The Loft is done!!!

January 16th, 2009 - Our loft project is complete... Back in the summer of 2008, Ellen and I started to look pretty serious at the possibility of building a loft above our existing living room. We wanted to create a space the entire family could use and enjoy together or individually. Initially, we thought it would provide the kids a better option for homework than the kitchen table, however loft beds and desks in each of their rooms accomplished that goal. So we had carte blanche to create any type of space we desired.
From a construction standpoint, the biggest challenge was spanning the entire living room without the aid of a support post. This was accomplished through the use of four microlam beams bolted and glued together to act as one resting on newly constructed supports within the walls. We had friends (who also happen to be neighbors) assist us with the concept and design. Nice to have an architect and structural engineer living around the corner...
To keep the open feel and maintain all the possible line of sight aspects, we decided to use a handrail rather than a partial wall across the open side of the loft. The views in and out of the loft are so much better with this open rail and I'm very happy we chose to go in that direction.
With the space relatively undefined, we chose the best available wall to designate as a "tv" wall and wired it for a television and surround sound speakers. The other minor challenge involved replacing the larger existing window with a new "operable" window so we could open and close it during the summer time.
Once the framing, drywall, carpentry, and electrical portions of the project were completed it was up to Ellen and I to arrange the flooring, painting, and finish out the TV/satellite/network portions of the project. We painted the ahead of the carpet install to avoid any mishaps. The carpet installers did an excellent job. And, with a little luck the TV was installed and wired to the DirecTV box. Christmas brought the addition of an xBox 360 so that's hooked up in the loft as well.
To outfit the room, Ellen and I moved a couch out of bedroom just so we'd have some seating. I was fortunate enough to find a few other steals on Craigslist (bubble hockey table and LoveSac's). The result is a comfy and cozy space that the kids can use and mom and dad enjoy as well. See what you think...
A very special thanks to our Uncle Mike for assisting us with all the construction materials and also recommending a very good contractor. And also a special thanks to our Uncle Steve who was able to help us order some absolutely spectacular Hunter Douglas blinds to complete the room.

See ya next time...

Happy New Year 2009

January 4, 2009 - Happy New Year to one and all! For many, 2008 will be a forgettable year with the economy in shambles, jobs becoming difficult to find, and 401K's taking a nose dive... But, speaking for my family, we all have our health and each other and now more than ever we realize what's really important. New Years is always a time for reflection and having such wonderful family around us, a fantastic neighborhood full of friends, and living in the greatest country in the world is still a lot to be thankful for even in tough times. So we look forward to 2009 with optimism and hope and look back at 2008 with appreciation for all our blessings...

This holiday season was special for the Drennen's... We spent another wonderful Christmas Eve with Aunt Edie and Uncle Steve. It's always nice to have the entire family together because I'm sure that won't always be possible as the family grows and follows new opportunities. But this year has provided at least one more chance for all to get together and we are grateful.

Christmas morning was the usual recipe for chaos... 2 parts wrapping paper, 1 part unbridled excitement and a dash of "more clothes... why does Santa always get us clothes?", and you've got it. Bake at room temperature for about a day and by nightfall you've got one tuckered out family!

This year we decided to leave town for New Years! When it came time for the annual "Bank the timeshare for next year" call, Ellen had the outstanding idea to try and find a last minute booking for a place in the mountains. As luck would have it, we were able to reserve a space in Steamboat Springs, CO for 3 nights over the New Year holiday. The kids rang in the new year watching a torchlight parade down the slopes followed by a fireworks display on the mountain. January 1, 2009 Connor spent the day snowboarding for the first time ever and Ryan spent the day on a pair of skis! Both boys had a ball and can't wait to do it again. Other highlights from the trip included a visit to the natural hot springs, shopping around town, and tubing at night on one of the best sled hills west of the Continental Divide. We had a great three days in the mountains but it was nice to come home...

That's the news for now. We'll be sure to get some updated finished photos of the loft posted so you can see how the project turned out! Very cool!

Love and happiness to all in the new year!

The Drennens