Almost There

Although our household is still a bit in upheaval, I've had some requests for more kitchen pictures.  We've almost reached the remodeling finish line, but fortunately, the photos we took make it look we've already arrived.  The sink is still not hooked up, and the gas cooktop needs to have the gas line attached (once we locate a line that's just a wee bit longer).  However, we are thankfully closing in on kitchen nirvana.  The floors still have some issues, but that's a story for another day.

Oh, I forgot to mention that I'm happy to have our computer back.  We melted the power source somehow (perhaps due to some rewiring for the kitchen?), but our trusty machine was discharged from the computer hospital after a mere two-week stay.  It's good to be operational again.  (Is anyone else as amazed as I am at how quickly technology evolves and then how frustrating it is to have to go back in time even four or five years?  "I can't use this laptop.  It's TOO slow."  Man, am I spoiled!)

So, here are a few pictures to peruse.  Overall, I'm pleased with how the kitchen turned out.  Once I get a little psychic and emotional distance from the whole experience, I'm sure I'll be ecstatic about the finished product.

Here's a shot with kind of a weird perspective, but you get the idea.

No, this is isn't exactly the same picture.  This gives a better
view of the island, which is one of the main reasons we remodeled.

We took out the desk and put more drawers where it used
to be.  We seem to have tons of storage now.

This picture's for my mom who loves details.  The smaller tiles are
glass, and I think they add a nice contrast and visual interest.

Another detail I like is our granite windowsill.  It wasn't my idea, but I approve.

I've learned that you have to be able to "go with the flow" during a remodel.  It always takes longer than expected, and it usually costs a bit more than planned.  Fortunately, we stayed close to budget, and the hiccups along the way were fairly minimal.  Speaking of flow, I love how the kitchen traffic moves now.  The room just seems bigger and more open than it used to.  Since we don't need six seats at the bar any more, I think it's going to work really well for us. . . once we get that sink and cooktop operational.

Gettin' Ready for Trek

We've also spent some time recently getting ready for our pioneer trek in a little less than two weeks.  Mike and I (a.k.a. Ma and Pa Young) met our ten kids last night and also got the name of our eleventh baby, heretofore known as "the rice baby" that our family will carry along the trail.  Evidently, we're never allowed to set him down, and the siblings are supposed to do the bulk of the carrying.  Wow!

Meet Peter Kirkman, born July 9, 1856.  Our other kids have
already nicknamed him Petey.  I had fun assembling him.

We worked on our flag last night at our activity.  I did a bit
more painting on it today and will sew a border on it soon.

I'm more excited than ever about the trek.  Our loaned children seem nice, a couple of quirky ones among the bunch, but I think we'll have a great experience.  Matt and Adam seem to be happy with their makeshift families as well.  Now we just have to take care of about two hundred other details.  Bring it on!