let it go, but didn’t.
There are times when I want to throw my hands in the air and say “I.give.up.”

But somewhere deep within I hear a whisper.
Amazing grace, Bridget.
Amazing grace.
Grace.

Unmerited, undeserved blessings.

Unmerited, undeserved love.

Unmerited, undeserved.

It saved a wretch like me.

And it’s my responsibility to share that grace, show that grace.

It’s not always easy.

But it’s what I’m called to do, called to be.

God, help me be graceful.

1. If you want to take a “long-cut”, follow Marshall.  He will always make sure you take the longest route possible.

2. My kids enjoyed these two things more than anything else: riding the metro and riding on a boat*.
(We can accomplish both of those tasks by driving a mere two hours from the house.  Just sayin’.)

3. The people at the Omni Shoreham Hotel** really know how to treat kids with families!

4. Strolling from one monument to another while a gentle breeze blows and fireflies light your way?  Pure magic.

5. Yes, Marshall, that actually is a fox staring at us as we walk past a small field in downtown DC.

6. We should not attempt a trip requiring such a long drive until all participants can understand and execute the command “Hold it!”

7. I really do have a sophomoric sense of humor.

8. Chipotle is as awesome as everyone told me it would be.

9. Having the worst head-cold evah can be cured by a trip to the spa.  (Thanks, Marshall!!)

10. I need a sauna at my house.***

*Ok, so the boat tour at sunset was really nice!  And the kids pretended to be captains and drive the boat, which was adorable. (Especially when Carter talked all firm and serious with his chest puffed up!)
**NOT an affiliated link or a paid advertisement.  I just really loved the hotels and their services.
***No, really…I could actually breathe after being in there!