Long before Sen. Barack Obama had Americans chanting "Yes, we can," there was an animated construction contractor who coined the phrase.

Anyone who has seen the children's television character Bob the Builder knows what I'm talking about. For all others, just be informed that it is a common theme in the show.

I was moved by a recent speech Obama made April 17 at East Carolina University while promoting his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, but surprisingly it is Bob's version of that inspirational slogan that I've been thinking about a lot lately.

You see, my wife and I are planning to add a sun room to our home, and I want to play a pivotal role in building it.

If only I could put into words the fright that set in on her face after hearing that news.

Can't really blame her. I have never been too much of a handy man in her eyes. And my reputation for losing the parts or misplacing decals for our son's toys in the past doesn't help matters.

Throw in the fact that I have never built more than something that resembled a dog house in my life, and you can see why this is a scary proposition to her.

To her, the thought of me working on the room she hopes to one day use for relaxation is not appealing. Perhaps she thinks it will be hard to relax when you feel like the roof is going to collapse on you.

Our perspectives about my construction skills are vastly different, however. I am out to prove her, and a couple of other naysayers, wrong. And I can't wait to see their reaction when it happens.

Now I didn't say this would be a solo project.

To help out with this endeavor, I have called on someone who has the qualifications necessary for the job — my father. While growing up, I've watched him tackle hundreds of projects without batting an eye, and each time the result has been impressive.

But I hope for his job to be more of advisor this time. What are the best types of panels to use? Is this the proper way to install the window? I measure here, right? That's the kind of information I will need from him.

Of course, I will not be turning down any offers for further assistance, but I have to believe some of his craftsmanship has rubbed off on me during the years. This is a chance to show it.

(Enter wife's chuckle here)

Since we're actually transforming our back porch into a sun room, and not starting from scratch, the whole process should be a littler easier. I hope.

We have already started looking at some of the materials we will need, and during the last couple of weeks, ideas about the design have been circulating around the house.

Once the plan is finalized, I will take over — for better or worse.

But my dad — and Bob — are to be thanked for the newfound confidence I will take into this challenge. After all, when I first phoned my father to ask him if this was something we could build together, his response was simple and inspiring:

"Yes, we can."

Brock Letchworth will gladly accept any tips on how to build a sun room as he tries to prove his wife wrong. Contact him at (252) 329-9574 or bletchworth@coxnc.com.