Archive for December, 2008
Countertops are ordered!
I was so nervous I was practically shaking, but the countertops are ordered, so it’s done, done, done! I made it before the New Year! That I am thankful for. I feel like I have no idea what they are going to look like … The good news is, I don’t think it’s going to matter too much. It’s only because I was IN LOVE with another color (way out of our league) that I was unsure about the Chicory Mosaic from Formica Solid Surface. And I can’t complain because we did get a great deal. Not only did Heartland match and beat the Lowe’s quote by $100, including a $450 integral sink and a backsplash, but they had four edges to choose from versus Lowe’s one, AND if you pay in full up front, they take off another 5%. Also, because they have the counter in stock at their warehouse, it should be only about two weeks instead of 3 (although the holiday delays things some). A technician is coming on Monday to “template” the countertops to be sure we have exact measurements for everything. It’s going to be wonderful to have horizontal surfaces again. Yay! Our super duper deal (after initial quote of $3,286)? $2,397
2 comments December 31, 2008
Wordless Wednesday: Simply practical
There was much excitement over the knitted mittens my son received for Christmas. Well, of course, there were trucks on them! Not to mention, my daughter opened her pink mittens with frogs not too long before. Her reaction? Excitedly, “I’ve never had pink mittens with frogs on them before!” And he adores his big sister. I love when there’s so much joy in such a simple, practical gift (from grandma and grandpa)! For more Wordless Wednesday entries: WordlessWednesday.com and 5 Minutes for Mom.
4 comments December 31, 2008
Countertops, countertops, countertops!
I am swimming in countertop choices and options. I got a local countertop/cabinet dealer to beat the Lowes’ quote I received before Christmas by $100 (about $800 below their original quote) on the Chicory Mosaic from Formica Solid Surfacing, and that’s includes a $450 sink. So, that’s the way to go. I’m just feeling unsure about the choice. Not because I don’t like the color, it’s just so hard to know what it’s actually going to look like. Kinda like selecting a paint color based on a 1-inch square. The effect on the room can be totally different then you expect. But I’ve had some experience with paint, and it’s not as expensive if you absolutely hate it. But, I want my countertops! So … I just need to do it. My self-imposed deadline is tomorrow. On another note, before Christmas, I had called the Sears Outlet Center where I purchased an over-the-range microwave about receiving the mounting hardware we needed. I hadn’t heard from them so I called again today and left another messages. But when I came home from running errands, there was a box on the porch. Hip hip hooray! So far, I absolutely recommend them for your big appliances.
2 comments December 30, 2008
Cabinets are up!
Minus a few doors (we had some issues with warping so we are looking into weather we need extra hinges or new doors etc), the cabinets are hung, including the island … with doors. We just have a few tricky toe-kicks and some moulding to install. I didn’t want to go too crazy, but I did put some things in our pantry (*inserted excited squeal here*). That also means I can order countertops. Time to make a decision … AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGHHHHHHHHHH! Unless our cabinet company can come up with a better price on it’s high-end solid surface from Staron, Coffee Bean from it’s Tempest line, we’re planning to go with a nice moderately priced solid surface from Formica (who knew?) in Chicory Mosaic. Lowe’s has an excellent sale going on now, with a color upgrade and a free sink. So, while I’d like to order by Friday, it probably have to wait until “next year.” I suppose I can wait a few days longer.
Add comment December 23, 2008
Thursday 13: Who’s that again?
1. He comes at Christmas.
2. He can be at your house and your grandma’s house in the same night.
3. He controls the weather and is a friend to animals.
4. He’s often depicted as a white-bearded man with a twinkle in his eye.
5. He’s the “spirit of Christmas.”
6. He loves little children, and asks them to come to him.
7. Children love him and line up just to see him.
8. He asks us to be on our best behavior, obedient.
9. He showers us with gifts.
10. Adults may be criticized for believing in him.
11. Many consider him to be make-believe.
12. Yet, belief in him brings miracles to earth.
13. He resides in a place that could be described as the opposite of a fiery hell.
In case you wondered, I was referring to Jesus Christ, not Santa Claus. Don’t replace God with Santa this Christmas! We have fun at our house at Christmas, but my kids barely know who Santa Claus is. When we see a depiction of Father Christmas, my two-year-old son says “God!”
