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Friday, September 26, 2014

One Last Look!





The kitchen reno starts Monday!
The next three days we're going to be clearing out the 
kitchen, dining room, family room and foyer.
The flooring will go throughout all of these rooms, so
everything will be moved into the living room for a while.

I took my 'before' pictures before yesterday.
It's still a cute kitchen.  Wow...lots of memories!
I gave my babies baths in that sink.
When I used to bake 30 dozen cookies at a time 
for my business, they cooled on that island. 
I've paced that floor contemplating joys and sorrow,
sat boys on the counter to bandage scraps and cuts,
taught them 'hot' from the stove, watched for the school
bus out the window, and researched autism sitting at my
 little nook.  Most of my bird photography has been taken out
 those windows.  Don't you just love memories?
The happy and the sad...they make up the beauty of our lives.


We were 25 years old when we built this house!  The only 
thing that is different is the refrigerator, which had to be replaced
last year.  Even though it looks cute, in a vintage way, there are
 lots of things that need replacing.  We have over 60 cracked floor
 tiles, duct tape holding cabinets together, warped doors that no
 longer close completely, etc, etc.

I won't tell you what it's going to look like in a few weeks!
It's a surprise!  Actually I was surprised, too, when what I
thought I wanted turned into something totally different 
after we went shopping to pick things out!  Fun, fun!

Now, let's see how this family does with all the disruption!
I'm not worried about me and The Mister.  But the boys, especially
Alex, might have some stress.  And the cats, rabbit and parakeets
will all be crazy, I think. haha...Oh my.  At least our contractor
has a rabbit, too, so he's used to a snoopervisor with long,
floppy years. ha.   Thanks, Deb, for that word.  I love it. 




73 comments:

  1. Best wishes with all the work. I hope everything goes smoothly and that the boys and the pets do just fine. So exciting to have everything new in time for the holidays.

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    1. Someone mentioned the holidays to me the other day and I hadn't even thought of that! Yes, it will be done just in time. Very fun!

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  2. Good luck. Is it a big reno (new surfaces and items all around) or a big BIG one (walls and things being moved)?

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    1. Yes, new paint on the walls....so it's a medium reno. haha. At least the roof is staying on and we aren't busting out any walls.

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  3. Hi Becky - it's a great kitchen and you can just feel the love there. Thank goodness for photos, eh...You'll be able to look back on them when you are feeling nostalgic and sitting in your gorgeous, new kitchen. All the best with the renos. I've been living in disruption for weeks now renovating the middle room of our house. Ahhhh! Hope yours goes quick. I'm sure you will have many four-legged snoopervisers starting Monday. Hugs, Deb

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    1. Yep, LOTS of snoopervisors! haha.....I hope they stay out of the way, but I'm sure Slate will be right in the middle of it all!

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  4. Aw - the current one is very lovely too. But I can't wait for the new one! So nice to see all the different perspectives that you have and to have you share some of your memories. I can sort of picture you both at 25 and being so excited to build a new home. That kitchen has served you well! Onwards and upwards! Think of all the assistants you will have... HA!

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    1. I've always loved my kitchen...good space and lots of light..the view are great. But the things that are falling apart make it necessary to do some changes. The new one is gorgeous...can't wait to show you!

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    2. Can't wait to see it. I feel like I am getting a new one through you :-) I hope you still keep that set of three beautiful windows. I covet them!

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    3. You know what else is great, is that it is a room used constantly by you and your family (and furry critters) so it's really money well invested.

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    4. Oh, absolutely...I love my nook! My favorite part of the house! ha. We aren't moving any windows or walls...just doing the basics.

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    5. Yes, we literally live in this area...it will be great...money used wisely.

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  5. I can't wait to see the end result! Are YOU two doing any of the actual "work," or do you have a crew hired to come in and do it? Or just maybe, you were able to get one of those shows on HGTV to come out and re-do it all for you? And film their TV show during the remodeling. Wouldn't THAT be sweet! (You can see what I watch every morning at the gym while I'm on the treadmill, huh!!)

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    1. I love those shows, too! So inspiring and fun! We aren't on a show...darn! We hired a contractor to do the work...just one guy so it will take him a couple of weeks. We're responsible for clearing out the rooms and removing the built in shelving, etc. We bought the paint today and have all the new stuff waiting in the garage. Fun times!

