I’ve had so many questions lately about the flood, things we did right, things we did wrong, if we had to do it over again, things we would do differently…all of that. As much as I would like to say I have all the answers, I don’t. I am married to someone though who has a lot of them!! He’s a State Farm agent with a construction science degree, so basically, he was the right guy to have at home the night it rained in our house.
I gave my sweet hubby some of your most FAQ and today, he’s answering…
Hello everyone, Andrew here. The past couple of weeks have been pretty crazy to say the least, but I want to start with this: It could always be worse. Growing up in Southwest Missouri in the early 90’s, I witnessed real flooding. I remember frantically moving people who lived close to the river, to higher ground. I remember us as a community cleaning up the mud out of the town general store. So as I write this post, I humbly keep that in the back of my mind. There are so many things that are way worse than what happened our home, and in the end, our home will get repaired and put back together, so it really is not that big of a deal.
HOW DID THE FLOOD START?
When we started drawing the plans for the addition, 3 years ago, rain during the short amount of time our roof was off, was my biggest fear which is why, besides my normal homeowner’s insurance policy, I also bought a builder’s risk policy too. I actually thought about being the general contractor on this project myself, but taking off the roof and being exposed was way more risk than I wanted to take on (not to mention, being GC is a big commitment and I don’t have a lot of time). The weather had been cooperating with us really well when construction began. The forecast for rain was only 10% for almost 2 weeks. The Friday night the storm came, it was listed at 10%. It literally started raining at around 8:00 pm and didn’t stop until 6 am. Shay and I never went to sleep that night. The temporary roof they had built just didn’t hold up. Water was coming under the flashing around the 3 chimneys, down the walls, the lights, everywhere. They had built temporary crickets, but with the volume of water that came down it was just too much. A light rain wouldn’t have been bad, but this was a total downpour for about 10 hours.
WAS THERE ANY WAY TO PREVENT WHAT HAPPENED?
Not really. Usually summers in Texas are super dry, but from that Friday until Tuesday we received nearly 5 inches of rain. (Which is really unheard of this time of the year.) The temporary roof they installed should have held, but the volume of water was too much.
WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY IF YOU COULD?
Great question, and there are so many ways to go with this. You could always say not do the addition, but that doesn’t seem like a great plan. Honestly, it was the best weather forecast we had seen in months, so there was no reason to think it was a poor time to have the real roof off the house. Without being able to predict the future, there really isn’t anything I would have changed. Wait, there is one. When I was running around like crazy trying to contain the rain, I slipped on the bathroom floor in my flip-flops and hit my toe on the wall. Any day now I should be losing my nail (my MIL is shrieking right now because she hates toenail injuries). Dang. I shouldn’t have had flip flops on.
WHAT DID YOU DO THAT HELPED MAKE THINGS NOT AS BAD?
We moved all the furniture and rugs to one side of the house as fast as possible. We had every towel and bucket we could find (down to the teapot!), and tried to save what we could. You have to concede at some point that there is going to be damage, the question became how could we minimize the damage? My goal was to not lose the whole first floor…….and for the most part we did by saving the dining room, library, guest bedroom and most of the kitchen. Granted the floors in the kitchen and hallways will have to be redone, but the moldings and sheetrock are all good.
WHO SHOULD YOU CALL IF IT’S RAINING IN YOUR HOUSE?
Someone who mitigates water damage. I always call Serv-pro, because Shay’s cousin Brandon owns 3 franchises in the DFW metroplex. The faster they can start the drying process with fans, dehumidifiers, and high powered vacuums the better. They have to dry it and then clean it or you will have a house full of mold.
DOES INSURANCE PAY FOR THIS?
Insurance agent here. You will need to ask your own company whether or not your policy provides coverage. Some companies out there have exclusions. As far as my State Farm policy, of course, it covers it. From the rugs, to the walls, to us staying somewhere else while the floors are being refinished and replaced…..all covered under my policy. State Farm will pay replacement value for all of the damage. Now, if I only had a more competent State Farm agent. HA!
