Did you go ahead and plant them? Most dahlias need to be staked as they get so top heavy with all the beautiful blooms. I would think that the spot you described would have enough sun. Dahlias need well drained soil. Read the FAQ for digging and storage info. And then ask more questions. It isn't hard work, just takes some time and energy.

Your room looks so inviting! Love the new furniture. When we had our "fur babies" they would rub their faces along the length of our couch and wing back chair...(and here I thought it was just our lab & golden that had that habit)

Ok so here's an update. I have painted the room and trim/molding/baseboards. The room is a tan/wheat color i guess is what you would call it and the trim is an antique white. Kinda boring i know but i wanted to be able to put any kind of furniture in there and it match. I have also picked out the wood flooring, it is a light cherry color if that makes sense. My big dilemma now is the bookcase. I would like to use cedar and just bring out the natural red in it but i am kinda unsure on what to use for that and I'm not sure if that will match the floor, i have been told just poly it or use tongue oil.Or i could just get a pine and stain it a color that matches. I'm not sure why i am kinda stuck on cedar but i am :). Thanks again for the help.

Thank you for the responses. Here is additional info: BF and I have been together for 5 years, living together with kids for 2. No plans to marry, neither of us feels it is necessary, we are committed to each other as though we are married. We own a beautiful home, and both work and enjoy a very comfotable life with our children. Ex-husband is abusive and controlling. Has been known to "bash" me to the kids, and manipulate them. DS was looking for something in his closet, probably trying to avoid BF who was trying to talk with him about what happened. The closet door is actually a curtain, that matches the room. This is the rod that came down on top of DS. He then grabbed it, was angry to begin with, so I imagine this falling on him did not help his emotional state. DS insists he was never going to hit anyone with it, but he did think about smashing it on his bed. My take now is that DS was extremely angry, went upstairs to be alone. I went out. BF knew DS was upset and went to try to talk to him. I beleive BF was badgering him a bit, (why are you so upset, etc) and DS became overwhelmed emotionally. I am having a sit down tonight with BF and DS to see if we can resolve this whole thing. I appreciate the responses. I was a little caught off guard with Sylvia. Her response seemed a little aggressive, pretty much accusing my BF of impropriety. Not sure what is up with that...