Because it's next to the kitchen

I had to paint the living room too. I loved the color "Tobacco Road" on the Nester's blog. Since I read her post about this color, last year--

http://nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/2008/02/paint.html

I have wanted this color SOMEWHERE in my house. It's so warm and rich, but still neutral enough for me to play with. Alas, I couldn't find Duron paint (is it a Southern brand?), and they are still building our local Lowe's where she had color-matched. I kept searching online, until I read somewhere that Sherwin Williams brand in the color "Camelback" is very, very close. The living room has low ceilings and very little natural light so I went one step back from that on the paint card to "Whole Wheat".

Since Caleb is now gluten-free, he isn't allowed in the living room.

Doesn't it look so warm and cozy? During the day, when we are reading schoolbooks in here, I long for a full remodel. Let's put in full windows, high ceilings, and a skylight or three in this dungeon, please! A plant can't grow in here, much less children! But as soon as the sun sets, I change my position completely. When the lamps are glowing warm light against the low ceilings, we pull soft quilts and books into our laps and listen to the woodstove crackling...a change of heart is instant. I just can't help but look around and sigh contentedly. Now THIS is what a home should feel like! This photo captures the evening look I describe, but you can't see the new paint too well, huh?
How 'bout we try that new fangled "flash" feature on this here modern camera-box?

All done! well, okay. not really. Because you know the hallway on the other side of the kitchen/dining area? Yeah-I've decided it has to be next. The Knight is considering my request for new bedroom doors there, to replace the old hollow core cheap flat dingy brown 1970s models that are now present. I am certain that lots of white and beadboard will go a long way towards simplifying the crowded, chaotic look it now has. Perhaps this weekend I can get started on that.

Today the focus is on cleaning the schoolroom up and starting the '09 academic year off right for my three brilliant little students. Two of which are still in bed. Yes, I know it is 9:20 already! Brilliant minds need lots of recovery time, you know. And sometimes even the most dedicated of teachers need a little Internet and coffee, to get the engines revving.