Day 29 - Everything (but the kitchen sink) - 1 Day Left

Today is my last major trash and recycling day before I leave. I rounded everything I could find in preparation of having the house as clean as possible.


I believe the trash workers make not like me after today.

 

To your left, recycling, mostly from all the boxes that were shipped here. The right contains all the junk, its hard to spot, although the old kitchen sink is just to the right of the trash can.

As of this morning, a kid was interested in it, not sure why, he asked if I was throwing it out "Here's your sign", I told him 'Yes'. They must have came late last night for it. Less work for the trash department.

I was able to get the front door blind replaced. Here is the result.

 

I finally completed our bed. We got a replacement Sleep Number (Queen size) and I remembered watching the guys put it together the first time. Still a little tricky this time, took about an hour and I did not miss anything. Felt great, for the moment I laid on it. Still need a mattress pad and sheets.

Day 28 - Dawn's New Bundle of Joy - 2 Days left

You thought this was going to be a picture of a baby didn't you?

We originally wanted to replace our Dyson Ball, however, for the price Dawn found a better alternative.

Welcome Bissell. Comes with hardwood floor cleaning and a 14' foot hose (sweet). Bag less and is not to heavy to move around. It has been thoroughly tested in the house last night.

Day 27 - Clean-Up Begins - 10 Days left

For all of you who have taken an interest in the progress of the house thank you for staying with me through this challenging but possibly entertaining process.

As of today, 3 rooms in the house are completely ready. Family Room (fireplace), Guest Bathroom, and Guest Bedroom. I will be showing before and after photos shortly.

Today I wanted to show you the front of the house, even though it is still changing and needs landscaping, it is probably as far as I can get it before July 1st.

As the last of the shrubs and roots were getting cleaned up, I dug upon a pair of women's sandals, size M/L. Emily Riley believes Dawn should be happy that she has a new old pair, but I somehow doubt these will ever be worn again. Not to shabby for being under 3+ inches of dirt and leaves.

I am going to provide a before and after as well as a 360 video view from the sidewalk. If you want to see a larger version of any the photos, just click on them and they will open full screen.

Enjoy.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

360 View:

Day 26 - Let's do it! - Part 7

Woke up @ 7am sore and tired but ready to get work done.

Dad is my superman, he was able to push himself to get more done than I could ever imagine, thank you SO much!

Dawn has a clothes line outside, should be interesting to see how it works out.

Dad frosted the garage window, his is better than my attempt.

Do you see what is missing below (hint: light post).

The existing mail box was rotted and dad snapped it off (intentionally) since we were replacing it. A few people have laughed at me for my choice in a new mail box but I worry for my wife and unborn child. I do not want to cause unnecessary risk. The mail box allows Dawn to get the mail from the sidewalk and no go out onto the street. This is not a high traffic area, but accidents do happen. We have had enough accidents to last a lifetime.

After putting the mail box up, I saw a preying mantis, some doubt my photo images but I promise it is a baby preying mantis, I have never seen one so small.

We had to move the tub in the laundry room to make room for the washer and dryer. Dad rerouted the pipes. You don't understand how useful these are until you have one.

We also added shelves for Dawn to work on while down in the laundry room. The main shelf is strong enough to hold a bouncer with Noah in it safely.

The front door lock needed changed or re-keyed, believe it or not, cheaper to replace then re-key the locks we were given.

The gate was not functioning correctly, it would not close all the way. The pole to lock it when in use was bent also. We put a 2" wheel underneath and raised the gate and dad restructured the pivot area. We bent the pole into the correct position using tow rope and my car (that was fun, not for dad, he was scared of my driving, who knew?).

We had an issue with Target, we were given a gift card (thank you to that generous person). Dawn mailed it to me so I could get some other things we will need. Apparently you cannot write the numbers down and use them at the store, online only, annoying. The card was lost in transit, we hoped, we had to verify information and get a new card resent with the remaining balance. The card came today, and we got a rug for the living room to go with the color of the wood furniture.

Also courtesy of the Target gift card, my new desk.

Sadly, Dad is gone, back to PA, the work that is left is doable but my progress will not be what you saw this week. Thanks so much dad for caring enough to help and teaching me invaluable skills.

Day 25 - Two and counting - Part 6

Friday evening was busy in the house, knowing we had a bunch to do and only 1 full day left.

Here is the laundry window frosted a view from inside, then out.

All three bedrooms are almost complete, here is where they stood as of Friday evening.

