Monday, November 28, 2011

Lots to report - nothing to see : (

Wow!! Lots happened at the house today, but unfortunately I don't have any pictures. It was way too dark when we got there tonight. We had to use our headlights and even then could only see a little bit. Anyway, here's the list of what happened today.....

1) Appliances have started. The microwave is in and we think maybe the stove. Maybe also the dishwasher?? Couldn't see.
2) Light fixtures are installed. The chandy in the Dining Room is GORG!!
3) The interior ceiling fans are up. We couldn't see if the fans on the back porch are in place.
4) The exterior coach lights are up. I couldn't tell if they are black or oil-rubbed bronze and I can't remember. They are so pretty!!
5) Both the a/c and the heater are installed.
6) The metal fence posts are in place.
7) The trenches for the sprinkler system have been dug.

Just a few more things to finish and we get to move in!!! Yippee!!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

What a great weekend!

I sure hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. I know we sure did. No picts to post - just fun stuff to share.

Our 4th wedding anniversary was on the 24th - Thanksgiving Day. I am so very, very THANKFUL that God brought us together and has showered us with so many blessings over these past 4 years. I always dreamt that marriage would be amazing, and it has been even better than that. Dave is funny, smart, loving, and ...... I could just go on and on, but I know he's going to read this so I'd better stop!! (Love You!!)

I know I've shared The Proposal story before - just remember that it happened on Valentine's Day at Olive Garden. Since we got married, we have celebrated every Valentine's Day and every anniversary at Olive Garden - in OUR booth! This year was no exception. We had to wait a little while, but it was totally worth it. The manager has her own love story -- she met her husband at OG and they have their own booth! She remembered us from this past Valentine's Day. She also bought our appetizer. Ahhh.....a fellow romantic.

Thanksgiving Day was quiet. We spent it together and it was wonderful! Dave cooked a delicious meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, carrots, and pumpkin pie. It was his first time to make this meal and it was D-Lish! : )

Allan and his family had come to town, so we took them out to our new home.

The rest of the weekend was spent by running errands, shopping for the new house, measuring all kinds of spaces and walls in the new house, packing boxes, and of course working. (You know I can't spend 4 days without working at least a little!!)

The house is coming along very well. The electrician should finish up in the next day or so. All of the light fixtures and appliances are due to be placed on Monday. We are expecting the wood floors to be layed this week. Tonight, the builder's wife called because she hadn't asked us what kind of shower door we wanted! I hadn't even thought about it. Guess that means it should be hung soon. Whoo Hoo! It's so hard to believe that we'll be moving in to our new home in 2 weeks!!!

That means I'd better get back to packing. Now, where is that tape again????

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Tile is finished!

Yup - 1 more checkmark!! The tile guys thought they'd be done by today and they were right!! They did a great job. We couldn't be happier with the results.
I didn't know they would put this much detail around my tub. I'm also super excited because my tub has 8 jets -- twice as many as I have right now!! Oooooooo. I might need a really big Do Not Disturb sign!


 I also didn't realize there would be so much detail in the shower. The floor is tiny little tiles.

Pretty tile in the kitchen. The black squares add so much!


The electricians arrived today. They started installing all of the outlets and the lights.

He's putting the can light over the sink.


The painter finished the exterior paint today. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of it. Hopefully sometime this weekend.

Well, that's all for today. We'll see what happens on Friday! Yippee!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Tile has started

The tile guys were there this morning when we stopped by. We have tile going in all three bathrooms, the kitchen, the laundry room, and the entry. Builder told us our tile was discontinued right after they ordered ours. Whew! Glad we got it ordered when we did!

Tile guys are planning to be finished sometime on Wednesday. They want to get paid before Thanksgiving! Ha Ha!

We spent some time "shopping" for moving companies. Can't believe we're looking at moving in just 3 weeks!!! Oh My!!

More good news: we did our weekly weigh-in this morning. I've now lost 16 pounds! Yippee!! More to go, but this is good.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Getting closer!

