Oh Christmas tree!

This year we decided to put our tree in our tiny living room on the main level.  This was due in part to our optimism that we will finish painting the family room over break (but so far we haven't touched it).  My mom made us the Christmas tree skirt last year.  I'll post an update on Christmas morning with all of the gift (most of them for Cali).

Vacation

Mike and I are both on vacation!!! How crazy is that?  I'm still doing work to prepare for the winter and spring terms and Mike is still answering emails but he isn't traveling until after the new year.  We haven't spent this much time together in a year.  Hopefully we don't drive each other crazy :)

Old owners

We met the previous owners of the house last weekend.  There son is selling popcorn for the boy scouts and they were making their way around the neighborhood (they liked the neighborhood so much that when they bought their new house, it is only 1/3 of a mile away).  The husband, David, was very nice (we didn't meet the wife).  We painted all of the trim on the main level and he said "Oh man, this looks great.  I tried to convince my wife to let me paint the trim white for years but she wouldn't let me".

You are never sure what previous owners will say about changes you make to the house since taste is so subjective but it was nice to hear that he appreciates (at least some of) the changes we made.

My Buddy

I moved Cali's bed into my office while I grade. She likes to be near me and I like to have her close by. 

Truthfully, I just ordered her a new bed specifically for my office. It should be here next week. It's orthopedic. I spoil this dog. 

Family room trim/Mike's new office

We painted the trim in our family room this summer.  Well, some of the trim.  We still need to do the door jams, doors and windows.  It took me forever to do the floor board and the ledge/trim in the middle.  It does look really nice now and the wall color pops!

Here is Mike's updated office nook in the family room.  He was a new rug and desk.

Once the rest of the room is painted (December) I'll post final pictures.


This was the trim before (sorry the only picture I have):

Trim after all nice and white and pretty:

First hot chocolate came early this year.

We had a bit of a cold snap last week which led to me having to break out the hot chocolate. The temps are back in the 70s so I won't need another for a while but now I'm primed!

Another school year approaches

Monday is the first day of the term.  I'm excited but also dreading it.  It is so much fun to interact with the students and watch them learn.  It is not so much fun staying up late prepping lectures, grading, and trying to find cool things to show in class.  Don't get me wrong, I love it.  But I also love sleep.  I have 72 hrs to rest up and then the 10 week marathon begins.

Here is your obligatory Cali picture :)