Project Completion

So, we have decided that if we are really and truly going to own a home someday, we should probably get busy and learn how to manage projects together. There are plenty of times when it is just myself and an OAR as Scott devotes so many hours towards our goal of being debt free. However, this weekend was a big one for us. Not only did we manage to complete our selected projects in the projected time, there was not a single cross word or argument. In fact, there was a genuine sense of camaraderie and a lot of laughter. Wow.

Abigail proudly displaying her completed
chalkboard for "her kitchen."

On Saturday, the kids and I attended the monthly Home Depot workshop with my dad as our official extra-pair of hands. After the project, we inevitably wind up inside the store buying something. This time, it was the chalk board paint so we could finally paint the top of the little table, which is looking a little worn. The painting went much quicker & used much less than I thought it would, so I began brainstorming. The kids always love the idea of putting up a menu in their kitchen, so I quickly grabbed our square and drew a rectangle on the wall which I promptly painted with more chalkboard paint. Two coats later, we were ready for phase 2.

Abigail and Isabelle in front of Daddy's new tool box.
Although, truly, it's more accurate to call it Dad & Mom's.

Scott, the kids and I went to Home Depot after our lunch yesterday  in order to buy moulding to create a frame around the chalkboard on the wall. In keeping with our new commitment to slowly add to our supply of needed tools, we also purchased a miter box and saw. As we headed toward the check out,  Scott spied a tool box on special which came with a lifetime warranty and two sets of tools inside. For us, this was a no brainer. Ten people in one household means a lifetime warranty is a must due to inevitable heavy usage. Phase 2 was complete.

The completed chalkboard.

The third and final phase of our project involved teaching Dawson and Scott how to measure the painted rectangle and cut using the miter box to build our own frame. The guys did great and we had the rough edges sanded in no time and began the final painting, which included turning both the table legs and the frame pieces into a great shade of Key Lime that we had picked up off the Home Depot clearance rack months ago. I set to putting the two coats of paint on, in between which included exercise, showers, snacks, and vacuuming. After dinner, we were able to quickly assemble the pieces of framing, using a staple gun to hold the pieces in place (Dawson's idea.) before we tapped some nails into the frame and then driving them on into the wall. We stood back and sighed a contented, job-well done sigh before children started marching into see their new chalkboard.

The newly painted table (previously all white) as
Abigail makes some coffee in her kitchen.

And so, we are beginning to feel the stirrings of confidence in our abilities to actually build, repair, and perhaps even maintain our possessions. Of course, I think a large part of this comes from the fact that this is the second project in a row that Scott and I have done so successfully together.  The first was installing the new microwave all by ourselves. We had several offers for help, as we have not established a reputation of self-sufficiency. Rather, we tend to ask for help with tasks quite freely, readily admitting when something is beyond our abilities. We let everyone know we would like to try, but wouldn't hesitate to ask for help if it should be needed. And then, 25 minutes later, we were done and our 1970's kitchen was restored to it's modern glory.

Keats (top) and Aidan model our new microwave

There is something good about setting a goal and completing it. Scott and I have been exercising together six days a week, and I am noticing that the further into our commitment to self-discipline regarding our physical activity we get, the more it is beginning to pour over into other areas as well. Rather than shrinking, as I thought our free-time was bound to do when we gave time to daily exercise, we seem to be finding more time to accomplish more goals. I am surprised as anyone could be, but I am so grateful. We do have more projects on the horizon. A door needs to be caulked. A GFI needs to be replaced. Some paint needs to be touched up. I am actually finding myself looking forward to completing these tasks as well.

There is something good about working together with Scott, learning side by side.