Animal House

We we first had occupation of our home we worked for several days to clear out the home. There were piles of garbage in every room. Dog feces en mass in the basement. Poop left in every toilet. It was super awesome. Well, we have cleared out so much of the home, and now we are building back up. I am hopeful, optimistic, but ready to be home.

At first, I really struggled to feel like it could be a home for us. It was so overwhelming, so full of projects. This home was different than any home I have ever known, filthy and stinky.

When Blaine and I worked to repair walls I had a distinct impression that we have been clearing the home of its memories. This means, of course, that it is ready for our memories to take over.

There have been many neighbors who are curious about the home, knowing only its history and believing that we may have taken on too much.  One told me a story that both shocked me...and didn't.

It seems that the previous owners would occasionally keep large animals in their backyard. This goes against the zoning for the subdivision, so neighbors would call it in. By the time the police would arrive, the animals had been moved into the basement. Goats? Cows? It makes sense, even though I do not know if it is true. 

Before Pictures = Good News Pending!

-Our ceiling is being repaired this week.

-We officially closed on the house today.

-Once ceiling and closing are handled, we plan to purchase carpet.

-In spite of the stresses of this house, my husband and I still love each other, a lot.

:)

I am optimistic about having "After" pictures in the near future. What a fun thought, huh!?

Dining Room, Before

Dining Room, Before

Fireplace Room, Before

Fireplace room, Before

Arches in the Lounge, Before

Arches in the Lounge, Before

Quite the Crowd!

I just stumbled across a wedding video that Jace took of our big day. I am amazed at how much love and support we have. On the actual day, I was so nervous that I couldn't even stop to appreciate how many people came to share in our joy. Thank you to those who care about this new life we are living. Anyhow, enjoy! :)

Painty Painty

On Wednesday and Thursday we had family helping us like crazy to prepare our house. Now I have the following rooms with walls, ceilings, and door frames patched and painted PROFESSIONALLY.

Master Bath
Main Bath
Office
Guest Bedroom
Entry Way
Lounge
Laundry Room

That's right...7 spaces that look lovely. 5 spaces ready for floor coverings. I'll try to take some pictures sometime soon, but I start work today so we may have to beg Blaine for photos instead.

Thanks to all for your help and happy wishes. We are getting there.

The Bird Broke Its Beak and the Elephant Shattered

Thus, I did not purchase the lovely figurines at DI like I planned. Instead, they were swept up by the kind worker. Sigh.

Homeless

On Sunday night our painter called and said, "Wednesday instead of Saturday? Okay." We have been SCRAMBLING during the past two days to finish prep at the house. Don't come looking for me there! I don't have a bed in Nebo Heights until further notice. No work day on Saturday. I don't have a clue what will need done.

Kisses!

I Love You Cookie,

Our Story

Now You See It...

... Now you don't!

Blaine and I removed carpet from three rooms in the last few days. We no longer have the plush brown carpet in the step down lounge that conveniently hides dog poop stains.

We no longer have the tan carpet in the office that is covered in red Kool-Aid.

We no longer have the guest room carpet that made me nauseous every time I got a whiff. This guest room carpet, we actually planned to keep. We carefully covered the floor when we painted so we could save this flooring. (We have a lot of floor coverings to replace, and money don't grow on trees!) Flash forward to Wednesday night. Blaine and I were in said guest bedroom watching a movie. We've had a good amount of humidity in town lately, and all that moisture in the air, folks. IT MADE THE CARPET SMELL LIKE 7-11 Nacho cheese and urine. Just think about that smell. Then add your least favorite smell (whatever that is) and you are half way there.

I'm adding a picture of the back side of the BEST carpet in the house, just to feel better about my decision to live on bare floors.

Fiesty

Her: Talk about backward. Things only change in Juab if someone new moves in.

Me: I don't know. I've been there my whole life, and I am fairly progressive.

Her: I have friends who live in Juab and that's what they say.

Me: Well, they are wrong too.

Those are my people you are talking about. Those are my students and my coworkers and my family and my friends! Grrr.