Work

We are still working in the backyard to finish the new pathway before the grass comes in this week.  Ryland and Reed love helping out and playing on the truck.  Who needs toys?

Pool

The pool remodel is getting so close to being complete.  I love how it looks so far, and I can't wait to enjoy it!

Mud

Who doesn't love a little mud?  We are finishing up the backyard, since the pool is almost complete.  New St. Augustine sod is going down in a few days, and a stone walkway to the gate is in progress. The boys thought it would be a great opportunity to make a big mud pit and roll around in it.  It started out as a monster truck track, but we knew they couldn't help themselves.  The temptation was too great!

Miss Ridley wasn't interested in rolling in the mud, but she definitely wanted to have some fun with the monster trucks and tractors.  

Exterior Projects

We have lived in this house for almost five years, and we have needed to replace the trim on the game room windows since day one.  Today, we got started.  John Chris "engineered" a way to climb up on the roof.  We decided to go ahead and replace the tacky faux stucco siding.  I would cut the boards, and John Chris would nail them.

We also replaced the faux stucco with lap board siding on the rear of the house.  I can't believe how much better the small change looks.  Only a little caulk and paint, and this project will be done.

Pool Remodel Continues

As the rain keeps coming, the pool project keeps going.  We had a good amount of rain overnight, so the once empty pool is filling up.  The boys had a blast playing in the few inches of water, and Cooper even wanted in on the action!

Pool Remodel

This is the amazing demolition that took place in only 4 short hours.  I was amazed to return home to removed tile and coping, but even more excited that there was no mess to clean.

Drain the Pool

It is time to get started on the pool remodel.  It was a pleasant surprise to see the crew show up a week earlier than expected.  Happy Day!

Pool Selections

After the first visit to the tile vendor in Dallas with the entire family, I was having major doubts about remodeling the pool.  I was frustrated and not impressed with the selections that were available.  I knew that I had to make some decisions soon, so we could get on the schedule.  

I stopped by Claffey's design center and within 10 minutes I had picked out coping, edge finish, tile, and plaster.  I was on a mission and saw exactly what I had envisioned.  Bam!  Amazing what can get done when I am alone.  Of course, it was all upgrade level, so I can hardly wait to hear the quote.  

All About Reed

It was Reed's turn to be the Star Student for the week.  We made an all about me poster that was in the shape of a robot.  While we colored and taped, we talked about what makes him special.  He is such a fun loving, funny, active young boy.  I love his spunk and his outlook on life.  His perfect day would be a day at Chuck E Cheese or the hunting ranch.  His favorite show is Paw Patrol, and he still loves puzzles.

Recycling

Chapel Hill has focused some lessons on recycling in honor of Earth Day.  Students were asked to bring "trash" from home to use in a special creation.  A robot was made and her name was Rosie Ridley Robot.  

I think an Allison boy had a little input on the name, and I love hearing that he shares his thoughts with the class.  What an improvement!

Bathroom Project Continues

Our master bathroom renovation continues, and today was a big milestone.  We laid the first travertine tile on the floor and completed the shower pan.  It made us very happy because it felt like we were turning the corner and actually getting somewhere.  

The boys were right in the middle of the mess, as always.  They wanted to help with everything and when that didn't work, they just brought their toys in the bathroom.  We wanted them to feel included, so we let them write their name in the shower cement and help with the little parts of the project.  

More pictures to come.

Tile

The first shipment of tile for our master bathroom project has arrived.  Hooray!  It doesn't look like much, but it is all the beautiful accent tiles. I can't wait to see it all come together.  It has been a long three years of projects, and I am really looking forward to finishing our home.

Demo

Here we go...

Since we have found the accent tile that we really love, it was time to get started with the demo of the master bathroom.  It must be a boy thing, because even my little guys love to tear stuff up.  While Ryland and Reed knock holes in the sheetrock, John Chris pulls out the corner tub surround and the cabinets.

