Thumbs up from Grandma

My mom, Sam's grandma, was the original owner of Sam's re-finished dresser. I sent her pics & we talked last night and she is SO EXCITED w/ the outcome. I don't think she had any idea that there was good pine wood underneith the 7 coats of paint & stain. I had previously refinished the dresser she had as a little girl, in a similar 2-toned effect. it turned out great! So, we have 2 pieces of family history for Sam & siblings. These pieces were originally purchased by my Grandpa Gray, stained & painted for my mom (circa 1955), and re-painted over the years for me & my siblings. In addition, mom has a bookshelf, a toy box, and a child's desk, which were all purchased by Grandpa Gray at the same time as naked furniture & stained & painted.

Mom is so excited by the dresser, that I'm going to take my stripping & sanding supplies down in a couple weeks and we are going to strip & sand her pieces & later stain when she decides how she wants the finished pieces to look. She has been hiding these pieces in a spare room because, well, they look like crap! They have been painted, chipped & repainted multiple times, but we both like stained natural wood much better. I cannot wait to show her the process so she can turn the treasured pieces into usable items for the grandchildren!

Also, a church friend who runs a day care had an extra pak'n play she gave mom this weekend after church. Although its pretty "loud" (fushia, purple & teal), I'm very happy that she has one we can move around the house for naps & diaper changes. Also, mom & dad have a HUGE back yard, so it will be good if we are outside and Sam wants to nap or play. I'm all about baby freedom & will "wear" Sam as much as possible, but I'm also all for safety & unfenced yards aren't good for fast-running little ones. so thank you, thank you, thank you unnamed church friend! Good to know our pak'n play can stay in Chicago when we visit Grandma & Grandpa!