Cleaning weekend

Friday's closing went well and we were so excited to be done we went straight to the lake afterwards. We picked up groceries on the way to stock the pantry and freezer at the lake. We also brought the tv out and hung it on the fireplace. Dan got a receiver at Best Buy so he could use his new surround sound system and had fun making sure that worked.

Saturday was a fun filled day of cleaning. Dan's parents met us out there and helped wash windows and paint the ceiling in the master bathroom (that one was missed when the rest of the house was painted I guess). Dan moved the closet shelving in the master closet because they weren't high enough for two hanging bars for clothes and I went around with paint to touch up spots on the walls and around the stairs that were touched by the carpet. Dan's parents brought the kotasu (sp?) that we brought back with us from Japan and set it up in the basement. It is a short table with a blanket over the top and a heater underneath that the Japanese use to warm up when they come into their cold homes. It was fun to put our feet underneath and try it out.

The tv was fun to hook up and we found out we get channel 9 in HD. That is good news so we can watch the Super Bowl out there next Sunday!

We are excited for next weekend to get some furniture out there and especially our bed... no more air mattresses!

Closing Day

The day is finally here, we close on our loan for the cabin this afternoon! I can't believe how much has happened over the past 9 months to get us to this point. But, now that it is over we feel relief, satisfaction, exhaustion, excitement, reflection, peace, joy, and happiness to name a few. We are so thankful to God for all of his blessings on us, and are in anticipation for what He has in store for us in the future. For now, we are content to take some time to enjoy being done with school and the cabin for awhile.

We are going to spend the first night at our finished cabin tonight so we can get an early start at cleaning all day tomorrow with Dan's parents coming to help out. Then we're celebrating with a couple of friends for their 30th birthday parties tomorrow night. Sunday will be spent catching up on some cleaning at our own house. It has been sort of neglected for awhile :)

Now that everything is finished, we are set to move things from our house to the lake next Saturday February the 2nd. If you are available to help, and especially if you have a truck or large vehicle, we'd love to have you!

What is your true color?

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Black

Your color is black. The color of night. Serene and mysterious, black conjures up images of elegant evening gowns, dashing tuxedos, and gleaming limousines. Traditionally a symbol of success, black also represents power and an uncompromising demand for perfection. Not surprisingly, you tend to set challenging goals for yourself and do whatever it takes to achieve them — your strength of character is second to none. This unfaltering determination, along with your natural elegance, impresses people. But keep in mind that your personality might be intimidating to some. Try to temper your demanding side with a little softness — trust us, it won't kill you. Overall, though, black is the color of professionalism and achievement, which means it's clearly the color for you.

Take this test >

Occupancy Certificate

The inspection passed today and we got the occupancy certificate! The appraisal work from Sunday was done today too, so tomorrow we'll get all the final paperwork finalized with the title company and close Friday :)

Tiling the tub

Saturday and Sunday we were at the lake tiling the whirlpool tub surround. The next three pictures show the access space, then with it on, and the final one is after the tile was grouted (the picture is blurry though - sorry!) The rest of Sunday was spent cleaning before the appraiser got there at 1:00. She was impressed it was as clean as it was! Good thing we have next weekend to finish cleaning with Dan's parents before moving on Feb. 2nd. Here are some pictures we took of some of the finished rooms that just need a little dusting next weekend. Dan was really happy to be out there this weekend because it finally felt like our cabin. No more sawdust and unfinished rooms, and with the electrical and plumbing hooked up it was a lot more fun.

our bedroom

laundry room

kicthen (the chairs fit under the island)

upstairs bathroom cleaned

guest bedroom downstairs

guest bedroom closet

Carpet

Today the carpet was installed! I had to be out there when they were working so I could "grade" their work when they were done. I thought it looked great! It was also fun to see everything that was done by the plumbers and electricians.

Yesterday our final inspection went ok, but they had 2-3 small things that needed to be changed before they would give us the occupancy certificate. Our builder got them done today but then none of the inspectors could come out this afternoon, so we're going to have to wait until Tuesday (Monday is a government holiday) to get it done. That makes things a little close for our closing on Friday, but we were able to talk to the appraiser and instead of her waiting until after the final inspection she will come out on Sunday when we are there and her appraisal would just be contingent on the occupancy certificate. So, I think we should be find to close on the 25th. I can't believe how many stressful last minute details there are! If they all don't go as planned it really makes a mess of things.

Tomorrow we will tile the top of the whirlpool tub and Joe will finish the walls of the surround. Sunday we'll be back grouting the tile so the appraiser can finish that afternoon. It isn't exactly fun weather to be driving around all weekend, but good thing all of the projects are inside!

Carpeted stairs

Carpeted office

Master closet

Master bedroom carpeted

Basement hallway carpeted

Downstairs basement living room carpeted

Shower door installed

Wet bar area carpeted

Cranberry Cake

This is the yummy, rich dessert I made for small group on Tuesday night. Completely fat free... Ok, maybe not.

3 T butter
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
3 c. sifted cake flour (use 3 cups and take out 6 T instead of sifting)
4 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 c. milk
3 c. whole raw cranberries (if you buy a bag that is usually 3 cups)

Cream butter, sugar and vanilla. Sift dry ingredients together. Add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Fold in cranberries. Put into greased and floured 9 by 13 pan. Bake 35-45 minutes at 375 or until browned.

Hot butter sauce:
1 c. melted butter
2 c. sugar - add to butter
1 c. cream or evap. milk

Cook in pan 2-5 minutes or until combined and warm.

Serve cranberry cake with hot butter sauce spooned over the top. Enjoy!