Remodeling: Bathroom and more

We took on a few major projects in the house this year.  We wanted to add a bathroom to the basement for two reasons: 1) We wanted a good space for guests who come to visit, and 2) We wanted a bathroom accessible for people when we are hanging out downstairs.

So, Travis Miller (Miller Construction) oversaw the project.  We took the previous guest room (which I don’t have a really good picture of) and split it in half to make a full bath in one space and a office for Jeremy in the other space.  Here are some pictures of the bathroom:

         

And the office:

   

That meant that some other spaces got a few facelifts as we maneuvered boxes and furniture.  We added 3 bookcases to the basement (by consolidating other bookcases scattered around):

We used one bookcase upstairs to make a nicer area in my office.  And added Madison’s sewing stuff in there as well.

Jeremy’s old office/storage room became the new guest room/storage space.  We plan to add a few decorations so it is not so spartan, but I like the space it gives guests. 

Before (former office):

After:

    

We created shelving space (from my office where it housed toys) to hold travel and camping things and relocated toys to the guest/storage room:

Madison’s Track Season

Madison chose to participate in track again this year.  The weather was much better than last year, so that was a bonus! 

She started the year doing high jump, 100m hurdles, and the 4x800m relay.  As an 8th grader who had tried hurdles last year, she showed improvement.  She also was able to participate in more the meets/invitationals.  By about the 3rd meet, she looked pretty fluid over the hurdles.  She said coach wanted her to learn the 4 step hurdle count to be able to increase her speed.  She had been doing the 5 step hurdle count which she was more comfortable with since the same leg went over the hurdles each time.  With the 4 step, you apparently alternate which leg goes over. 

For the last few meets, she dropped the high jump event (there were like 10 girls from Dalton doing it!) and picked up the 200m hurdles.  It was fun to watch her try something new.

         

She participated in the 4x800m relay team for the WCAL meet.  The girls’ team placed 2nd in the county which is pretty cool!  (Top picture: all WCAL girls track competitors.  Bottom picture: The 8th grade members)

Total Solar Eclipse

On April 8, 2024, there was a total solar eclipse.  Schools were closed. Roads were apparently backed up in spots.  Eclipse glasses were sold out.  And people gathered. 

I must admit: I was not on the same level as the hype.  I have very low expectations.  Jeremy was excited.  I was doubtful it would be exceptional.  I shouldn’t doubt what God does is always spectacular. 

We gathered on the back patio along with my mom and dad.  Gloria and Jen hung out with their neighbors, J and Liz. 

   

We all watched in wonder as the moon slowly began to cover the sun.  With our glasses on, we could see the sun change from a full fall to a crescent, and then into a black, shadowed circle surrounded by a halo of light.  (The image of the total eclipse is not mine, but from one of the many posted online by friends in the area.)

    

We watched as the sky changed from sunny blue skies without a cloud in sight into nightfall – right at dusk with the stars out, the animals resting or stirring.  It was incredible. (The one with trees is from Luke and Steph’s house.)

  

Mish-Mash

When it has been a blogging draught, I almost always have a mish-mash post.  So, here it is…

Skating with JHY – This is always a fun outing for the kids.  There were a few guests that came.  It is fun to watch them encourage one another.

    

Erin’s birthday – Grilled burgers, roasted veggies (not so awesome without my oven… the air fryer just didn’t do it the same) on the patio with some beautiful flowers

    

Hiking with the SYF – Mohican with the high schoolers.  It was not the nicest day – cool with threats of rain – but it was a fun hike.

Jen Visits

Jeremy’s sister, Jen, came to be with Gloria for almost 2 weeks over Easter through the eclipse (April 8).  It was a long time, but she was able to do her work remotely, so she didn’t need to use a ton of vacation days.  I would imagine that Gloria enjoyed having some company at the house and it was nice to be able to see Jennifer frequently over that time period. 

The girls and Jen and Grandma did a number of fun things together.  One thing they did was go visit the First Ladies Museum in Canton.  They had a fun afternoon looking around together before enjoying supper at Rockne’s.

    

We all met up at LincWay Pottery one afternoon.  Madison, Jen, and Ellie worked on painting different premade items.  Ellie did an elephant mug; Madison made a bookmark holder; Jen painted a pot for Arturo’s birthday.  The rest of us just sat and talked around the table. 

    

One day they hung out while I went to a meeting.  They were playing Monopoly, Frozen edition.  It was the first time the girls had played Monopoly.  They did not finish… and who ever does actually finish a game of Monopoly?

Easter

Easter was a little different this year.  Mom had just had surgery.  Our kitchen was torn apart.  We knew we wanted to get together, but we weren’t sure what it would look like or when.  We decided to go ahead with it on Easter Sunday.  Steph and Luke offered to host.  Mom and Dad said they would stop out if mom was feeling up to it. 

So, Sunday, we fancied up for church, enjoyed the baked oatmeal breakfast lovingly cooked by the SYF, and worshipped with our church family. 

Then, we headed back to change clothes, take a picture with Pepper (we were trying to get a picture that showed off his bow tie!), and gather our food.  I had offered to bring salad (no oven required) and a crockpot hot fudge lava cake (ended up being very easy and tasty!). 

    

We enjoyed ham balls and zwieback – prepared by Lilli, Sophie, and Chloe – cheesy potatoes, green beans, and salad for lunch.  Afterwards, we played a egg hunt game that Jen put together for the kids.  They had to open an egg and match a letter that was hidden inside to one of many letters that spelled out prizes.  If they added the last letter, they won that prize. It was just a different take on an egg hunt.  It was a bit chaotic and loud for a bit, but fun to watch. 

    

Grandma somehow had time to put together a little “bouquet” for the grandkids with notes for them and a Dariette gift card. 

Our grandkid/grandparent picture:

Our family left about 4pm to join the Yohs.  Jason, Niki and the kids had just gotten in that day.   Jen was already here.  And it was our turn to celebrate Easter.  We had some tasty food and Jen and Grandmas had prepared a small egg hunt for the kids outside. 

         

We came home and showed the girls the Easter baskets that we had put out on the table the night before that they had never seen.  I had forgotten they didn’t need to go downstairs to eat breakfast since we were eating at church!  It was still a fun surprise!