The furnance is in, and venting has been run all over the house. On top of our already-insultated walls (remember they were extra-thick coming from Wisconsin on the truck? They have insulation in them already), some insulation has been stuck behind tubs and closets for extra warmth/coolness. The electrical peeps have installed our meter and will begin indoor work this week.
We're still looking at early September to take possession and move in!
Cutie on the Steps!
Either that's a big tub, or she's a little baby!
The pristine, new Furnace and A/C
STUTZMAN BUILDERS RULES!!
PS: There are 84 lots in our development, and 4 have houses being built (ours, and three model homes owned by realty companies). Vanderkamp, the company building the other three houses called the City of Ankeny to tattle on us. Our covenant states that no "modeler homes," or trailers, can be built in the development. Because our house is coming in pieces, and Stutzman Builders rocks and is making them look slow, incompetant, and pathetic, they tried to rat us out. Huh ... maybe if you put that time and effort into your buildings, you'd be at the same point we are! Idiots!
Andy turns another year older this year (Monday is his 28th birthday), so we celebrated in true Andy-style: We skated!
Andy's nearest and dearest met at Des Moines's skating rink for fun and good times. We all donned skates, and Andy's mom - Kris - was the first to bite it, soon followed by Carter! At least Kris made it to the floor! Carter, who wasn't as into roller skates as she was ice skates, got restless. While sitting with me in by our table, she lost her footing and slipped to the floor. She didn't fall hard or fast, but she did knock her nose on the table, making her bleed a little. Of course, in Carter-terms, it was the end of the world .. until she was given a toy! Then, amazingly, it didn't hurt!
After all major catastrophes were taken care of, we all took laps to "Down Town," "Big Butts," and a few Fergie songs. We also lost miserably at the Number Game. At one point, I think there was a Moonlight Skate to a Kelly Clarkson slow song. Carter was infatuated by the disco ball, sparkling lights and darkness, so she and I skated while it was slower and less crowded on the rink. Her smile, and grasp on my neck, and smooch at the end were irreplaceable. Maybe it was the sweet lights and calm, or her tiny hands hugging my neck, or the neat new experience, but our Moonlight Skate is one of those memories I won't forget.
Andy also got called to the DJ booth to count down his HAPPY BIRTHDAY! He was the oldest to be in the booth, and we were the loudest of the night! None of that surprises me what-so-ever!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, 2! WE LOVE YA!
Carter dons little skates and complete interest!
That bracelet was awesome!!
Skating with Mommy! Wee .. kinda ..
2 takes the DJ booth!
Chalupa's on Skates!
"The Incident." I suppose we're actually pretty lucky that she's just shy of 2 now, and this is our first real encounter of blood! I was just worried we'd broken her! She's too cute to break!
The Birthday Boy!
Carter and I return from our loss at the number game. The DJ plays a song, when it stops, you get to a number, he calls a number - if you're on it, you're out. We started at the entrance to the rink, and only got from the entry to 6, from 6 to 5, and from 5 to 4. We didn't even make it 1/3 around the rink with her skating! But, she had fun!
Everyone skates! Lauren and Rory, Andy, and Andy .. followed by Zach and Stephanie
Happy Birthday, from your favorite fans!
A b-day hug (and maybe a little nose blood!)! My goodness .. she looks wild!
Smile!
The skating crew (minus Andy and Carter, who was ready to go home to sleep!): Lauren, Stephanie, Rory, Andy, Zach and Kelly
So, I have noticed that my b-logging has sucked this week, and would like to apologize! But, I can tell you the root of this evil. It has a name: Harry Potter.
For a week now, this book has been my obsession and has overcome my life! Harry Potter is an addiction!
It is, however, the best book that I have ever read! I won't spill the beans or give anything away (not knowing is part of the fun!), but I couldn't put it down last night. On a Friday night, I read all evening into the early, early morning, and I couldn't stop! It was scary, and heart-breaking, and shocking, and exciting, and I loved it!
If you haven't read the series, now you're chance!
It has come to my unfortunate realization that I can not save money! I'm always poor!