Guest Room - Wall color = Mercer Blue

Master Bedroom - Wall Color = Almond Oil

Last but not LEAST, Noah's nursery - Wall Color = Almond Oil

Mom Sampson gave us the rocking chair, unbelievably comfortable. She hopes to get to use it also. Thanks Mom! She told Dawn it was part of her b-day gift since it was her b-day month, great, another person encouraging the whole month for a birthday.

Most of the clothing is the larger 3-6, 6-9 months, Dawn has the newborn clothes with her in Philly.

As you can see these rooms are coming together, just not completely done. Check out tomorrow's post, lots of photos underway.

Day 24 - I still believe - Part 5

The week is coming to an end, my dad will be leaving me. :(

I was very impressed and excited last night to see all the changes happening and finally coming together.

Spanky's yogurt and concrete were consumed last night, filling our bellies and cooling us down.

My neighbor, (you may remember from past references) was in my yard last night as we were finishing up on the guest bedroom. I was on the phone with my wonderful, beautiful, patient wife when I noticed him. He seemed to be needing me, I assumed to help move something (not the first time). So I told Dawn I was going to check with him. I went out on the deck, he mentioned while standing at his truck he had his old grill to load (I helped unload the new one weeks ago). So I grabbed my shoes and headed over.

This grill is a few years old, had one burner replaced, Kenmore model, forest green look. He said the electronic pilot light no longer worked. He was going to give it to his cousin, unless of course I needed one. What? I politely stated if you really just want to get rid of it and are seriously offering, I will gladly take it off his hands, I still wanted a grill and did not have one. We then carried it over to the cement slab on the back of the house where it currently resides.

I went inside and mentioned what happened to dad, we came out a little later to check the pilot switch. Short version, inside the connection was corroded. Dad scraped it clean, we put a new battery in and Voila!

Also, it comes with a 'Spit' for cooking small whole chickens and such. (Pretty cool I think)

Dad was able to finish the kitchen, Dawn has new sink and faucet system. I added some nice decorative lighting that makes the counter area look really cool in the evenings.

Last night, through the awesomeness that is Xoom, Dawn and I did a video chat as she directed Dad and myself to move all of the pieces in the nursery to their final positions. Once I get the floor cleaned and Valance up, a photo will follow.

Day 23 - Light at the end of the tunnel - Part 4

Another day of heat, more got done. We are almost done with the 3 bedrooms where everything can be assembled and placed where it will stay.

Dad completed more work on the closet, now at 90% completed, I will be touching up some spots in the closest while dad frosts the windows and we should be good.

We went and got fans a few days back, two to be exact, they matched the color and style we were going for. These two are replacing a very noisy, old and low hanging fan. Dad likes the old one, I think it is the design he fancy's. As for the second, it goes into the nursery where we moved the smaller 44" to the entry way.

They both came remotes for the light and fan speed. We got a good deal on them when we got them. Yesterday, I just happened to look through the weekly ads and noticed the same model (3 color options) were going on sale for $20 off the price I paid each! Well, I am all about saving money and getting deals at the moment, so I stopped by the store on my way home and mentioned the ad. I was willing to bring back each fan just to return and re-buy it for a $40 savings. Luckily, the store was understanding and just refunded the difference. Yay.

Sorry about this photo, fan was still moving.

Projects completed for Wednesday:

1) Door knob and lock replaced on back door
2) Lock on back door now working (door had a flaw before)
3) Door stop on back door installed
4) Door stop on front door installed
5) Fan installed in nursery
6) Fan installed in master bedroom
7) Shelving reassembled and installed in nursery closet
8) Closet in master bedroom wall completed
9) Screen replaced on back storm door

Shout out to Mr. & Mrs. Boehmer, they were kind enough to bring my dad a 6' ladder to borrow for the fans Wednesday. One of the things still missing from the Sampson collection that seemed to be needed for the days projects.

Clean-up also began in all three bedrooms and kitchen, before and after photos of each room will be shown upon completion. Stay tuned!

Day 22 - Dear Heat, you can not keep my father down - Part 3

Dad was at it again Tuesday. Knocking items off the list here and there.

The Heat was hotter than any other day so far, I was a little worried about how he would handle it, luckily the Central Air is working nicely.

The closet is now 75% completed, may actually get finished Wednesday. Trim was added cleaning up the look. The windows need some touch up and are going to have a frost spray put on them also.

