Agreeing to Disagree

In the Christianson house there are a few (just a "few") things Jeff and I have agreed to disagree on. For example, we disagree on the number of pets we should own. [Note this disagreement includes the type of pets and the location of where those pets should sleep and eat - oh, and if said pets are allowed to wear what, if any, accessories.] When Jeff would talk about getting another dog, I would counter with talk about buying a fish, or a cat, and/or a bird. We have this unspoken/screamed agreement that basically means if one us acts first then that would be free reign for the other to buy their pet/pets of choice. Needless to say there have been no new pets in our family since the original disagreement. We have been at a stalemate.


For the past 4 years, Jeff and I have been in the same situation regarding appliances. I think we need a microwave. Jeff does not. Jeff thinks we need a 2nd freezer. I do not. Now, I do not need to go into detail about what happened to the original microwave in the first place - if you are reading this blog then you already know me and my "savvy" culinary skills. So...no microwave for 4 years, most of which I spent lusting over a microwave like a 1960's house wife, no popcorn (or least the good kind) no reheated left overs, no cups of tea/hot coco in a instant, no defrosting - it has been rough.

So what is big deal about having more freezer space? Good question and the rookie wife may be willing to trade the convenience of a microwave for more freezer space, but oh, oh, oh what the rookie wife has not factored in is that my husband is a year round hunting, costco shopping, deal seeking, large game eating husband. Living with a freezer full of stuff he would inevetiably force me to actually eat - uggh it just was not worth it.

When we started our kitchen remodel I began campaigning for a new microwave in earnest and it wasn't easy, I had to use all of my wifely powers and quote some stats on kitchen remodels courtesy of Consumer Reports. It worked and she's a beauty!

I have spent the last week basking in my hot cocoa's, making green tea in minutes and snacking on popcorn - when suddenly a thought hit me....without enough room for a another freezer...does Jeff think this gives him the green light for a new pet?!!??!!

Isn't she a beauty???

Bear has been enjoying his WARM cereal

a little bit of progress

We are getting countertops tomorrow which means a sink and a dishwasher...can't wait!

most of the appliances are in

Jeff working on the cabinets

We had a some help from these three guys recently:

Kyle & Bear

My dad "helped" put cabinets together : )

One small step...

We installed cabinets this weekend and here is the fruit of our labor:

Before (south wall)

After (the wine rack was at Tiffany's request)

Before (east wall)

After

We get appliances this week so more changes to come soon.

I know where everything is except my sanity...

The refrigerator is in the living room.

The oven is in the dining room.

The pots and pans are in the nursery.

My sanity.... MIA

To bring some balance to the situation Ken and Sue came down on Wednesday; Ken did some painting and Sue brought dinner. Aren't they cute?

Ken pulling a line (NOT drawing a line)

Sue helping out!
 

This week we also tackled one our least favorite home improvement project: dry wall (I'll mud if you sand?)

Mudding

Sanding

Somewhere between Bear getting sick and moving out of the house (thanks Bette Jo!) we had Jeff's friend come in and refinish the kitchen floor (the rest of the floors will get finished next month).

Kitchen Floor Before (kind of)

Kitchen Floor Before

Kitchen Floor After

Up next? Moving back in and cabinets.

Progress

We had a weekend full of fun and friends but also managed to make some progress on the kitchen (and just in time, the refrigerator is in the living room, the only working sink in the house is in the bathroom and I have gained half a thigh from all of the takeout). We owe the biggest thanks to Jay (the best baby watcher) and Brad & Lex (the most understanding and entertaining house guests!).

Looking from the dining room to the kitchen late, late, late on Friday

Looking from the dining room to the kitchen on Sunday night

Needless to say...we were blessed with a heavy sleeper

The Madness Has Begun

So, the boys survived while I was gone - the house not so much. I arrived late Thursday night to find a big hole in the side of my poor little house, so the kitchen remodel (aka the madness) has begun. We have pretty much finished most of the planning:

We have started the demo and mechanical:

the big hole in the house/replacing the window

oh Gus! he loves a good remodel

we uncovered a few surprises

the plumbing...really old (you can't tell but Jeff's feet are not touching the floor!)

so far Bear has been a trooper!