Since the kitchen face-lift, I feel the need to continue on to another room. I 've got some ideas for the breakfast room and the bathroom. I just can't decide which one to start first...
But I am starting this weekend.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Sunday, June 10, 2007
The kitchen: before & after
The day we bought our house (November 17, 2006) the kitchen looked like this:
Now, although we loved that linoleum, we ripped in up in an attempt to liberate the hardwood underneath. We soon found out that the project was going to have to wait (house goals change when you find out a baby's coming) so we tiled the mess of hardwood and tar.
This touch helped. For a while. Lately, I've been a little restless and somewhat concerned about the fate of our fine house. I decided I needed to do something to get things rolling and since I can't hang dry wall. I decided I would begin my very own project: the kitchen. We'd already spent about $50 on the tiles. I didn't want to spend too much money on anything for the kitchen because we're hoping to get it totally renovated in two or three years, so why pay big bucks for something we may get rid of in a couple of years. So I started with paint and let the ideas follow. Oh, it's important point out here that I did not share any of my plans with Andrew. I just started. He's a very trusting husband! He asked no questions, just watched the daily changes. We're both very happy with the results!
And I was able to keep the costs low:
1 bucket of white paint: $12.97
1 bucket of turquoise paint (the actual name isn't so simple so I can't remember it!): $15.00 [but free for us thanks to my super sweet co-worker Betty!!]
1 can of silver spray paint: $3.97
1 roll of contact paper: $5.99
3 lights for under the cabinets: $15.00
So including the previously spent money on the floor, Out new kitchen only cost $87.93!
The before and after:
Now, although we loved that linoleum, we ripped in up in an attempt to liberate the hardwood underneath. We soon found out that the project was going to have to wait (house goals change when you find out a baby's coming) so we tiled the mess of hardwood and tar.
This touch helped. For a while. Lately, I've been a little restless and somewhat concerned about the fate of our fine house. I decided I needed to do something to get things rolling and since I can't hang dry wall. I decided I would begin my very own project: the kitchen. We'd already spent about $50 on the tiles. I didn't want to spend too much money on anything for the kitchen because we're hoping to get it totally renovated in two or three years, so why pay big bucks for something we may get rid of in a couple of years. So I started with paint and let the ideas follow. Oh, it's important point out here that I did not share any of my plans with Andrew. I just started. He's a very trusting husband! He asked no questions, just watched the daily changes. We're both very happy with the results!
And I was able to keep the costs low:
1 bucket of white paint: $12.97
1 bucket of turquoise paint (the actual name isn't so simple so I can't remember it!): $15.00 [but free for us thanks to my super sweet co-worker Betty!!]
1 can of silver spray paint: $3.97
1 roll of contact paper: $5.99
3 lights for under the cabinets: $15.00
So including the previously spent money on the floor, Out new kitchen only cost $87.93!
The before and after:
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Our Boy
Our oldest pup, Jack, visited the vet yesterday for a yearly check-up and shots. Sadly, the check-up revealed that Jack has heartworms. He is nine years old, but he is a healthy boy, so he is scheduled for the first treatment Tuesday. First they will run a series of tests to make sure all his organs can handle the treatment. Then he will be sedated and treated two nights in a row. Then he will be returned home for 4-5 weeks of absolute rest and relaxation. So he'll get to do his favorite activity for a little over a month:
We suspect Cooper (our 1 year old lab) will not be as excited about this as Jack will be, so it may be a long month for Coop.
While we fell like awful pup parents for having not done what we could have done to prevent this, we are glad it was caught early and Dr.Buckler is confident that Jack will do fine with the treatment because he is strong and healthy. He will, however, have to change is diet. After Tuesday he will no longer be allowed to eat his 4 or so cups of Purina Dog Chow. He will have to begin eating a diet dog food so that he doesn't gain any weight while not exercising. Right now he weights 80 pounds. Dr. Buckler suggested that we try to get him down to around 70. Because he doesn't really eat that full four cups everyday as it is and because he will soon be doing no physical activities, diet food will be the best way to not only prevent weight gain, but maybe even help him lose a little.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Updates, lots of Updates
We have a plan. The baby is due September 21. That gives us just less than 16 weeks to complete a long list of projects (some necessary and some really wanted). So before the projects start getting wrapped up at super quick rates (we're trying to stay very positive), I should make sure everyone is up to date on the little that has been done in the last few months and what all is in the project list.
