best.birthday.present.ever...

I've intentionally opted not to post about this birthday present until now for one main reason...I did not want to put pressure on the man who would make this all happen (thanks Bob). We all know how patient I am when it comes to house project completion (sarcasm very much intended) so I wanted to wait until the project was completed (or almost completed) before I mentioned a word about it here. Despite the fact that I did not post about the gift, it has pretty much been on my mind ever since it was given to me. I won't lie, it's probably the greatest gift I've ever received. Wouldn't you agree?

So yeah...pretty much the best present ever.

After the purchase of the supplies, John kicked off the beadboard extravaganza with a hearty helping of white paint on the baseboards prior to installation. (The baseboards come primed, so you can imagine John's excitement when he realized that he was merely painting the already white baseboards another shade of white...yeah, he was ecstatic. I believe he mentioned once or twice that this child would probably care about this beadboard as much as he did...but I think I ignored these comments...)

Once the baseboards were painted the real fun began. See:

Bob knows me...he set up the sheets of beadboard so that when I got home from work I would be able to visualize the final result. Crucial step, in my opinion.

beadboard sans shelf & molding

with the molding & shelf

The shelf...wide enough for frames, yet narrow enough to keep out of one's way

The bird flashcards on the shelf look even better than I could have imagined. (the shelf is being painted white as I type)

...as do the Martha Stewart alphabet cards.

So, clearly it's no secret. I love beadboard...but not quite as much as I love my in-laws. Not so much for the gift, but mostly because they really know what I like because they spend time with me and listen to me. So clearly, this was indeed the.best.birthday.present.ever.

Thanks Bob for all the hard work (& Sharon for the idea and inspiration). I couldn't have asked for a more professional looking finished product. I can't wait to rock the baby in the (new) brown chair & stare at my beadboard...only 6 more weeks :)

(Oh, and in case you were wondering, there are no pictures of Bob working because he did most of it while John and I were gone at work last week...sorry)

Once everything is painted I will post after pictures.