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More remodeling...the basement

2012-01-28T10:02:00.006-07:00

Well, we started to finish the basement. It was finished until we remodeled our kitchen & had to take ceilings down in the "cowboy" room-which really is the kids bunk/toy room. Also, since we brought up the washer & dryer to the main floor, that left that spot to be redone. No photos of that on my camera, only my cell phone & I havent sent them to the computer yet, but they will be coming. Anyways...here we go again.

Can you see the ceiling above Builder Mike's head...

See it start to go...

And there you have it...completely torn down in record breaking time!

One of the rooms with all the toys from the cowboy room

The other room has all the bedding & additional toys-I am gonna have to go thru all the toys before they go back in.

So here we have the closet of the room we are demolishing-

a short wall has already been torn down

Torn down sheet rock in the family room ready for me (the little buddy) who gets to take it upstairs to the garbage cans. I have gotten very well at packing sheetrock into the cans, it's amazing how much you can stack if it's in small enough pieces!

Builder Mike working on electrical-notice the walls are still in place.

Builder Mike contemplating on his next move, think, think, think...

This is the new arrangement of the bunkbeds.

It opens the room more & you even can see out the window.

Now you see it...

Now you don't...

Oh what a mess torn down sheetrock is!!!

And look it's all cleaned up, both cans are filled to the brim!

We have lots of plans for this room. No more closet or built in shelves. Just something that is more moveable-like stacking bins. The tv will be mounted to the wall & the vhs/dvd player will be recessed into the wall under the tv. Which means that it will take out a shelf in the bathroom closet behind this wall. Another room that will need to be repaired. That's ok, we are going to tile the entire basement floor-family room, bathroom, vanity area. New carpet for stairs & cowboy room. All new paint too, & we may panel a wall with hardwood flooring we already have.

So, let the work begin...

Hopefully I will keep up on this project with blogging more often!

Sledding in Eden

2012-01-28T09:04:00.009-07:00

We spent the day after Christmas up in Eden with Rebecca & her gang. We did presents & then the kids went sledding, we had a great time!!!

There they go...

Heath boarding across the driveway, pictures got downloaded in reverse.

Heath

After the kids sled/ski down the hill, my jeep was used to bring everyone up. I think the kids liked this the best!!!

Rebecca, Presley & Grace

Grandpa Mike going down the hill on a bikeboard-Jason took an old bike & attatched it to an old snowboard. The kids were trying it, so why not Grandpa!

end of the run...

Everyone had a blast. This was a great time to get together & play. There was good food & lots of people. Jason's parents came down to join us & his brother too.

I think some of the kids went out & played until dark.

All 8 kids were playing (Kingston just kinda watched).

Christmas

2012-01-27T18:01:00.007-07:00

This Christmas we had Elizabeth & her kids, unfortunately Richard was unable to come d/t his working schedule & Maggie, Heath, & Wren (the dog). Tillie was certainly excited to meet her cousin. She wasted no time in getting to know Wren!!!

Gracie

Grace, Jack & Garrett

Christmas dinner

After opening all the presents

Elizabeth collects Pyrex dishes

Grace likes to pose

Jack

Grandpa Mike got a coyote skull from Maggie & Heath-he really liked it too!

Garrett

Gracie

oops...downloaded this twice...

Christmas morning

Maggie & Heath

Kids all smiles after opening thier stockings

Maggie & Tillie

Tillie loved playing with the boys, they would lay on the floor & Tillie would give them lots of kisses on their faces

Waiting for the loves...

Portland adventure

2012-01-27T17:19:00.005-07:00

We flew to Portland a couple of weeks after Harrison was born & an early Thanksgiving with the Randalls. As you can see the the photos we had a great time!

Grandpa with Maddox, Reesie & Griffin

All the Kids -even Harrison

Reese helping mom (Jenn) give Harrison a bath

Reese

More bath help

The boys helping too!

Reese is a little mini-me of Jenn!!!

Maddox

Griffin

Movie night with popcorn

Grandma Barb with Harrison

Harrison-he's so cute, looks like a Randall but has his own look

Fabulous

2011-09-23T09:25:00.006-06:00

We had the most fabulous time time this summer at Lake Powell. We had 7 adults & 8 kids (Kingston was 4 months old).

Kingston

2011-09-23T09:05:00.004-06:00

Finally, Kingston is almost 7 months old, so it's been 8 months since I've updated this blog. I can't promise that I'll be any quicker, but I'll try.

Kingston sure looks like his mama when she was little. I see so many of Rebecca's features in him, he is so sweet!

The shower, sisters & snow

2011-02-28T15:11:00.008-07:00

As you can see by Rebecca's expression, she would like to have this whole thing over with! It's been 10 days since the shower and she is getting bigger and more miserable, I think it's time Kingston!!!

Gracie and Jersie playing cell phone games

Most of the snow has melted and I paid each of the kids a dollar to pick up a bucket of walnuts, good deal for all (I think I came out ahead)

Garrett and Avery

Jack

Getting ready for the shower to start; this is Grandma Zola with Avery, Jason's mom and daughter

SISTERS: Elizabeth drove from warmer Gilbert, Maggie flew in from sub-zero Rapid City, and Jennifer flew in from rainy Tigard

Most decorations Elizabeth made, she had the idea, the invitations, and the theme

Old fashion A,B,C cards strung on ribbon

Our table ready for friends and family

Yummy

More decorations by Elizabeth

Rebecca and Grandma Zola, the blanket was made by Aunt Maggie

Jason's family

Sisters

Jennifer keeping everything organized, writing all the gifts and givers

Lizz with best friend Kimber, Maggie and Tesa, Rebecca's roommate from after high school

Cute couple

Showing off Kingston

Well, this isn't Kingston...Rebecca's best friend from high school came by with her brand new baby boy Cruz and all the kids wanted to hold him

Presley got a chance

Gracie too

Even Grandpa Mike, getting ready for the real thing

Maggie is thinking what the heck do I do with a baby...she was so funny

Rebecca and Cruz's momma-Jamie

Four SISTERS- Jersie,Presley, Raigen, and Avery, I think they are playing with Grandpa Mike's I-pad

Jennifer and Garrett

Well the kids from Az wanted some snow, well we got it...They didn't have any winter snow clothes so we had to make do with all of their aunts old stuff I saved

I'm not sure how well the scooters were working in the snow

I guess we can say it was Jack's fault that we got this snow storm, all he wanted to see when he came to visit was snow...well he got snow!

