DISCLAIMER: This is a sponsored post brought to you by Home Depot. I jump at the chance to shop and sit down at the same time. Jumping to sit down doesn’t make any sense, huh?! yeah. that’s me.
Home Depot asked us if we could bring the gift shopping experience to life by picking out a few tools for some friends. Hello? Is this real life? I get to go to one of the places I spend a huge chunk of money each month and buy stuff to makes some else happier than a baby with a roll of toilet paper?! Count me in with both swollen feet!
Of course I parked myself near Martha’s beautiful ornament collection. I love the throwback ones…so cute.
While we were there, the manager, Kevin came out to help us and he was really helpful (and patient with our weird requests…can I take your photo an obscene number of times? can our three year old load the cart? can we do our next family photoshoot in your holiday trees?)
Will was really excited to start shopping. Since we are already equipped with most tools that we need, this was a venture off our beaten path of ‘paint’ and ‘more paint’ and ‘picture hangers’.
In the end, we found the Milwaukee Hackzall (very exciting because it’s cordless…I think I might need this one in my own life), the Husky lunch cooler, the Makita circular saw and the Howard Leight sync radio headphones/hearing protectors (Jeremy was manhandling these bad boys).
And then we posed with the trees. (we have no shame).
Will is really into self-checkouts. He thinks they were made for him. In fact, if I try to go to a regular checkout, he takes it a little personal. It’s funny how his little personality is already developing into that ‘DIY’ mentality 🙂
So then came the hard part….who do we give this amazing loot to?
The answer came to me one day as I was looking at my own two boys. I wanted to give it to some very special young men named Levi and Jake.
Levi (11) and Jake (12) are two homeschooled brothers that live in my favorite little town of Monroe and have been little entrepreneurs in their own right. Levi (below) started a business a couple of years ago while in his dad’s workshop. He would take the scrap wood from the trash pile and created these sweet little rustic boats.
Then he started branching out to create string art and is learning the ‘tools of the trade’ when it comes to woodworking. Under the watchful eye of his parents, his little creative spirit has really soared and is a whiz with tools. He even sold his goods at his Dad’s booth at Scott’s Antique Market (one of the biggest antique markets in Atlanta) and at Country Living Magazine’s Fair and people buy him out of all his stock to sell in their own little shops across the US.
And his older brother Jake got in on the action by assisting his little brother building (yup, he got hired by his younger brother!) and then ventured out in making industrial lighting all on his own.
The skills they are gaining as they help their creative parents are AMAZING to me. And they even ventured out to create their own etsy shop (coming soon) called A Boy and His Boat. I can’t imagine doing that at 11 and 12. I think I was still picking my nose and wondering what the NKOTB really meant by Hangin’ Tough. Were they actually hanging somewhere?! Was it a tough place to hang? or was it just they were trying to look tough while hangin out?
ANYHOO…the Dilley boys have reinvested their income into a joint business for special events…where they retrofitted a shaved ice machine onto the back of a three-wheeled-bicycle and serve Hawaiian style desserts during the summer months. They are like mini-sharks!
And the best part about it all is…they are still starting out…borrowing their dad’s tools and they would actually need a start to a solid tool collection of their own. Some may think I am crazy to give young kids real tools…but in my mind, we are crazy not to equip the young kids in this world to do more flexing of those ‘creative muscles’. I hope to do the same with my boys!
So when it came time to give them the gifts, I set up the presents in a homemade Santa bag and they were shocked when us adults had presents just for them…
Honestly, they were beyond shocked that they were getting anything. They have two much younger siblings who are at an age where they need a lot of attention and so this special treat was so unexpected. (just to be honest…in a world of entitlement…where even I struggle…it’s a refreshing reminder to see that completely absent in their reactions)
Just look at those smiles 🙂
They immediately went into telling us what they could use them for and I think I melted into a heap on the floor.
I know I just got to play Santa for one day on behalf of Home Depot…but in all honesty, it made my year. The Dilley’s are such a special family…oozing creativity and equipping the next generation to work hard and be good examples of leadership and ingenuity in their families and community. And that is exactly what I want for my boys…encouragement toward that YOU CAN DO IT attitude.
Thank you Home Depot. I loved this experience…all of it…and I know that the boys will have many many years to come of creating with your help. It truly put the merry into Merry Christmas 🙂
DISCLAIMER: I acknowledge that The Home Depot is partnering with me to participate in this holiday tool gift giving project. As part of the project, I am receiving compensation in the form of cash and gift cards, for the purpose of promoting the holiday tool gift giving project and The Home Depot. All expressed opinions and experiences are my own words. My post complies with the Word Of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) Ethics Code and applicable Federal Trade Commissions guidelines.
I love love love love LOVE x a billion this. Those boys are amazing- I’m excited to see what they will do with their new tools 🙂
Love the Dilly Boys’ creations. I, too, was busy staring at the boys from NKOTB and definitely not doing something as cool as this! Can’t wait for the etsy shop to open.
