Family Ramblings... Written by Charlotte Blake
O
ne of the biggest decisions in family life has to be the dilemma of when to move, if to move or if to extend your home (where possible)... We also toyed with the idea of combining forces with in laws, however we chose to save our family relationships and go it alone, stay where we are and extend. It takes a close and brave family to merge their ways of lives. I salute you! On day one we realised rather quickly that you not only need to leave your dignity at the door throughout the process, but have nerves of steel and get on board with the open door policy swiftly. "Morning!" I half heartedly replied as I opened the door at a brisk 7am! Who functions at 7am? These early mornings were left behind some 12 years ago, now the kids have grown out of it, I'm out of training. I'm barely half dressed at best this early and usually with toothpaste smudged on my chin or nightwear. Well at least I was setting the scene of things to come for these poor unsuspecting builders.
Each morning I found myself bumbling around gathering up last nights remnants of child paraphanalia which can only be best described as left over carnage from a great party. Pity there had been no party for all to enjoy, although, I am sure my presentation of motherdom said hangover most days. Soon though these tradesman, to which we became quite familiar with, got the jist of our routine and we all teetered around each other as dust flew, drilling ensued and various deliveries of materials all got dropped off like we were just another factory line. The mix of these worlds on paper should not work but it was interesting to see our rituals eventually bed in; the dry morning acknowledgement, the wave to the kids as they set off for school, the greeting (well warning bark) from the dog, passing over the post, signing for a delivery and the regular milky coffee with two sugars. Soon we were a well oiled machine of creativity! After two months of upheaval as kids slept on blow up mattresses, the juggle of one toilet, the open elements and the loud
continuous bangs, drilling and inevitable set backs, the question we get asked most is - was it worth it? 100% yes! As one to always make do and mend plus a purveyor of recycled and renew, the sheer delight in having a section of the house that is brand new is a novel concept but we do love it. Not only does the space make up for all the stress and worry but it means we have gained on so many levels. Space, money, time, stress (moving and packing into boxes does not say fun to me) and future security. We now look at the rest of the house and everything else now seems like it is screaming out for a makeover. Or have we just been bitten by the renovation bug? Time will soon tell if we have another extension or refurb in us, however I have yet to disclose this to my husband. I wonder if he will agree quite so eagerly as me? Charlotte Blake is a new writer on the scene, a frazzled mum of two children, her dog is her best friend and her husband is the biggest kid on the block. Which can all make for one thing - many funny but also moving memories to share.
7
