Hall Bathroom Redo Days 6 & 7

I know I am farther behind in my posting with this than I am in the real life... but it needs to be this way.

You see.. my poor Chad gets to experience "wood working" like he never has before.. and even though things have gone really quickly in the remodeling process... some things are going to take LONG... so I will catch up.

Hold on.

When I said I wanted a "Romantic bathroom" this was not what I had in mind. ( hee-hee)

Yes.. the toilet is still in my room as of today... and it will most likely rest there until after the wood-work and painting is done.

I can't have a toilet without paint behind it.. I'm too OCD for that.

DAY 6

We had called the Marble company and told them to give us 2 more days.

They said they would re-schedule for Wednesday. Perfect.

Chad felt like he could do what he needed in 2 days.

In order for them to put the marble up.. we needed to put the sheet rock back up around the tub. This was a good time for me to leave and not "watch the progress."

Our house has many walls that are not perfectly straight.. and with my Obsessive-ness..

I would rather just not know.

--Because then I would stare at it.. and it would bug me.. and yes... Chad will tell me.

After putting up all of the sheet rock.. Chad mudded around the edges.

~ Then he got a little "mud happy" and started on the walls.

Have I said how grateful I am to have a HANDY husband? Yes.. very grateful.

The marble men could come now. But.. I wanted to have a little bit more finished before they came.

" Honey... ( in a whiny voice ) pleeeeaaase take out the sink and vanity.. and the smelly floor!"

DAY 7

Chad is trying to take out the sink. Apparently.. it is more rusty than we thought.

~ And the plumbing was a little more "off" than we thought.

I don't know why this was a surprise.. it has all been bad.

It took Chad almost an hour to drain the "goo" from the pipes...cut the rusty and nasty pipes..that didn't want to move.. and remove the sink. We did have to make a few phone calls to our favorite plumbers.. but Chad did it!

The sink is gone.. baby gone... bubye!!!

Chad fixing the pipes so we don't have a flood where the sink was.

Ahhhh... it feels good to have the vanity gone.

Now... the floor.

The smell was so bad in here.. I wasn't sure if it was the drain for the toilet.. or the floor.

I felt embarrassed to make the marble men have to smell the toxic fumes.. so if we took out the floor maybe it would help?

There was a lot of water damage.. and yes.. some mold. We debated back and forth whether to cut out the floor.. but it still felt sturdy enough.. it just looked gross.

The verdict: We Clorox bleached the mold to it's death.

We sprayed the floor twice.. and it worked!

The smell was gone!

Next to go: The door Molding.

It's the end of Tuesday night.. and Marble comes the next Morning. So excited.

Today I am grateful for:

The smell of my new pink Hyacinth. I feel better today. Homemade Broccoli Cheese soup. Singing primary songs with the kids. Brazilian Lemonade.

A week of Surprises

This week was full of Surprises. Not all good.

I have found that when it rains... it pours.

But... even with all of the trials we face daily.. there is sunshine that always comes on the most needed days.

This post is going to be more whiny.. than it needs to be.. but I NEED to document this crazy week of surprises.

These sweet SURPRISES came from Heather and Tami. It's so nice to have little things around that remind me of the good friends and family that surround us. I am very lucky to know such good people.

LAST SUNDAY

My brother Jeff was able to break away from Medical School and come home for 2 days. Even though the trip was short.. it was much needed to have him here with us. We all sat around Sunday night and talked.. cried.. and shared Faith about this whole experience with my Dad. It was good.. and we needed him here with us.

~ Even if it was for such a short time.

MONDAY

My little brother Chris was going to bless his baby today.

The family was all together.. and it was going to be a good day.

A few minutes before I got to their house.. Mary started whining.

A whine that only a Mother knows.

Is she going to throw up? But she's been great all day.. kept going through my mind.

We got to Chris's house.. and I felt extra anxious.. and had the feeling to keep my eyes on her....take off my coat and be prepared.

Throw up prepared.

Sure enough.. only 3 minutes after she was sitting still on Chad.. she gagged.. and I threw my coat in front of her as she threw up everywhere. I grabbed her.. and ran out the door into the cold outside. I caught it. Whew. All in my coat.

