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You are here: Home / Exterior / Home SWEAT Home

Home SWEAT Home

Apr 25, 2011 By Kevin

3 days at the beach with my bride = Totally. Awesome.

Coming home to a backed up/leaking sewer pipe underneath our house= Totally. Stinky!

I felt really bad for the guy who had to go under there and unclog everything. Those old holes in our house (we haven’t got around to fixing yet) actually came in handy for once…

Apparently Dude on the left didn’t feel too bad for him though. Check him out- all indian-style, just grinnin’ away! Ha!

Come to think of it, I didn’t feel quite as bad for that guy either after he handed me an invoice for almost $400! Boo!
On the other hand, I don’t think I would’ve crawled under there for any less than that!
I found a snake skin hanging under there recently, and I am not a fan of things that slither. Or things that build their home out of dirt.

(Move your cursor on and off the photo below)

So glad Lay was there to catch my full-on, there’s-something-flying-at-me flinch on camera this weekend, and that she insisted I include the rollover image in this post. (ha ha)

After my near death experience the porch was cleaned up, I decided to chill for a second and take advantage of the acoustics in the kids room…

…but as I sat there and strummed my buggy blues away, I started getting that all too familiar urge to start ripping down the sheetrock on the wall in front of me…

Once again, Lay came in to document the destruction…

…and to hug the wood wall…

…and to help me clean up…

Slithery, stinky and stingy things aside, it sure is good to be home!!!
I’ll let Lay tell you what we’ve got planned for the room later this week. It’s gonna be a big project- but we’re really looking forward to it!

PS- Don’t forget, tomorrow is our April “How To’s Day” link party.

Lay’s going to blog about how to do the rollover image thing!

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Filed Under: Exterior, Featured Posts, Kevin, Kids Room Tagged With: dirt dauber, kids room, porch, wood wall

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Comments

  1. Emma@SheGotMarried

    Apr 25, 2011 at 8:32 am

    I love the flinch shot, so funny.

    • Kevin

      Apr 25, 2011 at 8:26 pm

      I was freaked out! Ha ha 🙂

  2. Ricki Jill Treleaven

    Apr 25, 2011 at 8:36 am

    You have too much going on around The Lettered Cottage, Layla!

  3. keatsthesunshinegirl

    Apr 25, 2011 at 8:41 am

    * Ditto* Emma@SheGotMarried. Am surprised it was only a snake – where are the other creepy crawlies??

    • Kevin

      Apr 25, 2011 at 8:50 am

      Well, those holes are usually filled with concrete blocks, but who knows what all has been under there! LOL!

  4. Luciane At HomeBunch.com

    Apr 25, 2011 at 8:45 am

    You guys got to be the most fun and cute couple on the net! Seriously… It’s so wonderful to see you guys working together, building your lives and this beautiful home. It’s a huge blessing!

    I hope you guys have a wonderful week.

    xo

    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

  5. Julie Abbott

    Apr 25, 2011 at 8:47 am

    What color is that on those walls? It’s the perfect beige? Thanks for sharing! I love your site!

    • Kevin

      Apr 25, 2011 at 8:49 am

      Hi Julie,
      It’s Ralph Lauren’s “Sisal”.
      Thanks for the comment!

  6. ashley @ the handmade home

    Apr 25, 2011 at 8:48 am

    HIGH. LAR. IROUS. I know you’re glad to be back!

    • Kevin

      Apr 25, 2011 at 8:51 am

      BIG TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      (PS- Layla says “sorry about the barstool”)
      🙂

  7. Fairfield House

    Apr 25, 2011 at 8:53 am

    Layla and Kevin –

    Looking forward to seeing what you have in store for YOUR child(ren)’s room! I know they are going to love it. I just had this image of a little person saying their bed-time prayers: “Thank you for giving me my Mommy and Daddy. Thank you for this room.” (Yes, tears in my eyes.)

    So glad Kevin is home to tend to the manly man chores – the stinky, slithering, stinging and smashing ones! Also the sun and sea sharing ones!

