This is IT!!!

I have been away from my computer for almost a week- I feel completely out of touch with everyone. It was all for good reason though- the bathroom renovation is complete!!!! COMPLETE I tell you! I am the single person finishing crew so I had lots to do, but the tools have been put away, the dust has been cleared and we are in working business!!

Lets review so we can all see the amazing transformation:

Framing (this also involved closing in the utilities, building the drop down for the duct work and moving the entrance door)

-->Plumbing, electrical (He set the shower drain, moved the toilet and the fresh air intake)

-->Insulation, Drywall and Texture -->Painting(Doesn't he remind you of Monty Python!)

-->Ditra Moisture Layer -->Tiling the floors (Paul made the cuts and I laid) -->After rolling on the moisture barrier we Tiled the Shower (I made the cuts and Paul laid)Abby actually picked out the accent tile and couldn't have been more happy about it!-->Then came the finish carpentry, paint touch ups, cabinets, toilet, old washer and dryer back in place, and the sewing of the window and shower curtain, followed up by decorations and then

--> COMPLETION!!
A tremendous thank you goes out to Paul for making all my dreams come true- he is the best! I just couldn't be more thrilled, the room just oozes with happiness!

Two bathrooms down, one to go, but I think we are going to tackle the family room first. I have visions flowing around in my brain again, resistance is futile!!!

This day...

Should I be concerned that this is not the only spot in my house that looks like this, this incredibly dirty, amid the ongoing construction?

Or, should I be more concerned with the fact that Olivia spelled her name backwards?

Or should I just be focusing on the fact that she can spell her name, and that she could not possibly walk past the dust without signing it, and the smile that it brought across my face when I discovered it this afternoon.
Ya, I thought so too!! Cleanliness is over rated.

Also this is how my sweets are choosing to spend this drizzly afternoon- together, on the couch, with baby (she used to be Sally, today she is Marsha), "reading" books to each other and singing from the Hymn book. "The sun will come out tomorrow" is in that right? I thought it was an appropriate selection considering the rhythm of the rain on the window was just the right background melody!

The Truth

This week I have learned three basic truths of this life we meander through:

#1

Parking my humble little van in the Lowe's parking lot does not ensure it's safety from some STUPID stranger that decides to mangle it's bumper and then proceed to leave- without so much as a trace, so we can unsuspectingly come out of the store and find it! Now WE have to fix it even thought we didn't do anything to it. People REALLY suck. Nuff said!

( I know, I know, the car is completely dirty. I just don't have the heart to wash it in this sorry state!)

#2
After visiting EVERY single counter top manufacturing store in the entire Utah County it has been discovered that they are UNBELIEVABLY expensive. Who knew that trying to find a counter top that veers from the norm of brown or beige, that is economical, would be SO difficult. Seriously, it is a 30X21 piece of "I really don't care what now"- does it really have to cost $400? I have now learned the answer would be yes.

#3
After going to three different tile stores and then venturing into the last counter top place on my list, with Liv and Eva in tow, it was discovered that this place had a room full of the old, out of market and stock samples for the children to play with. Total and complete heaven on earth! So many colors, so many textures, all different sizes!!
My girlies created while I made up my mind- this store saved my sanity and for that they won my support, I finally ordered a vanity top.


Just passing along the knowledge, so you too can be in the know!

A formal introduction

My sister in Law Jenn had her fifth baby on Monday night- and what a birth that was in the hospital lobby!! We went up to visit this darling little bundle yesterday and Abby couldn't get over how tiny she was. Naturally Eva would have nothing to do with her, does this surprise anyone?

Naomi Nicole Griffiths
3 days old

She surprised her parents that she was coming and she surprised us all with an entry into this life that goes down in history as one of the best ever!!! As Jenn's sister Tamarynn said- This is a girl that does things in her own way and on her own terms!! I can't wait to get to know this sweetest new addition to the family, I have a feeling she is going to be a spunky one!!!Think this big sister is going to be much help?- Smitten completely!!

Easter wrap-up

The holiday was fun fill and totally enjoyable.

On Friday we hosted Eva's playgroup and had an Easter party complete with making bunny ear hatsfinding eggsand decorating cookies.

Then we made our way north to have a mini getaway at Grandma Davis' house for the weekend with Will's family too.

we colored eggs

the Easter Bunny made a grand appearance Sunday morning (even though the girls ignored the rule to come and wake us up before they went up to see the loot- therefore I have no video footage of the delight- I suppose I will survive!)
Liv still can't believe the Easter Bunny "Left THIS much stuff"!

we watched conference and took pictures of all the kids in their darling Easter attire

Thanks David, Paulene, Will, Kelly and the boys for making the holiday memorable- we love you!

Full Speed

The bathroom construction has regained momentum and we are speeding toward the finish line!!

Pluming- Check

ShowerToilet

Electrical- Check (for some reason I didn't take a picture of this stage)

Drywall- Check (Great big THANK YOU to Paul's brother Will and my Dad, you saved my life on that one!!)Texture- Check (knockdown ceilings are really fun to make, not that I did it, but it was fun to watch! Spray texture, not so much- the smell made us run to a restaurant to eat dinner for some reprieve!)
Now we are sealing the drywall and texture and starting to paint tomorrow- Hooray Hooray!!!

I give Paul a great big pat on the back for a job WELL done this last week!!!

Just to let you know, I DO in fact have three inches of dust EVERYWHERE in my house.

Oh and don't you LOVE Paul's scruffy face. He and Will were having a beard growing competition during the month of March. I dare say he won! And is now one step closer to becoming Sawyer!! HA HA HA!! Now the big question is weather he lets it linger for a while, or weather it comes off. I for one am not apposed to facial hair, I kind of like the change. Paul has never ever had a beard and it is like sneaking around with a new man of mystery! Hee Hee! Not to mention it is driving our little primary class crazy that he looks so different. Every Sunday sweet Charlie tells me "He STILL has that beard". I always reply " Yes, and doesn't he look so very handsome?", which always gets them giggling!!