HOW LONG DO YOU THINK IT WILL TAKE TO REBUILD?
The answer I tell Shay…..October. The answer she is about to read……11/15.
WHY ARE ALL OF YOUR FLOORS DAMAGED IF THEY ALL DIDN’T GET RAINED ON?
In Texas most true wood floors have a plywood base, and then the oak planks are nailed on top of the plywood (they don’t lay the wood directly on the concrete). They scrape and stain the wood after it is all nailed together. That rain coming down the wall was going under the wood planks and under the plywood.
ARE YOU MAD AT YOUR BUILDER?
Nah. Look they can’t control the weather. They did everything they could to protect us. I think they expected me to blow up, but at the end of the day, what’s that going to do? Nothing. Control what you can control and work the problem at hand. And let me add this, in today’s climate, I think we could all use a little more grace and patience with those around us. Even though my mom says I am perfect, I have come to realize in 39 years that I am not (kidding, she knows I’m not perfect!). Blowing up on someone for a mistake intentional or not, does nothing but blow your witness for Jesus. I try not to do that.
WHAT ARE TOOLS/SUPPLIES YOU SHOULD HAVE AT HOME IN CASE OF WATER DAMAGE?
The air-movers (fans), are a great idea. I am actually going to buy two of them when this is over. Even little leaks need to be dried out. Home Depot or Lowe’s buckets (those big plastic ones) are so handy to have for a variety of things including catching water. I had 6 of those in the garage. Other than that, we had a ton of towels. More than anything though, great friends and neighbors who came running when we needed help.
Most people that know me really well, know I have a hard time asking for help. Right now, two things stick out in my mind, and I get emotional even thinking about them. First, the Slaughters and all their kids running around with our kids grabbing towels and buckets doing everything they could to soak up water at 11 o’clock on a Friday night. They dropped everything to help to come right over and help. Erika even fed our more than challenging gluten-free family for the next few days.
The second thing that sticks out was Shay’s group of friends. I have seen them in action many, many times over the past 15 years, but when each one of her friends showed up the next day taking load after load of towels to launder, it really hit me emotionally. Her core group of girls has weathered so many storms, and even though they were just towels, it meant way more than that to me. Those ladies and their husbands had our backs. Even though we are living in a little chaos, this will pass. But those memories I will hold onto forever.
Back to Shay:
Okay!! Thank you, Andrew!!!!!!
We’re still a work in progress over here (BIG TIME!!). I posted a little tour of what our home currently looks like on IGTV last week. You can see it HERE. If we can offer any advice or help anyone else as a result of this, we’re so happy to do it.
I hope you guys have a great Tuesday!! I’ll see you tomorrow! xx
Taylor says
The last part about your group of friends was so sweet. I too have a solid core group of girlfriends that I have been close with since middle school. We are only in our 20’s but there have been so many crazy life events that we have weathered together. I’m sure you guys will look back on this someday and laugh!!
Erika Slaughter says
I feel like someone should have been holding your hand when you read Andrew’s date!?! Love how he answered about not blowing up…great reminder to us all in little moments, in big moments, and in floods!
Mix and Match Mama says
Where were you???? 😉
Margaret says
Andrew, you are teaching your children & myself many lessons here! Material things can be replaced but the value of true friends is not! I’ m sure you will all face some stressful situations as you move forward but knowing people have your back will certainly help. Looks like you will be having a big celebration on Nov.15!
Jessie says
I am so sorry for your situation. But I have to say I so admire both of your attitudes. I know this has to be very difficult but I can’t help but think how God is using this. Andrew showing some much kindness and grace to others is truly being such an example of Jesus. Andrew, you are doing kingdom work. The example you are being to your children when things go wrong is powerful! The way your friends have been there for you…friends, God is working quite literally in your mess! He works all things for our good. Praying the rest goes smoothly and quickly!
