Family Room Floor Project

Last weekend Mike and his dad set out to tear out our carpet and install laminate hardwood floors. I gave you the details in the last post...so I'll spare those this time around. Here are some photos of the project:

Mike tore out the carpet, padding, staples and tack strips on his own
So all was left was the subfloor

French doors before

Empty space - this one project took the majority of the boys' time working

Izzy was playing and dancing to their music while they worked on the door

Finally they were ready to start the floors. The girls had to help!

Izzy enjoyed the slippery new floors

The very end. This project literally came down to the very last board. There was NO room for error and no extra to spare. Mike was nervous about it from the get-go. Not a good feeling (he bought the flooring on close-out and purchased every single box they had).

The finished project. Quarter round has to go up still.

The new sliding glass door is awesome; it lets in a lot more light and a lot less dirt. Mike just finished trimming it out this weekend and we have some painting to do both inside and outside on the trim.

Once we tore up the carpet (and 9,000 staples) from the stairs we saw that they were in great condition and we weren't going to need to do much to them. Instead of trying to match the shade with a stain, we are going to paint the stairs (the rise being white and the top being brown) and put a carpet runner down the center. Too slippery not to. Anyway, we're pretty happy with the end result. The girls are still adjusting to the slippery floors and Mike is still adjusting to the sound of toys banging on the floors. But I suppose that's why we went with laminate over real hardwoods: can't hurt these floors! Thanks to Bob for giving us 3+ days of his time...we love that he's always so willing to help us!!!

Trying to stay out of the house...

This past three day weekend was intended to be low-key but ended up being crazy busy. I spent my Friday off at several doctor appointments, getting an oil change and a new tire. I managed to squeeze lunch in with Molly while I was waiting for my car...which was the highlight of my day. The girls and I came home to see that Mike had all of the carpet and most of the tacks/staples out of the floor. His dad was coming in to help take out our french doors and lay hardwood floors. This being said, the girls and I had to get creative in how we would spend the weekend. I didn't want to have to spend the entire weekend in the house with all the noise and such. Soooo, after a long run with Jaime (in the dark) the girls and I took off for the library. Then a playdate and lunch at Jaime's house. Saturday afternoon we had family pics with Molly (www.mollyconnor.com) and laid low at the house, watching the boys' progress. Sunday we went to the pool for a swim...

...played LOTS of dress up and had several dance parties (my current FAVE is the Laurie Berkner Band)...
...and went to a local berry farm:

This place is not only a pumpkin farm, but grows fresh berries and has the cutest shop! We had fun looking at all the yummy pies, ice creams, and apples.

Until a man came out to announce free hayrides. Yay!

Izzy loved it. And quite frankly, so did I. The tractor pulled us through some beautiful fields and woods.

And I'm happy to say the boys did, indeed, finish their projects. Now there are just finishing touches to be done. The removal of the french doors took FAR longer than they anticipated, which made the floor installation delayed. I'm thinking the floors took a total of 6 hours to install. They look absolutely beautiful; however, I'm not posting pictures of the project until we have furniture back in the room. Want before and after pics in the same post. Let's just say I'm SO thankful to have such handy men in my life. These two have laid ceramic tile, replaced entire sinks, finished our basement, put together a playset and now completely replaced a door and laid wood floors. I'm in awe of their talent and thankful for them in my life.

Here are a few pictures from last weekend at Katie's house for Christopher's baptism. I have very few pics of the girls and I, as I'm the one with the camera in my hands. Below is one of Laney pulling up her dress in front of Christopher...um, she's a touch aggressive like her big sis!

And here's a sneak peak at Molly's pictures:

I mean, really, are these not so darn cute?!?! Can't wait to see the rest!

And for the love, if you're looking for a photographer who is wonderfully calm and amazing with children...look no further. Molly is your gal. www. mollyconnor.com Just sayin'.

Birthday parties and fall leaves...