We had a great time getting to know Jason's family and seeing friends that we haven't seen in years. It was also fun showing off the house since it's done...well, we can always find more projects!

Christmas with the Randalls

2011-02-28T10:28:00.006-07:00

This Christmas we decided to go to Oregon for Christmas rather than just staying home with the two of us. First it was an adventure driving there and back. We had tons of fun with the kids and Jennifer and Aaron. This was our attempt to make a gingerbread house and gingerbread train...

Reesie helping

Griffin and Reesie trying to sneak a piece of candy

Each of the kids got a pillow pet for Christmas, they opened them up on Christmas eve, Maddox wanted a penguin

Reesie got a unicorn

Griffin wanted a dolpnin

Reesie lined up all her "babies" to watch tv

The kids got a nerf bazooka gun and had tons of fun firing it into the front door

Reesie's turn

I can't believe Jenn found a monchichi, the girls had one when they were little

Playing games

Harry Potter glasses on Maddox

Griff actually looks really cute with glasses

Table runner Elizabeth made for Jennifer for Christmas, it's really cute

Grandpa Mike playing legos with Maddox

Grandma Barb playing legos too!

Early Thanksgiving at Maggie's

2010-12-11T14:00:00.008-07:00

This past November. Builder Mike and I drove to Rapid City to spend an early Thanksgiving with Maggie and Heath. We had a rough start, we hit black ice in Provo Canyon. Luckily we were in the big a*s truck! Builder Mike has an F-350 w oversized tires and a lift. Good thing too, we started to slide towards my side into the guard rail taking out a bunch of orange barrells and taking out about 5 wooden posts on the gaurd rail (the Provo River was just on the other side of the gaurd rail, by the way). Then we continued to slide to the other side of the road into the concrete divider, also taking out a few more orange barrells. We finally came to a stop and we both were surprised we were still upright in the truck. Builder Mike got out of the truck to walk around looking for any damage when a highway patrol pulled up beind us. It was still dark and lightly snowing, the HP guy stayed in his car and used his loud speaker to ask "please come to my car" and then he said "are you alright". He never once got out of his patrol car. At this point, Builder Mike didn't see anything (remember it's still dark) and the truck was still driveable. So we continued on our way. As it turns out, the truck is still in the shop with > $4000.00 worth of damage, Builder Mike went to an orthopedist for his back and I got an rx from the guys at work for a muscle relaxer. At least we didn't go over the rail and the truck didn't flip!

This first picture is looking out standing on the front porch. They live in the Black Hills of SD, only about 15 minutes from Mt. Rushmore.

Standing in the kitchen and dining looking towards the front room, a sliding glass door to a wrap around porch.

Master bedroom

Guest room

Front room, Maggie and Heath painted the walls green, looks great!

Standing in front room looking into kitchen

Front room, great fireplace

Front of the house

Front side

Side porch

Front Porch

Back yard

Back yard where Heath has set up their archery targets

More back yard

Standing in the backyard looking out over their neighbohood

Rebecca & Jason's new home

2010-10-29T12:22:00.006-06:00

Or should I say cabin...nestled next to Wolf Mountain Ski Resort in Eden Utah.

First Snow Storm of the Season...

2010-10-29T12:18:00.003-06:00

So much heavy snow on our walnut tree, luckily it was a warm day and

no harm to the tree!

Fall is in the air...

2010-10-29T12:04:00.004-06:00

Rebecca and Jason

Garrett

Gracie

Jack

All the kids at Vineyard Pumkinland

The Potty!!!!

2010-10-07T16:48:00.003-06:00

We now have a toilet on the main floor, yippppeee!!! We did get plenty of exercise running either up or down the stairs, but this is sure more convienent!

We are practically done with this project! The cabinet maker is coming over tomorrow to measure (let's hope, sometimes he doesn't show up, we even gave a deposit of half down almost two weeks ago), a little tile work will be left

and then this project will be done.

Hmmmm, what shall we work on next...

Actually, Builder Mike has been busy cleaning out the garage. I started it just over a week ago by taking everything out of the garage, Builder Mike then installed our old kitchen cabinets for storage and a work top/bench. When it is complete and everything is in it's place (is that even possible?), then I'll take some photos to show how organized we are. In the meantime for me, I have slaving away at a research paper-boy do I hate research...

Main floor bath getting closer...

2010-09-12T08:32:00.003-06:00

See, it wasn't that long between posts...
The pictures are pretty self explanitory, I have to say that I love the light coming in from the larger window, that's my favorite thing about this project. I'm not sure these photos really show the real color of the tile and walls. I was going for a vintagey feel with the "ocean tide" color of tile. I went through 9 little paint samples from Home Depot before I found the color I was happy with. Glad they only cost a few bucks.

Before grout...

...after grout, I love it!!!

Builder Mike busy tiling.

We are almost there!!!

Now we need to order our cabinets. We will use the same guys that have done the rest of the house. Off-white cabinets with bead board insets. We will be a showcase of their work.

Main floor bathroom

2010-09-04T14:49:00.003-06:00

By the time I decided to start taking photos of the bathroom, it was already sheetrocked, taped , and textured. I found the color of tile I wanted, but choosing a paint color was not so easy. Good thing Home Depot sells tiny sample of paint for only a few bucks...I ended up buying 8 different colors to decide on the room color. I painted the bathroom myself instead of hiring it out like the rest of the painting in this project. I will however hire Fireman Aaron to cut in the wall to ceiling when they come to visit next, mine is barely passable! It's a vintage bluish oceany color...Builder Mike is currently tiling right at this minute, more photos to come soon

(promise!)...