Debbie Hibbert says
“Blowing up on someone for a mistake intentional or not, does nothing but blow your witness for Jesus. I try not to do that.” Oh my goodness, I KNOW this … but reading these words touched my heart so deeply! Especially during this time we’re in … covid, riots, destruction, hate. It gets me so upset that I’ve had to leave Facebook!? I’m going to write this down and keep it in places that will consistently remind me of this! Thank you, Andrew (sorry about the toe nail?).
Mix and Match Mama says
xo
Kathy says
I agree! That statement of Andrew’s impacted me tremendously, and I will be reminding myself of this as often as I need–which, unfortunately, is a LOT lately. I also got a tad emotional at the awesome impact your friends made upon Andrew by being there for you in a multitude of ways. Praying that the home reno/rebuild will go more quickly than anticipated and that you all will be pleasantly surprised!
Kelly M Sites says
A few years ago a pipe behind our dishwasher broke and flooded our house (while we were out of state at a wedding). Our neighbors found it when they came to feed out cats. It flooded 75% of our home. We, like you, decided to stay living in our bedrooms for the 4 months it took to fix it all. IT wasn’t easy, but I’ve seen a lot in the world as a disaster response nurse, so I totally had perspective. We had insurance and the means to fix it, when others don’t. We had no kitchen, no laundry, we had to zip in and zip out of plastic to get out of our part of the house. We couldn’t cook for 4 months. We survived, and we upgraded parts of our house which was super fun. It all works out. We tried to make it “fun” for our kids, and I tried really hard to not melt down, and just take it as it came. Bless you guys.
Mix and Match Mama says
Bless YOU!!!! Your comment encouraged me this morning.
Jen says
I needed the comment on how to hold your temper and be more like Jesus
Mix and Match Mama says
Me too!!!
Jamie says
Loved reading this! Very informative and helpful. Although I wish you didn’t have to be! Praying for y’all.
Ashlan Z says
Andrew Shull exemplifies one word…..GRACE.
Mix and Match Mama says
xo
Aimee says
You all are amazing. Even though this whole thing is really crappy, to say the least, your attitude, faith. It’s heart warming. These are the things that are most important in life. Stay healthy, safe, well rested, and optimistic. I am sending daily prayers for your family. Thanks so much for sharing all of this with your readers.
Mix and Match Mama says
Your prayers mean more than you’ll ever know.
Beth Knecht says
I just love the grace you all give. Anyone would probably expect you all to blow up about this incident, but you are so loving and forgiving. Hoping lots of progress is happening in the house! ?
Brooke Richardson says
Well those pumpkins and Christmas decor will look amazing when the time comes! I know you will be so ready to have your house all put together in one piece.
Jill says
Your hubby has a heart of gold, just like you! I was also touched by his comment about mistakes. Thank you for sharing/answering info about this upheaval. We are praying for you guys.
Jenny Curtis says
If you ever think your blog is “just a blog” it’s not! Your family is such a light in this world and when your writing about the normal day to day life, the good, bad & ugly, your post are real and encouraging. No matter the topic you always highlight what matters: family, friends, Faith & Jesus! God bless you & your family.
Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, & glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Mix and Match Mama says
I just made noise when I read this comment. Thank you! You literally made me say “awwww”. I appreciate this so much.
Tracy says
Fabulous answer on not blowing up on the builders, you are so right, what good would it do? More people need to realize it just doesn’t do anyone any good, it only makes everyone feel worse. Best of luck on the rebuild!
Andrea Pepe says
I need Andrew on speed dial when I am having a Corona meltdown….I feel like he could talk anyone off the proverbial ledge.
Mix and Match Mama says
He’s really good at that, I must say. xo
Paula says
Your sharing this “disaster” is incredible because you can see Jesus all over it. From the gracious attitude towards to the builders, to friendships lending their time & hands, to having good insurance coverage, to having family members in water damage business….God is all over. And you never know who reads this or is on that crew or even hear about this second hand that will see Jesus. It is amazing! Our lives by simply allowing Him to live through us speaks volumes over all the noise.
