Congrats! Being GaMa for me is the best part of my recent life. Picking out the traits I've seen from his mom and dad and occasionally being told "Mom that is all from YOU". When you are doing all that shopping don't forget BOOKS! And if able do the old trick of reading them and recording -- that way since you will not be there all the time the little one will know your voice. My daughter is here and Jacob knows me but he also knows my voice on the phone and my daughter has picture icons enabled to call -- so he will get her phone and click on my picture to call and "talk" which is just now starting to be baby babble and response to my speaking. Best of all it the spontaneous hugs and when he stops playing to turn and smile! You are going to LOVE that!

That is a great table--you got a deal! I actually like the chairs--you could probably easily resell them. I frequently see that style of chair painted and distresed for a sort of french shabby chic look. Good score!

We moved in in late December & have been staring at a big gunnited hole in the ground ever since. Decided to finish paying subs who had completed their work before we incurred any new bills... I'm fascinated by the pool pictures & finishes of others - how the color turns out, etc, so thought I'd post my before & afters... Image link:

Merj you CAN DO IT!!!! I have spent the day moving my storage items up to the loft, in his shop, my hubby built for me. The last house we had and just moved from had four areas for storage totaling about 350 SQ FT. I now have 96 SQ FT and only 5 FT tall unless I stand up between the rafters. I am almost done getting all I REALLY WANTED to keep up there and will be able to get to it too so it is not just all piled up. I have 5 more boxes and three odd things to go yet but I just got too hot out there not to mention tired. I am going to start a yard sale going in the shop when I will be around and see if I can get rid of a set of chairs and a few things I moved I thought I wanted but don't really now we are here. It makes me feel so good to know this stuff is gone and it is just that. STUFF My brain will not be burdened by these things any longer. Don't think for one second I have shorted myself I still have plenty left!!! Yippieee for smaller houses!!!! Chris