The Big Reveal

Presenting....

The Kitchen - Before + After

 

The Dining Room - Before + After

TA-DA!  

It feels like a magic trick when displayed like this.  Far from it.  It's a process and it's been a long one for us.  I don't think we could have done any of it without the help of those around us!  Help came to us in many forms.  From borrowing tools (way too long :), to the physical labor for demo/assembly, and the gracious hospitality of Sunday dinners, plus ears to listen and work through the latest 'challenge' with, to voices of reason and wisdom, plus talks of encouragement, and faithful prayers.  Thank you to those, near and far for everything.  Hmmm, this is starting to sound like I'm receiving an Oscar or something.  Oh, well.  :)  I've been waiting for this 'moment', haha.  I thank my husband too, who has exceeded my expectations and worked so very hard despite his ever-changing work schedule.  He is officially handy!  Ultimately, I am so grateful to God for His provisions.  He provided the people, the skills, the knowledge and all the other numerous resources to accomplish this.  Nothing about this endeavor has been easy for me.. when the wind would blow and the rain would pour down, I knew I could hold onto Him and he had it all under control.

I only got kicked out of my house twice (once by J and my dad and then by our GC) during the whole year and a half... not bad, right?  Ha!


Today marks the first month with a fully functioning kitchen.  It is WONDERFUL.  We're enjoying it for awhile before we start the next thing on the to-do list.  It's not done, you ask?  Is IT EVER?!  I suppose this is why one either loves or hates owning a home.

We still have to install a backsplash....future post?  Until then....

In case, you want to take a look back with me -

Moving In - Fall 2009

Busy at Work - Fall 2010

Bye-bye upper cabinet above peninsula!

 Peninsula.

See ya later, double ovens!

 

Dusty, much?

 My corner of comfort.

 

 Gutted. 

Buds of a Kitchen - Winter 2010/Spring 2011

 Flat-pack kitchen. Joy. 

 Island coming together. 

Jason worked incredibly hard to install the microwave and wall oven before he went out to sea.  He did an amazing job and I was able to start 'cooking' in the actual kitchen space.

With the help of my brother, we 'easily' put together the pull-outs.  They are actually easy.. after you figure out what you are doing.  I love the pantry. 

The last MAJOR piece of the puzzle!  Countertops. 

Love the laminate.

Getting there...

 Mother's Day.  

The first time using the gas cook top, my mom and I cooked up some scrambled eggs and garlic rice.  Yum.

It's easy to install drawers when you can fit inside the cabinet.  :)   

 

After much debate, I'm glad we did the 10' island.  Anything less would have looked too small for the space. 

Island - facing the sink.  Drawers!  I love having so many drawers.

Island - facing the living room. 

Sink side view.

Another view of the dining room.  The hutch had a successful makeover!

After this lengthy post (and remodel!) all of have to say is WE SURVIVED......

18 months without a cook top, 7 months without a sink, 4 months completely gutted.  

Hooray.