Virtual Kitchen

IKEA has an online kitchen design tool, so we worked out our kitchen layout tonight. They only carry stock sizes, so the exact measurements may vary if we go with a different cabinet maker. But, this is the layout that we like and it's very exciting to "see" it coming together. Now Ben just needs to finish taking out the pantry and we need to order the cabinets and countertops. There will be a sink in front of the window, a microwave range hood over the stove, and crown molding at the tops of the cabinets. Still trying to decide between white or wood.

Welcome Home

Well, the move is over, but the real work has just begun! Our life is a little chaotic right now, and I think these pictures will show you why. Let me start by saying we got a great deal on this house. It was a rental and basically that means that nothing has been updated or maintained for years. Although we did inherit some *stunning* wall colors!

However, we do have a fantastic yard that Ben has already had the privilege of mowing! We haven't had to figure out the sprinklers yet because it has rained every day this week. But, we have met some great neighbors already and went to our new ward this past Sunday. It's always hard leaving your comfort zone, but everyone seemed really nice and eager to meet us.

The boys are LOVING the house! With the garage included we are close to *tripling* our square footage from the condo. So they have been having a blast with all the extra space. I'm sure we will fill it up soon enough, but it's nice to have everything in one place again.

Anyway, we have lots of painting to do, bathrooms to update and a kitchen to remodel. Whew! So dont' be surprised if you stop in for a visit and find us painting, ripping out carpet, painting, putting in hardwood floors, painting, tearing out cabinets, installing new ones, painting, tiling, and painting some more. In fact, we will probably ask you to help. So come in your painting clothes when you come see our new house and we will put you to work. :) Just kidding, please don't let that scare you away from visiting us, the boys miss old friends and we miss friends and neighbors too.

Progress report: All of our things have been moved in except for our bikes at Elaine's. We are 90% unpacked! We have primed over the red wall and the dark blue/purple wall (3 coats each). The carpet guys measured on Monday for the upstairs carpet replacement. They are about 2-3 weeks out to have the carpet ordered and installed. Our dining room table has been ordered! It should be available in 4-6 weeks.

It might not sounds like much to accomplish in a whole week, but we are feeling pretty good. Hopefully the cabinets will not take too long to order, because those need to be in before we can measure for the floors and the countertops. I hope to have all of the upstairs bedrooms painted before the new carpet goes in, and all of the downstairs painted before the new floors go in there. Then we need new lights, because of a weird situation with the renters they decided to take the lights and most of the bathroom fixtures and replace them with the original ugly brass and cheap-o things that were put in when the house was built. Lovely. So, lots to do and we will have to pace ourselves so we don't go too crazy and still have a fun summer.

Anyway, if you actually read all that you're amazing, and your treat is these lovely "before" pictures...

Birthday Boys

Since the boys birthdays are so close together, I thought I should try to get some new yearly pictures! Sam wasn't the most cooperative subject, but I think some of these will be great! I will probably just have to do some of Sam later. This is the first together picture I've looked at, but I LOVE it! They were being so silly and cute. I can't decide if I like it better in color or black and white. Hmmm. Tell me which one you prefer!!

ETA: I am posting a few more here, and the rest are on Facebook if you really want to see. :)