Man, talk about little entrepreneurs! The Dilley boys should start an Etsy shop!
VERY cool. We are blessed to be a blessing, for sure.
I love this SO much!
How awesome! Can you please let us know when their Etsy shop goes live? Thank you!
Good Morning! That is Awesome! They are such a cute family and the boys are so deserving. Loved your post. 🙂
Love it! P.S. I totally want to buy one of those boats when the Etsy shop is up and running. Keep us posted!
This is oh oh oh so sweet. What an amazing thing to give! We are big fans of anyone [especially children] with an entrepreneurial spirit. It’s our soft spot to say the least. Do they have a website where we can purchase something?? It would be perfect for the Christmas season!
First time commenter, you had me with the amazing artwork by the Dilley’s and the NKOTB reference. I hope to one day have the home stringart in my house, keep us posted on when their etsy shop is open for business.
what a cool opportunity for these two budding entrepreneurs!
Please do an update when the boys get their Etsy shop up and running – I want one of the boats! You couldn’t have picked anyone better to gift tools to! These are talented boys!
Such a GREAT post!
What amazing talent and entrepreneurial spirit in these two boys! They will be unstoppable. I would love to buy some of their work!
THANK YOU, KATIE for shining a light on their talent and feeding their creativity in such a wonderful way!
WOW! I love their work, and how amazing to support these young entrepreneurs and DIYers. I have my eye on that Hackzall for myself.
I’ll echo the others to please let us know when their shop is open. I ADORE that HOME sign.
What a wonderfully-awesome experience. Those boys are so talented! They totally deserved those gifts. I am excited to check out those headphones for my husband. I needed a Christmas idea for him.
They are ADORABLE! And those boats are fantastic!
I think you picked the right people to give those gifts to!
What a sweet story – and the boys’ faces said it all. I think I need one of those boats for my bathroom, so I’ll definitely be checking out Etsy for them!
How amazing! Those boys blow me away with their work! What a great way to spread the love.
The Dilly boys are *so* the new Property Brothers. What a great story! 🙂
You are the sweetest KB. And those boys are seriously impressive! I would love to support their Etsy shop!
I love it! They are such awesome kids. And an amazing family!
What inspiring young dudes! How nice of you to give them something special!
That’s exactly what I was thinking! We need to know when those awesome goods are available to the rest of us! 🙂
wonderful!!!
i want a dilley boy boat!! where can i buy?
What a beautiful family and wow, such talented kids. Giving a gift that someone loves and will use for years to come is truly one of the best feelings. Well done.
Please let us know when the shop is up and running. That HOME sign is amazing!
Love this!
I love that “home” sign, it’s beautiful! And I love that you support the boys in this way. Well done, Katie 🙂
This is so wonderful! Kuddos for you helping those boys live out their entrepreneurial dreams!
I would totally buy that boat! How cute are they?!
Oh my gosh… I am crying. What a sweet post!
They are working on stuff for their shop and I’ll let everyone know when their shop is up and running!
xo kb
I think the smiles on their faces say it all! Such a heart warming story as we enter into “the season” of giving thanks in a couple of days to the spirit of December’s holidays (however they are celebrated). I’m so glad you chose them. Gosh I love a good “gift of the heart” story and this one ranks right up there!
Thank you for reaching out to them and sharing the story. You made my day!
Those are some handsome brothers! I LOVE it.
Please let us know when their shop is up and running…I’m buying a boat!
I can’t believe how talented those boys are!! I’m sure they will create tremendous works with those new tools. So fun!
This is my first time commenting, I’ve been reading your Blog for awhile, this is amazing..you are amazing!! I’m just starting to create my own Blog, and you have been such an inspiration!
I hope to be as comfortable expressing myself as you are, you have had me laughing many times, smiling more often, and even a few tears. Thank You!
I love that you got to do this for those boys! What a fantastic gift to be encouraging them in this way. My daughter is 11 and is working on starting her own Etsy shop as well. Seems this generation is going places!
This is the best post ever! I want that home sign for Xmas! Thank you so much for reminding me that kids can be so awesome without iPads, cell phones and video games! Can’t wait to see the esty site! Whata great, loving family!
I agree! That was my first thought too!
Please let us know when the Etsy shop is open! My husband and I got married in Monroe, and he’s always wanted his own boat.. A ‘boat’ made in Monroe would be the perfect anniversary gift, dontcha think? 🙂
Amazing! Please let us know when their Etsy shop opens!
That is so awesome and hello! I want one of those boats- get that Etsy shop going, boys!! 🙂 So cool- thanks for sharing them with us, Bowers!
How sweet!! 🙂
You do need a Hackzall for yourself! I love mine!! Those boys are awesome! Love their entrepreneurial spirit!
I want to give you a HUG! 🙂 This is the best post, what a sweet suprise for those adorable boys. I can’t wait until their Etsy store is up and running!
Awesome. Love this story!
