Still Going

So it's been a bit, and progress is good.  Last post saw that the floor was hammered out and the shower was in.  So now the floor has been cemented back in and this weekend we're doing the wiring.  It's a shame that even though we are making good progress it doesn't look like much is happening. 

I've also got a good start on moving the central vacuum lines.  Actually I had it all dry fitted then the internet told me that I should have used long 90 degree turns instead of short 90s.  So I had to return all the turns and now I have to re-cut the vacuum lines.  Not a big deal but I did loose a days work.

Denis and Martine are down visiting and Denis is doing the electrical while I try to help.  Day one has the vapor barrier and insulation out, the boxes in, and the data, cable, and telephone wires run.  Tomorrow we start pulling wire. 

True to Van Orman style I have to run to Home Depot tomorrow for more supplies because it would be a crime against nature to actually buy everything you need in a single hardware store trip.

Progress?

Not sure if this is really progress.  It almost feels like a step backwards.  But the rough plumbing is done.  We have the HVAC guy in tomorrow for the heating, then next weekend is electrical.

Christmas Barf

As you can see Christmas threw up all over my house.

29 weeks

But maybe more interesting than Christmas vomit is the size of Nicole's belly?

21 weeks

11 Hours Later

Saturday was a big day in the Van Orman house.

We finally started the basement.  Warren was nice enough to deliver a borrowed framing nailer and he also stayed to help use it.  He was a HUGE help.  

11 hours lated we finished framing the walls and boxing in the soffit.  

There is probably a little bit left to do, but mostly the framing is finished.  Also there was no blood (and if you know the Van Orman boys this is a pretty big deal).  There was only one trip to the hardware store.  And there were only 2 mistakes made.  The first mistake was thinking a rough door opening was too small.  So we made it bigger, only to find out it was right the first time.  So maybe that`s really only one mistake twice.

Hunter was also around and got to help out a little.  He cut a few pieces of wood with the mitre saw, and also punch a few nails with the Ramset.

Afterwards he was overheard telling people we were shooting guns in the basement.  I guess that`s close enough?

We have the plumber scheduled to come next Friday then Denis and Martine are coming down the weekend after for the electrical. I have to get the HVAC guys in quickly and also someone to move a central vacuum line.

Also you can see Nicole was hard at work with the camera.  Here is her artistic photo for the day.  She also made sure that we didn't miss any meals and were well fed.

Birthday in Edmonton

I have been patiently waiting to go to Edmoton and meet my niece, Madeleine, since she was born October 18th.  This weekend, we finally made it and our visit happened to fall on my birthday, which made it that much more special.  We stayed at Dan and Tina's house so we could get in as much Madeleine time as possible.  She is so tiny and precious!  Our visit made me that much more excited for Scooter to arrive.  In just a few short months, we will be holding one of our own.  I can't wait!                                          

Saturday, we spent the day at my mom and dad's house.  I got to spend some time with Julien before he headed to work.  Ryan, Mom, Dad and I played cards for a bit.  Then we had a family dinner with Mamie and Pepere.  For my birthday, Mamie made me sauerkraut, which is one of my favorite dinners.  It was delicious!  And we had angel food cake for dessert, which is also one of my favorites.  I felt I deserved a song so I started singing "Happy Birthday" and I got the desired effect, everyone joined it.  We had a great time.

This morning, Dan made me birthday breakfast and we headed home.  All in all, a memorable weekend!

Hurray

Can you see anything different?

I'm so sorry

It's been a while since we've updated our blog.  I blame it on the disaster that is the basement.  Plus I've been on the road a bit, and this all gets in the way of typing on the Internet.

Today I'm working from home so thought I could throw up a couple words for everyone.  Just so you know working from home looks a little different for different people.

For me it looks like this.

For Baron it looks like this.

You'll notice his eyes are open, but just barely.