Flooring Remodel + Projects

November held off on the snow until, of course, we had to travel for Thanksgiving.  But it was nice to work on several projects without any snow on the ground: especially installing new flooring on the entire main floor of our house.

But firrrrrrrrrrrst:

We thought we'd have to have help backing the trailer into
this very tricky location--but Allen did it like a pro!

I worked for several weeks on making a "pad" for our trailer in the backyard.  We decided that under our big pine tree was the best place, because even in the dead of winter, when there is three feet of snow, you can still see bare ground under this tree--it's such a great natural shelter from the elements.

It's still not done, but I made sure the rock steps lead up
to where the door of the camper is located for its permanent
parking location.  Renfroe "guest house" is open!

If you don't mind waking up with the chickens, come visit us and stay in your own private guest house.  We really love our sweet little camper--it's been a great purchase.

Allen made his best thrift store score of all time: a $25 snowblower that STARTED ON THE SECOND PULL.  It's a 1980s-era Snapper snowblower, and it looks like it's been well-cared for.  Until Becca ran over a big boulder on her first time snowblowing . . . oopsy.

I love how proud Allen is!  We bought the
snowblower the same night we got all the
flooring (stacked neatly behind Allen)

We got the snowmobile into the front yard so that it's ready for zooming around the block when the snow flies.  Jacob was so excited to "ride" it parked.  We've taken it on a few spins around the block since it started snowing.

And now, the BIG project.  Let me re-post what I shared on Facebook for #LightTheWorld:

I wasn't expecting the Christ-like service that came from my brother-in-law, Rich. He gave up a weekend to come and teach Allen how to install new flooring in our house. He brought all the tools, all the accessories, all the know-how. What made it even more special is that he is currently working on remodeling his and Sharla's own house--it was a gift of time and love.

For real.  Rich saved the day.  His experience and patient teaching is so appreciated--Allen finished the bathroom and laundry room on his own, but he never could have done it without Rich's expertise.  It was so kind of him!

Goodbye, nasty carpet!

Gettin' after it!

Whattttttt???  I chose this color/style of flooring
that is very similar to Cori's, because it
DOESN'T SHOW DIRT.  Dream floor.

We thought we'd knock it out in one weekend.  Haha.

I tried to keep Allen and Rich well supplied with delicious
things to eat while they worked hard for three days.
Triple Berry French Toast Casserole was a big hit.

The teenagers were kind of annoying during the remodel, but kudos to Brigham and Emmit for SLEEPING IN THE GARAGE (because the TV was out there and they wanted to play video games).  And Truman for taking big kids and little kids to Lava, on two separate trips.

Rotten teens (and not rotten Mollie)

Mollie and Dylan

It was literally backbreaking labor--spending 48 straight hours kneeling down and pounding planks in.  I love the finished product!

Teamwork makes the dream work.

Beginning of the bathroom

Mollie and Calvin have nonstop projects of their own.  They didn't let a remodel get in the way of their creativity, much to my chagrin.  Even though it's difficult to appreciate all the paints and a giant roll of butcher paper mixed in with the chaos of buckets of paint, all the tools we own, all the tools we borrowed, and forty boxes of vinyl planking . . . but I just let it happen.

Mollie's cat castle, made from all the boxes
we got in which to store our living room...

Calvin's city scape.

Toothpick claws

Check out that new floor!

This might be my favorite picture Calvin has ever drawn.
He is really getting a good eye!