Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Laura's artwork in Artsonia Museum
http://www.artsonia.com/museum/art.asp?id=2134756&school=53168&gallery=yArtsonia is the world's largest kids' art museum. Their dream is that every child will have an online art gallery, reflecting their masterpieces from pre-school through high-school, preserved forever!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
House Info
Probably should have posted this before the Week 1 & Week 2 updates, but since we posted the first two posts to get people interested in the house building and draw them to the Week 2 update to hear about baby on the way - now it is time for some housekeeping.
House plan has taken 6 years to "perfect." Dad (Thompson Graphics) has been very patient with us. What started as a picture from Southern Living and a wish list is finally coming out of the ground. And no, the finished plan is no where close to where we started.
For those of you who don't know, we are using Polysteel ICFs (Insulating Concrete Forms) http://www.polysteel.com/. Although this adds a little cost up front, with rising energy costs, it should pay for itself over time. Exterior walls will be constructed of these forms and then filled with concrete. These forms remain in place and add to the insulating value of the wall. (R50+) Our exterior walls will be 11 inches thick 2.5" poly-6" concrete-2.5" poly.
In addition to the reduced energy consumption, we are looking for a quiet and soundly constructed home. With our lot located at the corner of Thomas (heavily travelled 3-lane) and Quail Creek and with the growth of Tupelo in general, there would be a lot of traffic noise. We are also constructing a safe-room to FEMA standards with a triple bolt door. We have personally experienced a sever thunderstorm in one of these houses - could not tell it was even windy outside.
So far, I think the neighbors are wondering what we are going to put in all those "coolers". I've heard at least one person question our building the house out of Styrofoam and chicken wire.
Weather was less than desirable today and we had a "family sick-day" - well everyone except Laura, so we didn't make it to Tupelo to check progress, but if they can find a window of opportunity to pour concrete this week, we should start seeing something other that dirt work (can't wait).
Feel free to post questions or comments as we go.
SPT
House plan has taken 6 years to "perfect." Dad (Thompson Graphics) has been very patient with us. What started as a picture from Southern Living and a wish list is finally coming out of the ground. And no, the finished plan is no where close to where we started.
For those of you who don't know, we are using Polysteel ICFs (Insulating Concrete Forms) http://www.polysteel.com/. Although this adds a little cost up front, with rising energy costs, it should pay for itself over time. Exterior walls will be constructed of these forms and then filled with concrete. These forms remain in place and add to the insulating value of the wall. (R50+) Our exterior walls will be 11 inches thick 2.5" poly-6" concrete-2.5" poly.
In addition to the reduced energy consumption, we are looking for a quiet and soundly constructed home. With our lot located at the corner of Thomas (heavily travelled 3-lane) and Quail Creek and with the growth of Tupelo in general, there would be a lot of traffic noise. We are also constructing a safe-room to FEMA standards with a triple bolt door. We have personally experienced a sever thunderstorm in one of these houses - could not tell it was even windy outside.
So far, I think the neighbors are wondering what we are going to put in all those "coolers". I've heard at least one person question our building the house out of Styrofoam and chicken wire.
Weather was less than desirable today and we had a "family sick-day" - well everyone except Laura, so we didn't make it to Tupelo to check progress, but if they can find a window of opportunity to pour concrete this week, we should start seeing something other that dirt work (can't wait).
Feel free to post questions or comments as we go.
SPT
Friday, October 12, 2007
Thursday, October 11, 2007
So much for inspiration...
Just checked on Speed - looks like they've hit the "where did he go, what's he into now, I'm give out" wall over there. Last post 7.13.07
Yet something else we don't have time to do.....but
Inspired by Speed's Abnormal Aspirations, the Thompson's are launching a blog. There are a few reasons:
1. Laura's site (which hasn't been updated in like 3 1/2 years) cost $ every month and we don't update it - EVER!
2. Sean hopes that maybe Jo (maybe even Lou) can post and he won't get ALL the blame for not updating the site.
3. Those people wanting to follow the progress of the new house can do so at their leisure and offer comments at 2:00 in the morning. (Meme)
Don't know how long it will be before this goes stale like Lou's site, but we can hope we'll make it past a year.
Oh, the name - derived from our new address (maybe this way I can learn it)
All 4 now.
1. Laura's site (which hasn't been updated in like 3 1/2 years) cost $ every month and we don't update it - EVER!
2. Sean hopes that maybe Jo (maybe even Lou) can post and he won't get ALL the blame for not updating the site.
3. Those people wanting to follow the progress of the new house can do so at their leisure and offer comments at 2:00 in the morning. (Meme)
Don't know how long it will be before this goes stale like Lou's site, but we can hope we'll make it past a year.
Oh, the name - derived from our new address (maybe this way I can learn it)
All 4 now.
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