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  6. That kitchen as it stands puts mine to shame. http://earlshilton.org.uk/wp/my-little-shilton-kitchen/

    I can see your point about wanting a new kitchen, but the photos make it look like something out of an Ikea Catalog. I wish I had a big kitchen then I could really go to town with my cooking!

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    1. Oh, no it doesn't...I love your kitchen. Vintage is just the best. And my photos don't show all the nitty gritty problems that I listed out. At first glance it looks just fine but really it's falling apart. Guess what...the new kitchen is an Ikea one!

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    2. My God! That's gonna cost a few grand I bet!

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    3. But it will be 'grand' when it's done! haha. Actually, we were very fortunate and they were having a 20% off kitchen sale, so that helped a lot!

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    4. Hey, do you think the reno will get rid of my little ghost? I have a drawer that opens all on it's own. True! It does it a couple of times a week when I'm in the kitchen...opens all the way!

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    5. I hope the little ghostie doesn't get scared away.

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    6. I'll let you know if he keeps the same drawer location or chooses a different spot, if he stays. ha.

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    7. I bet it's the boys playing a trick on you.

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    8. Nope! I'm the only one in the room most times and nobody is near that drawer. It's been doing it for years!
      Maybe it's connected with my broom standing on it's own. Do you remember those posts?

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  7. Change is good... when it is wanted! :)

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    1. Oh, that is SO true...when you don't want it, it can be very difficult!

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  8. Hi Betsy, can't wait to see your After. You have such good taste, I know it will be beautiful.
    But I hope the next 4 weeks are not too chaotic for Harry, Spencer and Alex and you.

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    1. Yeah, I'm hoping so, too. Alex likes things just so...he comes into the kitchen just to straight the way my coffee pot is sitting on the counter! And he does this many times a day....oh my!

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  9. I can understand the bond and attachment you feel with your present kitchen which looks very good still. However, if it needs modernization then you have waited a long time for your dream kitchen. We waited a similar time for ours. When you strolled down memory lane even I was quite touched.
    Can't wait to see the reno - hope all the moving goes well and please watch your back . . . . :)

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    1. We wouldn't be doing this purely for modernization ...I like the old style! But things are falling apart, as I stated in the post, so it is a necessity for us. Actually, work doesn't hurt my back...staying active keeps it loose. Now my thumbs are a different story...I'll have to watch out for those! haha. But after we clear out the rooms, I won't be doing any of the work, thank goodness! lol....

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  10. I think it's very nice as it is but I also understand the need to update and repair. A change is as good as a rest, they say.. though renovations are usually anything but restful. Looking forward to seeing the "after."

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    1. We thought about just replacing the floors but we know that when we pull out the cabinets to do the floor, they will fall apart...haha...so it's all or nothing!

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  11. Excited for you! Can't wait to see the new look! Hope all goes well!

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    1. Me, too....hope it goes smoothly without any delays. ha.

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  12. I hope that it goes really well and that you love it!!!! I think that after 25 years it is probably time for a refresh! xx

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    1. Yes, it's time for some repairs....and I'm looking forward to it! I love to watch the process....

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  13. I am so excited for you. 60 cracked tiles? You have been pretty patient I would say. That is a pretty kitchen but time marches on. You will love having stuff that works properly and effeciently. I hope you all are still talking to each other when it is over. lol Can't wait to see what you have chosen for the new! Taria

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    1. Yes, we have! haha...but we put a boy through a private university and that took all of our money for 4 years. Now that we've recovered, it's time to make some home repairs. Good things come to those who wait, right? haha...it really will be nice to have that floor fixed!

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  14. Change always brings on memories of the past. I think these 'before' photos will be even more of a reminder to a bygone time once your new kitchen is in.

    Knowing you, I'm sure your new kitchen will be beautiful. I'll look forward to seeing it!

    Hope the reno won't be too tough on the boys. Probably will need extra patience all around.

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    1. It's going to help tremendously that they aren't here during the day....by the time they get home the noise of drills and saws will be gone. At least their bath and bedroom will be the same. They usually surprise me and do amazingly well when I think they will fall apart, so I'm hoping for the best!

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  15. Sounds you will have a big change in the kitchen:)
    But still I love your old
    Kitchen!

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    1. Yes, I've always loved it! But the new will be nice, too..