For those who had visited us in Philadelphia prior to 'The Fire', we had a nice LOVE wall picture set on the wall in the living room. We liked it so much that afterward, we used some of the gift card money to purchase a new one. It is now being proudly displayed in the dining room. The template it came with this time was much nicer than the previous one.

Noah wont be walking anytime soon, but as a first time father, I feel compelled to protect and watch out for his safety. I picked out a baby gate, however, it may have been the wrong type for the location. Time will tell.

In the living room, there are no lights of any kind other than the large windows to produce light. This is not an issue until late evenings. Since that will be a location we visit and use often we (Dad and I) were looking to make the lack of light better.

We took the small 44" fan from the nursery and replaced it in the entry way; not only does it produce better lighting, it stirs the air and helps the front of the house that gets the warmest. Do not fret for Noah, has a replacement fan, larger also. As you can see from the picture below, we need a collar yet to hide the existing mark of the light fixture.

Dryer Update: We were unsuccessful in getting the dryer to work without the loud and annoying scraping it was causing. I called Lowe's and spoke to a manager about the situation. Overall result: We were given the rental truck free of charge, however, we had to go get the truck take it home, pick up the defective dryer, bring it back, take the new one home, and then bring the truck back. I only live 1 exit away and it is 3 miles one way (6 round trip). It was a little annoying not to be able to make this once, I had to drive 12 miles to switch out a dryer that we were given damaged. Yes, it could have been worse, and yes, we were fortunate that the new dryer is now flawless. To spend 2 hours driving when the original issue was not your fault and having lack of transportation for a return was a little aggravating to say the least. Water under the bridge.

If you are keeping count of Dad's progress, I think it only fair to mention even though 4 items were completed today, these were 4 more time consuming and no less important then others on the list.

1) Entry way light replaced with ceiling fan
2) Closet trim
3) Baby Gate
4) LOVE pictures hung
5) 1st floor central air vents cleaned/repaired

Day 21 - Dad is awesome - Part 2

Even in 95 degree weather with extremely high humidity dad can still produce great work.
He knocked off 9 items off the list in 1 day.

This was the dresser that gave me some issues in a previous blog for not having all the correct holes to complete.

We continued on the closet again today, dad was able to get the organizer installed. We are about 50% done with it.

Trim should be completed tomorrow. If you look closely, you can see the organizer inside.
Here is a list that he was able to complete Monday:

1) Cable plate in family room
2) Door stop for back door (leading to deck)
3) Dimmer installed in dining room
4) 6 drawer dresser assembled
5) Organizer for closet installed
6) Door stop for left closet door installed
7) Fan inside guest bathroom oiled
8) Clock hands installed on coffee table in living room
9) Installed knobs on closet doors

Stay tuned, the progress will be getting more prevalent.

Day 20 - Daddys back! - Part 1

Yay, my dad survived the flight back down to Missouri.

Planning on staying until Sunday, June 12th. Hoping to get assistance for some major projects I wanted to complete.

Here is what we have so far, after a day and a half. Spent 3 1/2 hours in Lowes. One rental truck later we have enough to keep us busy until Wednesday at least.

    Before

    After

The old bell was rusted, the new one illuminates and looks pretty nice. Going to paint the spot where the old one existed so it does not look like an eye sore.

Dad was able to get the closet doors in already, trim and paint to follow. Plenty more in store for this part of the house.

Dad spent probably 2 1/2 hours on the non existent front storm door. Very nice design, Dad seemed pleased with it when everything was done. Works really nice, little extra shelter and added security for Dawn and Noah.

Only down fall may be if the drive by inspectors take a look at what has been done, may add to the value of the house making the payment higher.

Lastly, our very own washer and dryer, YAY!

So here is the back story on this. I went to the store 'American' last Saturday, pretty sure PA does not have any. They sell appliances, furniture, and electronics. They had a special for Memorial day on a GE washer and dryer set. 698.00 marked down from 499.99 each. I put a 10% down payment to hold for this past Saturday pickup, at the time I was told they had none in stock but should get a few in 2 weeks. I could not wait that long, not enough clean laundry left.

So I went to Home Depot with my paperwork and they had the same unit. I got them to price match + 10% additional off. Then I went to Lowes, and did the same thing. I also have my 10% moving coupon to apply to my order. Overall nice set for 507.00 + tax.

Now we have everything hooked up, however, the dryer is scraping, even though we have it level and we are investigating why. Stay tuned may have more on this in next few days. For now, here are the pictures.

Oh also, if you decide to comment this week, please let my Dad know how wonderful a job he is doing and what an asset he is to the family.