As soon as I posted that we were building a house I was afraid I'd jinxed us. But it had been consuming our lives, so why hide it.
Thursday, our bids came back and we met with the builder.
Here's how the whole process worked. When we picked out the floor plan, we chose by the price the builder had listed on each of his homes (there were almost 20 to choose from). We selected one that was well in our price range and factored in the cost of the lot as well, while still leaving ourselves room for some changes. It wasn't our favorite--but it was one we could afford to make work for us. For the last month we've been working with the builder, and then he has worked with the drafter, to add 500 sq. ft, take out walls, add windows and doors, make changes to the kitchen, move this over here, yada yada. It was tweaked until we were satisfied.
When we sat down with him Thursday he had everything broken down. The lot, the cost of the original plan and then the cost of "our plan" with all of our "upgrades" made.
Turns out the cost of the original plan was only $30k more than he had it priced at the start. Oops. He admits that was his mistake. Which isn't too helpful at this point.
Coincidentally, we were $31k over budget. Weird, how that works isn't it?
Pretty sure we could have swung the extra $1,000, but $31,000? That's a whole different ball game. Even if we cut all of the changes and went with the original plan we would still be over budget.
Yesterday, when I told Bentley it didn't look like we'd be building a house he said, "We should just give the builder a dollar and tell him to build our house."
My thoughts exactly.
Anyway, if anyone has a budget $30k bigger than ours and wants a kick butt house plan, I know a builder who will sell one to you.
1.29.2011
1.25.2011
What would we be doing now?
I saw on Facebook that 27 years ago today, the fist Macintosh home computer was available for purchase. Which reminded me of this story.
A couple of weeks ago Bentley was either a) begging to play the iPad or b) whining that he doesn't have an iPad of his own. He asked Chod if he had his own iPad when he was 5.
Of course Chod answered no.
Bentley was surprised, "Why not?"
"When I was 5 we didn't even have a computer. It wasn't until I was 6 that the first home computer was even available. Before that computers were huge and you had to use punch cards on them. When I got my computer merit badge we used the computers at Ricks College that used the punch cards."
The story continued with more nerdy details than I can remember, but it confirms that Chod has always been a geek.
My parents may have had to walk to school uphill, both directions, in the snow. But Bentley's dad had it rough too, he grew up without an iPad. And he was alive when BYUIdaho was still Rick's College.
Wow. He's old.
Just think, if it wasn't for that first computer 27 years ago, there would be no iPad.
A couple of weeks ago Bentley was either a) begging to play the iPad or b) whining that he doesn't have an iPad of his own. He asked Chod if he had his own iPad when he was 5.
Of course Chod answered no.
Bentley was surprised, "Why not?"
"When I was 5 we didn't even have a computer. It wasn't until I was 6 that the first home computer was even available. Before that computers were huge and you had to use punch cards on them. When I got my computer merit badge we used the computers at Ricks College that used the punch cards."
The story continued with more nerdy details than I can remember, but it confirms that Chod has always been a geek.
My parents may have had to walk to school uphill, both directions, in the snow. But Bentley's dad had it rough too, he grew up without an iPad. And he was alive when BYUIdaho was still Rick's College.
Wow. He's old.
Just think, if it wasn't for that first computer 27 years ago, there would be no iPad.
The Post Papa's Been Waiting For
Last week while Chod was off giving a GIS presentation at a forestry conference in Courdelane, the boys and I visited my mom and dad.
At first the boys were scared of Papa's man-eating dog.
Doesn't she look ferocious?
Papa took them on a sled ride.
And then Lincoln took Papa on one.
Before it was over the boys and Suki were friends.
Do you have any idea how hard it is to get a dog and 2 boys to look at the camera at the same time?
At first the boys were scared of Papa's man-eating dog.
Papa took them on a sled ride.
Before it was over the boys and Suki were friends.
Do you have any idea how hard it is to get a dog and 2 boys to look at the camera at the same time?
1.18.2011
House Stories
We're still in the "house plan" stage of our house, meaning, we're finalizing some changes to the original plans. After they are finalized then it will go out for bid, and then we will see just how much the changes we've been making add up to be...I'm keeping my fingers crossed our wants don't exceed our budget.
Anyway, there is a lot of talk of the house going on at our house. Kitchen catalogs cover the coffee table and our current plans are open on every computer, so it only makes sense I guess that all Bentley seems to talk about is "ours new house". He's made rules for the new place. #1 is you must milk the cow--it is going to be sad when he realizes this house doesn't come with a farm. He's pretty sure we'll have a dog too. One that fetches.
He draws pictures of the new house, and he looks through the kitchen catalogs picking out things he thinks we should have in the new place. Like the bowl of apples on a counter, or the box of raisin bran in a cupboard. He gets really excited when I tell him we can have those things in our house too!