We did a little yard work.
Andrew and Paul worked on re-wiring the house (starting with the living room). They also installed the new future electrical box so that as they rewire a room, they can hook the wires right into the box. The hope is that when the switch happens most of the hard work will be done, so Andrew and I will only be without power for a day. I should make it clear here that this is how I understand this work to be going. I could have easily misunderstood something as my jobs in the remodeling of the house do not include electrical things at all. I'm more like the designer. I come up with an idea and my sweet husband either explains why it won't work (this usually takes a while, but is very entertaining) or makes it happen (see fridge).
I came home from work one day to this:
YAY!! A living room ceiling!! And work on the box for the recessed lighting over the fireplace has begun!
Yesterday I went to Fantastic Fans to check out their going out of business sale (10%-50% off) and found a great deal on the perfect ceiling fan and light for the living room. I can't wait to see it up, but we've decided to wait until all the drywall is up and the mudding and sanding is done.
After the living room is done we'll move all the living room furniture out of the baby's room and begin work there. We're also hoping to get some much needed lawn work done and maybe even straighten out the garage.
And these pictures are especially for Stacey:
Cute and Dr. Seuss-like.
A little gross with prosciutto wrapped melons!
We did a little yard work.
Andrew and Paul worked on re-wiring the house (starting with the living room). They also installed the new future electrical box so that as they rewire a room, they can hook the wires right into the box. The hope is that when the switch happens most of the hard work will be done, so Andrew and I will only be without power for a day. I should make it clear here that this is how I understand this work to be going. I could have easily misunderstood something as my jobs in the remodeling of the house do not include electrical things at all. I'm more like the designer. I come up with an idea and my sweet husband either explains why it won't work (this usually takes a while, but is very entertaining) or makes it happen (see fridge).
I came home from work one day to this:
YAY!! A living room ceiling!! And work on the box for the recessed lighting over the fireplace has begun!
Yesterday I went to Fantastic Fans to check out their going out of business sale (10%-50% off) and found a great deal on the perfect ceiling fan and light for the living room. I can't wait to see it up, but we've decided to wait until all the drywall is up and the mudding and sanding is done.
After the living room is done we'll move all the living room furniture out of the baby's room and begin work there. We're also hoping to get some much needed lawn work done and maybe even straighten out the garage.
And these pictures are especially for Stacey:
Cute and Dr. Seuss-like.
A little gross with prosciutto wrapped melons!
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Not just about a house anymore!
Today we found out that we're having a little boy!
So, until the late fall this blog will probably continue to be about our house (what with all the work we have to do!) but come September I'm guessing that a little boy might start making regular appearances here.
So, until the late fall this blog will probably continue to be about our house (what with all the work we have to do!) but come September I'm guessing that a little boy might start making regular appearances here.
Monday, April 09, 2007
It was too beautiful outside not too!
We couldn't stand it a few weekends ago. Yes, there are plenty of things to do inside, but the weather was finally so nice and not cold! So we spent that warm sunny Sunday in the yard.
First Andrew tilled the area in front of the house so we'd have a nice flower bed to work with.
Then we began planting our recently purchased azalea bushes. Five white and five pink.
We also moved the crape myrtle that was oddly placed in the backyard.
Let me explain. Our backyard is great. It is a nice size and has a little bricked-in patio and a garage for all the gardening stuff and Andrew's fun tools. The odd thing is all the little trees and their placement. This picture is from the fall.
There is a fig tree towards the back left corner. Besides being a rather large fig tree, it's fine where it is. Then there's the still unidentified tree directly across from the fig on the right side of the yard. I like this tree, but Andrew thinks it is in the way of where a swing set should be. So the fate of this tree is an ongoing discussion. Closer to the house, actually very close to the house is a row of three trees. Starting on the left side, an apple tree, a crape myrtle, and another apple tree. The poor crape myrtle was kinda squished between the two apples and Andrew and I couldn't really figure out how it was going to grow anymore because it had run out of room. Its limbs were all tangled up in the surround apple trees' limbs. Oh, and then there's the 2nd unidentified tree between the fig and the apple on the left. This tree has very low limbs and is wide so Andrew's not looking forward to cutting the grass around it this summer! We've decided that even though we hate to get rid of trees, this one will have to go and since we don't have any room anywhere else, it'll just have to go. Unless, of course, someone would like to try to transplant it into there own yard!
