Thursday, May 31, 2012

Out On A Limb

My youngest son holds a black belt in opportunity seizure. I’m not sure how, but Master Carpe Diem possesses the uncanny knack of knowing the exact moment my common sense weakens, and before I can blink…KABLAM…we’re building a treehouse.

Plans for the Dutch Elm Alamo have been in the works for several years, but I prayed the phase would pass with the approaching teen years; yeah - no such luck.  In fact, the blueprints morphed from a few, random size 2X4’s and a box of nails into Swiss Family Elliott around the time of the last report card.

“Look, all A’s! Doesn’t that deserve a reward?” (I see a political future.)

But what put me over the edge? What drove me to the brink of backyard insanity?

Three little words; life is short.

We’ve all said it, but did you ever really think about it?

Unfortunately, I have. I can’t put my finger on the exact moment, but somewhere between losing my first friend to cancer and watching a fifth start chemo, my perspective shifted from someday to right away.

Thus – treehouse!

Now, for those of you who follow Babble regularly, you know Hubby and I are not – in any way, shape or form – construction savvy; our toolbox is duct tape, a glue gun and bandages – lots of bandages.
So, we called in the cavalry! And thanks to the phenomenal talents of our friend Rick – an extraordinary carpenter and very, very patient man – we now have a Fortress of Solitude for Master Carpe Diem and his Nerf Weapons of Doom.  Rick, God love him, did let Hubby take a shot with the nail gun – but after a near stigmata incident – Hubs was relegated back to wood hauling and refreshment refills.
Lesson today – life is short! Go out on a limb!












11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow Stub! Looks amazing!

Anonymous said...

"near stigmata incident"
Thanks I needed that! It's enough to make me laugh all day - and I plan to steal it and use it frequently!

Kathryn Elliott said...

Hi Jane - Go ahead, steal away! (It was not pretty.)

Bethany Crandell said...

WHAAAAA!! Your tree house looks better than my HOUSE!! ;0

Kathryn Elliott said...

Hey there, Bethany! I'm taking summer reservations. I'll send ya' the brochure.

Sarah Thomas said...

This is awesome! Parent of the year.

Kathryn Elliott said...

Aw, thanks Sarah. I learned from the best!

Leigh Covington said...

Oh my GOSH! That is AWESOME! Beyond awesome! I'm totally jealous and I'm going to make sure my son doesn't see this because we don't even have tree big enough to do this yet. Such a bummer. However, your thoughts are spot on. Life really is too short and when you keep putting things off... you usually regret it. :D Good work! Glad there were no incidents with the nail gun!

Kathryn Elliott said...

Hey there, Leigh! Every boy needs a treehouse...just sayin'! Good luck!

Bill Giovannetti said...

So very cool. And very well-written, by the way.

You really built a treeHOUSE. Awesome!

Kathryn Elliott said...

Hi Bill & thanks for stopping by. Glad you like my new summer home!