Just a few weeks ago we got out the holiday decorations, and my daughter Avery asked about the stockings. I told her about Santa Claus and how some people celebrate Christmas by putting puts toys in there. She got all excited, saying “Can I do that?!?!” I wasn’t sure what to say until she started to talk about putting Charlie’s cars inside. For the next hour or so, she and her little brother filled the stockings with cars and dumped them out, having a great time. So, I don’t think you have to ban Santa, but keep things in perspective so that you don’t lose your children’s faith and trust. There is no reason kids won’t have fun at Christmas without the extra emphasis on jolly old St. Nick. One writer for Regular Folks United said it well: Don’t lie to your kids this Christmas
Related post: Merry Clausmas … er, I mean Christmas
12 comments December 18, 2008
Wordless Wednesday: Dancing princesses
Nothing like the joy of watching two girls laughing and dancing! For more Wordless Wednesday: WordlessWednesday.com and 5 Minutes for Mom.
4 comments December 17, 2008
Piecing it together
Matt and our friend Nick, who has installed cabinets before and has woodworking skills, got a great start on the cabinets this weekend. We spent a lot of time on Saturday just figuring out what all the pieces were for and how it was all going together. It was frustrating, but I am glad they wanted to take their time and do it right. So, at the end of the day, we (by that I mean “they”) had one corner wall cabinet hanging. It looked beautiful! But Sunday, they were able to hang just about all of the others (and I do mean “hang,” even the floor cabinets are about an inch off the ground because of the unevenness of the floor). All that is left are the refrigerator cabinet and the one small cabinet right beside it on the opposite wall. We finally did move the refrigerator, and we both like its new location. It so much closer to the door so you don’t have to walk through the kitchen to get to it. Also still to do: Order counters
Put the cabinet doors back on
Hook up the dishwasher and sink
Install garbage disposal
Install microwave (bought a dented one at the Sears Outlet for $150 on Friday)
Finalize the electrical (call electrician)
Install toe kick and moulding and wall trim
1 comment December 15, 2008
Feeling the power
We have a new kitchen floor! While not flawless, it’s be-a-utiful! Matt took Monday and Tuesday off this week so we could get it done BEFORE THE CABINETS ARE DELIVERED ON FRIDAY! Whoo-hoo! We purchased the flooring from Flooring Discount Warehouse on Friday (and it needed a few days to “acclimate,” it was a painful process for me!). All the people we spoke with at the store were very helpful and kind, and I would definitely recommend them. We selected Mullican St. Andrews Natural Oak.
I noticed a list of specials on the web site the day before and there was an outdated (but not dated) and mis-listed sale on “Mullican Highlands Series St. Andrews” which was supposed to be “Highlands” but not “St. Andrews.” At any rate, they honored it so we saved $.20/square foot. Worked out to about $40, which means we got the underlayment “free.” We also will be able to return one of the 9 boxes we purchases since we were, if I may say so myself, efficient and not particularly picky about the pieces we chose. The kids were pretty cooperative, although especially toward the end they wanted to be in the kitchen with us and weren’t listening to instruction very well. It didn’t help that they weren’t able to nap with all the noise. We had to rent a pneumatic flooring nailer from Home Depot, which added another $100 to our cost, but still quite a bit of savings from hiring an installer. There was some confusion at first because we didn’t realize we’d have to rent an air compressor separately. Thankfully, we were able to borrow one from a friend/neighbor for two days. Thanks, Dave! We also borrowed a miter saw from our friend Gene. I was feeling the power with every opportunity to cut the end pieces!
