Day 18 - All in the family

Happy Memorial Day!

Mark & Denise came up to assist (do a lot of work) in the house.

Arriving around 9:20 am (3 hour drive).

So to begin let me start by saying ''Thank you, thank you, thank you!" to Mark and Denise.

I clearly did the least amount of work for the day and I was physically tired, so imagine how they felt. Oh and Dexter and Spencer came also (dash hounds I believe).

My day started off with finishing the grinding of the metal border that use to be in the front of the house. Using the rest of both blades (which now in the trash) I was able to cut the remaining pieces. My neighbor 'Vic' to the East (left when facing the house) was kind enough to offer to haul it away with his junk when he goes next time, saving me a trip. He then saw the remaining pieces of the tree (also from the front yard) and offered to bring his electric saw over to finish the job. I gladly accepted. Now in the defense of my neighbor to the south, (not directly behind the house but to the right as well) he offered his electric chainsaw first, but at that time I was not back to the tree project.

Back to the house work of the day. So Mark & Denise were excited to work on the babies room (Noah for those of you who might not know that yet). So we started taping and moving everything out of the way. Started with the new paint called Almond Oil (soft tan color). Mark has a steady hand, he did the trim work, Denise had the desire to tackle the walls, she got the roller. 1 Gallon almost did the entire room and closet.

Oh and while the painting was underway, Denise's teaching skills kicked in and she wrote a message to Noah so he will never forget who helped with his room.

We did do painting in the master bedroom, the closet work that will be completed when Dad gets here will be shown after it is completed, but here is a before photo but after today's work.

Followers of this blog may have seen my work on the garage window. Not my greatest I would like to mention. Dawn had told me Mark may be good at it, so asking Mark after painting I asked if he would mind. He didn't quite understand at first, but I showed him what not to do (mine version) and we began taping for his turn. We decided to try the bathroom window.

Denise in the meantime worked on the kitchen, I have been finding more and more kitchen stuff in boxes as I have been going through them. Enough so that the entire counter was covered and some of the floor. She began putting things in cabinets awaiting Dawn's grand arrival so that she will have less work to think about and handle Noah and myself. She also got some dishes started.

Now I was able to find 3 picture frames so far, I decided they get to go on the mantle until Dawn gets here. Just a small note, the middle one is of Addie & Brody. The one on the left is not of anyone we know, it is just a demo picture.

Lastly, a game challenge for the day. If you remember past photos you will remember the picture below. Since the first image 3 things have appeared in this room. See if you can see all three. Please no comments on the current unorganized look of the room.

Day 17 - Do you feel that wind?

So I spent the last half an hour at work underground in the garage, tornado alarms went off.

Drove home, and my front yard looked like I had those packing peanuts all over it. Come to find out its large chunks of hail. At least the house is still standing for the moment.

It is now raining again really hard, 45 degree angles, lighting, thunder, trees are bending. None of our windows were damaged thankfully. The sky just continues to get darker and the clouds are really moving.

Day 16 - Tools not Toys

I may have forgotten to leave out how I was able to produce such a wonderful looking yard.

I did my first window, in the garage, however, I must not have followed the directions correctly, i have spots. Might have to redo.

This is a frost on the windows so I do not need a curtain or blinds, but it will allow light in.

Day 15 - First weekend on my own

Now that everything I own again is at the house, I am able to get working on these projects straight away. Friday night I got a migraine (from dehydration). So I went to be early. Work up around 7:45am, went to the living room to wake up a little bit. Dawn was up a little while later and recommended I make pancakes for breakfast. I was not sure that was a great idea since the kitchen is still a wreck and its been a while since I have cooked successfully by myself.


Pancakes did sound good so that is what I did.


Now just so you know, Dawn was very Very excited about this. So I had her watching on Google video just in case I did something wrong (she wishes :) )

She said I did a good job, so I am satisfied, so is my belly.

While it was light out, worked on some bee issues.

This is what is IN my deck, not going to live long are you little fella? (I still saw 2 flying around, their time will come)

My weapon of choice: On the left, specifically designed for wood eating pests. It gets sprayed in their holes, they take it to the nest and they all die. On the right, instant drop out of the sky and squirm right before you die spray. Love them both.

