House Project 2010: Weeks 12 - 20 (PART ONE)

This post is 8 weeks in the making, so it is lengthy. I'm dividing it into 2 parts since I don't expect people to want to take an hour to read a single post. So, one post today and a second post in the next couple of days.

Life has been busy, but we feel so blessed right now. Feel free to just peruse through the pictures, but if you have time, read the captions as well. The story of our construction has ended up with some interesting facts that might interest you.

***

Looking back, the last thing I wrote about our house project was a post introducing you to The Great Wall of Separation.

I will be forever and always, eternally and endlessly grateful for this wall.

Although it has lacked in keeping out the construction sounds, has eaten up half of my kitchen eating area, and requires a person to scoot around it sideways to reach the laundry room or our current bedroom, it has kept the dust and mess and debris to a bare minimum. This thin divide has allowed me to keep my mental faculties (mostly) intact, and the dust has not been much worse than what it typically is. I chalk this up as miracle #457 in the last 4.5 months. It has been a life saver and I am its loyal fan. Would I go through this whole process again? I would shout a resounding "YES!" if and only if I could bring my plywood partner along with me.

The wall is still standing and should be removed within the next week or so. We still don't know what our new addition feels like in connection to our existing house, because we still haven't been able to access our new square footage through the new dining area/breezeway. I have learned great patience through this process and this is just one more thing for me to wait for and anticipate.

The whole kit and caboodle should be finished within the month. There are still a lot of things to be done, but I'm hoping that I can still follow through with my promise to Kennedy that she can host a Halloween party here. There may not be enough time to load the addition with furniture and decor (our carpet is on back order and we'll be cutting it close), but teenagers don't mind sitting on the floor, right? Kennedy just needs to think of it as one giant dance floor...

8 weeks of construction production has produced the following changes:

BEFORE - Old, weathered, unlovely porch...

AFTER: Every part of the porch was resurfaced. Decorative shakes were used and the columns were made a little heavier.

BEFORE: Stairs up to master bedroom, unpainted walls, untrimmed windows

AFTER:

BEFORE: Fireplace

AFTER: As the rock from our kitchen wall sat outside, Jeff kept insisting that we use it for our fireplace. I kept reminding him that our contractor said the cost of labor would be too expensive. We settled on the fact that we would have to use fabricated (fake) rock which we didn't love but it would have to do. Jeff would then bring up the fact that it was pertinent that we use our Farmington rock - handled by our authentic pioneers - and I would remind him that it wasn't in the budget. This went on for around 2 months. I finally asked our contractor to get us a firm bid. Long story short, it only cost us a few hundred dollars more to have our home's rock used rather than the fakey stuff. Jeff was finally content. The guys who did our finish work beat up an old beam for us to make it look weathered and worn. We love how it turned out.

BEFORE: Lockers for the kids' backpacks, jackets, and such. Notice the built in bench for removing shoes and the cute bottom cubby to put them in.

I had them line the inside and outside with bead board.

AFTER: just waiting for coat hooks

We ended up with a seam in the bead board (on the backside) that couldn't be hidden. We had them build another bench for shoe removal since it is right next to the door that heads out to the courtyard and back yard. Still waiting for this to be caulked and painted.

BEFORE: Our old red kitchen with green counters and those funky mirrors in the corner. WHO PUTS MIRRORS IN A KITCHEN? They were odd and a pain in the neck to clean. When we moved in 11.5 years ago, that was one of the first things I wanted to get rid of. We're kinda slow around here, so 11.5 years later and they finally got the boot.

Jeff removed the mirrors while wearing ski goggles for protection. It was quite a sight to see. I think the final count was 21 years of bad luck.

AFTER: WHITE SUBWAY TILED KITCHEN and chunkier new counter tops (Basalt Slate finish). LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this look and can't believe it's the same kitchen.

It was hard to get a good picture with the flash on (above - hello, shiny tile) but without the flash it looks dark (below - the construction wall in the kitchen keeps it kinda dark). When we have the wall down and our chandelier above our kitchen table, things will brighten up a bit.

The walls in the dining area will soon be painted a cheerful, pale green.

Any suggestions of what to do in the corner behind the sink, or what to do near or around the window?

This area is the only space in my entire house that is decorated and good to go. Everything else is in major disarray or is ready to be transformed into something else. This is the spot where I go to be put into a happy place. It's the only area that is clean and shiny and pretty.

CURRENTLY: Gregson Paint Center - in my kitchen, snuggled up to my bestest friend

Just One of the Boys

Oh, Brother - Here We Go Again....