Roughing it without a houseboat at Powell...

2010-09-04T13:51:00.005-06:00

...let me explain...

we were suppose to have our scheduled week with the Blue Buoy this particular week, but as a group we wanted to sell and upgrade our houseboat. Unfortunately, the Blue Buoy sold the week before our scheduled date. So, let's check out Wahweap...we decided to camp at Lone Rock in Wahweap Bay. Our truck really doesn't like to drive in sand, much less pull a boat loaded with stuff. We got stuck in the sand near an opening in the wall of people and boats. It was still Powell, lots of water, not so blue skies, and we cut the trip extremely short. We stayed three nights instead of our planned six. I'm a houseboater thru n thru! We are still looking for a boat for the group. By the time next spring rolls around, we will be either with

our group now or join another group.

A houseboat with a air conditioning and a kitchen are a MUST!!!

Cooper Family Reunion

2010-09-04T12:11:00.011-06:00

Rapid City SoDak

2010-06-11T19:40:00.008-06:00

Maggie and Heath's little house in Rapid City South Dakota

This is the whole house, I'm standing at the front door looking at the kitchen, room with door opened and bedroom with door closed

and bathroom next to closed door bedroom.

Front room...it's small but quaint!

Black Hills National Forest

Badlands

Missile storage

Maggie was the third leg of a relay in the Black Hills,

she had to run just under 4 miles. This was a marathon, half marathon and relay. Maggie's team came in second for all women relay team and 14th for relay.

Almost done...

I can't believe she is smiling!

The handoff.

She ran her leg in about 33 minutes...way to go!

Maggie and Heath in front of Mt. Rushmore.

Truly impressive!

These animals were at Bear Country, just outside of Rapid City.We stayed in our car and drove through this animal park. Here we have a mountain goat.

Elk, Heath was ready to go hunting right from the car.

White wolf.

Black Bear.

Baby bear, sooo cute!

Builder Mike.

We loved South Dakota, it is so pretty! There are so many things to see, we will have to make more trips out here to see it all. We will NOT be coming out in the winter. Probably next spring. We saw Rushmore, Keystone, Deadwood, Sturgis, Badlands, Wall Drug, Black Hills forest, it was fun, long drive.

Spring Lake Powell

2010-06-11T19:00:00.008-06:00

It was windy,windy windy!!!

This was our first trip to Powell this year and it was windy. These photos are in backwards order, this first one is our boat at the end of the week, it is NOT in the same place as where we started. The wind pushed us about 30 feet towards the main channel of Halls Creek.

This really doesn't give the wind justice,

sand drifts were forming around each little bush.

Sand blowing across our beach.

A hole where our anchor was...

Saving this anchor from the wind.

When we first beached the houseboat, Builder Mike put a stick in the water right at the edge. Our ramp was on the other side of the stick and rock days before. The water was rising about 4-6 inches a day while we were there.

This was day two, I didn't take a photo the first day the stick was placed.

The stick is in front of my beach chair.

Hole in the rock...simply amazing that the pioneers made it down with their horses and buggies. I was not meant to be a pioneer! This was one of our warm windless days.

Choppy due to WIND!

Sunrise...

Sunset...

I love Lake Powell.

Next trip in July.

Last years berries...

2010-06-11T18:52:00.005-06:00

I decided to make jam before this years berries came on, so before the two upcoming trips we had planned I made two dozen cooked and six freezer jams from the strawberries and raspberries saved from last years crop. As everyone probably knows that last summer we were up to our necks with construction and NO kitchen. Hopefully this summer, my berries will be taken care of in proper time.

What we've been up to...

2010-05-14T08:56:00.006-06:00

Since finishing the main construction on the house, we have made several quick trips so far this year. We went to Arizona & Oregon to see our grandkids (parents too). When we got home, spring was trying to get here-the key word is trying- with all the rain and snow, my tulips finally came up. We will probably start the next project in July-main floor bathroom, then maybe a deck in the backyard.

This is a photo of our front room all painted with some pictures hanging on the walls.

Reesie at the Oregon Omni standing in front of a blower.

Serious Griffin opening his birthday present (zhu zhu), he was VERY excited!

Maddox posing for grandma.

Jack showing off his riding skills on his new bike he got for Christmas.

Gracie posing, She finally let me put her hair in ponytails.

Garrett showing off his rock climbing skills.

Oh how I miss these kids (and their parents too). Everyone will be home the end of June, YAY. In the meantime, Builder Mike and I will be heading down to my favorite place on earth-Lake Powell. But in the meantime, busy working in the yard, organizing the garage, and getting ready for summer.

before the paint

2010-03-28T04:48:00.002-06:00

Here are a couple of shots of the beadboard completed. We like the look of the stained beadboard, but it's just too blotchy. We had our painter come in and paint it all white(not stark, just warm), and it looks great, photos to come shortly.

Installing beadboard

2010-03-05T19:23:00.004-07:00

This is what we woke up to this morning... Just when I thought we were heading into spring. I NEED warm weather!

I had no idea what was entailed when I requested to have bead board installed in our front room. Builder Mike chose to go with tongue-n-groove rather than paneling (I like the look of the tongue-n-groove much better, but had no idea how messy it would be). The sheetrock had to be taken down and plywood had to be installed for the bead board to be nailed to.

Builder Mike busy nailing up the boards. I'm staining each board with a white stain, but we have since decided to paint it after it is all installed. The staining is too washed out and uneven.

I'm going to love this room when it's done, but agian this is more work than I ever expected, but hey-isn't this whole project that way...It will be all so worth it when we are done. Still, I'm looking for a break to Lake Powell in May.

Front door & more

2010-02-21T17:07:00.003-07:00

Our new front door. Solid wood (I forgot what kind), but Builder Mike stained, sanded, polyurethaned, sanded... many times! Don't you love the 'clavos'- those are the rustic decorative nails.

