Our reality program hasn't been cancelled yet. Viewership may even be up, then again it may be down.

This is the tile that is in our master shower. It is made from recycled glass, which makes it "green". This tile will also appear above our cook top in the Kitchen. We hope we won't have to wear flip flops when we shower.


This is the upstairs bathroom. Good thing the "kids" are young and fit because only the fairly athletic will be able to climb into this deep tub to shower. I can't believe I'm going to have to hang a shower curtain in here.

Another sideways picture, I forgot I can't turn it after I put it in here. Just imagine it one turn counterclockwise.

Jimmie Sparks, on the left, is an Energy Rater and I would guess that he is discussing the blower test he is performing, with Steve. Our house performed very well, I understand.

The man on the left is Jeff's uncle Dan who came from Seatle to inspect the project. He was happy with what he saw and looks forward to future stays in the new place. He is especially happy that the doors won't be sawed off and he and Rosie won't have to sleep with Barney.

This is the Kitchen earlier this week. Next week we will get counter tops and probably tile.

Interior Update and Screen Porch Construction - April 12th

Overview picture of the house exterior following the snowstorm that rolled through Minnesota starting on Thursday evening and continued into Saturday with flurries. The total new snowfall was about 8-10" in our area. But as you can tell by the picture, it has been melting already and the forecast for next week indicates temperatures reaching 70 degrees.

Pictures of the new porch construction in addition to those Shelly posted on Thursday.

Now for the interior update associated with the finish work on the woodwork - ProCoat started working about 10 days ago and are working again this weekend to finish up sanding, sealing and varnishing all the woodwork throughout the house. As stated, the interior finish is being completed by Steve Prozinski, Owner of ProCoat. They are located in St. Louis Park, MN and his e-mail address is prohome48@lycos.com . From the wood finish, they will be moving to start the exterior paint on the house around April 21st and will also be working on additional coats of interior paint as we are moving down the home-stretch.

Cherry cabinetry/vanity in the Master Bathroom:

Ceiling, window and drawers of the Master Bedroom - the ceiling is birch and the drawers are maple.



Front entryway - ceiling and slats are made of birch:



Finally, a picture of the study area - this view is looking back towards the Master bedroom:



This is a picture looking out of the Master bedroom along the desk, cabinets and bench towards the Living/Dining and Kitchen areas.

A view of the TV cabinet and fireplace area:


Activity in the coming weeks include: tile work, granite countertop installation, etc....., as you can imagine things are moving along and we hope to be into our house by the time Aaron returns home from college. However, the latest word is June 1st move in; but, we'll keep our fingers crossed that they can improve upon that date by maybe a week or two. (No pressure Kevin...)

A Closer Look

Why does there have to be construction equipment all over the site?

Northwest suburb braces for up to 10 inches

See that porch back there? I am so excited I can't take a straight picture.


The trailer has been moved out of my view from the garage and just in time for the storm. :)

The matriarch, daughters and granddaughters bond at baby shower

Rachel, Kathy and Morgan

Expectant mom, Nikki and daughter, Phillipa

Wendy and Ally

Linda and Maddy

Lauren, Kris, Judy, Abby and Shelly

Kris and Lauren

The expectant grandmother, Judy

Stairway to Heaven

Here are some updated pictures from today's work as Kevin was so excited for us to get the pictures on the blog of the awesome stairs.

Additional work around the fireplace/TV cabinets is in progress:



Trim work continues around the laundry area and front entry:

The front porch slab was poured on Wednesday and the lumber arrived so the crew can begin constructing the screen porch on Friday - it's supposed to be in the high 50's - 60's tomorrow! Hint Hint Kevin

The Trim Goes On (say this to the tune of the Beat goes on)

It's hard right now to find obvious progress to photograph, but I still try every day. I could take pictures of every piece of trim that goes around a window, door, ceiling, floor or cabinet, but even as excited as I am that would be boring. If you like "The Beat Goes On", now try "I Got You Babe". More concrete tomorrow, I hear. That means the screen porch will go up! Now that will be obvious.