MICE

So I noticed some mice poop on the counters in the kitchen. I thought it was because the kitchen was dirty. I cleaned everything and dissinfected everything. No mice for a while. Then I find a chunk of cookie with the chocolate in the center scratched down. Apparently my favorite cookie (the peanut butter kind with the hershey kiss in the center) is also the mouse's favorite cookie. I was then wondering how the cookie got to be on the counter because everything was cleaned up. The mouse had chewed through the plastic covering the plate, ate the cookie partially inside and then pulled it through the small hole. I had to throw the whole plate of cookies away. This meant war. I put the traps out...with peanut butter. One by the sink and one next to the stove. This morning, the one next to the sink was moved and peanut butter was eaten but not set off. The one next to the stove was on the floor, peanut butter eaten, and set off. Nothing caught but a little fur. I didn't want to have to resort to poison, but they leave me no choice if they are going to be smarter than the traps.

A Very Merry Christmas

Written on Sunday, December 13, 2009:
I can hardly stand that I have to wait to post this until after Christmas. Jon and I have been trying to get pregnant since February. After 6 months I went for my normal yearly exam. The doctor told me there was nothing they could do yet, but to start taking my temperature. I've been doing that since September. Never really noticed the swing in temps. This past week my temp has been unusually high - in the 98-99 range. A friend was talking about how she was not feeling well and I mentioned how I was taking my temp for ovulation, but that recently it has felt like I have a slight fever in the morning. She asked some other questions and then asked if I had taken a test lately. I actually took one December 4 before going to a co-workers party. (wasn't sure if I would be drinking wine). It was negative. Then last night I kept having dreams that I was pregnant, when I would wake up I just told myself it was a dream. I decided to take a test this morning - there was a faint line, but there was a line. I couldn't believe it. I started crying and raced into the bedroom and woke Jon up (7am) and told him to come into the bathroom. I told him it was positive, he gave me a hug and went back to bed. Wasn't exactly what I thought it would be, but it was 7am. Later he was so excited, he almost slipped to his dad when they were cutting up branches. I had trouble this afternoon because all the aunts and moms got together to make Christmas cookies. Not being able to tell them was KILLING me! At one point I wasn't feeling great and both the moms looked at each other and said, "could it be?". I just said, "it's gas". Although it is going to kill us to keep this to ourselves for the next two weeks, we thought it best to be able to tell the both of them at the same time. Luckily Christmas is right around the corner.

DECK DONE!!

I am happy to report that THE DECK IS DONE! Inspector will be out Thursday@2pm.

BBQ anyone?

We had a massive deck building day last Saturday. Mike, Margaret, Jason, Knute, Olaf, Nate, Jon and I all had jobs to get this done. Mike, Margaret, Jason, and Jon all worked on the stairs. Knute, Olaf, Nate and I all worked on putting the boards on. We were short one board and 3 were defective (they didn't shave them down) and we ran out of screws. So we didn't finish on Saturday. Mike and Margaret came over again Sunday and we finished the steps and boards, then poured 2 more footings for the steps going down to the ground. Sounds like Mike is going to come back Friday and Saturday this week to do those steps and work on the railings. It is so beautiful and I am so thankful for all the time and money that Mike and Margaret have put into this. In Margaret's case a bit of blood too. Can't wait to have everyone over for our first BBQ!

Pass/Fail

The deck failed inspection again, but we just have to make the changes and move on.

Who's available this weekend if I bribe you with beer and food?

Bring a drill if you have one.

FAIL

Looks like we will be fixing things on the deck this weekend instead of finishing it. The inspector said "cannot use screws on joist hangers at the ledger board. must be nailed with proper nails. joist hangers under upper deck must also be nailed."

The upper deck is existing - how are we responsible for that?

Then he left a voice message "newer beams not properly installed, stop by inspections office and talk to building inspector. the way they are mounted on the posts is not right. there needs to be blocking between the two boards used to make the beam."

We are not sure if the VM is referring to the new deck or the existing deck or both.

So close

Ready for the next inspection this Thursday and then hopefully get this thing done in the next two weekends.
No more giant leap to step down from the garage door.

The steps will eventually go down from here and attached to the deck below.

One Year Anniversary

I can't believe it has been a year. this time last year I think I was meeting the girls to get our hair done. It has been a busy year. Mostly house projects and traveling. Jon's biggest event for this year (besides getting married) was going to Vegas. I have to admit - going there with a bunch of friends and his brother was a real treat. I'm not much of a gambler and they made a whole weekend of activities that was almost paid for by the casinos.


Our other big project of the past year has been our deck. Mike, Margaret, Bumby, Jason, Knute, Olaf - Thank you so much for all your help in getting this project done. It looks great and is so near completion I can smell the BBQ already! Can't wait to have it done and have everyone over!