So here is the crape myrtle in it's new home, thanks to Joe and Corey. It's doing great so far so we're hopeful that it's taken root and will survive. The rain we've had over the last few weeks has certainly helped. And the little azaleas already have flowers. All the white ones have flowers and a couple of the pink ones have buds. We were pretty excited because we weren't even sure if that's bloom at all this year! They're little right now, but healthy!
So, with operation "Curb Appeal" underway, I think we have to move back inside and finish the living room.
First Andrew tilled the area in front of the house so we'd have a nice flower bed to work with.
Then we began planting our recently purchased azalea bushes. Five white and five pink.
We also moved the crape myrtle that was oddly placed in the backyard.
Let me explain. Our backyard is great. It is a nice size and has a little bricked-in patio and a garage for all the gardening stuff and Andrew's fun tools. The odd thing is all the little trees and their placement. This picture is from the fall.
There is a fig tree towards the back left corner. Besides being a rather large fig tree, it's fine where it is. Then there's the still unidentified tree directly across from the fig on the right side of the yard. I like this tree, but Andrew thinks it is in the way of where a swing set should be. So the fate of this tree is an ongoing discussion. Closer to the house, actually very close to the house is a row of three trees. Starting on the left side, an apple tree, a crape myrtle, and another apple tree. The poor crape myrtle was kinda squished between the two apples and Andrew and I couldn't really figure out how it was going to grow anymore because it had run out of room. Its limbs were all tangled up in the surround apple trees' limbs. Oh, and then there's the 2nd unidentified tree between the fig and the apple on the left. This tree has very low limbs and is wide so Andrew's not looking forward to cutting the grass around it this summer! We've decided that even though we hate to get rid of trees, this one will have to go and since we don't have any room anywhere else, it'll just have to go. Unless, of course, someone would like to try to transplant it into there own yard!
So here is the crape myrtle in it's new home, thanks to Joe and Corey. It's doing great so far so we're hopeful that it's taken root and will survive. The rain we've had over the last few weeks has certainly helped. And the little azaleas already have flowers. All the white ones have flowers and a couple of the pink ones have buds. We were pretty excited because we weren't even sure if that's bloom at all this year! They're little right now, but healthy!
So, with operation "Curb Appeal" underway, I think we have to move back inside and finish the living room.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Tryin' Real Hard
We're trying to jump back into working on the house. It helps that I've since woken up from my first trimester sleepiness, but hurts that it's the end of Andrew's semester and he has lots of grading and studying to do.
The living room is almost ready to get its new walls! Just a few "minor" wiring things to do and some plaster clean-up, then we'll be ready for insulation and drywall!!! So we're making plans to order the drywall because we hope all these "little" things will all go quickly. We're both getting a little nervous and ready to be done with the living room because we've got to get to work on the room that will become the baby's room.
So the bottom line here is that hopefully in the next few months there will lots of progress and thus a more regular amount of posting.
Oh, as requested, here are those way overdue pictures of the kitchen floor (and Cooper trying to be helpful)!
The living room is almost ready to get its new walls! Just a few "minor" wiring things to do and some plaster clean-up, then we'll be ready for insulation and drywall!!! So we're making plans to order the drywall because we hope all these "little" things will all go quickly. We're both getting a little nervous and ready to be done with the living room because we've got to get to work on the room that will become the baby's room.
So the bottom line here is that hopefully in the next few months there will lots of progress and thus a more regular amount of posting.
Oh, as requested, here are those way overdue pictures of the kitchen floor (and Cooper trying to be helpful)!
