For the past six months I have been dreaming of my new house. Six months ago we drove by our lot of land and said "in six months a house will be standing here - our house will be standing here." Then for the next five months we watched our home be built, from being a hole in the ground to a wooden frame, to being full finished. Now, six months after we looked at a blank piece of land, we are finally looking at a beautiful new home - our beautiful new home.
In two days we will be handed the keys we've been waiting for for six months, and although I am so ready to move in, it will be be bittersweet. Not only did we build our home, but we built a lot of great memories - memories that I will cherish forever. With the memories in our hearts, it's now time to pack up our things and move into our beautiful new home.
Here's to a busy and exciting week - I can't wait!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Laundry and Packing!
Scott and I were up bright and early at 7am today, thanks to our sweet little miracle. Although neither of us were too excited about being up so early, we took advantage of the time awake. I made a pot of coffee while Scott walked down the drive and got the newspaper.
I clipped my coupons while he read the sports section of the paper, and then we both showered and got ready. At this point (which was an hour after we woke up), Brooklyn was already down for the count. Since it was so early we decided to run to Target (yes, again), and then go to brunch.
Brunch was fabulous, we both had chicken and waffles with mimosas, and all I can say is yumm-o!
We swung by the house just to drool for a bit, and when we got home I pretty much immediately began doing laundry and packing. So far i've got two loads of laundry done and a full box of Brooklyns bedroom "stuff" packed away. Just putting her stuff in boxes for our new place put a huge smile on my face. I absolutely cannot wait anymore - I am just so happy! We've finally arrived to moving week!!!!
Just thought i'd give an update...now back to more laundry, and more packing!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
A Saturday update!
This morning I woke up a tad on the early side, mostly due to my sweet princess being wide awake at 7am. So although I would have gladly slept another couple hours I woke up with her and had my cup of coffee prior to heading to the bank.
I had to go to the bank to get a screen shot of our balance in our bank account, that showed our account number and our names. Well....I was able to get the screen shot showing our balance, account number, and names - but, my name on their is my maiden name! Oh my gosh. This is like the most unreal thing ever. I know that the lender is going to request our marriage license. Which is in the very back of our storage unit. So I'm not really sure what the heck I am going to do, but I have a couple of ideas in my head that *may* work.
I know for a fact that I have a copy of my social security card with my old name on it, and I also have a copy of that same SSN # showing my married name. Hopefully they'll accept that. If they don't, well then I work right across the street from the building where you apply for a marriage license, so hopefully they can print a copy of it for me.
What a mess, and it really is my fault. We've been married for over three years and I still haven't changed my name on anything finance related.
Today Scott is busy with another corporate challenge event, this time it is volleyball. I really don't want to go, but I also don't want to be stuck sitting at "home" all day, either. What to do, what to do...
I also have some Kohls cash that I expires today and if nothing else I can pick up a couple candles or bath towels with it. I just hate when it goes to waste.
Other than that, nothing is planned and I am not complaining!
I had to go to the bank to get a screen shot of our balance in our bank account, that showed our account number and our names. Well....I was able to get the screen shot showing our balance, account number, and names - but, my name on their is my maiden name! Oh my gosh. This is like the most unreal thing ever. I know that the lender is going to request our marriage license. Which is in the very back of our storage unit. So I'm not really sure what the heck I am going to do, but I have a couple of ideas in my head that *may* work.
I know for a fact that I have a copy of my social security card with my old name on it, and I also have a copy of that same SSN # showing my married name. Hopefully they'll accept that. If they don't, well then I work right across the street from the building where you apply for a marriage license, so hopefully they can print a copy of it for me.
What a mess, and it really is my fault. We've been married for over three years and I still haven't changed my name on anything finance related.
Today Scott is busy with another corporate challenge event, this time it is volleyball. I really don't want to go, but I also don't want to be stuck sitting at "home" all day, either. What to do, what to do...
I also have some Kohls cash that I expires today and if nothing else I can pick up a couple candles or bath towels with it. I just hate when it goes to waste.
Other than that, nothing is planned and I am not complaining!
Friday, July 29, 2011
My rug arrives today!
My new area rug was loaded on the FedEx truck this morning, and should arrive sometime this afternoon! I am so excited to meet my steal of a deal, and am crossing my fingers that it really is the most perfect shade of raw pumkin that I need.
No word yet on when our wall-mount for our TV ships, but I am assuming it shipped either yesterday or today. I personally don't give two cents if they never let me know when it shipped or when it should arrive - I am just so happy to have gotten it for such a great price.
Today is just another day of waiting as far as i'm concerned, and I am using the time to get my plan of action in place for Wednesdays bold bust out of here. That's right - I plan on booking it out of here faster than the last launch to space. Get me the heck out of here!!!
In other news, I am hoping my little pea is a good girl at dinner tonight, and maybe if Scott and I are lucky we'll get to stay out "late!" LOL, right.
No word yet on when our wall-mount for our TV ships, but I am assuming it shipped either yesterday or today. I personally don't give two cents if they never let me know when it shipped or when it should arrive - I am just so happy to have gotten it for such a great price.
Today is just another day of waiting as far as i'm concerned, and I am using the time to get my plan of action in place for Wednesdays bold bust out of here. That's right - I plan on booking it out of here faster than the last launch to space. Get me the heck out of here!!!
In other news, I am hoping my little pea is a good girl at dinner tonight, and maybe if Scott and I are lucky we'll get to stay out "late!" LOL, right.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
I'm bored.
Today is day #3 of Scott not being home until late, and since it is a Thursday night that means my MIL is not home yet, and my SIL and FIL are working tonight. So I am home with my sleeping baby and am bored out of my mind.
If I were in my house at this point I'd be able to knock out some cleaning or something like that, but since I am still here I am pretty much forced to just sit and watch TV. I am however getting some laundry done - which is always a plus no matter where we are living.
I went to BJ's today to pick up some stuff I had coupons for, and I've gotta admit I am pretty hooked to shopping there - at least for personal items. I bought 3 big bottles of Dove bodywash, 4 sticks of Dove deoderant, 2 bottles of Oil of Olay facewash, 3 boxes of Q-tips, 2 big bottles of shea butter body lotion and 1 bottle of shea butter body oil for the small price of $40, and I was blown away. No way could you buy the same items at Target for that price - no way.
We also had a lot of "closing stuff" to get done this afternoon, but most of it will have to wait until tomorrow morning. The only thing we could get done today was providing the lender with our insurance agents information. The things that have to wait til tomorrow are: faxing them the HUD statement from our last house showing it is paid-off, and Scott needs to email two paystubs. Apparently when we faxed them over the fax was a bit hazy so they need clearer copies.
And now, to jump to yet another topic...I am wondering what dinner will be tonight. I didn't feel like cooking since it's just the three of us eating dinner together, and everyone but me isn't going to be home until 7-ish. Ugh...I'm not even hungry, I just have that horrible problem of eating when bored.
How many more days?! ;)
If I were in my house at this point I'd be able to knock out some cleaning or something like that, but since I am still here I am pretty much forced to just sit and watch TV. I am however getting some laundry done - which is always a plus no matter where we are living.
I went to BJ's today to pick up some stuff I had coupons for, and I've gotta admit I am pretty hooked to shopping there - at least for personal items. I bought 3 big bottles of Dove bodywash, 4 sticks of Dove deoderant, 2 bottles of Oil of Olay facewash, 3 boxes of Q-tips, 2 big bottles of shea butter body lotion and 1 bottle of shea butter body oil for the small price of $40, and I was blown away. No way could you buy the same items at Target for that price - no way.
We also had a lot of "closing stuff" to get done this afternoon, but most of it will have to wait until tomorrow morning. The only thing we could get done today was providing the lender with our insurance agents information. The things that have to wait til tomorrow are: faxing them the HUD statement from our last house showing it is paid-off, and Scott needs to email two paystubs. Apparently when we faxed them over the fax was a bit hazy so they need clearer copies.
And now, to jump to yet another topic...I am wondering what dinner will be tonight. I didn't feel like cooking since it's just the three of us eating dinner together, and everyone but me isn't going to be home until 7-ish. Ugh...I'm not even hungry, I just have that horrible problem of eating when bored.
How many more days?! ;)
Who knew this process would be so emotional?!
We are so close to getting the keys to our beautiful new home, yet instead of being happy and excited like I was the first time we bought a house, I am feeling stressed and frustrated.
The process of buying an existing home was so easy, (comparatively), so straight-forward. You go house-hunting, see a zillion houses, eventually find the house that fits your wants and needs, put an offer in, negotiate, close, and move in. The process of building a house is anything but easy. Don't get me wrong, it's fun, and definitely well worth it, but it is so emotional. Both Scott and I are beginning to have nervous breakdowns, and are starting to get emotional over things that aren't even related to the house!
For example, yesterday I went to Target just to get out of the house. We didn't really need anything aside from a new bottle brush and a couple jars of baby food, but I needed a break from being at home. So while I was at Target I decided to look at their bath towels. Our current towels are from when we first moved into our old house, so they are four years old. We also still have towels from our apartments, which are obviously even older. So I decided to do some towel shopping. Anyway, I like the Fieldcrest line, as that is what our current towels are, and they hold up extremely well.
So I'm at Target, shopping for new towels when all of a sudden I felt like I could cry. CRY over towels?!?! Yes. Why, well I don't know the answer to that. I got over it relatively quickly, and decided not to add more stress to my life so I didn't buy them. I do however know that I will be going back next week and buying them. Hopefully they will be on sale next week (crossing fingers), because each bath towel is $12.59! Yikes! The color is perfect though, as it is just the right shade of orange. I believe the actual color of the towel is 'nutmeg,' and so not only is the color perfect, but I even like the name!
Then, later in the evening I began getting all emotional about my daughter already being eight months old. How has the time gone so fast?! It honestly doesn't seem like it's possible for her to already be that old. I'm pretty sure I know what triggered this emotion though...
You see, friends of ours just had their baby (boy) two nights ago, and whenever someone has a baby I am instantly jealous of that experience. To be in the hospital with your hubby and newborn child is one of the greatest experiences in life. I miss the days of having such a tiny newborn and it makes me feel all sad that my baby is getting so big! Anyway, I was able to calm myself down from that ridiculous emotion as well, and at the end of the night asked Scott if we can just not limit ourselves to two children.
Probably knowing that I was just feeling tired and stressed, he agreed that we don't need to say we are only having two children, and hearing him say that made me feel a lot better about things. Afterall, we do have a four-bedroom house! ;)
I won't drag on anymore about all the tension and emotion, I just have to keep my chin up and realize that we are officially less than a week away from being in our new home! WHEW! :)
The process of buying an existing home was so easy, (comparatively), so straight-forward. You go house-hunting, see a zillion houses, eventually find the house that fits your wants and needs, put an offer in, negotiate, close, and move in. The process of building a house is anything but easy. Don't get me wrong, it's fun, and definitely well worth it, but it is so emotional. Both Scott and I are beginning to have nervous breakdowns, and are starting to get emotional over things that aren't even related to the house!
For example, yesterday I went to Target just to get out of the house. We didn't really need anything aside from a new bottle brush and a couple jars of baby food, but I needed a break from being at home. So while I was at Target I decided to look at their bath towels. Our current towels are from when we first moved into our old house, so they are four years old. We also still have towels from our apartments, which are obviously even older. So I decided to do some towel shopping. Anyway, I like the Fieldcrest line, as that is what our current towels are, and they hold up extremely well.
So I'm at Target, shopping for new towels when all of a sudden I felt like I could cry. CRY over towels?!?! Yes. Why, well I don't know the answer to that. I got over it relatively quickly, and decided not to add more stress to my life so I didn't buy them. I do however know that I will be going back next week and buying them. Hopefully they will be on sale next week (crossing fingers), because each bath towel is $12.59! Yikes! The color is perfect though, as it is just the right shade of orange. I believe the actual color of the towel is 'nutmeg,' and so not only is the color perfect, but I even like the name!
Then, later in the evening I began getting all emotional about my daughter already being eight months old. How has the time gone so fast?! It honestly doesn't seem like it's possible for her to already be that old. I'm pretty sure I know what triggered this emotion though...
You see, friends of ours just had their baby (boy) two nights ago, and whenever someone has a baby I am instantly jealous of that experience. To be in the hospital with your hubby and newborn child is one of the greatest experiences in life. I miss the days of having such a tiny newborn and it makes me feel all sad that my baby is getting so big! Anyway, I was able to calm myself down from that ridiculous emotion as well, and at the end of the night asked Scott if we can just not limit ourselves to two children.
Probably knowing that I was just feeling tired and stressed, he agreed that we don't need to say we are only having two children, and hearing him say that made me feel a lot better about things. Afterall, we do have a four-bedroom house! ;)
I won't drag on anymore about all the tension and emotion, I just have to keep my chin up and realize that we are officially less than a week away from being in our new home! WHEW! :)
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Walk-thru was a success!
I just got back from our walk-thru, and I am even more anxious to move in now! There were a few minor things that need to be fixed prior to us moving in, but all the items were marked with blue painters tape and will be fixed between now and next Tuesday. Aside from pain smudges and a few nail pops, some of the faucets and my beloved tub will need a visit from the plumber again. Apparently he didn't put something in, and that something is the thing that makes the water stay in the tub. Yea, I am taking a bath next Saturday, so the water better not drain out!
Anyway, I am so happy to be at this point. Our home looks beautiful, and everything is shiny and new and even more gorgeous than we ever could have imagined. Our lot is gigantic, and although we aren't very 'country' people that need a huge yard, it is definitely nice to have plenty of space to call our own.
Hooray for getting to this point! Can't wait to move in!!!! :)
Anyway, I am so happy to be at this point. Our home looks beautiful, and everything is shiny and new and even more gorgeous than we ever could have imagined. Our lot is gigantic, and although we aren't very 'country' people that need a huge yard, it is definitely nice to have plenty of space to call our own.
Hooray for getting to this point! Can't wait to move in!!!! :)
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Our final walk-thru is tomorrow!
I can barely believe it myself, but our final walk-thru is finally tomorrow! Hasn't time flown by rather quickly? I know, i know...it's like the words I never thought i'd say myself, especially with all that has happened. But at the end of the day, the time has really flown by.
My sister-in-law and I drove over to the house this evening and contractors were busy with all the final touches. There will people painting, people finishing the trim around the doors, people making sure the gas and electric meters were working, etc. It was a full house, that's for sure!
One thing that surprised me was that our ground has been graded and all the nasty "grass" has been removed and is smooth, flat dirt! I can't wait to be able to put in a lawn, which is still something we aren't exactly sure of when we are doing. It may be in the fall, it may be in the spring...who knows!
Something else that surprised me is just how huge our yard is. I know that we have .38 acres, but to me that doesn't sound like all that much, but it is. Don't get me wrong - I couldn't be happier to have so much space to call our own, but it's crazy to see how big it looks now that our house is up and the ground has been cleared and graded. Sort of crazy, but I actually think our land looks larger now that there is a house on a property than before when it was just land with all sorts of tall grass growing.
Also, on a somewhat unrelated topic, I bought the wall-mount bracket for our TV today. I must share the website since I got it for a steal, and even with shipping included it was about 10% of the price that BestBuy is charging for the SAME one! http://www.monoprice.com/home/index.asp
Okay, i'll give the update tomorrow...wish us luck!!! :)
My sister-in-law and I drove over to the house this evening and contractors were busy with all the final touches. There will people painting, people finishing the trim around the doors, people making sure the gas and electric meters were working, etc. It was a full house, that's for sure!
One thing that surprised me was that our ground has been graded and all the nasty "grass" has been removed and is smooth, flat dirt! I can't wait to be able to put in a lawn, which is still something we aren't exactly sure of when we are doing. It may be in the fall, it may be in the spring...who knows!
Something else that surprised me is just how huge our yard is. I know that we have .38 acres, but to me that doesn't sound like all that much, but it is. Don't get me wrong - I couldn't be happier to have so much space to call our own, but it's crazy to see how big it looks now that our house is up and the ground has been cleared and graded. Sort of crazy, but I actually think our land looks larger now that there is a house on a property than before when it was just land with all sorts of tall grass growing.
Also, on a somewhat unrelated topic, I bought the wall-mount bracket for our TV today. I must share the website since I got it for a steal, and even with shipping included it was about 10% of the price that BestBuy is charging for the SAME one! http://www.monoprice.com/home/index.asp
Okay, i'll give the update tomorrow...wish us luck!!! :)
Monday, July 25, 2011
Wheelin' & Stealin' the DEALS!
For those of you that know me, you know that I have champagne taste on a beer budget. Well, low and behold this issue has come into play during my search for an area rug. For about the past two weeks now I have been in search of the 'perfect' area rug for my breakfast room, as we have hardwood flooring that I don't want scratched by chairs.
I went onto Kohls' website and found two gorgeous area rugs, both were the most perfect colors, and both were beyond my price point. So for the past couple weeks I have been scouring websites such as eBay, Amazon, even checking out HomeDepot, Lowes, Target, etc., but nothing has caught my eye. Nothing had the right shade of rustic orange and chocolate brown. Nothing was contemporary, and nothing was like the rug at Kohls.
