Replies

1. 
   Dale Olson | Jun 27, 2006 08:02am | #1

   I won't tell if you won't.

   These are my kids helping on my project.  I am really proud of them.

   first time posting pics sorry, should have downsized them first.  Also if you see this father.  If i can, so can you.

   
1. 
   BossHog | Jun 27, 2006 03:21pm | #4

   Always glad to see someone posting pics of their kids and/or bragging about them, but.....I don't download pics that big unless they have Pamela Anderson in them.(-:
   Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them. [James Baldwin]

1. 
   butch | Jun 27, 2006 07:47pm | #5

   I don't download pics that big unless they have Pamela Anderson in them.But they do and YOur missing out >g<

1. 
   BossHog | Jun 27, 2006 08:06pm | #7

   You ain't fooloin' me. I'm not going back and looking...(-:
   Work your fingers to the bone, waddaya get?
   Bony fingers.........

1. 
   butch | Jun 27, 2006 08:53pm | #8

   <ain't fooloin' me.>Sos I'll knozs knext time, You wuz born at night,it jus wazn't last night >g<

2. 
   Dale Olson | Jun 28, 2006 05:54am | #9

   downloaded infraview, i will do better.  unless pamela anderson is involved.

2. 
   JonE | Jun 27, 2006 02:38pm | #2

   Pretty good shape for a 12-year-old skid steer.   :)

    

3. 
   BossHog | Jun 27, 2006 03:10pm | #3

   Looks like your Son is about the same age as my Son in this pic.

   Some years we've had a "construction kids" thread, and gotten a lot of great pics. I don't know if I have any yet this summer. I'll have to work on that...

   Like so many tyrants before him, Clinton smells the surrender of a people tired of defending its liberty. [Alan Keyes]
4. 
   brownbagg | Jun 27, 2006 07:59pm | #6

   when I dug my foundation with the skid steer it make me sick, so I went and got the 16 years old next door. Only kids can run them things without puking.
5. 
   Dale Olson | Jul 03, 2006 06:19am | #10

   Hi all,

   There is a lot to this story so I will try to keep things straight.  I tend to ramble on while I type and totally loose my points, so will try to write to best of my ability.

   My wife and kids with the help of her father are building our new house.  I am 200 miles away and see everyone about 4 days a month.  Anyway I posted a couple of pics a few days ago of 2 of my  4 kids.  DW emails me "why not not  the whole crew?"  I reply did not have pictures of everyone.

   Now not that i requested she take pictures of the kids working but I wanted to see the progress of the building.  Again I am there about 4 days each month.  Anyway I bought her an affordable cam and she did email me pics of the progress and thought I would share my family with you BT'ERs.

   Other aspects of this story to share with everyone:  We are building this home in a different town, and have no solid job.  The company I work for (prefer not to name) is building a new store there.  I have 22years of service in with them but they will not guarantee me a spot there.  So we are going out on a limb.  Mostly because we don't think we could move into a town of 8000 and rent a house big enough for 6 people 4 pets and a lot of stuff.  And another reason is if I do get a spot in this new store, I get like one month notice to relocate.  So we are trying to plan ahead.  Financially speaking I'm nervous and we just started the building in May/June.

   Second sub story here is the father in law.  He wants to do his own thread that is much like "adverse conditions".  Which is why I am only showing the working crew in photos.  If he does his thread on the house that's his baby.  My father in law is a absolute great person.  Consider him my father since mine has passed many years ago.  Anyway myself and my wife have encouraged him and somewhat hassled him to get him to start his thread.  He has not and I hope he does but if he chooses not to no love lost.  But if all of you BT's want to encourage him that cool.

   I will be happy to answer anybody questions.  But if it concerns the building I would rather leave that to my Father in law, I do not want to rain on his parade.  Not to mention I have some but not enough knowledge to answer technical questions about the structure.  But I will try.

