On the Move .1

Since 2006 we have embarked on some projects.  Anyone that has ever built or renovated knows that the 'to do' list seems to be ever-increasing and just when you think you are going to go crazy, it finally comes together.

I have 'fond' memories of our first project, cleaning and finishing jobs late into the night with Sarra, Hallie and Oliver asleep on the loungeroom floor in sleeping bags. They were too young to leave at home so always had to come to 'the block' to help Daddy.

Photos from 2006.

The kids have always referred to our projects as 'the block'.  It makes it easier when they have asked, "where's Dad?" I reply, "at the block". Collette and Jess would like these old 'block' posts here and here from 2008.

This pic of Collette cracks me up. She looks like she's about to pull her hair out.

I have 'fond' memories of being pregnant with Jonty and more recently Flynn, and being on my hands and knees 30 something weeks pregnant, painting architraves, skirting boards and door jambs. Needless to say I am still a hopeless painter.

There are some things I have learned along the way. Words like trusses, noggins and fascia, roll off the tongue so I can keep up with the talk of the tradies (well pretend to anyway).

This year we have finally been able to commence work on our own 'block' where at the end of all the craziness, we get to move into our very own home. Don't get me wrong, living in police houses for 11 years has had its benefits but I think now we have definitely outgrown the 12 square houses the police department rents out to its members.

As usual Simon works tirelessly doing his normal job and also this building job. He has the most amazing work ethic and has only been stopping to sleep at night then back into it without stopping for a minute's rest. (except for Sundays of course). 

He will often be at the block then come home, shower and then go to work. But the reward at the end will be things like - more than two people can be in the bathroom at one time, our computer won't be sitting on the dining room table which has to be moved everytime we want to eat at it (hence why we eat at lot at the breakfast bench) and Jonty now 3.5yrs can finally have the room to get out of a cot. :) Just a few incentives!!

So here we are starting in February at our block setting out the footings. My job was to go around each of the pickets and put the yellow safety caps on the top. Unskilled labour I can certainly do. :)

Nest step was slab preparation and laying and the kids were very excited seeing the big trucks roll in.

cheap labour...

cute site supervisors...

Okay back to the slab....

See all those bits of styrofome -I had so much fun picking it all up to take to the tip. ;)

nice smooth slab ready for running on...

Now onto framing time... ( will put more pics of the frame up when I find the other camera) :)

Sarra visualising the lay out of her bedroom.

After the roof went on,  (roof pics on other camera too) it was now time to put the windows in...

with the truck that moved the windows down to 'the block'.

yes still more of that styrofome to pick up. :)

those grey sheds on the right are going (just incase you were wondering)

the dunny...

back to zero days without an accident I'm afraid...

Jonty trod on a nail which pierced through his shoe.

Daycare set up in the boot...

and then moved inside where it was more fun...

This is a picture of the block when we first bought it with the old fence up and two big trees.

This was the other tree which was nearly the biggest tree in Westbury, it was so big. It was quite an event spending the day watching them cut it down. It took all day and they slowly cut each limb until just the main trunks remained and then carefully lopped them off lower and lower until they were safe enough to cut at the base.

My $15 gumboots are definitely getting a workout at 'the block'. Hopefully by the end of winter, we will be on the move into our own home. Next big job - the exterior!!!