    Your Friend,
    Deborah

  8. Katherine

    Apr 25, 2011 at 9:03 am

    Giggle, and yuck too…. Layla and Kevin,I’m so sorry it’s been a while since I stopped by for a visit. I always enjoy my time at your lovely blog. Big Hugs!
    Oh I almost forgot, I’m having a giveaway to win a gorgeous dress. I hope you’ll stop by Katherines Corner for a visit.

    (I’m following you from my old blog and now my new one too)

  9. Missy

    Apr 25, 2011 at 9:03 am

    Shew wee!! I don’t think I could have gone under the house for less than $400 either! 🙂 Loved the poke and flinch shot on the porch….looks like something I would do! lol
    LOVE the wood wall…can’t wait to see what else you’ve got in mind for the room..gonna be some lucky kiddos living in there. (more because of who their parents will be than the sweet room they’ll receive!)
    Love you guys
    missy

    • Kevin

      Apr 25, 2011 at 2:55 pm

      Thanks for the sweet comment Missy!

  10. Diana

    Apr 25, 2011 at 9:15 am

    I don’t think any amount of money could get me under a house! And when I see any type of flying creepy thingy, I don’t stop running till I’m down the street! You guys are sooooo lucky with all your wood walls. They are just beautiful, just like your home. Can’t wait to see what the project is gonna be.

    • Kevin

      Apr 25, 2011 at 10:28 am

      Thanks for the kind words Diana!

  11. Gretta

    Apr 25, 2011 at 9:34 am

    You couldn’t pay me enough money to crawl under our house….or any house! In fact, our A/C unit went out 3 weeks ago. Last week when the new unit FINALLY came in, the crew was out removing the old unit & pouring a new pad for the unit. As they removed the old unit, a 5 FOOT snake came out from under the pad. They said they put it in the sewer drain but it kept slithering back to the pad. They figured it had babies under there or something. They (and my husband) saw it and said it was non-poisonous and we should be thankful it is under there eating all the bugs & bad things but I was still totally creeped out! I told David if that thing makes its presence known in my sight it is going to meet my shovel head! LOL

    • Kevin

      Apr 25, 2011 at 9:50 am

      Wow! Snakes creep me out, poisonous or not. I would keep that shovel handy too! 🙂

      • Patty

        Apr 25, 2011 at 11:31 am

        Actually most snakes are good and eat other creepy things like rats and lizards. Snakes are scary to me, but my son who is a snake fanatic made me aware they typically want to get away from us as much or more than we want to get away from them. Unless they are the ones that will chase you…..LOL

  12. Brooke @ Inside-Out Design

    Apr 25, 2011 at 9:41 am

    I think the $400 was worth not having to crawl under your house….I can’t stand small, dark spaces so I would have a panic attack under there. I can’t wait to see what you guys do with the bedroom! I love that wood wall; what a buried treasure!!!

    • Kevin

      Apr 25, 2011 at 9:53 am

      I agree, $400 was totally worth it! That poor guy was having a heck of a time!

  13. GinaMarie

    Apr 25, 2011 at 10:01 am

    I am loving your site, I have plans for every room of my house, thanks to all your inspiring posts. 🙂 One question though – what do those of us that don’t have awesome wood under our drywall do to get the fun wood walls? We don’t have many options for old, used wood either. But I so want to get that look of vintage, painted wood instead of this boring drywall. Any suggestions?