I think it looks way classy!!!

Our new chair and table, waiting for an area rug to go under (to match the dining table rug). Chair from RCW and table from PB.

The carpeted stairs, I think my favorite part of the remodel...well, close second to the kitchen!

We are now waiting for the bead board to show up. In the meantime, lots of little details need to be finished up. Right about now, with the snow still coming down, I want to be at LAKE POWELL!!! One test left for this semester and I will have my free time back, Yeah!

Wood floors & more...

2010-02-13T17:22:00.003-07:00

The front room! The cardboard shapes on the floor is my new (pretend) furniture. We needed to see how much room there was going to be-either a sofa and a love seat or two love seats...two love seats facing each other is the winner. In this room Builder Mike still needs to put up the bead board, then baseboards, furniture and window coverings. Soooooo close!!!

A view from standing at the front door looking in towards the dining room.

The dining room with lots of "extra stuff" in this photo...compressor, flooring, buckets, etc.

Better...

Another view of front room.

Standing on the carpeted stairs looking down at the dining room and kitchen.

Dining room with an area rug, I think it looks terrific if I do say so! Also notice out the windows our snow is melting-YAY!!!

Our new front door being stained in our new front room. Builder Mike wanted the new door in before the bead board goes up, so we got a solid wood door with lots of character and in the process of staining.

Another view...

Well, that's it for now. Waiting for the bead board to arrive, then stain it, and install. In the meantime, lots of little things to get done. Organizing rooms that are overstuffed with stuff. When the weather gets warmer-the GARAGE!!! Then of course in the middle of March our trips start to visit all the girls. Also, before we head out anywhere I will be DONE with my first semester of school ! One paper and a test left, I can't believe I did it. Then a few months off to play this summer and then finish up in the fall. I will have my BSN the end of January 2011.

Hip Hip Hooray!!!

painted walls & wood floors

2010-01-23T08:36:00.005-07:00

Here is a shot of the stairs heading up, you can see the new fan and painted walls. The color is called philadelphia cream, same as Maddox and Griffins room. I really like it, very warm and just enough color.

Here is the beginning of the new hardwood floor, the wood is hickory. It's hand scrapped, but it's very subtle.

Hopefully Builder Mike can have this dining room done today, I can help him get the dining table out of the front room and he can start that next.

TILING THE BACKSPLASH!!!

2010-01-15T18:37:00.006-07:00

Oh YAY, we are almost done...well kinda. The backsplash in the kitchen is finally in. Builder Mike did a fantastic job of installing. Over 600 tile cuts. We set the tile saw in the dining room and away he went. We went with a warm brown ceramic tile with 2 inch recycled glass tiles, and a cream grout. It just makes the kitchen, I just love it!

OK, I'll tell you what's left to do before inviting everyone over: painting (the painter is scheduled this weekend), subfloor, hardwood flooring (it's in the front room waiting to be installed), carpeting the stairs and landing (also in the front room-we bought it when we did our family room 2 yrs ago), beadboard to the front room, baseboards. Oh yeah...I need new furniture for the front room, a chair for the dining room, an area rug for under our table when moved to it's official home in the dining room, some kind of window covering for our sliding glass door. Oh yeah- hang all the lamps (in the front room too).

Some may ask "what will you do after this project?" Well...we still have the basement-the ceiling and a few walls were torn up for the main floor electrical and plumbing. There's also my craft room, main floor bathroom, and Builder Mikes office. We also have a deck to build and I would really like to get a hot tub for the yard too. In our other spare time we have 3 trips to Lake Powell, 2 trips to Arizona and 2 trips to Oregon and a trip out to So Dak to see all the girls and my grandbabies, all this year!!! I also work full time and trying to pick up extras at work to help pay for this "new" house. I'm almost finished with this semester of the BSN program, I'm hoping to be done the end of Feb. I'm taking a few months off and then restarting up in August. Builder Mike is still looking for work, but when the house is done he will probably do ebay full time (we have lots of treasures to sell). Well, I'll try to post next week when the floor goes in.

Happy Happy Birthday Garrett!!!

2010-01-04T01:30:00.002-07:00

Happy 9th Birthday

Misc. remodel photos

2010-01-01T16:35:00.002-07:00

Builder Mike resided the back of the house with all the siding he tore down from the fireplace and where we inserted the sliding glass door. He wanted it winterized before the snow came, and it is really here now!

This photo was taken just before Jennifer's family arrived for Thanksgiving- it's going to look great when completely done!

Just imagine in living in this day in and day out...

The next posts shows this more finished.

End of the year update

2010-01-01T16:16:00.003-07:00

As you can see from this photo, the stairs have turned to a different direction. That was a lot of work, but boy is it worth it. It makes such a differenc in the new dining room. As you can see from this photo also, it's been taped and textured, just waiting for pain.

This particular cabinet wasn't built at the time of the rest of the kitchen. We had a mini disaster, the cabinet like this one next to the stove caught on fire...good thing I was in there when it happened. The stove burner was too close to the corner of that cabinet, and with a pan on the burner on high (we now have gas) the flame touched the cabinet and scorched it. Needless to say, that was the end of that cabinet in that spot!

This one is bigger anyways!

Happy Happy Birthday Elizabeth

2009-12-30T18:42:00.003-07:00

Happy Happy Birthday Ebit...we love you!

Elizabeth with Grandpa Jim (1977)

Pre-Thanksgiving

2009-12-09T19:32:00.000-07:00

House stuff

2009-12-09T19:12:00.001-07:00

More stairs

2009-10-20T05:27:00.003-06:00

Once again, I have placed the pictures in the wrong order....

This is our new sliding glass door, Builder Mike has since resided the back of the house since I took this picture.

The L shape of the stairs, we are not going to put back the ballister and spindles, we are going to make it a solid wall, easier and less expensive, since I wanted to paint the other. Oh that hole next to the stairs-it was the door to the garage and that has to move.