Just as I was about to give up, I checked out the site Overstock.com, and there it was. The rug from Kohls. Same brand, same pattern, same size, but a wayyy different price. With shipping I ended up paying only $134.00, as everything on the site charges $2.95 for shipping. I feel like I should have won a prize for finding that steal of a deal! Go me!!!
Anyway, although I ended up buying the rug from Overstock.com, I have attached the link to the picture of the rug from Kohls' website (better picture). You'll notice - it matches the accent color of my couch pillows just perfectly! Oh, I am so proud of myself!
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/furnitureandhomedecor/rugs/contemporary/geometricabstract/PRD~c22705/Surya+Cosmopolitan+Rug.jsp
I went onto Kohls' website and found two gorgeous area rugs, both were the most perfect colors, and both were beyond my price point. So for the past couple weeks I have been scouring websites such as eBay, Amazon, even checking out HomeDepot, Lowes, Target, etc., but nothing has caught my eye. Nothing had the right shade of rustic orange and chocolate brown. Nothing was contemporary, and nothing was like the rug at Kohls.
Just as I was about to give up, I checked out the site Overstock.com, and there it was. The rug from Kohls. Same brand, same pattern, same size, but a wayyy different price. With shipping I ended up paying only $134.00, as everything on the site charges $2.95 for shipping. I feel like I should have won a prize for finding that steal of a deal! Go me!!!
Anyway, although I ended up buying the rug from Overstock.com, I have attached the link to the picture of the rug from Kohls' website (better picture). You'll notice - it matches the accent color of my couch pillows just perfectly! Oh, I am so proud of myself!
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/furnitureandhomedecor/rugs/contemporary/geometricabstract/PRD~c22705/Surya+Cosmopolitan+Rug.jsp
Lord Grant Me Patience...And Grant it to Me NOW!!!
The title of this post is a quote from a little sign an old co-worker of mine had hanging on his cublicle wall. I will always remember it, especially at times like these when I feel like the quote is my personal motto.
Although I know we are all feeling a bit high-strung and irritable at the house, I can't help but to personally feel like I am in a circus 'funhouse,' except it's not so fun. Scott and I are sleeping in a too-small bed that is uneven, our baby is sleeping less than three feet from us on a mattress with no support of a frame, our dog is sleeping in the too-small bed with us, and our cat is lucky if he gets a couch cushion to call his own.
Our clothing is in about twelve different places, so getting ready in the morning is an absolute nightmare, and since we have no storage anymore everything is just laying out in everyones way. I'm pretty sure that all of us actually enjoy going to work right now just to get out of the house for a while. It really is terrible, and I know it isn't just Scott and I that are losing our minds.
The plan was always to stay with his parents for about a week after we get the keys so that we can get everything unpacked and put away prior to actually living there, but since the flood and all the chaos it has brought, we decided to start staying at our house on Thursday night.
Sure, it will be a bit odd since we won't have a full house worth of furnishings, but it will be a whole heck of a lot better than living the way we currently are. Our toothbrush and toothpaste will be in the same bathroom as our hair products, hair dryers and razors, and our clothing will all be in a (spacious) closet. We won't have to worry about waking the baby up everytime we need to get something out of the bedroom, and we won't have to store our baby diapers on top of a laundry basket on top of a hamper on top of the pack and play.
So, come Wednesday after we get the keys it is time to move full force. There are no if, ands', or butt's about it, we are moving as much as possible in as little time as possible, and I will use Thursday night and Friday morning before the baby wakes up to put as much as possible away.
In the meantime I will be making to-do lists, drinking wine, and praying for some patience and sanity!
Although I know we are all feeling a bit high-strung and irritable at the house, I can't help but to personally feel like I am in a circus 'funhouse,' except it's not so fun. Scott and I are sleeping in a too-small bed that is uneven, our baby is sleeping less than three feet from us on a mattress with no support of a frame, our dog is sleeping in the too-small bed with us, and our cat is lucky if he gets a couch cushion to call his own.
Our clothing is in about twelve different places, so getting ready in the morning is an absolute nightmare, and since we have no storage anymore everything is just laying out in everyones way. I'm pretty sure that all of us actually enjoy going to work right now just to get out of the house for a while. It really is terrible, and I know it isn't just Scott and I that are losing our minds.
The plan was always to stay with his parents for about a week after we get the keys so that we can get everything unpacked and put away prior to actually living there, but since the flood and all the chaos it has brought, we decided to start staying at our house on Thursday night.
Sure, it will be a bit odd since we won't have a full house worth of furnishings, but it will be a whole heck of a lot better than living the way we currently are. Our toothbrush and toothpaste will be in the same bathroom as our hair products, hair dryers and razors, and our clothing will all be in a (spacious) closet. We won't have to worry about waking the baby up everytime we need to get something out of the bedroom, and we won't have to store our baby diapers on top of a laundry basket on top of a hamper on top of the pack and play.
So, come Wednesday after we get the keys it is time to move full force. There are no if, ands', or butt's about it, we are moving as much as possible in as little time as possible, and I will use Thursday night and Friday morning before the baby wakes up to put as much as possible away.
In the meantime I will be making to-do lists, drinking wine, and praying for some patience and sanity!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Daydreaming...
I am working right now, but i'm also daydreaming about being in our house. I was reading other blogs of bloggers who just recently moved in their new homes, and began thinking, 'what will I do the first weekend?'
We get the keys on Wednesday, August 3rd at 9am. Unfortunately I do have to work that day, but I do plan on making a couple trips to the house once I am done working for the day. I also plan on making trips non-stop on Thursday, the 4th, from 2:30 until it gets too late or my little peanut gets too tired. Friday, the 5th, I am off of work, so I'll be taking full advantage and will be moving stuff like a mad man. If all goes the way I plan we will be staying the night in the house that night after coming home from the zoo.
Saturday will be a busy but exciting day as our refridgerator and bedroom set arrive, and Scott and I will be moving even more stuff over from the storage unit. My hope is that we will be all moved in except for the big stuff (couches, mattresses, etc) by Sunday night.
Monday, the 8th, all our furniture is being delivered, and hopefully we will then be able to start putting all our decorations and everything out. It will be so nice to have all our belongings back, to sit on our couch, and to not have to sleep in the same bedroom as my baby.
So, when will I first use that gigantic bathtub of mine? Well, to be honest I want to use it for the first time on Saturday night. Eek! Now, whether or not that actually happens will probably depend on if I can stop putting things away, which I give a 50/50 chance of happening. Something tells me I just may end up pulling a 24 hour shift that night just unpacking and running the dishwasher a thousand times to get all the dishes put away. I am SOOOOO ready to be in the house, and it's pretty obvious, too!
Okay, so how about the washer/dryer? Hmm...well this is almost a trick question. See, I would probably be jumping at the opportunity to wash all our towels and bed linens the second we move in, but the problem is that we won't have a washer/dryer until they get delivered on Monday. Bummer, right?
And the kitchen? Umm...yea, that is a flat out silly question. PRONTO, is the answer! :)
We get the keys on Wednesday, August 3rd at 9am. Unfortunately I do have to work that day, but I do plan on making a couple trips to the house once I am done working for the day. I also plan on making trips non-stop on Thursday, the 4th, from 2:30 until it gets too late or my little peanut gets too tired. Friday, the 5th, I am off of work, so I'll be taking full advantage and will be moving stuff like a mad man. If all goes the way I plan we will be staying the night in the house that night after coming home from the zoo.
Saturday will be a busy but exciting day as our refridgerator and bedroom set arrive, and Scott and I will be moving even more stuff over from the storage unit. My hope is that we will be all moved in except for the big stuff (couches, mattresses, etc) by Sunday night.
Monday, the 8th, all our furniture is being delivered, and hopefully we will then be able to start putting all our decorations and everything out. It will be so nice to have all our belongings back, to sit on our couch, and to not have to sleep in the same bedroom as my baby.
So, when will I first use that gigantic bathtub of mine? Well, to be honest I want to use it for the first time on Saturday night. Eek! Now, whether or not that actually happens will probably depend on if I can stop putting things away, which I give a 50/50 chance of happening. Something tells me I just may end up pulling a 24 hour shift that night just unpacking and running the dishwasher a thousand times to get all the dishes put away. I am SOOOOO ready to be in the house, and it's pretty obvious, too!
Okay, so how about the washer/dryer? Hmm...well this is almost a trick question. See, I would probably be jumping at the opportunity to wash all our towels and bed linens the second we move in, but the problem is that we won't have a washer/dryer until they get delivered on Monday. Bummer, right?
And the kitchen? Umm...yea, that is a flat out silly question. PRONTO, is the answer! :)
A full house
Right now there are five adults, one baby, a dog, and a cat all living in a three bedroom - 1500 square foot house, with no beds being larger than a full. As of tonight there will be another two dogs and a guinea pig, and possibly two more adults.
My sister in law and her husband came over yesterday to pick up fans since their A/C went out and their house is hotter than you-know-what in this horrible heat we are having in the midwest. To make matters worse, they are leaving for vacation tomorrow morning, so they are leaving the dogs here while they are gone. Oh, and if a repair guy can't come out today, well then they are going to stay in this house as well to keep cool. It's not that I blame them, or that I'm upset about it, but c'mon...really?!
It's to the point where I am seriously contemplating asking the builder if we can begin moving stuff into the house. I can't believe that this happened, but I am constantly reminding myself that we are fortunate all this happened with only two weeks of living here left, and not two months - or more.
Since today is a Thursday I am working from home, which is always nice since that means I get to sleep in a bit longer than normal, as well as work in my yoga pants while sipping on a hot cup of coffee. My focus remains on moving in rather than this mess of a situation we are currently in. I just keep telling myself 'only twelve more days, and then we get the keys to our beautiful new home!!!'
Which reminds me to mention that we officially have enough toilet paper, paper towels, and tissue for the next six months - minimum! I know for a fact that I bought a ton of the stuff prior to moving out of our last house and I know that I put it in storage. Since then I've bought two more jumbo packages of everything again for this place and we hardly made a dent in it (the packs from BJ's have like 48 rolls of TP, so it's not the 4 pack from the grocery store).
We also have enough shampoo, conditioner, baby products of all sorts, toothpaste and cleaning products to last a few months as well. It's borderline stupid that I bought all of the stuff, but in a way it's nice to know I don't have to buy it for a good long time.
Anyway, I'm beginning to ramble so I guess I'll end this post here. Twelve days to go and I CANT WAIT!
My sister in law and her husband came over yesterday to pick up fans since their A/C went out and their house is hotter than you-know-what in this horrible heat we are having in the midwest. To make matters worse, they are leaving for vacation tomorrow morning, so they are leaving the dogs here while they are gone. Oh, and if a repair guy can't come out today, well then they are going to stay in this house as well to keep cool. It's not that I blame them, or that I'm upset about it, but c'mon...really?!
It's to the point where I am seriously contemplating asking the builder if we can begin moving stuff into the house. I can't believe that this happened, but I am constantly reminding myself that we are fortunate all this happened with only two weeks of living here left, and not two months - or more.
Since today is a Thursday I am working from home, which is always nice since that means I get to sleep in a bit longer than normal, as well as work in my yoga pants while sipping on a hot cup of coffee. My focus remains on moving in rather than this mess of a situation we are currently in. I just keep telling myself 'only twelve more days, and then we get the keys to our beautiful new home!!!'
Which reminds me to mention that we officially have enough toilet paper, paper towels, and tissue for the next six months - minimum! I know for a fact that I bought a ton of the stuff prior to moving out of our last house and I know that I put it in storage. Since then I've bought two more jumbo packages of everything again for this place and we hardly made a dent in it (the packs from BJ's have like 48 rolls of TP, so it's not the 4 pack from the grocery store).
We also have enough shampoo, conditioner, baby products of all sorts, toothpaste and cleaning products to last a few months as well. It's borderline stupid that I bought all of the stuff, but in a way it's nice to know I don't have to buy it for a good long time.
Anyway, I'm beginning to ramble so I guess I'll end this post here. Twelve days to go and I CANT WAIT!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
As if things couldn't get worse!
Last night was great, Brooklyn went to bed at 7:30, Scott and I were able to watch TV with the family in peace, and I enjoyed a nice glass of wine without the baby monitor going crazy. We then went to bed at 10pm and since we moved a fan into our room we actually were comfortable falling asleep.
Fast forward to about 2am, when all of a sudden massive thunder and lightening bolts woke both Scott and I up. We both did our best to fall back asleep, but even so we only managed to sleep lightly. Very lightly. At 3am we heard footsteps above us in the kitchen - and within minutes heard someone coming down the stairs. Scott decided that he's see who it was prior to them waking us (and therefor the baby) up. The next thing I knew Scott opened the bedroom door and said "you have to come help." I didn't even know what to think, but i'll tell you I would have never guessed what came next.
I walked outside the bedroom and immediately noticed water on the carpeting. By 'water' I don't mean a thin layer of water, I mean about four to six inches of water just flooding the entire basement and all of our belongings (that are here at the house). We moved quickly, but managed to get everything up off the floor in time. The only thing that was ruined was my vacuum cleaner.
To be honest I didn't want a new vacuum cleaner, and I still don't want a new vacuum cleaner even though I know it'll be covered by the insurance claim. I'll end up getting $200 for it though, and since I have a 20% Bed Bath & Beyond coupon i'll end up being able to pocket $40, which can go towards my area rug in the dining area.
It was a totally unexpected day on multiple levels, but the things I am most upset about are having to take a day off of work, and having to get a new vacuum cleaner. Yuck.
Anyway, so now that the apartment we were staying in downstairs is completely ruined we are staying upstairs with the whole family. Thank goodness this arrangement is only for another two weeks - I don't know how much more i'd be able to stomach! Honestly though, I don't think I am the only one feeling this way. I'm sure that my in-laws are also counting down the days, and are ready for all our stuff to be gone.
So all in all, just another day in paradise, but with only two weeks left I can't be in bad spirits!
Fast forward to about 2am, when all of a sudden massive thunder and lightening bolts woke both Scott and I up. We both did our best to fall back asleep, but even so we only managed to sleep lightly. Very lightly. At 3am we heard footsteps above us in the kitchen - and within minutes heard someone coming down the stairs. Scott decided that he's see who it was prior to them waking us (and therefor the baby) up. The next thing I knew Scott opened the bedroom door and said "you have to come help." I didn't even know what to think, but i'll tell you I would have never guessed what came next.
I walked outside the bedroom and immediately noticed water on the carpeting. By 'water' I don't mean a thin layer of water, I mean about four to six inches of water just flooding the entire basement and all of our belongings (that are here at the house). We moved quickly, but managed to get everything up off the floor in time. The only thing that was ruined was my vacuum cleaner.
To be honest I didn't want a new vacuum cleaner, and I still don't want a new vacuum cleaner even though I know it'll be covered by the insurance claim. I'll end up getting $200 for it though, and since I have a 20% Bed Bath & Beyond coupon i'll end up being able to pocket $40, which can go towards my area rug in the dining area.
It was a totally unexpected day on multiple levels, but the things I am most upset about are having to take a day off of work, and having to get a new vacuum cleaner. Yuck.
Anyway, so now that the apartment we were staying in downstairs is completely ruined we are staying upstairs with the whole family. Thank goodness this arrangement is only for another two weeks - I don't know how much more i'd be able to stomach! Honestly though, I don't think I am the only one feeling this way. I'm sure that my in-laws are also counting down the days, and are ready for all our stuff to be gone.
So all in all, just another day in paradise, but with only two weeks left I can't be in bad spirits!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Home Stretch!
We are officially in the 'home stretch' as far as I am concerned, and it feels gooood! Stopping by the house on Friday, Scott and I found a few more things that will need to be fixed prior to us moving in, but as usual it is nothing significant.
By the time we got to the house on Friday we noticed that the fireplace had been installed. It was an exciting moment because the fireplace is probably one of my top ten things I love about the house, and even more so, that room. I'll be honest though and say that there have been more issues with the fireplace/mantel that there were in the entire rest of the house. First they put the outlet in the center of the mantel instead of the left corner, then the mantel itself began crumbling, then tile grout got on the white woodwork, and now the fireplace itself is giving us grief!
What I love about the fireplace is that it is gas, and that it is enclosed in glass with little crystal rocks at the bottom that give a nice glow. What I don't love so much about the fireplace is that you can't see a flame! Honestly, we flipped the switch and although we heard it go on and saw a little glow at the very bottom, by the time you sat where the couch will be, you couldn't see a flame anymore! For me I expect to see a nice fire, just like you would see in a woodburning fireplace.
So I guess we will be adding that to the list of 'to-do's' for the builder. Our list is quite long, but most of the stuff is just pidly little stuff that they know about. We've got some missing floor molding in the breakfast area, a bent shelf in the linen closet, the wrong color doornobs, etc. All things that will get fixed prior to August 3rd, which is only a couple weeks away!
I've begun planning my escape route to my new house, which is very exciting! I plan on staying the night at my house beginning Saturday, August 6th. Even without a mattress it will be better than staying with the in-laws. I plan to move nearly everything that is in his parents house to our new house on my own between Wednesday afternoon and the end of the day on Friday. The only thing that will stay at his parents house until Saturday is Brooklyn's crib - and come Saturday that will be moved in, too. I also plan on taking some stuff from the storage unit on Friday (since I am off of work), and hopefully we will get the rest of the one unit emptied by that Sunday.