She was screaming and throwing up.. and my Mom and sister in-laws followed and tried to help out. Mary Caroline kept screaming for Chad.. so we couldn't go back in. We stood out in the cold and waited for Chad to help bless little Linkin.. and then we wrapped Mary in a blanket and headed home.

Great.

Not only was I having a "pity party" that I couldn't stay and visit with my family and Jeff.. I was also sick to my stomach that my baby was sick. We have no extra toilet.. and no bathtub. Wonderful. This is going to be an eventful week.

The reason we wanted to do the remodel so quickly.. was to spare this sort of thing. Since the kids were not in school.. and I wasn't going to take them out anywhere.. we would be safe and spared of this. --But not spared from nursery in church! ;(

We headed to Chad's parents house to give her a much needed bath.. and then headed home.

I knew this week was going to be hard. I just knew it.

TUESDAY

I know some of my blog friends have a birthday in February.. and I want to make sure I get something to them in time. Where is my list? After looking everywhere for it..for days... it must have been thrown away.

I am sick.

It took me a whole year to "beg" people for this information.. and it's gone that fast.

So.. now I have to spend the week "searching" again for these special days of my friends.

If you would PLEASE help me.. you could leave your Birthday in the comment area.. and it would help me MUCH. PLEASE?? ALL of YOU!

WEDNESDAY

A nice Surprise. Our Marble people came early than scheduled.. and installed it quicker than I thought they would.. and it looks great! Happy day!

THURSDAY

Tenney tells me that it hurts when she swallows. Just great.

I take her into the Doctor the next morning and she is positive for Strep.

LOVELY.

Could Mary Caroline have had it? She did throw up Monday... Hmmm..

FRIDAY AFTERNOON

A package from my friend Kimmie arrives. She has sent me the kindest note, book, and Victorian photo album.. as well as this family of snowmen. It was sooo cute and sooo thoughtful.. and such a NICE SURPRISE after a lot of stresses this week. Each snowman has a tag with our names on it.. and I LOVE that my snowman has a pink hat. The snowmen are so cute.. I can't bear to open the candy bars.

I am very grateful for Kimmie's thoughtfulness.

FRIDAY EVENING

Chad is always home by noon on Fridays. Not today.

He had more overtime to accomplish as a project needs to be finished. I try not to complain when he has to work "extra" because I am just so grateful we are employed.. but my sweet husband knew how hard this week was for me.. and I was very surprised when he came home after 5:00 with....

A DOZEN LONG STEM ROSES!!!

I was THRILLED!

This doesn't happen often in this household.. and it brought ( and still brings ) me happiness whenever I walk into the kitchen and see them. These little "things" that have been given to me during this hard week are reminders that their is "HAPPY" in my life right now. It's easy to get caught up in the "woe is me" stage.. but when we LOOK around us at the blessings we have.. and the people that show us comfort and love.. it's hard not to feel an abundance of gratitude.

SATURDAY MORNING

My cousin Megan calls and surprises me by asking if I want to do lunch and check out a few stores. Um ...yes!!!

I got the kids settled and Mary Caroline down for a nap so I could go play while Chad worked on the bathroom. It was sooo nice to escape for a bit.. and chat and eat.. and shop. :)

SATURDAY EVENING

I started to feel yucky. Oh no.

We called Chad's sister that works at Urgent care.. and asked if we could all come in.

None of us are insured except for Tenney.. and his sister has been a HUGE blessing to give us some much needed medical care when we need it. After loading all of us in to get tested for strep... they came out with the results.

POSITIVE.

Yes... we all have strep. ( Well.. Chad didn't test..but the rest of us. )-- Hopefully he isn't the carrier...

Sooo $75.00 later.. ( spent on Amoxicillin ) we all are quarantined to the house. -- You should see ALL of the medicine in the fridge.

SUNDAY

Today all of us sickies are at home. No church today.

We get a phone call... it's my sister in-law Lora.

She had her 4th baby this morning. Little Noah is here!!! WOOT!!!!

All is well.

This is good and happy and surprising news.

With every bit of bad news that comes along... there is also good things around every corner.

I need to remember that.

Thank goodness for this Bathroom remodel and Disneyland in a few months that gives us happy "things" to look forward to....