Monday, February 12, 2007
Slow Going
I've just realized that we haven't posted in quite some time. It's not that we haven't done anything at all, because we have done a few things. Things outside of the house have been pretty busy. With school back in, Andrew has his hands full working on his thesis, taking classes, and teaching classes. Also, Two Way Radio has returned to the studio and is currently recording their second album. And with my severe dislike of the cold, I've been hibernating. So we have not been working too hard on the house lately.
In fact I can only think of two things right now that we've done in the last few weeks:
1) I started scrapping layers of paint covered wallpaper off the walls in the second bedroom and
2) I finally got tired of scapping the tar off the kitchen floors (probably because I can really only focus on scrapping one thing at a time without losing the ability to use my arms later and/or going insane) so I headed to Home Depot last Saturday while Andrew was teaching a class and picked up some of those wonderfully cheap stick-on tiles. Now we have a very busy black and white fake tile kitchen floor instead of a part hardwood part tar floor. Yay!
In fact I can only think of two things right now that we've done in the last few weeks:
1) I started scrapping layers of paint covered wallpaper off the walls in the second bedroom and
2) I finally got tired of scapping the tar off the kitchen floors (probably because I can really only focus on scrapping one thing at a time without losing the ability to use my arms later and/or going insane) so I headed to Home Depot last Saturday while Andrew was teaching a class and picked up some of those wonderfully cheap stick-on tiles. Now we have a very busy black and white fake tile kitchen floor instead of a part hardwood part tar floor. Yay!
Monday, January 22, 2007
Dusty Business
Andrew began the wiring process Saturday. At first we thought it wouldn't be too bad, in terms of the mess it would leave behind, but that quickly changed. One of the long term goals includes changing the location of the breaker box. Now it is in the pantry. One day it will be in the laundry room (that too is a long term goal). So Andrew and the electrician, our brother-in-law, Paul, decided to go ahead and install and run the wire from the location that it will one day be in, which right now is a spare room. I call it that because it's pretty small (11 x 10 feet) and mostly functions as a closet/ computer room.
So the first step in installing the new breaker box was pulling down the paneling. The entire room was paneled at some point, but Andrew only pulled down the stuff on the wall that's getting the breaker box.
This is said wall:
The location of the box will actually be on the wall behind the door.So off with the paneling.
The paneling was placed over the existing walls (after they put up 1 x 4 in boards every few feet). This we had suspected since all the trim and moulding were covered by paneling. What we did not expect was the wonderful preservation of this delightfully old wallpaper.
I don't know why, but I just love this stuff!
So then they (Andrew and Paul) cut a nice big rectangle into the plaster and lathe so they could hang the new box. The long term plan here is that one day, when we get to work in this area of the house, all the paneling, plaster, and lathe will be removed. Then the one room will be split into 3 areas: laundry room, bathroom, and closet. So in order for the breaker box to make sense now and then, it had to be installed where there was no paneling, plaster, or lathe. But since we don't want to live in a construction zone, and had previously decided to do one room at a time and seal that sucker off, boys decided that cutting that nice big rectangle in the wall would be cleaner than taking down the entire wall of plaster and lathe. Here I agree. It was cleaner, but not that much!!! It trully is amazing how much dust plaster creates. It left a nice thick layer all over everything in the room. It took a nice good cleaning (which, to be honest, was needed back there), but we got it done in time to start work and school on Monday morning!
Oh, and we also got that nasty water damaged wood above the fireplace replaced!!!
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
It's been a While...
since we posted anything, I see. We have actually been pretty busy though. The living room is completely bare (that's right- all the plaster and lathe is GONE from the walls!) Now we're just waiting on getting this little problem fixed:
The "header boards" have water damage. We've got a guy coming on Friday to make sure the damage isn't in the joists or causing any other structural issues- Andrew just wants to be sure and I completely agree!
So after that Andrew and Paul will begin wiring the living room. That's exciting because that means that we get to pick out light fixtures soon!!!
We also replaced the old kitchen faucet:
which was beginning to make me crazy because it was getting hard to wash the French oven under that thing and since it's winter- Andrew's been making a lot of soups, chilis and stews! (They've all been very good) So my sweet husband spent almost his entire first Sunday of 2007 installing a new faucet.
Now we both agree it was worth it!