But, I was able to make a few of my "biggie" purchases for the house recently.
We found bedroom things for everyone at Slumberland. Andy and I picked our two nightstands and a new dresser for our room, and found our comforter at Target. Right now, we're thinking a grayish shade for the bedroom and a slate color for the bathroom. I'm searching our trip photos for some awesome sunset photos to put in the bathroom!
We also purchased the Big Girl bed, and a nightstand, for Carter! It's wonderful! It's a lighter wooden color, and is kind of like a sleigh bed style. It's something she could grow into, but isn't too "big girl" yet! Mom and I found a comforter and pillow that Carter fell in love with at Wal-Mart. We're planning to paint two of her bedroom walls a light, peaceful pink and the other two the lime green'y color in her comforter.
And we found couches, but haven't made that jump yet.
Remember .. I'm poor!
Our comforter set! It's the trendy brown-and-blue theme, but the brown goes wonderfully with our dark, mission furniture!
Ahola! It's Carter's comforter! See .. now we need to go back to Hawaii so we can buy her room accessories!!!
Thank you so much for the wonderful animal blocks! I put them in the box and carry them all over the house, like a purse! And when Mommy and I stack them up, I squeal like a piggy when I knock them down! They're so much fun!!
It is official: when we move, Carter will be a Big Girl!
She will be getting her Big Girl furniture in her new Big Girl room. She's pretty excited .. I'm sad to see her grow up, but proud and happy to see what she's becoming (when she's not Satan!).
Lovin' this set! Or maybe just rolling all over it!
But this set is the winner! And maybe some matching baby drawer locks to go with it?!?
We all left Friday afternoon, arriving in Omaha around 5'ish. We rounded the troops for dinner (Mexican, of course!), and Carter and Courtney went into drama mode, putting on a show for us! We returned to the hotel to swim and play. Carter, Courtney, Amber, Anna and I did "kicky's" and "bubbles," and paddled around the pool, while Brian, Andy and Corey played a mean, hard-core game of Keep Away (with a ball that both girls would have given anything to play with!).
Saturday, we were up bright and early (THANKS, Carter!) to go to the zoo! It was a perfect day - cool and cloudy - and we had a ball! We saw everything, and some things twice! The girls loved the gorilla complex and the aquarium. The train a a treat, but a very long wait! And, my favorite: all 3 Chalupa Boys atop the rhino! After a long day, we returned to the hotel for sub-standard and totally-crappy service and food - when Andy almost leaves and Amber's pissed, you know it's not good! Later, the boys spent some quality time relaxing in the hot tub, while us girls played around, being silly!
It was a wonderful trip! It's always great to spend time with our family and our beautiful niece!
Any ideas for next year's Chalupa Family Trip???
Friday: Carter and I gear up for the long trip. Jelly Bellies CHECK, sunnies CHECK, smiles CHECK!
We arrived to meet Brian, Anna and Courtney, and the girls weren't totally sure of one another, like always. But within ten minutes, they were hooting, giggling, and putting on their cute, cuteshow together!
Saturday morning, the eight of us begin the Henry Doorly Zoo trek. Carter and Courtney are ready to roll!
Carter, inside the Desert Dome
"Ooooowww!" She was interested, but didn't like, the viper. She wouldn't let me get toofar away while she looked!
Amber, Anna, Corey and Brian look at "Anna's Hummingbirds" together!
A trio of Monkies!
THE BEST PART: The gorilla complex with this gorilla. The girls were all smiles, giggles, and laughs as the gorilla watched them! I guess he thinks they're related??? I think it's the Chalupa gene!
Bigger than a Squirrel, smalled than a Howler, but actually kinda like both: A Squirrely-Howler Monkey!
Andy and I on the bridge ...
... and Carter, totally out!
Yes ... that is Corey (old), Andy (older) and Brian (super-old) atop a rhino!
Carts in the Cave!
Brian, Amber, Courtney, Andy, Carter and Corey spot a turtle
Bridge Goofballs
Andy's branch of the Chalupa Family
"Jungle" Gym girls!
Daddy and Carter share a fun-filled moment relaxing. Look at that smile!