This will be behind you soon enough!
Bkessins!
Sheaffer Sims says
Great perspective from Andrew this morning! You guys have been such role models for all of us as you’ve gone through this.
Love y’all!
Elizabeth Feldpausch says
I could not have read Andrews words about not blowing up, showing grace and working the problem at hand at a better time! (Well maybe a week ago ?) such a wonderful reminder
Krista says
“Blowing up on someone for a mistake intentional or not, does nothing but blow your witness for Jesus.” Thank you for both you and Andrew’s example… I know I could use this reminder, thank you for sharing.
Jennifer Baker says
Thank you Andrew ~ I love when you take over the blog. Your grace encouraged me this morning, such a great reminder that our lives are the example of Jesus! Praying for your home Shay!
Dana says
My favorite line: “And let me add this, in today’s climate, I think we could all use a little more grace and patience with those around us.” Amen! Thanks for taking the time to explain all of that. It brings tears to my eyes thinking of you guys scrambling around trying to save everything you could! It’s true that it’s just “stuff,” but the stress of all of that has got to be pretty overwhelming. What a blessing to have a solid group of friends to help so much, too.
Bridget says
Omg, the last part about your friends = lump in my throat. Everyone deserves to have friends like that; it’s such a blessing.
Katelyn says
Such a great outlook on a horrible situation. God bless you all!
Debbra Weber says
This post moved me, made me tear up!! Grace and being a witness for Jesus in all situations–we all need that right now and always!!
josie says
I may have missed this somewhere but why did the first level flood and not your upstairs level? I’m trying to picture how the rain only hit the main level and can’t envision it.
Hang in there!! This is just one crazy chapter in this thing called life.
Mix and Match Mama says
I have a video on IGTV that explains that too! My second story doesn’t completely cover my first story (only half), and we’re currently adding on to the other half upstairs, so it was that half that flooded. My video (hopefully!) explains it better!
Arika says
Would love to see a future post from Andrew about insurance! I’m curious about whether you buy trip insurance for your vacations, and what advice in general he might have for homeowners, things we should always include in our policies, etc. Interesting stuff.
Mix and Match Mama says
We always buy vacation protection for our vacations. I always think it’s better safe than sorry.
Debbie says
Praying for your family every day. Andrew’s testimony is fantastic! Crying over here!
Mix and Match Mama says
He’s a good man. xx
Chasity fields says
First of all great attitude! You are right blowing up at the contractor would be a mistake esp since you were aware of the situation. God bless you all. my question would be about insurance and mold. We spent $30,000 getting rid of mold that insurance would not cover. They said if it was mold caused by a leaky pipe or something they would have covered it but not from a wet ground. Should we switch insurance agents and policies for the future? It seems as if when we have problems it’s never covered. We had a leak on our roof and they just said the price to fix would be less than our deductible . Any advice you have for us when choosing policies?
Mix and Match Mama says
This is Shay (not Andrew), and I worked for SF for 12 years myself. I would say that mold is very tricky and handled differently not only between states but carriers and then specific policies too (not to mention additional endorsements), I would ask those direct questions to your agent or future agent. Thankfully, mold isn’t going to be an issue for us as we started the drying out process the minute it stopped raining, but geez, it sure can spread fast!
Stephanie Snyder says
It is true that attitude is everything and y’all are teaching your kids so so many amazingly valuable life lessons in how you respond to stress, issues, disappointments, etc. This is probably going to be a huge memory for them as they grow up, and your response will help guide them in future life events. Love learning from your experience and hearing Andrew’s insight. Also, super envious of your amazing support group and girlfriends who are there. Praying for a completion date closer to October than the November date, and for good weather and great workers who speed through the process (competently and thoroughly).
Danna says
Several have said the same thing that I will say…Andrew really set an example about not blowing up at someone whether intentional or not. What a wow moment for me! Can’t forget that example of how we should be toward others.
