A Bonus of the Deck

 A bonus of JD building the deck is that he goes to work super early and comes home super early to work on it. First of all, it really helps with my homeschooling efforts because he can hear when the kids argue with me through the window. I just snicker when the door opens and he steps in to say, "what did you just say to your mother?" and you can read the face of the little offender thinking, "man, I forgot he was out there!"


Also, the kids and I just get to see him more of the day; it's going to be a tough adjustment when he stays at work again all afternoon. We often sit out there and talk to him as he is laboring. The boys have also all helped at different points. James was happy to help hold the boards while they were nailed in place a few days ago. 

Since they all share a scared-of-heights mom, they think they are privileged if Dad needs them and they can walk out on the not-yet-done deck part. Otherwise, they hear, "move back" from me pretty frequently. 

Here's Tori and Elijah with a front row seat for sawing. JD is very good about explaining things to them when they ask. In fact, Elijah just talks and talks for hours out there to JD and I just smile when I hear him through the windows because it's a break after answering his questions all morning!

The deck boards are getting a break while JD takes off the siding that is in the way of building the screened in porch walls and roof - which starts tomorrow!

Here's our last night supply run sitting in the front of the house. My idea of a great shopping trip is when you get to spend quality time at 84 Lumber AND Lowe's!