Daddy Date

The kids love their dates with dad. This one was to pick up my special order grout at Lowe's. He got a little tired. But was awaken just in time to pick up a Superhero Puzzle at HEB. That is double goodness....Superheroes AND Puzzles.

Dayd

Kitchen Remodel *SNEAK PEAK*

So we have decided to remodel the Kitchen. Actually it has been going on a few months, in a three step phase. 1) Restain Cabinets, get hardware, 2) New Backsplash 3) Paint. We have taken our time, so that the house hasn't been in a constant construction zone feel that whole time.

Currently About 1 1/2 phases are done. The hardest part have been picking the tile and hardware. Even the 9-hours we spent tiling yesterday doesn't compare with how torn up I've been with choices in hardware.

Here is what we started with:

What I love about the kitchen initially are the nice countertops, nice appliances, and layout: how big it is.

What I didn't like was the country feel and overwhelming sense of yellow. Wasn't crazy about the blue tiles either. Also, the back of the island and sides of the cupboards were covered with a paper laminate wood that was starting to wear and very much cheapened up the look.

I thought all I could confidently do was paint, and the rest we would just live with, but I traded a few piano lessons for design tips from a interior designer, who got us thinking on a grander scale. Although it has been a ton of work, I really enjoy doing it myself, and that is within the budget at this point.

Here are a few construction pictures:

Sanding the bases of the cupboards. Just this little bit of sanding put dust throughout the entire house. Gary was in charge of sanding. I was in charge of staining.





Staining cupboard faces. Unfortunately the previous stain made taking new stain quite difficult, and made it really hard to predict the color it would be in the end. We ended up using 3 different coats in 3 different shades to get what we were looking for. Then I sanded the edges for a more custom look. We also added 1/4 inch hardwood to the paper laminate cupboard sides and the island.



Tearing out existing tile and drywall.

Putting up cement backerboard and sneak peak at my pretty cabinets and my final choices in hardware. I currently still have about $200 in "potential hardware" choices sitting ready to return to Lowe's and Home depot.
Choosing the layout. I really liked the travertine noce subway tiles, but only in the light color. Which means I had to go through the packs and Home Depot individually. In the end we went with the darker noce at Lowe's, which again I went through the individual pack to achieve the look I wanted. Are you guessing I am a little OCD at this point? Gary is.

I wanted a contrasting pattern throughout hence the 1x1 square tile.
Sneak Peak at the masterpiece over the stove top.


More to come, stay updated.

Still to do...1) grout, I am thinking grey? 2) Pick paint 3) Paint

Special thanks to Jared who let me break into his garage and use his brand new tile saw, which was much easier than the angle grinder we were initially using. Would never do another tile project with it.

Girl Time

The boys were asleep, so Miss L and I did manicures and pedicure to match. Miss L said I needed to cover up my ugly fingernail...the one she slammed in the door. I love having a girly girl.

The difference between girls and boys

They are playing boat this morning.

Miss L: Pretend I am a princess, okay?

Lil G: Pretend I fell in the water and got eaten by a shark

On a different note: Preschool Graduation...

Our weekend

We had a lazy weekend. No pressing plans, I read a depressing book, and Gary made a volcano with the kiddos.

All the boys got haircuts. This one was the most dramatic. He needed a cut, but I am mourning the loss of curls. I hope they grow back soon.

A wasp got in the house. This was Miss L's protective gear.

We did a lot of this...glazing pots. The pots look amazing....the best batch yet. Right in time for the Baylor Art show.