Stain, Sand, Seal, Repeat

Well, James is living at his parents' barn these days. When he's not at his day job. 

He's busy staining and sealing, then sanding and re-sealing. And we've enjoyed visiting him. And the island. :-)

And every once in a while, he comes home for dinner. :-) One night, he took time to read with Darcy before he went back to work - a much-need motivator, I'm sure. 

Next up is choosing counters. Oh my.

Everything Including the Kitchen Sink

In this journey, the simplest things are so exciting. And it makes us all laugh. 

James picked up our faucet and sink from Lowe's on his way home from work, and we all gathered around the truck for the unveiling.  (I love them!!)

Darcy, too, felt compelled to document the event.  "Cheeeeese!"

Valentine's Day - Brown Style

It was a very Brown Valentine's Day around here.  James finished the grout in time to for us to set a pretty table for our dinner. 

The girls got dressed up while I cooked...

and James even joined in.

Our dinner was sooo yummy. But James spent most of the time texting and calling people because...

the island was ready to pick up!!  Doors had arrived and been attached, and it was time to start staining!

So, while the girls and I blew out the candles and cleaned up our dinner, Dad, Ryan (& Henry), Jeff, and Stephen met to help James get the island to the barn.  And sweet James even went back in to get pics for me. :-) 

Excited to start this next step, and grateful for all the help!

Grout Time!

Once again, the Brownie Moving Crew helped me unload the dining room and kitchen. And then entertained themselves until time to leave for church (and a sleepover at Granbee's!). Because IT'S GROUT TIME!

 

The befores...

And once again, Jeff is here to help.  I asked the guys why they started without letting me take their picture first.  James: "Here you go. Take it." That's right, neither turned around. HAHA.

Just 3 hours later, a huge portion is done. And it's beautiful!

THE ISLAND!!

James made some calls to track down a cabinet guy for the island (the other guy we had lined up stopped returning our calls!) But we are so grateful for the Lord's leading in finding Tom.  He came on a Monday night, gave us a quote and bought materials on Tuesday morning, and called Thursday to let us know it was ready. Amazing! 

After dinner, James and I left the girls at home, got some Starbucks, and headed to Tom's shop.  After nearly two weeks of being trapped at home with one sick girl after another, I was a bit drained, and this was an incredibly exciting sight to see. 

It's absolutely beautiful, and Tom will be building the rest of our cabinets when we're ready.  Still waiting on doors and drawer fronts, but then we'll be able to take it and start the staining and sealing process! Can't wait to be washing some dishes here!

Finishing up

Time to finish up the last sections of tile in the kitchen so we can grout!

Uncle Jeff Stops By

Uncle Jeff stopped by with a late birthday present for James. GROUT!  And Darcy was so excited. LOL. 

He also gave his time and expertise for cutting the tile along the carpet lines.

The process went so much more quickly with the two guys working together, and we are very grateful for his help!