Hi there- Kevin here.
Layla’s Grandpa Richard passed away last night, so while my bride takes a couple days off, I thought I’d share a little bit about him and what we’ve been up to here at TLC lately.
(Layla and Grandpa Richard, September 2010)
Grandpa Richard was in the Army from 1941-1945. In just four short years, he became a Master Sergeant- and before tonight, we had no idea he received 10 different medals of conduct throughout that time. (One of which was the Bronze Star!) Layla said he didn’t talk about that part of his military days. “Humble & heroic” seem like the perfect words to describe him.
After the Army, he built houses for a living. As a matter of fact, he built the house he and his wife, Evelyn, lived in from the time Layla was born- ’til some time in the early 90’s…
I snapped that photo of her in front of it last month when we went up to Minnesota.
She hadn’t seen the house at least 10 years, but she has dreams about it all the time.
I know she wanted to go inside.
I know she wanted to tell me about show me all the memories they made there.
I wish I could buy it for her, so that she could go in whenever she wanted.
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I’m pretty sure she gets her love of renovating from her Grandpa.
They built a club house together in the woods behind their farmhouse one Summer when she was a kid. It had bunk beds, and real windows, a shingled roof, and even a screen door.
I hope to be able to do that for my grandchild(ren) one day. Which is sort of funny because when I met Layla, I hadn’t even tackled one home improvement project. I didn’t own any tools, and I thought when something broke- you called a handyman to fix it.
Since then, I have thoroughly enjoyed learning how to DIO (Do-It-Ourselves) with her by my side. She’s taught me to embrace the home improvement unknown, and to not be afraid to get my hands saw-dusty. I love her for that. Well, I love her for lots of reasons, but I love her for that too.
Last week, she and I invested in our first, real deal, scary/awesome power tool- and started working on one of the soon-to-be wood-clad walls in our master bedroom.
But before we start cladding, I wanted to fix up the trim around the windows in the room.
I started by removing the yucky trim that was previously around them…
(Can you believe someone used this stuff?)
…and re-trimmed it with some nicer (less threatening) looking trim.
We shot this little video to document our reno-venture…
(Here’s a link to the YouTube version.)
Fortunately, I got the rest of the new trim up without incident- so, out went the rough/wimpy trim…
…and in came the smoother/chunkier trim…
As Layla would say, Pretty “luscious”, huh?
(Oh- before I forget: pay no attention to the dark gray painted wall. I just did that so if any color showed between our white-painted, wood planks, it would be dark- not light yellow.)
I plan to start Cladfest 2010 tomorrow- so wish me good luck!
(Or at least good aim this time- LOL!)
PS-
Great news! THREE of our readers (Miss Mustard Seed, Rachelle, and Mike) wrote and told us that they made it into the Top 10 of True Value’s Design SOS contest! If you’re interested in voting for your favorite entry- head on over to StartRightStartHere.com. You can vote once a day, every day, from now ’til November 5th.
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The winner of the Perfectly Imperfect Restorations end table is…Commenter #49!
Congratulations Jill!
Drop me a line at [email protected] and I’ll put you in touch with Shaunna.
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Such a wonderful post. The talent runs in the genes, that’s for sure. And so sweet of you Kevin to write this – you make such a lovely couple and the love just oozes out of you both.
I’m so sorry for your loss Layla (& Kevin). Thanks for sharing some sweet memories of your Grandpa Richard.
Sorry to hear about Layla’s Grandpa , the story about him was lovely. Looking forward to seeing the master bedroom come to life and the plans you have to renovate it.
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. 🙁 Layla’s grandpa does sound like such an amazing man. And Kevin, you are such a great hubby for writing this post and helping out your sweet wife!!
Oh, sweet Layla, I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather. Grandfathers can be extra hard to lose, especially for us granddaughters that have such wonderful loving memories. If I remember correctly, I lost my maternal grandfather, Mitch, at about the same age as you. We had such fun together…me growing up. He taught me how to “sing along with Mitch”, (check that tidbit out and my age will show ;-); he taught me how to drive a car, though none of his five daughters ever learned; and since he was a County Sheriff, he took me to the police shooting range to learn how to use his Smith & Wesson 38 special, so I might learn to defend my self. There were lots of other memories we shared, and I will never forget him. To this day, I miss him so.
I am glad to know that you have fond memories too, and it was good that you got to see him on your trip home. He was probably happy you were there too one more time. Sending big hugs your way, and a small prayer for Grandpa Richard also.
And Kev…you totally ROCK dude! Ha, and now you NAIL IT too! Two people that fit together as well as you and Layla, just doesn’t happen enough. Hold on tight and trust in each other. You know we are all so happy to see you take on this life together with such faith, zest, and most of all fun. I think it is pretty safe to say that we are all rootin’ for ya! Life IS what you make it. And I, for one, thank you for allowing us to tag along in your journey. P.S. just a funny little side note, I now have my own S&W 38 special, but it has a pink grip that just fits my hands and my personality 😉 P.P.S. Hope I am still around when the time comes for you for be a dad and perhaps a grandfather. I truly think you two will make wonderful parents.
