(T.J., there is always next year...)
Matt, his family and my parents came down to Las Vegas during their Spring Break to tile my downstairs and upstairs bathroom. See why I want to nominate him? If you know me at all, you know how I have hated my carpet in my house for years. It was bad when I was single and has only got worse with two rugrats. This carpet never stood a chance really. It is in the main walkway of the house, under the dining room table, and where we spend 90% of our time when we are home. So luckily all my complaining finally paid off and my brother said he would tile it for me. He actually had to talk me into it because I knew what a mess it was going to be. We have lots of furniture and very little place (since the garage is full) to move it to. He said he had a plan to do the tiling in shifts and it worked perfectly.
When I picked Matt and my Dad up from their hotel on the first day, Matt was excited. He said he loved the demolition part of it. Well it only took an hour before every thing was ripped out and Matt was ready to start tiling.
Also big thanks to Quincy's parents for making two trips to pick up the 2700 pounds of tile.
Some before shots.
Yes, I could tell you where certain stains came from and by who but honestly there were no tears to get rid of these memories.
Now while Matt, my Dad and Quincy were busy working we decided to get out of the house and not bother them. So we took the kids to the splash pads, shopping, swimming and other things around town. It was a really hot week here in Vegas so the kids swam every day. They were all in heaven.
After 3 full days of working, the men finished. Their excitement had dwindled but mine was just beginning! It looked fabulous. I can't believe what a difference it makes. I like to think that not only did my brother tile my floors he also helped me not have to yell at my children as often for their spillage. He helped me be a more calm mom, if you can believe it.
After Shots!
On Saturday after all their hard work was done, we tried to show the family a good time. We took them to Valley of Fire, went to the outlets while the men went to priesthood, and even had a mini early birthday party for Jensen. I served ice cream cones and didn't even wince about anyone spilling on my carpet because it was gone!
A king snake in the Visitor's Center at Valley of Fire. Where they should be. I can't believe that I actually let one of these in my house during our early marriage.
An unexpected car show at Valley of Fire. Jensen was all over this.
I really appreciate my brother and his family (I am sure Missy helped nudge him to offer this) and my parents for spending their Spring Break helping me and my family out. I know that they all went home exhausted. I am worried that they might not come again knowing that I might just put them to work again. I will try my best not to ask them to pay up on their sister/daughter/aunt dues next visit ...