Easter Egg Hunt/Progress

Easter Egg Hunt/Chili Cook Off

The family had a ball at the easter egg hunt today. My daughter bounced for SO long, she was very tired once she got in the car (went fast to sleep after she ate all the candy from her easter eggs). I didn't taste any of the chili for the cook-off (not even my DH's). He didn't win and was very disappointed.

Progress

I haven't been by the house all week. Here are some requested pictures. This week the following took place:

• Garage Doors
• Power On
• Wood (foyer, kitchen, morning room)
• Carpet
• Staining of stairs
• Appliances (except Fridge)
• Faucets

Stain on stairs matches the floors

I wonder what MOFO broke my cabinet door. I am sure my PM already has another one on order. You know I will be on his phone Monday morning.

LOVE the floors!!

The first thing I am replacing are those darn WHITE outlet covers...HATE IT (especially the one on my peninsula)!

Master Bath

Guest Bath

Another thing that I thought I could live with but must replace immediately is the formal dining room chandelier. I plan to shop for lights tomorrow. I will add this chandelier to the list.

HAPPY EASTER!!

Good Friday

It's Friday!!! I am looking forward to the weekend. My new community is having an Easter Egg hunt and Chili Cook Off tomorrow. My husband is entering the chili cook off. It will be nice to meet some of our soon to be neighbors. They community always have a lot going on and love getting together. I missed movie night last weekend. Can't wait to close and get settled.

Speaking of closing, my MIL closed yesterday on her new house in Las Vegas (see picture below). So excited for everyone who has finished their building journey!

Moving along

My hardwoods go in today and carpet tomorrow. They are also staining the bannister this week. I can't wait until the power is turned on!

I called the painter to line him up for the week of closing. Now it's time to schedule the POD delivery.

The SUZE in ME!

I watch Suze Orman often. I love her advice and I find it hilarious what people will spend their money on (when they don't have it). I am now having a battle with the Suze in me! I know that I don't NEED anything but I WANT everything NOW! Trying to decide what items will be purchased first is the hardest part. Here is my battle with my inner Suze:

Me: I could use my emergency fund and go ahead and get the rest of the items that I want to purchase
Suze: It's not an emergency!! You don't even NEED it!

Me: I could use my credit card!
Suze: Why go into debt over something you don't NEED. Plenty of people move into a house that is NOT fully furnished. It's not like you don't have the stuff from your old house. So what is the rush?
Me: I know I have furniture from my old house but this house is bigger which requires more furniture.  I want it NOW cuz I am a spoiled (ask my dad)!

Me: What about.....my 401K? I'm not retiring soon.
Suze: Are you out of your MIND? Absolutely NOT!! Your 401K is for retirement so unless you absolutely NEED it...which you don't...NO WAY!
Me: I know SUZE, you are right! I had to throw it out there.

I know many of us are dealing with the issue of furnishing and decorating our house as soon as we move in. I have to heed the advice of my inner SUZE and just do it slowly. My first house wasn't furnished and decorated overnight and this house won't be either. It SUCKS, but it is... what it IS!!

It's a blessing to be purchasing this house and I will ENJOY it whether it is fully furnished or not.

Progress

Things are moving right along. Here is update on the progress:

• The driveway was poured earlier this week (Tuesday)
• Lights are in
• Granite installed (and I LOVE IT)!!
• Dishwasher and Range in the house but not yet installed. They accidentally dropped the microwave and refrigerator off as well but will have to come back and pick those up until the floors are installed
• Vinyl is put down in the secondary bathrooms (will be changing out as soon as we move in)

We have received our appraisal and everything is good. I stopped by the SR office today and was informed that another price increase took place today (3K). The base price is now 9K more than the base price when I signed in Dec.  

Patio poured today

My next door neighbor (James Joyce)

Neighbor across the street house is already framed

Coach lights in

Closing Date

I received my letter today. We are scheduled for pre-settlement on April 18th and closing April 23rd. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. So close, yet so far away :-)! Lord willing, things will go smoothly.

Progress/Slab

Progress

I went by the house yesterday. A lot has happened this week. The house has been primed, the cabinets are in, tile has been installed on the bathroom walls, railings and they were putting in the baseboards during my visit. Here are a few pictures:

Slab

I went to pick out my slab yesterday. They had already pulled one for me to view...it was a ...NO! Then they pulled another slab with less vein but it was still a...NO! Finally, the third slab was a winner. See pics below:

Their original pick (see that large vein flowing through it)

The slab I chose, you don't see any veins.
She called it the light version of the St. Cecilia

My choice

Communication/Slab

I guess I am one of few people that have not had a problem with communication.

·         SR’s- are great! They respond to any email that I send. They are also very welcoming when I visit the office.

·         PM- calls every Friday morning to update me. He also calls throughout the week if there is something that I need to know. He has been AWESOME!

·         NVR- responds to every message. Has not asked for duplicate information yet. I love my LO, she is very pleasant to speak with and answers any and all questions timely.

                                                

My PM told me today that we should get our closing letter next week…YAY!

I’m picking out my granite slabs today! Will try to take and post pictures later.

Blessing/Prayers

I put blessings and prayers around the house prior to drywalling (the same day I did insulation). Thanks to a fellow blogger for the idea...I LOVED IT! Here are a few that I used:

Office: Whatever work you do, do it with all your heart. Do it for the Lord and not for men (Colossians 3:23) NLT

Guest Bedroom: In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, will keep me safe (Psalms 4:8) NLT

Above Pantry: He gives food to those that fear him; he always remember his covenant (Psalms 111:5) NLT

Master Bedroom: Be a place with lots of little feet: Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him (Psalms 127:3) NLT
FYI- i want another child

Laundry Room

Dining Room: May God meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19) NIV

Living Room

Garage Door Exit and Front Door Exit: May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace (Numbers 6:24-26) NLT

Front Door: Let no sadness come through this gate. Let no trouble come into this dwelling. Let no fear come through this door. Let no conflict in this place. Let this home be filled with the blessings of joy and peace.

Progress

The brick, siding and shutters are done. All the drywall is in. It's starting to look like a house!

LOCKED

Yesterday was so busy, I forgot to mention that I locked in my rate at 3.25% with a .25 credit! The credit COULD have been higher if I waited to lock 30 days out but I didn't want to take any chances. The market is on the up swing and folks are buying left and right. I would rather be safe than sorry. I've never been a gambler so why start now! I will be kicking myself in a few weeks if the credit is higher ....thinking shoulda, coulda, woulda ....but didn't!

Brick Almost Done

The brick is almost done. I am loving our choice of the grand carmel brick. It's a nice gray.

Drywall should take place tomorrow!

Insulation DONE

Today has been a very busy day (I'm SO TIRED). I was out at the house around 2 and we didn't finish installing until close to 5. For those of you who insulated during the evening...KUDOS! I don't know how you did it. Here are some pics:

We started with the bonus/master bedroom first since that was 1st priority

Plumbing Next:

Bedroom next to furnace

Leftover we had to use so we used it on the room near the stair well

Regular Insulation added to the Garage in the sections not insulated by Ryan. There are a few spot still not insulated but we were tired and going to buy more was not an option. It's good ENOUGH!

Hind sight is 20/20. I wish I would have purchased more 24 in Roxul and I would have insulated the walls for the 1st Floor bedroom and the other wall in the Bonus (next to the extra bedroom). Oh well, we don't have guest too often, therefore, I think both rooms will be fine!!