As you can probably imagine, I've been distracted lately by things other than the house. Sian and Jordan arrived on December 8th, and I've been busy since then. I'll try to get y'all up to date as much as I can.
Shortly after Sian arrived we started taking care of the financial issues that needed attention the most. Mainly getting caught up on the day-to-day bills. I had fallen even farther behind due to buying materials for the house, so I was in not-so-good shape. That's taken care of. That is a HUGE worry off of my mind.
We went to the courthouse a few days ago and got our marriage license. Our wedding is scheduled for December 28th at 2:00pm EST. We are having a simple courthouse wedding. We purchased our rings a few days ago, too. I went with a plain, white gold band and Sian has a white gold band with 12 diamonds.
Wedding Rings
We have also replaced the pitiful, second-hand furniture in the living room. Sian and I had found a sofa and tables that we loved when she was here in July. The store still had them. So, we bought them.
Sofa and tables
Sian wanted a new vacuum. I thought a steam cleaner would be a good idea, too. So we bought a Bissell steam cleaner. I won't even tell you how much nasty crap Sian pulled up out of the carpet and rugs with that thing.... A few days later, we went to buy a new vacuum. Sian really hates my 2 year old Eureka. I can understand that...it's a cheap one, and it's been through a lot. I suggested a mid-priced Bissell, since she liked the steam cleaner so much. I can barely think when I'm in the house these days.... she REALLY likes the Bissell vacuum.
Windows. As y'all know, I've been waffling about windows for a long time. My windows are crap. They aren't worth saving, although I will keep one or two sashes for historical purposes. Off to DIY world we went. First stop was Menard's. I've always liked Menard's. Sadly, we had the worst customer service guy ever to be employed by Menard's. He had no clue how to use the customer window program on the computer and asked me about certain things like hardware and put the opposite of what I requested. The clincher though was when he received a phone call and kept us standing there for 15 minutes while he rambled on. Once we had the print out, we walked out the door. There were a few other things I wanted to buy, but I was so mad after that, that I forgot about it. (They were having a sale on Oak 4 panel doors for $109 for a pre-hung 32" door.)
So, off to Lowes we went. At Lowes we were attended to by Funky Disco Hippie Bob. He flew through the program (Pella), asked a few key questions, and handed us an estimate that was lower than Menard's. And this had one more window on it than the one from Menard's. (5 windows at Lowes, versus 4 at Menard's). The price was higher than I wanted to pay, but I knew it wasn't going to be cheap considering the size of the windows (31.25" x 74.50").
While there, we also bought two windows of the same line, but shorter. I need a shorter one for the bedroom where the window seat will be. Also, to add a little symmetry and some light to the stairway, I'm adding an identical window to the other end of the house, over the stairs. Lastly, we bought 2 vinyl (but still Pella) windows for the laundry room. We still need to buy a door, but that will come after Xmas. Total for the 5 windows ordered and the 4 windows we took home was around $3000. I consider that to be pretty good, really.
What else? Hmmm.... Well, we finally have a workable plan for the laundry room. That is the most important project at the moment. Sian really dislikes laundromats, so a laundry room and washer/dryer are of ultimate importance. lol. I'm going to take advantage of the situation and install new sheathing outside, add the windows and door, insulate, and put up new clapboards.
Otherwise, things here are great. Sian and I are bickering like a married couple (LOL!) and getting the house cleaned and in order for Xmas. The only bad thing is that I don't get to see her much at all. I go to work at 10pm. She goes to bed around 10-11pm. I get home around 8:30am. She gets up around 8am. I go to bed around 1pm and wake up around 8 or 9pm. So, I get to see her from 8:30am until about 1pm. That's not nearly enough for me.
Anyway, here is a result of our schedules....
Never let your fiancee near your camera...
And here are some pictures of the house all fixed up for Yule:
That's the house sign I won from Lincoln Sign Company. It arrived a couple of days ago.
Merry Christmas from Sian, Larry, and Jordan!
Comments to date: 1. This is page 1 of 1.
Michelle Connell Wisconsin
Posted at 11:42pm on Friday, April 20th, 2007
Hi Sian &Larry! After you made this link on VJ, Mags, I just had to come check you out. I'm used to staying up SO late recently and doing homework, etc when the house is quiet that I'm in the habit...and Craig went to bed a bit ago, so I'm bored. I did just watch the most *hilarious* episode of "Just for Laughs...GAGS" on BBC America though...LOL. Anyway, the house is looking SO great...and I enjoyed reading some of your blogs...especially this one..the first one after you got here. Just wanted to say that I think you are such a really fantastic couple....it really shows that you love one another so much! Larry I don't forget how you went out of your way to help with my computer problem on VJ quite a while back now...I really appreciate when people give me a hand...will be glad to return the favor if there's ever anything I can do! Anyway...just wanted to say what a great family I think you all are together, and fantastic work on the house! I wish we were so "handy"!!!! :) Michelle (and Craig!)