My thoughts, too!!! PLEASE update us when A Boy and His Boat is live! What precious souls!!
So cute!! I love the boats. I would love to get one right now for my bathroom. Do they sell them locally?
Mandy in Chamblee, GA
How cool is this! Please post their etsy store when they get one! I am in need of a sailboat and the string art!
How Creative!
Let’s hear it for home-schoolers! I love the boats, and the pendant light is very cool. How great that these young men are learning to built, create, and run a business at such an early age. That is education! And how kind of you to support them and their parents by giving them such a gift. Way to go, Katie!
Wishing you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving from the Ozarks of Missouri.
Aw, this is so sweet. How cool are those kids!?
Instantly in love with the Dilly boys. I can’t help but gush over any young entrepreneur! Tell them to keep up the good work. They are destined to do wonderful things. 🙂
Wonderful!! We need to encourage the young entrepreneurs of this world… kids take too much for granted these days. Well done Katie – awesome gesture!! x
More of these posts please! As a retired homeschooling mom, I love this. Congrats to Mr. and Mr. Dilley for encouraging their boys to use their imagination and ingenuity. I missed the CL fair this year, but will try to catch up with them at Scotts or on Etsy. This is the good stuff and worthy of encouragment; yours and mine…
Katie, I think this is my favorite post of yours ever. What cool dudes these boys are and what an excellent gift to give them. Kudos!
So. Much. Awesome!
Such a touching post. Their faces are so full of joy. What a beautiful thing to do. Giving from the heart is what this season is about. I understand Home Depot paid for it, but God stirred your heart and spirit to act. You are a special lady, Katie Bower!
They are big fans of you too! They don’t love tv and told me the only shows they watch are antique roadshow and shark tank!
xo kb
Very heart touching. Thanks for sharing this nice experience.
WOW. I rarely comment, but just wanted to pop in and thank you for sharing that touching story.
Oh my gosh this is awesome. I love that you picked these two boys and I love their creative minds. These little boys are destined for great things. I think you made an excellent choice! Hope that you update us once in awhile with their projects!
Amazing! The true meaning of the holidays is to give to others and expect nothing in return 🙂 Beautiful post, you made my work day a litter bit brighter and hopefully inspire other people to pay it forward.
This is an awesome post and such an amazing set of boys! I hope you followup with an update when they get their Etsy store established!
Once their etsy shop is up and running, I’ll be sure to let everyone know where you can buy all their stuff 🙂
xo – kb
Very Touching! Thanks for sharing! Cute, cute boys!
So sweet! I saw on the news this morning that Home Depot is staying closed for Thanksgiving, so their employees can be with their families… very nice to see.
I can’t.even.HANDLE how talented they are!! It so exciting to see what creative young minds come up with, and I think its incredible that you guys are helping to foster that creativity 🙂
This post just made my evening. Those boys melt my heart. Please do a follow-up post once they get their Etsy store up. I love those boats!
Using your powers for good! Good on you Katie! And what a beautiful family with such creative boys!
Such an awesome post – thanks for sharing!
I don’t watch too much TV either but one show that I love is Face Off. Simply creative and awesome. An inspiring watch, maybe even for the Dilly boys.
LOVE this post! =) thanks so much for sharing it with us!
maybe it’s because it’s 1:30 and i can’t sleep or maybe because it’s just because this post is that amazing but i’m totally crying right now. amazing.
I want to like this post 10,000 times. Those boys!!! Please post a link to their etsy shop once it goes live .
What an inspiring post! What an amazing family to foster such a creative outlet for their kids. Thanks for sharing and having such an amazing heart..
I just googled it and am already obsessed. Looks crazy awesome.
xo – kb
Aww that’s perfect! I will definitely let everyone know.
xo – kb
It’s coming soon.
xo – kb
Everything about this is so awesome. It warms my heart.
This post just made my holiday season!!! This is truly what the spirit of Christmas is! Also, these kids are super awesome!!!
This might be one of my favorite posts ever. Those boys are BLESSED to have such supportive and encouraging parents. And how lucky to have a Mrs. Claus like you to further support their creative goals?! I would be giddy to have any of their pieces in my house. I hope you’ll keep us posted on the successes of these two over the years to come. I have no doubt there are big things in store for them!
This is story about the Dilly boys and your/Home Depot’s gift to them is awesome! What an awesome way to remind us of what the Christmas spirit and giving is really about – kudos to all of you!
PS – Where is that Santa sack from? Is it something you made? I love it!
Yes I made it! I’ll post a tutorial soon!
xo – kb
I bought the “home” string art piece at Scott’s a couple of weeks ago. Imagine my surprise when the owner started telling me to google Dilley boys and Bower Power–she had no idea I read your blog and I’d completely forgotten about this little piece pictured here! Such a small world.
And the sign was a gift for a friend’s 30th birthday. She and her husband danced to the Philip Philips song, “Home” at their wedding. How perfect!
Such a small world! I love Scott’s and that is so thoughtful for your friend!
xo – kb