The movers come to empty the other unit (the one with all our major furniture) on Monday at 9am, so at that point I don't plan on having anything else left in storage - yay!
Then I'll be able to take my time unpacking and setting things up just the way i'd like for a whole week!!! First things first I plan on washing all the bed sheets and bath towels since they all need to be freshened up, and simultaneously I will be running the dishwasher non-stop to get all our dishes and glasses sqeaky clean. While all that is going on i'll be putting in some cupboard liners and filling the pantry and fridge to the brim. It will be so great to have all my "stuff" back and in its' proper place.
I'm just sooo excited!
By the time we got to the house on Friday we noticed that the fireplace had been installed. It was an exciting moment because the fireplace is probably one of my top ten things I love about the house, and even more so, that room. I'll be honest though and say that there have been more issues with the fireplace/mantel that there were in the entire rest of the house. First they put the outlet in the center of the mantel instead of the left corner, then the mantel itself began crumbling, then tile grout got on the white woodwork, and now the fireplace itself is giving us grief!
What I love about the fireplace is that it is gas, and that it is enclosed in glass with little crystal rocks at the bottom that give a nice glow. What I don't love so much about the fireplace is that you can't see a flame! Honestly, we flipped the switch and although we heard it go on and saw a little glow at the very bottom, by the time you sat where the couch will be, you couldn't see a flame anymore! For me I expect to see a nice fire, just like you would see in a woodburning fireplace.
So I guess we will be adding that to the list of 'to-do's' for the builder. Our list is quite long, but most of the stuff is just pidly little stuff that they know about. We've got some missing floor molding in the breakfast area, a bent shelf in the linen closet, the wrong color doornobs, etc. All things that will get fixed prior to August 3rd, which is only a couple weeks away!
I've begun planning my escape route to my new house, which is very exciting! I plan on staying the night at my house beginning Saturday, August 6th. Even without a mattress it will be better than staying with the in-laws. I plan to move nearly everything that is in his parents house to our new house on my own between Wednesday afternoon and the end of the day on Friday. The only thing that will stay at his parents house until Saturday is Brooklyn's crib - and come Saturday that will be moved in, too. I also plan on taking some stuff from the storage unit on Friday (since I am off of work), and hopefully we will get the rest of the one unit emptied by that Sunday.
The movers come to empty the other unit (the one with all our major furniture) on Monday at 9am, so at that point I don't plan on having anything else left in storage - yay!
Then I'll be able to take my time unpacking and setting things up just the way i'd like for a whole week!!! First things first I plan on washing all the bed sheets and bath towels since they all need to be freshened up, and simultaneously I will be running the dishwasher non-stop to get all our dishes and glasses sqeaky clean. While all that is going on i'll be putting in some cupboard liners and filling the pantry and fridge to the brim. It will be so great to have all my "stuff" back and in its' proper place.
I'm just sooo excited!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Did it go fast?
Lately I've been preparing myself for our big move into our house, and all feelings and emotions aside, I thought to myself - it went fast. It feels like yesterday that Scott and I were still expecting our first child, on our way to the clam bake, and made the decision to stop into that model home. It feels like yesterday that we made the executive decision to put that call into Gail, and get our 'for sale' sign. It feels like yesterday when we got the 'your house is sold' call. It feels like yesterday that we signed the papers for our dream house to be built.
It all feels like it was yesterday, and then I realize that my baby is now seven and a half months old, and I am less than three weeks away from living in a house that is just about ready for us to move in. Can you believe how fast six months goes by? It's exciting, but so crazy and even a little sad. I'm not suggesting that I will miss living with my in-laws, or that I'll miss living out of boxes and sleeping in the same room as my daughter - so please don't think i'm that sad that it flew by!
We are finally seperated from our old house, too. Today I got the email verification that all the repairs done to the (old) garage were inspected and passed, which now mean that we get our money back from escrow. I'm excited, since it's a nice chunk of cash...but it's like the final break from the old house. We officially have nothing to do with it, our names aren't tied to it at all anymore, and it's time to move on.
I am getting prepared to be insanely busy with our new house though, with unpacking all the boxes that are waiting for us in our storage unit, doing all the laundry, and of course putting everything away. As much as I am stoked to have my own place again, I am definitely not looking forward to a week full of chores when we move in!
It all feels like it was yesterday, and then I realize that my baby is now seven and a half months old, and I am less than three weeks away from living in a house that is just about ready for us to move in. Can you believe how fast six months goes by? It's exciting, but so crazy and even a little sad. I'm not suggesting that I will miss living with my in-laws, or that I'll miss living out of boxes and sleeping in the same room as my daughter - so please don't think i'm that sad that it flew by!
We are finally seperated from our old house, too. Today I got the email verification that all the repairs done to the (old) garage were inspected and passed, which now mean that we get our money back from escrow. I'm excited, since it's a nice chunk of cash...but it's like the final break from the old house. We officially have nothing to do with it, our names aren't tied to it at all anymore, and it's time to move on.
I am getting prepared to be insanely busy with our new house though, with unpacking all the boxes that are waiting for us in our storage unit, doing all the laundry, and of course putting everything away. As much as I am stoked to have my own place again, I am definitely not looking forward to a week full of chores when we move in!
Under 20 days...time to update!
Last night my friend Melissa and I went to the house to see if we could still get in - and although the front door was locked, the garage door was still unlocked! We were able to just kind of hang out in there for a while, which although probably bored her to tears, it was so exciting for me! I felt like I was just hanging out in my house...which made leaving somewhat sad. Oh well, less than three weeks now!!!
While we were in the house our builder, Bill, dropped by. I kind of think that he was popping his head in just to make sure a nosey neighbor or someone other than the owner wasn't in there - but once he saw it was me he asked me about the doornob color. He said that he thinks all the doors should be the antique bronze - so that's what we ended up going with. I'm actually going to miss working with these folks, they're all so nice!
After we left my house we went on a short walk before going into the mansion two doors over. I can't see much progress (on the inside) than when I went in there a few weeks ago, but their siding and roof is on so progress is definitely being made. Also, the house across the street from us went up! Scott and I hadn't been over to the area in almost an entire week - so to see a whole house framed already was quite the surprise. It is the same 'model' house as the mansion, but it isn't nearly as large since they didn't go with the bonus room. It's still 3,000 square feet though!
All in all, it was a great evening. It had been far too long since Melissa and I got together, and it was nice to see the future home of our Wednesday Wine Nights! I'm honestly looking forward to all the get-togethers we will have in that house....I am just running out of patience!
While we were in the house our builder, Bill, dropped by. I kind of think that he was popping his head in just to make sure a nosey neighbor or someone other than the owner wasn't in there - but once he saw it was me he asked me about the doornob color. He said that he thinks all the doors should be the antique bronze - so that's what we ended up going with. I'm actually going to miss working with these folks, they're all so nice!
After we left my house we went on a short walk before going into the mansion two doors over. I can't see much progress (on the inside) than when I went in there a few weeks ago, but their siding and roof is on so progress is definitely being made. Also, the house across the street from us went up! Scott and I hadn't been over to the area in almost an entire week - so to see a whole house framed already was quite the surprise. It is the same 'model' house as the mansion, but it isn't nearly as large since they didn't go with the bonus room. It's still 3,000 square feet though!
All in all, it was a great evening. It had been far too long since Melissa and I got together, and it was nice to see the future home of our Wednesday Wine Nights! I'm honestly looking forward to all the get-togethers we will have in that house....I am just running out of patience!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Area rug drama...not fun!
The past few days I've been actively looking for an area rug for under our kitchen table. Since the flooring in the breakfast room is hardwood I want to protect it from all times you drag the chairs back and forth - I just don't want my new flooring to look worn and beat up too soon. The color theme I am using for the entire open area of the house, aka the entire main floor, is based off our family room couch - brown and orange. It just so happens to be my favorite color combination, which is probably why I picked the couch in the first place.
Anyway, the orange isn't a bright orange, it's more of a rust looking subdued orange - which is very difficult to match just perfectly, and believe me, it needs to match perfectly. I found an area rug yesterday that is a Candice Olson collection (from HGTV's series Divine Design), that is sold through Kohl's, but it is over $1,000 - and I don't think i'm allowed to spend that much on a rug. I did tell Scott that I'd buy the rug if I ever got an extra 30% off coupon, but then of course I went home yesterday and really did get a 30% off coupon (ironic, right?)
Long story short, I am trying my best to find a rug that isn't as expensive, but how come nothing else would fit the bill nearly as well? This is so frustrating for me since I always am attracted to the things that cost the most :(
Here's the rug...it's beautiful, and perfect, right?! http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/furnitureandhomedecor/rugs/contemporary/PRD~c23193/Surya+Candice+Olson+Modern+Classics+Floral+Rug.jsp
Anyway, the orange isn't a bright orange, it's more of a rust looking subdued orange - which is very difficult to match just perfectly, and believe me, it needs to match perfectly. I found an area rug yesterday that is a Candice Olson collection (from HGTV's series Divine Design), that is sold through Kohl's, but it is over $1,000 - and I don't think i'm allowed to spend that much on a rug. I did tell Scott that I'd buy the rug if I ever got an extra 30% off coupon, but then of course I went home yesterday and really did get a 30% off coupon (ironic, right?)
Long story short, I am trying my best to find a rug that isn't as expensive, but how come nothing else would fit the bill nearly as well? This is so frustrating for me since I always am attracted to the things that cost the most :(
Here's the rug...it's beautiful, and perfect, right?! http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/furnitureandhomedecor/rugs/contemporary/PRD~c23193/Surya+Candice+Olson+Modern+Classics+Floral+Rug.jsp
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Getting the utilities set up!
I never thought i'd be so excited to set up all my utilities, especially since utilites aren't free! Today I tackled DirecTV and Time Warner for internet. Just those two took me over an hour between comparing and making sure I was selecting the right package.
We finally decided on DirecTV as our source of cable TV, and I am so excited because we get the NFL ticket for the entire 2011 season free of charge!!! (Let's just hope there IS an NFL season!) With the ticket you get every single football game, so you're not stuck watching whatever lousy game they are broadcasting in your area. My only concern is that I'm going to fall in love with being able to watch all the games that I will end up buying the ticket next year for a whopping $350 - yikes!
As our source of internet, we chose to go with Time Warner Cable. Since I work at home I opted for the "turbo" internet speed. It was the higher of the two options, but is needed since my job relies on the internet.
All in all I am very happy with our selections and hopefully tomorrow i'll tackle the electric and gas companies. Somehow those utilities just aren't as fun!
We finally decided on DirecTV as our source of cable TV, and I am so excited because we get the NFL ticket for the entire 2011 season free of charge!!! (Let's just hope there IS an NFL season!) With the ticket you get every single football game, so you're not stuck watching whatever lousy game they are broadcasting in your area. My only concern is that I'm going to fall in love with being able to watch all the games that I will end up buying the ticket next year for a whopping $350 - yikes!
As our source of internet, we chose to go with Time Warner Cable. Since I work at home I opted for the "turbo" internet speed. It was the higher of the two options, but is needed since my job relies on the internet.
All in all I am very happy with our selections and hopefully tomorrow i'll tackle the electric and gas companies. Somehow those utilities just aren't as fun!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Anxiety...
This past weekend was so enjoyable - we went out to dinner on Friday and then listened to a live band. Went to Marblehead on Saturday and spent time on the boat and the islands, and just relaxed the entire time. It truly was really peaceful, but the entire time I kept thinking about our house.
I feel like every day I grow more and more anxious to get those keys to my house and begin the moving process. I can't wait for the weekend after we get our keys when we get our new fridge and bedroom set, and I can't wait to not have to live with my in-laws!
It will be so fabulous to make healthy meals again, and to watch whatever TV we want. I've been printing out recipes I want to try like a mad man, you should seriously see the stack of things I want to try making! I just want to have our lives back again, and being in our new house is the first step towards that goal. It will be so great to do things on our own accord, which sounds corny but is something that you take for granted once you've been on your own.
I am hoping that my anxiety calms down a bit, but something tells me i'll probably continue to be so excited until we finally get settled into our new place.
In addition, I am looking forward to some days off of work...come on August third!
I feel like every day I grow more and more anxious to get those keys to my house and begin the moving process. I can't wait for the weekend after we get our keys when we get our new fridge and bedroom set, and I can't wait to not have to live with my in-laws!
It will be so fabulous to make healthy meals again, and to watch whatever TV we want. I've been printing out recipes I want to try like a mad man, you should seriously see the stack of things I want to try making! I just want to have our lives back again, and being in our new house is the first step towards that goal. It will be so great to do things on our own accord, which sounds corny but is something that you take for granted once you've been on your own.
I am hoping that my anxiety calms down a bit, but something tells me i'll probably continue to be so excited until we finally get settled into our new place.
In addition, I am looking forward to some days off of work...come on August third!
My Bedroom Set!
Apparently I forgot to report that I will be the proud owner of an actual bedroom set come August 6th! Last weekend Scott and I went to Levin's to check out their sales since they were advertising "unreal deals." I wasn't all that interested in going since I had my heart set on the Paula Deen one, but I was open to checking things out.
Scott and I were pretty set on a collection called Borano, http://www.levinfurniture.com/p-1397-borano-collection.aspx, but I just couldn't get used to how small the handles on everything were. It was just odd and confusing, instead of having nice sized handles to pull. I did however like the lingerie tower thingy, but not enough to spend a few thousand dollars on it.
Just as we were about to head out of the store we both looked to our left and saw a set we both actually liked! It's called the Rockland collection, http://www.levinfurniture.com/p-1700-rockland-collection.aspx, and we LOVE it! What is great about it, is that the bedroom "package" includes the bed, the long dresser, the mirror, and a nightstand. So, we (obviously) got the package, but in addition we also purchased the tall chest for Scott and the media table/chest for our TV! While we had to pay a small fortune for the tall chest we got the steal of the century on the media chest - from $599 down to $99 with the purchase of the bedroom set! I am so happy to finally have a real bedroom set, not just a bunch of random pieces of furniture we call our bedroom furniture!
I do think it's quite ironic that the finish of the set is called Merlot! Anyway, I am really pleased with our selection, and if it has the quality of other pieces we've purchased from Levin's, then I think i'll be really happy.
Scott and I were pretty set on a collection called Borano, http://www.levinfurniture.com/p-1397-borano-collection.aspx, but I just couldn't get used to how small the handles on everything were. It was just odd and confusing, instead of having nice sized handles to pull. I did however like the lingerie tower thingy, but not enough to spend a few thousand dollars on it.
Just as we were about to head out of the store we both looked to our left and saw a set we both actually liked! It's called the Rockland collection, http://www.levinfurniture.com/p-1700-rockland-collection.aspx, and we LOVE it! What is great about it, is that the bedroom "package" includes the bed, the long dresser, the mirror, and a nightstand. So, we (obviously) got the package, but in addition we also purchased the tall chest for Scott and the media table/chest for our TV! While we had to pay a small fortune for the tall chest we got the steal of the century on the media chest - from $599 down to $99 with the purchase of the bedroom set! I am so happy to finally have a real bedroom set, not just a bunch of random pieces of furniture we call our bedroom furniture!
I do think it's quite ironic that the finish of the set is called Merlot! Anyway, I am really pleased with our selection, and if it has the quality of other pieces we've purchased from Levin's, then I think i'll be really happy.
Friday, July 8, 2011
I need a drink, and a more normal family...
I love my family dearly, but my gosh do they have their weird quirks. You know, when we moved out of our house and had to make a zillion trips to the storage unit not a single one of my family members offered to help. It was very disheartening and somewhat frustrating to Scott and I, maybe even to his family.
My husbands family on the other hand put in several hours helping us pack, box, and transport all of our belongings. I will admit right now that I was embarrassed that my family didn't lift a finger. It wasn't just that I was embarrassed, but I was humiliated in front of my husbands family that they were all helping while mine just continued on with their lives.
Fast forward five months and I'm on the phone with my mom when she asks if Scott can help lift a TV into my grandma's new place. I knew he'd be really mad at me if I didn't say something to her, so I confronted her saying "I know he'll help, but I just want to let you know that he wasn't too happy that you guys didn't help us, or even offer to help us."
You can only imagine how my insecure mother reacted. Holy jeeze. I love my mom, but her insecurities since she was a child can only be an excuse for so long. Before I knew it she was doing the horrible fake cry saying obnoxious things like "I've never felt as good as his (parents)." Oh. My. Gosh.
When I asked why she felt that way I got silence. Apparently she didn't want to elaborate; because, you know, that's what people do. You say something and then don't explain yourself. My frustration just about peaked at that point. For the next fifteen minutes we went round and round while my dad said completely ridiculous things in the background.
Don't get me wrong - I definitely felt bad saying this while my grandfather just passed away a week ago, but it was the timing of her asking us to help move things.
I think we all have insecurities, and it is how we deal with them that makes us all different. I personally have a very low insecurity level, but I do struggle with large group settings. Even giving presentations at work still scares the pants off me, but at some point you just have to suck it up and roll with it.
