99...

I am excited to post tonight...but have to apologize right off the bat. There will be no pictures tonight - so sorry! But I am in bed posting via my phone again. And I have no way to dowload pi s from here. I hope you appreciate the level of difficulty just posting from a phone...not an easy task! I have a bunch of pictures from this evening. I took them after getting home from work. Dan was working on our shower walls. They look awesome right now as the tile is "setting up". I'll be sure to post pictures tomorrow. Good news - we get our internet service hooked up tomorrow!!!YEAH! No more hoops to jump through just to get on the internet. Will catch you up on the family tomorrow...Gina'a birthday, Jazzy starts soccer, school open houses, more tile gets installed...all kinds of fun things! Have a great night and we'll talk tomorrow! Oh, and we have to give our testimony at church tomorrow night --- pray for us! The reason this post is titled "99", this is our 99th post, believe it or not..

Big Screen

Hey! I'm online once again. Can't divulge how I'm doing it...suffice it to say, I'm excited to have a big screen in front of me!

Yesterday was a nice day. We started out at Mindi and Seth's to take showers. Was fun seeing the little ones to start our day! They were not planning to go to church...due to Mindi's allergies, so we took Jazmyn to church with us. We planned for them to come and get her. They offered to bring us lunch at the same time. You can rest assured we didn't turn that down!

So after church, lunch was delivered. Cold cuts, potato salad, chips, Hawaiian buns (we love those)....then they stayed awhile and we had a nice visit. The kids are growing so fast.


Nate



Mindi and Rayna




Jazmyn - She and Nate were picking a cupboard for themselves to play in and that was their "house".








Dan and Seth discussing something very profound, I'm sure.






Then Dan proceeded to keep his promise to me - that we wouldn't have to take a shower at anyone else's house after Sunday. He hooked up the shower in the guest bathroom upstairs. That was nice this morning to be able to take a shower at home!

In the process




Today, I took the van to work and left him at home to work alone. We had gone to Menard's yesterday and purchased as much as we could think of for the jobs he wanted to tackle today. He had enough to keep him busy for a week!

One of the things we purchased that we actually put in yesterday was shades for the bedroom. We were tired of leaving the light off or sneaking around windows in our own house! It was great getting those up.

We also have noticed that the bedroom seems to have shrunk quite a bit since we put furniture in it. We knew it would fill in fast, but didn't realize how much til we actually did it.

Hank came over this afternoon and helped Dan - he wasn't so lonely!
He was still there when I got home around 4:30 or 5:00.

By the way, did I show you the pictures of what they are doing to our street? They are replacing all the huge lines (water/sewer) and have dug what Dan guesses to be 15 to 20 feet deep. It was HUGE!







Ok, it's getting late. Tomorrow I work, so have to get up early. Then after work, I'm supposed to go to Jazmyn's first soccer practice. She is very excited to be doing soccer this year. If I make it, I'll take some pictures and share them with you. Then Wednesday is Gina's birthday....we also are supposed to share a little bit of our story in church and promote our new small group. It is going to be called Extreme Marriage Makeover. We are excited to do another marriage group.

You know I'll keep you posted!

Very Short and Sweet

Am going to make this a short one...one for the records! I am entering this from my cell phone, so feel very limited! I plan to take the laptop to work tomorrow and post again after work from somewhere in G.R. Not lots to tell you from today but a few fun things! Have a great night and I'll talk to you tomorrow!

That's A Great Price!

Today was a whirlwind....starting out with a quick trip to Mindi's to get a hot shower. It was fun seeing the kids again, and checking on Nate to make sure there were no permanent injuries!

We proceeded to Lansing where we visited with Doug and Vivian Sharp for awhile.
Then we headed to Grand Rapids to pick up some stuff from Daniel (our son). He wasn't in a position to visit, so we said good-bye and headed to Gina's. There, we picked up our big mirror, the tile saw, some odds and ends and got a few minutes to play with Levi and Gideon.

