Project Basement

We have decided at last that it is time to finish the basement. We have been living in this house here in Layton since August '06. The plan was to live here for a couple of years to avoid paying capital gains when we inevitably sold it in '08. Unfortunately, the market took a turn for the worst and it looks like we will be here until the end of time. (or at least until the market picks up). Which, I guess one could argue is not so bad. We really enjoy it here and in the event that we should spawn someday, it would be a great place to raise a family. In any event, it was definitely time to finish the basement. When we were having the house built, Rainey Homes agreed to frame, insulate and do rough electrical as part of the deal. That was a deal we couldn't pass up, and it's a good thing, because it makes finishing the basement a lot easier for us. All we have left to do is finish wiring, hang sheet rock, mud, tape, paint and carpet and we're pretty much done. We want to put a wet bar in the corner of the family room, because there is ample space and it would be cool. That will take a little extra doing, but will be manageable. You'll notice in the picture coming down the stairs, that you can see straight into the basement. That was how the model home was, but for convenience and aesthetics, they built our home with a temporary wall there. Kelly spent a good portion of Monday knocking down that wall and I spent a good portion of yesterday cleaning up the mess. It may not look like it, but we've made some pretty good progress already. Kelly's got most of the can lights hung and outlets in, then the real wiring can begin. I anticipate we should be able to have the basement done in a few months. Shall we take bets? Anywho, here are some pictures of the basement (what I could get of it with the limited light) before the real progress is made.

And my personal favorite...trying to fight the effects of rigor mortis while attempting to move in a humiliating quilted, puffy, pink coat. Pooooor Gizzzzmo.

Xmas With the Kids

Because we have no real children of our own, we take great pride in fawning over, and yes...even occasionally dressing our dogs in humiliating outfits. This year's new low...making them open Christmas presents. Not only do we look completely insane documenting their every move on Christmas, but we get to dress them in silly outfits as well. This year I bought them new coats, because the myriad of sweaters and little pink t-shirts wasn't preventing the harsh bite of the winter cold. They hate them. As you will see below. And P.S. after 6 years of begging and pleading, I finally got my stand mixer and the best part is, it's pink! Stay tuned for this week's nail biting adventure in the new year, where two old fogies try to stay up past 10:30 to hopefully await the dawning of a new era. Excitement around every corner. :)

A Gathering of the Minds

Had our annual pre-Christmas get together with the friends last night. Ate a lot of Mexican and played a lot of Guitar Hero.

Ayda trying very hard to pretend that she's not tired.

Merry Christmas to Us (a tad early)

Last week we had a very pleasant early Christmas delivery. We bought a new 50 inch plasma tv online the day after Thanksgiving and it finally arrived. We also bought a new Playstation 3, surround sound, and my personal favorite, Guitar Hero World Tour. Comes with the drums and vocals, the whole nine yards. Pretty much we have been playing with our new toys nonstop for a week. We are obviously quite finished with Christmas.

Here is Kelly trying to sort through all of our new devices. Amazingly enough, he was able to get it all set up with time to spare to watch Wall-E. Gooood Huuuusband. :)

The lighting of a tree

After all is said and done, this is the final product.