    • Kevin

      Apr 25, 2011 at 10:11 am

      Hi GinaMarie,
      We actually added planks to the walls in our master bedroom and you can see photos of that project in progress Here: https://theletteredcottage.net/mdf-from-true-value-in-the-house Here: https://theletteredcottage.net/master-bedroom-re-do-update-plankification-2010-continues and Here: https://theletteredcottage.net/master-bedroom-re-do-update-thanks-for-the-planks-true-value

      • GinaMarie

        Apr 25, 2011 at 10:23 am

        Ok, right on. That is perfect and just what I think we will do. Thanks SO much for the links! 🙂

  14. chris from midwest cottage and finds

    Apr 25, 2011 at 10:02 am

    I will be posting some how to’s on my new bedroom with LOTS of shout outs to Layla and Kevin–used your closet mirror idea and bedroom curtains–and let me tell you–you are VERY talented…those mirrors and trim kicked me up one side and down the other…as well as removing the carpet tack strip–WOW that stuff is deadly!! Please check it out and I to be sure to tell you I will be linking your posts on the projects I found on your blog…thanks guys for the inspiration–and check out my garbage find move over dresser!!
    hugs,
    chris

    • Kevin

      Apr 25, 2011 at 10:26 am

      Hey Chris! I HATE carpet tack strips! I bruised my hand trying to get those things out. Not fun. Looking forward to seeing your how to’s! 🙂

      • chris from midwest cottage and finds

        Apr 25, 2011 at 10:39 am

        Just wanted to be sure you both knew I “borrowed” your idea– but will be sure to call myself out on it and send out mucho kuddo’s to the Palmers!
        chris

  15. Lisa@Fern Creek Cottage

    Apr 25, 2011 at 10:03 am

    My favorite roll over photo ever! 🙂

    • Kevin

      Apr 25, 2011 at 10:27 am

      Ha ha! Too funny!

  16. Carolyn

    Apr 25, 2011 at 10:14 am

    OMG I love that WALL!!!! Hug IT….. HUG IT MORE!!!!

    I did the rollover picture so much I actually got “car sickness”. Can that happen on here???

  17. laurie f

    Apr 25, 2011 at 10:15 am

    You guys are way to fun to watch! Thanks for making my day and sharing your home with me in RI! My little one loves to sit on my lap and peruse through your pages….she just turned 5 and loves your ideas! Thanks for making my day! Keep up the great work, the super pictures, the creative ideas, and your sense of humor! Happy Monday!

    • Kevin

      Apr 25, 2011 at 10:30 am

      Happy Monday to you! Your sweet comment made my day! 🙂

  18. aLi R.

    Apr 25, 2011 at 10:46 am

    Oh how I wish I could discover treasure like that in our home!!! Random question! Did you grow up with carpenters around you..or did your handyman skills just come to you one day!? My husband needs some inspiration! 😀 Happy day to you!

  19. Patty

    Apr 25, 2011 at 11:27 am

    That really was funny! You’re a good sport Kev!!!

  20. carla raney

    Apr 25, 2011 at 11:37 am

    I am sooo Glad that the sewer thing happened after you were back home Kevin. Even if you didn’t actually crawl under the house I am sure Layla was glad you were there to just handle it . I know it would have been a last straw for me If I was her to sit and cry. 🙂

    Gotta love a man that sits in a room and gets the urge to take on a DYI home project. And does it. 🙂

    I love you two together!

  21. Ami w/AliLilly

    Apr 25, 2011 at 12:21 pm

    OK, I totally just played with that roll over pic for a good 45 seconds….maybe a whole minute! HA!! I love it! 🙂

  22. Flower Patch Farmgirl

    Apr 25, 2011 at 12:22 pm

    Nice to meetcha, Kevin. 🙂 And Cory is totally scared of spiders, so don’t feel bad!

  23. Allyson

    Apr 25, 2011 at 12:27 pm

    Ooooh, what I wouldn’t give for those wood walls! White paint and beach theme, here I come (or I would if I had those walls!). Ha!

  24. skye

    Apr 25, 2011 at 1:00 pm

    OMG! i love your blog but let me just say that my husband hates it. i mean he loves it too really but you guys scare the crap out of him. i showed him the video of when yall were up at 2 a.m. ripping off sheetrock to create the wonder wall and he nearly had a panic attack. he admires kevin’s bravery but he is so scared that one day he is going to come home and find me with a reciprocating saw (which i didn’t even know what that was until i found this blog) ripping the walls apart and chanting “TLC! TLC! TLC!” while i am doing it. so if i come a’knocking at midnight with my bags its because my husband has told me “if you want to rip walls down, go help kevin!” hahah! 🙂

    • Kevin

      Apr 25, 2011 at 2:54 pm

      Come on over! We could always use some help tearing down sheet rock and then trying to figure out how to fix it! Thanks for stopping by and saying hello!

