We got 'em

The keys, that is!

     Whoo!! We are so thrilled! I tried to pace myself on Friday and not get too excited. I focused on work so I wouldn't drive myself crazy waiting until the evening. Every now and then it would cross my mind, "I could get a house tonight." Quickly though, I would try to redirect my thoughts. 

     I continued packing when I got home and gathered some over night items incase we wanted to stay all weekend. Mom was very generous and brought her car up for me to load. Our phones were attached to our hips as we eagerly awaited a call from Dad telling us all the paperwork had gone through. No word. We kept loading in hopeful anticipation. On the way home we stopped by Costco for car fuel and human fuel- pizza for dinner! 

     Peter got off work and asked where he should go. I directed him to Mom and Dad's house. He wanted to know what I had heard. "Nothing yet." As I pulled into the driveway, Peter came running out. By the grin on his face and jump in his step, I knew we got it! The house was ours. He ran out to my car and we celebrated together. What a moment. Once inside, we laughed, asked questions, scarfed dinner and then headed for our new home!! Ahh! My car was stuffed. Peter drove FJ and Mom and Dad squeezed in the Highlander that I had loaded up quite well.

     Glenn and Peter met up at Home Depot to gather a few supplies for the new light fixtures above the sink. Mom, Dad, and I started smashing up the fireplace tiles. The electricians made serious progress on the lighting and we were all happy with the first few hours of "demo". Before they all left, Glenn and Peter hung our blinds in the bedroom.

     That night, Peter and I pumped up the air mattress and rolled out the sleeping bag. The water was shut off because the sink was disconnected so we brushed our teeth with a water bottle. We were pretty tuckered. I think more emotionally than physically, though we both had a full week. (Peter's first week of RN training and I found out I was starting the BTSA program the night before.)

     Unfortunately for everyone, I woke up at 5:30 AM. I texted Mom to tell her to come earlier than we planned if she wanted to. Normally she keeps her phone downstairs so I didn't think she would be bothered by this. She was; her phone was by her bed. Whoops. Sorry Mom and Dad! I was just a little excited! I tossed for 2 more hours and then Mom called at about 8. She asked when we would be ready and I said, "15 minutes!" Peter moaned in protest. 

     The four of us met up at a paint store. I had to go to the bathroom and by the time I came out (I was quick, mind you) Peter had 2 paint samples selected- one for the bedroom and one for the bathroom. I said "yep" and off to the register we went. We were in and out of there in 20 minutes. I thought it was going to be dreadful deciding on a color but we kept it low key, didn't over think it, and hoped for the best. Next stop, Ganahl's. We looked at molding, priced screens, bought door stoppers and then parted ways. The girls headed to the fabric store while the boys went home with the paint cans in tow. 

     Mom and I were in and out of the fabric store because we decided we needed a couch before we picked fabric. Next- breakfast, we had too much thinking to do without optimum brain food. We went to Bagels and Brew of course. Next, Bed Bath and Beyond to do some returning (area rug) and purchase a shower rod, curtain hooks, towel rod, and a door mat for the patio. Next- Kohl's. I bought some candle stick holders and our stocking holders. I know this sounds very odd but I had a coupon that was about to expire and it was right next to BB&B. Now on to Big Lots. We found a couch that was interesting but in the end decided to go with a different shape. Time to get back to the boys- they were hungry! We stopped by Costco for another pizza and 3 churros. I'm so glad we live right next to Costco now. 

     Our bedroom was green when we got home and it looked awesome! Grandma June and Grandad were there working away as well. By the end of the day we had a lot of helpers stomp through our turf: Grandma and Pa T, Aunt Julie and Uncle Ron, Glenn, Elizabeth, Rachel, Quinn (boyfriend of Rachel), Cynthia, and Erica. We felt so loved and supported. Plus we appreciated the help! And help they did!! Here is our list of things accomplished in the first 24 hours of ownership.

0. Fall decor in place (I survived a lot of criticism on this one but I made my home a beautiful place to destroy things)

1. 2 recessed light fixtures

2. Bedroom painted

3. Fireplace tile: gone

4. Kitchen counter: gone

5. Baseboards: gone

6. Bathroom mirror: gone

7. New bathroom mirror in place

8. Bathroom counter: gone

9. 3 sinks: gone

10. Bathroom paint selected

11. Old towel bar: gone

12. Old hand towel bar: gone

13. Windows covered in lazy painter's over-spray paint: cleaned

14. Dishwasher: removed & relocated

15. Stove: removed & relocated

16. Microwave: removed & relocated

17. fireplace doors: removed

18. 4 windows covered with blinds

I'd say we know how to get things down around here! Or at least we know who to call to come help get things done around here! :) Thank you to all. I have tons of before & during pictures to share. 

xo, mr. and mrs. homeowner