I feel bad for those who have deep insecurity issues where it creates paranoia and low self esteem. I'm not saying my mother is 'that' bad, but I do feel that her level of insecurity is way higher than mine.
Anyway, now it's time to enjoy the weekend....cheers!
My husbands family on the other hand put in several hours helping us pack, box, and transport all of our belongings. I will admit right now that I was embarrassed that my family didn't lift a finger. It wasn't just that I was embarrassed, but I was humiliated in front of my husbands family that they were all helping while mine just continued on with their lives.
Fast forward five months and I'm on the phone with my mom when she asks if Scott can help lift a TV into my grandma's new place. I knew he'd be really mad at me if I didn't say something to her, so I confronted her saying "I know he'll help, but I just want to let you know that he wasn't too happy that you guys didn't help us, or even offer to help us."
You can only imagine how my insecure mother reacted. Holy jeeze. I love my mom, but her insecurities since she was a child can only be an excuse for so long. Before I knew it she was doing the horrible fake cry saying obnoxious things like "I've never felt as good as his (parents)." Oh. My. Gosh.
When I asked why she felt that way I got silence. Apparently she didn't want to elaborate; because, you know, that's what people do. You say something and then don't explain yourself. My frustration just about peaked at that point. For the next fifteen minutes we went round and round while my dad said completely ridiculous things in the background.
Don't get me wrong - I definitely felt bad saying this while my grandfather just passed away a week ago, but it was the timing of her asking us to help move things.
I think we all have insecurities, and it is how we deal with them that makes us all different. I personally have a very low insecurity level, but I do struggle with large group settings. Even giving presentations at work still scares the pants off me, but at some point you just have to suck it up and roll with it.
I feel bad for those who have deep insecurity issues where it creates paranoia and low self esteem. I'm not saying my mother is 'that' bad, but I do feel that her level of insecurity is way higher than mine.
Anyway, now it's time to enjoy the weekend....cheers!
#25, 26 & 27 - a POWDER room!!
I still have no idea why they call it a powder room, but I'll agree that it sounds much more glorious than a half bathroom. I love this bathroom, and although it isn't a room we put many upgrades into I definitely see it being the most used bathroom in the house.
The upgrades in the room include the flooring (hardwood), the toilet (elongated), and the light fixture (antique bronze).
I've always liked the idea of having a bathroom for guests to use without there being a tub or shower in there. Like, oh don't mind all the stuff that's behind the curtain - you know, the pantene and gillette, and my razor! It will be a bathroom I can decorate all cute for every season and it will be relatively easy to keep clean since it's only about 5 by 5. I also like the fact that it's down a hallway away from the kitchen. Personally, I think it's mildy disgusting when the 'powder room' is off the kitchen. Oh, you just took a dump? The kitchen would smell fantastic! HA!
Anyway, I'm stoked about the half bath - it's something I never had before, and have truly always wanted!
The upgrades in the room include the flooring (hardwood), the toilet (elongated), and the light fixture (antique bronze).
I've always liked the idea of having a bathroom for guests to use without there being a tub or shower in there. Like, oh don't mind all the stuff that's behind the curtain - you know, the pantene and gillette, and my razor! It will be a bathroom I can decorate all cute for every season and it will be relatively easy to keep clean since it's only about 5 by 5. I also like the fact that it's down a hallway away from the kitchen. Personally, I think it's mildy disgusting when the 'powder room' is off the kitchen. Oh, you just took a dump? The kitchen would smell fantastic! HA!
Anyway, I'm stoked about the half bath - it's something I never had before, and have truly always wanted!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
I want outta here!!!
I am so sick of living under my in-laws roof. I used to love their house, and at one point considered going to their place on Sundays to be enjoyable. Now I just feel like pulling my hair out 24/7 and screaming. Not having my stuff and my life and my happiness is really eating at me today, and I'm actually not too sure why. Nothing significant or unusual with the family happened today, it was just a bad day all around which made for emotions to run high.
Work was absolutely awful, as I launched a project which always makes for a hectic day. In addition I had to get a metrics report done for some higher-ups as well as some web site changes. To make matters worse I was still having serious wireless internet issues that I finally got resolved after being on the phone with the help desk for two hours. Yes, it was that awesome of a day.
Somehow after having that kind of a day 'at' work I wasn't in a very pleasant mood. I showered afterwards thinking that would help melt some stress away, but no such luck. I did however get lucky and was able to sneak in a nap in while the baby napped. I don't even know what I would have done without that!
I won't get into the details of all the family drama, but bottom line is that i'm tired of living here. If I could move into my new house now with no a/c or carpet, I probably would. I love my in-laws dearly, and in some ways will actually miss living with my sister in law, but to actually live under someone elses roof is just not for me these days.
Having my own house is something I pride myself on. I felt the pride in my apartment and my house - it was just my own space where I could do what I wanted, how I wanted, and when I wanted to. I haven't a clue how kids who go to college come back and live with their 'rents again, although I am aware that is a totally different circumstance than a forty year old still living at home.
Anyway, I have been extremely bad about writing a countdown post, but I will compensate for it tomorrow. I just wasn't in the mood to write anything pleasant tonight, which you may have been able to tell!
Work was absolutely awful, as I launched a project which always makes for a hectic day. In addition I had to get a metrics report done for some higher-ups as well as some web site changes. To make matters worse I was still having serious wireless internet issues that I finally got resolved after being on the phone with the help desk for two hours. Yes, it was that awesome of a day.
Somehow after having that kind of a day 'at' work I wasn't in a very pleasant mood. I showered afterwards thinking that would help melt some stress away, but no such luck. I did however get lucky and was able to sneak in a nap in while the baby napped. I don't even know what I would have done without that!
I won't get into the details of all the family drama, but bottom line is that i'm tired of living here. If I could move into my new house now with no a/c or carpet, I probably would. I love my in-laws dearly, and in some ways will actually miss living with my sister in law, but to actually live under someone elses roof is just not for me these days.
Having my own house is something I pride myself on. I felt the pride in my apartment and my house - it was just my own space where I could do what I wanted, how I wanted, and when I wanted to. I haven't a clue how kids who go to college come back and live with their 'rents again, although I am aware that is a totally different circumstance than a forty year old still living at home.
Anyway, I have been extremely bad about writing a countdown post, but I will compensate for it tomorrow. I just wasn't in the mood to write anything pleasant tonight, which you may have been able to tell!
It's all coming together now!
I drove over to our house yesterday and was excited to see the front door was being painted! Not only because the color came out better than I had anticipated, but because it meant I could get in the house!
A lot has been done on the inside, the outlet on the mantel was replaced, the cabinet with a scratch was replaced, the hardwood flooring was re-done so it now connects and goes all the way from the front entry through the powder room, hallway, breakfast room, kitchen, and mudroom with no breaks. The toilets were put in, along with all the faucets in the bathrooms, and all the doors now have hardware.
I am so glad the hardwood flooring was fixed, because it really makes the space look a thousand time larger and it just looks so much better. I actually feel like the rooms looks more spacious once flooring goes in, so it should be interesting when the carpeting arrives.
Everything looks fabulous except for the finishes on all the doornobs. We selected antique bronze for all the rooms except for the bathrooms - where we selected brushed nickel. All of the doornobs are currently brushed nickel. This is actually something that seems odd to me, since they took off the old doornob that was antique broze, and apparently didn't think anything weird as they replaced it with a brushed nickel one. Whatever, it just needs to be corrected, i'm not going to get worked up over it.
A lot has been done on the inside, the outlet on the mantel was replaced, the cabinet with a scratch was replaced, the hardwood flooring was re-done so it now connects and goes all the way from the front entry through the powder room, hallway, breakfast room, kitchen, and mudroom with no breaks. The toilets were put in, along with all the faucets in the bathrooms, and all the doors now have hardware.
I am so glad the hardwood flooring was fixed, because it really makes the space look a thousand time larger and it just looks so much better. I actually feel like the rooms looks more spacious once flooring goes in, so it should be interesting when the carpeting arrives.
Everything looks fabulous except for the finishes on all the doornobs. We selected antique bronze for all the rooms except for the bathrooms - where we selected brushed nickel. All of the doornobs are currently brushed nickel. This is actually something that seems odd to me, since they took off the old doornob that was antique broze, and apparently didn't think anything weird as they replaced it with a brushed nickel one. Whatever, it just needs to be corrected, i'm not going to get worked up over it.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
It's beginning to feel real!
I just scheduled the movers to deliver our belonging to our house on August 8th! I can hardly believe that we are getting close to having our own home again, it just makes me so happy :)
We are having the fridge and the bedroom set delivered on August 6th, and I plan to do the grocery shopping that same weekend. I *may* even buy the canned goods prior to then just so my first grocery bill doesn't ring up at $500! I feel like it's been an eternity since we've had our own place to call home and not be bothered by family members 24/7. I love our families - I just don't like seeing them every day, you know?
Scott and I are also beginnng to check out and compare Dish Network and DirecTV. I think we are both leaning towards DirecTV since we could get the NFL ticket. Okay, I admitt that it's more me that wants the NFL ticket - but this way we'd never be forced to watch a lousy football game just because it's what the area is offering!
We also found out today that the builders are hoping to have our house 100% finished by the end of this week - including the flooring, finishes, appliances, etc. Unfortunately, that probably means that sometime this week our house will be locked until we get the keys :(
We are having the fridge and the bedroom set delivered on August 6th, and I plan to do the grocery shopping that same weekend. I *may* even buy the canned goods prior to then just so my first grocery bill doesn't ring up at $500! I feel like it's been an eternity since we've had our own place to call home and not be bothered by family members 24/7. I love our families - I just don't like seeing them every day, you know?
Scott and I are also beginnng to check out and compare Dish Network and DirecTV. I think we are both leaning towards DirecTV since we could get the NFL ticket. Okay, I admitt that it's more me that wants the NFL ticket - but this way we'd never be forced to watch a lousy football game just because it's what the area is offering!
We also found out today that the builders are hoping to have our house 100% finished by the end of this week - including the flooring, finishes, appliances, etc. Unfortunately, that probably means that sometime this week our house will be locked until we get the keys :(
#28-32...well worth it!
As you may have already guessed, I was extremely busy this weekend since it was the fourth of July weekend, and there was a lot going on that kept me from writing. Today's post covers five days on the countdown though so it needed to be about something really good. That something really good is the family/great room.
Although tiring I will again compare it to my old house, where the family room was a glorified shoe box and other than housing our sectional, it didn't have much purpose. The family room in our new place is nearly double in size and will not only fit our sectional, but everything else I want in it too!
If you know me, then you know that my favorite holiday is Christmas. There is nothing better than bringing out all my decorations and having cinnamon scented candles fill the air. The one thing that I look forward to every year is setting up my village and pretending like it is a real place where people do nothing but sip hot chocolate and sit in front of fireplaces. When the sun goes down at 5pm I turn all the lights off, light up the village and stare for hours.
In addition, I will be able to have my Christmas tree up and not have to walk around it, or bump into it every time I go in and out of the room. I won't feel clostrophobic when my Christmas decorations are out, and won't feel rushed to put them away just so I can have room to breathe again.
Our family room is really big (19 by 16), and it will probably seem even larger since we won't have to use a TV stand as our TV is being mounted above the fireplace. I am so eager to cozy up on MY couch again, watch MY shows, and be in MY own family room!
I. CAN'T.WAIT :)
Although tiring I will again compare it to my old house, where the family room was a glorified shoe box and other than housing our sectional, it didn't have much purpose. The family room in our new place is nearly double in size and will not only fit our sectional, but everything else I want in it too!
If you know me, then you know that my favorite holiday is Christmas. There is nothing better than bringing out all my decorations and having cinnamon scented candles fill the air. The one thing that I look forward to every year is setting up my village and pretending like it is a real place where people do nothing but sip hot chocolate and sit in front of fireplaces. When the sun goes down at 5pm I turn all the lights off, light up the village and stare for hours.
In addition, I will be able to have my Christmas tree up and not have to walk around it, or bump into it every time I go in and out of the room. I won't feel clostrophobic when my Christmas decorations are out, and won't feel rushed to put them away just so I can have room to breathe again.
Our family room is really big (19 by 16), and it will probably seem even larger since we won't have to use a TV stand as our TV is being mounted above the fireplace. I am so eager to cozy up on MY couch again, watch MY shows, and be in MY own family room!
I. CAN'T.WAIT :)
Monday, July 4, 2011
Long weekend - ever feel this way?
Today is the fourth of July, and we just got home from my parents house where we had a cookout to cap off the long weekend. I feel terribly guilty saying this, but I was bored out of my mind. Although I love my family dearly, they are beginning to get extremely bland. Going over there tonight we barely had any conversation, and when there was any it revolved solely around the baby.
I understand that when there is a baby involved that many people focus on the "oh, how cute!'s," but let me tell you - there is only so much of that. My dad wasn't home since he was visiting his mother, and my mother had absolutely nothing to contribute to any conversation. Our fourth of July "party" was so lame that it made me feel bad that we didn't join Scott's family up at Marblehead for another day. I hate feeling this way, because it makes me feel like i'd rather hang out with a family other than mine, but when it is so boring with my own family I can't help it.
Part of me wants to tell my mom that we really need to 'spice things up,' and do more exciting things than grill burgers and stare at my daughter, but as far as I know there really isn't a tactful way of saying that.
I'm not sure when the boring-ness started, but I'd have to peg it on when my dad lost his job of nearly thirty years. Ever since then my parents have gotten extremely frugal and haven't made any effort to have a good time. No more fun, elaborate vacations, which is sad since they could go just the two of them these days. No more anything. My dad needs to stop delivering newspapers, and they need to get a hobby. They need to do things like Scott's parents, get a place up in Marblehead, enjoy Put-in-Bay, etc. They just need something to do.
Anyway, that was totally off-topic, but I needed to let it out since it's on my mind and I feel bad about it. Tomorrow will be a big post on our house - hooray!
I understand that when there is a baby involved that many people focus on the "oh, how cute!'s," but let me tell you - there is only so much of that. My dad wasn't home since he was visiting his mother, and my mother had absolutely nothing to contribute to any conversation. Our fourth of July "party" was so lame that it made me feel bad that we didn't join Scott's family up at Marblehead for another day. I hate feeling this way, because it makes me feel like i'd rather hang out with a family other than mine, but when it is so boring with my own family I can't help it.
Part of me wants to tell my mom that we really need to 'spice things up,' and do more exciting things than grill burgers and stare at my daughter, but as far as I know there really isn't a tactful way of saying that.
I'm not sure when the boring-ness started, but I'd have to peg it on when my dad lost his job of nearly thirty years. Ever since then my parents have gotten extremely frugal and haven't made any effort to have a good time. No more fun, elaborate vacations, which is sad since they could go just the two of them these days. No more anything. My dad needs to stop delivering newspapers, and they need to get a hobby. They need to do things like Scott's parents, get a place up in Marblehead, enjoy Put-in-Bay, etc. They just need something to do.
Anyway, that was totally off-topic, but I needed to let it out since it's on my mind and I feel bad about it. Tomorrow will be a big post on our house - hooray!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
#33, an update, and the neighbors castle
Now that our interest rate is officially locked in I am getting excited about the actual move. It will be so nice to not have to 'pack' anything since all our belongings are already boxed away in our storage unit. All we'll have to do is pick our stuff up from the storage unit and drive it to our new place!
I am visioning myself putting the baby in her jumperoo in the family room while I put stuff away in the kitchen and wash all the towels and linens in the laundry room - it will be glorious! Both Scott and I took the entire week after we get the keys off of work, but I am seriously considering taking the following Monday off as well, since I haven't taken any days off since I went back to work in February.
#33 belongs to something i've sincerely missed since being in my apartment - a sliding glass door.
When I lived in my apartment I was on the third floor and had a gigantic sliding glass door. I loved having the door open, especially in the evening when all the cool summer and crisp fall air would flow in. In my single days, I looked forward to my Monday nights when i'd get home from work and make myself dinner, shower, pour myself a glass of wine, open the door, and watch the Bachelor. It sounds completely ridiculous that i'd be excited about a sliding glass door - but it is a really nice thing to have.
In other news, yesterday I went in our neighbors house that just got framed and it is gigantic! It seriously makes my house look dinky, as it is nearly 3500 square feet! The main floor is mostly the same concept as ours, in terms of how the kitchen goes into the breakfast room goes into the family room - but that is just about the only thing that is similar. Their house has a split staircase, a vaulted family room ceiling, and it looks as if they are going to have the optional 'bonus' room upstairs as well, although I can't tell for sure yet.
Sometimes I wonder, "what would you even do with a house that large?" Then I think "oh, I know what i'd do!" lol
I am visioning myself putting the baby in her jumperoo in the family room while I put stuff away in the kitchen and wash all the towels and linens in the laundry room - it will be glorious! Both Scott and I took the entire week after we get the keys off of work, but I am seriously considering taking the following Monday off as well, since I haven't taken any days off since I went back to work in February.
#33 belongs to something i've sincerely missed since being in my apartment - a sliding glass door.
