When I was growing up, we practically lived at my parents’ wood finishing shop on the weekends and during the summers. It was during that time that I learned how to scuff, check colors, and (on very, very rare occasions) use a spray gun. But when I turned seventeen and got my first job in a production company, I was at the shop less and less until one day I rarely went at all. I moved away to college and when I moved back a few years later, my parents moved to a different state. I’d go and visit them, I’d see their new shop, but I didn’t work there. In fact, it’s probably been over fifteen years since I’ve used those skills.

Tim works there now, which I love, by the way!

Since this was a long weekend, we decided to take a trip to my parents’ house and when I found out they would be spending most of the weekend at the shop I thought it would be a great chance to go in and lend a hand. Over the course of three days I think I ended up working about 18 hours, but it certainly didn’t feel like it! The time just flew. The kids had a blast spending time with their grandmother as the rest of us scuffed, sanded, finished, and moved panels. By the end of each day, I was so incredibly tired, but in a good, body aching from hard work kind of way. We’re back now and will resume our normal lives in the morning. I’m so thankful for the long weekend, for the chance to spend time with my family, and for the men and women that have served, and sacrificed for the incredible freedom we experience in this country.