The Birth of Our Patio

I'm impressed by the number of people that

a) love my patio.

b) think that I'm so young and hot.

I've either got the best set of friends that will lie at the drop of a hat out of sheer love for me, or you all are major suck ups. Either way, I love you, too.

The patio is one of our greatest accomplished joys. I think it ranks right behind the children I birthed. It may rank even above the house. (Did I mention that my dear husband built it?)

It was Sam's idea to make the patio one huge flat area like that. We were working with a hill and had originally thought of doing two different heights with steps between them. And then the radical idea to dig straight back off the house and make one huge paved creation out my back door was introduced.

It was a long spring as we discussed this plan. An even longer summer as we moved earth (and possibly heaven), imported sand, and proceeded to callous and blister our hands carrying and laying those concrete pavers and brick.

But because we did it our way and consulted a professional's opinion only after we'd spent approximately umpteen weeks laying brick and pavers, smoothing sand and soaking in hot baths just to be able to stand upright the next day did we realize that we should have done it differently. And now Sam is talking this crazy-talk of ripping it up and having it professionally done. Because we're cheap, I cannot see him hiring the work out, but I can see him redoing it. It's a disease with his family. His dad never finishes anything, only redoes it time and again. And it gets worse with each passing year. Obviously it's an inherited trait.

And that just leaves us to discuss point B. What can I say? If frump is that attractive I must drive the men crazy on a regular basis. It's downright frightening.

18 comments:

Andrea said...

Well, I think it looks good, and what is it with me who don't finish anything? I have one of those too! Except the one thing that he has not finished is the house we are living in.

Burgh Baby said...

Call me a liar all you want. The proof is in the photo and in all the people that agreed with me without me even having to pay them. You look 29. The end.

Your patio really does rock. Having done a smaller one, I can only imagine the pain from all of that. I hurt for weeks when we did one. Maybe months. Could be just because I look older than you, though.

Debbie @ Three Weddings said...

Why is it we always see the flaws in the things we do? I think the patio is great, but I can relate to your husband.

As for your pic, you look great! I'm not sure I would have looked that good at 1:00 a.m. You look so cute and I agree with Burgh Baby, you can pass for 29 easily.

Pam said...

I didn't know finishing a project was an option. My hubby and dad built an additional bedroom/bathroom on our house and I am STILL waiting for the nails in the windows to be set and the final touches to paint....it is that last 5% that never gets done. Too bad I have been living in that bedroom for 2 years now. ;)

Since I was playing catch up today from ear infection Saturday part 2....I missed the pictures before this post....but yes, you do look young! And the patio is AWESOME.

Flea said...

What on earth is wrong with that patio? It looks great. As do you.

Leanne said...

Yep. I'm in with the rest of the crew, you and your patio are hawt. Very very hawt. :)

I just wish I had a hubby who would get a patio that far along...we're still in the talking phase. Sigh.

Unknown said...

Why in the world would he tear it up? What does he think is wrong with it?

TTYS - Sniz

kari and kijsa said...

What!!!!....we LOVE the patio...absolutely beautiful!

Have a blessed and wonderful day!

smiles, kari & kijsa

ALF said...

My husband would be so jealous of that grill you have there. The patio is beautiful. I am so discouraged with our backyard right now. We have a secret reason for needing grass by Memorial Day but now we've run out of money so it's out of the question.

Cynthia said...

OK, the patio looks great to me...but I'm a city chick, so what do I know;)

Spammon said...

That patio is indeed awesome. And rocks around the grill even more awesome!

caramama said...

Count me in with those who love the patio and are amazed at how hot you are! I can't believe that's you with no make-up at 1:00 in the morning! That's simply not fair!

Anonymous said...

I saw your post on PB&J in a Bowl about Blog suggestions and laughed. I used to search for new blogs also and now I have 500+ unread blog posts from 70+ blogs in my Google Reader. I love them all so I'm afraid to just mark them as read! Good advice on telling her in advance that she may regret her request! :)

Don Mills Diva said...

That is one sweeeeeet patio!

Momisodes said...

Honestly,...you're beautiful! And so is that patio :) We laid down pavers a few years ago, and it was a much smaller area. I was sore for weeks! I'd be a proud mama too :)

Wineplz said...

Must be all that good, clean livin' with good, clean country air and no ungodly commute to steal your soul....

No, seriously, you'd never think you were old enough to have a 13-year old, let alone three more behind her!

Maria (also Bia) said...

We built a brick patio one summer (a project Home Depot labeled as a "weekend project" that took us just a tad longer), and although we think we did a great job, I have to say that yours is truly gorgeous!

Don't change it!

Cheffie-Mom said...

Cool patio! Very pretty. I remember when we built our patio...what a project!Sorry I have not been blogging lately! I have been taping shows. What was I thinking?? Hah! Maybe it is a good thing I wasn't thinking! If you get a minute, check it out. I'd love to hear what you think. I am inviting all my blog friends over for feedback. http://www.dishingwithdebbie.com Your stories are great and my whole idea behind this show is for other moms to share real stories like you do. Sponsors are donating neat prizes like chocolate baskets and mini-chef aprons and way cool cookery stuff. Anyway, I'd love to hear from you.