Matt and I made a good team once we got into a groove. It’s good to know that we CAN work together. I laid out the pieces, cutting them to fit if necessary. Then tightened them with the tapping block and pull bar. Matt wielded the pneumatic nailer and drilled/hammered any as necessary. Note: It is very difficult to nail into maple! Our original flooring that we put the new floor on top of was maple and when the nails would hit, they’d bend. So, Matt had to drill first. It took us a few hours to get the first board in with that whole mess. Thankfully, it got much easier. However, we are both very, very, very, very sore. We’re getting too old for this.
A pretty new floor to replace the old ugly one (hard wood, plus nails, underlayment, small tool purchases and tool rental): $969.62
After
Before:
1 comment December 9, 2008
Thursday 13: Thankful Thanksgiving
OK, it’s a week late but I didn’t have internet access while we were traveling so I’m posting my Thanksgiving Thankful list today:
1. A fun-filled Thanksgiving at Camp Shamineau, where I got to have new experiences, including rock climbing and the zip line, as well as play floor hockey with the family. So fun!
2. I also got to see my sister on the trip, although only for a few hours it felt so great just to talk for a bit.
3. We are making great progress on the kitchen remodel, and getting closer to finished every day! I am so glad that we are even doing this project.
4. Because of the kitchen remodel, our house is a bit warmer this winter. I’m so thankful for insulation!
5. I am also excited about one of my Christmas gifts: new boots! They are warm and cute, making playing in the snow with the kids a bit more comfortable (now for some snow pants!).
6. My kids are healthy and happy.
7. Avery is doing well in pre-school, becoming more bold in speaking with the teachers. And she LOVES it.
8. Charlie is learning new things every day and just melts my heart.
9. Matt has a job and things are going well.
10. And despite the economic downturn, we are doing fine, affected but not taking it hard.
11. I’m thankful for days I can sleep in. Mmmm….sleep.
12. I finally got some cream that actually helps the eczema on my hands. So even though they are still super-dry, they don’t hurt!
13. I have awesome friends who make me laugh and cry and all-around love life. Thank you!
PLUS: My Christmas letter is done and I’ve completed most of my shopping so I’m already well on my way to a less stressful Christmas season!
Avery would like to add:
1. Snow.
2. A healthy body.
3. Playing with my brother.
4. Mommy and daddy.
5. Books.
If Charlie could understand this exercise, I’m fairly certain he’d have one item on his list:
1. Cars!
3 comments December 4, 2008
(Not so) Wordless Wednesday: First horseback ride
While we were at Camp Shamineau for Thanksgiving, we were outside at the ropes course when cousin Tricia brought a couple horses to the site. Avery was excited to see them and we had fun petting them. Eventually, Avery had to go to the bathroom so we walked back to our lodge. On the way, Avery asked in a rather whiny voice: “But, when are we going to RIDE the horses?!?!?” I was a bit surprised because she hadn’t been that adventurous during our stay, and there hadn’t been any talk about riding horses. So, I said we could hurry back and ask if we could sit on a horse or something. We’d figure something out … After going to the bathroom, she ran almost the entire way back. (Although she stopped not too far into it saying “it’s tooooo farrrrrr,” I held her hand for a while and we jogged together. Then when we got more than halfway, she blasted ahead the rest of the way.) Anyway, while we were gone, two of her cousins had gotten on, so she was able to get a turn for a nice walk on a loop past the lake. She did great! She wasn’t scared and she seemed to enjoy it, although she was quite reserved. On the way back to the lodge after the exciting adventure, we had a fun conversation about animals. For more Wordless Wednesday: WordlessWednesday.com and 5 Minutes for Mom.
Mom: That was so much fun, wasn’t it? Avery loves horses.
Uncle Kent: I love horses, too.
Avery: (with lots of excitement) And kitties!
Uncle Kent: But they are difficult to ride.
Avery: But you can carry them! That’s fun.
She went on to talk about frogs and how they jump out of your hand, and named lots of other animals she would like for a pet: guinea pig, hamster, a bunny. But not a snake, unless maybe it’s a “nice” one!