From there we went a couple miles and picked up a dresser. This dresser is going in the master bathroom where a sink will be installed into the middle of it. Originally we wanted two sinks in there, but we won't be able to put two in this dresser. The way we got the dresser: Marie called me yesterday on her way home saying she just passed a house with a dresser out front for sale. She thought it looked perfect for what we wanted, did I want her to send some pictures of it? Sure, we'd like pictures. So, she took a couple with her cell phone and sent them to Dan's phone. It looked pretty good, so she paid for it and told the man we would be by today to pick it up. So, we went and met Roger Freeman and picked up a very nice dresser (for $30.00)! As the commercial says, "Now that's a great price!" I'll take pictures and post them tomorrow.

From there we hit a couple stores looking for tile, backsplash, blinds, and other necessities.

We just had dinner. I hate eating late!
Tomorrow I hope to take more time and put a few more pictures up for you.
Enjoy what's left of the weekend!

Down The Stairs

Ok, we have a couple new things to share with you...
First, let me apologize for not posting yesterday. I DID try though. We spent our first night at the house. After setting up, we tried to hook up the computer - to no avail. I wanted to share with you our experience of the first night at the house, but couldn't.

So, here's the scoop, if I can remember. Honestly, it seems like a week ago!
The day started with a leisurely breakfast with the kids and Gina. We enjoyed hearing about their camping experience and updating them on our week. Then we packed our things and loaded up the car. We were saying our good-byes when Dan's phone rang. It was Lowe's asking if we knew we were supposed to get carpet installed that morning. Well, NO we didn't know we were getting it installed in the morning. We were told it would be afternoon! We assured them we would hurry to the house and meet the installers there. The installers were already in the driveway waiting. They were cool though...no problem with them. As soon as we arrived they got their stuff, brought it into the house and went to work. That was about 10:00 a.m. by the time they started - they were done before 2:00 p.m.

Installers waiting



Installers working








For speed's sake, I'm not putting all the pictures I have on here tonight. We are sitting at a Big B's parking lot because they have free Wi-Fi. Need to hurry so the battery on the computer doesn't give out before I'm done!

We also worked some more on cabinets.
We went to our storage unit in Ionia and got our bed and a few things.

Hank came over yesterday and mowed our lawn! How nice is that??!!



Then today he and Pat both came over and visited with us for awhile.



I know this is scattered and I'm jumping around a lot - forgive me.

We woke up this morning for the first time in our new home/house. It's not quite a home yet, but it was nice waking up there.

We didn't have breakfast food in the house, so we started the day with a trip to the grocery store. As a side note: I'm amazed at what all is available to us. We take so much for granted. But we really are a blessed nation. You walk into a grocery store and you have so many options it takes you awhile just to decide what to get! Anyway, we got our groceries, breakfast, and headed over to Menard's. We almost can't start a day without a trip there. We will be lost when this project is done and we can't go there so frequently anymore!

When we got home and ate, Dan worked on the bathroom. He wanted to get the bathtub hooked up so we have a place to clean up.





I worked on the stairway. It was driving me crazy. When you walked on it, it 'poofed' dust, making you sneeze practically every time you walked on it. All the "protection" came off plus the plastic and tarp that protected the banister and rails. What I had on each step was old ceiling tiles cut down to fit. They were FULL of plaster dust and other crud. Then I swept them off, got a bucket of water and washed them.

With protection on them








Without protection and cleaned off






It is nice having them cleaned off and looking decent again. I didn't spend too much time on them though. I know I'll have to do them again after the drywall is installed in the stairway!

I forgot to mention that this morning after we got home from the grocery/Menard's run, Mindi, Jazmyn, Nate and Rayna came over to see the progress on the house.

Grandpa's little girl!





OOPS! No picture of Jazmyn at the house today. She skipped outside and played in the corner of the yard....her new play place. She is creating her own little 'wonderland'! The little neighbor boy usually comes out and plays with her back there.