Today I am Grateful for:

Blankets and heat. --(We are all freezing.) Chad's sister's charity towards our family. Prayers. Fasting. Medicine.

PS: PLEASE REMEMBER TO COMMENT & LEAVE YOUR BIRTHDAY!

EDIT TO ADD:

If you read my blog.. please leave your birthday.. unless you don't want to be friends.. and just lurk!

Hall Bathroom Redo Days 4-5

I woke up last friday morning ( Day 4 ) to a phone call.

It was my Dad.

He asked if he was calling to early.. and of course I was happy to hear from him no matter the time.

He was calling about my bathroom. (My sweet-sweet Dad.)

He wondered if we had picked out the things we needed from the "plumbing place" that they purchase all of their plumbing goods from. See-- he was going to shop with me BEFORE all of the sad news came about. He was going to be a part of the bathroom remodel.. and that is why I wondered if I would ever like my bathroom.

Would I associate the bathroom being started with his disease?
Would I resent it because my Dad isn't with me along the way?

After LOTS of pondering about it all.. I know my Dad wants me to be happy.. and far from sad over this whole situation.. so I move on with a smile.. and have Faith that things will work out.

They have.

Anyway... he told me he would call the showroom and let them know that Chad and I would be coming.. and to give us the company discount on whatever we needed.

My Dad is great.

I was sad. I wanted him with me. I also wanted his opinion. I trust him... A lot.

But..... we move on.

Friday night was wonderful.

Morgan came and took all 3 children for a sleep over.. and Chad and I had some much needed alone time. We went to " the showroom" and met with the sales person who walked us around and checked out the items we were interested in.

I found a bath tub that I liked. It was deeper than the usual.. and would still fit in the standard spot we had. The only problem.. the price. $600. -- It just wasn't in the budget.

I was sure we would just get a normal/regular nice tub. I was fine with that.

But no.. my Prince Charming wanted otherwise. These were GREAT words to hear.

" Ann.. I want you to have what YOU want. We are only doing this ONCE and I want it done the way you want the first time.. with no regrets." ( Music to my ears. )

Come to find out... with my Dad's discount.. it WAS affordable.. and we could do it.

Happy Day... I get a deep tub.

We made our "wish" list and told them we would be by in the morning to pick it up.

Day 5

When we removed the bathroom wall.. the one that was on the opposite side of the laundry room was finally exposed.. and we could see the plumbing from the washer.

I have never been happy about how our washing machine cords looked.. so Chad and I decided that while the wall was out.. we would re-do the laundry hook ups as well.

More happiness.

My brother Chris showed up at 8 a.m. to help Chad. He is such a good guy.

While they headed to the plumbing store to get our stuff.. I started cleaning and preparing for a BABY shower for Chris's wife ( my SIL ) Danielle that afternoon at my house.

Yes. I am having a baby shower in 4 hours at my home.. while the boys do some remodeling damage. I know.. I am crazy.

Pipes to redo and remove.. and a lot to accomplish. The water was turned off for a while in the morning.. and I was panicky as 15 minutes BEFORE the baby shower started.. they finally could turn the water to the house back on. I had food to wash and couldn't even wash my hands! I didn't want to be mad.. because we needed these things done.

I was so grateful that Morgan had the kids. It made our Saturday go a lot more smoothly without the kids there.

Why remodel with this baby shower going on?? We had a deadline to meet.

Our Marble company was coming to install on Monday.

HAPPY! HAPPY! JOY! JOY!

We still need to patch the holes on the side of the box.. but now I can turn off the washer when we go out of town and such by myself! Chad always had to do it before.. because I could never remember the way to turn it off or on.

Now it looks better.. and is more efficient.

This is what my house always looks like.

Tools everywhere.

Down the halls.. in the laundry.. and even in my bedroom.

This is the plumbing "magic" of the Laundry hook ups that they replaced.

Happy that it is new and done well. Many things were put together poorly when this house was built in 1985. We make new and nice one step at a time. ( When we can afford it. )

The boys soldering outside. THANK YOU!

One of the times that they were using the torch inside... the smoke alarms all went off.

Thank goodness it was not during the baby shower.

Our Deep Tub! Woot! ~ And behind the tub is our Toto Drake toilet. Woot!



