Creating the Space

A few weeks back, Jacob and Elwood began quietly hinting that their room needed a change. I had felt it too, but I have to admit that I had put it at the back of my mind, or the bottom of my to-do list. The chatter kept coming, and with it the ideas began to flow for all that they wanted for this space that they call their own.

The fact is that these boys of mine have not been in their own room very long. Even at almost 9 and 7, they prefer the comfort of the bed that is always there, just off mine, whenever they need it. It is only since Landon has brought those loud (but beautiful) baby to toddler nights into our lives that they have chosen a quieter, and more peaceful place to sleep.

The ideas were grand for this tiny space that they share, and as closet doors came down and curtains were hung, toys were shuffled through and organized, and clothes were put away and reorganized, I could see their vision taking shape.

Jacob had first suggested it, using their room as an art gallery. He envisioned their walls covered in their work. He had hoped that every space would be filled, every area of white taken up with color, form and line. We found a wonderful stack of black frames at the dollar store, and looked through years of art to find jut the right pieces.

For the wall next to their beds, they gathered every lat canvas they could find in the house, and hosted an art party for themselves and little brother. Water colors were the chosen medium, and I must say that I enjoyed every moment of watching their project come together. They even begged for hammer and nail, to prove that they could put this all together, start to finish.

Although some days I miss having them close, this transition to their space has been a great one. Seeing them here, having created what they wanted, surrounded by their own beauty, reminds me that their dreams will be filled with all the creative possibilities and colorful journeys that their days can hold.