Feeling A Little More Settled

If anyone is still checking our blog you're probably wondering where we've been. Well, we've been packing our house, finishing project at the new house, moving, celebrating Gabe's birthday, Grandpa Roosmann's birthday, my birthday, Grandma Roosmann's retirement and then living life along the way as well. 

I feel like my head's finally back on my shoulders and the dust is finally settling. Since my sister has been asking for pictures of the new house I thought I'd start my return to the blog with pictures of our biggest change (new address postcards to be mailed shortly)!

In case you didn't know, we moved into a foreclosure three blocks from Andy's parents. It's a home we would not have been able to afford for many many years if it hadn't been in such sad shape, but with some elbow grease, and hours of volunteer labor from friends and family we were able to move into our new house April 21st - Gabe's 3rd birthday.Nice gift huh? 

Okay, let's get started with some before and afters. 

BEFORE

From a distance the carpet doesn't look too bad, but it was GROSS, and even worn bare in several spots.Also, while I don't have any feelings against oak wood, there was just too much for my liking. So, we* ripped out all the carpet and painted the wood work throughout the house. (*I use the word 'we' liberally here. I'm really more of an idea person).

 AFTER

Granted it's daylight in the after, but trust me it feels MUCH lighter and brighter now.

BEFORE

I wish I'd taken a close-up of the laminate flooring in the kitchen so you'd have a better idea of how UGLY it was, oh-well; Andy described it as orange cork. And we* were super lucky to discover another layer of laminate under the faux cork! Sweat equity folks. Additionally, the wall was fine, but I wanted a bigger opening so we called a pro and made the hole wider and taller.

Everything in the kitchen was in working condition, just really dirty. But, I wanted an island not a peninsula, the counter and backsplash were chipped and dated, there was too much oak wood for me, and the lighting was insufficient. 

You can see that at this point in the process we'd* reconfigured the cabinet layout and expanded the wall. You'll also note in the after that we* removed the upper cabinets on the right side and replaced them with open shelving. The house has plenty of cabinetry still and there is also a large pantry so those cabinets aren't missed. Well, at least not by me!

AFTER

Ahhhhh - I love my new kitchen. Yes, we still need to install the backsplash, purchase a new fixture for over the table, buy some rugs, hang curtains,and attach tin to the pantry door BUT HELLO BEAUTIFUL. Gabe and I spend a good 75% of our day in here. And when he's in the backyard I can usually see every inch of his play from the sink or sliding doors.

There is a lot of umph left to inject in here, but I truly feel like the luckiest girl in the world. 

BEFORE

The master bedroom had the funky carpet as well, and while blue and green are fine colors I wanted to move in with a clean slate.

AFTER

One of Andy's biggest complaints about our old house was the lack of comfortable flooring. Hardwood through a house is much cleaner (which I love) but Andy really wanted carpet. My awesomely persistent/stubborn husband drove all over town looking for good carpet at a great price and found $40/yard carpet on clearance for $9/yard. I may or may not have made eyes with the salesmen to help the deal and reduce the price of the carpet padding...but overall Andy saved the day and carpet in the bedrooms and basement is a nice luxury.

BEFORE

Like with the other rooms, Gabe's needed new carpet.

AFTER

Gabe LOVES his new room. He picked out the curtains (navy with white sports gear) and helped with the bedding. The new house also meant a new BIG BOY bed for Gabe. His bedroom furniture used to be his Daddy's when he was a little guy (how cool is that). The set includes a sturdy dresser and bookcase for all Gabe's much loved books. Again, some wall art will really finish the room but all in time.

There are still little projects to do here and there, but Andy and I go to bed every night excited like little kids to have this house. We truly are blessed beyond measure!