Because we had a "taller" tub.. Chris and Chad had to completely re-work the tub pipes.

The tub is IN!!!! It looked Fabulous after they finished hooking it up.

The guys also removed the toilet. I wasn't too thrilled about this.

I know it had to be done.. but the sewer gases that come out of the pipe are BEYOND nasty.

I can't get away from the smell. -- So for the most part.. the bathroom door stays shut.

Can't wait to get the new toilet on. But-- before we can put it on.. we have to do the floor and paint. Can't wait.. Can't wait.

Today I was grateful for:

My brother Chris who spent 8 hours at our home on Saturday! ( We OWE him big! ) Family and friends that surrounded us at the baby shower. Morgan babysitting my kids for so long. A new Tub and new washer set-up. My Dad.. for his plumbing services over the phone.. when we have needed his advice and help.

Hall Bath Redo - Days 1-3

Decisions.

I thought I would like this process of picking things out for the new bathroom..

but really.. I don't.

I can't believe the time that it's taking to find everything I want.

It doesn't help that I am picky... or that I am unique and want specific things.

The goal:

To create a Romantic and relaxing bathroom for me... but also has to be kid-friendly and functional for my family.

Because it is the only room in the house with a bath tub ( so far ) -- I want it to be a getaway place for me to relax in... since I am a bather more than a showerer.

*********************

We got started with the demolition on Tuesday.

Chad took a skill saw and cut around the edge of the tile in the shower. This makes it easier to pull the tile down in big sections rather than make a huge mess chipping it all off.

Even though Chad is smiling.. I was doing a HAPPY DANCE!

One wall is out.. so I know this is FOR REAL!

~ And there is now LOTS of mess and dust throughout my whole house. -- But I won't complain. I have waited too long for this remodel.




Day 2

Spent more time removing tile. This was a lot of work.

When we pulled the wall off on this area.. we found that water had been leaking behind.. and we needed to replace most of the pipes and etc. Thank goodness we know some great plumbers!

My Father and Uncles own Wright Brothers Plumbing. All of my brothers have worked for Wright Brothers at a time in their life.. so they all know plumbing. It's quite a blessing.. as much of the cost of a bathroom remodel is the plumbers. We are blessed as Wright brothers has a reputation for exceptional work. ( Not that I am biased or anything.. :)

Day 3

Chad's Dad came to help.

It was nice.. as Chad would need help removing the biggest piece of tile.

They decided to cut it in 1/2 to make it easier to get out.

More wall coming down.

I am grateful they were patient with me. It's hard when they are lifting things out and I'm saying " Wait! I need to get a picture!" ~ And also trying to keep 3 VERY curious children that are fascinated with the destruction out of the bathroom.

Only one piece left.



~ And it is gone. The tile has now officially left the house.

They broke up the pieces outside ( thank you ) and I wish we had a dumpster.. as our old bathroom is all over 1/2 of the garage and some in the front yard.

We're kinda white trashy like that. -- Yes. It bugs me BAD.

~ And out with the TUB!

This is what was left. Lots of mouse poop ( shudders ) and some water stains and mold. Lovely.

The floor still seemed strong and sturdy.. so we decided not to replace the floor. We just sprayed Clorox bleach all over it to kill anything that could be growing.

We weren't to happy with how they plumbed the tub drain.. so it's out of here!

*********************************

During these 3 days.. We were searching high and low for a Vanity.

What I wanted ( an antique dresser kind ) was VERY pricey.

-- But I knew it would be.. because I have expensive taste.

Well.. I thought about just turning an old dresser into one myself.. but didn't feel good about that either as I want A LOT of storage space.

We finally found one for a descent price in North Carolina.. but the shipping alone would be $200.

Now.. as time has went on....we think we have found it. ~ And I am very HAPPY with it.

More pictures soon to come!

Today I am grateful for:

Chad's Dad helping us. Good deals. Jeff coming home to be with our family for the weekend. Faith. Sweet comments and e-mails from my friends.

Gratitude #23

It felt good to put make-up on 2 days ago.

I didn't cry that whole day.. and it felt good.. and then I felt guilty.

Going through this week.. I move on with life.. and then feel guilty for moving on with life.

How can I laugh or be Happy? My Dad has Cancer!!