When I lived in my apartment I was on the third floor and had a gigantic sliding glass door. I loved having the door open, especially in the evening when all the cool summer and crisp fall air would flow in. In my single days, I looked forward to my Monday nights when i'd get home from work and make myself dinner, shower, pour myself a glass of wine, open the door, and watch the Bachelor. It sounds completely ridiculous that i'd be excited about a sliding glass door - but it is a really nice thing to have.
In other news, yesterday I went in our neighbors house that just got framed and it is gigantic! It seriously makes my house look dinky, as it is nearly 3500 square feet! The main floor is mostly the same concept as ours, in terms of how the kitchen goes into the breakfast room goes into the family room - but that is just about the only thing that is similar. Their house has a split staircase, a vaulted family room ceiling, and it looks as if they are going to have the optional 'bonus' room upstairs as well, although I can't tell for sure yet.
Sometimes I wonder, "what would you even do with a house that large?" Then I think "oh, I know what i'd do!" lol
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
OMG - We did it!
Okay, so technically we didn't do anything - but we officially locked ourselves in at 4.25%!!!!! OMG, OMG, OMG! That is 2% less than what our first mortgage was at, and it makes or mortgage payment sooo much lower than previously calculated at the original 5%. Now I could dwell on how we should have taken full closing costs rather than locking in our rate right away, but I am SO HAPPY that we got the 4.25%!
When the lender called me she initially stated 4.5% was the best she could do, but since i've been doing my due diligence in the matter I got her to come down to 4.25%. The only think we have to do is bring an additional 1% of our mortgage to the table on August 3rd. It's fine by me! BIG savings, huge, actually.
Can you tell I'm completely excited right now? I am so incredibly happy!!! :)
When the lender called me she initially stated 4.5% was the best she could do, but since i've been doing my due diligence in the matter I got her to come down to 4.25%. The only think we have to do is bring an additional 1% of our mortgage to the table on August 3rd. It's fine by me! BIG savings, huge, actually.
Can you tell I'm completely excited right now? I am so incredibly happy!!! :)
#34 & 35- My new fridge!
Last night we bought our fridge! We decided on the Samsung 28 cu. ft. french door with the flex-drawer - it is beautiful! I am so in love with it that it makes me feel 'okay' with the fact I had to leave my other fridge at my old house.
Here it is in all its' glory:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung+-+28.0+Cu.+Ft.+French+Door+Refrigerator+-+Stainless-Steel/9790988.p?id=1218175547555&skuId=9790988
I love the fourth door (drawer in the middle) as it's counter-height so all the things you use the most can go in there so you're not constantly opening the main part of the fridge letting out all the cold air. In the drawer you can actually stand cans of pop upright, lay bottles of wine flat, and nothing will roll since there is a flex bar that creates four compartments of size that is your choice! It is also on a separate temperature as you can program the drawer custom for wine/cheese/deli trays, etc.
The freezer is equally as glamorous, as there is actually a "pizza door" - a vertical slot expecially for frozen pizzas! Ahhhhh....Samsung must've known my constant dilema of where to put a frozen pizza!
Our fridge arrives on August 6th, the Saturday after we get the keys - and I almost want to start a countdown just for the fridge...I am so excited for my kitchen! :)
Here it is in all its' glory:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung+-+28.0+Cu.+Ft.+French+Door+Refrigerator+-+Stainless-Steel/9790988.p?id=1218175547555&skuId=9790988
I love the fourth door (drawer in the middle) as it's counter-height so all the things you use the most can go in there so you're not constantly opening the main part of the fridge letting out all the cold air. In the drawer you can actually stand cans of pop upright, lay bottles of wine flat, and nothing will roll since there is a flex bar that creates four compartments of size that is your choice! It is also on a separate temperature as you can program the drawer custom for wine/cheese/deli trays, etc.
The freezer is equally as glamorous, as there is actually a "pizza door" - a vertical slot expecially for frozen pizzas! Ahhhhh....Samsung must've known my constant dilema of where to put a frozen pizza!
Our fridge arrives on August 6th, the Saturday after we get the keys - and I almost want to start a countdown just for the fridge...I am so excited for my kitchen! :)
A small gripe
Well, it's official - our builder has done something wrong. I know they'll fix it, but it's just so upsetting to go over to the house and see something very wrong.
Our hardwood flooring is in the foyer, hallway, closet, half bath, breakfast room, kitchen, and mudroom. Since it is an open floorplan the hardwood flooring connects the entire house except for the family room and office (those are carpeted). Anyway, when I showed up yesterday I was so excited to see the brown paper over the floor in the foyer - that is, I was excited. I looked further and low and behold they didn't connect the flooring from the breakfast room to the hallway. Instead, there is a five foot span where carpet would go. Don't even get me started on how rediculous that is. It doesn't even make sense!
Needless to say anything else, we will be calling the builder today to let him know that it needs to be corrected.
On a positive note, the slate tile was put in around the fireplace and it looks absolutely divine. The vinyl flooring also looks great in the upstairs bathrooms and the laundry room. I was a bit concerned that it wouldn't look good up against the cabinets in the bathrooms, but actually I think it compliments the cabinetry quite well.
Today will be a busy day for me though, so I opted to work from home the entire day instead of half the day. We've got family coming in town, and so I want to get cleaning and laundry done while working. I am in desperate need for this long weekend coming up - and it's getting harder and harder to not take vacation days prior to getting our keys!
Our hardwood flooring is in the foyer, hallway, closet, half bath, breakfast room, kitchen, and mudroom. Since it is an open floorplan the hardwood flooring connects the entire house except for the family room and office (those are carpeted). Anyway, when I showed up yesterday I was so excited to see the brown paper over the floor in the foyer - that is, I was excited. I looked further and low and behold they didn't connect the flooring from the breakfast room to the hallway. Instead, there is a five foot span where carpet would go. Don't even get me started on how rediculous that is. It doesn't even make sense!
Needless to say anything else, we will be calling the builder today to let him know that it needs to be corrected.
On a positive note, the slate tile was put in around the fireplace and it looks absolutely divine. The vinyl flooring also looks great in the upstairs bathrooms and the laundry room. I was a bit concerned that it wouldn't look good up against the cabinets in the bathrooms, but actually I think it compliments the cabinetry quite well.
Today will be a busy day for me though, so I opted to work from home the entire day instead of half the day. We've got family coming in town, and so I want to get cleaning and laundry done while working. I am in desperate need for this long weekend coming up - and it's getting harder and harder to not take vacation days prior to getting our keys!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Feeling better, great update!
Yesterday after work Scott went to the gym and I went to the house. I honestly wasn't expecting much else to be done since Scott's update to me was that this week they were going to paint and put the counters in. Clearly either the builder or Scott left some other "small" details out.
When I pulled up to my house there were three conversion vans parked outside, and about fourty contractors in my house. Some were hauling stuff into the house, some into the garage, some were painting, and some were getting ready to install the vinyl flooring in the laundry room and bathroom upstairs. I was blown away by how much is apparently getting done this week. Not only is all the painting done, and the vinyl flooring being installed, but the appliances are all in the garage as well as all our light fixtures. My jaw is still dropped!
I wasn't planning on going to the house every day this week, but considering it's going to be locked up soon I don't think i'll miss a day!
So while the later part of my evening got hectic, it was a great day for progress around the house :)
When I pulled up to my house there were three conversion vans parked outside, and about fourty contractors in my house. Some were hauling stuff into the house, some into the garage, some were painting, and some were getting ready to install the vinyl flooring in the laundry room and bathroom upstairs. I was blown away by how much is apparently getting done this week. Not only is all the painting done, and the vinyl flooring being installed, but the appliances are all in the garage as well as all our light fixtures. My jaw is still dropped!
I wasn't planning on going to the house every day this week, but considering it's going to be locked up soon I don't think i'll miss a day!
So while the later part of my evening got hectic, it was a great day for progress around the house :)
Monday, June 27, 2011
Really? REALLY?!?!?!?!?
Tonight is starting out awful. Miserable, actually.
Apparently 9pm is when you climb on the roof to blow all the $hit off of it, and starting mopping the kitchen f-ing floor. They don't care. I am 100% convinced that they don't give two f-ing cents. I'm sure they'd like if the baby stayed asleep for us, but I really don't think they're about to help us out by being courteous and not doing chores at 9 at night.
I can't freaking wait to move out of this nightmare, and sadly I am the only one in it. Scott didn't do anything to help the matter this evening, and instead decided to be on some stupid, juvenile sports skype show for some kids to make himself feel important. I am so incredibly sick of all of this right now.
I want to go home.
Apparently 9pm is when you climb on the roof to blow all the $hit off of it, and starting mopping the kitchen f-ing floor. They don't care. I am 100% convinced that they don't give two f-ing cents. I'm sure they'd like if the baby stayed asleep for us, but I really don't think they're about to help us out by being courteous and not doing chores at 9 at night.
I can't freaking wait to move out of this nightmare, and sadly I am the only one in it. Scott didn't do anything to help the matter this evening, and instead decided to be on some stupid, juvenile sports skype show for some kids to make himself feel important. I am so incredibly sick of all of this right now.
I want to go home.
Sweet Deal - I love Kohls!
I meant to mention this in my earlier post today, but I found and purchased a bench for our mudroom/entry room from the garage into the house.
Thursday, my mom and I went up to Kohls in search of new jammies for my chubby little princess. While I didn't find any jammies for her, I did end up finding a "storage bench" that would look and fit perfectly in the space that I have for it. It was $159 though, and I wanted Scott to see it first before I bought it. I did have an extra 20% off coupon though, so it would have cost me $127 - which I thought was a fair price.
The very next night, Friday, Scott and I went up to Kohls and I went to show him the bench and it was on a "power hours" special for $79!!!! I also took my MIL's coupon, which was 30% off, so I ended up getting the bench for $55 :)
Thursday, my mom and I went up to Kohls in search of new jammies for my chubby little princess. While I didn't find any jammies for her, I did end up finding a "storage bench" that would look and fit perfectly in the space that I have for it. It was $159 though, and I wanted Scott to see it first before I bought it. I did have an extra 20% off coupon though, so it would have cost me $127 - which I thought was a fair price.
The very next night, Friday, Scott and I went up to Kohls and I went to show him the bench and it was on a "power hours" special for $79!!!! I also took my MIL's coupon, which was 30% off, so I ended up getting the bench for $55 :)
#36, 37, & 38 with a small update :)
I have decided that I sort of enjoyed grouping countdown dates together when it came to my countdown, so here is another multi-date countdown entry. The number 36, 37, & 38 all belong to my kitchen.
Words cannot possibly express how excited I am for my kitchen. It is one of two rooms that we did not skimp on any upgrades, and I am so glad we didn't. My last kitchen was updated, but no matter how much updating you do you can never (without tons of money) make it bigger or change the structure or layout. I have always had small and very dysfunctional kitchens (with the exception of when I lived at home). In our apartments we were constantly working in a small space with no counter space, or in the worst cases didn't have a dishwasher or garbage disposal - so that should give you a better idea as to how ready I am to have a gorgeous kitchen.
By no means is our kitchen gigantic, like one of those kitchens on 'biggest bang for your buck,' but it is huge to me! As mentioned before, this was one of the two rooms in our house where we didn't settle for anything that came standard. Since we decided against having a dining room we extended the breakfast room another foot, so our breakfast room is 13'10" by 10'6", which if you have no idea how to compare that, it's a huge breakfast room. We upgraded the flooring in both rooms (since they are essentially one huge space) to have hardwood flooring. Not laminate, not vinyl - hardwood. We also upgraded the lighting package so the kitchen has recessed lighting, and the small chandelier above the kitchen table is the dark oil rubbed bronze finish. The countertops were upgraded to granite, the sink was (automatically upgraded) to an undermount deep extra wide stainless, then we upgraded the faucet to match. We also chose a higher-end stainless appliance package, the island, upgraded cabinets with the hi-lo option and crown molding, above the cabinet lighting and also added a few extra outlets on top of the twenty-some that come standard. I mean, really - we did not skimp.
I don't think my choice to upgrade everything in these rooms needs an explanation, but having a nice kitchen is a must these days - especially for those who love to cook and entertain - and even more so for those who love to cook while entertaining, which is me! At our old house it was a constant issue where i'd be upstairs cooking/preparing/getting things ready while everyone else was in the (downstairs) family room having a good time. No more of that! From August 3rd on there will be a buffet on the island, drinks on the counter, and ME, in the same space as everyone else! Can't August 3rd come a litter faster?!
Okay, I think ya'll get the drift that I'm excited for my kitchen. In other news, the interest rates are still low, so I am hoping that since July 3rd happens over the weekend that they'll let me lock in on Friday. We shall see! Also, countertops go in this week - hooray!
We are going tonight to check out a few refridgerators at Best Buy. There are a couple that we are interested in, but I am being kind of picky and want the best for the cheapest, so it's taking me a while to find what i'm looking for! Hopefully we will get a good deal on whatever it is we choose to go with!
Words cannot possibly express how excited I am for my kitchen. It is one of two rooms that we did not skimp on any upgrades, and I am so glad we didn't. My last kitchen was updated, but no matter how much updating you do you can never (without tons of money) make it bigger or change the structure or layout. I have always had small and very dysfunctional kitchens (with the exception of when I lived at home). In our apartments we were constantly working in a small space with no counter space, or in the worst cases didn't have a dishwasher or garbage disposal - so that should give you a better idea as to how ready I am to have a gorgeous kitchen.
By no means is our kitchen gigantic, like one of those kitchens on 'biggest bang for your buck,' but it is huge to me! As mentioned before, this was one of the two rooms in our house where we didn't settle for anything that came standard. Since we decided against having a dining room we extended the breakfast room another foot, so our breakfast room is 13'10" by 10'6", which if you have no idea how to compare that, it's a huge breakfast room. We upgraded the flooring in both rooms (since they are essentially one huge space) to have hardwood flooring. Not laminate, not vinyl - hardwood. We also upgraded the lighting package so the kitchen has recessed lighting, and the small chandelier above the kitchen table is the dark oil rubbed bronze finish. The countertops were upgraded to granite, the sink was (automatically upgraded) to an undermount deep extra wide stainless, then we upgraded the faucet to match. We also chose a higher-end stainless appliance package, the island, upgraded cabinets with the hi-lo option and crown molding, above the cabinet lighting and also added a few extra outlets on top of the twenty-some that come standard. I mean, really - we did not skimp.
I don't think my choice to upgrade everything in these rooms needs an explanation, but having a nice kitchen is a must these days - especially for those who love to cook and entertain - and even more so for those who love to cook while entertaining, which is me! At our old house it was a constant issue where i'd be upstairs cooking/preparing/getting things ready while everyone else was in the (downstairs) family room having a good time. No more of that! From August 3rd on there will be a buffet on the island, drinks on the counter, and ME, in the same space as everyone else! Can't August 3rd come a litter faster?!
Okay, I think ya'll get the drift that I'm excited for my kitchen. In other news, the interest rates are still low, so I am hoping that since July 3rd happens over the weekend that they'll let me lock in on Friday. We shall see! Also, countertops go in this week - hooray!
We are going tonight to check out a few refridgerators at Best Buy. There are a couple that we are interested in, but I am being kind of picky and want the best for the cheapest, so it's taking me a while to find what i'm looking for! Hopefully we will get a good deal on whatever it is we choose to go with!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Awesome Update!
I'm not going to lie - I kind of forgot what my house was going to look like. It's one of those things, where we looked at the model home almost five months ago, and I kind of forgot just how gorgeous the house is! As we get further and further into the 'finishes' though, it is all coming back. Now I remember what the cabinets look like (because they're in the house), now I remember how sleek and sexy those pillars are in the office and family room. Now I remember how gigantic and gorgeous our master bath is. I LOVE our house - I honestly love, love, love everything about it!
Next week they are finishing the painting, and by the end of the week we will have all our countertops installed! Seems like once that drywall goes up they really start flying. Every day is something new, and that is so exciting.
Since we are officially at the weekend now, we have successfully made it another week at the low interest rate of 4.25%. I am hoping, praying that it can just stay that low for another eight days and then i'll be the happiest girl ever :)
Also, I realized yesterday that without buying a bedroom set, I do not have a dresser to put clothes in. This is an issue that needs a well thought out solution prior to us moving into our house. I was able to get away with not having a dresser at our last house because we put in a built-in closet system with drawers, but since we have a massive walk-in closet this time around we aren't doing the closet system thing. So, looks like I might have to get the bedroom set before the kitchen table, which I can't say i'm too happy about. Oh well, one thing at a time!
Friday, June 24, 2011
#39 & 40 - Who Has Dirty Laundry?
Somehow I managed to forget doing my countdown post yesterday, but that's alright because the next thing is completely worth two days worth of posts. Keep in mind that although these items are numbered, they aren't in order of what I am most excited about - I'm simply working my way through the house.
With that being said, numbers 39 and 40 belong to my first floor laundry room! I'm sure the novelty will wear off after a few months but I am feeling very hopeful that I will "like" to do laundry with it being on the main floor. HA - right, I know? I felt the same optimistic feeling about liking to do laundry when we first got our new washer and dryer. I washed everything in the house, even if it was clean - and two weeks later I had laundry piling up!