The other night we stopped by Home Depot and Bentley started collecting samples of carpet and hardwood. When it was time to leave he insisted he pay for them, no matter how many times we told him they were free he wouldn't believe us. Finally, I took him to the customer service desk and asked the girls working if he could pay for the samples so he wouldn't be stealing. One girl was not amused and replied, "But they're free." Like I was dumb. The other was much more helpful and took the samples and ask B if he would like her to put them in a sack for him. Bentley was tickled to carry the bag out to the car, especially since he had left his money at home.
Anyway, there is a lot of talk of the house going on at our house. Kitchen catalogs cover the coffee table and our current plans are open on every computer, so it only makes sense I guess that all Bentley seems to talk about is "ours new house". He's made rules for the new place. #1 is you must milk the cow--it is going to be sad when he realizes this house doesn't come with a farm. He's pretty sure we'll have a dog too. One that fetches.
He draws pictures of the new house, and he looks through the kitchen catalogs picking out things he thinks we should have in the new place. Like the bowl of apples on a counter, or the box of raisin bran in a cupboard. He gets really excited when I tell him we can have those things in our house too!
The other night we stopped by Home Depot and Bentley started collecting samples of carpet and hardwood. When it was time to leave he insisted he pay for them, no matter how many times we told him they were free he wouldn't believe us. Finally, I took him to the customer service desk and asked the girls working if he could pay for the samples so he wouldn't be stealing. One girl was not amused and replied, "But they're free." Like I was dumb. The other was much more helpful and took the samples and ask B if he would like her to put them in a sack for him. Bentley was tickled to carry the bag out to the car, especially since he had left his money at home.
1.15.2011
Winter Wonderland
Sometimes, when the high temperature for weeks doesn't break the teens and we are in an inversion, it is easy to forget that we live in a winter wonderland. After all, when it is too cold to snow all you think about is your nose hairs. When the thermometer read 20ยบ F on Thursday, that was exciting. By Thursday night we were getting snow. Friday morning we put on snowgear and headed sledding with friends.
Well, the plan was to go sledding, but having a playground to themselves kept the boys busy for a while.
Then there was sledding.
Bentley was mainly a pill that preferred to occupy the sled (so no one else could use it) and eat snow.
That night there was a surprise birthday party for Katelin at the outdoor ice rink.
Lumberjack Brian (he left his ax at home), Whitney, and Baylee. See, like I said, a winter wonderland. An outdoor ice skating rink with the temple in the background! Perfect.
Lincoln got to ride around in the sled. He may not look amused, but he liked it.
Bentley asked Katelin to teach him "how to fly on ice". Never one to crush dreams, she tried her hardest.
He isn't the most steady thing on skates, so they may need another lesson before he gets the flying down.
The perfect ending to a perfect snowy day!
Okay, that wasn't the end. Bentley was insistent he watch Katelin blow out her birthday candles (he likes cake). So the party continued with the college kids and equal part family after the skating.
That night there was a surprise birthday party for Katelin at the outdoor ice rink.
Okay, that wasn't the end. Bentley was insistent he watch Katelin blow out her birthday candles (he likes cake). So the party continued with the college kids and equal part family after the skating.
1.11.2011
Where we've been
Our December was full-very, very full--which is how we seem to like life. I'm still trying to recover from the whirlwind. Normally, it is a busy month for us, with 2 birthdays and Christmas and the normal festivities that go with it, but this year we added company for 10 days, I've been sick off and on (still not over it), a few trips to Idaho, we decided to build a house, and Deidra and I started a new blog, JoAnn's Special (because really, doesn't the world need another blog?)
Christmas Eve day Chod and I were both sick. Fevers and we couldn't breathe--it seems to be hanging out in the lungs. The fevers left before Christmas Day, but our lack of breathing hung around for few more days. It was almost comical how pitiful we were. Walking up stairs would practically do us in. Chod seems to be over it, but I've had 2 relapses. Each time the fever would be gone within 12 hours, but I still can't take full, deep breathes. It's no longer funny and my to-do list just keeps getting longer and nothing is getting crossed off. Here's what we've been up to.
Right after Christmas my parents kept the grandkids and sent the aunts and uncles on an Amazing Race type adventure. We followed our clues and had a fun time--8 of us in the suburban-it was like a clown car! The grandkids and Grandma and Grandpa had fun too! Thanks Mom and Dad!
Bentley turned 5! Which means in only 7 years he can get an iPad of his own (we've set the age at 12), this year he will start kindergarten. The celebration was very laid back, but he did get the chocolate cupcakes he requested.
Deidra and Chris were here (Utah and Idaho) for 3 weeks and we were lucky to have them stay with us their first 5 and last 5 days out west. We attempted to go to the MoTab/David Archuletta concert, but after standing in line with tickets for a long time we found there were no seats available. Bentley and Lincoln loved their time with Aunt Deid and Chris and we're again back to hearing how much Bentley misses them every day. When we get in the car Lincoln always requests to go to Indiana. Maybe one day.