This past weekend was so nice being home and not traveling. The girls and I went to Chic-Fil-A Friday night (every other Friday I pick up the girls from school and we have a date night at CFA) and then Mike and I had movie night once they went down. Saturday the girls and I spent a few hours at the library (my fave...I can read while they play...then music/story hour we all have fun!) and then had two 3 year old birthday parties. Every single kiddo in Izzy's class has a birthday in October. Swear. Let the birthday parties begin! The first party was at an indoor soccer facility:

Luke checking out the field (sorry for the poor quality of pics...once again, I have a digital and it's zoom is lackluster)
Izzy getting her feel for the ball

Izzy Lou did more picking up than kicking

Pep talk from the coach (love that Luke is sitting on his soccer ball!)

This was just too comical to witness...a bunch of toddlers running around

So cute

Laney joined big sis

Jacob & Jaime (his shirt reads: "Daddy's Happy I'm A Boy")

The second party was at Recreation Unlimited...in the showroom! The kids had the entire place to themselves to play on ALL of the swingsets, trampolines and basketball hoops!

I didn't get a picture of the whole set, but this one was worth $18,000. I kid you not.

The McCulloch clan. We ALL swung on the sets. So much fun and such a creative idea for a party!

Laney Bug bouncing on the trampoline

Slam dunking with daddy

Lots to do here

Laney did lots of climbing and loved it

Sunday morning Mike spent blowing leaves and mowing the lawn...so we girls decided to rake up some leaves and play in them. Laney wasn't a huge fan...

...but Izzy was! She even wore her new gardening gloves (thanks Bobo & Grandma Laura!)

Laying in the leaves

We filled a few bags with leaves and Izzy was very proud of her work.

Happy Fall!!!

Now what?

So I kept trying to explain to people last week how excited I was for the marathon, yet nervous at the same time. I related it to planning a wedding: you plan (train) for months in preparation, you get all the details just right, as the day approaches you are super excited yet nervous that something could go wrong. Then the big day hits and it's everything you've dreamed of (and more). The day after is a big let-down; all that training/planning for one day. It's over. You talk about it and go over it in your head countless times reliving that day. But a sense of depression ensues...what next? What do I do with all my time now? I'm hoping this makes sense, as it's the only way I can relate to what I'm going through.

I've looked at pictures. I've told the story. I'm still reliving race day over and over in my head. But my legs are still sore. I have to go down the stairs backwards (thanks for the tip Aunt Gail!). I still have to plop myself into my seat, as my muscles are so sore and I have little control over them. I'm telling everyone I see (both friends and strangers) of my recent accomplishment. I've had a massage (told him, too). But I have yet to lace up my shoes and head out for a run (I do plan to do that on Saturday with Jaime). I'm just feeling like I'm in a rut. A sort of depression.

I recently received a promotion at work and start my new job on Monday. So I'm at a crossroads at work, as well. Kind of checked out of my current position yet haven't started the new one.

I think what has started to turn me around was that Laney Bug is sick with a fever (cold?).

How does a sick 13 month old turn my frown upside down? Well, you see, I had to stay home from work today to be with her and the time spent at home with the girls was rejuvenating and brought me back to me.

We spent the entire day outside (with the exception of a 2+ hour nap that all three of us took!). It was 68 and sunny today and perfect weather for playing outdoors. We drew with sidewalk chalk. We blew lots of bubbles. We (pretend) mowed the lawn. We swung. We slid down the slide. We rode bikes. We jumped on the trampoline (LOVING our new neighbors btw!). We simply had the most perfect day. Made me remember what comes next...what has always been here: my girls, my family, my life. And I'm loving every minute of it.

Here's to many more sick days in our future :)

When the girls returned on Monday night Izzy (& Grandma) made me a sign and a cake

Playing outside

Snuggling on the front porch

Golfing

Bubbles

Laney tried so hard to blow her own bubbles

And here are some random pictures from a day last week we spent outside:

Marathon Photos

Official marathon photos were posted this morning and you BET I have copied them for my own personal use! Of course, I will be ordering one and framing it (along with my bib and medal) to always remember this accomplishment in my life.

Also, my results for finishing:

Women's Place 6,115

Age 30-34 Place 1,219

Total Overall Place 17,677

(This is from a pool of 45,000 runners)

I believe this is somewhere in Lincoln Park
More Lincoln Park
Crossing over the bridge on Wacker Drive
Mile 23, right after meeting up with Erin (look how FRESH she looks!)
The celebratory beer after finishing
My very, very proud moment.