Minty Fresh, No Cavity Cabinets

As Memorial plans came together, my mother and sister graciously offered to drive up and help with the kids so Heather could mourn and celebrate with her family. The kids missed their mommy but were happy to have company. Everything progressed quite well, but inevitably something always happens when kids are involved.

While I was at work, Norah was put in her bed for her afternoon nap. I told Mom and Sara that she regularly refuses to nap and generally plays very quietly in floor by herself for a couple hours, so they were not alarmed when they couldn't see her on the monitor.

Norah was in fact playing quietly, but she somehow managed to swipe a "Sharpie" permanent marker and was busy creating artwork...on the walls, her dresser, the blinds, her toy stroller, and a few other odds and ends. I noticed everyone was quieter than normal when I arrived home from work and wondered what I was missing. After I changed clothes and started to decompress they told me what had happened.

Although I prefer her coloring book artwork, her mural and furniture refinishing talents were not lost on my sense of humor as I alternated between laughing and wanting to scream.

I consulted the internet and found a number of marker removal recommendations. Although I've sense learned that dry erase marker and an eraser are supposed to do the trick, I chose the option that seemed to have the least potential for disaster on varnished wood. The application of a thin toothpaste layer and the sacrifice of a toothbrush and some elbow grease works wonders. As a bonus, the entire room gets a nice minty freshness.