With Love, Leslie
Everything you two do gets to me. You are such a sweet, sweet couple. Sorry to hear about your Grandfather Layla. Kevin you and the nail gun are awesome.
It sounds like someone left quite a legacy… one to be cherished, not grieved. Praying peace for all his loved ones… and blessing for you for clearly adoring one another. These gifts are not to be wasted.
Carol
antiquetexan.blogspot.com
My condolences to Layla and her family, very sad for you all. What a lovely, lovely post 🙂
I’ll be thinking of both of you as you mourn Layla’s grandfather.
What a really lovely post about Layla’s grandfather. So sorry to hear about your loss. It looks like his legacy lives on through her!
Hey Kevin, I’m so sorry about Layla’s grandpa, I know the pain of losing a grandparent and it’s such a heart wreching thing to go through. Please give her a hug from me. 🙂 I’m so glad she got to see him recently, she’ll cherish that time forever.
I enjoyed the video with the nail gun! TJ and I bought one a few years back and the first time that compressor kicked on I about had a heart attack….those things are loud! I love our nail gun…it cuts work time by at least a 1/3! 🙂 Hope you guys have fun with cladfest 2010!
Again, I’m so sorry for Layla…I know her heart is just broken…please send her my love and let her know I’m praying for her.
Hugs
Missy
Kevin,
The way I understand it, the reason why 1x’s are a half inch shy is because of shrinkage during the drying process. Although the MDF likely would not have shrinkage, they would make the MDF the same sizes as the standard wood. Hope that makes sense.
Cindy
So sorry to hear about your loss. It is such a blessing that you have such great memories of your grandad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both.
So very sorry to read about Grandpa…peace to all of the family.
SAFETY GLASSES Kevin lol….and you will have a true love affair with that gun before it’s over with, my most favorite tool EVER.
Can’t wait to the after-clad!!
I am so very sorry for your loss. It’s never easy to say goodbye to a family member. Thank you, Kevin, for stepping in with your post while Layle takes some much needed time off.
I cant tell you how much I enjoy your blog. I cant wait to see the finished bedroom.
You guys are great.
So sorry to hear about Layla’s grandfather , he sounds like a great guy
Oh that is a big ass nail gun , go big or go home eh …..you will get rediculously comfortable with it in no time and you will wonder why you waited so long to get one , handy persons best friend…
I am so sorry to hear about Layla’s grandfather and i hope she is doing ok-or as ok as she can be at this sad time. Sounds like a man to be very proud of as im sure layla is. those are some very nice things you said-you are such a lovely genuine couple. love the new trim! cant wait to see the finished master bedroom! take care, Amber 🙂
so sorry for the loss of a loved one. my thoughts are with you
sorry to hear about Layla’s grandfather. i lost mine last summer and miss him dearly. i love the picture of her with him. good luck with your work! susan
The picture of Layla and her grandfather brought tears to my eyes! He remined me of my late grandfather. So sorry to hear about your loss…I will keep you in my prayers.
Layla, I am so sorry for the lost of your Grandfather. Please know that you and you’re family are in our thoughts and prayers.
I am inspired by you and Kevin daily, I don’t know if I am ready to use a nail gun yet 🙂 but maybe one day I’ll get the nerve to give it a try. Thank you so much for sharing all of your designs, tips and strategies for a more affordable, comfortable home. During the last 10 years I got sucked up into having the perfect house and forgot the most important thing. A house is just a picture it isn’t a home. My hubby and I are inspired by all the ways you and Kevin make your house a home and I have to admit 🙂 we use a lot of your ideas and are having a blast.
Thank you and God Bless you both!
I lost my own dear grandfather last year and still think about him daily. What a beautiful tribute to Layla’s grandfather. Thank you for sharing their story….
My sympathies. I’m sure the many memories you have of your grandparents will give you strength during the coming days.
One of my favorite things about this blog is the way you guys work together and love each other…it shows through in pretty much every post!
We lost our grandpa (our hero) this past April, so I feel Layla’s pain today. So sorry for your loss.
Kevin and Layla,
So sorry for your loss. I’m so happy that you had the opportunity to see him last month and that Layla got to revisit memories she made with him. This post is a lovely tribute to him.
Kevin, you are doing a great job on the bedroom and I am excited to watch your progress.
Hugs and prayers,
Your Friend,
Deborah
Sorry to hear of this loss…Janell
So sorry for your loss! Thankfully you made the trip to see him recently. I’m sure that helps a lot. Saying a prayer for your family.
Such wonderful memories about her grandfather. Sorry for your loss.
Invested is right- I have dreams about owning a nail gun. =]
Kevin and Layla, I love you guys. So sorry for your loss of Grandpa Richard.
