the microwave.

Who doesn't love the drama that a good 'before and after' reveal of a transformed room or piece of furniture demands? I swoon over blogs dedicated to home renovation and dream about the lovely creative outlet diy projects can be.

And then we take on a small project...like hanging the microwave...and it's a serious snap back to reality.

We decided that we didn't need to spend the $150 to have someone do it for us. I mean, we mounted the tv ourselves so...bring it on. And the guys at Lowes said it would take about 30 minutes. Jokesters...those Lowes men...

We started Thursday evening (the plan was to also finish Thursday evening. Not Friday at 4pm...).  But as with most home projects, we ran into a few...hiccups. Oh, the old hole for the electrical cord is right where that screw needs to be? Oh, the heating duct runs right where we need to put these toggle bolts? Oh, the holes that the template told us to drill aren't quite right?

no. biggy. [said through gritted teeth]

This specific project was essentially a screaming reminder to us that when it comes to renovations--large or small--1) our personalities don't really mesh well to complete this kind of work 2) we're just not that good at it.

Should we have captured various moments of the escapade I'm sure you all would have found humor in certain situations. Even we, almost, can...in hindsight. Sure, Thatcher, please have the biggest melt down of the day over there in your bouncy seat while your dad is practically sitting on my shoulders and I am using every ounce of strength my biceps can muster to wedge that. thing. up. there. and. what do you mean you can't see the holes to put the screws in?!?! And Jonah could you please come in here and ask WHATAREYOUDOING?!WHATAREYOUDOING?! over and over while your brother screams and your dad and I sweat profusely trying not to break anything?

So we took a break and drove to McDonalds--obviously--Is there something else that you would do if you were in our position?

And I'll spare you all the details, but it's hung. And we're feeling quite accomplished. And it's been hanging for about 48 hours now. Phew....really accomplished. Maybe so accomplished that we have an unfortunate pseudo-confidence that we could try something like that again...?

So maybe home repair and renovation is kind of how some people view children. You know the taking care of so and so's kids is the best form of birth control? Well eventually you kind of get over that, I mean, there are still kids running around. And it's not like all of a sudden when you have your own kids they won't scream all night, poop their pants, or rub spaghetti in their hair. But now, well...you're ready for it. 

So, what do you say Ben? Is hanging a microwave the best form of permanent 'fixer uper' control, or will we someday be ready for the big plunge into home renovation?