After washing my hands thoroughly (that was for Dawn's benefit), I started on the pack n play and the swing. Just so you know, even with instructions, not very clear, hard to even follow and after lots of sweat and frustration, here was the outcome (Dawn watched via Google video).

Day 14 - The jungle is gone

Well it was now or never, weather forecast Friday morning was that it was going to start raining Sunday-Wednesday. Better get the lawn mowed asap.

Only took 6 yard waste bags to fill with clippings. I do not foresee that many needing to be used every time, the yard was extra long when I cut it, planning do work on it every Saturday.

The List (will continue to be updated)

Hopefully I will have some extra hands helping me this summer, friends and family stopping by to assist with some of my projects. It was mentioned I think by Emily first that I should create a list of everything I want to accomplish. Now this list is more of a want and not a need as my wife has clearly told me a few times now the house is move in ready in it's present condition.

So here is the latest version (1.3) of what I am trying to get completed (broken down by room or area) before Dawn comes home with Noah. Anything crossed out has been completed.

Garage –

·         Clear out and sweep clean

·         Remove paneling

·         Grind off bolts on far wall

·         Remove curtain

·         Clean window, spray with frosting

·         Replace door knob

·         Fix door (currently scraping, not closing properly, needs sanded down)

·         Add exterior combination to garage door

·         Assemble push mower

·         Assemble weed wacker

·         Change light bulb to energy efficient

·         Clean then paint vent

·         Patch up holes in floor and walls

·         Clean/Spray door

·         Replace seal

·         Clean garage door floor sensors

·         Calibrate garage door pressure sensor

·         Grease garage door wheels

·         Paint Walls

·         Paint/Coat Floor

Front Yard –

·         Remove remaining roots from hedges

·         Fill in ground with leftover ground

·         Clean windows

·         Mow lawn (push mower provided) (all summer)

·         Weed wack perimeter, sidewalk especially (all summer)

·         Replace light fixture in yard, add energy bulbs

·         Replace mailbox (needs concrete mixture)

·         Replace bolt

·         Replace door knob

·         Re-caulk gaps between cement slabs on driveway

·         Re-caulk gaps between cement slabs on sidewalk

·         Clean front door

·         Clean porch light (requires ladder)

·         Move pots to back of house (requires dolly)

·         Setup traps for Voles

·         Plant new smaller shrubs

·         Plant two saplings (Sugar Maple) with expansion ties

·         Install storm door

Back Yard –

·         Mow lawn (push mower provided) (all summer)

·         Weed wack perimeter (weed wacker provided) (all summer)

·         Remove remaining bushes around deck

·         Spray/Kill all remaining bumble bees, fill all holes (supplies ready)

·         Grind remaining steel garden borders to manageable sizes for recycling (grinder provided)

·         Setup traps for Voles

·         Re-caulk gaps between cement slabs

·         Clean windows 1^st floor and basement (requires ladder)

·         Check and clean gutters (requires ladder, sprayer provided)

·         Caulk leaking gutter

·         Add extension onto side driveway gutter drain

·         Grease and modify storm door on deck

·         Cut up remaining tree branches for yard waste removal

·         Spray for ants from below deck

Living Room (On the right after entering main door) –

·         Remove hooks on wall beside bookcases

·         Hide cable wire (run through floor)

·         Setup bookcase shelves (possibly décor, may require woman’s touch)

·         Paint rolling car to match bookcase (paint & brushes provided)

·         Add working rollers to bottom of cart (provided)

·         Hookup and test PS3 (bluray and dvd player) and digital tuner box on the rolling cart.

·         Add Wii to cart and hookup and test

·         Add movies for baby and family to cabinet underneath rolling cart.