New Year's Eve day we headed to Rigby to see Chod's brother and sister-in-law up from AZ and Chod fixed a computer problem at the office. We came back that night to a New Year's Eve party in the works at our house. Deidra and Chris had come back to town a day early and invited over Tameka and Ty and Whitney and Brian for some New Year's Eve celebrating. Good thing it was all family, because we hadn't left the house party ready.
Five days later the Geek Squad returned to Rigby as Chod fixed another computer problem at the office. This is when I mention that for a week Lincoln had been having the worst diapers (8-12 poopy ones a day) and the worst case of diaper rash ever. This led to the car ride home from hell. About Pocatello he woke up screaming, so assuming he needed his diaper changed we stopped at Maverick and Chod took him in. They returned to the car and Chod said he wasn't even wet. Immediately after sitting down Lincoln started in with a blood curling scream. As we were leaving the parking lot Chod wondered what he had put on Lincoln's bum (thinking it was a diaper rash something or other) instead what he pulled out was Eucerin Calming Creme. Which Lincoln hates on his healthy skin, it seems to really sting. So on the red little bum it was brutal. We took the next exit and wiped the stuff off. Then he refused to have another diaper or even pants put back on. So we sat in a gas station parking lot holding a bare bummed crying little guy for at least a half hour. Eventually, through a lot of tears we got a diaper and jammie bottoms on him and an offer to play the iPad miraculously cured all problems (should have pulled it out much, much sooner)!
Yesterday, Chod started back to school. It is his first semester with a full load of classes in a long time. Some how he's planning to squeeze in 18 credits and 40 hours of work a week. And then we add building a house to the mix. It's going to be a fun one!
Christmas Eve day Chod and I were both sick. Fevers and we couldn't breathe--it seems to be hanging out in the lungs. The fevers left before Christmas Day, but our lack of breathing hung around for few more days. It was almost comical how pitiful we were. Walking up stairs would practically do us in. Chod seems to be over it, but I've had 2 relapses. Each time the fever would be gone within 12 hours, but I still can't take full, deep breathes. It's no longer funny and my to-do list just keeps getting longer and nothing is getting crossed off. Here's what we've been up to.
Deidra and Chris were here (Utah and Idaho) for 3 weeks and we were lucky to have them stay with us their first 5 and last 5 days out west. We attempted to go to the MoTab/David Archuletta concert, but after standing in line with tickets for a long time we found there were no seats available. Bentley and Lincoln loved their time with Aunt Deid and Chris and we're again back to hearing how much Bentley misses them every day. When we get in the car Lincoln always requests to go to Indiana. Maybe one day.
New Year's Eve day we headed to Rigby to see Chod's brother and sister-in-law up from AZ and Chod fixed a computer problem at the office. We came back that night to a New Year's Eve party in the works at our house. Deidra and Chris had come back to town a day early and invited over Tameka and Ty and Whitney and Brian for some New Year's Eve celebrating. Good thing it was all family, because we hadn't left the house party ready.
Five days later the Geek Squad returned to Rigby as Chod fixed another computer problem at the office. This is when I mention that for a week Lincoln had been having the worst diapers (8-12 poopy ones a day) and the worst case of diaper rash ever. This led to the car ride home from hell. About Pocatello he woke up screaming, so assuming he needed his diaper changed we stopped at Maverick and Chod took him in. They returned to the car and Chod said he wasn't even wet. Immediately after sitting down Lincoln started in with a blood curling scream. As we were leaving the parking lot Chod wondered what he had put on Lincoln's bum (thinking it was a diaper rash something or other) instead what he pulled out was Eucerin Calming Creme. Which Lincoln hates on his healthy skin, it seems to really sting. So on the red little bum it was brutal. We took the next exit and wiped the stuff off. Then he refused to have another diaper or even pants put back on. So we sat in a gas station parking lot holding a bare bummed crying little guy for at least a half hour. Eventually, through a lot of tears we got a diaper and jammie bottoms on him and an offer to play the iPad miraculously cured all problems (should have pulled it out much, much sooner)!
Yesterday, Chod started back to school. It is his first semester with a full load of classes in a long time. Some how he's planning to squeeze in 18 credits and 40 hours of work a week. And then we add building a house to the mix. It's going to be a fun one!
1.08.2011
Ask Me Next Time
We have 5 new pets in the house. Yes, 5.
And like our last pet, these are cast offs from Tameka. Four of their male guppies had to go because they killed their female (don't worry, they have a whole slew of babies) and their plecostomus, Zuke, (the algae eater) because he has been eating the eggs laid by their African fish
I think Bentley's catching on to the hand-me-downs. Before we left with the fish he asked, "Hey Tameka, next time can you just get a turtle?"
And like our last pet, these are cast offs from Tameka. Four of their male guppies had to go because they killed their female (don't worry, they have a whole slew of babies) and their plecostomus, Zuke, (the algae eater) because he has been eating the eggs laid by their African fish
I think Bentley's catching on to the hand-me-downs. Before we left with the fish he asked, "Hey Tameka, next time can you just get a turtle?"
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