99% complete

We have been working on our kitchen for almost 3 years...3 YEARS!!! That is 1095 days, give or take a few, that we have lived in a messy, dusty, construction zone! I am so very happy to say that we are almost done. Here is a before image, notice the beautiful mustard colored beat up oven, stove, and sink, disgusting chipped up backsplash and counter top, and the equally gross discolored ceilings. We also had huge island (wrap around bar) with carpet on the sides to contend with smack dab in the center of the room.

We still have some floor tile to regrout, finish grouting and sealing the backsplash, outlet covers and drawer pulls to install, and window coverings to make. I have also been enjoying hunting Flea markets and Antique stores for the perfect accessories.
Here's a couple old posts with images.
http://5monsters.blogspot.com/2010/05/were-getting-there.html

http://5monsters.blogspot.com/2008/12/progress-in-kitchen.html

We're getting there

Tile backsplash is almost complete...All the cabinets except the upper desk cabinets are in...countertop is in....beadboard is going up

Kitchen Makeover Take 2

We attempted to remodel the kitchen over a year ago and were never able to see it all the way through. So we (I use this word very loosely) have made a good attempt at finishing what we had started. Bryan took 6 days off hoping to get most of the new cabinets in, new countertops and backsplash, as well as recessed lights, trim, and beadboard on the lower cabinets. He made a huge dent in the to-do list but unfortunately I was unable to help him much. He gets to take credit for just about every project except the tile backsplash, which since there is no heavy lifting I am able to do. I need to make another run to Home Depot for tiles and trim and we need about 5 more days to work on it but the end is in sight! There is still a ton of work to do but here is an image that is the inspiration for the cabinets and the tiles we chose.

The backsplash is a mixture of these tiny 1" mosaic tiles, larger 4" tile, and the border, all are tumbled slate.

Hello again!

The last posts were from the beginning of the school year and here we are with only one more week left of this school year. So much has happened, which I could use as an excuse for why I have been absent for over 6 months.

The school year went by rather quickly, although the kids might tell you different. The progress on the house has been quite slow, but that is all changing this week, as Bryan attempts to get the kitchen remodel finished. The studio has kept me very busy, as I moved into a larger space in December and still have work to do to get it the way I would like it. Bryan was promoted at work. Which has meant he no longer gets weekends off, although I think he enjoys that since I can't give him weekly honeydo lists for his weekends! The Chatterbox and Badger Boy both did winter swim team. The Chatterbox also participated in the Community Theatre's after school program and performed 'My Homework ate my Dog'. Little Buddy enjoyed his afternoons in preschool. Miss Brainy achieved an Academic Letter and a Letter in Speech, she also did one act play and concert band. The Boss turned 16 and will hopefully be able to get her drivers license soon. My back troubles had been kept at bay for over 8 months but roared its ugly head again just as I was starting to getting into an exercise routine again. I have been able to lose 28 pounds so far even though I haven't been able to get to the YMCA for over 3 weeks.

That time of year

We have entered that time of year, the studio's busy time. As much as I love my job and love my customers I do wish that I would have more time to enjoy these months. So many things to try to get done before the cold months set in and no time left to do them.

The Band Geek

Little Buddy and I went to the State Fair to watch Miss Brainy march, for her first big marching experience. Like me she plays the flute but I have to give her credit she takes it much more serious than I ever did.

Look at that perfectly level flute! I was more focused on trying to hit the clarinets in front of me with my flute than actually playing.
Having a little fun! "Hey Band how do you shake that thing?!"

Bones and Boo

The ever elusive Bones allowed Miss Brainy to get a few shots of her on Sunday.

Bones got a new puppy for her birthday in June and has already taught him a few tricks.

Nebraska Girl

From the top of her head...

to the bottom of her feet!
We said goodbye to Jaci and the kids as their summer vacation has come to an end and they are heading back to Washington. Jeff was promoted to Chief in the Navy and they don't know yet where that will take them, but I can guarantee you that Miss Mouse is born and bred Nebraska!

Here we go, Here we go again!

Summer flew by so fast this year, with The Boss being away babysitting, Badger Boy staying at his dad's to play ball, and the other kids running here and there. We did our back to school shopping last week first with the 3 little ones and then the 2 older girls. It is definitely getting more expensive with every passing year.

6 new pairs of shoes= $130.00

first day of school outfits= $250.00

backpacks (only needed 2 new ones) = $35.00

school supplies=$80.00

having a routine and a quiet house= PRICELESS

I was able to get a few shots this morning. Miss Brainy didn't have time for me this morning, she headed to a friends house at 7:00 am to get ready and go to her first day of High School with her. The Boss' first day is tomorrow and Little Buddy won't start preschool for a couple more weeks.

James and The Giant Peach

The Chatterbox was in the Children's Theater again this year, were they performed James and The Giant Peach. She of course loved every minute of it and is talking about trying out for the Community Theater productions this winter.

Simple Sunday

Living without faith is like driving in a fog.

No Peanuts For Me

With Little Buddy attending Bible School for the first time I wanted to get some Peanut Allergy shirts ordered for him, but of course I forgot until the last minute, so I made a couple myself. They were designed in photoshop and printed on iron on printer paper.

Vacation Bible School

Last week was Vacation Bible School for the younger kids (Miss Brainy had band camp and The Boss was babysitting). The boys and I were there everyday, The Chatterbox missed a couple days when she stayed the night with her cousin. The kids really had a great time!

L.B.'s 4th Birthday

We had a little backyard bbq/party for Little Buddy's birthday. I should really plan more parties at our house since Bryan was able to finish a couple of projects that I have been nagging on him to do for months in 2 short days!