At first... I was sure I would hate my hall bathroom remodel.. as I know myself well.. and I will probably always associate it with my Dad's disease. But-- as life goes on after such tragic news... I realize that it has been a great distraction for me. Something else that I can focus on instead of the "C" news.

I have many bathroom remodel pictures to post.. and we/(they) have accomplished much.
Pictures will come this week.

I have decided that I don't want my blog to be a dark and depressing place to visit.
I want to be real.. and honest.. but I can't get on everyday and talk about the Cancer. It already is infesting my mind 75% of the time.. and I still need to endure this life well and find joy amongst the trials we have in front of us. I will still talk about it from time to time.. but for regular updates about my Father, the family has set up a blog just for that. If you become a follower.. it will keep you posted when it is updated. His blog is: www.lowellwright.blogspot.com.

To end such a hard week... I feel like I need to share some much needed Gratitude around here.
Because yes... my heart is FULL of it.

Once again.. these things are in no particular order.. just what comes first to my mind.

(1)
I am Grateful for my Mother.
She knows me well. She couldn't even call me to tell me the news.. because she knows of the relationship I have with my Father. I hope I have never come across as not loving her as much as my Father.. because I love her soo much.
She is an amazing, beautiful and multi-talented Woman.. and I have even been more amazed at how she has handled everything with such calmness and grace this week.
She is very loving and considerate. She has been very efficient and organized. She has been next to my Dad every day he has needed her.. and she has made many hard phone calls and appointments and hasn't complained about any of the service she has had to render.
I know her heart breaks.. and she is probably in more pain than my Father is. How do you see your eternal companion go through this? She is truly an Angel... and has been a great help and strength to all of us children. I admire her a lot.

(2)
I am grateful for the Temple.
What a gift we are given to have such a place on earth.. that is so very close to Heaven its self.
I love the Temple. I love the blessings it brings to those whom have died and gone before us. I love the blessings it brings to me personally. I love the incredible peace and love that is felt there.. and only there. I love the work. I love the beauty. I love the stillness. I love that there is a place I can escape to--in this troubled world.. to find peace and rest in my soul. I am grateful Temples are dotting the earth so people all over the world can have these same blessings.

(3)
I am grateful for my friends and family.
In the 35 years I have been alive... I have never experienced this kind of pain. It is unexplainable unless you personally have gone through something similar to this with a close family member. I have been in shock.. I have been numb.. I haven't cared to cook.. or even get out of bed. I sleep for a few hours at night and then wake up panicking and anxious.. and all I can think about is the "C" word.
I think about this past week.. and how much of it has been in a "fog." I don't remember a lot of the daily events... but one thing I do remember is every comment.. every e-mail.. and every kind gesture that was shown to me.. or my family.
The night my Father came home from the hospital, I printed off my blog post, comments, and a few e-mails and read them to him. He sobbed through it all.. and was amazed at the out-pouring of love and compassion that has been shown to our family. I have felt very close to some of you after such sweet e-mails have been sent.. and I truly feel blessed to have such great friends all over the world.

(4)
I am grateful for Chad.
What a blessed woman I am to be married to this man. He has been a great strength and comfort to me this week. He has shown me an incredible amount of patience and love.. and I feel like I can overcome any trial when I am in his arms.
He hasn't judged me.. but given me space, let me cry A LOT-- and loved me.
There are nights I haven't even wanted to "share my feelings" with him.. and even though it's frustrating for him.. he just quietly takes me in his arms and holds me.
He knows me... and he knows what I need.
I am grateful he is a worthy priesthood holder.. and can give me blessings.
I don't know how I lucked out with this man.

(5)
I am grateful for my sweet children.
It has been very interesting to see each of my children this week. How they have all reacted.. their sweet prayers and thoughts.. and I have realized how much Faith children really do have. I believe the prayer of a child is very humble and special.
I am grateful for each of my children.. the love they have shown me.. their happy spirits that fill my home.. and the unconditional love they show their overly-emotional mother.