Golfing

Margaret won 18 holes of golf with carts for 4 people. Mike, Jon, Richard and I took on the challenge. None of us has golfed in probably 3 or more years. We got through 9 holes and that was enough for the day. The other 9 holes have to be used before 12/31/09...really?

Almost a month...

Wow. August 23 was the last update we had on anything "us" related.

We have been busy, but nothing wow factor to write about.

The main deck is pretty much done, just have to do the steps. Can't do the steps until we get the lower deck in. Steps to getting lower deck in are daunting and having the city involved isn't helping. I drew up plans for the lower deck and included measurements of the existing deck. Those plans were approved. Now we have to break up the cement side walk, dig the post holes, have the city come out and inspect the holes; then we can fill them, build the framing, and then we have to have the city come out again. After that should be the easy part - lay down each board and screw them down. Then, of course, the city has to come out again and inspect the finished project.

Other house projects have been put on hold until we can get the outside done. Not too worried about inside because it can be done in the 6-9 months of winter that MN gets.

Deck update

While I was away for the weekend walking, the moms and dads were at our house slaving away on the deck. When I got home I was able to stand on it. All that is left is the railing and steps.

Project update

I posted this to the wrong blog. See here for the update.

NY 8/3/09

The trip home was through the states. Very uneventful thankfully. We made many more stops than we did through Canada. Our bathroom breaks were not coinciding with our fuel refill. When we went through Canada we didn't stop at a Tim Horton store because they were always packed. Going home there happened to be one at a quick stop. Jon got a few donuts for breakfast and we were back on the road. Now we can say we had Tim Horton donuts. We made very good time. Ended up in Hudson by noon. We stopped to say hello to Jodi and Brian and see their new place. We were so tired and didn't feel all that fresh, so we didn't stay long. It is so nice that they live so close again. We missed them.

It was a great week vacation. Jon said he would do it again. I think I need to plan it earlier in the summer because of work. It was too close to the start of the photo season and I feel like I really had to bust my butt before leaving to have everything done before I left - there is still going to be quite a bit for me when I get back I'm sure.

NY 8/1 & 8/2/09

Saturday was another lazy day - love days where I never get out of my pjs. I helped Sarah paint a little more in the screen porch. Cory set up a pool for Skye. It took a few hours to get it filled but it was fun once it was up. They haven't had good weather here for a few weeks, so getting outside is a big deal. Cory had to work 7p-7a, so when Skye went to bed, Sarah and I watched Twilight...again. That movie stays with you, the way they look at each other they don't even need to say any lines.

Sunday - I went to church with Sarah. It has been a long time since I have gone to church. A lot has changed. It was fun. The Pastor was very alive and fresh. He referenced things from my generation (80's music, artists from today). They also had a live band that didn't play the typical music I remember. It was lively and the words were up on a big screen. They had guest pastors from Washington DC. They opened with Psalm 37:3-6
Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

I have always believed in the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would like done unto you. I also have been thinking if I start trusting and putting some faith in that higher power that maybe I will get the desires of my heart.

NY 7/30 & 7/31/09

Thursday was a good lazy day. We didn't do a whole lot. Sarah got a bike for her birthday and a child bike carrier for the back for Skye - two birthday presents in one. Skye LOVED it.


Friday - Sarah had to work, Skye went to daycare for part of the day. C0ry cleaned the van in preparation for our trip to Watertown to Texas Roadhouse. This is a great steak restaurant. You can choose to hand pick your steak or choose from the menu. I had a 16 oz Fort Worth Ribeye. It was so good that I could still remember the taste this morning.

We went to Target while in Watertown. Sarah doesn't get to go to Target but maybe once a year. So it was a big shopping spree (we only had 1 hour till closing). Jon found year 1-5 box set for Harry Potter! We had to pick out a movie to watch on the way home in the van. Sarah and Cory have the coolest van. This is not your typical 1970 van that we were used to. It has automatic doors, plug ins, two movie screens with headphones, and Sirius radio. We put the middle seats down, sat in the back with our feet propped up and headphones on. We had a dip size crock pot plugged in with Buffalo Chicken Dip. Our movie of choice - Twilight. I don't know why I hadn't wanted to watch this movie before - loved it! Thinking about going to Walmart and getting the whole set of books. If it is anything like Harry Potter, I'm sure the books are ten times better than the movie and the movie was really good.