A year later, a little less heated, but we're still having to give permission to our kids to watch the President's address at school.

I'm reposting my feelings from September 4, 2009 'cause they're still the same.

*****

Post preface: I don't get involved in a lot of conversations regarding the political world. Mainly because conversations I've had among family and friends don't usually end well and views and opinions run deep into people's souls. To the core of their beings. You tell someone you disagree with their political views and it's like you just kicked their dog or pinched their (ugly) baby. Jeff and I will discuss and banter because we've learned to agree to disagree. Neither one of us like to sleep on the couch, so we kiss and make up. I also know that he's a crazy Canook so he doesn't know much and he knows I'm just an imbecile of a housewife so I don't know much either. It's an even wash.

(Don't be hatin' on me, Canada! You know I love you!)

While we both have generally viewed ourselves as Republicans, he voted for Obama and I voted for McCain. So, in a sense, we cancelled out each other's votes. That's how much political clout we have.

...

Since it's swarming in the media, I know that most of you probably received the same letter or phone call I did yesterday. The ones with concerns over the upcoming address our current President plans to deliver to the students of this nation. The ones letting parents opt out of having their kids watch the address during school via TV.

By the way everyone is reacting, you'd think Obama was going to deliver the first ever Presidential address on sex education. With graphic posters and correct anatomical vocabulary. And free samples.

I really don't get what all the fretting is about. He is our elected President. He is the leader of our country. I'm assuming he just wants to encourage our students to stay in school, work hard, live up to their potential, and make the most of their education. You can see more about it here.

What's the harm in that?

Am I missing something? Is there a hidden message or agenda somewhere there that I, in my imbecilic mind, can't see?

Not everyone likes Obama or his politics. That is fine. But he is our President and, because of that, I will continue to have respect for that office. Does it mean I have to agree with everything he says? No. Does it mean that I have lost a voice of my own of how I think things should be handled in this country? No. But just because my views may or may not always be in line with his, it does not discredit his position nor does it make him all bad or all good. HE IS OUR PRESIDENT. He is in a position of leadership. Our countries' freedom to vote put him there. So whether or not you like what he is doing every second of everyday, does not make him a saint nor the devil incarnate.

We've forgotten how to be fair in this country.

I remember when Pres. Reagan was shot, I was in 3rd grade. All the students in our school wrote "get well" cards to him and we sent him bags and bags of jelly beans - that being the presidential candied treat of his choice. We were so excited to have some type of small connection with our President. Though we'd never meet him face to face, we were aware of him and he was aware of us.

But were people all up in arms thinking there was some political propaganda that we were being put through in the form of telling the President we were sorry he got shot? I think not.

So, now we have a situation in 2009 in which our President wants to talk to our kids. Not about stimulus packages and health care reform, or clunkers for cash, or the housing market. He wants to take the time to talk to them about what they are ALL experiencing right now. A common thread - their schooling. He, of all people, should be the one to deliver such an address. As the first American elected as President without Caucasian coloring, he has PROVEN that if you work hard, don't let shut doors get in your way, and never give up, you can do anything. Anyone can have success if they are willing to work for it.

He wants to talk and encourage and uplift.

But we're not willing to let him do that?

Really? I guess we haven't come as far as I thought.

Fall is in the Air (Along with Those Cutthroat Rivalries)

It's college football season.

In Utah, well, it brings with it a lot of intensity and buckets of animosity.

Neighbors against neighbors. Brothers against brothers. Friends become foes for the duration of the season, only to rekindle their camaraderie when the last football is thrown.

(I'll see you in December, Randee.)

Do you bleed red or do you bleed blue?

We've learned that the lines are drawn at an early age. Not only do our kids need to plant themselves firmly in moral values and principles, but they also have to declare allegiance and devotion to a team. A school.

It is as if their core, fundamental beings can't fully develop until they have chosen a side.

(Don't believe me? Seem too extreme? Go hang out in the elementary school cafeteria for 5 minutes September - November. They're discussing a whole heckuvalot more than fruit snacks and sandwich contents. )

In honor of this emotionally charged time of year, I thought I might share with you this clever video from my Alma Mater. You may remember the funny ads that I shared in a previous post - this is a play on the Old Spice commercial.

Very clever. Very smart.

(Thanks to my friend, Alysa, for sharing this. She is actually a Utah fan and I have never held it against her. Nope, not even for 1 day.)

Go Cougs!!