   Thanks all

   ---

   Edited 7/3/2006 7:14 am ET by Dale Olson

   
   

   ---

   Edited 7/3/2006 7:16 am ET by Dale Olson

   
1. 
   Danusan11 | Jul 03, 2006 04:41pm | #11

   Good looking crew, ya might want to get some shoes on them younguns. Good luck with the project and hope the rest falls in place.

2. 
   PeteDraganic | Jul 13, 2006 08:13pm | #12

   Nice looking family... I'd keep them away from that seedy looking character in the last photo though.

   The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits. -Albert Einstein

   http://www.peteforgovernor.com

3. 
   deskguy | Jul 14, 2006 02:43am | #14

   Dale,

   Since no one else has mentioned it.  That picture of your daughter standing on a 2x6 on bricks, arm holding the saw fence, no eye protection.  She looks like much to beautiful and sweet a girl to get a piece of wood shot into her eye, causing her to lose her balance and pull her arm through a twelve inch blade. 

   I'm not a safety fanatic by any stretch, but that picture was very scary.  PLEASE!!!!!!! make sure she can see the finished house, and swing in the trees with both arms.

   Good luck with the house, and hopefully the transfer.

   D.

1. 
   Dale Olson | Jul 14, 2006 08:20am | #15

   Hi all,

   Since there have been some very nice replies on this.  I am going to update everyone who is interested in more of this continuing story.  As well as upload a bunch of pictures that date back to the beginning of the project.

    

   5-13-06 picView Image

   Father in law has been at job site for a few weeks as I recall.  Kids were still in school, so mom and kids were still at the hometown.  Father has a 1976? RV with a generator.  So every time he needed to cut a board, he would have to go in the RV turn on the generator etc..  In this pic he had the forms mostly set and ready for sand.  Roughly 18" compact, then add pex for the radiant heat, and more sand, compact again.

   6-9-06 pic

   This pic shows the pex on the sand.  DW and kids came up to the job site after Memorial weekend.  I belive it was it was about May 30th.  I was on vacation from work that week.  Wife and I drove down to Indy to watch the big race.  That's my big kick each year.  This year she was the one I wanted to  bring.  I only buy two tickets each year because there is so much money and bring someone eachyear.  I was able to stay thru the Friday June 2nd.  We had got sand, sewer and one loop of pex down.  On the 9th I was able to return, more pex down by DW, kids and Father in law(FIL).

   Other things that happened that week I was gone.  Qwest came and hooked up temp phone and internet.  (This is not meant to be negative)  But my FIL wanted wifi so he could do his thread on this adventure.  He started his thread July 4th, had a big write up but lost it after previewing it.  He has not restarted since then.  Its ok though.  But since I have got some interest on this thread I decided to make it my own thing.  I think it will help me cope with not having the ability to be there as much as I want ti be.

   Thursday June 1st.  We Got POWER.  FIL had been calling the power co every day at like 9:15 to get ahold of the one guy that was in control of this.  It was a great moment.  I believe we all thanked the powers that be.

    6-15-06

   I was able to get back up there on the 15th.  On my day off from work.  I had built the in floor heat manifold on my previous day off.  Hope it don't leak.  We did pressure test it. lost 10 psi overnight.

   6-16-06

   concrete

   Kids got to play some too.  Had a form ready so we could date the project.  All got involved.  Names, handprints, year noted in what will end up the front step to the shop. (shop not started yet)

   6-26-06

   I was off from work the 24 and 25 of June.  was able to help set a couple of walls on the 24th and cut lines in concrete to give it a spot to break then it rained and our day was done.  One the 25th we set 32' double lvls and some of the floor joist.  I said in one of my earlier post that technical questions would have to be directed to my FIL.  I still mean that.

   I may be out of bounds here but my father in law (LWH2) is welcome to pipe in any time.  He has more photos and the most updated version of the plans.

   7-4-06

   Picture is dated correctly, but on my day off I think the 29th.  I built the vanity bases for the house.  One of my goals was to build all the kitchen cabinets for the new homestead.  Then I actually worked out the schedule and realized I have 5 days off between July 1st and mid September where I could actually work on cabinets.  So I have given up that hope.  Now just plan on getting the sink base run done.