One other OOPS! happened while they were at the house today. Nate was walking around the kitchen exploring. We were standing there talking and watching him. When he got close to the stairway we warned him not to go there. But before we could do anything, he pushed the door open and either missed the first step, or he took the first step and lost his balance because he fell down that set of steps and rolled the rest of the way down all of them. I ran for him. He instantly started screaming. I picked him up and handed him to Mindi who wasn't far behind me. She soothed him then we checked him out. He didn't have anything broken, but he cut/scratched his right arm between his elbow and shoulder. We checked with Mindi tonight to see how he was doing. She said he was fine - no lasting effects hopefully. Man, we felt bad. Dan is putting a handle on that door tomorrow so it won't happen again!

Well, the computer is doing ok so far but I'm not. I'm tiring....so will close this for now. As soon as we get decent service I'll add more pictures.

Late Owls

Just got in....11:00 p.m.
Too tired to download pictures....will try to post more on here in the morning.

I will tell you tho': Got Daniel and Laina home safely - NEWSFLASH, they are now engaged! He asked her to marry him while they were in Washington! I'm gonna have a new daughter! Yeah!!!

Good night you late owls!
More tomorrow.

1....

Today was kind of a long day. Dan started out early with his men's prayer breakfast, then came and picked me up. During the time he was gone, I made sure the chickens were taken care of and gathered the eggs. One old hen wouldn't budge off her nest no matter how much banging or shooing I did.

We stopped by our regular stop on our way into Ionia - Menards!
We got the "pan" for the shower. As a side note, whenever Dan said "pan" for the shower I visualized a formed pan that would sit on the floor of the shower. Oh no, it isn't a pan as you would think of it. It is...

A roll of thick rubber!



How is this a "pan"??

Well, anyway, here is the process Dan went through on the shower stall today.

He had to cut out a section of the green board.







Then he had to build up a "lip" to keep the water in the shower, using 2x4's.




He then put wire mesh over what he poured yesterday.







Then the "pan" got installed.







The next step was to put concrete over it. He first had to mix it...





We carried it up in buckets!




It was at this point that Hank showed up and helped get the buckets up the stairs!




As he put it in the shower, he had to make sure it was angled towards the drain.







Then he covered the "lip" with the concrete.





Here it is as we left it to cure. The next step will be to lay the tile.





While Dan started the shower today, I started cutting in, then painting in the guest bedroom.





Completed...oops, didn't take that picture! Maybe tomorrow!

Then, I cleaned up the mess of cabinet doors and drawers. They had been in the living room lying on tables. I stacked them in the corner of the kitchen.

Empty corner




Same corner with doors




Other side of the French door with the drawers




The living room was almost cleared out



Then we went and got the trim for the bedrooms and bathroom...so much for a cleared out room!




Closer pic of the trim




I have to tell you, the place we got the trim is a little out-of-the-way place in Sydney, MI. The man who owns the business gets the material in lots. He sometimes buys railroad cars of trim or shipments that have not had the shipping paid and he gets the whole load for just the cost of shipping. He has trailers full of different trims, spindles, doors, sinks, trim, trim and more trim. You've never seen so much trim in one place! He sells it for a fraction of the normal cost. What normally would have cost $6.00 a piece, we got for .25 a piece. Now that's a good price!

Well, better turn in. Tomorrow I work, then from work we drive to Chicago to get Daniel and Laina. Gonna be a long day!

2, 1........

Work, work, work....that's what we did today.
Oh, yeah, that's what we've been doing every day since June 1st, isn't it?

After work, since we are down to one vehicle, I was picked up by a friend (Marie). We went to Kohl's to see if I could find bedding and blinds. No luck there, in either department. So, before she dropped me off at Gina's, we went to Carlos O'Kelley's and shared some chips and salsa.

Here's part of what Dan did today.

Master bathroom shower ready for floor, walls, etc.




Tar paper down





Then he had to haul 6 bucket loads of cement up the stairs to the bathroom for the floor of the shower.





All smoothed out



Then he hooked up the outlets and light switches.