Looking down the stairs to the basement .

Builder Mike built the new stairs in place, then removed the old ones, MESSY!!!

We are getting there...slowly but surely!

Dining room

2009-10-17T19:06:00.005-06:00

Since the kichen is mostly done (backsplash & appliance cabinet still need to be installed), Builder Mike started on changing the direction of the stairs. Who knew that changing directions would make such a mess! More sheetrock had to be torn down in the basement stairway. More sheetrock dust, sawdust, and just dust, dust, dust!

Anyways, it has given the main floor so much more room with the stairs going the L shape instead of the U shape. More room for our dining table (which is still in the front room).

Kitchen remodel

2009-09-24T08:47:00.002-06:00

Finally I updated our blog! Here are some photos of the kitchen we have been working on for like an eternity (or so it seems), and it's not quite done. We still need to put up the backsplash. I found some recycled red glass tiles and they are on order. But in the meantime, it's a totally functional kitchen and I LOVE it. It turned out exactly as we had invisioned. We are now starting the next project while we wait for the tile...Builder Mike took out the wall where the sliding glass door will go, so now we have a 9 foot opening into our house. It's like camping in our own house! Photos to come soon (I hope).

kitchen tile

2009-07-19T20:21:00.008-06:00

Garrett has been our little buddy helping with this next section of the kitchen. He's taking a breather right now. It's been fun and challenging having him stay with us this summer. I forgot what it's like having an eight year old around, much less a BOY! I still think girls are easier to raise!

We had to first lay down the backer board (thinset has to go down first), then it all has to be screwed down. This gives more strenght to the tile.

Now for the fun part, well I don't know if you really want to call tiling fun, but it sure makes the kitchen come alive! I love this tile, it's so warm and inviting.

Almost half way done laying...

This center area that's not tiled will be our island and cafe booth. It will have hardwood floors-next phase.

Now for the grout, I personally think this is the hardest stage of laying tile.

Builder Mike smears the grout into all the cracks and I go through and scrub all the extra off the tiles, without taking any out of the cracks. I kinda wanted to go with a deep terra cotta color, but Builder Mike wanted a darker brown-it will probably go better with the cabinets and our dining table and the backsplash we plan on installing, the counter too (more photos to come when we get to that point).

This photo does not really show what the true color of the tile is, you need to come by the house for a visit to see it.

The cabinets will be coming on Tuesday...YIPEE...There is still a bunch of work to do after the cabinets, but at least the major work is done!

By the way, the tiling and grouting was done all within the last 24 hours. I think our Lake Powell trip will be just the thing we need to rest.

Painting the kitchen

2009-07-18T22:15:00.005-06:00

This is just a photo of my front room, my dining table is loaded with building materials, then covered with plastic (I'm not sure why I think this is going to keep the dust off, cause it's an inch thick-not really).

My craftroom/office is also a total mess. I can't wait till the remodeling is done

This photo is used in the post below, sorry, it's getting late. More photos to come tomorrow-tiling the floor!

The paint color is Pottery Barn Philadelphis Cream, Jennifer has one of her rooms painted this color and I really liked it, so now my frontroom, small hall and now kitchen are all this color. It's so much better than plain ole white walls! Just wait to see the cabinets next to it, next week, YAY!

See the plywood on the top landing??? Well, Builder Mike had to take the railings down to tape and texture around it. This is where the wall was bumped out about 5 feet. Since Garrett is staying with us for a couple more weeks, we needed something up there to keep him safe, so a temporary fix for now, till we finish the kitchen.

sheetrockin...

2009-07-18T20:20:00.006-06:00

I did it again...got the photos in the wrong order, but I don't think it really matters much. This group of photos is the sheetrock hung, taped, and textured. There's also a long story that goes along with this. I got two bids and went with the lower of the two (that seems reasonable). Well, unfortunately that was so the WRONG decision. The guy I hired had done the painting in our upstairs bedroom and bathroom last year. He told me he also did sheetrock too, his card even had sheetrocking and painting, so one would think he did this for a living...well, I was wrong. I was at work when he came over. I will call him Hank (to protect the innocent), and he brought his brother (possibly/probably mentally handicapped, I'm actually being nice) to help. Remember I was at work and Builder Mike was dealing with these clowns on his own. They brought almost all of the sheetrock to be hung. Hank left his brother to hang the sheetrock, who knows where he went off to. What a mistake. Builder Mike was having a coronary just thinking how he wanted to fire these clowns. It was the worse hang job ever. I could have done a better job blindfolded! All night Builder Mike was stressing as to how he would tell them they were fired. First thing the next morning, Hank shows up with two gallons of paint (he was going to paint also when the taping and texturing was done). But the first thing he said to Builder Mike was "I quit!" Builder Mike had to keep a straight face and asked how much we owe for the materials, and Hank felt so bed he couldn't finish the job that he couldn't charge us, and to think we were going to fire him anyways. It' s funny how things turn out. We hired the Muddy Boys and they did a terrific job in a timely manner.

See that little door? I don't like to have a corner cupboard with a lazy susan in it, so we made a door from the outside for storage, it will go between the cabinets from inside. It has a locking door. Once the cabinets are in, this will be easier to picture, I promise.

This is Nephi from the Muddy Boys, he's from San Diego but has lived in Utah for about 14 years. He's very good at taping sheetrock.

the Kitchen update

2009-06-27T10:25:00.006-06:00

We are getting soooo close, it's hard to wait. We didn't want to take out the sink while all the kids were visiting, so we waited till now. Yay! It feels like we're almost done... Well not done, but closer. Builder Mike took out the rest of the cabinet, counters, dishwasher, & sink out yesterday. (I dragged everything to the trash.) Then we (he) had to take out all the old plumbing, change the heating vent, etc. Then insulate everything. We're mostly insulating the inside walls for sound. Next is to get sheetrock/taping bids, painting, CABINETS, plumbing, tiling, then we can use it. We're almost there!!!

