* Growing and Building *

The only type of carpentry experience I have is from wood shop in sixth grade. I recall making a clock that I gave to my mom as a gift (doubt she still has it) and a stool that I still have in my closet that I have re-decorated and painted a million times through the years. That reminds me that I should add it to my "spray paint white" list.


Since July of last year, Samuel has been attending the free Lowe's Build and Grow Clinics. I wanted to register him because they were free but also because I felt it would be fun for him to practice a new skill. The kids receive a free apron and goggles upon registering for the clinic on their first visit. They are typically for children five and up but most projects can be completed with a supervising adult. Since then, Sam has completed about a dozen "projects" with his dad's help. Some of the things include; a boat, castle, dinosaur, choo choo train, binoculars, tow truck, fire truck, police truck and plenty more.


At the completion of each project he gets a small badge that he can add to his apron. You can imagine how colorful and wonderful his apron looks by now. He is very proud of himself every single time he completes a new project. Here he is at yesterday's clinic after making a dinosaur.



Carlos is the talented carpenter in our family so it was no doubt that he would be the one to accompany Sam to make these projects. I know that these trips to Lowes will serve for special moments shared with father and son but I also hope that they help to develop a love for carpentry and using tools for Sammy. It would be very "handy" to have two skillful boys in my house right?