2 comments December 3, 2008
Not so miraculous
[Edited 12/9/2008 to add: While we were installing our kitchen flooring, the technician from Miracle Method came to fix our tub. So, it looks good for now! I credit RatePoint.com for their motivation. I didn't hear from them when they said they'd call, so I went to RatePoint after researching about the company and finding they were listed there. So, I posted a negative review (2/5 stars), and they were here within a week.]
I was in a sour mood today anyway and now I am really burning up. In July 2005, we remodeled our upstairs bathroom (the only full bath with shower so that was an interesting 9 months, but that’s another story). I talked my husband into using the more expensive method, which cost us a whopping $675. I still can’t believe it. There are services that will do it for $200-300, but I was convinced after some research that this would be better for our antique claw-foot tub.
It was the ONE and ONLY service we paid professionals to do. Miracle Method refinished the inside of the tub, I did the outside. Within two years, it was cracking (there were also a few spots that were imperfect so I wasn’t that impressed to begin with). After MONTHS of calling and leaving messages and talking with various people about when they were coming, they finally sent a technician to redo it. But within another few months, it was cracking again. Unfortunately, I signed a document when he came that said he took care of it. Supposedly, it also said that the problem was caused by kids’ toys. I can’t say that I remember reading the entire document and this notation, but I don’t believe it was there. At any rate, I was livid at the time because I had asked about kids using the tub the first time around. It is our only one, so there was no doubt they’d be taking baths in it. “Oh no,” he said. “No problem. Just don’t drop a plumber’s wrench on it.” Huh.
Thankfully, I thought at the time, the owner was kind and sent the technician again for no cost, despite arguing that I should have to pay for a second visit. They also applied a non-skid bottom to avoid future tears. But, before he even left, there was a problem. There was a crack that wasn’t adhering to the bottom. I talked with the owner, Bonnie, while he was here, and she said, almost word for word: “Don’t worry, be patient. We’ll be back. But he doesn’t have what he needs to take care of it right now.” That was months ago. It is really bad now, and water collects underneath. A big chunk even peeled off a few days ago.
I finally talked with her today (after leaving messages for a while AGAIN). She attempted to blow me off with notations of “kids’ toys” and “several visits” and “non-skid mats” that we didn’t pay for. She’s going to “take care of it” she says and get back to me after talking with the technician. I have waited this long to write and probably could wait until the story completely unfolds, but I have had enough grief. Don’t use Miracle Method!!
Add comment December 2, 2008
Jewelry fusion
If you are looking for a unique, creative gift for Christmas, look no further than Pendant Fusion. Liz makes beautiful, quality jewelry that is truly one of a kind. You have to check it out: Pendant Fusion.
1 comment December 2, 2008
We made it!
We had a fabulous Thanksgiving week full of driving:
Monday: 6 hours to Minneapolis
Wednesday: 3 hours to northern Minnesota
Friday: 4 hours to Rochester MN
Saturday: 3.5 hours to Iowa
Sunday: 6 hours to … home!
I have to applaud the kids, who made the entire trip without a portable DVD player! It can be done, folks.
And lots of firsts:
The Mason family’s first Thanksgiving at Camp Shamineau (we’re hoping to meet there every other year).
It was also the first time most of the family had met Charlie since he had his surgery over Thanksgiving two years ago.
The family had a hay ride pulled by horses, not a tractor.
Avery and Charlie both rode horses, all on their own. (Avery was so excited she ran almost the whole way back just to ask if she could ride the horse.)
Avery and I both tried rock climbing.
I made it to the top of the “rock” (on the easy course, of course) on the first try.
I also got to try a zip line (Avery said it was “too scary for me. Maybe when I am bigger.” But several other kids tried it).
We celebrated the first Christmas of the year, opening gifts with grandma and grandpa.
Matt’s grandma in Iowa celebrated her 90th birthday with the Barton side of the family!
Add comment December 1, 2008
