Three women armed with industrial strength cleaners, paint rollers, and household tools that are illegal in three states, mounted a massive attack on my soon-to-be home this past Dec. 31. The women emerged from the battlefield 48 hours later, worn and weary, some having sustained minor injuries, but victorious over their enemy. The women were welcomed home with glasses of wine and various pain killers, and the celebrations continued until one of the women (who shall remain nameless) succombed to exhaustion in the midst of eating a slice of pizza. A health official has released her to light duty for the next few days.

The house, now whipped into submission by these brave heros, boasts beautiful walls of terra cotta, avocado green, creamy butter yellow, enigmatic heather grey, and fresh white trim. It is a palatte most pleasing to the future occupants. Rich, hard wood floors sparkle on demand, and 40's style fixtures gleam to attention. No speck of dust or grime remains (and believe me, it was way beyond simply "dirty"-- it was horrifying).

Seriously, the biggest, hugest thank you to my mother, Aunt Janet, and Mae. I am so grateful that you did this for me. I couldn't have done it myself (paint fumes/pregnancy) and you knew that and you stepped in without blinking an eye. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I know it was an incredible amount of work, and you did it all with smiles and laughter and generosity of spirit and I appreciate that. What great women I have in my family.

Pics to follow soon. Just wait till you see how cute this little house is! I'm soooo in love with it. *dreamy sigh*