On the "home" front with the roomies, the same issues still exist. When you're not a parent (of small children) you just don't get it. I keep telling myself that we only have 39 more days until we get our keys, and at that point I really don't care if i'm sleeping on the floor - i'm going to stay at MY house! I can't believe we only have 39 days left though, I've never typed it out like that and it feels really good!!! I also can't wait to be off of work for a while - i'm in desperate need of a vacation, but am saving my days off for the move, my daughters birth-day, the day after Thanksgiving, and a couple days around the holidays.
This is sad, but I actually just looked at my leave days, and realized I have more than I thought! I also realized that my daughters birthday is on Tuesday, Thanksgiving is on Thursday, and I plan to take off on Friday (the day after), so maybe i'll just take off from Tuesday through the end of the week!!! Oh, wow - I think I just got too excited, hahaha :) I <3 days off, what can I say?
Okay, time to get some stuff done - cheers to the weekend being here!!
With that being said, numbers 39 and 40 belong to my first floor laundry room! I'm sure the novelty will wear off after a few months but I am feeling very hopeful that I will "like" to do laundry with it being on the main floor. HA - right, I know? I felt the same optimistic feeling about liking to do laundry when we first got our new washer and dryer. I washed everything in the house, even if it was clean - and two weeks later I had laundry piling up!
On the "home" front with the roomies, the same issues still exist. When you're not a parent (of small children) you just don't get it. I keep telling myself that we only have 39 more days until we get our keys, and at that point I really don't care if i'm sleeping on the floor - i'm going to stay at MY house! I can't believe we only have 39 days left though, I've never typed it out like that and it feels really good!!! I also can't wait to be off of work for a while - i'm in desperate need of a vacation, but am saving my days off for the move, my daughters birth-day, the day after Thanksgiving, and a couple days around the holidays.
This is sad, but I actually just looked at my leave days, and realized I have more than I thought! I also realized that my daughters birthday is on Tuesday, Thanksgiving is on Thursday, and I plan to take off on Friday (the day after), so maybe i'll just take off from Tuesday through the end of the week!!! Oh, wow - I think I just got too excited, hahaha :) I <3 days off, what can I say?
Okay, time to get some stuff done - cheers to the weekend being here!!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Cabinets, Bernanke, and Ten More Days
I am in such a great mood today, because I have absolutely nothing to be in a bad mood about. When we pulled up to our house yesterday I immediately noticed that the garage was completely empty. So either someone stole all our cabinets, doors, and molding - or, it was all installed. Fortunately it was the latter option. Yes, our cabinets are hung! Yes, our molding and baseboards have been put up! Yes, all our doors are in! I am hoping that our builder calls today to let us know what the next step is, because I'm getting all crazy excited. There is nothing better than being able to see our house be built - and in some ways I can't even believe that it really is our house. Eek!!!
In other news, yesterday Ben Bernanke resigned. That name may not even ring a bell to some, but you can thank him for all the ridiculously low interest rates we are currently able to lock in at. With him resigning I am feeling nervous about our interest rate, even though it is only ten more days until we can re-lock in. The next ten days will be very tense for me - fortunately I don't think (Bernankes) replacement will do anything crazy in the next ten days, and it isn't really ten days because of weekends and the holiday. Oh, so nerve-wrecking!
In other news, yesterday Ben Bernanke resigned. That name may not even ring a bell to some, but you can thank him for all the ridiculously low interest rates we are currently able to lock in at. With him resigning I am feeling nervous about our interest rate, even though it is only ten more days until we can re-lock in. The next ten days will be very tense for me - fortunately I don't think (Bernankes) replacement will do anything crazy in the next ten days, and it isn't really ten days because of weekends and the holiday. Oh, so nerve-wrecking!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
#41 - The Roof
This is probably the last thing anyone would say they are looking forward to about their new house, but I am here to say I am looking forward to my roof a great deal. More often than not when you purchase a home the roof has already been on the house for quite a while - sometimes the roof is even nearing it's lifetime. With a brand new home though, you get a brand new roof - which in turn means no need to be spending up to $10K on a new roof anytime soon! Our old house had a nine year old roof on it when we purchased the house, and although at the time we bought it I didn't think anything of it, by the time we sold the house it was thirteen years old and shingles were already beginning to fall off.
A standard roof typically lasts anywhere between 15 and 20 years, and the three-dimentional roofes are said to last about 18 to 22 years. We didn't opt for the higher end one, but if we get a full 15-20 years out of the one we chose I'll be happy.
The "big things" in a house are so expensive, and I am so glad that we *shouldn't* have to replace any of it for at least 15 years. Things that are really important to make sure are new(er) in a home are:
-Roof, including the flashing and gutters
-Furnace
-Central Air Conditioning
-Hot Water Tank
-Driveway, including walk-ways and porches
-Siding
-Brick/Stone facade - made sure none of the bricks or stones are beginning to crumble
All of those things are insanely expensive, and if possible try and look for a home with all of those items that are updated. If they aren't updated, and you really like the house, try to negotiate those item to be replaced in the contract. It's not uncommon for a buyer to offer on a home, but add a disclaimer that the owner is to replace the furnace, repair the driveway, etc. I know from experience that I wish we had requested to have a new roof put on our garage (at our last house).
A standard roof typically lasts anywhere between 15 and 20 years, and the three-dimentional roofes are said to last about 18 to 22 years. We didn't opt for the higher end one, but if we get a full 15-20 years out of the one we chose I'll be happy.
The "big things" in a house are so expensive, and I am so glad that we *shouldn't* have to replace any of it for at least 15 years. Things that are really important to make sure are new(er) in a home are:
-Roof, including the flashing and gutters
-Furnace
-Central Air Conditioning
-Hot Water Tank
-Driveway, including walk-ways and porches
-Siding
-Brick/Stone facade - made sure none of the bricks or stones are beginning to crumble
All of those things are insanely expensive, and if possible try and look for a home with all of those items that are updated. If they aren't updated, and you really like the house, try to negotiate those item to be replaced in the contract. It's not uncommon for a buyer to offer on a home, but add a disclaimer that the owner is to replace the furnace, repair the driveway, etc. I know from experience that I wish we had requested to have a new roof put on our garage (at our last house).
Sharing things, and other frustrations
Just when things started improving on the home-front, reality set back in. I went home last night with full intentions of doing laundry after swim practice. That didn't happen. See, when you live with other people you have to share - and that includes time with the washer and dryer.
I typically squeeze our laundry in between when all the rest of the folks use it, but lately it seems they use it every hour of every day. Even when they aren't using it, they tend to leave undies and white's in the machines and I don't exactly feel comfortable moving those types of things around.
So I decided not to get too worked up about it, and thought i'd do laundry today when I get home this afternoon - guess what?! They're doing more laundry today!!! I actually think it was easier doing laundry at my apartment, even though I had to share with multiple families. I can't wait to have my own washer and dryer again, this sharing business is unreal.
Furthering my frustrations last night, my husbands mother decided she would create a very awkward scene. When asking what we were doing the following night (tonight), we responded "going to the Indians game." Which led to her saying that she would watch the baby. We like taking the baby to games though, as it's family friendly and she enjoys being out and about, so we politely declined but made sure to say 'thanks anyway.' A mere two minutes later she said "you really should leave her here - we'll be home and I can watch her." Finally I was left saying "we want to take her, really, but thanks anyway." I mean, do I have to spell it out? I think she was mad, because when I was trying to put the baby to bed about 15 minutes later she made sure to be very loud while walking around in the kitchen.
If I said no thanks the first time, it's not going to change when you ask me a second time! Ugh...how many more days?!
I typically squeeze our laundry in between when all the rest of the folks use it, but lately it seems they use it every hour of every day. Even when they aren't using it, they tend to leave undies and white's in the machines and I don't exactly feel comfortable moving those types of things around.
So I decided not to get too worked up about it, and thought i'd do laundry today when I get home this afternoon - guess what?! They're doing more laundry today!!! I actually think it was easier doing laundry at my apartment, even though I had to share with multiple families. I can't wait to have my own washer and dryer again, this sharing business is unreal.
Furthering my frustrations last night, my husbands mother decided she would create a very awkward scene. When asking what we were doing the following night (tonight), we responded "going to the Indians game." Which led to her saying that she would watch the baby. We like taking the baby to games though, as it's family friendly and she enjoys being out and about, so we politely declined but made sure to say 'thanks anyway.' A mere two minutes later she said "you really should leave her here - we'll be home and I can watch her." Finally I was left saying "we want to take her, really, but thanks anyway." I mean, do I have to spell it out? I think she was mad, because when I was trying to put the baby to bed about 15 minutes later she made sure to be very loud while walking around in the kitchen.
If I said no thanks the first time, it's not going to change when you ask me a second time! Ugh...how many more days?!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
#42 - The Mailbox, and a worthless update
I warn you this will be a boring post. #42 on the countdown goes to the mailbox numbered 734 Nola Drive. I do realize that most people would not even fathom putting their mailbox on a countdown of things they are excited about, but it absolutely delights me!
At our previous home, we had a mailbox that was attached to the front of our house. Everytime it rained or snowed the mail would also get wet or snowy. Prior to our house we had apartments, where you shared a "wall-o-mailboxes" with everyone and their mothers, and had to carry around a key just to access your mail. It was even worse when you'd open the darn thing up and all it was was junk. Nothing about our experiences with mailboxes was pleasant, and that is why I am so excited for a real mailbox.
On the update front, there is nothing to report. I was very underwhelmed yesterday when we visited the house. Absolutely nothing further had been done - the cabinets, molding, and doors were all still sitting in the garage. I'm not concerned in the least about the house not being ready by August 3rd - they've committed to that date, but it still would have been nice to see some progress.
Tonight is going to be a little hectic, so i'm not sure if we'll be popping over for a check-up. Scott has some sort of softball tryout for corporate challenge day, and I have swim lessons with my little lady. It will be a nice evening for certain (if the rain stops), but if time permits I will definitely be taking a drive over!
At our previous home, we had a mailbox that was attached to the front of our house. Everytime it rained or snowed the mail would also get wet or snowy. Prior to our house we had apartments, where you shared a "wall-o-mailboxes" with everyone and their mothers, and had to carry around a key just to access your mail. It was even worse when you'd open the darn thing up and all it was was junk. Nothing about our experiences with mailboxes was pleasant, and that is why I am so excited for a real mailbox.
On the update front, there is nothing to report. I was very underwhelmed yesterday when we visited the house. Absolutely nothing further had been done - the cabinets, molding, and doors were all still sitting in the garage. I'm not concerned in the least about the house not being ready by August 3rd - they've committed to that date, but it still would have been nice to see some progress.
Tonight is going to be a little hectic, so i'm not sure if we'll be popping over for a check-up. Scott has some sort of softball tryout for corporate challenge day, and I have swim lessons with my little lady. It will be a nice evening for certain (if the rain stops), but if time permits I will definitely be taking a drive over!
Monday, June 20, 2011
#45, 44, & 43 - the Attached Garage!
So apparently I feel that the weekends don't count as countdown days, which I guess is a good thing since I realized today that we only have 43 more days left until we get our keys! Since today's countdown post covers three days I figured I would make it about something that really excites me, which is why I chose the attached garage.
Anyone who has ever a detached garage, or had to park outside and scrape off their cars, or lug groceries up and down the driveway or stairs could most definitely relate to how I feel about my attached garage. I've been through it all - I parked outside at my parents house, I parked outside at my apartment, I had a detached garage at my first house, I've lugged the groceries up and down the driveway, and up the staircase two flights. I'm ready. I'm ready to pull into my garage as It's pouring down rain or snowing two feet, and being dry, never having to "run into the house," or try catching a break in the storm. Never again will I be dreading grocery shopping because I have to carry all dozen bags up the stairs or down my driveway. This is a big deal to me - a huge deal, actually. Which is why it deserves a three day span on the countdown.
I will never take for granted having an attached garage, because it is something that I've never had before, and know just how much it means to have.
So, tonight I am going to drop off an anniversary card at my parents house (it's their 30th!), and then I'm going to swing by the house to check out any progress. I must admit, going there every day does get depressing - especially when little or no work gets done, but I just can't help myself! I'm crossing my fingers for a huge production day!
Anyone who has ever a detached garage, or had to park outside and scrape off their cars, or lug groceries up and down the driveway or stairs could most definitely relate to how I feel about my attached garage. I've been through it all - I parked outside at my parents house, I parked outside at my apartment, I had a detached garage at my first house, I've lugged the groceries up and down the driveway, and up the staircase two flights. I'm ready. I'm ready to pull into my garage as It's pouring down rain or snowing two feet, and being dry, never having to "run into the house," or try catching a break in the storm. Never again will I be dreading grocery shopping because I have to carry all dozen bags up the stairs or down my driveway. This is a big deal to me - a huge deal, actually. Which is why it deserves a three day span on the countdown.
I will never take for granted having an attached garage, because it is something that I've never had before, and know just how much it means to have.
So, tonight I am going to drop off an anniversary card at my parents house (it's their 30th!), and then I'm going to swing by the house to check out any progress. I must admit, going there every day does get depressing - especially when little or no work gets done, but I just can't help myself! I'm crossing my fingers for a huge production day!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Successful Fathers Day and Exciting Week Ahead!
Today was the first extremely successful Fathers Day in the history of Fathers Days since Scott and I have been together. My dad was really happy with his shorts and polo we bought him (very nice Izod golf wear), and Scott's dad is absolutely in love with the tea pot we bought him. Sounds silly, but he loves his tea in the morning and the pot he was using was so poorly designed that you couldn't take it off the burner with your bare hands. He has thanked us about half a dozen times - and he doesn't do that unless he really likes something. Yay!
As for the house this week, it's going to be a very busy and exciting week. The doors, molding, cabinets and paint all takes place this week! I am so excited that it's starting to look more and more like a "real" home every time we go by. Unfortunately, I am not quite sure when I am going to be able to get there aside from tomorrow evening. Tuesday we have swim class, Wednesday the tribe game, Thursday we might be going to the rib burn-off, and then before we know it, it'll be Friday! On second hand, maybe that's not something to complain about!
As for the house this week, it's going to be a very busy and exciting week. The doors, molding, cabinets and paint all takes place this week! I am so excited that it's starting to look more and more like a "real" home every time we go by. Unfortunately, I am not quite sure when I am going to be able to get there aside from tomorrow evening. Tuesday we have swim class, Wednesday the tribe game, Thursday we might be going to the rib burn-off, and then before we know it, it'll be Friday! On second hand, maybe that's not something to complain about!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
A busy day, a relaxing evening
Today was extremely busy, but turned out to be enjoyable none-the-less. We woke up a bit earlier than we would have wanted to, but we all know that sleeping in isn't exactly our decision anymore. I am hoping that tomorrow we are allowed to sleep in a little longer!
The day was great though, I made breakfast and then we got ready for the day while the little miss took a nap. Then we headed out to Bed Bath & Beyond and bought my FIL's fathers day gift before heading to Target for a few items. Our trips to Target have turned pretty much become all about the baby. In fact I can hardly remember what we used to spend our money on at Target before she was born. For example, today we needed: formula, bottle liners, baby food, makeup, floss and a graduation card. Let me tell you, formula is just insanely expensive. I was going to switch her from Similac to the Target Up & Up brand, but felt guilty since I still have a few Similac coupons left. So I just sucked it up and spent the ungodly amount. I have a few more coupons left, which should get us to the beginning of August, and then i'll switch her to the store brand. I know it's probably the same exact stuff, but I just can't make the switch.
Anyway, after going to Target we went to Macy's for the other Fathers Day gift, and then decided to take a nice long walk in the Metroparks with little miss. She absolutely loves cruising in her stroller. I think it's super cute how she looks like she is in charge when she's getting pushed in her stroller.
After our walk we came home and got ready for the graduation parties. We didn't stay very long at the first one, probably only about an hour, and then the second one for about three hours. Both were very nice and relaxing. I can't believe tomorrow is Sunday - how come the weekends go so fast?!
I am looking forward to this week though especially in regards to the progress on the house. Paint, cabinets, doorframes, molding and flooring definitely sounds appealing to me! I am ready for the "five weeks of finishes!" YAY!
The day was great though, I made breakfast and then we got ready for the day while the little miss took a nap. Then we headed out to Bed Bath & Beyond and bought my FIL's fathers day gift before heading to Target for a few items. Our trips to Target have turned pretty much become all about the baby. In fact I can hardly remember what we used to spend our money on at Target before she was born. For example, today we needed: formula, bottle liners, baby food, makeup, floss and a graduation card. Let me tell you, formula is just insanely expensive. I was going to switch her from Similac to the Target Up & Up brand, but felt guilty since I still have a few Similac coupons left. So I just sucked it up and spent the ungodly amount. I have a few more coupons left, which should get us to the beginning of August, and then i'll switch her to the store brand. I know it's probably the same exact stuff, but I just can't make the switch.
Anyway, after going to Target we went to Macy's for the other Fathers Day gift, and then decided to take a nice long walk in the Metroparks with little miss. She absolutely loves cruising in her stroller. I think it's super cute how she looks like she is in charge when she's getting pushed in her stroller.