After the tub was disconnected, the question of removal quickly went down hill.  John Chris figured that there was no way to get the tub out in one piece.  While he broke the tub, the boys played in front of the mirror.  They just love looking at themselves in the mirror.  

This is what we found when John Chris opened the door.  Yikes!  What a mess!  

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Bathroom Inspiration

We noticed that a new tile shop was finally open in Southlake, so we decided to take a quick look through their store displays.  John Chris and I both agreed that they had the best sample vignettes of all the places we have looked.  The store was full of nice quality stone and all the finishing touches.  As we browsed the store, we found a great mixed travertine mosaic tile that we both liked for the master shower and accent tile.  I have a feeling it is time to start demo.

Closet project

I am in love with my new master closet!  We finally got rid of all the warped shelves and rods, and now we have a thought out space that holds everything neatly.  The main wall when you walk in has super big drawers that hold socks, underwear, T-shirts, shorts, and other things for John Chris.  The two large doors on the sides are actually pull out hampers, which I am so excited about, and the top doors hide shelves for folded clothes.

After

Before

My side of the closet has 5 built-in sections that I have used to separate my seasonal clothes.  (None of which fit, but they will again soon.) The cabinets above hold hats, purses, and bags.

After

Before

Another feature that is nice are the shoe shelves.  It is great to finally have them organized in pairs, and the boys don't seem as interested in trying on my shoes now.  I can also easily find two matching shoes quickly.

After

Before

 John Chris added a locked cabinet on his side for storage of things we need to keep out of little hands.  It also has shelves for additional storage.  He also has 5 built in hanging sections to divide his slim wardrobe.  I need to clean the window, and I will be able to place the shadow boxes on the top shelf.

 After

 Before

 A few things still remain to be finished, like the floor, but we are waiting to install tile until the master bathroom is tiled. I am so thrilled with the finished room.  I love it!

 

 

 

Mess

What a beautiful nursery?  More like, what a mess!  Since we are completely re-doing the master closet, the nursery is the temporary storage area.  I quickly realized that I have way too many clothes, and I have been holding on to some older items that I need to give away.  Today I decided to doing a little purging, and I had two little blonde helpers that were in the middle of all the action.  Can you find them?

 

Project time, again

I guess we have had a few months of no house projects, and it was time to get started again.  Actually, I think I am on a pregnancy rampage.  I am ready to finish up the last area of the house that we haven't touched - the master bathroom and closet. 

 

We decided to start with the closet, because there is lots of cabinetry I wanted to add for storage.  The design is complete and the cabinets are in our "workshop garage".  Now all the sanding and prep work will start.   

 

 

Of course, the boys are just thrilled to help on another project. 

Pity Pantry

I have been complaining about my pantry for years.  The shelves are pulling away from the walls, and there is no flexibility for larger or smaller items.  I have been planning on starting over and installing an Elfa system, but I just hadn't pulled the plug and made the investment. 

After the ultrasound appointment, I guess John Chris was feeling sorry for me since chances are we are adding another boy to the family.  He actually suggested going home and starting the pantry project.  I lovingly call this my pity pantry.

 

Before

 

After

 

 

Before

 

After

 

Before

 

 

After

 

I love the final product.  The shelves are all adjustable, so I can move them depending on what we have in stock.  This will be really handy after a trip to Sam's.  My favorite part has to be the drawers on the left.  I love the flexibility and the accessibility they offer.  Everything is off the floor, which makes it easy to sweep and mop, and we now have a spot for the broom and dust pan inside. No more walking out in the garage.  John Chris added a light in the back of the pantry, so I can see all the large serving pieces and appliances.  I love it!

Footprint

The baseboards in the family room and kitchen were looking a bit worn, so I thought I would just clean them and add a quick coat of paint.  My assistant, Reed, was right by my side as usual, ready to help.  Not 2 minutes after I opened the can of paint, Reed stepped on the lid and started walking. He was very proud of his cute little white footprints on the tile.

.......

The old grass is gone, and the front yard is almost completely tilled.  Finished photos to come.