Tonight, we've been working on several things. Almost every night we check emails, then Dan always checks prices on whatever we'll be working on next. We check Craigslist a lot. Tonight I worked on a new background for the blog. I started it last night but got frustrated and just used a preset template. I thought I could get a cool one tonight and load it. But NO, it isn't THAT easy. So, instead of driving myself crazy and pushing through, I'm gonna leave this one until I can load the one I want. There was one site that had free downloads that had over 2000 backgrounds. I about went crosseyed looking at them all. I'll keep working on it....

A good friend at work, Mary Frazier, offered to work my hours tomorrow. What a kind soul! We have so much to do this week, our heads are spinning. This way I'll be able to do more at the house to get it ready to live in...you know the countdown is on, I think we're on 2 right now!

3,2,1...The Countdown is On!

This has been a wonderful day. We were invited to our pastors house for lunch, which means after the 3rd service (which starts at 11:30). So, we went to the late service then spent a wonderful afternoon with John and Lisa. Great, down-to-earth people.

Then they wanted to see the progress on the house so we all drove over (only a mile maybe) and went through it. They were very encouraging...could see the potential and were very positive in their comments - thanks guys!

At three the carpet installer showed up and measured the two upstairs bedrooms. We are hoping he can install by Tuesday...will have to wait and see.

We also had our small group in Grand Rapids tonight. We started the video series by Perry Stone called Rapture Revelation. The first session was typical Perry style - lots of background information, laying the ground work for the rest of the series.
It promises to be a fascinating study.

Then when we got back to the Boening residence tonight, we decided to go harvest some "stuff" out of the garden (we've been asked to do it while the family is out of town). We picked tomatoes, beans, and corn. Oh, yeah, and this morning before leaving (as we do every morning) we checked the chickens, made sure they had food and water and collected the eggs. They are averaging about 5 eggs a day. Guess what I'm taking for lunch tomorrow - egg salad!

This week will be an interesting one. I have to work Monday through Wednesday. We have to pick up Daniel and Laina in Chicago on Wednesday AND, we promised Dave and Gina we'd be out of their house by Wednesday. Wednesday promises to be a busy one, no?!

Dan talked to Hank today - you remember Hank, right? The guy who's been pitching in helping with everything from A to Z?! He's been sick since the middle of last week with a chest cold. He's been home trying to recover for days....pray for him when you think of it!

Dan plans to start on the master bathroom shower first thing Monday morning. That's his big project for the week. He's hoping to get it done by weeks end. Pretty sure we'll be showering somewhere other than that room for a day or two! Maybe he'll be a whiz and have it ready by Thursday, who knows?!

We'll keep you posted!

90 Days!

This is my 90th Blog....do I hear a drum roll? Music? Singing? Trumpets and Coronets announcing it's publication?
NO? Oh well....

Here is the way we found the guest bedroom. Drywalled, mudded, sanded and ready to prime.







We got in there and put graffiti on the walls!







Now it is fully primed and drying....waiting for paint. Don't you love the striping?
Not to worry, it dried smooth!





We have a system down when we paint. Dan starts with the edger and goes around the room cutting in at the ceiling and corners. I follow with the roller and put paint on the walls. Today was no different. He started with the primer ahead of me cutting in, then I rolled it onto the walls.

Once he got done in the guest bedroom, he proceeded to the master bedroom...













Voila!




Then he started with the master bathroom....





Done - I worked so fast you didn't even see me, did ya?





Check out the differences in color between these three photos!












I think this last one looks closest to the real thing, for a photo.
You will just have to come over and decide for yourself!


While I went downstairs and painted in the dining room (which I forgot to take pictures of until we were out of Ionia!) Dan patched a hole in the floor between the master bedroom and bathroom. That hole has been there almost since day one! It has annoyed us for 90 days! Now it is fixed - YEAH!







Tomorrow the bedrooms get measured for carpet. We are hoping it will be installed Monday or Tuesday....'cos we plan to spend the night there beginning Wednesday night. (we may be running to Mindi's for showers the first couple days) Dan is planning to start the shower floor Monday morning. It takes 24 hrs. of drying between two parts of the process...not sure what day we'll have it up and running!

Hey, it's an adventure, right?!