Quick update....

So we got a quote on the installation of the floors and to say the least our jaws dropped. And after much contemplation we decided this was going to be a major DIY project. This also meant that we would be taking our time on the installation. In other words, I will have to continue living w/out my living room and dining area for a while.

But last night there was a glimmer of hope. The same guys that we got a quote from called back with a better offer. Although it was a better offer I am still planning to get some more quotes. And we are still considering installation on our own. Now the reason I have faith in the DIY installation is not just for the savings but because my brother just recently installed hardwood and is willing to teach my hubby the process. So with that in mind, it has brought the confidence level up a bit.

So with this new lower quote we might be able to not only save but have someone with a little more experience refinishing the floor. There is hope and possibilities.

Spring Time for Kids

This is for my little brother ..... I thought you would enjoy a little laugh.


The girls dance recital








And one finally one of the handsome boy....





Enjoy Little brother.........have a great week......LOVE YOU!!

Progress

This is just going to be a quick post on the progress of my flooring project. When I got home for lunch yesterday this is what I came home to.

(Everything was cleared out.)

(This is all my furniture jammed into our formal dining room.)

(And we still had some room for stuff.)

And when I got home for lunch today this was what I found.

This is our good friend, Fred, helping us taking out the nails.

So this weekend should be fun. There is going to be demolition, dust, and lots of work. But I think it is going to be worth it. We are going to be able to look at our house and know we did it (at least the majority of it on our own). This is going to be some serious sweat equity and a labor of love.

Birthday Wishes....

Today is my mother-in-law's birthday.

She is an amazing and beautiful woman. You know how everyone has those horror stories about their mother-in laws, not me. I really hit the jackpot. She treats me like a daughter. Just like my mom. She worries about me, calls me and checks up on us. And she is so supportive of me, even though I am not blood. I think every little thing I have done she has been there for it.

So a big shout out to my "mom". Wishing her a wonderful day!!

Future/Current Project

So we originally had planned to start remodeling our bathroom this summer. After our anniversary get away we were sure that a jetted tub is what we needed. That was the plan. Well the plan has changed. Not due to the jetted tub......we still "need" a jetted tub. I just came across a different project we will be tackling instead. The plans for the bathrooms remodel (yes I said bathrooms, 2 exactly) is still on the list just not at the top.

The new plans are hardwood floors. Yes I said hardwood floors. I am big about being eco-friendly. So when we first discussed redoing our floors, bamboo seemed like a great option. If you have seen any of the ads on the television about flooring the cheapest price for bamboo is $1.99 a square foot. Which can become a bit pricey, so you can imagine hardwood floors being much more. Well hardwood is not as eco-friendly and is more costly. So what made me change my mind.

Well I was browsing through some of my favorite blogs and noticed that Craigslist was a big deal. So I thought lets see what this is all about. And guess what I came across Maple Hardwood Floors for $0.50/sq.ft. So I thought.......hmm. There were no pictures just a phone number to call. So of course, what is the harm in calling and asking for a few pictures, right? So I call and find out 1.) I know the family selling the flooring 2.) the floor is from a high school gym my entire family had played basketball on. So the floors is reasonable (check) and it is used flooring meaning it is eco-friendly, no cutting down of more trees (check check). How could it get any better than this? So I discuss with hubby and father-in-law (my second dad) and dad and hubby agree that it seems like a great deal and we shouldn't pass it up. So I call and find out I am 2nd on the list, there is someone going to see it and they will let me know. I am all about if it is meant to be it will be. So the next day I get a text letting me know the wood is mine the people that were suppose to see it never showed so they moved onto my name. Hip! Hip! Horray!

So it was meant to be, right? Well yeah...of course it is also meant to be a tremendous amount of work. And my hubby is so positive about being able to do most of the work himself. Where we are installing it we have tile.....so busting that out is going to be a chore. it is approximately 600 sq. ft. of tile we are busting out.

So....Point of the Post. There will be future posting of this new and crazy adventure. For now here are some pictures of the flooring and the possibilities it holds.


(This is in my garage (my car is outside) trailer load and still so much more.)

(This is a bundle on the floor. Yes it is a lot of wood.)

Here are some close ups of the flooring.

Marriage.......Not what I pictured......

So I was thinking...yeah shocker...I know. Moving on.
Yesterday was the anniversary of when my hubby and I began dating. Six years ago we began what we thought was just a little fling. Yeah I know that sounds a bit tacky. He was on leave for 30 days and I thought I can date this guy and have a great dance partner for 30 days (he is a great dancer). Little did I know.

My friend asked me, a while back, if marriage was what I thought it was going to be. And my honest answer was no it is not what I imagined it to be.

You see I had made up my mind a long time ago. That I was not the marrying kind. I knew who I was and I wasn't going to give that up for anyone. I was going to be single my entire life and I was going to enjoy that life. I was going to be the single, fun, & well traveled aunt, sister, daughter and friend. I was completely content with that. Okay so where did that selfish or negative thinking come from? I can not point to an exact moment I just knew there was no one who met my criteria so why bother. The best way I can describe it is ....I just thought that marriage was a weight...something that slowly dragged you down and eventually sucked the life out of you. And as I type this I know it sounds awful. I mean my life is surrounded by wonderful men so why where my thoughts so negative. My dad is a man,... a great, strong, gentle man...he is caring, thoughtful, don't get me wrong he is not perfect...but he is the type of man I have always imagined. So once again why was I such a pessimist?

I don't know... that is my answer..I do not know why I am a pessimist. I guess to me marriage meant ...settling, growing up, letting go of that girl I knew so well and I was not ready to do that.

But then you have to meet the "boy" I married. He is amazing. He is not perfect..but he is perfect for me. He loves life as much (if not more) as me. He can make me laugh and he does everyday. Life is good. Not once have I ever felt "the weight." Instead of feeling drained, I feel renewed. He is strong, gentle, loving, caring and thoughtful. Does that remind you of anyone?

So, NO....marriage is not what I imagined it to be. It is more. I realize that sounds a little cliche and cheesy for that matter. But it is so true....it is more than I had ever imagined it to be. And I firmly believe that God wants me (all of us) to be happy...so that we can serve happily. God knew my soul needed someone who was willing to let me be me. God gave me a partner...one that would dance with me through this crazy life. I was blessed with an amazing man who I can say I honestly enjoy life with him and sometimes because of him. And right now it sounds like my life if great....My life is far from perfect...but it is my life and I love it.

Weekend Retreat

So I signed up for a retreat a few months ago........and now the weekend has finally come and I am having my doubts. But this is my personality...the less time I have to think about something the least likely I am to back out or out think myself.

And I have told JD how I felt. In October he went on the men's version of the retreat and I can honestly say it was quite beneficial for him. So last night after he got back form his Bible study I knew something was up. I could just see it in his face. He gave me this huge hug and told me I was going to have a great time and that he was excited for me.

I don't know...I guess I just don't want to disappoint him because I know he has done a lot of work towards it and that he wants me to have the same experience he had. But I guess I am just going through the same feelings I always experience. SO I am going ...and I am going to go with the flow (which apparently is hard for me to do)...and I am just not going to think about it anymore.

I did get a phone call last night from someone on the retreat team and I decided I am not a happy perky person because after I got off the phone I told my husband...." you know I am not coming back like that right?" I mean I am a pessimist...and although I do believe in balance... optimisim is not always my strong point. Of course my wonderful husband just laughed and hugged me and said " I love you anyways."