  25. Leah

    Apr 25, 2011 at 1:05 pm

    Ke-vin Pal-mer had a farm
    e-i-e-i-o
    and on that farm he had…..some creepy crawlies…..and super stingers…..and scary small dark spaces
    e-i-e-i——–EEEW!!!!!!!
    : ) Love you guys!!

    • Kevin

      Apr 25, 2011 at 1:35 pm

      Ha ha, you are too funny! I love it!

  26. Shelly

    Apr 25, 2011 at 1:09 pm

    you guys are at it again, lol!! love it!! i think it’s so amazing that you guys unkowingly bought a house with all that uncovered planking and have done so many amazing things with it. (i wonder if you guys will whitewash the wood walls this time? can’t wait to see what you will end up doing). you guys are so much fun. i thought i was being reckless when i started removing the popcorn ceiling in my kitchen on a whim. (sidenote: it was a ton of work and next time i’ll just beadboard or plank right over).

    • Kevin

      Apr 25, 2011 at 2:58 pm

      removing popcorn ceilings is HARD work! I agree, just plank right over it! 🙂

  27. Ashley @ DesignBuildLove.co

    Apr 25, 2011 at 1:22 pm

    total bummer! 🙁 PS- you two are totally adorable!!!

  28. Jennifer

    Apr 25, 2011 at 1:59 pm

    So good to head a post from you! We’ve missed ya!!!

  29. Melody

    Apr 25, 2011 at 2:05 pm

    Brutal about the sewer pipe. We had that happen in a house back in Illinois but it was out in the yard. We ended up having the yard dug up so they could completely replace it.
    Eeeek on the snake skin. And the dirt nest.
    I’m looking forward to watching the project. I love the wood walls. Glad you two got some time at the beach, you deserve it.

  30. MommaHen

    Apr 25, 2011 at 3:01 pm

    You guys suck! The only thing I find behind my walls -are bugs. yuck.

  31. Tara

    Apr 25, 2011 at 3:42 pm

    I almost died when I saw you ripping that perfectly nice wall out — that is until I saw what was under it!! Can’t wait to see what you guys have planned!!!!!!

  32. Susan

    Apr 25, 2011 at 3:54 pm

    Kevin, that wall looks awesome! It’s gonna be beautiful when you guys are done!

  33. Kacey

    Apr 25, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    LOVED the flinching photo, Kevin! Very cute. My husband is actually the same way. There I am, expecting my big strong man to take care of a creepy bug, and he’s almost more freaked out than me! Glad you got your sewer problem taken care of – sounds expensive but worth it!

    Kacey

  34. Melinda

    Apr 25, 2011 at 5:17 pm

    My hubby is terrified of spiders! They don’t bother me, but I HATE snakes. Love the wall you uncovered under the sheetrock. Can’t wait to see what you all have in mind for the room. Sorry you had sewer problems. Not fun! Have a wonderful week. Love & blessings from NC!

  35. Amy of WhisperWood Cottage & Junkologie

    Apr 25, 2011 at 6:59 pm

    So appropriate! April 25 is Hug a Plumber Day. Seriously, it is!

    And I am completely jealous that you can just rip down some drywall and have those amazing horizontal wood planks. Can’t wait to see what you do with the space! 🙂

    • Kevin

      Apr 26, 2011 at 11:06 am

      I didn’t know that there was a “Hug a Plumber Day” I didn’t want to hug him after he came out from under the house, he didn’t smell very good! 🙂

  36. Jenny B.

    Apr 25, 2011 at 7:39 pm

    Love that wood wall! I wish I had secret treasures like that hidden in my house! Of course, I wouldn’t be as happy about some other “treasures” you’ve found in your house, and I think having a house with treasures means you have to take the good with the bad. 🙂

  37. Stephanie

    Apr 25, 2011 at 7:56 pm

    Happened across your blog and LOVE! IT!