The "header boards" have water damage. We've got a guy coming on Friday to make sure the damage isn't in the joists or causing any other structural issues- Andrew just wants to be sure and I completely agree!
So after that Andrew and Paul will begin wiring the living room. That's exciting because that means that we get to pick out light fixtures soon!!!
We also replaced the old kitchen faucet:
which was beginning to make me crazy because it was getting hard to wash the French oven under that thing and since it's winter- Andrew's been making a lot of soups, chilis and stews! (They've all been very good) So my sweet husband spent almost his entire first Sunday of 2007 installing a new faucet.
Now we both agree it was worth it!
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Keep on Working
Since we both had the day off, we decided to get some more work done in the living room. Originally we were not going to remove the plaster and lathe from the south and north walls, but after rethinking some wiring things, we decided to just go ahead and do those two walls as well. What's a little more plaster to clean up and lathe to burn, right?
So we started the day on the south wall.
We got most of it done.
I'd like to take this chance to update the whole knob and tube wiring thing because I got that wrong before. Andrew re-explained it to me. So this little white guy going through the stud is the tube:
Its purpose is to keep the wire from touching the wood and causing an electrical catastrophe.
The knob is this little white guy:
His job is to hold the wire in place.
So there you have it. Knob and tube wiring: still a pretty simple concept.
So we started the day on the south wall.
We got most of it done.
I'd like to take this chance to update the whole knob and tube wiring thing because I got that wrong before. Andrew re-explained it to me. So this little white guy going through the stud is the tube:
Its purpose is to keep the wire from touching the wood and causing an electrical catastrophe.The knob is this little white guy:
His job is to hold the wire in place.So there you have it. Knob and tube wiring: still a pretty simple concept.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Christmas!
We spent Christmas eve and Christmas day at my Mom's house. Christmas Eve was filled with food, games, and a few early Christmas presents! This year we all drew names and because we could wait no longer to exchange our gifts, we opened those first. I got an awesome pink tool box with a pink drill from my brother-in-law, Paul! Andrew got a circular saw from my brother, Aaron! Mom was so excited about her new apron and matching chef's hat she got from Joe and Amanda, she wore it for most of the night! She does look pretty cute in it.
We also all got some quality time in with Bridget and Paul's new baby girl, Madison.
She's very sweet! Look at that grin!
Really it was just nice to hang out with everyone for hours upon hours talking and playing games, it seems like it's been a while since we've done this.
Joe and Amanda introduced us to the games Apples to Apples, and now we're all hooked!
Christmas day was more of the same: food, presents, and games. And of course, playing with Madison.
Mom had us all vote on the person with the most Christmas spirit this year. The winner was going to get a surprise gift. Well, her ploy to get rid of the gingerbread house backfired. She was elected the one with the most Christmas spirit and won the gingerbread house! So, she fed it to the birds.
It was a wonderful Christmas!
We also all got some quality time in with Bridget and Paul's new baby girl, Madison.
She's very sweet! Look at that grin!Really it was just nice to hang out with everyone for hours upon hours talking and playing games, it seems like it's been a while since we've done this.
Joe and Amanda introduced us to the games Apples to Apples, and now we're all hooked!
Christmas day was more of the same: food, presents, and games. And of course, playing with Madison.
Mom had us all vote on the person with the most Christmas spirit this year. The winner was going to get a surprise gift. Well, her ploy to get rid of the gingerbread house backfired. She was elected the one with the most Christmas spirit and won the gingerbread house! So, she fed it to the birds.
It was a wonderful Christmas!
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Burning Down the House!
We drove to Little Rock Thursday to see Andrew's father and step-mother for the holidays. His sister Carrie flew in and we drove into the city just in time to pick her up from the airport. We had a great time. Andrew and his dad, Ed, hung out while with ladies did a little shopping. Catherine took us to some neat little shops in her neighborhood.
So we did Christmas with them this morning and then drove back home. We did a little unpacking and then cracked open a bottle of champagne to celebrate an early Christmas present! We got a chiminea.
Not only is it fun, but it also helps us solve a bit of a problem we've been having: What do we do with all this plaster and lathe that is on the living room floor? We'll figure the plaster problem out later, but we've solved half the problem (good thinking Andrew!) . We burn the lathe!
