We officially have new tile floors in our guest bathroom! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! I thought this day would never come! I’m swelling with pride, joy, and exhaustion…. And not all from the floors. I watched two men pour sweat and literally blood into making my dream a reality: my husband and my daddy!
This whole project would’ve never started without my husband’s intervention. He listened as I half complained and half dreamed about our guest bathroom on numerous occasions. The dated tile has been engraved in my brain since we bought the house; I longed for beautiful slate gray floors that would compliment the walls I painted several months ago. Pins from Pinterest kept reminding me of what could be in our home. I’d pass by Better Homes magazine in the grocery store and swoon over the floors that gave a polished look with a rustic feel. So, this project feels like a dream that I don’t want to wake up from.
Unexpectedly, this year I received tile for my birthday from my husband to set this whole thing in motion. You can check out my post on why this gift was beyond beautiful for me. Furthermore, Sam was nailing down a new floor and backer board until 10:30 last night after working a full day. He walked straight in, changed clothes, and asked what he could do to help. Sigh… I sure do love that man for the way he loves me so intently.
The second man I’m so grateful for, also loves this lady with adoration, dedication, and persistence. His love knows no boundaries and reflects who he is a person. I have to dedicate most of this post to him, not only because he busted his tail to make the dream of tile floors become a reality… But because he just deserves it.
My dad is a man who demands little recognition. He works so hard to provide, serve the Lord, and serve others with no expectation of anything in return. I grew up watching him do anything for anyone; he embodies the love of Christ so graciously.
Lord help the previous men in my life; he set such a high bar for how men should love and treat their wives and children. He does anything and everything to make his three girls happy. He coached softball and basketball, sat through numerous dance recitals, cheerleading competitions, and gymnastics exhibitions. He helps my mom prepare for any festivity, holiday, or event at their home. He has made many a headboard for a college dorm and now my hair-brained ideas with House of Stain. He made table runners for my wedding out of wood, made an airplane for Griffins cupcake display at his birthday party, and is my own personal mechanic/reminder when something goes wrong with my car or when my oil needs changing.
He is a man of few words, but what he has to say is usually hysterical and can put you at ease in any situation. He loves my mom with such intensity; he made loving a strong woman look easy. My dad taught me what love looks like (real, unconditional, Christ like love.)
Sam said it best when he watched my dad play with Griffin: “He’s a really good dad, and a really proud Grandpa!” He certainly is. I never doubted that, but watching him with Griffin makes me even more comforted in God’s plan for my life. He loves my child as much as he loves me… Dare I say possibly more?? As I watched my dad hold Griffin for the first time, I was sure of one thing… They’d be the best of friends!
I haven’t always made the best of decisions and am quick to reprimand myself when mistakes are apparent. My father never neglects tell me my worth in accordance with Gods perception, despite circumstance, emotional letdown, or doubt in my mind. My dad is gracious, thoughtful, endearing, strong, and comforting.
He’s everything I hoped I’d find in a husband and even more so in a father for my children. I’m lucky to have Sam fill the shoes my dad left for the person I’d say my vows to. The day I said “I do,” was so much sweeter because my dad walked me down the aisle and placed my hand in Sam’s. I don’t think either of them knew just how amazingly special that moment was for me. The man who had always loved me, taken care of me, encouraged, prayed for, and raised me, entrusted my husband to do the same (minus the raise part). Those tasks are not always easy, but those two men take them on with no questions asked and with such grace.
Watching them work diligently to give me a gift of selflessness, thoughtfulness, and labor was more than my heart could take. In between drilling, cementing, and measuring… Sam and my dad still threw my child on their hips and gave the occasional fist bump to make sure he knew that Papa and Daddy were working but would always make time for his sweet little self. What men of integrity, character, and love?!? Thank you, Jesus… For making my dreams come true and for giving me the men who make that happen.
house of stain 