Demolition Days(s)!

I think every house in this neighborhood has got a bathroom that features, or at one time featured, this kind of tile. We inherited the green hue! Dated, but still in good condition. Livable, but not my style.

We've lived with it for the 7+ years we've been here. But as soon we decided a sidejob's pay could be put towards it...as soon as Matt gave the "go ahead" to take the tile down...I had a hammer and chisel in my hand the next morning! Sure, extra dollars more responsibly should go into savings. But, updating this bathroom is a sound investment. And, the chimney stack behind the big notch by the door needs to come down before (hopefully) reroofing this Fall.

So demolition has happened! First day (some day last week),I put in four hours with the chisel. I was proud of my efforts, especially having juggled kid-watching along with the work. My pride was dashed when Matt came home and shrugged his shoulders at what seemed to be so little. "What?!? I just saved you alot of time!!! I'm helping you out!!," my bruised Ego yelled inside.

Next day, I was tempted to keep the door closed and offer no further "assistance". But, I was determined to prove that my efforts were valid. I didn't stop at the tile. Oh no, I could pull down the entire mesh wiring! Well...until I got the tub where it was wedged behind as a bottom layer. I had no option but to close the door, answer my loud children, and wait for a day when Matt and I could go at it together...

Finally, today, is a Tuesday. Matt's day off from a work. A rare day off when his "day off" is not already alotted at countless other jobs fixing countless others' problems. I have been anticipating this day of his help! I am grateful he's home. He has been anticipating the chance to put alot of time into our bathroom. He is grateful he's home!

This morning came. We sent Meg off to school, then Paige grabbed a matching Michigan hat to get ready to help alongside Daddy. We were ready (the kids picked up a few stray pieces of garbage here and there, but were mostly banished to the next room...which was alright with them, since the hot work quickly lost its charm).

So the real work started. The real demolition. Working side by side, the ENTIRE walls piled on the floor a few hours later proved that there's no messing around! We're down to the studs, a bit more of the stubborn floor to take up, and the chimney notch.

We've taken a break while this guy naps. Though he'd like to remain atop this ladder with his trusty wooden hammer in hand, he needed a break. I stayed home (looking up vanities and paint colors online!! and quickly documenting this chicken-scratched update) while Paige shadowed Matt to the dump. It is definitely a day when I'm glad my husband has a truck.

In twenty short minutes, when Matt returns with Paige, when Ty awakes, and when Meg walks home from school, Matt's sister Lisa is coming over to scoop the kids into her car and take them for a while (bless her in advance). Then we're onto the next round of today. Heading to pick out trims and a tub. Matt's hopeful that with the coming Saturday and Labor Day Monday we can get alot of work done!

If you need us this weekend, we're most likely here within the nasty walls that were once green. But there is hope that soon our main bath will be a modernly clean place to relax. Oh, I can't wait! (In my mind the walls are already finished and ready for decor to be hung....In Matt's mind there is alot of work ahead, poor guy.)