Monday, May 19, 2008

Manic Monday - Play

MM Headquarters ~ Previous MMs

Yesterday my wonderful husband played out every bit of patience he had with my mother's day present. It's been sitting in the box on the front porch since Mother's Day. The weather, late nights, and lack of time are some of the contributing factors to the reason it was yet to be put together. I'm guessing the biggest reason was probably the fact that my husband was NOT looking forward to it. When he opened the box, his reservations were confirmed. This swing that was supposed to look like this: had hubby scratching his head. He pulled out piece after piece of metal bars, screws, rods, cushions, etc. I kept my distance because I know that this process involves a lot of words that a lady shouldn't hear. I went out to offer a glass of sweet tea to my wonderful "Mr Fix It". This is what I saw:He informed me that the pieces were not made right and that this thing was a piece of...well, I won't relay that part of it. I told him that it was his call. I was sure that we wouldn't be able to take it back to the store in the five thousand and fifteen pieces that it had become once it left the cardboard box. If it wouldn't work we might could call the manufacturer and give them the part numbers that were bad and they could send us new ones, etc. etc. The advice that I was offering him only frustrated him more. I then stepped in and tried to help him to take some things apart and re-try them. Fortunately it helped to calm his nerves and he was able to make it work, after all this is the same man who takes apart and rebuilds kitchen faucets with ease. While he was hard at work, the kids were doing what they do best keeping busy with PLAY in the yard. They had taken the cushions to the swing out to the shade tree and set up "camp" complete with sticks for fire and all. But, all of that playing made them very tired, so they came back to offer some moral support for Dad and stayed close by in their make shift porch bed. The swing was eventually resurrected, however it was not completed. For some odd reason Brien took on a horrible migraine and he never made it back out to install the tables or the canopy, BUT the swing is up AND we're able to swing on it. Since I was waiting on him to finish the swing before I took a "group photo" on it, I don't have a finished product. Hubby played out before it was complete. Hopefully by week's end I'll have a complete shot for you.
Happy Manic Monday to all of my friends playing along!

17 comments, add yours here:

Cheerio said...

Nice swing. The kids looks like their having a great fun.

anthonynorth said...

As a Do It Yourself expert, let me give the one piece of wisdom I always use. When anyone suggests I 'construct' something like this, I always say: 'Do it yourself' :-)
'Cos I haven't a clue.

Heart of Rachel said...

That's a nice swing and I'm sure the kids can't wait for it to be completely set up.

Schmoop said...

Swings rock. Love the kid pic. Cheers!!

Durward Discussion said...

Absolute proof that the boxes are always way more fun than the stuff that comes in them.

Sarge Charlie said...

the box is always the coolest thing to play with

maryt/theteach said...

Tish, my hubby goes through the same thing everytime there's something to put together...Ugh!

Tina said...

thats funny. my other half is the same he always gets frustated with diy. men a!?

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

well i WOULD send sarge to help but you know he only used two tools, a plastic butter knife and a chain saw, so i'll just quietly walk away and not send him!

smiles, bee
xoxoxoxoxoxoxooxxo

(they think i'm kidding! i'm NOT)

Kimmie said...

What a funny and cute story! I Loved it. Hope all have fun with the swing. I am a rocker and a swinger myself. Makes me feel 5 years old again when I swing at the park. :-)
Happy MM!
Hugs,
Kimmie

Mom said...

Good luck Hubby, can't wait to see the finished product.

Unknown said...

It's hell being a husband.

Later Y'all.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like my husband! Everything that needs to be put together is never made right and is a piece of @&*! But when it's all finished he gives himself the biggest pats on the back.

Travis Cody said...

They make those things overly complicated on purpose. It's a consipracy I say!

ClancyPants said...

I want one! My hubby loves projects like that... weirdo!
Happy MM!

Desert Songbird said...

Kudos to Brien for sticking with it as long as he could. Hope you get to swingin' real soon!

Neila said...

That made me laugh because I can sooo relate. Anytime my husband has to put something together, I hear things like, "It's not lined up properly." or "I think they gave us the wrong pieces." Anytime I can, I pay extra to have it assembled at the store. It's just easier that way.