(6)
I am grateful for Distractions.
Saturday I threw a baby shower for my Sister in-law Danielle.
It had been planned... and I needed it.
It was a happy day to be with many family members and feel their love.
During all of it.. Chad and my brother Chris spent 8 hours in the hall bathroom remodeling and making *new*happy things.
After all of the fun went away.. the quiet time of the night haunted me again. I realize that life moving on is good. I need it. I am better off "busy" then at home with nothing to do.
I realize that these feelings will probably disappear, but for now.. keeping myself busy is good.

(7)
I am grateful for Angels.
Angel-people who have babysat my children for long periods of time.. brought over a note or a treat to brighten my day.. called at just the moment I have needed it -- or let me call and cry and talk and cry.
Angelic people who dropped off dinner earlier in the week. People who just came by to give me a hug. I love all of you.. and again.. feel very fortunate to know you.

(8)
I am grateful for the Gospel.
A gospel of hope and Faith.
I know my family can and will be a forever family.
I know that prayer changes things.
I know that if it is God's will.. my Father can be healed by the power of the priesthood.
I know that God loves me.. and my Father.. and my Family.. and all of my friends.. and all of my neighbors.. and all of the people in in the whole entire world.. because we are his children. He is aware of us. He knows our pain. He knows our burdens.. and he can and will carry us.

I am blessed.

Rollercoaster of Emotions.

My Heart is Heavy.... and I am weak....

"God gives us Hope...but we still fear.. we don't know... the mind is poison."

~ The Killers

My Father has been having Gall bladder trouble for a couple of months.. and to make a long story short.. they saw on a few medical tests that his Gallbladder was not functioning.. and that his appendix was doubled in size.

They decided to remove them both on Monday.

I wish yesterday was a nightmare.. but it is very real.

I received a phone call from my little brother Chris.

They removed his Gall bladder( laparoscopic ) and then couldn't find the appendix. After looking for it for 1/2 an hour.. they decided to cut him open. What they found was not only a diseased appendix.. but 100's of cancer cells all over his abdominal organs.

Apparently.. his appendix has been full of cancer.. and the cancer ate through the appendix and has been leaking or spraying cancer cells all over his organs.

He indeed has a very rare.. and very aggressive type of cancer.

Appendiceal Carcinoma ( aka Cancer of the Appendix. )

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I wish I could tell you that I am calm and really put together..

but frankly.. I am an emotional mess.

I have screamed.

I've cried.. and cried.. and cried.. and I'm still crying off and on.

Yesterday I could have easily started the bathroom remodel by MYSELF

with a hammer and the ANGER I felt.

And yet.. at the same time.. I wanted to be like a little child and hide somewhere where no one could find me for a really long time.

I want to be alone. Then.. I don't want to be alone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I drove myself to the temple tonight and sobbed most of the time there.

I didn't want to leave.

I thought seriously about sitting in there the rest of the night.

It feels good there.

But then.. I remembered that my family needs me at home.

I need to pull it together.

I'm Ok.. really I am.

I feel peace. I am calm.

Then.. I worry.

I want my Dad to tell me he's going to be OK...

But he can't.

I feel like I need him more now in my life than I have ever needed him.

Yes.. I am Selfish.

As my Father woke up yesterday from the surgery and realized that there was some very bad news and trials ahead... he has had nothing but Faith.

He is at peace with what the Lord wants of him.

As I and all of my siblings ( other than Jeff in VA ) stood around my dad's hospital bed and listened to his wise counsel and thoughts--he said that he wasn't afraid to die.

He felt good about his life.. and he had everything he could ask for.. a wonderful, beautiful, sweetheart as a wife.. and good and righteous children who strive to do what's right.

Even though I cherish all he said.. I hate the gloomy talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You can imagine what this is like for me.

Heartbreaking.

In the past 24 hours.. I have realized that:

(1)-Distractions are good. It's good for me not to "think" about this every minute. I may be around this week reading blogs here and there.. but I have decided not to post anything until after this weekend.

(2)- I deep clean when I am stressed. I had Chad moving my cedar chest so I could Vacuum under it at 11:00 pm last night... ???

(3)-I can cry a lot. I'm not sure I have ever cried this hard.

or this much.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I know I have asked a lot of all of you these past months to pray for us during the unemployment process.. but since I feel that you are my dear friends.. I am asking you to please remember us.. my siblings.. my Mother.. and especially my Father in your prayers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Before I left the Hospital tonight.. my Father made me promise him that I would tell you all these 3 things.. so I am writing this is behalf of him.

