Project #2 - Let the demo begin

Joe has wanted to re-do our back entry way for a while. The back entry way, dining room and kitchen have this super ugly paneling (which we've painted over and is now bearable) and Joe has wanted to get rid of it since we moved in. He's also wanted to tile the back entry way, dining room and kitchen and has started talking about trying it.

Well, we decided to start with the back entry way because a) it's small and b) we have no plans to host any party in the future.

Since pictures are more fun, enjoy!

What it normally looks like

Cleaned

Ugly panneling

Beautiful yellow/green linoleum under the wood flooring

Joe decided to rip out the old drywall

What is that bottle?

Found it in the wall...along with a spoon too

Next up is to add insulation and then start hanging the new drywall. Stay tuned...

Derek in Milwaukee

Uncle Artie and Aunt Lori sent an email on Thursday with pictures of the ceremony that happened on Monday in Milwaukee:

Derek called Aunt Lori and Uncle Artie Thursday night and they got to talk for about 5 minutes. He was at a processing station about 10 miles away from Fort Benning. He already has a uniform, is learning proper manuevers and they start their day at 3 AM. Please keep Derek in your thoughts and prayers.

New 'do and Bon Voyage

A week ago this past Friday I headed to ET for cousin Derek's going away party - which I'll get to in a little bit.

First, Amy had called me and told me she wanted to do something different with her hair. Now, we've tried this before and it always results in Amy not liking it and me having to re-highlight her back to blonde because her and change don't get along. Sorry Amy, but it was getting old.

So, when she called wanting to do something different, I reluctently agreed and threw out some crazy ideas to which she said yes too. Friday night was the big makeover at her place and it turned out great. We did decide that some more blonde needed to be added on top, so we touched that up Sat before the big party.

How she has looked for the past how many years

That is a picture from her wedding...blonde like always. Below is the new look, with her new name...

What's her new name you ask to go with the new look? She coined this one herself, she now answers to the name of "Ali-Sin."

After the exciting makeover, Saturday afternoon was spent at Aunt Lori's and Uncle Artie's to say "good luck and see you later" to Derek, who was headed off to Fort Benning in GA on Sunday, or rather headed to Milwaukee for paperwork, etc. Derek is off to join the army as a paratrooper. I believe he'll be in GA until May and then he'll be able to come home for a little while before heading off to his next adventure.

As the party was winding down and people were leaving, every family had to have their photo taken with Derek before they left:

Derek - Love you lots, you're in our thoughts and prayers.

Need some art work?

Amy's SIL Jenny is an amazing photographer. Seriously people, I mean AMAZING! In fact, at the bottom of the blog is a slide show from Amy's wedding and 95% of the pictures were taken by Jenny. For Amy and Luke's bridal shower, Jenny gave them a collage of pictures from Miller Park and it blew me away.

To show you just how amazing she is, here are some of my favorites from the wedding...

Well, Jenny just opened an ETSY store where she is selling her prints. If you're interested in some art work, check it out!!

Happy New Year

We rang in 2010 with some fabulous friends by having a party which included lots of eating, drinking and bowling...on the wii.

Like last year, Joe and I once again hosted a few friends and I made the best Venetian Sunsets EVER. Anna and I were at the Olive Garden a couple months ago and after ordering a couple drinks, we decided that is what we should have for New Year's. So, I played bartender most of the night and could now, confidently get a job bartending at Olive Garden should the need arise.

After some eating and drinking and hearing the adventures Toddie encountered in Costa Rica, it was decided we should play the wii and play we did, after we made mii's of everyone first.

Unlike last year, we were well aware of the time and stopped playing to watch the ball drop and scream Happy New Year. I honestly have no idea where the time went as all of a sudden it seemed to be 3 am and people were still at our house. By 4 am (yes folks - 4 AM!!) everyone finally left and by the time I crawled into bed it was 4:30 am. Needless to say New Year's Day was shot but we had a blast.

By the way, for all of you ET partiers (ahem Amy, Luke and your friends - yeah, I'm talking to you) we obviously need to bring the party to ET next year if for no other reason than to show you youngins how to ring in the new year right. 2:30 am - we are soo disappointed in you!!