Worth Mentioning

Life seems to have kicked into high gear for us lately. I guess warmer weather is to thank for that. We have been on the go almost non stop for almost the past 3 weeks. Most of it isn't worth mentioning, but here is the part that is:

- Jack fell outside (while picking me flowers) and busted his chin, which required 7 stitches. Poor little man!

- We had a fairly major scare with a tornado last week. We were driving to a neighboring town when we heard the sirens going off and had to quickly take shelter in a church basement until it passed. The tornado ended up destroying several homes and businesses. It was a little scary, but I am so thankful that the Lord gave us shelter from the storm.

- We are almost done with our home renovations. We decided to hire somebody to finish most of the work that needed to be done. There was just no way we were going to be able to finish it with a new baby and Keith's work schedule. When he is done, we will be about 90% complete and the rest will be things we can finish as we get the time. Soooo glad to be wrapping up this chapter of our lives.

- We took a little day trip to Missouri Town 1855 last week. It was a really neat place, and we all enjoyed it. Unfortunately it is all outdoors and it was cold and raining. I would like to go back and visit again when the weather is nicer.

- I had a major scare with my neighbor on Monday. To make a really long story short, she fell and broke her leg in 3 places and completely tore the ligament in her other knee. I had to rush over there with all 3 littles in tow and try to help her. Scary!

- The boys now have a trampoline. They love it! I am praying that no serious injuries come as a result.

- Cole is very, very colicky. Bless his heart (and mine too)! He screams every night starting between 7 and 8 and lasts for anywhere from 1 to 5 hours. I am desperate to find something to help. I feel like I have tried pretty much everything at this point. Colic is very heartbreaking and frustrating. I feel like I am being sanctified via a crying baby. =)

Well, I guess that's about it. At least that's all I can think of right now. I will have lots of pictures to share soon. =)

New Carpet

On Thursday and Friday we had new carpet installed in the bedrooms, hallway, and downstairs. I usually know what I like and what I want, and am confident in my decisions. Not so with buying carpet. I was a nervous wreck and was extremely indecisive. I got 5 different quotes, got advice from a realtor, and looked at countless pictures and articles online.

I decided on a brown frieze style. It was actually my favorite sample of all the ones I saw, and can you believe it...it was the lowest quote too. But still, I had a knot in my stomach for a whole week before it was installed. I just wasn't sure I would like it.

But now that it's in, I love it! It makes the house look so much different...and smell better too. The previous two owners both had pets, so you can imagine. Yuck!

I am hoping the new carpet will help us sell the house easier when we put it on the market. It sure is a vast improvement over before.

We got the carpet from a local business, Dugan's, which has been in business since 1871! They were awesome!! I love supporting local small businesses. I think it's vital to the economy to shop locally whenever possible. Not only did they have the best price, but the service was unbeatable.

The List

Sometimes people ask me what all we have left to finish the house and I usually don't have a good answer. There is so much to do, but most of it is little stuff. Most of the major renovation is finally over. But all those little things often seem overwhelming to me.

Today, I made a list room by room of everything that needs to be done. There are about 55 items on the list. Some are really small and can be completed in 30 minutes or less. Some are several day projects. My goal is to work on at least one item per day. I am going to share my list with you, and hopefully I will be able to share some pictures as well as things get crossed off the list.

Okay, here goes...

MASTER BEDROOM
Finish cutting in paint around ceiling
paint closet trim
new door knob
clean air return vent
paint air return vent

MASTER BATHROOM
remove framing from old wall
patch sheetrock
stain vanity
paint walls
tile floors
paint baseboards
new door and knob
install toilet

BOYS ROOM
paint trim
new door and knob

SPARE BEDROOM
paint trim
clean/ remove tools
stage as bedroom
door knob

HALL BATH
paint trim
door knob
cabinet hardware
hang pictures
remove towel bars ??
add hooks ??

DECK/PORCH
replace roof
replace screen door
new linoleum
make curtains

KITCHEN
scrape and retexture ceilings
trim on island
trim on cabinets
paint walls
toe kick
baseboards
paint island !!DONE!!
beadboard wallpaper trim !!DONE!!
change light fixtures

LIVING ROOM
prime where needed !!DONE!!
paint fireplace wall
patch hole in ceiling
baseboards

GARAGE
touch up paint
clean
organize tools


LAUNDRY ROOM
fix leaky pipe
repair hole in ceiling
repaint walls
new door and knob

FAMILY ROOM
repaint walls
retexture ceilings
baseboards

MAN ROOM/ OFFICE
baseboards
flooring
repaint walls
new door and knob



And there you have it, "The List". Who wants to come over???