Vale's Big Bedroom Makeover!

So. before we get into the "afters", here's a bit of the "befores". I didn't get a complete picture of her room before we started tearing it apart, but this was it, in sections anyway. Not pictured is the toy box, toy storage, and cubby storage we were using in there when we switched it up.

Issues/problems/things we're working with & trying to solve in this space...1. her room is small, she loves to play & needs to maximize floor space 2. No closet - yes the room has a closet, though it's not large... It's full of extra dishes/China, linens, decor items & (my) crafting supplies (with only a small space for a few hanging/fancy dresses of hers). We have a small house (2000sq ft) for 6 people with limited storage space, so this is what it is. 3. We don't have toys anywhere else in the house, same goes for school items and supplies - they all need to fit in this space. 4. Cat litter box needs to be in here 🥴... We have 1 box in the laundry room, but need one on "this side" of the house, in case that door is closed (frequently is) and the cats are on this side of that door... We don't have space in either bathroom, the boys room is where we keep the dog contained when needed (door closed), not really enough space in my room (and Brian barely tolerates their existence, so I can't push it by trying to also add a litter box😆)... So this leaves us Vale's room. 5. An extra bed for a guest, and a place for young kids to hang/watch a show.

She had it in her mind that she wanted a bunk bed back in the spring. I convinced her that loft beds were cooler, and we went from there. Instead of just paint, I wanted some fun color on the walls - so wallpaper! She told me what she wanted in general, and I picked 4/5 designs online I thought would work. This was her #1 choice/favourite... Though it wasn't the one I would have picked - I am glad we did! Everything came together SO perfectly!!

Everything I bought was from Amazon, Walmart, Target & Ikea, with honorable mention to the Dollar Tree for having the perfect sized totes for her dresser/closet at only 1.25ea (because we needed 18 of them!).

After picking out wallpaper (Amazon), and a paint color (Sherwin Williams, thanks to all your help, friends on Instagram stories!), I ordered the bed I chose - it's for sale in multiple places online, but ultimately found it $150ish cheaper on Walmart.com. I repainted the trim in the room, but did not repaint the doors (so all stickers previously applied to said doors are still present). She has strict instructions to keep all stickers off her new bed and walls 🤞🏽
We kept - her open bin toy storage & toy box. The bin storage isn't the most attractive per se, but it is the most effective way to use (and put back) toys, so it's staying. The toy box my dad made for me when I was a baby - it's doubling as a little end table right now, but holds all her larger vehicles and houses etc. It was painted green to match her previous room decor, and it doesn't clash with the current decor, so I left it as is. I may put it up on blocks to raise it's height? I'm still deciding about that, but it works well for what we need. We also kept the coat hangers behind her door. We got rid of everything else in the room, except the curtain rods, and 1 green cube storage bin (contains all her shoes) - again, it matched her previous decor, but was still in great shape, and doesn't clash with current so I kept it. Oh, and her laundry hamper - we already owned that too, and it did clash with her old decor (green, navy & white), but goes perfectly with the new!

The loveseat/futon was Amazon, we needed a very specific size - and it pulls out halfway (for lounging/tv) or all the way for sleeping. The dresser/closet storage solution is from Ikea. It's a narrow area, so its only 10" deep, but very tall. The doors are glass and can be see-thru, or white or black (with the insert they provided). I covered over the black side of the insert with extra wallpaper. And I really love that extra detail. It was not the cabinet I originally wanted, but my local Ikea didn't have what I wanted and I hate paying for shipping 😜 so I pivoted and found this one instead, and it's perfection!!
All the little details came together SO well! The curtain decision was a toughie - but I am glad I landed on the green/teal over the pink (Walmart). This room has such peaceful vibes to it, while also being very "Vale" (and I don't think anyone would describe her as peaceful😂). Her new bedding - Walmart, throw pillows on couch, Target, couch cover (to protect it and keep it clean), Amazon. New mattress, Amazon (with plastic covers etc, walmart). That adorably pretty fandelier is Amazon, and wow is it ever good! The wind output is 🙌🏽. The little sconces, lamp and picture frames are all Walmart - the art was created by chatgpt and my prompts - I couldn't be happier with it 🤩. The under loft lighting is technically under cabinet lighting. Motion activated, and exactly perfect for that space! They recharge and magnet on/off so they are easy to swap when needed. It comes in a 6 pack, so 3 are always on the charger (in the charging station I created on the lowest shelf of the Ikea cabinet) ready to go!