Either I Have a Severe Case of Short Term Memory Loss or My Toddler's a Klepto

Yesterday, while Kennedy was at an Ortho appointment, I took 3 minutes to run into a grocery store for some toilet paper.

(My family really likes TP and they start to get a little annoyed when we run out and they have to go without.)

(Yes, they're spoiled, I know.)

I had my little 2 year old buddy with me. I grabbed my package of unscented ultra soft 2-ply, and headed for the checkout. Thank heavens for the express line. One and a half minutes later, I was out the door with my toddler and tissue.

When in the driver's seat, I reached into my purse to rummage for my keys.

(Let me pause here to say that, indeed, some purses are too big. My purse would be one that would fit into the unnecessarily ginormous category. On a daily basis, I'm inconvenienced by the fact that the bottom of my purse is a deep abyss and I can't ever get anything out of it quickly. My wallet, checkbook, cell phone, keys and the occasional package of gum are all lost in the black empty chasm at the base of my handbag. Oh, and the pens which I have unknowingly borrowed from countless businesses.)

As I was feeling around for my keys, my hand brushed against something that crinkled - not a normal sound for my purse. I looked inside and found a package of Hostess Snowballs.

I honestly sat there for a full minute staring at them.

And that's when the 2 trains of thought - that named this post - went through my mind.

Let's take a vote.

I don't remember buying them, but with the amount of paint fumes being inhaled lately, it is a possibility.

OR

Was Shaw just securing an after dinner snack for himself using the stealth of a ninja?

What's your verdict?

And I Just Thought it Was a Pretty Color

Who knew Cherry Tart by Behr could have so much meaning?

I just liked the hue, the name, and was hankering for something sweet.

(Plus, I thought it would go splendidly with the new yellow on our house.)

(Pardon our dust.)

In Feng Shui, a red door symbolizes the mouth of the home. By painting our door red (or any bright color that stands out) chi (positive energy) is drawn to the house. It is the entry point in which abundance and opportunities find us.

The Chinese consider red to be the lucky or sacred color. Many doors are painted with a fresh coat of red just before Chinese New Year to invite good luck and happiness.

In Ireland, a red door is supposed to ward off ghosts and evil spirits.

In Catholicism, a red door represents that the blood of Christ has been smeared on it and that the area beyond the door is holy and sacred.

Also, according to the Old Testament, the Jewish slaves in Egypt smeared their doors with lambs blood as a sign that the required sacrifice had already been made, and those homes would be passed over by the Angel of Vengence.

Supposedly red doors were used as part of the Underground Railroad, and homes with red doors were "safe houses".

Albert Einstein painted his door red because he couldn't recognize his house without it.

And for homeowners (but not THESE homeowners), a red door announces that the house is paid for, free and clear.

One of the Greats in My Life

Several months ago, I wrote about my good friend Britni and her battle with cancer. You can read about it here.

She was in town a couple of weeks ago and we were able to get a group of friends together for lunch. It was so wonderful to see her. She is healthy and vibrant and strong and continues to be an inspirational source of strength to us all.

Simply put, she is amazing.

We love you, Britni.

After School Bliss in the Kitchen

I just got called to be the generic, no real name, Relief Society committee leader in my ward.

(Again.)

I feel a little bit like Prince when he ditched his stage name and was known by that weird symbol. Everybody just called him the artist formerly known as Prince. I guess everybody can call me the formerly known as Enrichment Night leader. Seriously, nobody really knows what the new name of my calling is. That's O.K. I've been through this duty before. I know the ropes.

Last Thursday our theme was Back to School Basics. We did 3 mini-classes: homework tips, ideas for home lunches, and after school snacks. Since I am a snack-a-holic, I chose that topic to demonstrate.

(I told the ladies they were helping me fulfill a lifelong dream of having my own cooking show. Since Food Network hasn't come knocking, I'll take what I can get.)

Here are the recipes I used. They do take a little bit of time and preparation, but the pay off is well worth it. Try them and you'll soon be the coolest, hippest, and tastiest mom on your block.

Fun and Creative After School Snacks

Crayon Pretzels

Pretzel Rods

Colored Candy Melts

Paper Crayon Wrappers (link is here)

Cut pretzel rods in half using sharp knife. Melt candy melts slowly in microwave (30 seconds, then stir) or place candy melts in double boiler and melt until smooth. Dip one half of pretzel rod in melted candy and set out to dry on wax paper. Once the colored candy is set on pretzel, dip the other half and set on wax paper again until dry. Wrap with colored paper using the wrappers listed above.

