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

Ellen Gets Promoted!

11/06/08 - I am excited to announce that Ellen has been promoted! As most of you probably know, Ellen has been working at Nordstrom at the Flatiron Crossing location since they opened their doors. While she has worked her way into management and served in variety of roles, she has most recently spent the past year as the Customer Service manager. Over the past week, she was approached by the regional manager of Customer Service and asked if she would be interested in making the move to Park Meadows to assume control of their Customer Service department.
As you might expect, the decision was a difficult one for Ellen. Not only will this potentially triple her commute but it will also result in some additional time commitments. Also, it's worth noting that Ellen is one of only a few remaining employees who had opened the Flatiron store and continues to work there today. It's been a good home for her and she has built several close and lasting relationships during her time. After a weekend of deliberations Ellen determined the opportunity was simply too good to pass up and Monday she accepted the offer. Her first day at the new store (to her anyway) will be tomorrow.
How is this a promotion you might ask? The Park Meadows store is the largest in Colorado for Nordstrom and does nearly triple the sales volume as the Flatiron store. Additionally, Park Meadows plays host to a variety of special events and special customers so the responsibility of the Customer Service manager is vast. Below, please check out a small piece of what Ellen's regional manager had to say about her in the announcement...

"...From 2002 through 2005, she managed Kid’s Shoes, Men’s Shoes and Women’s/Salon Shoes.
Always looking for a challenge, Ellen took on the role as Customer Service Manager at our Flat Iron store last year. She quickly embraced the role and displayed the ability to drive results and provide incredible leadership skills. She is passionate about teaching and coaching. She encourages growth for herself and the teams she supports. Her leadership, commitment to results, and desire to learn will serve her well in her new position..."

Best of luck to Ellen in her new post! We're all very proud of you!

R

Loft Construction Project Enters the Homestretch!

Our loft construction project has turned the corner and is rapidly approaching the finish line. Our contractor completed his portion of work a couple of weeks ago and the rest is up to us.

For those not "in the know", we elected to build a new loft above our existing living room to add roughly 250-270 square feet to the house and provide a very flexible and functional space for everyone in the family. The design called for a flat screen TV and surround sound with an option to add some bookcases and a window seat. Down the road, the space could easily be converted to a bedroom, office or study, or remain a very open and airy loft...

Construction started roughly near the end of August and ran through our trip to Mexico. The contractor installed new support posts, a heavily reinforced beam, joists, decking, drywall, the railing, and electrical. Ellen and I have been responsible for all of the low voltage (TV, phone, and speaker) cabling as well as the painting and carpet. Currently we are down to the last of the painting work and a little bit of work on the sound and TV. It's been the largest home improvement project we've ever taken on and we are thrilled with the way it is turning out...

I've included some pics of the loft in progress... We will update this blog when the project is 100% complete so you can see the finished product! Stay tuned!

Viva La Mexico!

October 1, 2008 - Back from Mexico for Ellen and Randy with grins as wide as the Rio Grande! Ellen and Randy were lucky enough to tag along with Grandma Judy, Lindsay and Tony, and Jared and Jenna to the Mayan Riviera near Tulum for a week. It was a birthday extravaganza for Grandma Judy who celebrated her fiftrrr, errrr, sixrrrrr, errrr somthing with numbers...

After flying into Cancun and staying one night there enjoying the beach, the ruins, and some shopping, we hit the road for Tulum and a private beach villa on a secluded beach along Soliman Bay (about 6 miles north of Tulum). For those who want to see the house, go to http://www.locogringo.com/tankah/margaritavilla.html?name=Margarita%20Villa to check it out. The pictures are 100% accurate and the place is even more beautiful in person.

The week was filled with sun, sand, sea, snorkels, salsa, shells, shades, shots, shopping, and ciestas... Rest and relaxation for all...

Trip highlights included:

• Margarita Villa - Better than we could have imagined
• Sea kayaks
• Snorkeling
• Sea Turtles
• Xel-Ha adventure park
• A day in Playa Del Carmen
• Some of the best seafood you can find!
• Spending a week remembering why you fell in love with your wife in the first place... And doing it all over again.

We missed the kids a great deal, but were blessed to have Ellen's Aunt Julie and Grandma Sharon and Grandpa Jack to fill in for us while we were gone. We are very greatful to them for enabling us to take a trip that will never be forgotten.

Good food, good fun, and most importantly... Good Family!

R

Drink it in...

As my boys returned to school this week, I found myself pondering what their answer might be to the inevitable "what did you do on your summer vacation?" question... I'm not often one to ramble on about random thoughts and observations, but this week gave me some pause so I wanted to share.

I have realized over recent years that "time" is the one commodity we can't recover. We can't make more of it, extend it, borrow or loan any (it doesn't come back), or buy more. The day you're born you have all you'll ever have and each day after you have just a little bit less... While that has a certain element of negativity or finality to it, think of the opportunity it creates. What will you do with your time? What did you do on your summer vacation?

I had a wonderful childhood and two of the greatest parents a son could hope for... One of the most positive things I have taken away from losing my father far too early is that you must make the most of the opportunities you are given and create new ones where there are none. Drink in every day, no one is promised another one.

So, what did I do on my summer vacation???

• My son Ryan learned to ride a bike without training wheels and how to stop one using a parked car. Both valuable lessons.



• My daughter spent the summer playing with her cousin (something I never did), and learned to say "see ya guys", "what's up dude?", and "oh yeah, baby".



• My son Connor played a fantastic season of baseball and learned to win with humility and lose with dignity.



• My boys and I spent time in 6 different states - from beaches to mountains, from the Grand Canyon to hot springs, from Dodger Stadium to Legoland... We stopped to smell the flowers all along the way...



• My kids went to the pool and played outside, watched movies outdoors under the stars, and soaked in the sun enjoying time with their friends.



• We were blessed to see family from up the street to across the country and spend time catching up.

It's all the little moments that add up in the end and I'm glad for each and every one of them I shared with my kids during my summer vacation... And since I didn't actually take any vacation time, it made me realize that these were all opportunities that had to be created, or at a minimum, seized before they slipped away. I'm glad I can say that this summer, they didn't get away...

Sometimes we need to be reminded (even subtly) to slow down and drink it all in and make the most of each and every day. I am happy to be awake to this for now, but I'm sure I will need my own reminder in time... If you're not making the most of your day, consider this your friendly reminder.

R

Back to School!

Today the boys went back to school at Silver Creek Elementary! For Connor, he is entering the third grade and is excited to take on the challenges that come with it. Our little Ryan is a big boy now and headed off to his first day of Kindergarten. Judging by the other kids in the class as they lined up to enter the building, it's apparent that RyRy is tall for his age. He may well be the tallest in his class... Better call a scout from Duke!

The boys were both excited to be heading to school and seeing all their friends after the summer break. Ryan especially will be entering a new world of exciting opportunities and relationships as he dives into his first year of full day Kindergarten.

Featured in this photo - Ryan, Connor, and Ryan friend Ella who is also starting Kindergarten today!