NY 7/28 & 7/29/09

Cory and Sarah had to work today and tomorrow so we took a trip to Alexandria Bay. We left around 9am, stopped at Duncan Donuts for coffee and donut holes. We arrived in Alexandria Bay around 11am. There was a huge line for the Uncle Sam Tour Boats. After waiting for 1/2 hour in one line we found out we need to go to a different window for the lunch tour. When we got to that line 2 people before us were told it was sold out. Got back in the other line (not too happy). Jon suggested we purchase the tickets for the next day and just wander the town. Good idea. Jon got the tickets and we wandered the town-got some fudge and visited other shops.

We headed to Canada to stay at the Holiday Inn (thank you Margaret!). When we checked in I was told to ask if they had a king size bed available. He said they didn't have anything, so he gave us our keys - we headed up to the room-the door was propped open. There was a hot tub and king size bed! Unfortunately the room was partially cleaned and the bed wasn't made - I think someone made a mistake. I went back down and sure enough they wrote a 2 instead of a 1. Went back up to our room, which was 2 queen size beds. Still a great room and very comfortable - comfortable enough to take a 4 1/2 hour nap! We got up and headed to dinner around 9pm. When we checked in Jon rolled a small straight which earned Margaret 1500 points. They said if we went to the Lobster Trap next door and spent $40 (Canadian) she would get another 1000 points. Not a problem, however the Lobster Trap wasn't great.

Wednesday morning we headed back to Alexandria Bay. Yesterday they were packed with groups, today there was nobody. Lunch on the boat was sandwiches, mac-n-cheese, beans, and fried chicken. It was hard to hear the tour guide when we were eating. As soon as I was done I went upstairs to get a better view and to hear the guide. We toured the Canadian and US millionaire row. These houses were gorgeous! I found a few that I'm sure mom would love. There are over 1800 islands - to be considered an island you only need 1 shrub/greenery and a certain amount of land around your property. Not much. Almost looks like a floating house.The castle was beautiful too. I expected more of a tour with headphones or a pamphlet that would tell you more about each stop. The pamphlet told you where you were, but not what you were looking at.

We headed back to Massena around 4pm. Sarah was just getting off work around 5 and Cory wasn't off until 7. We had dinner shortly after Cory got home and then headed to Dollar Tree and Walmart to get items for Skye's birthday party.

NY 7/26 & 7/27/09

Cory, Sarah and Skye went to church on Sunday. Jon slept in and I walked 3 miles downstairs on their treadmill. When they got back we had chicken nuggets and mac-n-cheese. I made it my special way with added cheese. Skye went down for a nap but not for long. She ended up going to bed at 7:30. Sarah had a babysitter come over while Skye was sleeping and we went out to Mongolians and a movie. Being that Jon and I are eventually going to have kids and seeing what it is like for them, I could totally understand the getting out for dinner and a movie as a big deal. We saw The Awful Truth. We thought it was hilarious! A lot of adult humor. It is rated R for a reason. We were all pretty tired when we got back so it was straight to bed.

Monday morning was very laid back. Everyday we have been here Skye has slept in until 8:30. Cory said Sarah is getting a mini vacation because she has been sleeping in. It has been raining just about every day here, so when it isn't there is work to be done outside. Sarah is also having trouble with her computer upstairs so Jon worked on that while we were outside painting and staining. Cory worked on the deck rails while Sarah and I painted the wood trim on the screen porch. Then we stained the steps to the screen porch. Clutzy me bumped the container of paint I was holding and dumped it all down the steps. Our staining job would have looked perfect.

Sarah and Cory were invited to go out with some friends so they are getting a babysitter for a few hours tonight and we are going to Coach's for dinner. It will most likely be an early evening since they both have to work tomorrow. Jon and I will be going to Alexandria Bay for 2 days and staying one night in Canada.

NY 7/24 &7/25/2009

Jon and I left for NY on Friday around 6pm. We dropped Polly off with my parents and then she will go the Moritz house during the week. I made a loaf of bologne sandwiches, and we each had 2 cans of Monster. We were set. I started the driving so Jon could sleep since he had to work all day. He didn't sleep much and ended up taking over around 1am. He drove till 6:30am. I slept for the most part but was awaken by the terrible weather. It rained so hard and with the dark, I was very glad Jon was driving. He woke me up around 6:30 when he needed conversation to make it to Sudbury. I was supposed to drive from Sudbury to Ottawa. I ended up driving all the way to Massena. We were a little early 3:30pm - an hour and a half early. Sarah and Cory weren't quite ready for us. So while Cory finished mowing the lawn and Sarah took a shower, Jon took a nap and I played with Skye outside. We ordered pizza, Sarah and I gave Skye a bath. We had a few drinks and watched Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Sarah has a lot of plans for this week so I will try and abbreviate each day to a short paragraph.