    My husband and I are renovating my childhood bay front home that was built in 1904. The majority of our house is on pier and beams which was totally handy because one of our first projects was completely tearing out the old, corroded plumbing and re-plumbing the entire thing! My fear, however was the whole creepy crawl, slithery bit and because of our location copperheads and water moccasins are always a possibility, I decided to do a little research and found out that as a means to deter such creatures you can make a formula that repels them….cedar oil, moth balls and cayenne pepper. Apparently nothing will venture into the areas that you apply this formulation too! Sounds perfect to me! I like my hubby in one piece! 🙂

  38. Brooke

    Apr 25, 2011 at 8:33 pm

    LOL! I just had the same problem except it was more than $400! It’s on my blog as well under http://beeinteriors.blogspot.com/2011/04/guess-what-i-did-today_12.html

    I was out in the garage redoing furniture when the plumber walked past and said with laughing sarcasm “Gee, that looks like fun!” To which I responded, “I bet it’s more fun than what you are doing!” He had to nod in agreement and grinned:)

  39. Brittany

    Apr 26, 2011 at 9:18 am

    I TOTALLY feel your pain. My husband and I bought our first home at the end of February and we were married 2 weeks later. Within those 2 weeks, our sump pump failed (which caused our basement to flood – we ripped out all the carpet and hardwood floor), then two days after that our well pump failed and we weren’t getting any water in the house. That same week, we had French drains installed and the backyard regarded because we were still getting too much water around the house. Insurance didn’t cover a dime of any of it – everything all together cost us close to $10,000 to repair – I tell you, I was standing on the altar wondering if our house was under water! So $400 for a busted sewer pipe sounds sort of fun compared to that hot mess! 🙂

    • Kevin

      Apr 26, 2011 at 11:03 am

      WOW! That’s crazy! Our sewer pipe doesn’t sound that bad after hearing that!

  40. liz

    Apr 26, 2011 at 9:55 am

    You two are adorable!

    • Kevin

      Apr 26, 2011 at 11:07 am

      Thanks Liz!

  41. Tina K

    Apr 26, 2011 at 10:50 am

    Although I love reading Layla’s posts, it is nice to hear from the other half every now and then. Nice post!

    • Kevin

      Apr 26, 2011 at 11:07 am

      Thanks! It’s nice to be home again!

  42. Lisa Lyons

    Apr 26, 2011 at 11:55 am

    Great post! Glad there are pople out there willing to get paid to crawl into stinky stuff!

    Lisa

  43. Tiff

    Apr 27, 2011 at 5:13 am

    Too funny 🙂
    I reckon plumbers deserve every cent! Really, who’d wanna work with yuk every day for nothing?!
    Love that you get inspired while playing music to rip your house apart!!

  44. Kim in MD

    Apr 27, 2011 at 7:09 am

    I love that roll over bee image- I hate bees, too! Welcome home, Kevin! I can’t to see what you do with that room! You and Layla are amazing! 🙂

  45. Midwest Magnolia - Melissa Lewis

    Apr 27, 2011 at 8:38 am

    Y’all are one of my fav blogs. But it’s so bittersweet coming over here. My hub and I moved from TN to IA last fall. We are waiting to sell our Memphis house before we buy here, so we are renting. It’s so hard to not be able to do anything to this house. Argghhhh! But I could never stop coming here, always lovin’ what y’all are up to:) Can’t wait to see the finished room. I know the excitement that decorating your awaiting kid’s room brings:)!!!

  46. tammylee

    May 3, 2011 at 9:14 pm

    RE: holes in foundation of house. don’t fill them in. they probably once had grates in them to let air through and circulate in crawl space. maybe you could find replacement grates at a salvage place?
    just my opinion. maybe someone else could chime in with their thoughts….

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