The Swingset

So here's the joke:

How many Mormons does it take to screw in a light bulb?
10: 1 to screw it in and 9 to bring the refreshments!
(ha ha ha)

This was our swingset adventure for the last year. We had decided, as a family, to save up for a nifty new swingset last August. We had a huge glass pickle jar that we put our change in every night and watched as the funds grow. It was supposed to be a lesson for the children in planning, budgeting, delayed gratification and patience. But I definately think I had much more fun finding and counting coins than they did. As a family we saved around $160 in almost a year. Phil also donated $200 when an old case from his solo days paid off then the kids received WalMart gift cards and money for their birthdays which went into the pot. All total we only paid $100 out of pocket!

BUT...we still had to build the darn thing. Which we KNEW was going to be the real test of endurance. So, we asked for help. Phil as Elders Quorum president is constantly setting up and running service projects for those in need and I felt we were in need. The two of us would love to be DIY-ers, but we just aren't. Our kitchen ceiling STILL needs to be painted from the bathroom disaster at Christmas.

So I asked him to just go in there and ask for any help anyone could give and think of it as an old fashion barn-raising. We would provide as much food and drinks as people would need to help us get this thing built.

Our volunteers were: My mom's husband, Rob Ridoutt and sons (our brothers, we just love these guys, even before the swingset), Ammon and Rob. The elders and Brother John Jiskra. And a little help from Jacob and Mena. Everyone was awesome! The missionaries could only stay an hour but Rob and Robert are engineers and they had that thing moving. Phil had worked since 6:30 am sorting and marking wood sizes and when everyone showed up at 9 they just really took off. I did construct the glider and swings as my contribution. And...It only took them half a day!






The day wasn't as hot as earlier in the week but they still needed LOTS of Gatorade and ice pops. I had bought a dozen doughnuts and Rob brought a dozen as well. I had also ordered a meat and cheese tray from the deli to feed 20-25 because when I ordered I didn't know how many had signed up, plus sides That was the best. I think I'll be getting one week until our little girl is born so that I don't have to cook anymore.

After it was constructed we let the kids stay up until after 10 pm playing, and in fact at 7:30 Sunday morning Jacob was out there in his jammies swinging some more. We love it.


And it has been a good lesson. In family home evening two weeks ago we were discussing our pickle jar and what to do with it now. And Jacob helped make the decision that we are now saving until Christmas to help a family in need. So the first half of the year is for something fun for the house/yard and the second half is for service. The jar has a new name: The Wylykanowitz Love Fund.

p.s. A half day really means 9p.m. (5 men:12 hours). But hey! It IS half a day!!! :-)