Do you ever find yourself living outside of the box? Or maybe we are afraid to? Recently I have had the opportunity to do just that...though, some people think I am a little crazy! I think as moms...or parents, sometimes we are afraid to do what is considered "not normal". But, then again, WHAT IS NORMAL?? I think many of us step outside that box more than we may realize OR maybe more than we are willing to admit. Well, I would like to share with you what it is like outside of the box...it is kind of freeing...and there is much more room!
You see, I live in a pretty small house with 3 children...and all of their toys! I try to get rid of toys as needed, but for some crazy reason (or Christmas and birthdays) they keep multiplying each year (as the kids seem to be doing as well!) So, after much thinking and I admit, whining, I came to what I call "my crazy idea"! Since the inside of my box was getting rather crowded...I decided to move out...or maybe just camp out! (Are you following me?) So, after deciding exactly what I wanted...okay, so what I REALLY wanted was to be able to wish upon a magic genie for a larger home with more space, but for some reason Walmart was all out of those magic genies...so, I realized that I am VERY blessed with what I have, and I need to find a way to make it work! So, being the impulsive person that I am, I put my idea into action. Are you on the edge of your seat wondering what my crazy idea was? Brace yourself! I decided to turn my little girls' room into the sleeping room...I moved Brenden's bed into the girls' room and made bunkbeds. I then turned Brenden's room into the school/game/craft room. Katelyn loves to play games and do crafts, plus, I am homeschooling her and Paige. I had a hard time when she would do the crafts or play the games in the playroom, because of Makenna. It never failed that SOMETHING was left out...and I did not like always nagging or constantly checking to be sure Makenna couldn't get into anything...in the playroom! I also had a hard time keeping the girls focused on their school work with 2 boys (Brenden and Kyen) running around being boys! We were right in the middle of all the action.
Well, the sleeping arrangements are slowing working out (I can't expect miracles), but I love the new room. In the mornings, Katelyn and Paige have much more privacy and seem to enjoy the less distractions. I have also found that all the toys now stay in the playroom rather than floating from the playroom to Brenden's room to the living room. There is more space in the playroom (I added toys, but took away the book shelves and school stuff), and the kids tend to play in there more, rather than bring stuff out into the living room. I also feel very comfortable with Makenna wandering in there...it is very kid proof!
I know that this may go against the norm or expectations, but I think it is working well! I have found that when you only have one or two children, it is easier to live inside the box, but I desire more and so I need to be creative...until I can get a bigger box!
3 comments:
I don't think you are crazy. You probably feel like you have more space now that you have a sleeping room, a school room, and a play room.
I am glad it is going well. There are always a few bumps with the transitions but soon enough you won't even remember that first week or so with the changes.
Nice work Shawna!! Very creative. That's a great idea. If I ever come across that situation (if we have another kid I might be there)I will definately steal it.
I enjoy your post because that's exactly what I did when we lived at our old house. It really worked for me so I am sure I will work out for you also.
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