·         Replace blinds on windows

·         Clean windows

·         Add hands to clock table, set time, test

·         Add lamp to end table beside couch

·         Add plant to spot on floor for décor

·         Label boxes on bookcase per Dawn’s needs

·         Super glue plate on trophy (Mark’s idea)

·         Touch up wood on trophy (Mark’s idea)

·         Paint end tables to match bookcase (paint & brushes provided)

Dining Room –

·         Paint rolling glass cabinet to match chairs (Paint & Brushes provided)

·         Add working rollers to bottom of cabinet

·         Spray cabinet glass with frosting

·         Repair table, paint/coat to match chairs (May need Eli’s/Mr. Boehmer’s/David’s talents)

·         Pads added to table and chairs (8) to prevent marking floor

·         Replace blinds

·         Clean Windows

·         Replace dimmer switch

·         Fill and paint door frame between dining room and kitchen

·         Hang LOVE pictures

·         Replace light fixture on ceiling (goes to stairway)

·         Add energy bulbs to new fixture

Kitchen –

·         Replace sink

·         Replace faucet

·         Replace garbage disposal (possibly fix)

·         Check all doors/hinges/handles for proper opening

·         Clean window

·         Remove phone jack from wall, cover with shelf

·         Add IKEA hook with attachments

·         Clean fan

·         Tighten fan

·         Add energy bulbs

Family Room (Contains fireplace) –

·         Ideas for latching cover of fireplace so it cannot be pulled by Noah

·         Clean Windows

·         Replace blind on door only

·         Replace ceiling light with hanging light from dining room (light gets put in storage for now)

·         Clean door window

·         Replace deadbolt, fix positioning

·         Replace door handle
      Assemble and mount gate
      Assemble pack n' play
      Assemble swing
      Add door stop

·         Ideas for use of or removal of 1’ x 3’ planter box on stairway wall

·         Cable wall plate added to current wire on wall

Guest Bathroom –

·         Replace bulbs with energy efficient

·         Replace in-the-wall fan (noisy)

·         Fill & Paint molding nails

·         Paint Door
      Add curtain liner
      Add door stop

·         Clean sink drain (use plumber snake tool)

·         Clean shower drain (use plumber snake tool

Entry Closet –

·         Paint Shelf

·         Check door that it closes properly, spray as needed if squeaks

·         Add lighting

·         Make sure pole is secure

·         Add hangers

·         Paint Door

Linen Closet –

·         Adjust shelves for better use (if necessary)

·         Clean shelves

·         Add lighting

·         Check door that it closes properly, spray as needed if squeaks

·         Paint Door

Guest Bedroom –

·         Add dresser to closet

·         Paint shelf

·         Make sure pole is secure

·         Add hangers

·         Clean window

·         Add Curtain Rod

·         Add Curtain

·         Add energy bulbs

·         Paint Door

·         Replace door handle (currently does not lock)

·         Tighten ceiling fan

·         Clean ceiling fan

·         Add energy bulbs to new fixture

·         Paint walls

Nursery –

·         Clean window

·         Add curtain (Dawn picked out)

·         Paint Shelf

·         Make sure pole is secure

·         Add second shelf and pole

·         Tighten ceiling fan

·         Add energy bulbs

·         Paint walls

·         Paint Ceiling

·         Paint door

·         Check door that it closes properly, spray as needed if squeaks

Master Bedroom –

·         Clean window

·         Paint walls

·         Replace ceiling fan (old gets put into storage)

·         Add energy bulbs to new fixture

·         Repair holes in closet for new organizer

·         Replace light switch with dimmer

·         Paint door

·         Replace door knob (does not lock)

·         Modify 1ft in closet for new shelf/wall

·         Add new doors to closet

·         Add light to closet w/ switch

·         Replace blind

·         Put together bedroom furniture

Master Bathroom –

·         Clean window

·         Spray window with frosting

·         Remove blind

·         Replace door knob (does not lock)

·         Add energy bulbs

·         Wax shower curtain rod

·         Replace shower head

·         Mount dispenser in shower

·         Clean sink drain (use plumber snake tool)

       Clean shower drain (use plumber snake tool)

·         Remove handle from inside shower (fill holes)

    I truly believe that most of this is small and short time consuming projects that this list could get 75% completed or more.

Day 13 - The Wall

The wall is all done, yep that fast. So I purchased the materials but declined the work to save over $1100. It was all to be done by the time I got home from work.

When I drove up, two big trucks were still there and three people standing on my yard.

