This weekend KD, JB and I took down the wallpaper in the powder room. The paper had been there since I moved in over 10 years ago. It was nice, I guess, but it had to go. I need to take back my mansion and begin renos that inspire me to entertain. The next to go is the lace and topper on my front door…also left by the previous owner, who luckily for me, had pretty good taste…10 years ago.
So the boys helped all day on Saturday. JB took the first shift while KD played on Webkinz. Not that I want child labour after me, but for a four year old, he put in a solid two hours and worked hard to do a good job. Not once did he display the usual JB drama he’s so famous for. While I was cleaning up after lunch they both went in and started working. JB dropped out in favour of finding his Diago shorts and t-shirt, but KD hung in there and we made some real progress before his afternoon playdate.
JB and I went to the paint store to look at colour chips. Isn’t it funny how in the absence of toys, kids will find anything appealing, especially soft paint rollers, wallpaper books and new paint brushes. Is it just my kids that think they must leave every store with something? A quick trip to HomeSense nearly ended in disaster when JB decided he wanted to touch all the carefully placed glassware. The young store clerk stood paralyzed with fear. He started to meltdown when I told him we’d have to go, but then I gently took his hand and whispered, “Mommy went to the wrong store, this isn’t the one with all the good toys.”
There’s this fish and chip spot near me called, Freddie’s Fantastic Fish House. We had it Friday night and the kids wanted it again on Saturday. Lips bigger than their bellies and my weekend diet has now consisted mainly of FFFH morsals, save for my toasted tomato and avacado sandwich for breakfast.
After supper the boys played “nicely” on the computer while I continued to strip the paper and JB returned for a second shift. Luckily they were both off duty when water hit the lightbulb and it blew apart all over the bathroom.
This morning I finished removing the rest of the wallpaper…all but behind the toilet. I was sure there must be a way to get the tank off so I googled it and found this video. I’ll let you know how I do. Actually, I could use some new toilet gear, but for now I just need it out of the way so I can celebrate with a cold corono, the last piece of fish and 60 minutes of yogalates.
Just a Moment 
November 20th, 2007 at 12:17 am
Oh, wow! My (work)hat off to you, Writesome! That is a lot of work to tackle, especially with the boys by your side. I’m so impressed. I’ve painted most of my townhouse and done a few handy things (although upon close inspection I’m sure a real handyman/woman would be horrified). But I’ve never attempted stripping wallpaper — or having my kids around. In fact, my 6 year-old would’ve spent all his time stripping and running around naked!
I hope in addition to the beer, fish and yoga you got some sleep!
November 22nd, 2007 at 6:14 pm
Susan, Thanks…I really was thinking this was something everyone but me has done before. The toilet I’m pretty proud of. I’ll be looking for some painting tips soon. I like this doityourself stuff.