Ambitious

I just got back from visiting my friend Melynie at her new home outside D.C. If you don't already read her blog, you should take a look to check out the projects they're working on.

They've moved into a house that they're basically completely re-doing. It's been less than 2 weeks and the entire second floor is almost all painted - trim, ceilings, the works. They've also stripped wallpaper, built an upstairs laundry room, wired new lighting, rebuilt a family room wall and painted it. The plumber is coming tomorrow; the new kitchen cabinetry, Friday; the carpeting, Saturday. The kitchen tile floor is in the garage waiting for the weekend. There's talk of all new bathrooms, landscaping, a guest room in the basement, etc. Their stuff is in storage until they call for it, so until then, the kids have a loveseat, TV, and a few bins of toys in the finished basement and air mattresses in their bedrooms. Brad goes to work everyday, comes home, works like a contractor until 1:30 or 2 am, sleeps for a few hours, and repeats the cycle. Melynie entertains the kids (3 - all under the age of 7), tries to keep some semblance of order at home, schedules fall activities for the kids (who don't really know anyone yet), meets the neighbors, cleans, paints, strips wallpaper like a maniac all day until the wee hours...and she's about 3 months pregnant!!!

Ryan and I have always been ambitious with our home projects, but these people are insane! :)
I can't wait to hear that they can relax and sit down on furniture some day in the near future. Phew!

It was great to see them, though! They live in a beautiful community with a school within walking distance and a resort-like community pool. The house is actually really, really nice - they just decided to do everything they'll want to do all at once so they can enjoy it for the next few years that they'll live there. The girls enjoyed a swim, dinner at Red Robin (the big bird was even there in person!), and a sleepover. Melynie and I painted the master bedroom after the kids were asleep. It was fun to chat and be productive at the same time!