   And not to mislead anyone I have two vacations off from work in that timeframe.  But I am expected to be at the jobsite those days (and I want to be) to help as much as I can.  with the labor intensive jobs.

   At work my coworkers ask me how my house is coming.  I respond nicely but In some ways it does not feel like my house yet.  Its hard to explain, but since I am there so little at times I get really depressed,lost and lonely because I am not there.

   July 4th:  Was a day that was planned to be a great day with the family.  We had lots of fun early in the day.  As the day went on I drank too much and ended up not spending as much time with them as I should have, let everyone down.  Had to leave on the 5th to make it back to work by noon.  Left before 5:30 so I did not have to face DW and kids. Since I felt very ashamed from the previous day.  DW has a bigger heart than I think I deserve sometimes.

   Picture of the DW and kids home away from home, and the one to be.

   7-09-06

   July 8th and 9th.  Off from work for the weekend, so I drive up to the job site as usual.  We are hand framing the roof.  I am always three steps behind on what is going on.  Also don't have the nomenclature down for framing.  So again always trying to keep up with DW and FIL and what they are talking about.  I am not trying to turn this into some sort of cry me a river thing.  But half the time I just feel ignored or not part of the project or just the money guy.(even though I know its not true)

   Anyway we are hand framing.  Was there to help set part of the bottom cord and the commons.

   DW and FIL are very comfortable walking on the top of high places.  I on the otherhand can't deal with it very well.  Cant stop the kids from doing this but scares the S*** out of me.

   FIL instructed the kids to find a branch from a tree to screw to the ridge beam.  Can't remember what he called it, but it represents life.  The house now has life.

   7-13-06

   Back up here on my day off and was able to help frame the rest of the main roof.  Have to leave early again tomorrow to meet with a couple to realestate people to find out how fast our current home will sell.

   Other pics:

   update 7-1: My most understanding absolutely beautiful wife!

   update 7-10: The FIL and my daughter.  After she had fallen from the bottom cord or the rafter thru the stairway hole to the concrete hole.  THANK GOD she walked away with only a few scratches.  She was darn lucky!

   I hope all the comments and pictures are making sense to everyone.  Question and comments welcome.

    

   Edited 7/14/2006 11:23 am ET by Dale Olson

   Edited 7/14/2006 12:16 pm ET by Dale Olson

   
1. 
   BossHog | Jul 14, 2006 02:22pm | #16

   If you post pics as JPGs instead of BMPs they'll be about 1/10 the size. Most of those are big enough I'm not gonna try to download 'em on our dialup.
   I try to avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward. [Charlotte Bronte]

1. 
   Dale Olson | Jul 14, 2006 04:16pm | #17

   ok I will try that.  But also how does one put the pic right in the write up?

2. 
   BossHog | Jul 14, 2006 04:59pm | #18

   I include 'em in the post by using this line:<IMG src="">You paste the URL of the pic between the quote marks. Then you have to check the box down below where it says: "Check here if HTML tags are in the message"You also have to use line separators like this:</p>I use Netscape. Others who use IE claim they can just paste a picture into a post. I've never tried it.
   The road to success is lined with many tempting parking spaces.

3. 
   Dale Olson | Jul 14, 2006 06:24pm | #19

   thanks, but trying to do that and is not working.  Using IE so if anyone has any tips please pipe in.

   thanks all

4. 
   Dale Olson | Jul 14, 2006 08:39pm | #20

   the kids built these walls, I was not able to be there the DW sent these and others via email.View Image

   
2. 
   DougU | Jul 14, 2006 09:16pm | #21

   Dale

   Your bound and determined to have OSHA shut your azz down!  :)

   Cool pics, especially the wife and kids walking the walls!

   Your kids are going to remember this for a long time, maybe longer then you, good for you for including them in the project.

