Monday, March 1, 2010

For starters...


So much catching up to do.

First, before and after shots of what was happening on our home front while we were away last week...

I like to refer to this as "Project Nolasco," in anticipation of hosting Norbyah and her crew when they visit the states this summer.

But it could just as easily be called "Project Keaty" or "Project Put Up A Bloggy Friend Family That Decides to Visit Us In Madison." The major overhaul of our basement includes a private bathroom, a guest bedroom, a family room with attached play room, and a utilities area.

Come one, come all.

Before

After

Shower detail. This thing is big enough to wash a family of 6, folks.
All at once.
The Murphy clan plus Theo already gave it a dry run for us.


Before


After




Our incredible friends Tim and Katie put A LOT of time and energy into this project while we were gone. Dave and I were both amazed (or, freaking out, as Theo would say) at how much they got done. Next steps: painting, trimming, carpeting.

We'll be ready to accommodate you this spring.

21 comments:

Christine said...

Wow--that's awesome! I love the shower. You'll definitely be able to host bloggy friends now!

Kris said...

That is pretty awesome! You have fabulous friends!

Can't wait to hear more about your trip.

Elizabeth Frick said...

SWEET! Send them to my place!

Anonymous said...

i'll volunteer to help paint! xoxo Lorie Lu

Rach@In His Hands said...

Whoa!!!!! That is some fast, awesome, freak-out-worthy renovation!!

Ok, so Si and I will be there this week. How's that?! ;-)

Trip details, please!

aunt sica said...

i think you should let the boys paint messages on the walls before the real painters come. how fun would that be? or maybe in the back walls of the closet or crawl space for you to find again in 15 years? chalk their outlines....??? fun!

kelly said...

I'd like to make a rez for the last weekend in March. Will it be done by then and if so is there availability?

Looks great! Welcome back! Can't wait to hear about and see photos of paradise :)

sue said...

your basement looks awesome! we'll come for a visit!

now, trip details please! and pictures too!

Kimberly and Ed said...

Wow! They did so much in one week! Love the shower:-)

Norbyah said...

Wow! How lucky we are...these seem like very comfortable accommodations for Team Nolasco. A bathroom that can clean 6 at once?!?! Super. We can get the kids clean in one fell swoop. I love it. And, I can't wait.

JoJo said...

Looks great! How fun to come home and have that done.

janiece said...

That shower looks awesome! And all that in 1 week? It took forever to get our basement finished--and we were gone during part of our renovation too! Impressive.

Bekah said...

Awesome...and now I really want our basement done. It's been on our "to do" list for years now. I love, love, love the shower! I'm amazed that all of this was done in a week!

Kara said...

Wow! that looks great! You have amazing friends!

Janet said...

ALL that was done in ONE week? Holy moly! Ummm...can you send them to my house...or better yet...maybe I'll just come live in your basement. I have news for you...with a basement that nice you'll always have one of your boys living with you...forever..."in my parents basement" takes on a WHOLE new meaning!!!

Yvonne said...

I'm thinking of a nice visit across time would be perfect... :) Looks awesome!

Erin beaver said...

Welcome back! What a fantastic present to come home to. Looks amazing.

BrandiB said...

Wow! It's amazing how something like that comes together. I love the shower!

Shan said...

Awesome - what a great idea. Though there is now some extra cleaning in it for you! On a side note, what amazing friends to help you out with this one. xo

CatherineD said...

Wow! Awesome basement, and even more awesome friends!

Lora Maria said...

I can't believe u haven't written about Mexico yet!? I'm glad I haven't been home or I would have been stalking to no avail. :) last night I dreamed that u came to visit me and I drove gregs new motorcycle WITH zeek on the back to meet u for diner! Scary! The me driving a huge motorcycle part, that is. :) u must be on mindore than usual. I keep asking this. How R u guys? Well i hope. :)

Our Adoption Timeline

  • December 23, 2009- Adoption Finalized.
  • May 7th, 2009- Family circle complete in Madison.
  • May 6th, 2009- Mama's got Rubin in Seoul.
  • May 4th, 2009- meet Rubin
  • April 23rd, 2009- Visa Interview
  • April 22nd, 2009- TRAVEL CALL!!
  • April 14th, 2009- Packet 3
  • April 7th, 2009- NVC out
  • April 1st 2009 (no foolin')- I171 received
  • March 9th, 2009- I171H received
  • February 27th, 2009- progress report from SWS
  • February 24th, 2009- Fingerprinted at USIS
  • February 19, 2009-Rubin's legals arrive in state.
  • February 16, 2009- mailed referral acceptance.
  • February 12, 2009- received referral paperwork.
  • January 29, 2009- verbally accepted referral
  • January 27, 2009- received unofficial referral.
  • January 20, 2009- I600A received and filed with the Dept. of Homeland Security
  • January 16, 2009- submitted I600A
  • January 12, 2009- homestudy document complete.
  • January 12, 2009-received Foster Home Licensing
  • December 22, 2008- A.I.A.A. director approves application, establishes our file, and requests our homestudy documents from J.D.
  • December 5, 2008- submitted Foster Licensing application.
  • November 25, 2008- A.I.A.A. accepted official application.
  • November 15, 2008- submitted formal application to A.I.A.A.
  • November 13, 2008- final homestudy meeting.
  • November 12, 2008- autobiographies completed.
  • October 30, 2008- second homestudy meeting.
  • October 22, 2008- received formal application from A.I.A.A.
  • October 14, 2008- first homestudy meeting.
  • October 1, 2008- submitted pre-application to Americans for International Adoption and Aid
  • September 25, 2008- submitted application packet to Adoption Advocates, Inc.
  • September 18, 2008- first meeting with social worker (J.D.)
  • August 2008- decided to adopt

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