Caramel Dip

8 oz. cream cheese

¾ c. brown sugar

¼ c. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix all ingredients with mixer and chill. Let refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the sugar has a chance to dissolve. Stir before serving. Serve with any fruit of your choice.

Better Than Rio Dressing and Veggie Dip

1 pkg. dry Ranch dressing mix

1 c. mayo

½ c. buttermilk or canned milk

1 c. chopped cilantro

1 c. Herdez Salsa Verde (in Mexican food aisle)

2 cloves minced garlic

½ red pepper, chopped

canned jalapenos (to taste)

Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth. Serve with veggies, salad, or tortilla chips. Also great on burritos or other Mexican dishes. Store extra jalapeno peppers in freezer for future use.

Squeeze Fudge

1 oz. cream cheese

1/3 cube butter

1 ½ T. cocoa

1/3 tsp. vanilla

1 heaping cup powdered sugar

Put all ingredients in a ziplock sandwich bag. Squeeze and squish to your hearts content. Slide fudge to one end of bag, snip the corner off, and squeeze fudge out to eat.

Pineapple Celery Sticks

1 jar Kraft pineapple cheese spread (see here)

celery sticks

Fill cleaned and cut celery sticks with pineapple cheese.

Crunchy Granola Chews

2 ½ c. Rice Krispies

1 c. dried apricots, quartered

1 ¼ c. oatmeal

1 ¼ c. sunflower seeds, toasted

½ c. brown sugar

¾ c. honey

¾ c. peanut butter, super chunky

Mix first 4 ingredients. Melt sugar, honey, and peanut butter in saucepan. Stir until bubbly. Pour over dry ingredients and pour in 10x15” pan. Cool and cut into any size you want. Store in air tight container in refrigerator.

Three Cheers for the Daily Grind

August 23, 2010.

Hip, hip, hooray!

Schedule and routine and daily purpose are back in fashion.

Hallelujah!

Bedtimes that elicit optimal functioning and pleasant attitudes are being strictly enforced.

Hot diggity dog!

9th, 6th and 3rd grade.

Coo-coo-cachoo!

Tales From Ye Olde Family Tree

I love hearing quirky stories from my ancestral pedigree.

Of course, I appreciate the stories of faith, obedience, and determination that many of my ancestors displayed. Ancestors that converted to our LDS faith, traveled across oceans to come to Zion, and endured many trials and struggles that the early pioneers faced. I respect their willingness to follow the counsel of the Brethren, and leave homes and families to serve missions in distant places. The strength many of my ancestors exhibited is admirable and inspiring.

With that being said, I also enjoy the unique, peculiar, and sometimes bizarre facts that dangle from the branches of my family tree. The following story is my case in point.

Jens P. Anderson is my great, great, great grandfather. His death was notable enough that it was written about in the local newspaper - The Herald-Republican. Here is that article:

***

Seized with the hiccoughs three weeks ago, Jens P. Anderson, a pioneer of this district, hiccoughed constantly until death ended his suffering yesterday. The aged man literally hiccoughed himself to death.

Though advanced in years, Mr. Anderson possessed a rugged constitution and was apparently in the best of health until seized with the peculiar malady that resulted in his death.

Every known remedy was brought into requisition in an effort to stop the patient's hiccoughing, but without avail, and the spasmodic jerking of the diaphragm continued until he died of sheer exhaustion.

Mr. Anderson was born in Denmark January 14, 1826. While in his native land he learned the trade of a miller, which he followed for some time, after which he served two years in the army. He joined the Mormon church in 1852 and came to Utah a few months later, crossing the plains in an ox train under Captain Olsen, arriving in Salt Lake City in 1854. Later he came to this city and assisted in the building of the fort, and took an active part in the Black Hawk war. In 1862 he moved to Glenwood, and was among the first settlers there. A home was built there by him, but he was driven out by the Indians. Anderson returned to Ephraim in 1866 and engaged in farming which he continued until his death.

***

What interesting facts do you know about your ancestors?

When Zucchinis Attack

This is the time of year when summer squashes - of all variety - band together in an attempt to overtake the world.

Some people may say that statement is a little extreme, but those people have obviously never planted a garden.

Zucchini, in particular, mass produce in quantities that are startling. Overzealous spring gardeners find themselves up to their gourds in zucchini in the fall. This green, fleshy produce soon becomes a ball and chain in the gardening world - dragging gardeners down with its overwhelming volume that can't go to waste and must be shared with family, neighbors, and strangers far and wide.

