Sandbox

Instead of a stinky mossy pond, we now have shady sandbox that is sure to bring hours and hours of fun this summer. . . at least, that is the plan. :)

Also added a pathway for the future playhouse, hint hint hint.

Spring - Finally

We have been able to do quite a lot of work on the backyard, as we get the winter thaw out and spring's arrival. "We" removed the juniper bushes that were overgrown and put back the rocks that were underneath. Added some more dirt and flowers and right away is a big improvement. We will be adding some sod to the east side, so it is a work in progress. . . . like everything else.


Before



After

The Fireplace

Fully owned and designed by the contractor.

Now that it is getting warm. . .

I think this should be the next project:

- or -

- or -

- or -

The Sink

Kitchen Table Found

I've been on the hunt for the perfect size and style kitchen table. It couldn't be wider than 30 inches or longer than 60, shorter than 40 inches. The style had to complete with the floor, countertop, and cabinet colors, and be really durable for the kids.
So I've gone to flea markets, estate sales, furniture stores, online, and consignment shops. I happen to stop by Down East Home in Sandy, and I found not only a table, but two chairs that are absolultely our style.

The table tucks in nicely and is low to the cabinet so the little munchkins fit. The tables are well built and industrial chic. And 'good luck' as C would say, that Grandpa Dan was in town with his truck to bring it home.

Closets, closets, and more closets

I love the granite, I love the pot filler, I love the hard wood floors, but nothing beats a healthy amount of storage! Finally, the closets are finished and I feel organized.


Master Bedroom



Linen in the main bathroom



Pantry, with rolling forward cans




Coat closet, replacing the one we torn out in the hallway



Master Bedroom - Done

Here is a comparison of the master bedroom - for kicks.

 

El Fin del Bano

We might have a shower/bath happen whenever the faucet turns on. . . .and the single water heater will only fill the tub about a quarter of the way with hot water, but that is good enough for us. Second bathroom is done, so no more walking through the master bedroom for guests and the girls have their own new bath place. They hated the showers. 

We interrupt our regularly scheduled program . . .

Volvo Dealership: $500 in labor, $260 in parts

Local Mars Way Mechanic: $150 in parts, 1 hot chocolate in labor

Painted Bathroom and Wood Floors

Bathroom Drywall Done

Next step . . . Paint!

I want.

I really like these chairs and this dining room table. My curtains might be too busy for it, but I might have to put this on my list to Santa. . .

Bathroom Tile

Here is our initial pick for tile. It is very modern, which may be okay, because the house itself is kind of modern.

This would go around the tub.



These glass tiles would go up the tub surround up on the shower portion.



This is what the tile looks like as an example. I think it kind of looks blah here. . .



Wait for the dust to settle

I was going to post an update on the main bathroom construction, but I think I need to wait for the drywall dust to settle before any shots will work. On a separate note - Ben has this wicked cough. We can't figure out why. . .

Current Project #1 - The Fireplace

With it being November and all, we figured it was time to start getting the fireplace working. But, to do that, we would need to make sure the flue was in place, which it isn't. But, to get that fixed, we would need to put the granite in place around it, so it is fire-proof. But to do that, we would need to make sure the floor and walls were straight, which they weren't. Then we'd have to pick out granite, and agree on one color and design, which we don't. So . . . Ben is working on the project 100% on his own. It is his baby, all preference and logistics to his liking and decision. As trade off, I get to pick out the tile for the bathroom.

-- Updated with finished fireplace. Ben definitely left his mark on the house with this one. 

The lifecycle of a kitchen from one angle