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  16. haha the poor cats will run for cover I bet
    Of course a new exploration will be met
    With all kinds of things in new spots
    Some like that lots
    Hopefully everything goes smooth as can be
    Bet it will look great when done at your sea

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    1. I wonder if they will even come through the flap
      with the room empty and the new floor intact.
      Should be interesting to see
      how it will effect the kitties!

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    2. Sure plenty of surprised looks will come due
      As you snap a picture or two

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    3. Might have to do one last pedicure in that sink
      And give mr neighbor man a wink. Lol.

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  17. Glad you showed the before pictures. I'm anxious to see that after shots!
    Hope all goes well and everyone handles the disruption well. :)

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  18. Wow, only 25, that is amazing. Also, I love the writing area with the window there. So nice. But I bet the new kitchen will be amazing.

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    1. Yeah, it was amazing what young couples (double income, no kids) could do 30 years ago! We almost opened a bake shop at that time but opted to build a house. ha. I still wish we had a bake shop but am glad for the house. haha. I do love my little nook...it's great to have a desk in the kitchen...so convenient!

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  19. I know what you mean about parting with the memories...keep lots of pictures. I even have scraps of wallpaper...Hey, it was the 80's and we wall papered everything (you know that). It's going to be a tough process...you will make it. I hope the boys get by well of course, too. :)

    Jane xxx

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    1. I papered every square inch of walls in this house in the 80's. Ugh! This is the last room to have it removed.

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  20. Hi Betsy - all the very best during the disruption - as that's what it will be for the boys ... but I'm sure you'll love the result - so looking forward to seeing it - lots of work in the meantime ... and I hope that the animoooools cope too! Cheers and I just hope it's not too chaotic til it's finished ... good luck and lots of thoughts - Hilary

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    1. I'm kind of excited...even for the chaos. It will be short lived!

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  21. oh my...a house full of disrupted animals...ha...that could be chaos....
    you know this is going to be a great treat when done though....
    hope all goes well...

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  22. This will be so worth all the disruptions.
    One day at a time - just breathe.

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    1. great advise...one day at a time...and look forward to the end!

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  23. So excited for you also! How nice to be able to say that you've lived in your house that long, wonderful memories for everyone. Ok, now I'm looking through the Ikea catalog and wondering which kitchen will be yours! We were just there 2 weeks ago buying some cute storage cubes that will act as a coffee table for our small living room.

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    1. I've always been thankful we were able to stay in the same house. I moved all the time as a child....no real house to call home or have memories in...even friends changed every few years. Glad our boys have those memories (and stability) of living in one place!
      Your coffee table sounds fun....I love to browse through Ikea!

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  24. I always LOVED your current kitchen Betsy...I still remember rocking babies and looking our your kitchen windows!!! BUT...a NEW ONE!?!?!? Oh my! Cannot wait to see what you have planned!

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    1. Oh, I know...lot of memories for us and our friends/neighbors! We have an inkling of what we're getting into, having survived a couple of additions. Still....the kitchen was intact during those. haha. I have SO many good memories of you guys as our backyard neighbors...fun times with the kids.

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  25. I can't wait to see your reno, but I do appreciate the memories a spot holds. =) I'm saying a prayer for easy passage for your guys through the chaos. blessings and hugs ~ tanna

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    1. Thanks tanna...prayers are good and can always see God's help when my blog friends offer our cares up to heaven!

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  26. Replies
    1. I know! It really is! It will be fun to document the progress each day, too!

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  27. My new countertops a few years ago look minuscule in comparison to your project! Wishing all of you good luck, can't wait to see the transformation.

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    1. Thanks, Helen....it's going to be fun watching it change!

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  28. The anticipation is building.
    Saying good-by to the old and being unsure of the future is hard. It's that way for everything.
    BUT...
    I visualize lots of laughs, hugs, cats, birds, new words written, progress, smells and of course grandchildren in the new kitchen!

    Happy for all of you!

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    1. Oh, I love the way you're looking at it...a fresh spot for creating more memories. And grand babies in the new sink...haha...LOVE that. Yes, so fun!

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  29. Good luck with your building work. I hope you are going to show us your new kitchen very soon, and I hope you really love it.
    OK... deep breath.

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  30. It looks pretty good to me as it is, but I can't see the cracked tiles from here. Hope all goes smoothly and the boys and pets aren't too stressed out by it all. Can't wait to see the new look.

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