We have been recipients of the zucchini dispersal this year. We lightened the load for one friend. The next day a pile was left on our front porch from a neighbor. Guiltily, we did not partake of the zucchini from the produce exchange basket at church (but I could not resist the fresh green onions that someone had brought).

To all you zucchini growers out there who are wondering what-the-heck-you-have-done-to-deserve-this-zucchini-deluge-and-when-will-it-ever-stop, let me offer three bits of advice.

1. Next year, plant 1 singular plant.

2. Hold a neighborhood zucchini race. Build a wooden track, attach your zucchini to some sort of wheeled vehicle (Tonka trucks work great), decorate your zucchini and vehicle in some sort of theme, and let 'em rip. (A friend of mine in Bountiful does this yearly and says it is a blast.)

3. Use some of your crop for this recipe. It is moist and delicious and will soon become a family favorite.

CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI CAKE

1/2 c. butter or margarine

1/2 c. oil

1 3/4 c. sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 c. sour milk (let milk + 1 tsp. vinegar sit for a few minutes)

2 1/2 c. flour

1/4 c. cocoa

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. cloves

2 c. grated zucchini

chocolate chips

Cream butter, oil, and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, and milk. Add/mix in dry ingredients. Stir in zucchini. Pour into greased 9x13" pan and sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Bake at 325 degrees for 45 - 50 minutes.

Post note: Since random acts of zucchini abandonment are widespread in our area, we have installed video recording equipment on our front porch. If you recklessly try and discard any more zucchini on our premises, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the horticultural law.

A Remarkable Example

Love these Mormon Messages. They inspire and motivate and teach through the example of others.

This is one incredible man.

Thanks to CJane for sharing this one.

Name Them One By One

This summer has been an unusual one.

I hate to say it, but I think my kids will actually look forward to going back to school this year. In school, there will be some structure and routine. They will actually be able to see their friends. The adults around them will wear respectable clothes with hair and make-up (where applicable) done. And a home cooked meal? Well, it's sad to say that what they eat at school may be a little more thought out and planned than the hodgepodge vittles they've been consuming around la maison de la construction.

The semi-constant drilling, worker-men music choices, summer heat, and shrunken eating area (all hail to the great wall of separation), has all but squelched my appetite and desire to cook. Don't be too concerned - we are all getting fed and my kids go to bed with a full tummy - but the quality and variety of meals have been very lackluster and sometimes nutritionally challenged.

(I bow my head in shame, Ina Garten.)

(But I do sing praises to the construction diet. 6 pounds off, baby!)

Last week was really the first time I truly and thoroughly almost lost it. Coming back from vacation with mountains of laundry and hitting the ground running, I was teetering on the edge of waving a white flag, telling our contractor to "STOP!", and packing our bags for anywhere in the world where power tools and compressors are outlawed. I was walking around with a constant lump in my throat and in dire need of control over something....ANYTHING. My house is in transition, my yard is a mess, my kids miss past summers that were fun, and DIY projects have been a constant in our current living space.

The breaking point was when I received a letter from the city and a nicely printed picture of our basketball standard. They don't like the fact that it is in the street. Did they miss the visual clues that we have no driveway, that we are in full blown construction chaos, that we have no other place to put the basketball standard except in the street, and that my toddler runs around in his paper pants (sans clothing) most days? When I read that letter (coupled with the constant, nagging lump in my throat and the sound of drills ringing in my ears) I cried.

(I only allowed myself to cry for about 45 seconds, but what a therapeutic, cleansing 45 seconds it was.)

This week I decided to shift gears, take a DEEP breath, and shake the sawdust off my emotions. I started the week with a paint can half full view of my life and current situation and decided to look for every single blessing that I have. What a difference this mindset has made. One week later, and my attitude has had a major face lift. I can see the light at the end, the wonderful blessings that abound, and the direct hand of a loving Heavenly Father working in our lives.

* This week, I learned that interest rates are the lowest they've been. A 30 year fixed rate for 4.275% - 4.375%. We can't lock into our rate until construction is finished, but our loan officer thinks these rates will stick around for awhile. HUGE BLESSING. This will dramatically affect our end mortgage payment.

* On Monday, a gal in our ward offered us an additional 20% off (friends and family) card to a store where she works. We can use it towards back to school shopping. Shoes, clothing, school supplies....all the stuff we are still in need of. Another blessing.