Train fun: Uncle Andy puts on a show for Courtney
Train fun: Cheese Carter!
Train fun: the girls watch the peacocks
Train fun: "Ashes, ashes!" Carter's been signing "Ashes, ashes" for a couple days now, so, in the two hour train ride waiting line, we sang songs and played.
Train fun:My two favorite Chalupa's!
After our long and fun day at the zoo, we returned to the hotel to clean up for dinner (which was awful!). Carter got a fresh diaper and some of Daddy's clean socks!
"Recess" is this monsterous in-door play-place very similar to Chucky Cheese. It's totally free to get into, and free for children 2 and younger to play in the hamster maze. And, with our lives being up in the air for the next couple of months, we have been doing our research on RECESS to see if it is the location of our 2nd birthday!
With the fun that was had this evening, I think it will be!
"I seeeee ou!" she yells as she pops out of this doorway!
"OOOOOoooowwww!"
The soft slide-thingy was her favorite! She climbed in the flaps of the doorway to a netted-in bouncy area, then climbed up the slide all by herself! Again and again and again!
"Jumpy! Jumpy!"
"P E E K Y!"
All was good ... until we had to leave! Then it was WW3!
On the way to Library Time, we drove by the new house, just to see what was up.
I never expected to meet this convoy! Trucks #2 and 3, with a van-full of construction guys pulled in at 9:15am with our house!
At 9:15am, these guys were just pulling in, and we had only a foundation.
I don't know if it was a rush due to the bad weather, or the idea that the sooner you're done, the sooner you can go home to Wisconsin, but I know they worked it today! What began the day as "just a foundation," had walls and siding by 7pm! The first floor is mostly up already! It's amazing!
And I will be spending all of Thursday packing and moving!
Yep! That's our living room (front, left) and Carter's play room (front, right)!
AMAZING! And, yes, the construction boys are totally cute!!
"WOW!" Carter's very impressed and excited about her new home!
Our home planner, Wick Builders, are based out of Wisconsin, so the "ingredients" to the house will be arriving this afternoon and early, early Wednesday morning. Load 1 of 3 carried the walls, shingles, some poles, and maybe a door and a tub!
While Bonnie hosted our open house (cross your fingers!!), we walked to Summerfest. We saw the sights, and Carter played the fishing game! She caught herself a shark, and won a purple Nemo (that she threw back into the pond!). Since all the ride requirements were 36 inches, and Carter's just about 33, we opted for treats instead! Andy and Carter shared a funnel cake, Carter and I shared a candied apple, and we enjoyed fresh lemonade.
And now, Carter is wound from sugar, sugar, sugar!!0
Carter fishes for The Big One!
Carter shows her catch to Daddy
It was the powdered sugar, not so much the funnel cake, that Carter loved!
The town of Ankeny gathered to enjoy the parade this morning! Ankeny's website noted that all entries should be centered around the "007 Bonding Together" theme and that undecorated, commercial entries would be limited. Too bad they didn't uphold that! But there were some very cool admissions - the bands were cool, and Carter liked dancing to them, the DMACC puzzle float was neat, and the karate kids were crazy!
The weather was perfect and our spot was great. Too bad the crappy kids next to us (them = 189,997 kids, us = just Carter) kept bogartingall her candy. Proxmity, people: if it's in front of her, you don't get to come swipe it! Seriously, I'm publishing a parade etiquette brochure for next year!
The most "interesting" admission: "Ankeny Calls Christmas Lights a Public Nuisance. Help save Christmas. Visit: www.thecitythestolechristmas.com. This guy - David Sanderson - has the coolest Christmas display in town! It is synced to music and blinks and flashes and is fantastic! I guess the City's not too happy about it and wants to shut him down for his disturbance. Sign his petition against the city - for Carter's sake.
Rory, Andy, Carter and Andy enjoy the parade Notice the Naughty Squad to Rory's side - BOO!
The AHS Marching Band started things off right! They were great! Notice the other 93,167 kids to Andy's side. They really sucked!