It was the crew who delivered the stone.

I said 'hello' and Ryan my contact told me about the fun they had trying to get the 6" stump of the Japanese Maple out of my yard. They also discovered that there was a cement wall behind the brick wall that was unnoticed by them and me (covered by ground).

They said their last appt. was canceled and asked if I would mind if they built the wall. I politely declined and told them my budget was only for the stone. Ryan then tells me 'Oh its complimentary', apparently being new to St. Louis, buying my first house, having my wife over 1000 miles away produces a hefty discount.

I then immediately accepted the offer, and what you see below is the finished product. Mind you it does need to rain as the stone looks dirty and the grass has been relocated until it grows back.

Day 12 - Moving In

Yay, move in day is here. After 13 hours and 790+ miles we made it across 5 states and ended up in Missiouri.
We are both really drained and are thankful for the safe trip.

The Boehmers and Rileys came to assist us today, and I am ever so grateful for it.

The 16 foot box truck was loaded.

Here are the results of everybody's tireless efforts.

Kitchen - Courtesy of Emily Riley's efforts

The love seat is now added to the family room.

Guest Bedroom - Dad put this together, nice work.

Joint effort in the living room, Dad, Mr. Boehmer, and Mark Riley. With decor setup by Mrs. Boehmer.

Mr. & Mrs. Boehmer assembled all 8 chairs.

Dad got the TV working nicely on air signals.

Day 11 - The View

Finally have all the bushes cut on the right side in front of the house. 6 roots still remain to be pulled. That will be a sore process.

Luckily, after this I will have plenty more to do. I should have my 10 bag limit reached again this week. That has been truly helpful. There is so much compost on the ground I am survived anything could live underneath.

I need to put the flowery bush in front of the door in one of those pots. They are moving to the back of the house for now. The tree will remain until the wall gets fixed. I noticed there is a sewer cap that needs replaced up by where I was working today. I need to make a phone call and find out of I do that or the township does.

I have a push mower on the way, so this grass will not be getting out of hand for to much longer.

Day 10 - The massacre at Bridlewood

Wow, it was hot out. I was dripping, ugh, hope I lost some weight in the process.

I started tackling the root of the problem, ha ha, and was able to get 5 of the bushes completely out from the ground. On the sixth however, I broke Mr. Boehmer's spade, sorry. It was older and it was time for it to retire, but I still felt really bad using someone else's tools and not returning it in the same if not better condition. He was kind enough to give me a really nice new one to continue with.

This was the biggest root of the bushes I got out today. Boy was it heavy also. Nice little hole in the ground where it came from.

 I finished up with knocking out a portion of the last bush. Unfortunately to my surprise, this is three bushes that grew together, no wonder so much of it is dead inside. Now I have 6 more roots to get out instead of 4.

In case you were wondering what type of bushes these were, I was luckily enough to find a tag in the ground by the root of one of the bushes. Surprise. Surprise.

Here is the latest of the house. I hope to have the front right side done before Friday. Going to be close.

Day 9 - Simple update

This was a quick cleanup of the debris. Not much left but the one bush on the right still.

Day 8 - Cut it down

My neighbor's son came over today and mowed the lawn. It was in a state of shock from the rain and was in dire need. I was able to take two more bushes down today. I have once again filled my quota for yard waste and have 10 more bags ready to go. May actually have 20 by the time it comes around to put 10 out for removal.

While cutting one of the bushes today I failed to check another bird's nest. This one contains three babies that  are feeding but not ready to fly just yet. Luckily I caught the branch before it fell and move it safely out of the way for now. I did notice the parents were still feeding them from the other side of the yard, however, chances are slim that they will make it.

I have also located two aluminum nails for the gutters as part of the set of tubes I found earlier. Who knows what I will dig up next.

I took a picture of the only flowering tree on the property in the back yard. Apparently this is staying for now.

There are three birds in this nest.

Surprisingly still in good condition, I guess the two bags of leaves I cleaned up today protected them from the elements.

 Something I will have to mow around.

I hope you can start to see a difference, no I am not leaving the front bare, I will be putting small shrubs on the right half of the house for nice looking landscaping.