This is what our house used to look like...

It doesn't look this way anymore, but I'm getting ahead of myself!  Let me start over.

We've really enjoyed our home during the past three years that we've lived here.  We've made changes here and there, landscaping outside and tons of work on the inside, but we finally decided it was time for us to get the house painted.  Did I mention that we've never really liked the body color?  The brick is nice, but the body color is a dull beige that sometimes seems to have a pink undertone.  Yuck!

The Big Guy Lowe and I started looking at colors around the beginning of summer.  Talk about HARD!  We felt that we finally chose the right colors, so it was time to begin.  GULP!

We decided to have my brother, Michael, take charge of painting the house and he decided to bring along his "lackey"...more commonly known as our dad!  It cracked me up to hear my brother and Dad joke around with eachother the entire time they were over.  I love my family so much--both the family I have now and the family I came from.  I have been greatly blessed.  Thanks Mom and Dad.

Before the paint could be applied, the house had to be power-washed and prepped.

Some wood needed to be replaced.

The windows needed to be covered.

The pergola needed to be repaired...

all the way across.

Only then could the painting begin!  We held our breath until we were sure it was the right color. 

Then the trim, the accent color and the pergola were painted.

Until we had our final product!  Before I unveil the house, let's take another real quick look at what it used to look like...

and what it looks like now.

We LOVE it!  Thanks Michael and Dad for all your hard work.  It was great having you here and your craftsmanship is excellent!  We'll let you know when we have another project.  hehe  ;)



Another missing tooth...with Grandpa's help!

Our oldest son has been losing teeth left and right it seems.  Well, at least his top left and right middle teeth.  This last one he asked Grandpa for some help after I mentioned that Grandpa always helped my teeth come out when I was little and my teeth were really wiggly.  Even though it has been a few years since he had helped me with my teeth, it didn't take long at all for him to get the necessary tools.  Notice the dental floss on the counter and the two expressions...hmmm.

Oooohhh, flashbacks to when I was young.  Did I ever mention how much I truly hate all things dental??  I put on a brave face this day though.  I'm a mom now...that's just what we do.  :)

Grandpa then helped G slip a loop around the loose tooth.  Notice G is still thinking this might be fun...

and then reconsiders a bit!

Grandpa let G be the one to pull on the floss, but then G asked Grandpa if he would do it.  To all our surprise, the floss broke with the tooth still intact!

They didn't let that stop this tooth extraction.  Another length of floss was quickly dispensed from the container and a knot tied.  This time the tooth came out and flew onto the floor.  G was so surprised that his tooth was out that he forgot to look for the missing tooth.  Good thing Grandpa knew where it went.

Both were thrilled with the experience!  It's nice to know Grandpa hasn't lost his touch when it comes to wiggly teeth.

What's not to love about this grin!!  Congrats on a true toothless smile!!

Thanks for sharing your talents once again Grandpa!  We love you so much!! 

(We love you even when all teeth stay put too...just in case you were wondering!!)

Grandpa's lil' helper

My dad can fix anything! I grew up knowing that and I still know it. That has to be pretty intimidating marrying into that and feeling the need to continue the tradition of being handy. The Big Guy Lowe has done just fine in that area--something that I have been grateful for time and time again!

This past weekend our table needed some fixing! Grandpa HB was able to come over and apply his expertise so that we once again can sit down to dinner as a family around a proper table. Thanks Dad for your help! We love you so much!!

Grandpa didn't fix it all by himself though. Our youngest stayed right by him.

A few encouraging pats on the knee...

then on the shoulder.

It made my heart happy to see then, and it still does now. I love you Dad.