Making Progress

Due to a sick Jordan :( & lots of work to catch up on, this blog entry will be short (but sweet). :) We spoke with one of the framers tonight. He said they hope to be done framing by Saturday and trusses up Monday (he mentioned the plumber may come Monday as well). The stairs to the upper floor are still not in; so unfortunately we have yet to see what our design looks like, but cannot wait to see it!

Here are the latest pictures:

Jocie's Crush

It has happened, shhh...don't tell her daddy, but Jocie has a crush! :) My little girl opened up to me tonight that she has a crush, not on just one boy, but two! As she is telling me this, she is giggling and smiling from ear to ear. She told me that she told a friend at school too about it. I asked her what happens if she tells other people about Jocie's crush(es). Her response? "Oh I don't have to worry about that, we ankle swore." Aye aye aye!!! I suggested to her that it's a little too early to be thinking about crushes and dating. "But Mom, when can I date?" How about when you're 16, was my answer! Jocie, "But that's forever!!"

I can already feel gray hair and wrinkles coming on! :)

Problems being taken care of

So today, we met with the builder, the foreman, and the sales/marketing gal. They took care of all of our issues, all to our satisfaction. In fact, everything was handled surprisingly well & fast!

Like I said in an earlier email, we're learning a lot about the construction process. Today's lesson - circ lines - basically a pump system that will have almost instant hot water at all sources. A friend of ours is a plumber and has filled us in on a few inexpensive upgrades that we should add now and would greatly benefit from. So...a circ line it is. :) The boys will love it. They currently have to wait 3 minutes. Dad will tell them to turn on the water and get in the shower. They'll respond, "But Dad, it's cold!" And he will proceed to turn it on for them while they stand there freezing. Poor guys. :)

No new photos to post today, but maybe tomorrow! Not a good day to frame anyway - it was very windy (thankfully no rain). Hopefully Mother Nature will cooperate and hold off on any adverse weather until the roof is on. :)

FRAMING has started, but hold them there horses!

So to our surprise, Friday the framers began framing the house! No concrete slabs yet, but no complaining here. :) There was a team of 7 guys on Friday working from sunup till sundown. They multiplied and returned on Saturday. Things seemed to be going great until we noticed a few minor problems (you know windows and doors moved around and things not aligning according to the plans)...you know, minor details. One of the pictures below shows the differences. Hopefully all will be remedied Monday!


Look at Katie. :)


Why does it look like that power line is in my garage?


As of Sunday


Some issues with framing vs. plans.


View looking at formal dining from living room

Basement

Basement

Not a good idea

White shirt, khaki skirt, a bunch of dirt -
NOT A GOOD IDEA!

Backfill is almost complete...

First Day of School!

Today marked the first day of school for all four kids. Even little Katie went a full day (morning Pre-K and an afternoon at the after-school care program). Everyone had a great day - and I think it's safe to say, all were completely tired; Katie even fell asleep on the way home from school.

Conversation that I had with the little beatle (that's what Alan thinks she looks like with her backpack on) first thing this morning is below:

Katie - "I love Mrs. Schwisow and Mrs. Sistrunk."
Mom - "You do!? That's great!"
Katie - "I don't love picking up though. I sometimes pick up at preschool, but not at home - I'm messy."

Smile. Loves preschool, but already is stressing about cleanup time. :)

It was a great day...the school has grown this year and it was very exciting to see all the new (and returning) students!

Jordan is also excited because tonight his coach announced he would play starting linebacker. He said it is hard because you have to pay close attention to everything that is going on - a very good thing for him to learn to do! :)

Jocie is loving first grade, but was a little sad that she didn't get any homework today (she's been looking forward to it all summer).

Finally, Colin had a great day-enjoyed the art project that they did in class, but wanted to make sure he told me a few times that he missed recess! :) Just like his daddy, enjoys work - but has to have his play time.

Beginning the backfill process

The first foundation crew completed their job on Thursday. Friday a new group began backfilling and excavating the lot. As you can see they really piled the dirt in on the right hand side towards the back. :( Not sure if I like this or not. I'm told we'll need a retaining wall - which equates to more money or at least another thing to add to the "save-and-do-after-we-move-in" list.

Monday they will backfill the garage space in preparation for the concrete slab. You can also see on the second picture where they brought dirt up to the garage and where they began tarring for the waterproofing.

On a side note, today was the kids' Back to School Potluck. Everyone had a fabulous time! The weather was perfect! God blessed us with a wonderful turnout and great fellowship!