* We love what is happening with our house and any former worries or concerns have passed by the wayside. We are feeling that we have passed over the top of a large mountain of stress. Our contractor says we have 2 months left and what we're realizing is we are approaching the fun part of the construction process (yes, there is such a thing). Cabinetry, tile work, doors, door headers, paint, carpet, lighting, trim, and other finish work. The addition's empty space is taking shape, with promises of a great place to gather lots of friends and family in the future.

* I have formed a long lasting friendship with DIY projects - something I swore I would never do. Painting no longer intimidates me and I've become a regular at Home Depot. 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom have been crossed off of my TO DO list this week and the end results have been so incredibly rewarding. Pictures to come - can't wait to show you.

* I got another piano student.

* Friday night, I was able to gather with extended family at a Mackintosh reunion. It's been years since we've all been together and it was so fun to see everyone again. I was able to give both of my brothers a hug and let them know that I love them. I miss them.

* We had a wonderful ward conference today and I was so touched by the Spirit. Our Stake President is a man that talks straight with a warmth and charity about him as to not offend. His words touched my heart and I know that I have so much that I need to do to be a better person and example of my Savior. I appreciate the spiritual recharge that I get every week at church.

I could go on and on about the small, seemingly insignificant happenings throughout the week that made me stop, make a mental note, and count the abundance of blessings in my life. It's been a good week and the sun continues to shine.

When we look, we will see. Our blessings are endless.

Blame It On The Fumes: Reposted

I wore a pickled sash with french fried rivers today. My piano cried because the buttermilk hiccuped and the calculator threw a corsage out the window. But what do you say when a book hugs a walrus? "Chaka Khan!"

House Project 2010: Weeks 8, 9, 10, 11

This past month of construction started with the unsettling realization that our kitchen wall had to come down. A kitchen wall that has stood in place - undisturbed - for 155 years. A wall that was almost 2 feet thick and whose contents were not completely known.

But the workers soon solved that mystery.

Like many other pioneer homes, our house is sitting on logs (that's what those large round circles are). Our foundation is rock.

The workers thought - at first - that they would get the wall down in 3 hours. It ended up taking 7 guys a full day's work to get this bugger down. SOLID ROCK from floor to ceiling!

Really? They couldn't find a better place to chuck the rocks than in my flowerbeds? Really?!?!?

Our famous Farmington rock. Can't wait to find a good use for it.

There were also a few bricks thrown in. Just randomly placed amongst the rocks in the wall.

We also found some old layers of wallpaper on some plaster sections. Very cool.

Windows came and made a world of difference.

Essential, but not worthy of picture taking, was the rough plumbing, duct work, heating and A/C, electrical, and insulation. It was an interesting process to watch. We've all had fun watching the sequential process of building a home.

While in Montana, the exterior started to go up. This was a little nerve wracking because we had been concerned about getting just the right color (a grayish-brown combination) with the right depth (not too dark but not too light). We weren't here to see our color choice go up. Maybe that was a good thing? I won't go into all of the details, but it was a fluke that we ended up with the color Thatch. It turned out to be the perfect color for us. We LOVE it.

My lovely and dedicated friend, R.M., took pictures and texted them to me on a daily basis. Thanks to her, our minds were put to ease, we knew all was going to be beautiful on the home front, and the workers were more than slightly distracted (due to her cuteness). Thanks, Rand!

This past week, the dry wall went up. It was a noisy process. Since the temporary wall was put in place - to act as support when the kitchen wall was taken down - it has also acted as a fortress against dust. We have had minimal dust during this process. We are going to have them keep that wall up until all of the sanding is done. We should be able to go through the messiest portion of construction virtually unscathed. Woot woot! We are grateful for simple miracles! :)

A large beam had to be hung where the previous kitchen wall had been to support the weight. The gold colored rectangle on the floor is where our back door used to be. Once that temporary wall comes down, our kitchen eating area will be expanded and this area will serve as the breezeway between the old and the new.

Any suggestions of where the basketball hoop should go?

On the left: access door to basement

Above: loft area and access to our master bedroom area

Hallway behind the stairs: closets, half bath, and new laundry room

On the right: access to old house through breezeway

On the right where there is a door open: access to garage

Master bedroom views.

Hallway with closets, half bath, and laundry room.


Our basement is quickly being filled with stuff from the attic and is serving as a dumping ground for all odds and ends.

What a difference a month, some color, windows, some decorative trim, and a clean camera lens can make!

All. Day. Long.

A temporary wall in our kitchen.