We have had small (very small) water damage with those blowers and I feel for you all with the noise, mess, displacement of things & yourselves. You all are lucky to have such wonderful friends. Hope the recovery goes by quickly. Prayers for you all.
Shay, on a total random topic. I found out yesterday I am in full blown menopause. It sucks. Once I receive my bloodwork back I plan to make an appointment with Dr. Reidel. Thank you for sharing the information and your journey.
Patty says
You’re a class act, Andrew…all of you, really. Let others see Jesus in you always. It’s so easy to fall short on this, but you’re a living example of what it means to live for Jesus. Blessings to you all!
Linda Filtzkowski says
I love the comments about kindness and grace and it is something we all should be practicing right now. We had our basement(Wisconsinite here!) flood with about 5 inches of water from a storm when we were first married and held off redoing that until we redid our first floor. When were were almost done with our first floor we found black on the walls downstairs and couldn’t figure it out. I was down there cleaning it with my 3 year old and my mom and was filling a bucket at the laundry sink and our sub pump kicked on and lit the floor on fire, hence the black specks on the walls. Here we had a lp gas leak and every time the sub pump turned on it must have burnt up the gas leaking in. Thankfully we were all ok, I had second degree burns on one leg but we survived. We tore out carpet again and repainted and never want to go through that again! I wish you the best of luck getting everything completed and loving it even more when it is done!
Julie says
Shay and Andrew, you and your family have been in my thoughts, I’m so sorry you are having to go thru this. We did a voluntary kitchen and master bath remodel last summer, and I thought I might loose my mind, so your attitudes and outlook are inspiring. Will continue to pray for your family and hope things so smoothly from here forward. Just curious, with so much demolition being done, will you choose same design choices or make changes? Your house was beautiful before, but curious about what you will change, floors, paint colors? Also thanks for sharing your journey of life with us all.
Mix and Match Mama says
Pretty much things will stay the same. Aesthetically, we’re going to change out paint colors and things like that.
Sara says
Oh my goodness- Andrew’s (and yours) kindness and generous attitude toward the builders and the situation itself makes me teary eyed! And reminding us what we do and our attitude reflects Jesus to those around us.. such an important lesson! Thanks for sharing! Look forward to watching the rebuild process!
Katie says
How are you handling the COVID-19 surge in Texas with all the contractors in and out of your house and friends being in tight quarters helping out?
Mix and Match Mama says
I answered that a minute ago in another comment. We have an exterior entrance/exit for all contractors and then our living quarters are zippered off, so we are separated.
Karah Stracener says
I love Andrews comment about not blowing up on someone. Yall have handled this with such grace. Thank you for sharing. I know times are so difficult but you have reminded us to handle these unusual situations with grace and mercy. Continued prayers for you my friend.
Debbie Hein says
The example you are both setting for your children is more valuable than anything you could ever buy them. I am amazed at your strength. Someday when this is all over, you will be able to look back and know that you did all the right things. I hope that God blesses you by a miracle, and that the reno is done before the holiday decorating begins. <3
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, Debbie. xx
Diana says
Thanks for sharing! What a great perspective- showing grace and patience and not getting mad about what happened! It’s also good to know the insurance side of it, glad everything is covered! Our basement flooded last spring and ruined a lot of things and it was so stressful!
Side note for Andrew- I am from the St. Louis area and I remember the great flood of 1993 from when I was a kid too! It was crazy!
Julie says
Loved this so much. We do need grace right now more than anything and I am sure your builders are more than heartbroken this happened as well. Accidents happen and we can’t control the weather. Your image as a Believer and how you responded in the midst will be remembered by the builders and people that you came across with after. Thankful it wasn’t worse and grateful that you can see the positives in this and find thankfulness.
Michaelann says
All I can say is what a great way to handle a very bad situation. Very encouraging to see you live your faith!! Praying that God continues to bless your family during this re-build.