Dino Museum

2009-06-27T09:54:00.005-06:00

We took the kids to Thanksgiving Point Dino museum. Kinda pricey for only being there for 1 1/2 hours. Maybe when they get older they night want to spend more time, oh well, it was still fun.

Pool Fun

2009-06-27T09:06:00.006-06:00

We took the kids to the Scera Pool. They had a blast. Too bad it couldn't have been sunny and warm the whole time they were here visiting.

Reese

Maddox

Griffin

Gracie

Jack

Garrett

Pop Top Collection

2009-06-27T08:55:00.002-06:00

I thought I would show everyone how many pop tops I have collected. This is one of those Hefty zip "BIG BAGS". It's almost full.

I want to thank everyone who donates to my personal cause of saving these pop tops. I will donate them in Claire's name to Primary Children's Hospital. They turn them in for money to help families stay in the Ronald McDonald house when needed. It's something we started when Claire was going to Primary's and I have the need to keep saving the tops.

Thanks for helping me.

Happy Happy Birthday Jennifer

2009-05-25T04:51:00.002-06:00

This is the only photo of you on my desk computer. Have a great day!

We love you, Mom and Dad

Reesie

2009-05-21T21:46:00.003-06:00

I have been trying to take indoor photos woth my camera on manual instead of auto; Reese was in a room with a big picture window. I tried to use the natural light from the window along with my camera settings. I think it turned out pretty good, and this hasn't even been photo-shopped yet.

She is soooo cute! She is almost ready to crawl-then beware.

Playhouse in Tigard

2009-05-21T21:16:00.007-06:00

Here we have Builder Mike, Builder Aaron & Builder Lloyd starting on the playhouse for Maddox, Griffin & Reese. The builders were hoping to get this done in about 2-3 days, but unfortunately it started to rain & rain & rain.

After about a week, the playhouse is done. If you ask Maddox, it's a habitat for children.

Kitchen Window

2009-05-15T19:27:00.004-06:00

Well, I did it again... my pictures are in reverse order. This is the new kitchen window, it looks so professional! I love it, I'm glad we went with a box window rather than a bay window. I just like the look better.

After the window was installed, we left for the Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino to a hillclimb. It was a ton of fun. Check out all the YouTube videos on Rebecca's blog.

UNBELIEVABLE

2009-04-16T10:25:00.005-06:00

This is what we woke to this morning- a FOOT of new snow. Where is our warm spring sunny days??? These photos are sooc, I'll try to photoshop them later.

The GRAND Grand Canyon

2009-04-11T20:16:00.004-06:00

On our way down to Arizona, we took a side trip to the Grand Canyon. If anyone ever said it's just a big hole in the ground...well, it's more than that. It was very, very cold- 29 degrees, snowy and windy. I could only stay out in that neg 999 windshill factor in shorts and flip flops for a short time.

We stopped by the Grand Canyon on our way home and the weather was so much better-a whopping 49 degrees and sunny.Builder Mike wants to hike down on mules, we'll see...

Arizona kids

2009-04-11T19:27:00.010-06:00

Builder Mike and I went to Arizona (Mesa) to visit Elizabeth and the kids. We brought them our old ladybug sandbox and Jack thought it was his new hiding place...

I usually take my photos on aperature setting, but I'm trying to branch out and try shutter-well, I think I like it- I like my action shots!

Jack at the park!

Gracie and Jack hanging in our hotel room.

A day at the park...

Visiting the kids in Arizona

2009-04-11T18:45:00.003-06:00

The Kitchen Continues...

2009-04-04T19:41:00.005-06:00

Remember when we taped the kitchen off a few weeks ago? Well, we took the next step and tore down all the sheetrock, exposing the insides of the walls, so Builder Mike can start the elecrical and plmbing.

Under the kitchen floor is the "cowboy" room, the grandkids bedroom, and Builder Mike is worried about how stong the floor is, and he needs a place to run pipes and wire.So we tore down the ceiling...

So, here in the basement, the ceiling has been torn out. Guess who tore it down and guess who carried it out to the trash...Can I tell you how much I hate sheetrock!

I have to say, this isn't the fun part yet, but it's coming, I just know.

Jewelry for Rebecca

2009-03-14T18:22:00.004-06:00

Rebecca and Brandon are going on a cruise next week. They have a formal night and Rebecca got a really cute black dress (I needed to alter slightly) and she wanted to me to make her some earrings and a bracelet. She chose turguoise and white shoes, so I made a crystal bracelet and a pair of earrings, they match totally. I should have taken a photo of her shoes, but I'm sure she will. They will be the cutest couple on this cruise.

kitchen layout

2009-03-14T17:52:00.005-06:00

We have started to lay out the kitchen. Builder Mike has taped off where the cabinets and appliances will go. I've gone through and marked the plugs, phone, and other misc. things I want. On Tues we will meet with our cabinet maker, Dave Duckett. Today I went and ordered all the new appliances: refridgerator, dishwasher, stove/oven, and microwave. The funny thing about our sales lady at RC Willey is she turned out to be our cabinet builder's sister. Small world.

This section will have the fridge and cabinet on top. Next to the fridge will be a built in desk for my laptop, etc.

This is where we are going to take out the french doors and build in a 6 foot baywindow, our new copper hammered farm sink will go here. I can't wait to have my sink in front of a big window to look out at the backyard!!!

This is going to be our "cafe booth". It's taped out with our chairs acting as the bench.

This window will come out and the stove/oven will go there.

Here we go again...

2009-03-06T19:14:00.006-07:00

We got back from Lake Powell a week ago, had a few days to ourselves, and now we jumped right back into the next phase-THE KITCHEN. We had to first do a little shuffeling of the cabinets, fridge and table. Then Builder Mike got out his chainsaw (not really- his circular saw), and cut off the counter and cabinet next to the sink, leaving the drain pipe to the sink exposed. Next came the vinyl, subfloor, mantle and finally the fireplace. I will try to be better in posting photos more often of this phase than the last. I'm beginning to get really excited to getting a new kitchen, just how we want it exactly.