Lathe burns great! It's pretty quick to burn, but it burns nice and hot- so we were warm for about six hours.
My brother Aaron stopped by to have a beer and check it out and then later my other brother, Joe and my sister-in-law Amanda came over. We all sat around and burned all walls. It was great!
We burned about half a wall. Only three and a half walls left!
So we did Christmas with them this morning and then drove back home. We did a little unpacking and then cracked open a bottle of champagne to celebrate an early Christmas present! We got a chiminea.
Not only is it fun, but it also helps us solve a bit of a problem we've been having: What do we do with all this plaster and lathe that is on the living room floor? We'll figure the plaster problem out later, but we've solved half the problem (good thinking Andrew!) . We burn the lathe!
Lathe burns great! It's pretty quick to burn, but it burns nice and hot- so we were warm for about six hours.
My brother Aaron stopped by to have a beer and check it out and then later my other brother, Joe and my sister-in-law Amanda came over. We all sat around and burned all walls. It was great!
We burned about half a wall. Only three and a half walls left!
Monday, December 11, 2006
And it continues...
We began working on the east wall of the living room tonight. This wall has two windows and a fireplace. So we figured it should be pretty interesting. Plus, we thought there would be insulation to add to the ever growing pile of junk we still have to figure out how to dispose of! Oddly enough, there was no insulation. That's one less thing to dispose of, so yay!
This wire goes to a socket and I'm glad we hadn't used it yet! It's a little scary, but apparently this is not a problem- it's just what this old wiring does! Yikes, glad we're rewiring too!
Another odd thing is that the plaster and lathe is under the fireplace mantle. Maybe this is how houses are built, I just always thought brick or stone fireplaces were put up before the walls. It appears I was wrong!
This wire goes to a socket and I'm glad we hadn't used it yet! It's a little scary, but apparently this is not a problem- it's just what this old wiring does! Yikes, glad we're rewiring too!
Another odd thing is that the plaster and lathe is under the fireplace mantle. Maybe this is how houses are built, I just always thought brick or stone fireplaces were put up before the walls. It appears I was wrong!
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Living Room work continues
We spent the day working on several projects (and laundry). I dismantled the rest of the ramp from the front of the house while Andrew finished the west wall in the living room.
When we bought the hosue the ramp also had a rail on the right side. It was removed by Joe and Corey on the first day because we all agreed it would make moving things in easier because they wouldn't have to manuver around the it. We opted to keep the ramp part because the guys figured that would come in handy, which in did [fridge, washer, dryer, dishwasher, etc.).
So in the front I did this:
I was pretty proud of myself. This weekend we'll take out the A/C unit. We're not sure why it's there since we have central air and heat (which it awesome!).
Meanwhile, in the living room Andrew was working away.
I finished up outside and headed in to help Andrew. We got the whole wall done!
We also found the wiring for that second hidden wall light
(I thought this stuff was cool because I had never seen knob and tube wiring up close before. I especially like the simplicity of the name. Knob and tube: so called for the white knobs that hold the black tubes (that contain electrical wires) apart, thus preventing a fire- I think that's what this all is anyway).
And here's some of the scripty writing that says Miss something L-something.
When we bought the hosue the ramp also had a rail on the right side. It was removed by Joe and Corey on the first day because we all agreed it would make moving things in easier because they wouldn't have to manuver around the it. We opted to keep the ramp part because the guys figured that would come in handy, which in did [fridge, washer, dryer, dishwasher, etc.).
So in the front I did this:
I was pretty proud of myself. This weekend we'll take out the A/C unit. We're not sure why it's there since we have central air and heat (which it awesome!).
Meanwhile, in the living room Andrew was working away.
I finished up outside and headed in to help Andrew. We got the whole wall done!
We also found the wiring for that second hidden wall light
(I thought this stuff was cool because I had never seen knob and tube wiring up close before. I especially like the simplicity of the name. Knob and tube: so called for the white knobs that hold the black tubes (that contain electrical wires) apart, thus preventing a fire- I think that's what this all is anyway).
And here's some of the scripty writing that says Miss something L-something.
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