   Doug

   Edited 7/14/2006 2:18 pm ET by DougU

1. 
   blue_eyed_devil | Jul 14, 2006 10:18pm | #22

   I dont think osha can shut down a private project if there aren't any employees, can they?

   blue 

2. 
   DougU | Jul 14, 2006 10:35pm | #24

   God I hope not!

   But really I was just being a smart azz! You just have to know that this is killing the saftey police.

   I got shid on here a few weeks ago for taking my 5 year old up on the roof, hell how else ya gonna shingle the damn thing! Even you cant do that from your work table.

   Doug

   Edited 7/14/2006 3:38 pm ET by DougU

2. 
   aimless | Jul 14, 2006 10:33pm | #23

   I'm going to second the post about power tool safety. Your daughter needs eye protection, and you need to lower the surface of the saw so she can reach without standing on a precarious perch.  That pic made my stomach crunch.

   Hope all the barefoot babes are up to date on their tetanus shots.

1. 
   Dale Olson | Jul 15, 2006 12:24am | #25

   I agree on the saftey things.  But I am not there most of the time. The weekend I was up there and we started to frame the roof and after our daughter had fallen.  I told my DW to keep the kids off the roof.  Told her I could not watch it and would have to leave.  Got a very dirty look from her.

   Am I missing something or over reacting?

1. 
   aimless | Jul 15, 2006 12:43am | #26

   I think your wife is missing something. Perhaps she is unaware of the dangers? Just because nobody has been seriously hurt yet (hoping your daughter is OK after her fall!) doesn't mean that nobody will be - you are gambling with disaster.

   That's coming from a mother.

2. 
   fredsmart | Jul 15, 2006 09:59am | #27

   It is not OSHA it the county child protection service in the county. All it will take is for some one who thinks what they see in one of the pictures is not safe that your wife has taken or hear one of your kids bragging what they are cutting wood with a power saw. Then report it to CCPS and you will have the count people crawling up your wife and your rear, the kids could end up in foster care until either the CCPS or the court decides it is safe or is sure your children won’t be exposed to the danger.

    

   I do think it good for kids to work with the parents but you do need to be very carefull of what you let the kids do.  and who knows what is going on.

   Edited 7/15/2006 3:02 am ET by fredsmart

3. 
   Dale Olson | Jul 15, 2006 02:18pm | #28

   I am not worried about OSHA or child services.  From what I can tell when I am there the kids are given jobs they can handle.  If not one of the adults there do it.  They are not given a job that is dangerous for them.

4. 
   dieselpig | Jul 15, 2006 04:51pm | #29

   Dale.... I don't want to see you get pig-piled on here about what's going on with your kids and the house and all that, but at least consider what everyone is telling you.

   If I posted those pictures I would have three new a-holes in me by now from the ripping I'd take.  I'd get it worse than you because the guys here know that I should know better.  They're taking it easy on you, so just take a look at what they're trying to say.  I think every good father (like you seem to be) would bristle at a stranger telling them they are putting their kids in harm's way, so all in all I think you're handling the constructive criticism quite well.

   That being said.... I frame houses full time.  And I still hold my breath when I see one of my experienced and competant employees scurrying across a top plate.  And as careful and as professional as we are.... accidents still happen to the best of them.  You have to at least take the simple easy procautions that you can to at least minimize these mishaps.

   In the VERY least.....get some shoes on and scatter some safety glasses around.  Ever step on 3 1/2" framing nail?  It's a horrible feeling.  I'd hate to see kid have to go through something like that.  You'll kick yourself in the azz for the rest of your life if something should happen to one of your loved ones..... especially if you've already been forewarned about the danger.