Amy says
Wow Andrew, just wow. Amazing attitude. Thanks for sharing, you two. You sort of remind me of Charles and Caroline Ingalls from Little House on the Prairie/I have similar feelings when I read your posts, as I did when I read those books and watched those shows. Since discovering your blog, Shay, it is a favorite “place” to turn to each day, just like Little House shows, especially, were for me when I was growing up, and the re-runs today are when I catch them.
Kim says
How do you prevent from happening again if it rains? Is the permanent roof on yet?
Mix and Match Mama says
Great question! We should have addressed that. Yes, we have the permanent roof on now. Really and truly, we only needed that temp roof on a few days, so it is CRAZY that it rained when it did because we watched the forecast so carefully when deciding which days to take the original roof off and put the temp on.
Lorelei Boyett says
Sigh….once again, everyone needs an Andrew!! Oh my goodness his attitude should be bottled and sold to everyone especially these days!!
I love following your family, y’all are just a light in this world that can be dark if we let it. I look forward to watching your progress, I know it’ll turn out great!!❤️
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much!!!!
Melissa Van Der Maaten says
Your husband is a rock star! His compassion for family, friend and Jesus as well as his ability to turn a situation that’s super awful into something that isn’t is amazing! The praise he gives your ladies is awesome. You are also! I hope all goes well with remolding. Look forward to reading your blog everyday! ?
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much, Melissa!! xx
Stefany says
Wow, I watched your video and I am just in awe at how you all are handling this.
Andrew’s words…” Blowing up on someone for a mistake intentional or not, does nothing but blow your witness for Jesus.” Were inspiring. I am printing those out and hanging it up. ?
I am praying for your patience and sanity during all this ? and for an earlier then expected finish date. ?
Thank you for sharing this with us…Andrew I hope your toe is feeling better.
Liz Thorson says
Andrew, just made me cry. You two are a magnificent, full of grace, compassionate, fun, sweet and just flat out dear couple! Here’s to you both! I’ll remember your reactions to many difficult situations you’ve endured and when I’m in a struggle, I’m going to think, what would Shay or Andrew do? XO
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh Liz, you are too sweet. xo
Elspeth says
Thank you so much to Andrew for answering all these questions. Praying for you guys during these times of unknowns.
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Angela says
So many great words of wisdom from Andrew! You guys are living out life so boldly for Jesus…thank you for sharing your ups and downs of life with us. Shay, your blog is doing so much for the Kingdom! I’m so thankful to hear how so many of your friends showed up for you guys. God gives us exactly what we need. I’m praying for you all and that the renovation process goes so smooth and well! xo
Joann Orphanos Pappas says
Thank you Andrew, I feel your pain with all of this as we went through it too. Continued prayers through this process.. it will pass. I just wanted to thank you also for mentioning about being a witness for Jesus, that hit home, as yesterday at work – I kind of got mad at someone- who didn’t deserve it, I just took my frustration out on him because of things going on at work?. Not proud of myself, I apologized today, but I have to remember to be a witness for Jesus- thank you for reminding me.
Your family is amazing- I wish you all the best during this process.
Crystal McDonald says
Wow. What grace. James tells us to be slow to anger.. this is it. What an example.
Emily Wakefield says
It was so uplifting to read this morning, and gave me some chills. You both have such a wonderful attitude and I am pretty inspired by it! Thanks for being such a wonderful example!
Melissa says
Thank you for sharing all of this. I love your blog for so many reasons, but it is truly so impactful when I see the way that you and your husband live out your faith. Hope all of your reno related stuff goes smoothly and quickly.
Gina says
Love this post. Shay I would love for you to do a video with your spouse on where you talk more about your faith. How you both handle everyday stresses/worries. Thank you for this post.
Liisa says
Wow! Just so impressed by Andrew’s optimistic outlook on your situation ( and yours too!). Love the emphasis on being a good witness for Christ, as he said especially in these stressful times. Praying for God’s blessings upon your family as you rebuild.