Little Details

With the big chunks of this step done, time for the details.  Switches, plugs...

And a plan.  We were all having a hard time visualizing the kitchen layout, so masking tape to the rescue!

Can't wait to recreate this pic -- Darcy on the island. Hopefully she won't be too old when we do. :-)

Date Day

Time for some new ceilings! My parents sweetly took the girls for the day, and I stayed busy with laundry while James got everything ready. 

Sheet rock is here!

The befores...

We had to finalize the placement of the (future) kitchen lighting before we could start sheet-rocking, so that meant I spent lots of time measuring and deciding. Kinda stressful. It's all been so theoretical to this point, but now. This is real.  Exciting, but sobering.

We have lights!

So, it's time for sheet rock!

And HOURS later, it's done.

Oops, forgot one of the vent holes!

I can't get over how calm it looks in here.  

BEFORE

AFTER

We've been married almost 16 years, and for the last 9+, this house has been a huge part of our conversations, decisions, arguments, stresses, and joys.  Today was a joy.  So much work, so many decisions, but man, we had fun together.  

Down Come the Ceilings

With the wall gone, ceilings were next.  But first, draping. EVERYTHING. 

Coming down fast! And messy!

Darcy's a little confused after her nap. " How long was I asleep?!"

Done.

Surveying the work. Planning for tomorrow.

Scenes from My Kitchen

The hazards of cooking in this "new" kitchen. The girls were all outside, so I was cooking AND watching Darcy. I ended up splattering spaghetti sauce everywhere, including right over the edge of the counters onto the living room carpet. HA! 

The girls and I spent Monday morning rearranging the living room -- switching the bookshelves and desk. Love it!

From the front door...

From the future sink...

Dinner guests arriving in 10 minutes, and he's got the bar area torn apart to quickly replace a support beam.  :-)

Panoramic view of school from the front door.

Finishing Touches

With the tile done, and the counter in place, time for finishing touches!  

The girls were excited to get "new" towels. These were WEDDING presents 16 years ago. I've had them packed away for a nice bathroom. Glad they'll get to enjoy them. :-)