The Door That We Don't Really Need But Do (AKA Why I Don't Like Home Depot Right Now)

We did a little spring  summer almost fall cleaning this week. Home Depot was downstairs installing an interior door on the office craft room so we had a few hours to get busy--and stay away from the tools after the installer said, "...I feel uncomfortable having the kids around these tools." Because, you know, they were sitting at their table eating a snack and watching him from ten feet away. I was doing dishes as usual.

Here's what I like about Home Depot: 

1. Their store hours (6 a.m.-10 p.m.) That's a SAHM's dream because you can go early or late without the kids...or it's open early enough so you have something to do after breakfast and before anything else opens. Costco, take note.

2. Their return policy. My greatest return was taking a toilet seat back (new) after it sat for five years in our garage. They gave full price. No receipt or proof of payment. Nice! Yesterday I upped that by returning the unused door molding for our new interior door. The installer suggested I return it so I hauled it in at 9 p.m. and was given $24.95 to spend to buy a door knob...

3. Their bright orange car carts. Both kids can drive, plenty of room for purchases, and fun!

Before the Door 

The Door That We Don't Really Need But Do 

(AKA Why I Don't Like Home Depot Right Now)

Memorial Day weekend 2013, the kick off to summer, we were invited to our neighbor's for a pool party. We fell in love (after a few drinks maybe) with their office interior door. Heather isn't a crafter like me and let's just say she wasn't excited when I invited her to a Sewing Playdate once...but the door is perfect because it closes off the office area from the family room. I should note we have the same model home. 

Sierra gave me permission to get the same door that the neighbors purchased from Home Depot. That week I went to our local HD, and the headache began. We set up an appointment for HD to come out to take measurements and I was assured it would be a waste of time to look at doors until the measurements came in...so we waited...

The measurements came....we went to look at doors...not too many options because we have a taller than normal doorway...I kept saying to look at the neighbor's door (purchased December 2012)...more waiting...kids running around...parents frantic...more waiting...

A few more trips to HD (without kids) only to find out the associate who can help us (but not) is on lunch...can't come out...more waiting...door is ordered...installation appointment is set...it arrives...

The door didn't make it off the truck because the handle opening was cut for a toddler's height. That was a sad day, watching the door we don't really need drive away...I rethink it and maybe we do need that door with the handle the height of a toddler...no....

More waiting...summer is ending...at last--a door! It's here! What? No cut out for the handle? "No problem," the installer says, "I will cut it for you. They did that on purpose because of the problem last time." He asks kindly for the kids to skidaddle. We retreat to Jackson's closet to organize his bounty. 

A box is the best toy ever.
If you haven't read David Shannon's Too Many Toys, please do so. 

Two and a half hours later...we're upstairs organizing, donating, and junking toys....the installer asks me where the hardware is for the door...

Yep, over three months of mistakes and waiting and nobody mentioned we needed a doorknob or handle. SIGH. I see more waiting in our future.

After...the door is here! 

By Christmas it should be complete!

Here's what I like about Home Depot, continued:

4. The installers for HD are really patient considering they see a lot of crazy customers who want to scream at them. This guy said, "This is not your fault. It is Home Depot's." And then the Expeditor at HD later told me it was an associate's error. He didn't tell us we needed a handle.  We assumed I guess that it came with one? So now, we have a door...no handle. Still waiting for that appointment. 

When I went to Home Depot the other night I was shocked to discover so many options for door knobs and handles! Inactive, active, knob, latch...my head was spinning. I chose two just in case one doesn't work when the installer comes back for the third time (at HD's expense).

P.S. After sorting the toys I went Elementary Teacher on Jackson and labeled the bins. Then I posted a picture of how his closet should look when it is organized and clean! I hope this helps! 

First Day of Pre-K

After spending last year in the 3, 4, and 5 year old (Primary) Montessori classroom at Legacy, we decided to move Jackson to our "neighborhood" public elementary school. One of the reasons we moved to this community was for the award winning school district it is a part of (and we pay for with the Mello-Roos fees twice a year). Being a SAHM again this year gave us the opportunity to utilize the Pre-K program in the Poway Unified School District. 

So excited! Breakfast...and then lunch now, before school!

I say "neighborhood" because the school is 5.6 miles from us. There are several San Diego Unified schools less than 2 miles away (which also happens to be the district I'm on leave from). All of the schools around us are award winning, high performing, and excellent in my opinion. I was excited to enroll Jackson in the four year old program at Morning Creek because it is three times a week for half days...in the afternoon. Which means I get him at his best hours, Riley gets a great nap without interruptions, and he gets a traditional preschool environment he missed from his two year old days at Discovery Isle. 

Ready for Pre-K!

This also gives me a sneak peek at what to expect for kindergarten at the same school. Today I wrote checks for spirit t-shirts, PTA, the school's foundation, and brought in a bag of donation supplies for his classroom. It's only day two and suddenly public school doesn't seem less expensive. We are paying a tuition for him, but it is discounted because I will be volunteering two or three times a month. Mommy Nannette will watch Riley while I spend the afternoon with Jackson and his peers. 

"My day was awesome! We didn't do any work...just played. Ok, we did do some work." -- Jackson

I already feel really comfortable in his classroom, as his teacher is very welcoming and organized. It took several months last year for us to feel this way...glad we made this move! Although, it seems that the Montessori curriculum is more advanced than the traditional preschool route. But, that's ok. He will be in school for the next 18+ years, right?

Love this flag!

Part of his first homework assignment. Ha! Ha!

Riley visited today. She didn't want to leave Brother or his classroom.

And it's already time to go pick him up. Three hours go by way too fast when you're dealing with school traffic and parking. Wish us luck this school year! I hope your school year is off to an awesome start!