Just for a change, this post contains mostly photos. It may not be of interest to anyone else, but hey, it made me happy to write it as it’s about my forthcoming family situation.
I’m finally getting there … I shared a post back in May called Family Moving In. It will make a lot more sense if you read this briefly to get an idea of what’s happening for me in my life at present. I wrote in that post about my son, Tom, and two grandchildren, Imogen (9) and Charlie (7), needing to move in with me. There’s been a slight change of plan. Tom is now moving up North (UK) to be closer to his work, but the children live not far from me with their mother (Tom’s ex-wife) This means that instead of being with me full-time, my son and the children will be here several times a month rather than permanently. I have to say, apart from the fact that it’ll be so lovely to see them all more often, it’s quite a relief that they won’t be here full-time. I’ve lived alone, quite happily, for over twenty years, so it would have been a tough change of circumstances for me. It means I’ll still have to write and study.
Since that last post, the house has been in a state of chaos. I’ve had to get two spare rooms turned from junk rooms into bedrooms. The work has been hard even though I’ve been lucky enough to have a lot of help from friends and professionals to decorate, lay new carpets etc. Imogen’s room looks beautiful and fit for a princess. I’m so happy with it. Tom and Charlie’s room is now a bright new bedroom, too. Below are the photos of the finished rooms.
These are the photos of Imogen’s room …
And these are the photos of Tom and Charlie’s room …
Contrary to the hesitancy I felt when I wrote the first post, Family Moving In, about this situation, I’m now so looking forward to them all coming to stay with me. I’ve done my best to make their spaces as homely and comfortable as possible. It’ll surprise them all as they haven’t seen the rooms yet. I hope they are as delighted as I am with the finished result. When they come to stay for the first time (in a couple of weeks), I’ll buy a big celebration cake and have candles on it to celebrate many happy years together in the future.
Essentially Ellie 
This is sweet. Seeing pics is refreshing.
First of all tell me how are you??
You have been missing on wp. I hope you are doing well.
Your family coming to you occasionally is a good thing. It will change the environment for you.
Best wishes
Hi Devang. Thank you. I’m glad you like the photos. I’ve just been incredibly busy with all the preparation to have my family staying with me. It definitely will change the environment, as you say. I haven’t had a chance to post anything up until today. I’m still way behind on reading others’ blogs (including yours). I should get some time to catch up with some reading over the weekend. Best wishes to you, also, Devang 😊.
Take good care….
Keep smiling
The rooms look lovely.
Am sure they are going to love them
Thanks, Granny. I really hope they do. I’ll let you know what their reactions are when they come. Xx 🥰
You’ve done a phenomenal job organizing and decorating. There are so many small, personal touches that make these rooms feel like home.
I’m glad to hear it won’t be full-time, so hopefully, you’ll get the best of both worlds (being alone and being with family).
Stay golden!
Thanks so much, Sam. That’s very kind of you to say. I’ve worked hard to make it as homely as possible for my son and grandchildren. They mean a lot to me, and I want them to be happy here. Hope you are well. X 🌞
I have a writing colleague in the UK named Imogen. Is that a popular name? I’ve never met anyone in the states named that. I’m sure you’re family will be quite pleased with their rooms, they look very nice.
Wow, Ellie! (I am catching up, so I am reading this after your most recent post), this space looks wonderful! And I am cheering for this new adventure you are beginning: “I’m now so looking forward to them all coming to stay with me.” And for your timely awareness of the need to be particularly aware of the new demands this effort puts on your energy, and respond accordingly, to respect the space you (and Peanut) need. What a gift you offer by offering your beautiful space, Ellie. May its abundance return to you many times over!
Oh, Stacey. What a beautiful comment. I am so touched. Thank you so much for that and for appreciating all the work I put into this challenge. I am looking forward to them coming, but need to take some time and rest for myself before their first visit. It’ll be a part-time but permanent arrangement so I’m keeping my fingers tightly crossed it will all work out. Thank you for your understanding and your kindness. Xx 🌷💜
Understandably, it sounds as though you are much more comfortable hosting your family for shorter periods rather than on a more or less permanent basis. It should be much more manageable and you should feel more in control of the situation, making for a much better time for all. The rooms look great – I’m sure they’ll love them!
Thanks, Mick. I’m glad it will be for shorter periods, although this will be a permanent arrangement. It does feel a bit more in control, though. I’m glad you like the rooms. I hope my family will, too.
I’m sure they will!
I love the photos & your annotations. Junk, junk, more junk 😂 It’s like you’re looking at our house!
It seems weird to say I’m glad your son and the grandkids aren’t staying full time now, but it does sound like that could be a little less weighty for you (my brain isn’t doing well today and I can’t think of the word I want but I know ‘weighty’ isn’t it!). I imagine it’ll be enough of a change to have them several times each month in the long term after being on your own and having your own space for so long.
You are doing amazingly well sorting the house out. They will LOVE the changes and the sheer effort you’ve put in with such thought and care for each of them. Absolutely bloody amazing. I think someone needs to buy YOU a cake to celebrate your success!
Caz xx
Aww, lovely, I like the motivational plaques – and the fancy glass light. Peanut is very cute too.
I hope all works out well for all the family and you get to enjoy having them with you for just the right amount of time💫 🤗 x
Thanks, Cherryl. Good to see you back on WP. I hope you are well. My son, Tom, and the children are coming for a ‘test-run’ on the 10th of August. It’ll only be an overnight visit this time, but it will be a taste of things to come. Watch this space (as they say!).
A test run sounds like a brilliant idea, before going full steam💫 Hopefully all will go smoothly🤞
I assume such actions are part of the maturing process
Thank you reading and for your comment. Yes, you are no doubt correct.
Ahh, having family around frequently is a MUST in my opinion, and in all of my paternal & maternal family members too; they’d agree. 😉 This is a fine arrangement Ellie. Well done Madame!
Btw, sent you a “personal” Contact Me message, or more a question, the other day. Hope you received it here on WordPress. 🙂
Hi Dwain. Thank you for reading this post and leaving me a helpful and reassuring comment. Plans have changed slightly since then in that my son and grandchildren will only be staying here part-time, but still several times a month. I think, all things considered, this is the best way forward. It was my son’s decision, and I’m happy to go along with it as I’ll still be seeing a lot of them, which I’m so pleased about.
I did reply to your email yesterday; perhaps, check your spam folder in case it’s gone there. If you can’t find it, I can easily resend it. Just let me know. Thanks x 🦢💜
I saw it. Thank you Ellie. This has been a hectic last 8-10 days for me and won’t let up until about this coming Saturday or Sunday (9/10, 9/11) so I will likely reply then Madame, if not sooner. 🙂
Glad you got my email, Dwain. I hope you are coping reasonably well with being so busy. I will wait to hear from you again when you have more time. I’ll look forward to that. Take care 😘