A list

I like lists. Even more than lists in general, I like crossing things off lists.

An email I sent to my parents earlier this week in anticipation of their visit next week included a list. It's an exciting list to me, as it's an attempt at a comprehensive list of what needs to be completed before Matt's mom can move in. To be at a point where it's possible to make a detailed list is really exciting, because it must mean we're getting closer!

To make it even better, I saw an email in our inbox today where Matt responded to a question about location for something happening on August 25th by saying he expected his mom would be living here by then. Which, of course, means that we're both thinking we're getting really close!

For any of you reading this who also appreciate lists, here is my list which I'm hoping to post periodically as we progressively get things crossed off so you can all enjoy the satisfaction that comes from getting things crossed off lists! If you aren't a list sort of person, just scroll down to the photos. ;) (Mom, if you compare you'll notice that this list is just a very bit edited from the one I sent you - this one has been proofed by Matt, so is slightly more accurate than the one I made up on my own. He is, after all, the general contractor on this job!)

- final coat of sealer on concrete (happening at the end of this week)
                YAY!! I can already cross this one off!
- varnish trim (will be delivered, mostly already cut into the right width strips, next Tuesday)
- install one more door and hardware upstairs (Matt and I should get that done this week)
- install wood floors on upper level and...
-  ...down stairs to main level
- install trim on windows, doors, base and down the stairs
- install trim in laundry room
- hang laundry room pocket door (maybe not necessary before move-in)
- install bathroom sink
- install sink hardware
- install toilet
- install bathtub hardware
- caulk the bathtub
- build bathroom shelves
- install bathroom mirror (which, as Matt's pointing out, is more like design/buy/build/install bathroom mirror)
- install closet rod
- build doors for the low closet (Maybe. We may just hang fabric on a tension rod.)
- remove window and...
- ...finish opening between old and new
- install laundry sink
- install washer and dryer

And here are a few photos from today...

Half-way through the second coat of sealer.

Moment of truth - how well did the masking over the tree slice work? This has been covered up for quite a few weeks now.

And the answer is - good! Quite good. The slice is nearly perfect (will need just a bit of touch-up) and the whole room looks so much more like a real room! In Matt's words, "Fireplace and trim and we're done!" That may be a slight oversimplification, but is definitely indicative of the optimism that's floating around here tonight.