What we're doing today ...

We're building the Toy Ottoman!! We've run in to a few snafus, including not having short enough screws, and the bottom seeming to possibly be too small, but we'll have it basically together today, and we'll need to get batting and fabric for tomorrow, so that we can cover it and actually have it out to use. One note: the box is big enough to fit Jeff, so when looking for killers during our horror movie, we'll have to keep the ottoman in mind.

A Partial "To-Do" List

attic: load-bearing (floor boards or sub-flooring?)
attic ladder
exterior shed

bunkbeds
chalkboard in mini-hall
convert office to playroom/guestbed

Window Widths

All windows are listed as (width/height).

Kitchen: 35.75"/35"
Living Room (small): 35.25"/51.25"
Living Room (large): 70-11/16"/70.75"
Dining Room (french doors/each): 24"/66"
Parker's Room: 35.25"/51.25"
Office: 35.125"/51"
Master Bedroom: 35.5"/51"

Garage: (approx same as kitchen)

Swing Set for Kids

It seems we've finally settled on purchasing a swing set for the kids in the back yard, and the local Sam's Club has a great set, for $1000! Here it is: link



We just need to decide where in the backyard we'll be putting it, level out that area, and prepare the section (I guess get wood chips for it??). Oh yeah, and get it put together before summer really hits. The best part about it is that it has a sandbox!!! I think that will be a very popular area. :)

What Jeff wants to do tomorrow

Call Floor Store to get estimate on what it would take to lift floor of garage (396 sq. ft.) the approximate 5" to be level with rest of house.

Call Trane A/C place to see what it might cost and the logistics of moving the AC within the garage and to adding additional duct work to bring A/C to the garage area.

Storage Shed for Backyard

Jeff and I have decided that rather than consider an addition to the house, which is surely beyond our means right now, we're going to consider converting the garage instead. Many people in our neighborhood are doing it, so it isn't unheard of around here. But, in order to do that, we'll need a shed for our lawn tools and bikes. So, we're planning to get this 11' x 7' storage shed:

The List

Here is my list of things I'd like to do:

1. Complete built-in shelves
2. Create toy storage ottoman
3. Sprinkler system, front & back
4. extended back patio (concrete)
5. Playyard system
6. paint bathroom
7. wood floors
8. paint main living area
9. Kitty door to garage

I'm sure there is more -- but I think this list is overwhelming enough -- I'm sure I'll add more in a bit.

2. Painting Bathroom

Our main/guest bathroom desperately needs repainting. We originally painted it a rich maroon color, that matches part of our shower curtain which is the Mustique pattern from JC Penney, which is now a bedroom set exclusively. Unfortunately, we used a flat paint (which is apparently a HUGE no-no for bathrooms) and it is pretty dark which is going to be really bad for resell purposes, which we want to keep in mind, in case we find a better job elsewhere (read -- closer to family).

We have been thinking of doing it in a taupe, taking it out of the curtain, but also probably from the countertop in there, to make it seem bigger, and more inviting for future house selling purposes. Oh, and in a semi-gloss, I'm thinking. Our other bathroom is in high-gloss, and that is probably too much. The other bathroom will also need to be repainted before selling (it is a bright turquoise), but we like it and are willing to wait to paint that when moving is actually a reality.

Estimated time needed: 6 hours, in two sessions, at least. We will need to prime, to cover up the really dark color, and will probably need to put more than one coat of the final color.
Tools needed: paint brushes, paint, drop cloths
Estimated cost: cost of paint

LIVING : Other : Installing a Pet Door : DIY Network

Here is a good instruction on how to install the cat door into a metal door. Reciprocating saw fun!
LIVING : Other : Installing a Pet Door : DIY Network

Infrared Locking Cat Door

Infrared Locking Cat Door -- similar theme, with simple "collar key".

Electromagnetic Cat Door

Electromagnetic Cat Door -- hmmm, much cheaper. Less sophisticated, but might just work!

POWER PET DOORS

POWER PET DOORS -- pricey, but would do the trick. We could even install in the wall next to the door, and leave the door alone, though we would need to move or somehow adjust the panytry/bookshelf there.

1. Kitty Litter Box / Door

This should be pretty high on our priority list -- the door from our kitchen to our garage needs to have a kitty door installed, so that we can house the litter boxes in the garage. I'm tired of having kitty litter in either our bathroom or in our kitchen. I am worried that Amber might have a problem with it though -- she seems a bit skittish about the whole garage, but I bet she'd warm up to it.

The other concern is Lockheed, who is currently relegated to life in the porch/garage ... a kitty door to the kitchen would mean that she could come in as she pleases -- and PEE on our furniture! I've seen "keyed" kitty doors, that only allow certain pets in. Maybe we should consider that.

Estimated time needed: 1 - 2 hours? After having all the parts.
Tools needed: saw (I assume), screwdriver, kitty door, caulk?
Estimated cost: cost of kitty door/replacement door for garage?

A blog with a purpose.

My husband and I are constantly mentioning little things around the house that we'd like to accomplish when we find the time to improve our home. Well, I decided that just mentioning it to each other isn't getting any of it done -- the list is long, and we have no centralized place where we keep all of our ideas, thoughts, and plans. So, in an effort to centralize our thought-process, this blog. Maybe it'll work -- maybe not! We'll see how this work in progress goes!