Jon had some training in Alabama for part of this week, and I didn't like the idea of Amy making herself "turkey goulash" alone (seriously, that was her meal option for the night - not near as appealing as pizza!), so we invited her, and Andy and Rory, over for home made pizza! Amy brought no-bake cookies and Rory brought fruit and fondue, and Andy brought his cute, sassy little self and we had a delightful evening!
After meeting Isaac and Stephanie, and a much needed nap, we visited Daddy at work and smelled the flowers!
"SWEET, DUDE! IF YOU're WILLING TO READ TO ME, WE'll DO THIS ALL NIGHT!"
Carter and I drove to Newton to spend some quality with pals Isaac and Stephanie. In Stephanie's words: "Isaac has about a half-dozen words. His first couple were 'cheese' and 'Cah Cah' for Carter!" And she said nothing other than "Izzzzik!" all the way to Newton!
The cherubs ran laps around the Alexander home while Stephanie and I played summer catch up. And, of course there were books! There are always books!
Thanks for having us guys! We had a ball, as always!!
Isaac fixes his BFF's hair .. with a toothbrush!
Buddies in a Box!
When these faces began to appear, we knew it was nearing the "evil hour" of nap time! This may be one of my Top 10 Carter Kay photos! I love it!
Now we're cooking with gas: Check out this progress:
The foundation has been poured and has cured, and walls were done today. They will "back fill" the empty exterior holes with the dirt tomorrow, do what plumbing they can at this point on Friday, and the framing comes next week!
Here's a (pieced together!) picture of the House! At the very left back, you can see the safety-escape window (that I can't remember the real word for right now!). Can we move in yet?!? I know heating will be a pain, but we'll figure something out!!
This morning at Library Time, my precious child who loves being read to refused to sit still! Instead, she cutely walked toward the front of the room, with about two dozen other Mommies and Toddlers, and smiled, jumped, and rolled around. The one time I attempted to apprehend her, she gave me "the look." The one that says, "touch me, and you will regret it .. all day." So, I opted to let her put on her one-woman show!
Before I left to tutor, I made supper .. but made my beloved family play "Blue's Clues" to figure it out!
And we wrapped up the day by "sharing" bubbles in the bath tub!
The foundation was poured Thursday. You can see the perimeter of our home! The water is mostly gone (it's draining into other lots - suckers!), and we have Mt. Chalupa, made of dirt!
Andy and Carter look down at the floor of the game room
While Duane, Brian, Andy and Corey went golfing at Columbus Junction, Linda, Anna, Courtney, Amber, Carter and I went shopping (yes, again!). We found some great deals, and it was fun to spend some girls-only time with the family!
After lunch and nap, Carter and I headed to Brighton. We played outside in Grandma and Poppy's pretty yard and ran around the house like a wild-woman! I think Poppy said it best: "Coming to Grandma and Poppy's is fun cause you get what you want!" Shh ... don't tell Daddy!!!
It's pretty clear, already, that Carter has Mommy's addictive personality. She's a freak about dropping a crumb on the floor, and she will do her favorite thing - reading - all day! So is it a big shocker to anyone that she has a full-blown addiction to chocolate milk?!?
Last time we went to Grandma and Poppy's, we bought her a "mock-let milk" and she flipped over it! So, I thought maybe she could have one at snack on weekends, in place of juice.
She started in - "MOCK-LET MILK!" - at 7:05 tonight. She didn't get any, and she cried until 7:25. Not "boo hoo," full blown, on the floor, crying. And, in between sobs, she'd let out a good "MOCK-LET MILLLLK!" wail!
She got some quality crib time, which didn't help. So Daddy read to her, since I was the meany who said no molk-let milk, and all was good!
Of all holidays, the 4th ranks just under Christmas and above my birthday. My birthday! Now that's impressive!
In my old age, I'm becoming more patriotic and I understand the significance of the day in a much deeper way.
But my favorite part of the holiday is the "informal summer party," as Linda and I have coined the day!
Corey, Amber, Andy, Carter and I headed home this morning with a truck-full of goodies. I drove separately because I needed to support our troops ... via retail shopping at Tanger! Little Mis