I even remember writing our name in the concrete when our house was being built back in 1986.

Guess who took out most of the brick, subfloor and vinyl...yep, I'm the clean-up crew!

Fire on the lake

2009-02-28T21:18:00.006-07:00

Back in November of 2008, there was a major fire at Halls Crossing at Lake Powell. Our houseboat was docked at D19. I think about 15-20 boats/houseboats were destroyed. Docks D and F were also burnt. Those 2 docks were taken over to Bullfrog. We went over to Bullfrog and took a couple of photos of the docks, they were kinda melted. There was a boat still at Halls, it was pretty well damaged from the fire. We were very lucky with our houseboat, there was a lot of soot and footprints all over the deck. We were very lucky!!!

Rest and Relaxation

2009-02-28T20:12:00.006-07:00

Well, I sure don't have the hang of down loading photos, I always have the last photo first. Oh well... We had a great time at Lake Powell, it was great during the day, but it sure was COLD once the sun went down. We had a day of clouds and a little rain. It was cold that day too.

Spare time...

2009-02-14T16:08:00.004-07:00

OK, here's the scoop... we are kinda done with the upstairs for the moment-a long moment, just a few little things here and there to finish up, like installing molding on the window (first we need to pop it out and have the outer glass repaired-to be done in the spring when it is NOT snowing), install the curtain rod and make curtains for that window, and take a little break. Well the break was going to be this weekend, but then the storm came in with lots and lots of snow, so we are headed out to Lake Powell next week. We will leave next Thurs the 19th; it will have to better weather than we are having now. Builder Mike didn't want to drive pulling the boat in a snow storm through Spanish Fork Canyon (I wonder why...). Anyways, I have had a little free time to just do stuff. I first made a shower curtain and curtain for Rebecca (see her blog), and I made a tu tu and magic wand for Gracie, kinda of a bribe, but anyways, I think it turned out very cute. At the mall, they charge over $40, and I made it for all of about $6.00. Now Elizabeth needs to take Gracies picture in it and post. Really, she should make these and sell at a lower price than mall prices. So, with this free time (after working my 40 plus hrs a week, trying to keep up with regular house stuff, I'm packing for Powell). I can't wait. I am hoping the water is calm, I expect we will be the only ones down there, so not worried about "crowds", but I want Builder Mike to become Captain Mike and find a big sandy beach near by. 6 whole days at Powell will do wonders. While we are down there, we are going to be sketching plans for the kitchen. We both will draw up plans and compare ideas. Then when we get home, after unpacking, we will start the kitchen. The end of March we will be going to Arizona to visit the kids. This is just the beginning of a lot trips for the year. I will keep everyone updated with photos and progress on the kitchen and of course my favorite place to be...Lake Powell.

This is the magic wand

the tu tu

We have moved back in our room...YAY

2009-01-17T19:33:00.006-07:00

We are waiting for blinds to get here & installed. . We got a new bed frame, had 2 nightstands built to match the new bed, & a new quilt. It brightens up the room.

Our new closet- all built in. I love it. Tons of storage room!

Being installed, the doors aren't on here, but this is the inside.

I bought this shower curtain from Anthropology (I love that store).

The cabinet installer hasn't quite finished the doors to the vanity, he's missing a backstop.

The only thing left is to caulk around the tub, then it's really ready to go.

We are so close to being done with this whole phase. We (me) are hoping to have EVERYTHING done by Feb 12th. We are going to Lake Powell on Feb 13th to rest, relax & not think about the next phase...the KITCHEN.

Almost finished bathroom...

2009-01-10T18:51:00.004-07:00

Christmas morning. Maggie sitting on our bed in the family room next to our Christmas tree.

The working toilet. YAY YAY YAY. No more going downstairs during the middle of the night. YAY!!!!

Enhanced tile but not grouted yet.

Unenhanced tile.

These next few pictures are of the tile in the bathroom that has been sealed & enhanced.

shower/tub

2009-01-10T18:24:00.003-07:00

As you can see, Builder Mike is hard at work setting the tile around the tub. This is just the beginning. Once this was in & dry, I had to clean all the thinset off to get ready to grout it. Now that was not easy & it is very messy. But the end results look great.

These next few pictures are the shower & floor. The shower hasn't been grouted yet, but the floor has been grouted & sealed with an enhancer.

Update with no pictures

2009-01-03T16:30:00.003-07:00

Hey---

My laptop has been in the shop for about 3 weeks now & hopefully next week I will get it back to download some pictures. All the tile is in, we only need to grout the shower. The tub & TOILET (yay) is in. Builder Mike has already tried out the tub. I am going to need to get a clock for in there. Since the main tiling is done, we have started on laying the hardwood floor to our bedroom. It is so nice! We (really Builder Mike) had to level out our floor, add a new 1/4 inch subfloor, & is now laying the wood flooring. Yipeeee. We need to be done with the entire upstairs project before Feb 13, that's when we are going down to Lake Powell for some much needed rest & to design the kitchen-again Yipeee! I just hope the Blue Buoy (houseboat) is easy to find & no smoke damage since the big fire. Hopefully this time next week I'll have photos to view. ta ta till then :)

The Tiling has begun

2008-12-12T17:37:00.000-07:00

Somehow these pictures always go in the wrong order. Anyways, this is the ceiling & the niche tiled.

The niche-it was very time consuming for builder Mike & Professional Tiler Aaron.

Placing 12 x 12 tiles on the ceiling was a little scarey-hoping they would stay tight, & they did.

Professional Tiler Aaron applying the mud to the ceiling. He first had to cover the entire shower with this stuff called KURDI. It's a waterproof layer. We couldn't have done this without his help.

The KURDI is all in & ready to go.

Grandma's Girls November 2008

2008-12-12T16:06:00.006-07:00

I think Reese has had enough of getting pictures taken!

She has the cutest chubby cheeks.

Cousins! Gracie would sit next to Reese & just pat her.

