Steve's Turn

You might remember that because this wall in the dining room is about to be removed as part of our renovations, I took the opportunity with the girls to add some creative art work on it. Yesterday was Steve's turn. Oh, so much delight! 

I had been to a professional development seminar back in October that talked about how kids need danger and risks, all of which, I'm totally on board with. One of the things that the speaker said though, was that kids need access to tools, and not just play tools, but real tools. Real, sharp, dangerous cutting tools. Power tools. This is a little trickier when you have the age range that I have, so while I'm on board, I struggle a bit about how to implement it in a safe way.

Enter Steve, a wall that won't be there much longer and a few hours spare on the last day of holidays.

 

They got the tools out, talked about what to do and how to do it. There was knocking on the wall and listening for the studs (something I find so hard!) and deciding where to put what. 

Steve had them each drill (with assistance) a practice hole first. They screwed into them and then unscrewed as well, for practice with the screw drivers. 

They used the spirit level too, and then screwed a bit of wood to the wall. The girls thing it's a balancing beam from the ladybug to the butterfly in the sky. Here they are checking to see if it can be pulled off, or if it's on tight. 

After that, Steve got them to use the staple gun (again assisted) to staple on some streamers (ripped strips of paper). He talked to them about how it's similar to the nail gun that the builders have been using for the renovation. So perfect. 

The girls were super proud of their work. 

Thanks Steve for having the patience to go through each step with the girls and giving them this opportunity. Love it. 

Extension Progress

Believe it or not, renovation works have begun! When I posted about it back in August, I didn't really believe it would ever get off the ground. And then there were delays, which helped to confirm all my deepest fears about renovations. But works have begun and been in full swing for over a month now. The girls even talk about the extension to others and make wishes on dandelion flowers that the deck will be finished tomorrow.

As things progress, I took the liberty this weekend to do some painting, and in the process, did what every parent probably dreads their children ever doing:

We painted the wall.

This wall is going to be knocked out for our extension (you can kind of see what's going to be there beyond the windows if you are desperate for some kind of building update), so I knew it was an opportunity too good to be missed. I only wish I'd done it sooner, but we have been exceedingly busy this last month.

The girls were a little skeptical when I told them we were going to paint the wall, in multiple colors, and that they were allowed to help, and paint whatever they wanted to. I really did give them free reign. The only stipulations were not the door, or the adjacent wall near the piano.

I did some rather boring patterns up the top, while the girls when crazy down below. I loved listening to them talking as they painted, and adding in different things as they crossed their mind. For example, after painting herself, some squirrels, the sky and trees, Sophie decided to paint some jellyfish, which she painted in the sky, because it was the most appropriate blue space she could think of.

I love this wall, even though I know it will be gone soon, just like the last one. But maybe, I'll be ambitious and paint a feature wall in the study when the extension is done, so I can have some creative crazy in our house for a little longer. Maybe I'll even let the girls help again too.

Wall no more!!



Steve stayed home yesterday and took some great shots of the wall being dismantled. :D



I can't believe it's gone. I'm still double taking every time I walk by.



The room is so big looking now, the high ceelings are even more apparent. Huge!!



We are still deciding on where to put things, but we've got time. The builder guy (who we reccomend highly!) is cominng back today to finish off bits and pices. Just have to find the time to paint it now. :P



Steve and I standing in the space where the wall used to be.

The wall is finished!


This is just the overview for you all - It's kind of the thing that you have to look at for a long time and some of it you are never going to get anyway. I have to say that I was very influenced by Jimmy Needham's amazing lyrics while I did this. Also, sorry about the spelling mistake (if you can find it). It's very Paula to have it there though. Colour choice was simply because that's the paint we had lying around. I think it's funky and cool. :D Glad it's done.

Here are some close ups -


My tribute to the long hours spent playing Plants Vs Zombies this holidays. :) Good times. Great Zen Garden.


Oddly enough, this is a Viking ship with a Zerg emblem on the sail....


Rapunzel's Tower... Tangled... Do I need to say more?


Doctor Who... If only the TARDIS would park in our living room....