So - the TV... My bigs are giving me all kinds of grief about how spoiled she is 🥴. It's not just for viewing any ol time, and has only been used a few times - but!! With our family dynamics, this scenario happens OFTEN - adults are talking in living room, my bigs (& friends) are talking, playing a game, or watching something in the new room... And she's displaced to no where 😬 Whether just her, or with also younger kids, they have no where to go but her room, and when it gets late for littles (8pm) and adults are still going strong until midnight, we usually put on a show and let them veg out/fall asleep etc. It's just a practical entertaining strategy, really. And it worked out exactly as I envisioned on Friendsgiving with all ages doing all the things (games, football etc) and having that extra thing for the young ones was super helpful.
What are some other details? The hanging stuffed animal storage (Amazon) is life giving😂 she has so many stuffed animals and adores them! The mirror was Walmart.com, and super ugly in colour (was supposed to be gold). Rub n buff saved the day! Little shelves here and there was a multi pack from Amazon. The desk chair was walmart.com, the rug was Walmart
The fancy hidden litter box was Amazon, and it's so great! When she has people over playing, we turn the opening to the wall and no one would even know what's in there! It just looks like a planter with a fake plant in it 🤗
I've never actually in my life done such a thorough remodel all at once/in such a short span of time (about a month) 😄. It was really fun!! The end result is a space that fits what it needs to, and is still pretty. We have maximized every square inch! She happily does her school in there, all kinds of set ups with her toys and dolls, and thinks her new bed is super comfy. I don't think I could have come up with anything else more perfect that this for our girl ❤️
The Christmas tree was already hers from last year, but it fits right in!!

I prompted ChatGPT to make me art by uploading a picture of the wallpaper. I wanted the colours and design to "go with", but specifically wanted a valley with a stream going through it, and couldn't find anything similar online/on etsy to purchase. I LOVE THIS ALL!

Giving that under cabinet lighting time to shine

Pulling out the bed halfway for watching a show

Hanging stuftie storage is a NEED around here

Her "dresser"/closet for all her clothes and bed linens. The bins are from Dollar Tree.

Ikea cabinet which is very narrow, the doors can be see-thru, or have an insert, with a white side and a black side. I covered the black side with extra wall paper. I love how this turned out so much!

The fandelier she picked out (of the options I gave her). She told everyone for weeks about this fandelier, asking everyone if they have ever heard of a fandelier (everyone had not). She was quite pleased to explain the details of a chandelier + fan.

The mirror was the right size, style and price, but unfortunately a ugly yellow (not the advertised gold). Rub n buff to the rescue!

I looked for similar in better colours/pastels...anything other than primary or what I already had (all black). Nothing was available, so I used left over wall paper and rub n buff to beautify what we already had. A small detail, but a good one.

Kitty litter! we keep the entrance mostly turned to the wall, and nones the wiser! I love this hidden functional thing so much.

Anyone need a backpack. She won't be parted with any of them. They each serve a specific purpose:-) And her American flag, just because. This room is very "her" in every way.

Coat and sweater rack, and school stuff, and a little shelf (which was there before in a slightly different spot, we just re-hung it)

All her shoes and boots are in this tote. We had it from her old room, and it doesn't clash with the new decor, so I kept it.

Toy bin, this was part of the old room set up

Toy box my Dad made for me when I was about 3 or so. It was painted to match the green/navy/grey of her former decor scheme, but doesn't clash with new, so I have not repainted it. I might do so later, as it's a bit beat up:-/ Doubles as storage for the larger toys and vehicles, and an end table.

So then, after Christmas we needed a little more "updating". She already has, and then added more Lego to her collection over the holiday - sets that are meant to "stay set up"...which means we need more places to put it. So I ordered more shelving!

Added one more here...

Added one more here...

And one here for her Tonie box and characters

And one here...currently displaying the Up Lego house in the corner, and her American Girl doll hair stuff & lip glosses

And then to get her art carousel off the desk for more surface space, this Ikea gem (technically for kitchens) solved the issue perfectly!

Will there be more?! Only time will tell! ;-) But this was fun, she LOVES it, and so do I:-)

Joshua Tree Ornament - 2025

The birth of our Joshua Tree began as an idea I had in 2016 - since IG no longer allows you to search by hashtag, I put all my old "stones of remembrance" posts on my blog - Because I think it's important for people to remember all the great things God has done in His great rescue of us. And its also important to share these things with the next generations, so that they can see the struggles and the victories that come with living the life God gave us.

"That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in times to come, saying, what do you mean by these stones? Then you shall answer them...And these stones will be a memorial for the children...forever" (Josh 4:6-7)

2025

He is better.

2 Corinthians 4:7

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us."

What are we afraid will happen?

What are we afraid will happen if we are not in complete control?

If I can be honest, I am afraid - as a person - it has defined much of my life, as far as I can remember, at first it was a fear of ambulances, and cracks between stairs and floor boards. You all know me - it's birds, it's nature, it's everything, isn't it? In order to function in this crazy world, I can control most things with my physical surroundings and make it through with hopefully some semblance of normalcy. But then you know, some things aren't able to be controlled by simply avoiding the great outdoors. What about things we want, and can't have? What about the relationships we have, and realize that other people have their own levels of desire for control, and it's almost never to let me take complete charge. What about when we come to the place of knowing - truly knowing -that God is the one who's in complete control, and can be trusted. And that he's better than what I wanted. Better than what I'd been manipulating the world at large to achieve. Better than ____. Fill in the blank, it's a guarantee, he's better. I will say, for me, it's inspired a kind of courage I've never known before. A kind of confidence that can't be shaken. I mean, I'm still not willing to go anywhere near anything with feathers - but all that other stuff? I've seen him work so many times, that I certainly can't doubt taking a step back, and letting him work. At first, it made me afraid. Because what will this look like without my input? What will this look like if I just let go of my desires and my methods of achievement? But then, it made me brave, because the answer is, I don't know - but I know it will be better, because God has proven faithful, and gentle with me for my whole life, even in the hard things, and I know with confidence as we close out one year and start up another - He is better.