I think Gracie wants to be a model.

Pink is her color!

Grandma's Boys November 2008

2008-12-12T15:41:00.008-07:00

Maddox at the schoolyard near Rebecca's house. This was right after our Thanksgiving dinner.

We were very happy that we had great weather this time of the year. All the kids were able to play outside. I don't know when we will all be together again, with Elizabeth's family now in Arizona and Jennifer will always be in Oregon.

This how Jack shows he is NOT happy with something. He folds is arms, pouts and doesn't talk to anyone!

He will even turn his back on you, especially if you're trying to get a picture.

This is curious Griffin, he looks so serious.

All the kids, except Reese, playing on the swings in our backyard.

Paint choices

2008-12-12T15:19:00.004-07:00

This is our bedroom with the closet removed, it was work! The carpet came out, we are going to be laying hardwood flooring. Hopefully that will help with the allergies. We had the room textured also. If you read my previous blog from the first of November, you will know what we went through with the painters. It looks terrific now.

Our bed is in the family room. I'm glad there is enough room. It is kinda weird to have your bed in the family room. When I get tired of watching tv, I just jump into bed, builder Mike stays up & watches all his tivo'ed shows.

Our bedroom. This picture makes it look really bright & shiny & it really isn't. It's a deep red, we bought the paint from Home Depot(our home away from home), it's a Ralph Lauren color.

This is our front room. It's hard to tell the color, but it's a buttery pale yellow. Jennifer has a room painted in this color & I really liked it. We are going to be putting up white beadboard eventually, & hardwood floors.

Halloween

2008-12-12T14:58:00.005-07:00

2008 Halloween

Gracie the fairy princess, Rebecca the black fairy, & just Jack-he wanted to be himself.

This is Count Garrett(scarry!)

Here's our fairy princess Gracie-she like to pose!

Maggie & Heath going to a Halloween party as Miss Flash Dance & Richard Simmons

this is our front room that has just gotten textured.

The end is near...

2008-11-04T19:56:00.005-07:00

Hi friends;
I know it has been a while since I have posted anything. I have had no ME time since we got home from Oregon 6 weeks ago. Elizabeth & her 3 kids (Garrett 7, Gracie 3, & Jack 2) have moved into the demolition/reconstruction zone, & there is very little open space. They will be here until the day after Thanksgiving, when Richard flys home & all of them will move to their new adventure in Arizona. I know once the kids leave I will miss them dreadfully, so, I bite the bullet(or at least I do try) & enjoy all this time with the kids. They can't hurt too many things-but they can get into all kinds of construction stuff, wet paint, etc...
The remodeling is coming along.....we, or rather I made a major mistake with the paint. I found what I thought was paint from our previous project (an off-white, just so subtle), but really the paint I found we have no idea where it came from, anyways, I took it to Home dePot & had 5 gallons of SEMI-GLOSS WHITE paint made up, & all the other paint to a SEMI-GLOSS to match. WHAT WAS I THINKING... anyways, after the painter painted the whole project with this SEMI-GLOSS paint, the rooms GLOWED with shine. The painter also screwed up... he used a cheap roller & left nap all over all the GLOSSY walls. Anyways, to make the story short...the painters friend came out to the house today & saw the bad walls & told us they would fix it. So, I bought new egg-shell finish paint for the bedroom & front room walls, & corrected satin white paint for the ceilings, moldings, & bathroom. So this mistake cost me more paint & a little more for them to respray all the white, & they will sand the walls of the front room & bedroom for free(it WAS the painters fault, he made the mistake by trying to finish fast by using a crummy roller-leaving his nap all over). So the next time I post I will have finished room pictures. This project is so close to being done, & we want it to look as good as the family room (we finished that a year ago). At this rate, I think maybe the main floor might be done for next Christmas. We have left to still do is- tile the bathroom, insert the tub & toilet, cabinet, install the wood floor to our bedroom & insert the closet we are having built. Oh my, it still sounds like a lot of work. I think we will need a vacation to Lake Powell the first of the year just to unwind. It's my one of my favorite time of year to go-no one is there, why should they, it's not really warm, but it's QUIET!

Brothers

2008-09-28T09:20:00.002-06:00

Maddox & Griffin are doing a lot of wrestling, poor Griffin usually looses.

The boys looking for bugs in their backyard.

Griffin is trying to get back at Maddox-attack while he's coming down the slide!

Griffin

2008-09-27T09:49:00.003-06:00

Now Griffin is getting his hair cut, he's watching Bugs Life & needed the lollipop to keep him in the chair.

Curious Griffin

Maddox

2008-09-27T09:34:00.005-06:00

While I was taking pictures of baby Reese, Maddox jumped in & wanted his picture taken also.
Maddox is getting his haircut & doesn't like the sound of the clippers & is afraid of his ears being buzzed.

Doesn't he look handsome?

Reese, Reese, Reese...

2008-09-27T09:22:00.003-06:00

Reese is 12 days old in these pictures. She is so alert, just hangs out & doesn't even flinch when her brothers are wrestling or Angus barking.

more of Reese

2008-09-23T10:39:00.002-06:00

I know I said I would try to post every other day, but it's hard to put down this sweet baby girl to post anything. I'll work on it.

Just hanging...

This is Reese's gang hand-she's saying "Hi".

Grandma helped her find her finger-Yum!

I got the boys some Halloween lips with a sucker on the other end- they were a little big for their mouths, but had fun trying to eat them.

Randall family

2008-09-20T21:39:00.002-06:00

Griffin & Maddox

Grandpa Mike & Reese

Grandma Barb & Reese

Reese's first bath...

Reese after her bath-now that wasn't so bad.

I hope to post at least every other night while we are in Oregon. Lots going on.

Happy Birthday Rebecca

Baby Reese

2008-09-20T21:31:00.003-06:00

Baby Reece can change her expressions faster than I can take her picture. She is a very contented baby!

Powell

2008-09-05T20:43:00.002-06:00