It’s Saturday at dawn and I can already tell by the sun peeking through the blinds that it’s going to be another scorcher of a day. We’ve had an entire week of relentless temperatures hovering around 100+. My husband is up and getting ready. I just want to pull the covers over my head. I ask where he’s off to and he responds, “I’m going to build a skate ramp – half pipe for Matthew’s birthday.” Oh, ok. We’re a DIY family, and this will be a nice daddy/son project.
My oldest daughter and I went out for a girls’ day of shopping and staying cool in the air conditioning. When we returned I was excited to see the what they had built. So I’m thinking smallish skate ramp in the driveway …. wow, was I wrong.
To say panic set in would be an understatement. I could feel my blood pressure rise. Maybe it was the 100 degree air that felt like was breathing in a steam room, but I couldn’t breath well. Oh gee. This skate ramp is 20 feet long! Luckily we have a very large yard with a side yard that is essentially wasted space, but when I landscaped my yard I wasn’t exactly envisioning a massive skate park. I love lush green grass and gardens that look like the pages of Better Homes & Gardens.
More important than a lovely yard is my love for that little guy standing there, my Ryobi drill I won at Haven in hand and barefoot. Ahhhh, a barefoot DIY-er, he’s his mama’s boy for sure. Sometimes I have to give up my own wants and desires and focus on creating dreams, experiences, and memories for my kids. Time to give up control Kim. I can do this, I can. 
Ok, half pipe it is. Hubs is becoming quite the handy man and is very particular about building things the right way. It drives me batty sometimes, he’s such a perfectionist! In this case, because I know kids will be all over it, I’m glad he’ll be building it sturdy and sound.
My son learned some carpentry 101 and spent valuable time with his dad. He even had two of his friends over to help in the construction. It was nice to see the boys focused on something constructive!
That is quite the half pipe isn’t it? It will have platforms at each end with rails even. And for those of you concerned about liability… trust me I’m getting my parental waivers ready and the umbrella policy is up to date!!
My backyard will soon be a skate park and we’re about to get really popular with all the little skate-rats in my hood 
. I’m trying to warm to the concept and I’ve claimed at least the other half of the yard as “Mama’s Zone”! I’ll post a pic on my Facebook page when it’s finished.
Do you ever have trouble giving up control like me?
Kim
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Wow, that is a big skate …. thing. And yes, I am a control freak and it’s really hard to let go sometimes, but you are right, if it’s for the kids, a mother will always compromise. 😉
Jule
Thanks Jule. 🙂
lol when i 1st looked i thought your hub was building a ark…..once the heat leaves he was expecting rain for 40 plus days…then i read on to see it was a ramp……wow has to be alot happy kid’s in the neighbor hood.
Haha! We finally had rain today (a ton of it), and I was wondering if an ark would be needed! Thanks!
Heck yes I have trouble giving up control! And my Mother would have had it towed away if she found it in my yard. You and your husband need to give yourselves a huge pat on the back for teaching the kids these skills. Take it from someone who married a man who can’t do a lot more than open a can of paint and change an AC filter.
Aww, thank you Karin. I struggle with control issues so this one I’m just trying to stay focused on the kids and not myself.
Well, we share the same DNA so you KNOW I am a fellow control freak. And honestly right about now I am soooooo glad we don’t have a big yard because I know without a shadow of a doubt that Matt would be taking notes from Al! But I think it’s awesome for M3 :). He’ll remember this forever and love you both for it. You’re a good momma.
We’ll get the boys on the half pipe this next week. They can ride down it sitting at least! Thanks Beth.
That is QUITE the project! I’d think a tricky one to, with all of the angles to make it curve just right. Impressive! Can’t wait to see it all done.
I must say, our husbands sounds rather alike. 😉
As for your question,…..ummmm, YES!!!
LOL! Oh good. I’m not a loner control freak! Thanks Laura!
LOL, I’d be wanting to skate on it with the kids! I think it’s awesome that your husband knows how to make this, and is taking the time to do it. Your son is a lucky kid!
Thanks Leah, he did a lot of research before hand. Personally, I think he’s hoping to ride the pipe…. lord, help us all… 😉
I have to say that I am way impressed. My hubby is not handy at all. But he knows it and is always willing to let me call repair people or remodelers. His job he says is to pay for it. I am okay with that! What a great thing to do for your son. He will remember it for a long time and tell his kids how he and his dad built a skate ramp in the 100 degree heat.
Oh my gosh! This is AWESOME! #1 Dad award goes to your MAN!! WOW! So fun!!!! Can’t wait to see the finished project- lucky boy!
Holy Cow! What an amazing Father! How many kids want a half pike in their backyard and get one. What wonderful memories are being created! Oh and I’m so with you on the control freak. I would have totally lost it if I came home to this. This is something my husband would totally do if I went out of town because he knows there is no way he would get away with it with me in town. LOL And we live on 2 acres! I don’t even want to imagine how big he’d want to build it. No son yet so I’m safe for now… but I do have a little Princess tomboy. I better not let my husband see this! LOL
Wow! That is awesome! i just found your blog and I’m so impressed! I grew up in VB and have three boys so I’m sure a skate ramp is in my future too!