The Family I Love: Grandpa's Benches

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Grandpa's Benches

I was one lucky girl growing up with both sets of grandparents nearby. I was one of 26 grandchildren on my father's side and 1 of 5 grandchildren on my mother's side. My mom's parents, Grandma and Grandpa Garrard, spoiled us and we loved it....of course. It was easy to spoil us because there were only 5 kids:) They spent quality time with each one of us and had us over for every single holiday, birthday, celebration, or whatever. Every meal we ate at their house was around a huge wood table in their enclosed patio. My grandpa had built benches to go around the table to accommodate all 9 of us. Well a couple of months ago I inherited the benches and table. I was so excited to have this wonderful memory in my home. The benches needed some TLC so I got to work sanding and painting them. I loved thinking about my grandparents while I worked on them. I know they would be so happy to see me holding on to them if they were still alive.

The moment I opened up the primer all of my girls wanted to help. I tried to tell them that I only had one brush. They ran inside and found little paint brushes and begged and begged to help. I finally gave in and told them they could cover the cracks and hard-to-get places.

I tried not to hyperventilate each time their brushes got too close to someones clothes or body. I couldn't believe I was letting them paint with PERMANENT paint. I did tell them that once I started with the top coat, I'd be doing that on my own. They seemed satisfied and I was relieved.

Looking much better after one coat of primer. Two more coats of my top coat and I'll be done.

FINISHED!!!! It is always so exciting when a project is finished. I'm so happy to remember my Grandma and Grandpa each day we sit around the table as a family. Now I want to refinish the top of the table. Once again I have no idea how to do it, but I'm sure I will figure it out:) Especially since I have brothers that seem to know things like this, or at least they pretend. Thanks guys for your advice on the benches.

2 comments:

Darren Davis said...: The benches look great Jill. I'm so glad they are in a good home. :)
Darren; June 18, 2009 at 4:43 PM
Klare said...: I like what you said about your brothers at the end. ha ha Yes, if Darren doesn't know he'll figure it out whether it's the right way of doing it or not. ;)

The benches look good, by the way.; June 23, 2009 at 12:10 PM

Post a Comment

Emma

Emma, who is 10, loves music and feels it inside. I LOVE to listen to her sing. When she knows a song well she can belt it out strong. She is not one that needs a microphone:) Her daddy loves to spend time with her singing. Often times he plays his guitar while she makes up songs. When Emma isn't singing, she is playing outside, or with friends. She wishes she could go camping more often and last night she informed me that she wished she lived in a place that had tons of lizards, animals, snakes, bugs, etc... I think she needs to go to the rainforest.

Sadie

Sadie, who is 7, is the jokester of the family. She is happiest if her joke actually makes someone laugh:) She has started a funky jazz dance class and seems to really enjoy it. It is fun to watch her work so hard at doing the splits. She loves anything girlie...make-up, dress-up, sparkly, etc... She prefers not to do any chores or housework:), but is getting better at it. She is known to pull everything out while playing and not be too interested when it's time to clean up. Mommy usually says, "Well, I'll do it, but I get to do what I want with it." That usually means I will throw it in the trash:) It's amazing how quick she moves once I volunteer!

Jayden

Jayden, who will be 5 in July, will start kindergarten real soon. He wasn't excited to do so, but is now accepting the idea that he won't be with mommy forever. Jayden loves to ride his bike, scooter, jump on the trampoline, and play with his friends. He loves to spot race cars and hear their engines rev. For some reason he can spot a mustang a mile away. He also loves to pretend that his bike is a motorcycle and he makes revving noises while he rides. He loves his sisters and enjoys playing with them too. He is very loving and tells me many time a day, "Mommy, I love you!"