It's been my thought for 2025, there have been high highs and some lows I selfishly wish I could skip over. And I have had plans. And a way to go about those plans - without forgetting that He is better than what I think I need. Some of those plans worked out the way I thought they would, and some did not. Deeply grateful for both, and will be happy to be reminded of this truth every year as I hang this ornament.

Joshua Tree Ornament 2023

So I guess I didn't post a tribute to my 2023 ornament - I think as I recall, it's because I didn't get it in time - the girl I used to make all my ornament up until this point stopped making them. And I struggled to find someone on etsy (or anywhere) that could make me one in a similar style - calligraphy, and woodburning skills both required.

I wasn't thrilled with the result, and had it re-done in 2025 with another person I found online, she didn't do wood burning, which is what the first iteration was, but she did do calligraphy, and I like it better. 

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In any case, I still have the note on my phone about the ornament I picked for that year. 

So, technically written in December 2023, though not "published" until now.

"I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it" 

This passage from 1 John 2:21 spoke to me in 2023. Something about obedience. Something about doing the things we know to do, and not being told about these things because we're clueless and need instruction, but because we need encouragement to stay the course. And that when we do that thing and obey, and get the "reward" that comes with that - its something people can see. And when they see, how do they see it? Does it look like I'm "getting" because I'm striving to achieve a high station? Or does it look it like I am obedient and dependent? That my earthly rewards, however valuable anyone should esteem them to be, point only back to the goodness of the God I serve? "Lord, make my way prosperous, not that I achieve high station, but that my life may be an exhibit to the value of knowing God." Jim Elliot said these words, and knowing that - the cost of his obedience, and the fact that his life became an exhibit indeed to the value in knowing God is great inspiration for the journey. It's a worthy striving, if the goals are in service to others, and of the Kingdom of God. 

Joshua Tree Ornament 2024

Written December 2024

 Another Christmas is here, and it's time to add to our Joshua Tree (for how this tree started and what it means, click my hashtags #joshuatreemonuments or #darbyjaneornaments). I love this tree and what it signifies - "in the future, when your children ask you 'what do these stones mean to you?', you should tell them..." (Joshua 4:6-7)

2024
This year we were confronted with a first. And it snuck up quickly. So quickly in fact, that it feels abrupt - that the old saying "time is a thief" feels like it could settle neatly into my thinking. Because we now have 1, soon to be 2 adult children. And I slow blinked when I didn't mean to, I guess. They got big, and that felt fast. As much as that wise old saying feels true, I actually don't feel robbed. Time hasn't taken my kids from me, it's in fact given me more time to be there for them. 3 years ago now, my mom nearly died, but she didn't. We've had 3 opportunities this year alone to spend time with her, a true gift. My dad is getting older, my grandpa celebrated his 90th. Brian and I both faced some health check realities this year. Brian's parents live locally now and we get to spend time with them...it's all a gift. We exist in a broken down - broken up - broken old world. We cannot escape the reality that this world is preparing us for the next one, and the time we've been given to spend with each other, learning, growing, loving... It's all a gift. I am grateful for every single second ❤️

Re-done in 2025!

*I had this ornament re-done from the original featured in the reel in 2025.*

Joshua Tree Ornament 2022

Written December 2022

I anticipate adding an ornament each year to the Joshua Tree (for how this tree started and what it means, click my hashtags #joshuatreemonuments or #darbyjaneornaments). I love this tree and what it signifies - "in the future, when your children ask you 'what do these stones mean to you?', you should tell them..." (Joshua 4:6-7)

2022
This year has been marked with overwhelming gratefulness - for things that are wholly beyond my ability to control. God choosing to heal and extend life. People whose decisions could impact me positively or negatively, choosing to seek wisdom and follow the Lord. People who have chosen to forebear with me and forgive me and deal graciously with me {and my ever developing character}. These are all things that I can't influence. But God has seen fit to have my boundary lines fall in pleasant places. I have a beautiful inheritance, indeed. (Psalm 16:6) Don't read "beautiful" and think I mean every aspect of life is naturally perfect, or problem free - but understand it as beauty, captured.

Forged, fought for, and created. I have seen those days. There are years when it seems like more of a fight; more valley than high place, great effort and little reward. But then the hard pays off and there is a reward. And it's ok to breathe it in and enjoy it. Sometimes though, it's not something you achieved, but something God's grace allowed you to witness and participate in. And that's what I felt more of this year...I was a witness to beauty I didn't create. But I am willingly participating in it, and it's a joy to rest and revel in these things as well. I'm grateful - oh so very grateful - for lines that have fallen quite pleasantly for me in 2022.