After our walk we came home and got ready for the graduation parties. We didn't stay very long at the first one, probably only about an hour, and then the second one for about three hours. Both were very nice and relaxing. I can't believe tomorrow is Sunday - how come the weekends go so fast?!
I am looking forward to this week though especially in regards to the progress on the house. Paint, cabinets, doorframes, molding and flooring definitely sounds appealing to me! I am ready for the "five weeks of finishes!" YAY!
Friday, June 17, 2011
What kind of blog is this, anyway?
It's a Friday night and I should be out tonight. Unfortunately a chain of events led to me not being out tonight. Instead I am blogging for the third time today about the same stuff I've already said. I'm coming to terms with the fact that this is becoming less and less of a home building blog, and more into a new age diary for me. I'm also coming to the terms that I am just fine with that.
Scott got home from work extremely early today, so we had dinner at 5:30, and then went to the house. We were told that the only thing that got done was the primer on the walls, but when we walked in there was actual paint! I actually think it's just the first coat of paint, and then they did the ceilings, so that's why they didn't say painting was done. Whatever - it looks like a real house now, that is just really empty with no flooring. Either that or a foreclosed home that was owned by a family of thirty Indians.
After visiting the house we went to Divits so Scott could hit a few softballs to practice for his corporate challenge softball series next weekend. He hasn't participated in four years, so I know he is excited for it. Afterwards we went to the ice cream place for a snack before heading home. It was at that point that my lady parts began hurting. Hurting may not actually describe the pain - it literally felt like someone was punching me down there repeatedly. Anyone who knows me knows I never, ever take any sort of Advil, Ibuprofen, etc., and I took TWO. It has been fifteen minutes and I am just starting to feel better.
That isn't why I didn't make it out tonight though. Unfortunately, another prime example of how life changes after having a baby - someone had to stay home with her and get her to bed. That someone was me. It's okay though, she's worth it ;) Actually, things would have been very different if it was two months from now and we were in our house. I would have just had my mom come over and put her to bed and she could watch TV at our place for a couple hours, BUT, I live here. So that wasn't about to happen. In addition, my mom just got home from Florida this late afternoon, so i'm sure she wouldn't have been up for it.
Are you beginning to see how this blog is turning more and more into a diary? It's actually kind of sad, that I can't just write about one thing.
Okay, enough - time for me to figure out what else is on TV now that the baseball game is almost over.
Scott got home from work extremely early today, so we had dinner at 5:30, and then went to the house. We were told that the only thing that got done was the primer on the walls, but when we walked in there was actual paint! I actually think it's just the first coat of paint, and then they did the ceilings, so that's why they didn't say painting was done. Whatever - it looks like a real house now, that is just really empty with no flooring. Either that or a foreclosed home that was owned by a family of thirty Indians.
After visiting the house we went to Divits so Scott could hit a few softballs to practice for his corporate challenge softball series next weekend. He hasn't participated in four years, so I know he is excited for it. Afterwards we went to the ice cream place for a snack before heading home. It was at that point that my lady parts began hurting. Hurting may not actually describe the pain - it literally felt like someone was punching me down there repeatedly. Anyone who knows me knows I never, ever take any sort of Advil, Ibuprofen, etc., and I took TWO. It has been fifteen minutes and I am just starting to feel better.
That isn't why I didn't make it out tonight though. Unfortunately, another prime example of how life changes after having a baby - someone had to stay home with her and get her to bed. That someone was me. It's okay though, she's worth it ;) Actually, things would have been very different if it was two months from now and we were in our house. I would have just had my mom come over and put her to bed and she could watch TV at our place for a couple hours, BUT, I live here. So that wasn't about to happen. In addition, my mom just got home from Florida this late afternoon, so i'm sure she wouldn't have been up for it.
Are you beginning to see how this blog is turning more and more into a diary? It's actually kind of sad, that I can't just write about one thing.
Okay, enough - time for me to figure out what else is on TV now that the baseball game is almost over.
The forecast for next week
Our builder, Dan, called Scott a bit ago. He wanted to let us know what is being done today and what they plan on doing next week. Today they are priming the walls. I don't know if it's really worth us going over there today, but maybe we'll go tomorrow morning, and take a walk around the neighborhood?
Next week the plan is to put up all the baseboard molding, the doors to all the bedrooms and bathroom, hang the cabinets in the kitchen and baths, and paint the house. Phew - that's a lot of stuff!
Every week further into this process our house looks more and more like a home. Seeing the cabinets hung next week will make me so happy. One of the things I am most looking forward to is the kitchen - I absolutely cannot wait to have my own kitchen again. Cook my own food again. Jeeze, the list goes on and on. I think the kitchen is the the room with the most upgrades, but I wouldn't have it any other way. The kitchen really is where everyone gathers these days, and the finishes can make or break it.
I'm not going to keep droaning on and on, but I was happy to hear the update and the plan for the coming week!
Next week the plan is to put up all the baseboard molding, the doors to all the bedrooms and bathroom, hang the cabinets in the kitchen and baths, and paint the house. Phew - that's a lot of stuff!
Every week further into this process our house looks more and more like a home. Seeing the cabinets hung next week will make me so happy. One of the things I am most looking forward to is the kitchen - I absolutely cannot wait to have my own kitchen again. Cook my own food again. Jeeze, the list goes on and on. I think the kitchen is the the room with the most upgrades, but I wouldn't have it any other way. The kitchen really is where everyone gathers these days, and the finishes can make or break it.
I'm not going to keep droaning on and on, but I was happy to hear the update and the plan for the coming week!
#46 - the Driveway, and a short update
#46 on my countdown of things I am looking forward to is the driveway. At our first house the driveway was quite bizzare. It was a single car width near the street, and by the time it reached the garage it was 2.5 cars wide. I definitely didn't mind it, but it will certainly be nice to have a double wide driveway from start to finish! Plus, it will be brand new concrete - so no different elevations, cracks, etc. for the forseable future!
My only update on the house is that all of the paint has been delivered and is waiting for the painters in the kitchen. I was hoping to see cabinets hung when we walked in yesterday, but I guess that the paint goes on first, then the cabinets. I keep telling myself to be patient - that our final date is final, so no matter the order of the building process it WILL be ours on August 3rd, but it's very difficult to be so calm about it - I want it now!
In other news, our friends Eric and his wife Deanna just bought a house. Their first home experience is quite similar to that of our first home. They bought a year before us, and it was also a small, cramped house that they will never recoup the money put into it. The house they bought is a very nice cape-cod style home, with an open floorplan, a beautiful kitchen, and two bedrooms on the first, and second floors. I am so happy for them, even though I know they are probably hoping their first house sells quickly now. They probably saw interest rates and couldn't pass it up! lol, speaking of...
Rates are still at 4.25%, so I only have 16 more days of crossing my fingers. I do have to say, that part is stressful. I know we locked in at 5%, but that .75% equally a ton of money in our monthly mortgage payment!
Well, folks, that's all the update for now. I am hoping Scott hears from the builder today about what to expect next weeks' progress to be!
My only update on the house is that all of the paint has been delivered and is waiting for the painters in the kitchen. I was hoping to see cabinets hung when we walked in yesterday, but I guess that the paint goes on first, then the cabinets. I keep telling myself to be patient - that our final date is final, so no matter the order of the building process it WILL be ours on August 3rd, but it's very difficult to be so calm about it - I want it now!
In other news, our friends Eric and his wife Deanna just bought a house. Their first home experience is quite similar to that of our first home. They bought a year before us, and it was also a small, cramped house that they will never recoup the money put into it. The house they bought is a very nice cape-cod style home, with an open floorplan, a beautiful kitchen, and two bedrooms on the first, and second floors. I am so happy for them, even though I know they are probably hoping their first house sells quickly now. They probably saw interest rates and couldn't pass it up! lol, speaking of...
Rates are still at 4.25%, so I only have 16 more days of crossing my fingers. I do have to say, that part is stressful. I know we locked in at 5%, but that .75% equally a ton of money in our monthly mortgage payment!
Well, folks, that's all the update for now. I am hoping Scott hears from the builder today about what to expect next weeks' progress to be!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
#47 - The Front Yard
The front yard is something that most people take for granted. If you want to get my perspective, well then buy a really small house on a really small lot with no front yard, live in it for three or four years, and then you should understand why I am writing so much about the yard(s).
I am really glad that we have a large front yard, not only does it give me more real estate to put holiday decorations on, but it gives us space from our neighbors. The space from our neighbors really bothered me at our last house. I constantly felt like we were all living on top of one another.
Since today is Thursday I am hoping for a status update call from the builder (either Bill or Dan). They call on either Thursdays or Fridays depending on their schedules, and I am hoping to hear that maybe next week some of the flooring goes in. I know (from looking at other homes go up), that the hard flooring surfaces (laminate, tile, wood, etc) goes in pretty early, so maybe it will be next week! I love seeing the finishes we picked out go in the house!!!! Here are some of the finishes I am most excited about:
-The granite in the kitchen
-The slate around the fireplace
-The hardwood floors
-The light fixtures
-The master bath faucets
Words cannot possibly express how excited I am about our house - I am in love with it!
I am really glad that we have a large front yard, not only does it give me more real estate to put holiday decorations on, but it gives us space from our neighbors. The space from our neighbors really bothered me at our last house. I constantly felt like we were all living on top of one another.
Since today is Thursday I am hoping for a status update call from the builder (either Bill or Dan). They call on either Thursdays or Fridays depending on their schedules, and I am hoping to hear that maybe next week some of the flooring goes in. I know (from looking at other homes go up), that the hard flooring surfaces (laminate, tile, wood, etc) goes in pretty early, so maybe it will be next week! I love seeing the finishes we picked out go in the house!!!! Here are some of the finishes I am most excited about:
-The granite in the kitchen
-The slate around the fireplace
-The hardwood floors
-The light fixtures
-The master bath faucets
Words cannot possibly express how excited I am about our house - I am in love with it!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Today's update and a few randoms...
Tonight was actually okay on the homefront. The roomies didn't get home until much later than I did, and the hubby and I had some time where it was just the three of us (including our bambino), so all was good. That being said, I don't really know why i'm in a grumpy mood.
There was some super loud walking in the kitchen, along with the word "butter" about half a dozen times, but honestly I don't know what else could possibly be making me feel so irritable. Oh well...so here is the house update:
Scott and I took the babes and went by the house tonight. It appears that the contractors used today to sand all the walls, and also drop off more stuff into the garage. So now there are all our cabinets, all the doors to the bedrooms and such, and all the baseboard molding - all just sitting inside an unlocked house! I'm not concerned in the least bit, but it definitely seems kind of odd to me. Hopefully all that will be IN the house by the end of this week. I am keeping my fingers crossed!
In regards to my little miss, who is nearly seven months old but has thighs of a teenager, she is now in size 4 diapers! It seems so unreal to me, but it's true - no more size 3's! So I finally decided that since Pampers doesn't make the Swaddlers beyond size 3, that I would finally switch to Luvs. I have to say, I am pleasantly surprised. I was expecting the diapers to be ugly, and feel and perform cheaply, but they are actually quite nice. (I am aware that this is completely off-topic, but I figure i've probably lost any readers I could have possibly had, so why not at least make myself happy, right? )
On yet another completely unrelated topic, my job got the best of me today - I ended up signing back on for a good 20 minutes or so to get a few things taken care of. I really don't like signing on after i'm technically done for the day, but since I have the luxury of working from home half the time I feel it is justified. I am so incredibly fortunate to be able to work from home part-time, so I make sure to never take advantage of it.
Okay, I think that just about sums up my night. I'm going to bed!
There was some super loud walking in the kitchen, along with the word "butter" about half a dozen times, but honestly I don't know what else could possibly be making me feel so irritable. Oh well...so here is the house update:
Scott and I took the babes and went by the house tonight. It appears that the contractors used today to sand all the walls, and also drop off more stuff into the garage. So now there are all our cabinets, all the doors to the bedrooms and such, and all the baseboard molding - all just sitting inside an unlocked house! I'm not concerned in the least bit, but it definitely seems kind of odd to me. Hopefully all that will be IN the house by the end of this week. I am keeping my fingers crossed!
In regards to my little miss, who is nearly seven months old but has thighs of a teenager, she is now in size 4 diapers! It seems so unreal to me, but it's true - no more size 3's! So I finally decided that since Pampers doesn't make the Swaddlers beyond size 3, that I would finally switch to Luvs. I have to say, I am pleasantly surprised. I was expecting the diapers to be ugly, and feel and perform cheaply, but they are actually quite nice. (I am aware that this is completely off-topic, but I figure i've probably lost any readers I could have possibly had, so why not at least make myself happy, right? )
On yet another completely unrelated topic, my job got the best of me today - I ended up signing back on for a good 20 minutes or so to get a few things taken care of. I really don't like signing on after i'm technically done for the day, but since I have the luxury of working from home half the time I feel it is justified. I am so incredibly fortunate to be able to work from home part-time, so I make sure to never take advantage of it.
Okay, I think that just about sums up my night. I'm going to bed!
Another thing I miss....
My front-loader washer and dryer. I am doing laundry right now, using the in-laws "old school" style washer and dryer, which are not high efficiency and it feels so mechanical. I never thought much about having high efficiency appliances, but now that I am stuck using the old fashioned kind again I am realizing how much I enjoy the newer models.
With the high efficiency front load machines, each load takes quite a bit longer to wash, but it is worth it! These old machines take so much detergent!!!
Anyway, that was my mini-rant for the day, aside from the growing awkwardness with the in-laws while living here...
I am basically realizing that if things aren't done to my FIL's standards, they just aren't done. To be honest, I don't really think that "his way" is the best, but he seems to think that his way is the only way. I have control issues myself, but at least I am aware that there is more than just one way to do something. Like i've said several times before, I just can't wait to be in my own house again. I think at that point things will resume their good standings.
For the next 48 days though, I have to play by the rules and pick up ever spec of dust I leave behind ;)
With the high efficiency front load machines, each load takes quite a bit longer to wash, but it is worth it! These old machines take so much detergent!!!
Anyway, that was my mini-rant for the day, aside from the growing awkwardness with the in-laws while living here...
I am basically realizing that if things aren't done to my FIL's standards, they just aren't done. To be honest, I don't really think that "his way" is the best, but he seems to think that his way is the only way. I have control issues myself, but at least I am aware that there is more than just one way to do something. Like i've said several times before, I just can't wait to be in my own house again. I think at that point things will resume their good standings.
For the next 48 days though, I have to play by the rules and pick up ever spec of dust I leave behind ;)
#48 - The Side Yard
So as you may have noticed, I apparently couldn't count and we are really only 48 days away from getting our keys at this point! At least I was pleasantly surprised instead of disapointed!
#48 is definitely the side yard - it's huge! From the side of our house to where our property line ends is almost 55 feet, and is probably about 200 feet or so deep. Like I said in my last post, our previous house barely even had a yard, so this is very exciting stuff for us. I plan on this being where we eventually put a swingset for our daughter, as well as where we play cornhole in the summer. It's definitely a very nice amount of green space, and I plan to take full advantage of it!
One thing we will need to buy is a lawnmower, which is not a fun expense. We left our lawnmower at our old house because it was a hand-me-down from the owner of the house before us, and was a piece of junk. I don't plan on buying anything super fancy, but a nice new lawnmower with a bag will be glorious to me!
Last night I drove over to the house with Brooklyn. I noticed the garage door was shut, so I had to use the front door, no biggie. I walked in and noticed all of the drywall is done, and even better - all the cabinets are in the garage!!! For once I am beginning to feel like things are coming along. Now that the drywall is up it actually looks like a "real" house, and the cabinets are the first of many steps in the "finishing" process.
It will be good for me to see where the cabinets actually are in the kitchen. The bathrooms I'm not concerned, but the kitchen is key for me. I remember thinking in the model "this kitchen is so big," but now i'm thinking....hmmm....is it small? I don't think our kitchen is small, I just think it's hard to tell where things go when you're just looking at an empty space. I have serious issues with thinking everything is small, but it's very difficult for me to visualize the space allocation.
I'm not really sure why, but yesterday I decided to look at the dimensions of the model home in North Royalton. The houe is much larger than ours - at 3500 square feet, but the difference is that the home has a formal dining room and office. Our master bedroom is actually 50 square feet larger, and bedrooms #2,3&4 are all the same size as our spares. Same size bathrooms, same size family room, we have a bigger breakfast room, and the model has a slightly (very slightly) larger kitchen. I'm very happy with what we selected. To me it wouldn't be worth another $75,000 to have a formal dining room and office. JEEEEZZEEE....I'm too excited about having our own place again, I think i'm willing to sleep on the floor the first couple nights if needed!
#48 is definitely the side yard - it's huge! From the side of our house to where our property line ends is almost 55 feet, and is probably about 200 feet or so deep. Like I said in my last post, our previous house barely even had a yard, so this is very exciting stuff for us. I plan on this being where we eventually put a swingset for our daughter, as well as where we play cornhole in the summer. It's definitely a very nice amount of green space, and I plan to take full advantage of it!
One thing we will need to buy is a lawnmower, which is not a fun expense. We left our lawnmower at our old house because it was a hand-me-down from the owner of the house before us, and was a piece of junk. I don't plan on buying anything super fancy, but a nice new lawnmower with a bag will be glorious to me!