I had a meeting this morning, so I took advantage of some daylight and stopped by the house. I was thrilled to see that the garage door was open -- this meant I could go inside and see the progress!!

The builder was installing our granite!! Ooooooo -- look at that dark stain on the kitchen cabinets! Beautiful!!


We're now standing in the family room, looking into the Dining Room. I love the big window looking out to the front yard.



I'm standing in basically the same place, but this picture is looking towards the front door (middle right of picture), scrapbook room, and the mantle. The arch on the far right leads into the Dining Room.



Hall bath. Obviously no plumbing or lighting has been installed.


Guest suite. The granite has been installed around the sink.


This shot is of the Master Bath. We are SO looking forward to the double sinks!! Whoo hoo! Sorry this picture is so dark -- remember, no electricity yet.


My jetted tub!!!! Yippee!!! The tub is nestled in between the doors of the wrap-around closet. Sure wish I could get a picture of the closet. WOW!


Dave drove by later this afternoon and saw the painter prepping the exterior. Seems like that should be happening pretty soon! The builder says that all of the flooring will be next! YIPPEE!!

**********
On a work note: our temporary cook didn't show up today!!! Are you kidding me?!?!? I was away at a meeting until almost 11 and when I arrived at the Preschool, I discovered that the Assistant Director was not only putting away the food we had ordered yesterday, but she was also trying to prepare lunch! Obviously, I jumped in and got things taken care of. Then, I spend the rest of the afternoon writing the lesson plans for our music classes next week. Whew!

You never know what your day will look like when you are a Preschool Director!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Blogging again.....

I wrote a long post last night, but then blogger freaked out and stopped working. Sure hope it stays up tonight. I don't want to have to re-do it again.
____________
We had a great week in Florida, but I don't trust hotel wi-fi's though, so I didn't want to get on my blog. 'Cause, of course I wouldn't want some crazy person comandeering The Purple Zone!!! Ha Ha!

We started the week at Dave's Aunt Katy's house. She lives right on The Eagle golf course (in Tampa) and it was beautiful! Next time, we're going to bring our clubs. Look who was playing this hole -- right in her back yard....


We took off for an afternoon at Clearwater Beach. It was so relaxing walking barefoot through the white sand. I was able to really clear my mind and relax. What a rare moment!!


We arrived in Orlando the day before the conference, so we headed out to the Kennedy Space Center. It was amazing and we highly recommend everyone taking the tour.


We were able to see the Endeavor - up close and personal.


We spent Halloween at Epcot. It was great!! Dave was selected to participate in a street show! How did they know how much he loves doing these things!! Ha Ha!


Unfortunately, Dave was sick for several days, so he spent quite a bit of time in the hotel room while I attended sessions. Still, we managed to squeeze in a few fun activities.

Downtown Disney


Lego Store (at Downtown Disney)


T-Rex restaurant


I know that's a bad picture. The restaurant is really dark. I just wanted to show how close we were to the dinosaurs! See the menu at the bottom of the picture??? That's my seat -- inches away from a moving, growling triceratops!!

The conference was wonderful. I am so fortunate that I'm able to attend it. I have always wanted to, and it's so thrilling now that I actually get to. One of my favorite pieces is meeting children's authors and other people who have influenced my professional beliefs. This year was no exception. I was able to meet 2 of my favs......



Alice Sterling Honig, infant-toddler guru!

 __________

Meanwhile, back in Lubbock, the crews were working on our home. Our builder agreed to meet us after work so we could have a peek at the latest. Darn this time change!!! It gets too dark too fast! Oh well, at least we got to look around for a few minutes!

Look at all those cabinets!! Whoo Hoo!! Door on the far right is leading to the laundry room and garage. Door on the left is the walk-in (step-in) pantry. STORAGE!!



Close up detail of the mantle.

Front door. (Not the actual color)


It's coming along!!!