See that guy in the red shirt in the middle? That’s my dad. And he’s surrounded by a bunch of his grandchildren (but not all). His grandkids love him very much! After my mom passed away 5 years ago, my dad was not happy about living on his own, so he moved in with my youngest sister. Then about a year and a half ago, the powers that be dictated a change. My little sis wanted to have another baby and they simply didn’t have the space.
It was about the same time we had decided to finish our basement family room, so I suggested to my sweetie that maybe we could finish our final bedroom space to make a room for my dad. The amazing man I married readily agreed and we started framing once again. Soon the bedroom caught up with the family room.
As you can see, his grandkids played a huge part in the construction. My sweetie firmly believes that the best way to teach kids life skills is to let them experience them, so we had them help with as much as we possibly could. We only hired out the ductwork because we wanted to move some of the existing ducts, but other than that and the actual laying of the carpet, my sweetie and his little army did all the work themselves. (I’m so glad Teach didn’t put in some extremely unflattering pics of me caulking the baseboards. I was about 7 months pregnant and looked incredibly silly crawling around on the floor.)
Sadly, my dad is only with us part of the time since he likes his friends and contacts in Utah County. I have five siblings who live down there, so he stays wherever he likes. He really is the guy in the middle. But remember, Gramps, we love it when you stay here…so come often, ple-a-s-e!? (PS. Thanks for the fun movie party last night!)
It was about the same time we had decided to finish our basement family room, so I suggested to my sweetie that maybe we could finish our final bedroom space to make a room for my dad. The amazing man I married readily agreed and we started framing once again. Soon the bedroom caught up with the family room.
12 kids and still enough room for your dad to move in! You have a big heart. :o) And a very handy husband. I wish I had those skills! I love the family picture. I bet it's nearly impossible to get everyone looking at the camera at the same time. Ha!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by my blog!! :o) I liked your comment about playing basketball/baseball being the only times you run! A saying among runners is, "Our sport is your sports punishment." Made me think of your comment. :o)
We have recently been talking about Mark's dad coming to live with us. I don't know how will pan out, but we'll see.
ReplyDeleteOk, I have to ask... How many grandkids total? How many siblings do you have? <3 I wish I could have a big family like that! My mom in law is one of 15.... Boy trying to plan a family even can be interesting with everyones schedules :)
ReplyDeleteI have 7 siblings and my dad has 30 grandkids (12 are ours) and 5 greats. I can't wait to see how things work out for us...
ReplyDeleteSandy
I followed you over from Trica at Mommyx12.
ReplyDeleteLove your construction project. It's always more memorable with lots of heleprs. More room is always needed here too :-)
~Cinnamon
I love that your husband just went to work and let the kids help too. Now that's a good man. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is so sweet. :] What a good daughter you are. And how wonderful is your husband to make space for your dad! Also, I love your husband's policy on teaching the kids life skills! Super smart!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great hubby you have and you do have a superior work force.
ReplyDeleteYour Dad really has a built in fan base when he stays with you.
So sweet that you are so close to him!
ReplyDeleteThat is just so neat! I love when family pulls together! I love to have family stay with me too!
ReplyDeleteWow ! What a housefull you have. Never a dull moment. I hope that when I am older, my kids will want me to live with them if I need to.
ReplyDelete