Basement Remodel

This post goes out to Sally Heinzel, who always notices when I write, and most definitely appreciates do-it-yourself home improvements!

We are remodeling our basement, and will have a living/play area, a spare bedroom, small storage room, and bathroom.  We're excited to expand our living space!  Here are some pics from the past few weeks of work.

 Our friend Caleb came over to help tear down the ugly paneling.

 First wall - up!

 Looking into the guest bedroom from the living room area.

 Hallway - far down on the right at the end of the hallway is 

the entrance into the office Micah built last year.

 Fourth wall onto the guest bedroom, again looking from the living room area.

 Guest bedroom closet!

 Hallway, now with Micah's wiring done.

Just thought this was a cool corner pic of wiring.

More wiring - and the wall behind separates the guest 

bedroom from the storage room.

 You might not think this is exciting, but it is! Micah wired this so that each switch controls one of three rows of can lights (see below), and all of them are dimmers.  Yea for movie nights where we can control our fancy lighting!

 This is half of them.

 Bathroom, with our laundry room (that will remain unfinished) to the right.

 Micah's dad helping with the bathroom.

 This bathroom has been the toughest part - building around a shower, 

toilet, sink, heating vent, and plumbing that was already there.

 The first thing we've hired to be done - spray insulation of the ceiling and walls.

Next step - measuring so we can purchase drywall!


Pretty cool that my plumber husband has taken on being 
an electrician and carpenter.  I'm so proud of him!

Read this.

And please pray for my cousin.  This has been so hard for our whole family, but especially for her and her husband.  Adoption is not easy.

Sneak Peek

Micah has been remodeling our basement and I am excited to show you pictures of the process!  Coming soon!  Here is a sneak peek of the mess he's been making...

I just love the smell of fresh sawdust.  Anybody?

Little D really likes noises that power tools make, so he and I sometimes go downstairs to see what daddy is doing.  D plays with his own little tool set on a regular basis, and yesterday he was banging up a storm with his hammer.  It's hard for me to justify telling him he's too loud, when daddy is super loud all the time!  I just settled for letting him bang on wooden surfaces instead of the glass sliding door!


Oh, I just love my guys!

Where are you spring?

We are looking for you!

If you give a toddler a spoon...

Our little entertainer is enjoying big boy dishes.

First you hit the food with your spoon.
Then stir the food with your spoon.
Next take your free hand, pick up the food, and shove it in your mouth.
Then flip your bowl upside down and smear your hands all over it.
Wait for mommy to put more food in your empty bowl.
Repeat all steps.
When you have eaten all you want, put your face in the bowl.
Then peak out and laugh about it.
Do it again and mommy will take a picture!

Best husband award

...goes to my man!  Today our little guy was sick and I had an important meeting at work, so daddy stayed home with him.  And I think he's a better mom than I am.  When I got home he had dinner in the oven and had made cookies!  Plus our little guy was happy and doing much better with daddy's good care.


Thank you Micah!

Holiday Blessings

Every year since we've been married I have hung up our Christmas cards...

but this is the first year they have filled the whole pantry door!  It sure makes me smile!

I wonder if you can see anyone you recognize...

Happy New Year everyone!

On other unrelated news:

* Yesterday my best friend (college roommate who now lives in Texas) had a baby girl. I'm so excited, and it's hard to be this far away!  If we lived in the same state I would have already held that precious babe.

* Tuesday we get to pick up my sister (who also lives in Texas) from the airport.  Yea for continued holiday celebrations!