1- My Father is at Peace with this.

2- My Father has an unshakable testimony that this is The church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.. and that Jesus Christ is our Savior.. Lord.. and Redeemer.

Through him and the priesthood.. he can be healed.

3- He Thanks you from the bottom of his heart for your friendship.. love.. prayers.. and faith.

And my Dad is honest and sincere.

Our Family has a lot of hope and Faith.

We believe in Miracles.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today I am Grateful for:

My Dad. My Mother. The Priesthood. Blessings. Friends that have sent messages on e-mails.. face book.. and for your phone calls and hugs.. I need you all and I love each of you. Morgan babysitting for 5 hours so I could be at the hospital with my Dad and Mom. Trials that help us grow. Children that make you have to get out of bed in the morning. Friends that let me just call and cry. Medicine. Prayers. Faith. Hope. Charity. Peace. Calmness. Spiritual Experiences. Love. Family. Guidance. Courage.

The bond that I have with my Dad.

Hall Bathroom Redo 2010

I can't believe this is real.

It's bittersweet for me as we start the remodel this week.

I will gain a new bathroom when this is all done..

but I lose my only bathtub for the time ( hopefully short time ) that it takes to remodel it all.

All 5 of us will be sharing one bathroom. ( A small bathroom at that ) and even though I feel anxious.. I have to remind myself that my Great Grandmother had 15 children.. a small home.. and she made it with one bathroom.

I can do this.

*sigh*

Walking down the hall into our hall bathroom this is the site you see...

Splendid eh?

See how the Vanity has no drawers? Well.. the poor Vanity never did.

This house was built in 1985... and it was never fully finished.

When we moved into the home 4 years ago.. this was the linoleum flooring in the kitchen.. and these were what my kitchen cabinets looked like as well ( before they became white).

A few kitchen drawers were also missing.. so we had my Uncle Kirk build us a few.

Thank goodness for all of the handy men I know.

Anyway.. moving on...

This is the tub shower. See the curtain rod down the center of it?

Ya.. it's been like that for 4 years.

We have never used the shower in here.. so it became the place to hang my laundry. Can I tell you how much I hate the tile? A whole lot.

I don't want to clean the grout.. and who loves the golden light brown tub combo?

Not me.

( If you do.. that's ok.. we can still be friends.)

The REALLY bad.

You can see in the corners MOLD was caulked in.

*GAG.*

This has bugged me for 4 years... I tried scrubbing it with toothbrushes.. bleach.. and many other products.. and no luck. The whole thing needs to be removed!

When you go to pull the handle for the tub to start.. it comes apart from the wall.

Not good.

The flooring is peeling up and away from the tub.

We are sure that we are going to have to replace a good piece of sub floor from water damage.

The toilet color matches the tub.

It's also a water hog.

We'll save a lot of water when we put in a new and more water efficient toilet.

See the toilet paper? Yes.. when we moved in.. we removed the TP holder, towel bars.. everything thinking that we would remodel it all before moving in.

Well.. reality set in.. and we ran out of money.

This is the wall across from the toilet.

I know it's weird to show a blank wall.. but I want to show the bathroom from most angles since it's small.

You can't really see from the photo.. but the mirror is a MAJOR hazard.

It's loose and barely hanging on there. I am honestly amazed that it has stayed secured to the wall for such a long time.

This is the inside of the mirror.. and looking down onto the sink.

If you look close to the handle of the sink.. ( where all the green rusty stuff is ) -- the sink is leaking. It also SPRAYS water out very fast and forcefully.. and many little kids have SCREAMED when they can't shut it off.

I can't wait to have a new sink. Can't wait!! Can't wait!!

GROSS!

This looks like a bad skin disease doesn't it?

It is the sink emergency overflow hole.

Well.. it was anyway.

I'm not sure what was cleaned in this sink to make it do this.. and I'm not sure I want to know. But-- if you scrub the sink to much.. bits of rust and sink fall apart.

Again.. I can't wait to get rid of the sink.

Let the Demolition begin!

Today I am Grateful for:

A last bath in the old ugly tub. Clean water. Food. Health. Remodeling money. Plumbers in most of my family. A very Handy Husband.