Guest Bath Remodel

One of the projects on my "to do" list when I moved in last February was to take out the tub and replace it with a walk-in shower similar to what I had in my old house. However, I delayed just a little too long on the project and my sweet 85 year old dad slipped and fell when he was here for Christmas. So... the day after Christmas, I contacted the contractor who had done projects at my other house and asked for a quote on the shower conversion project. He gave me a good price and he was available to start right away, so the project is now underway. The first two pics below are the "before" pics. Basic white tile and white tub....

By the end of day 1, the demolition had been completed, the minor plumbing shifts had been completed, the supports for the handrails had been built and installed and the corner bench framing was complete. Yay for progress!!

On Day 2, all of the Hardiebacker cement board had been installed around all the framing, the drywall texture repair from the demolition had been made around the edges of the new tile area, and the shower pan was installed.

On day three, you can begin to see how the new shower will look. The tile on the walls are essentially complete, including the pretty trim pieces. The corner shelves will be installed on day four, as well as the flooring (which is the same as the mosaic seat.) I cannot wait to see the finished project and I know my dad is sooooo excited to have a shower more like the one he is used to. I think it will be much safer for him and I think it will look awesome! (I think Jon will like it, too!!)

The Day After Christmas!

We enjoyed visiting Cottonwood Creek Baptist again this morning and had a really good service with great music. We need to make a decision soon about the church that we will become a part of. It will be wonderful to be a part of a couples class again!!

Then, Steve and I enjoyed a quick bite to eat (good ol' Whataburger chicken strips with gravy for all of us!) with Dad and Jon. As always, it was delicious but I know it's not too healthy for us. (Bob and Jillian would probably cringe!) Oh, well! Jon then took a few pics of us that we can use for our invitation and wedding announcements.




We also picked out and purchased all of the tile that will be needed for the remodeling of the second full bath (that Dad and Jon use). I really love the tiles and the design we are planning!! I'm excited about having this area be much more accessible for my dad. Luis comes tomorrow to get started on the project. YAY!

Another great day with Steve!

Merry Christmas...

What a wonderful day we had yesterday... Steve came over early and we cooked breakfast for Jon, Jen, Ryan, and Julie. (Dad ate early, so he just relaxed while we ate and visited). We made beignets, our traditional sausage rolls and a delicious egg casserole (thanks to Miriam Lynch for the great recipe!) Unfortunately, we forgot the yummy fruit salad until after breakfast was totally over, so we enjoyed salad with our lunch and dinner later. It all worked out ok. :)

Then, we gathered our stockings and opened presents. It was a wonderful time, experiencing this special holiday together. We're not quite a formal family as yet, but it was fun to get a preview of how it will be next year!

As I think about the day, I cannot forget how totally blessed we are to have good health, wonderful relationships within our families, a loving Father above, a warm place to sleep and healthy food to eat. Wow... I hope we will never take these blessings for granted!

Now... ready for the new year!

We're Engaged!

I feel totally blessed to have found such an awesome guy to spend the rest of my life with!! He is kind, considerate, affectionate, fun, makes me laugh and loves me for exactly who I am... (even the "Mount Kim" mail pile that needs to be filed and a little backseat driving doesn't seem to bother him). It's just awesome!!



The proposal was perfect! He invited me to lunch and he re-created the occasion of our first meeting. It was at McAlister's in McKinney near my new house. He brought me a rose like he did on that very first lunch date and we enjoyed a very similar meal, with chicken tortilla soup and a delicious sandwich (which we shared this time!) Right before we ate, he gave me a precious crystal memento that expressed his love and then after we finished eating, he held my hands so sweetly and spoke from his heart telling me how much he loves me. It was beautiful and a perfect capstone for taking the next step in our relationship.

He then presented me with a cute stocking that had an amazingly beautiful pearl and diamond engagement ring. No one else will have one like it... It was breathtaking! I'm still on cloud 9...

Let our wonderful life begin! The date is set... 2/22/2011!!

Jingle Bella (JB)

We are so excited to share pics of our precious little kitten, Jingle Bella (JB). We rescued her from a shelter and have had soooo much fun getting to know her. She is adorable, laid back and has just fit into my household like she has always been there. Even Max is coming around and getting used to her.

Prayer for the morning...

This was my devotional prayer this morning from Os Hillman and I wanted to share it...

"Dear God, I pray for all those who are reading this devotional e-mail, that You will touch their lives in great and mighty ways. Please draw them closer to You and provide: Comfort on difficult days, Smiles when sadness intrudes, Rainbows to follow the clouds, Laughter to kiss their lips, Sunsets to warm their hearts, Gentle hugs when spirits sag, Friendships to brighten their being, Beauty for their eyes to see, Confidence for when they doubt, Faith so that they can believe, Courage to know themselves, Patience to accept the truth, And love to complete their lives. Thank You God for Your blessings. In Jesus' name I pray, amen."

Inspiration...

A friend of mine who has had several life-threatening health issues over the last two years posted this on FB a few minutes ago. Her faith and hope are unbelievable and so inspirational, especially during this beautiful Christmas season...

"Just over a year ago I found out what is left when all hope is gone. God is and was there all along. He saved me not just once but multiple times. I do not ask why or why me; I ask Him to help me know what to do with what I have learned. It is good to be used by Him!"

Amazing!