Debbie Travis' Facelift - Tales From The Set

Letter From Debbie

Hi Everyone,

If there is one thing I know, it's teenage boys. Yes sure, I have gathered lots of knowledge about painting and decorating and how to choose colors, but my real expertise is the inner workings of the young male mind. I'm even getting quite good at translating their secret language. I can now decipher several grunts into English, although most consist of "Can I have some money, I'm hungry, and ugh not pasta again."

I met Gregory's 10-year-old twin brothers on the actual day we invaded their home. Gregory had gone to his pal's country house for the weekend and The Facelift Team and I planned to give him a new bedroom--a real teenage hangout. Gregory was not the only winner this time. The twins, who had been told nothing about our surprise, had been sharing the same room since they were born. That was about to change.

Matthew would be moving into Gregory's old room and Jason would have their old bedroom all to himself. Gregory was to be transported into a tiny space in the basement away from the rest of the family. Now this is heaven for a 14-year-old.

The main dilemma was dad. This was Ken's snoring room. The luckiest families on the planet are the ones that have a home big enough to soundproof the snorers somewhere in the home or the backyard! Ken had gotten used to being locked out of the marital bed and spending his nights between the boxes, old sewing machine and an assortment of hockey bags. Like most husbands, he rarely complains and just does as he is told.

We had a wonderful weekend choosing new wall colors for the twins' rooms. (Mom was not too pleased with our choices.) And painting the whole of Gregory's new domain including the carpet. (Mom wasn't too pleased with that either.) With the help of 30 people, (mom wasn't happy about all the muddy boots,) we turned this tiny spare basement room into a sensational hockey den.

Gregory is a sports fanatic as we discovered while hiding behind our hidden cameras. We captured him at school where he told our fake reporter that his only interest was sports and he had absolutely no opinions on decorating--go figure!

Inspired by the hockey rink, the Stanley Cup, and everything required for a teenage hangout, including a fridge, an oversized bed/sofa, a desk and loads more, we surprised Gregory on Sunday evening. His first shock was that his brother Matthew had taken over his room--and it was bright blue.

He then saw cameras and lights as he was dragged into the basement by the excited twins. You'll have to watch the show to see if Gregory was thrilled and how his parents handled the major commotion.

Lots of love, Debbie.

P.S. If you are a hockey fan, this is the show for you.

Letter From Gregory

He shoots. He scores! After winning the game for my hockey team with 30 seconds left, I was ready for my trip up to the country for the weekend. I was totally oblivious to what was going to take place in my house.

When I came home, my plan was just to relax for the night. Was I in for something, or what? When I arrived home Sunday night, I went to open the garage door, but it didn't work (my parents unplugged it so that I would have to enter the house through the front door.) I walked up the stairs to ring the doorbell, and noticed that the door was open. When I walked in, I was staring down the other end of a camera. I had no clue what was going on. As I turned to go into my bedroom, I quickly found out it no longer had any of my stuff in there. When I got downstairs I saw this totally amazing room. I was met by Debbie Travis, my friends and the Facelift crew.

After talking to everyone there, I realized that two people from the Facelift crew, Scott and Nick, had been to my school to film me under the pretense that they were making a film for their class at college. Now is that crazy? Talk about going all out.

I was totally surprised and very happy. Hey, who wouldn't be happy with a fridge in your room? Maybe now I might start watching some of my mom's decorating shows instead of running out of the room screaming.

Gregory

Letter From Gregory's Mom Renee

Debbie and her crew have just left and now I can allow myself a moment to reflect on the excitement that enveloped my house. I can safely admit that it was all worth it! Gregory, who was surprised with a new bedroom, is one happy guy. My twins, Matthew and Jason, are equally happy to see him move downstairs, as well as enjoy their own rooms for the first time ever. My husband Ken and I found the Facelift team to be very accommodating, friendly and professional. They made us feel at ease throughout the weekend. On top of that, the life experience was invaluable and unlike any other. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you. The gift that you have given us is greatly appreciated.

Renee