So sorry to hear about Grandpa Richard. You and Layla and her family will be in our thoughts. Thanks for keeping us company while she’s gone, Kevin! And have fun at Cladfest:)
Layla and Kevin,
So sorry for your loss, but it sounds like Grampa left a lifetime of memories and joy, they will always be with you.
Kevin what a beautiful post and your love for your wife shines through.
I just love following you both on your adventures.
Hugs,
Donna
Kevin, this entry was so sweet. Please consider posting more often.
So, so sorry to hear about Layla’s Grandpa Richard, the whole family will be in my thoughts.
Good luck with the install and congrats to the table winner!
What a lovely tribute to Grandpa Richard and to your wonderful wife. Big hugs to both of you!!
xo*tricia
So sorry to hear about Layla’s grandfather. You made me tear up with this lovely post.
The new trim is going to look great! Definitely “luscious” 🙂 Can’t wait to see the room all finished!! To answer your question, 1 x 4 boards start out as 1 x 4, but after the drying and planing process, they end up just shy of that. Not sure why MDF would be less than 1 x 4, though. Maybe to be consistent with real lumber?
You will get used to your nail gun, and you’ll love it!! It makes your job go so much faster! My husband installed pine plank flooring throughout our entire house last spring, and installed pine plank trim around all the windows and as baseboards, and I can’t imagine how much longer it would have taken him to do the job without the help of his nail gun. You’re going to get your room all planked in no time! Again, can’t wait to see it!
Give Layla lots of loves and hugs.
Beth.
I am sorry to hear about Layla’s Grandpa.
This post brought me to tears today. Kevin, the love you show for your wife is breathtaking.
So sorry to hear about Layla’s Grandpa.
Kevin – this was a lovely post about them from your perspective. Thank you!
So sorry for the loss of your grandfather. So glad that you have such wonderful memories. Such a sweet post.
What a touching tribute – I lost my grandpa last year and I think about him every day. It warms my heart to read about building the playhouse:) My thoughts are with you…
Amanda
So, so sorry to hear about Grandpa Richard … grandparents are some of the most special people in our lives. Prayers and hugs for all ….
I’ve discovered that if you need experience using a common power tool, or at least someone to just show you how to work it, just spend a Saturday morning at a Habitat for Humanity project and ask the experts. That’s what I’ve done!
My own sweet grandfather has been gone 2 years today. The loss is still painful but the memories are still stronger. Prayers for you for this hard time.
And, this post was beautiful, cladding and all. 🙂 Seriously, back to the house stuff, I can’t wait to see what you’re doing to that room!
Beautiful post – so sorry for your loss. It looks as if Grandpa Richard was an amazing man.
Kevin you did a great job on the post. Thank you for sharing with us. Layla, I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Grandpa Richard….he was obviously a wonderful man and I know he will be with you always. Your words about him remind me so much of my Daddy Joe who passed away in 2001. He also served in WWII as a gunner in the Pacific (I also learned more about his service after his passing than he ever shared). It is truly humbling to reflect on what these men did for us as a nation and as husbands, fathers, and grandfathers.
It looks like y’all will make quick work of boarding you bedroom! If you don’t have plans for it, I sure would like to get the wood trim you removed from your windows….it is exactly what I have i mind for a project I want to do with the boys this week. Let me know if it’s available and I’ll come get it. Otherwise I’ll comb the reject bins at HD!
Lots of Love!
I am so sorry for your loss…He sounded like such an amazing man. Kevin, when you said that you wished that you could buy the house for Layla ,I actually started crying.That is one of the sweetest things that I have ever heard a man say…You are a very blessed couple, to have each other.
Carolyn
So sorry to hear of Grandpa passing. It’s never easy. Sounds as though he was a quietly tremendous man! And Kevin, you stinker, i’m crying at work! “I wish I could buy it for her so she could go in whenever she wanted.” Tears. Seriously. And i’m hoping you’ll email me at renae_reis{at}yahoo.com and tell me what material you’re using for the cladding. We’re going to clad our entry wall and are sort of stuck on what material to use. I think it was Little Miss Mustard Seed that used hardboard but I was worried it was too thin. So even if your post isn’t going to be up for a couple of weeks, i’d be thrilled if you’d send an email with the material in the subject line (i.e., I know you’re a busy man). Thanks and thanks for the beautiful post today. It reminds us all of what’s really important.
So sorry for your loss you two, you’re definitely in my thoughts lately!
Her grandpa sounds a lot like mine…a WWII vet and a home builder. He just passed away last year and I miss him terribly. Also, my hubby has a DeWalt finish nailer and it’s one of his favorite tools. Great purchase!
You guys are too cute!
Sorry to hear about Layla’s grandfather. He was part of my father’s generation and they never bragged about their WWII heriocs, just like our soldiers and marines today. Today’s post is one of the reasons I like to visit TLC, you both are so nice to each other. And I have a few windows that need to be retrimmed so thanks for that info, too.
So sorry for your loss! So sweet that you want to buy your bride the house.
I hope great memories keep you comforted during this difficult time.