AFTERBIRTH

How Mothers do it, I haven't a clue! It's painful, unsightly and often downright disgusting! But, eventually you must sever the umbilical cord and let go. In this case, the first room we've attacked is the room Joe's younger brother, August, called home...until he left it three years ago. God love him, but I've seen hidden camera investigations profiling crack dens that were in better shape! I'll just cut to the chase:

HERE'S HOW WE CLEANED UP THE MESS:

1.) Purchased Glad Trash bags. Kept the things we thought he'd like (and have given him a time limit to collect) and tossed the things we thought he could do without.

2.) Scrubbed the walls, sanded, patched (with "All Purpose Spackling Paste" from Home Depot).

3.) Painted two coats of Glidden's "Indian Painting."

4.) Took deep breath. Change is scary, but nice!

TIME TO COMPLETE PROJECT: 8 hours

COST: Paint: $18.99 Spackle: $5.99 Therapy: $150

STRESS LEVEL: LOW