Back splash

When you decide you are going to grout - make sure you want to do it all the way through. There is no stopping half way through because you are tired or your hands hurt. I read the directions on the grout bag. Tried using the float to spread the stuff on. With the stone being so uneven this was impossible. I had to put it on by hand. Half way through I had 4 holes and a lot of scrapes on my right hand. I switched to the left. Went a little bit farther and had 3 holes and a bunch of scratches in my hand. With two walls done, I was starting to get whiney. Jon to the rescue! He jumped in and finished off the last wall. He had a little different method - still had to use his hands, but he put a lot on and scraped it off with the float.

His side looks better, good thing its the first wall you see.









All that is left is to remove the dust layer on the stone and then reseal it.



(Finished Product)

Furnace and AC

We had some issues with our old AC leaking into the furnace. Both work fine, but eventually the furnace was going to go. Not good having water stream through it. So the guys were here at 7am sharp. Polly was locked in her cage (sorry) because the guys were going in and out and working in the back yard and inside. No safe place for her to be than in her cage.

It was a good time to get them replaced - very cool the last couple days so we haven't had the AC running. We got a good deal on it too. Xcel and Centerpoint both had rebates for energy efficient replacements. The feds are also giving up to 1500 in rebates for energy efficient home stuff. They told us if we were planning any other improvements like window replacement that we coudn't get any higher than that. One big purchase at a time thank you.

While they were working downstairs and outside, I decided to work on the kitchen back splash. I tried to install the outlets. I say try because it took me 1/2 hour to do one, and then 10 minutes to do the others. Only to discover that I had done them wrong because they didn't have any power when I tested them. Luckily there was an electrician here for the AC. He took a look at it and (if I would have not second guessed myself) was an easy fix of putting both wires into the bottom locations. I had it this way at first, but then got to the last outlet and wondered why there was a piece of tape over two of the screws. Read the directions and it said if you had 4 wires that 2 were line and 2 were load. I didn't know that! Electrician said they could both go in the line end. So I fixed the wires, turned the power back on, he tested each outlet and we were good. Tomorrow I hope to start the grout.

Aldi Experience

Lately that's all I've been hearing about is this Aldi store. I thought I would check it out.
**it was like walking into a warehouse style grocery store with everything in the shipping box it came in.
**they were a bit limited on their items.
**I forgot to bring my own bags and ended up spending 11 cents on a bag.
**I spent 50% less than I would at a normal grocery store.

It was a good place to go for packing lunches or for everyday items. Special dinners will still need a stop at Cub - the produce selection was lacking.

When I was checking out the cashier told the lady in front of me that she was limited to one bushel of strawberries because they were running short. If someone is willing to buy them and they already say that some items in the store are first come first serve, why put a limit on how many one person can buy? (she was buying 2 bushels by the way)

WE HAVE GRASS!

Deck: Round 2

Mike came over on Saturday and we jacked up another section of the deck. It made the steps go up about 5 inches. Only one third left still hanging.

Undone Projects

I had thought about writing about all the projects around the house that are half done. I was to the point where we could not destroy one more thing without fixing something first.

We started with my craft room needing an egress window to make it a legal bedroom, that room is now the storage room for the downstairs bathroom parts.

The downstairs bathroom was completely gutted one weekend and has sat there ever since. We can't finish this project because we need to get the furnace replaced before the walls can go back up.

The deck is slightly leaning both forward and to the side - not the safest, so we planned on replacing that. Wood was on sale a while ago so that was purchased and now sits in the middle of the backyard. The dads (Mike and Bumby) have spent last weekend and will be back this week - so far the new footings are in and one corner is raised. I took this picture with the camera level.

The front yard - since getting the notice from the police department that many houses have been broken into on our block- has been completely redone, the rock has been removed. A co-worker's husband does landscaping so we asked him to come out and give an estimate on leveling off the yard, bringing up the grade on the house, and putting down seed. He thought he wouldn't get to it until late August or September. I was called last week - he had a cancellation and wondered if he could do it this past weekend. Not a problem. So one project somewhat done - we just have to make sure the grass grows or we will have a big mud pit for a front yard.

Last projects are tiling the entryway and the back-splash in the kitchen. Thought I had some time on this one also. Jodi was going to come during the summer - thought that was going to be in July. Turns out she had an interview at a Hudson school (YAY!!!) Tuesday. So they are in town this week and we started doing the back-splash. One third done. The tile didn't work exactly as the salesman said it would. Some broke very think, some splintered, and some the hammer made perfect holes in and nothing else. I will try and bring those back as well as show them the differences in thickness. They knew I was doing a mosaic and said this would work for it.

Stay tuned for more updates on the deck, yard, and backsplash - the other projects, who knows.