An unusual Memorial Weekend

We had a very unusual Memorial Weekend. It was the first time in my life that I did not go camping. And the 2nd time in my life that I was not at the Blackfoot River with my family. Regardless of the unfortunate circumstances, we were very busy, and  very productive.  There wasn’t much time to be “Memorial-Weekend-Camping-Trip-Sick”, but I did think/wonder about what everyone was doing up on the Blackfoot River constantly.

 

Cody’s parents had planned to come to town so he had Wednesday-Monday off of work. Sadly, his family is being flooded in Blackfoot, and they weren’t able to come after all, but we L.O.V.E.D. having Daddy home, and we put him RIGHT to work.

In fact, as he was leaving for work this morning I said, “I’m sad you have to go back to work!” He said, “I’m glad, I’ll get to rest for a little bit!”

We spent much of the day Wednesday Prepping the house for paint.

Thursday it rained the entire day. The kids played in the rain for quite awhile, then after naps we took them to the Dollar Theatre. (I heart that place!)

Julia was VERY unsure of going out in the rain until she saw all the FUN Kevin was having!!!

 

 

First thing Friday morning we went and picked out our paint.  The lady handed us some pamphlets about different paints. She explained to us what she could, then told us once we find our colors to step outside and see them in the natural sun…Blah Blah Blah…Inside one of the pamphlets there was a tan and brown house. About 45 seconds after she walked away we walked up to the paint counter and said, “We want this!” She was shocked. She said No ONE had EVER picked their color that fast. It took longer to get the kids in and out of the car then it did to get our paint!

We painted/worked from 7 AM-5 PM on Friday. Our original plan was to paint the front of the house and the garage side. Then we’d side… or do something with the rest next year. BUT, things were going to smoothly and the cost was minimal, that while we were laying in bed Friday night we decided to go get more paint and do the rest of the house. (Minus the back corner that needs the patio torn out and the siding replaced. But we bought the siding, it was on sale, and the paint so we can do that soon.)

Saturday morning we had a weird foggy mist for 3 or 4 hours which really put us behind. We were hoping to only have to do the trim on Monday, but we weren’t able to get the 2nd coat on 2 sides of the house because of the weird weather.

Sunday was a GLORIOUS day of rest. It was so needed. By Saturday night we were walking like we were 90 and we were in bed about 8:30 pm.

Monday we started about 7:30 and we were showered and heading to dinner at 5. The house looks lovely and it was very rewarding to have so many neighbors and driver-bys stop to tell us they liked it, or Thank you for getting rid of the Blue!!! :)

 

Julia was in great need of attention by Monday afternoon. This is what happened anytime we set her down.

Monday afternoon was near 90 degrees so I turned on the sprinkler to entertain Kevin for the last 3 or so hours. It was fabulous entertainment!

 

I can’t find a full before picture of the house. But here are 2 pictures that show you well enough the UGLY blue and red we were living with.

Here are 3 of the finished look.

A lovely tan with a nice brown trim. Oh and you can see our new gutters, soffit, and fascia Cody and I did last year too.

SOO SOOO SOOOOO Much better!!!

Not to toot my own horn or anything… but we’re pretty proud of our work. My Uncle Robert, a professional painter, would never be invited to take a close look, but to us, it looks fabulous!

 

We saw the Lord’s hand in so many things while we were laboring away. We are grateful for the wonderful weather we had to work with. The breeze was WONDERFUL.

I’m grateful my kids were so flexible, and laid back about the lack of attention they received, and I’m super grateful for Cody. When we moved it he didn’t want to take ANY wall paper down, he kept telling me, I don’t want to do that, That’s not fun.  When it came to the prep work, I told him the same thing, (Plus I wasn’t meticulous enough) He didn’t make me do any of the ‘dirty’ work.

Thanks Honey!