   But keep the pics comings.  Yours is a great story of a family coming together to build their own little center of the universe.... a home.  I think it's wonderful.  Let's not spoil a beautiful thing with a preventable unfortunate accident.View Image

5. 
   Dale Olson | Jul 16, 2006 08:10am | #30

   thanks for the comments.  I hear everyone very loud about safety.  I trust my DW and FIL to always instruct the kids the safe way to do things.  I have pointed safety tips to the oldest when he started using the power miter saw.  And have heard DW and FIL do the same.  We are not out here being reckless.  Even if the thread title gives the wrong ideas.  And although a losing battle I still keep on them about the shoes.

   thanks everyone

6. 
   Hainesportwoodworker | Aug 07, 2006 06:07am | #31

   Being the one who started this thread awhile ago I'd actually like to throw some support Dale's way. Someone mentioned stepping on a 3 1/2" framing nail - I haven't as a professional builder but I did when I was 11 and jumped out of the tree fort I was building (probably at least as high as a 8' wall top plate) - it went right through my Prokeds and my foot, popping out the top. The hardest thing was pulling my foot off the nail. Did it hurt like hell - yes - but because of that I think on a subconcious level I alway tend to clean up nail ridden boards from job sites. Which brings me to my point - the level to which parents are over protective of their kids is sickening - and worse, dangerous - Yes, I said dangerous. There is a vast majority of a generation of children growing up lacking basic skill sets to avoid and manage danger. I've been involved with the Boy Scouts as an Assistant Scoutmaster, I myself am an Eagle Scout, for years. When we tell new parents that in their sons first year (age 11 to 12) they will be lighting fires in the woods, using axes and knifes without close supervision, handling boats themselves, and likely firing rifles - they have a fit. It's hard to explain to them, that by teaching them the right way to do all these things, and then allowing them the freedom to do them on their own, they rarely get hurt. By the time they are 13 most of these kids have been around fires so much that they aren't even facinated by them, like the kids down the street lighting a puddle of gasoline behind their parents garage. Working with tools is the same way. I bought my first large tool - a Craftsman 12" bandsaw with my paper route earnings at age 12. By 14 I had a 10" table saw, a radial arm saw, and a jointer. Sure I made mistakes - kick backs, wood chips in my eay, near misses. But with each one I got a little better and soon realized the intricacys of each machine. You also tend to develop a sense of what the wood will do in different situations, like feeding a warped piece against the fence. I allow my son, the one driving the skid-steer, to use most of the tools in our shop, as well as most portable tools. Because he is a lefty he prefers my Skil worm drive, even though it weighs alot. I watch him carefully, but he already has developed a set of skills that helps him forsee problems and not panic when they happen. I'm sure most of us remember pretty daring childhoods, and perhaps think back about all the near misses. Some might see poor parenting, but I see the opposite. So I say let them saw, nail, drive machines, climb walls.

7. 
   Dale Olson | Aug 07, 2006 07:41pm | #32

   Hey,

   Thanks for the nice comments and support.  I let my input into this thread die because of all the crap I was getting from people here and it was not the right thread to show what we were doing.  But I agree with you and teaching kids, even though I could do better.   How else are the going to learn.  If a parent or grandparent does not let a kid do something that is appropriate for the age and task.

   Maybe I will post more pics of house later, just don't feel like taking the time right now.

8. 
   JohnT8 | Aug 08, 2006 07:29pm | #33

   Which brings me to my point - the level to which parents are over protective of their kids is sickening - and worse, dangerous - Yes, I said dangerous. There is a vast majority of a generation of children growing up lacking basic skill sets to avoid and manage danger.

   I agree.  Been thinking that for years.  Just about two weekends ago, I really got a good eye-opener when I went to the national HS rodeo finals.  Suddenly you see a group of kids who aren't afraid of work or putting their butt on the line.  They were polite, confident, skilled... just amazing to see.  And heart warming to know there are kids out there like that.  You can't tell me they aren't going to take those skills and confidence and do great things with 'em.

    

    jt8

   ""The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese."    --Dave Barry

9. 
   MikeSmith | Aug 09, 2006 01:48pm | #34

   hey, gramps... i get the feeling you're having the time of your life..

    more  pics !Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

6. 
   moltenmetal | Jul 13, 2006 08:48pm | #13

    You should be very proud.   You've trained them well!  Keep on 'em about the shoes, though.