Home Project: Installing a new toilet

Dolly tells Rob to cut the straps on the box holding the tank

 Tom loves home projects, and when his mom asked him if he could install a new toilet in her second floor bathroom, Tom was all over it.
I (Rob), however, am not so talented, but I can help lift it up the stairs (it was very heavy), take stuff out of a box, and read directions...

Franklin ensuring that Tom is putting the wax ring on right

  Our kids, Dolly the Weimaraner, and Franklin and Tyler the two Dachshunds, came along to help. Tom's folks were out of the house, however, so we were done before they arrived home.

The new toilet in position!

Tom instructing Franklin how he can help!

  ALWAYS TAKES LONGER - One rule that we have for home projects is that "it always takes longer than it should." That pans out 99 percent of the time, and this was no exception. The water line from the bathroom floor to the toilet was too small, so we had to stop and make a trip to Home Depot to get the proper pipe. Of course, the kids loved the break and the ride.

Tyler and Dolly

   TURN OFF THE WATER - To replace the water line, we had to turn off the water coming into the house, so we had to go into the basement and search for the main valve. Fortunately, it was pretty easy to find, but that's an important thing to remember!

Rob and Tyler finishing up

  FINISHED! It took about 2 hours to remove the old toilet (and put it in the box that held the new one and take it outside) and install the new toilet.

 By the end of the event, we were all feeling a little "Flush" so we stopped at Dunkin' Donuts for refreshment! 

Franklin, Tyler and Dolly give the "OK"

Tyler waiting for Tom at Home Depot

Pictures from December! - Stories, fun, and Santa

Franklin and Dolly enjoying the couch

This month we've taken a variety of pictures from playing outside, to walking the dogs to taking our canine kids to see Santa.
  GREAT GIFT-  During the week of Dec. 11th, we got a box addressed to Rob from Dunkin' Donuts. Rob opened it and it was a 5 pound bag of Dunkin' Donuts coffee- ROB'S FAVORITE! - However, it was ordered and should've been delivered to a store in Pennsylvania. That's what the invoice inside said. When Rob called Dunkin' customer service they said "don't worry about returning it- it was our mistake. Just keep it and enjoy it." - WOW- What a perfect Christmas present. Rob must be doing something right (although Tom sometimes questions that!)
  CONCERT -   On Sunday, Dec. 11, Tom's folks sang in a Christmas concert in their neighborhood chorus. It was an elaborate show and they looked great. It was a good way to get in the Christmas mood.
   SANTA PICTURES WITH OUR DOGS - Our friends Susan and Cary met us on 12/17/11 at Crunchies pet store when we took Dolly, Franklin and Sprite to see Santa. They had already brought 2 of their 3 beautiful Shelties and waited for us. Their other Sheltie, Murphy isn't ready to be around a lot of people, so he stayed home.Susan and Cary also helped corral our kids to go to Santa.

Sprite and Susan!

Dolly gives Cary a kiss!

Cary and Tom trying to get the dogs to look at the camera

Dolly in her Christmas outfit and Franklin in his red tee shirt

Dolly, Sprite and Franklin ready to walk!

Tom's parents' Christmas Concert

Bob and Mom- Famous Christmas Choir Singers