Cheerleaders

I used to worry that subcontractors who came to our house would be annoyed and frustrated by my overly curious and overly talkative boys. That has not been the case. The men thoroughly enjoy the boys for one reason: the boys are cheerleaders.

TJ takes every opportunity to creep downstairs and talk to whoever is down there: Dan, the drywall man, or Scot the painter. He is in awe of them and repeatedly tells them how nice everything looks or what a great job they are doing. Sam doesn't try to go downstairs, he just meets them as they come and go in the driveway. The other night, Scot was sitting in his truck (either eating or talking on the phone) and Sam was standing right next to the driver's door, talking Scot's ear off. I could hear Scot chuckling as Sam prattled on and on.

Later that evening, Scot headed up to the roof. Bill is NOT a fan of heights, and just couldn't bring himself to climb the roof to put the caulk and second coat of paint on the chimney. So (for a mere $30), Scot said he would do it. It was a pleasant evening, and I was outside with all 3 boys and one of the neighbor boys. As Scot climbed the ladder, all four boys stood in the front yard, watching breathlessly. The moment Scot put both feet on the roof, Sam yelled, "Good job, painter!" I could see Scot smiling. He then proceeded the climb the roof and disappeared from view. Four boys ran down the hill and around the side of the house to see what Scot was doing next. I could hear Sam cheering him on. I finally convinced Sam to call him Scot instead of 'Painter'.

The basement is now done, with the exception of the carpet for Bill's office. That will be installed the last week of September. Bill will spend the winter finishing the kitchenette and laying tile. Family room carpet won't come until the spring. My boys are going to be bored and lonely now that the workers are gone. But they love having the family room back and Bill and I are enjoying the peace and quiet upstairs.