Last night I drove over to the house with Brooklyn. I noticed the garage door was shut, so I had to use the front door, no biggie. I walked in and noticed all of the drywall is done, and even better - all the cabinets are in the garage!!! For once I am beginning to feel like things are coming along. Now that the drywall is up it actually looks like a "real" house, and the cabinets are the first of many steps in the "finishing" process.
It will be good for me to see where the cabinets actually are in the kitchen. The bathrooms I'm not concerned, but the kitchen is key for me. I remember thinking in the model "this kitchen is so big," but now i'm thinking....hmmm....is it small? I don't think our kitchen is small, I just think it's hard to tell where things go when you're just looking at an empty space. I have serious issues with thinking everything is small, but it's very difficult for me to visualize the space allocation.
I'm not really sure why, but yesterday I decided to look at the dimensions of the model home in North Royalton. The houe is much larger than ours - at 3500 square feet, but the difference is that the home has a formal dining room and office. Our master bedroom is actually 50 square feet larger, and bedrooms #2,3&4 are all the same size as our spares. Same size bathrooms, same size family room, we have a bigger breakfast room, and the model has a slightly (very slightly) larger kitchen. I'm very happy with what we selected. To me it wouldn't be worth another $75,000 to have a formal dining room and office. JEEEEZZEEE....I'm too excited about having our own place again, I think i'm willing to sleep on the floor the first couple nights if needed!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
50 Days and Counting - FOP Pond
While yesterday's post was about our retention pond, today's post is about the much larger pond that is beyond the first layer of woods that our backyard has a clear view of. The much larger pond is the length of the entire street, and is owned by the FOP, whose lodge is in our backyard. The lodge is not visible, but their beautiful pond is. It is so serene and peaceful, and with no doubt in my mind will I spend many a nights just gazing at it from my master bath.
One of the reasons we chose the lot that we did was because of the wooded backyard with multiple ponds, which is all owned by the FOP. They have owned the land since the beginning of time, and according to our builder, the land is unable to be developed because of the dips and ponds. What does this mean you ask? Well, it means that we will never have people living behind us!
Although both my husband and I enjoy having neighbors, we both agree that after living in our old house, where the neighbors are only two feet away (literally), we needed space in our new house. We needed space from neighbors, and if we didn't have visibility of neighbors in every direction that would be even better.
I'm straying from the real feature of this post though, which is the large and beautiful pond. Ahh...peace and quiet - I am dreaming of having all my windows open, a breeze running through the house, carrying with it the fresh scents of spring and fall, and being able to enjoy all the views!
One of the reasons we chose the lot that we did was because of the wooded backyard with multiple ponds, which is all owned by the FOP. They have owned the land since the beginning of time, and according to our builder, the land is unable to be developed because of the dips and ponds. What does this mean you ask? Well, it means that we will never have people living behind us!
Although both my husband and I enjoy having neighbors, we both agree that after living in our old house, where the neighbors are only two feet away (literally), we needed space in our new house. We needed space from neighbors, and if we didn't have visibility of neighbors in every direction that would be even better.
I'm straying from the real feature of this post though, which is the large and beautiful pond. Ahh...peace and quiet - I am dreaming of having all my windows open, a breeze running through the house, carrying with it the fresh scents of spring and fall, and being able to enjoy all the views!
Is it intentional?
I am beginning to think they do it intentionally. Take your d@mn shoes off when you're walking in the kitchen!!!!! Why is it so freaking hard to be quiet when the baby is sleeping?!?!? I have never, ever seen (or heard) people walking in their kitchen back and forth, and opening every single cabinet and drawer so much!!! Aaarrrrgggghhhh!!!!! They really should stand down there while I go in the kitchen and pace around while pulling the trashcan out a zillion times, maybe at that point they'd get it!
As it may be quite obvious by this point, I am going crazy. I am so tired of not having my own space, my own kitchen, my own everything. August 3rd cannot come fast enough for me, even if it means that the summer will nearly be over - 50 days from today (stay tuned for the countdown post).
Last night Scott took the infant carseat out (sob), and installed the convertible seat for our bambino. I am so proud of him - as he didn't have his dad do it. I think that he's beginning to see that his dad is always crabby, so instead of pestering him, he just did it himself. You know, he didn't do a bad job! I'm really impressed the past few days, he's capable of a lot more than I give him credit for at times.
We didn't go by the house yesterday, but tonight Scott is going to be at a dinner and I'm going to be taking our little punkin' to swim class. Maybe after swimming we'll drive by the house before picking something (healthy) up for dinner. The nice thing is that we'll be coming home to an EMPTY house, since everyone is going to a concert tonight.
Can't wait to see my house, I think I will cry when I get those keys in my hands!
Monday, June 13, 2011
51 Days and Counting - Retention Pond
Tomorrow is a big day for us - we will officially be at the "50 days til we get the keys" mark! I was planning on starting the 'counting' posts at 50 days, but I figured that one extra wouldn't hurt anyone.
I'm going to start with things outside before working my way inside the house. So my #51 thing that I am looking forward to is - the retention pond.
We own approximately half of the retention pond. It's more like a retention basin, but to glamorize it a bit i'll call it a retention pond. It's a huge pond, which is the reason we only own half of it (the other half is technically in our neighbors yard). The pond doesn't have fish or any other livestock in it, and by the city's rules we can't put any in there, either.
At our last house we had a man-made pond - and after having a pond my husband said he wouldn't want a house without one, and I said I wouldn't want one ever again. I think the retention pond is the perfect compromise. He gets to have a pond, and I don't have to pay any money to keep it up. Instead we pay an association fee for people to maintain the "greens," which includes the ponds. Hooray! I also like the idea of having the pond for run-off reasons. Our backyard slopes downward towards the pond, therefor if we were to get heavy rain the water would run away from the house.
There aren't many reasons to be excited about the pond, which is why it is #51, but I do like how we can see it from all the windows in the back of the house. It makes the house feel like it's on a heavily wooded and private lot, which is exactly what I as looking for when we were "house-hunting."
I'm not sure if we're going to go by the house after work tonight since we have so much other stuff to get done, but if not tonight, then for sure i'll go tomorrow night. I love seeing progress, and hopefully by the end of this week i'll see some cabinetry. Hopefully!
I'm going to start with things outside before working my way inside the house. So my #51 thing that I am looking forward to is - the retention pond.
We own approximately half of the retention pond. It's more like a retention basin, but to glamorize it a bit i'll call it a retention pond. It's a huge pond, which is the reason we only own half of it (the other half is technically in our neighbors yard). The pond doesn't have fish or any other livestock in it, and by the city's rules we can't put any in there, either.
At our last house we had a man-made pond - and after having a pond my husband said he wouldn't want a house without one, and I said I wouldn't want one ever again. I think the retention pond is the perfect compromise. He gets to have a pond, and I don't have to pay any money to keep it up. Instead we pay an association fee for people to maintain the "greens," which includes the ponds. Hooray! I also like the idea of having the pond for run-off reasons. Our backyard slopes downward towards the pond, therefor if we were to get heavy rain the water would run away from the house.
There aren't many reasons to be excited about the pond, which is why it is #51, but I do like how we can see it from all the windows in the back of the house. It makes the house feel like it's on a heavily wooded and private lot, which is exactly what I as looking for when we were "house-hunting."
I'm not sure if we're going to go by the house after work tonight since we have so much other stuff to get done, but if not tonight, then for sure i'll go tomorrow night. I love seeing progress, and hopefully by the end of this week i'll see some cabinetry. Hopefully!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Random thoughts
Tonight I am feeling very anxious to get into our house, and for once it isn't being i'm super impatient. Living with people who just don't understand being quiet at night is getting very difficult.
Our friends who just moved back to Cleveland are living with her parents, and are expecting a baby in another month. For the longest time I thought, "just wait, you'll understand why you want to buy a house of your own in no time." That was until I saw the house (today). Her parent's house is beyond gorgeous in every way, shape, and form. On nine acres of land, this house is the perfect mix of newer and older all in one. Their furniture, flooring, and wall covering is distressed in the perfect way. I felt pings of jealousy every minute of every hour that I was in there. Apparently our friends have the entire third floor - and no, I didn't mean second floor - I mean, third floor. It makes me cringe just typing that. I can't believe that their set-up is so glorious. Oh well, I suppose that is how the other half lives! Haha!
On the way home from their house I stopped by our new house, and all of the drywall is hung, mudded, taped, and is now drying. It looks fabulous, although not nearly as fabulous as the mansion I had just come from. In all seriousness though it really did look great - I cannot wait to come home to it.
When you become a parent you get excited about different things than when it's just you and your significant other. Don't get me wrong - I still get excited about those things, too, but when you become a parent you get excited about the little things in life. It's weird - and if you're not a parent, don't judge!
I am excited about using my diaper genie again. Since my daughter started eating solid foods her poop diapers have become ferocious. I am also looking forward to giving her a bath in her own bathroom, so I don't have to keep worrying about leaving her tub, towel, and soaps out.
On a positive note, while I was busy at a baby shower today, my hubby cleaned our place and actually did a very good job. From now on when he gives me the famous "I don't know how to" when I ask him to clean, I'll know it's sheer bull, and will tell him "remember when...." yea, he knows how to clean!
Okay, time to folder yet more laundry while watching the tail end of the NBA finals game - Mavs vs. Heat. Being a Cleveland fan, I am definitely not cheering for the Heat... ;)
Our friends who just moved back to Cleveland are living with her parents, and are expecting a baby in another month. For the longest time I thought, "just wait, you'll understand why you want to buy a house of your own in no time." That was until I saw the house (today). Her parent's house is beyond gorgeous in every way, shape, and form. On nine acres of land, this house is the perfect mix of newer and older all in one. Their furniture, flooring, and wall covering is distressed in the perfect way. I felt pings of jealousy every minute of every hour that I was in there. Apparently our friends have the entire third floor - and no, I didn't mean second floor - I mean, third floor. It makes me cringe just typing that. I can't believe that their set-up is so glorious. Oh well, I suppose that is how the other half lives! Haha!
On the way home from their house I stopped by our new house, and all of the drywall is hung, mudded, taped, and is now drying. It looks fabulous, although not nearly as fabulous as the mansion I had just come from. In all seriousness though it really did look great - I cannot wait to come home to it.
When you become a parent you get excited about different things than when it's just you and your significant other. Don't get me wrong - I still get excited about those things, too, but when you become a parent you get excited about the little things in life. It's weird - and if you're not a parent, don't judge!
I am excited about using my diaper genie again. Since my daughter started eating solid foods her poop diapers have become ferocious. I am also looking forward to giving her a bath in her own bathroom, so I don't have to keep worrying about leaving her tub, towel, and soaps out.
On a positive note, while I was busy at a baby shower today, my hubby cleaned our place and actually did a very good job. From now on when he gives me the famous "I don't know how to" when I ask him to clean, I'll know it's sheer bull, and will tell him "remember when...." yea, he knows how to clean!
Okay, time to folder yet more laundry while watching the tail end of the NBA finals game - Mavs vs. Heat. Being a Cleveland fan, I am definitely not cheering for the Heat... ;)
Friday, June 10, 2011
Randomness
Well, it's Friday night at about 11pm., and we didn't make it to our house to check on the progress. It's okay, we were busy - but we will definitely have to get out there sometime this weekend to check things out! Our builder called late this afternoon to let us know that some contractors may actually be working tomorrow, I am assuming taping and mudding the drywall. Yay!
Our official close time is 9am on August 3rd, I am so excited about closing. I miss having my own place, doing my own things, having the freedom to do whatever, whenever, however. It will be so nice when we can put the baby in her nursery for the night and then have a couple glasses of wine while relaxing for the rest of the evening. Can't. Freaking. Wait.
On another note, I am so happy to be a mom. Not sure why I am feeling like a super sap right now, but I am so grateful to have such a happy and healthy baby. She really does mean the world to me - and I just love being able to hold her, squeeze her, and cuddle with her whenever I want.
After getting off of work today I was super tired, and it had been a couple hours since her last nap, so I was hoping she's take a nap with me. We went into the bedroom, cuddled together and slept for an hour and a half! I just love, and I mean LOVE taking naps with my babycakes. I LOVE MY DAUGHTER!!! :)
I am so thankful everyday for my lovely little family ~ and can't wait to share so many wonderful times in our new house!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Off topic, but it's on my mind...
This post is mainly just for me to get some feelings out, but is completely non-house related. This post is about my Grandpa, who is near the end of his life.
My mom's parents moved down to Florida (from Ohio) just a few short months before I was born, so 27 years ago. It was what they had always wanted to do after retirement and the kids were all married, on their own, and had families of their own.
For the first 15 years, they lived their dreams out - went dancing, golfing, traveling, cruising, and to all the shows their hearts desired. They were having the best times of their lives, and for our family vacations we were lucky to be a part of their dreams. I'll never forget all the times the five of us piled in our small car, and drove the twenty-some hours down to North Ft. Myers, Florida. I will always remember the games we played, like "who spies the first palm tree," while singing "100 bottles of beer." Those days were the greatest, and quite possibly some of my best childhood memories.
When we were down in Florida my grandparents were always so much fun - we'd always be going out to dinner, swimming, playing shuffle-board, riding the cool three wheel bikes, and shopping. They always had the biggest hearts and welcomed all of us with open arms when we'd come down. They truly are some of the most wonderful people I have ever met. I am not looking forward to the day when I have to write "they were some of the nicest people..." That day unfortunately, is coming very soon for my Grandpa.
My Grandpa, Ed, is a wonderful man. He suffered a heart attack a couple years ago, and since then hasn't really recovered. Now, about two years later he is near the end. A month ago he fell, and apparently since then has been bleeding from the brain. You don't need a doctorate to know that isn't a good thing.
He is ready for the end - in fact, I think he's been ready for quite some time. He didn't even want his bypass surgery a couple years ago, but went through with it for my Grandma. I can only hope that in fifty-some years Scott and I will be in their shoes. They lived a true love story.
Their story is so beautiful and inspiring to me, it just makes me thankful everyday to have my husband and my daughter in my life. Family is what life is all about - no amount of money could ever replace family.
I don't really know where i'm going with this, I guess I just needed a place to write my feelings down - and this is the only place I really have.
I pray for my Grandma, my mom and aunts, and most of all - my Grandpa. I pray that he isn't in pain, that he can say "I love you" just one more time to my mom, and that he is welcomed into Heaven and can watch over my Grandma to help her get through the days that lye ahead.
I'll miss you Grandpa, and I wish you could have met my daughter - but I know that you'll be watching over. We had some great times, and I'll always remember you as a wonderful Grandpa, the man I made a cane with, the cane that you ended up having to use. I'll miss you, I love you, and I wish...well, I wish the end never had to come.
I love you, Grandpa <3 xoxo
My mom's parents moved down to Florida (from Ohio) just a few short months before I was born, so 27 years ago. It was what they had always wanted to do after retirement and the kids were all married, on their own, and had families of their own.
For the first 15 years, they lived their dreams out - went dancing, golfing, traveling, cruising, and to all the shows their hearts desired. They were having the best times of their lives, and for our family vacations we were lucky to be a part of their dreams. I'll never forget all the times the five of us piled in our small car, and drove the twenty-some hours down to North Ft. Myers, Florida. I will always remember the games we played, like "who spies the first palm tree," while singing "100 bottles of beer." Those days were the greatest, and quite possibly some of my best childhood memories.
When we were down in Florida my grandparents were always so much fun - we'd always be going out to dinner, swimming, playing shuffle-board, riding the cool three wheel bikes, and shopping. They always had the biggest hearts and welcomed all of us with open arms when we'd come down. They truly are some of the most wonderful people I have ever met. I am not looking forward to the day when I have to write "they were some of the nicest people..." That day unfortunately, is coming very soon for my Grandpa.
My Grandpa, Ed, is a wonderful man. He suffered a heart attack a couple years ago, and since then hasn't really recovered. Now, about two years later he is near the end. A month ago he fell, and apparently since then has been bleeding from the brain. You don't need a doctorate to know that isn't a good thing.
He is ready for the end - in fact, I think he's been ready for quite some time. He didn't even want his bypass surgery a couple years ago, but went through with it for my Grandma. I can only hope that in fifty-some years Scott and I will be in their shoes. They lived a true love story.
Their story is so beautiful and inspiring to me, it just makes me thankful everyday to have my husband and my daughter in my life. Family is what life is all about - no amount of money could ever replace family.
I don't really know where i'm going with this, I guess I just needed a place to write my feelings down - and this is the only place I really have.
I pray for my Grandma, my mom and aunts, and most of all - my Grandpa. I pray that he isn't in pain, that he can say "I love you" just one more time to my mom, and that he is welcomed into Heaven and can watch over my Grandma to help her get through the days that lye ahead.
I'll miss you Grandpa, and I wish you could have met my daughter - but I know that you'll be watching over. We had some great times, and I'll always remember you as a wonderful Grandpa, the man I made a cane with, the cane that you ended up having to use. I'll miss you, I love you, and I wish...well, I wish the end never had to come.
I love you, Grandpa <3 xoxo
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