Work phase: Removal!

Thank you for all of that excitement and goodwill!  I'm writing back (slowly)...  Thanks for making us feel like everyone is as thrilled as we are about this new place.  We've had four days in the house and we have (with help from family!):
-made copious plans
-scrubbed the woodwork & walls in the bedrooms
-removed the appliances
-re-keyed the locks
-removed the kitchen counter & sink
-removed kitchen cupboard doors
-removed miles upon miles of green tile (it was on the counters and the floors in the kitchen and playroom...)
-lots o' yard work (it sat empty for awhile)
-removed a bucket's worth of hardware from walls, doors, ceilings, etc.
-removed old blinds, alarms, etc.
-shopped for fix-it supplies galore
-called for bids on various things you'd never want to do yourself (insulation under the first floor, refinishing painted wood floor, etc.)

OK, so listing it out makes me feel better.  Somewhere in there we walked to our town's annual parade and saw Carrie's beautiful exhibit at Art Walk (also, madly: finishing up the big tutorial contest and getting ducks in a row for Women's Clothing Month on the SMS blog).  The house to-do list is freaking me out!  No complaints though; we're so thrilled and excited!  I kept panicking our first work day because I'd lose track of the boy in the house.  I've never lost track of him in our little home because it's so small (there's nowhere to go, nowhere to hide).  He races through the empty rooms in the "new home," has quickly become a tool expert and lends a helping hand whenever it's needed (and often when it isn't).  Yesterday morning wall washing was not a hit but sorting the cupboard hardware was fantastic!

I think if I share before pics before there's an after you'll think we're crazy.  Here are some "durings" though.  I decided to go flash crazy in the house so the "afters" in natural light look way better!

The three of us were alone in the house last night, watching how the light moves through the home in the evening.  We admired the cherry blossoms from the porch and laughed at the grime everywhere.  We're dreaming, and happy.

Comments

[Trina]

Kristine and Bob send their heartfelt congratulations, as do "the girls." We are all so happy for you. Please let us know if you need more muscle. We're always all together on Sundays, and I'm sure we would be up for a trip to lend a helping hand.

[meg]

Well, it already looks like it's going to be one fine kitchen! And hats off to you guys: We made long lists of everything we wanted to get done during the month between closing and move-in...and we're still chipping away at it two years later. :) Hey, we had newborn! (That's my excuse and I'm stickin' to it.)

Best wishes and congratulations!

[melissa]

Oh, YAY, you! Ya'll are so smart to do it all at the beginning. We're three years into our house and STILL working on things that could have been done the first week if only we'd done it. But little boy was 9 months old, and, well, it's hard to do with an infant! Could be harder still with a preschooler. Congratulations!

[Rachel]

Don't forget to install a dishwasher. You'll never regret it.

[Camille]

Oh, it's oozing with amazingness!

[Kelli]

I swear that picture of the kitchen looks like a house we made an offer on in Washington state

[Gina]

Sounds like your very busy. Having remodeled two houses ourselves, my thought go out to you. I'm sure the end results will be just divine.

[Megan]

Beth, I've been so busy with my own move I didn't even notice your monumental one. Congratulations, I couldn't be happier for you.

[Carrie]

The little sneak peek makes your place look great. The first few weeks of new homeownership seem so overwhelming, but it seems like you have positive energy flowing. Good job getting so much done in a few short days--let me know if you need any help!

[Holly]

You guys already have a good head start! I know new homes can be a lot of work, but it really is worth it for the "after" picture!!! :) Can't wait to see what you all do with the house. Your son must be loving this new adventure! I have an almost 4-year old and he loves any sort of home improvement project haha!

[Katie]

Congratulations on your new place! I am a hearty supporter of keeping the 'done' list! 12 months after we started renovating our place, we still have a 'Priority List' which comprises both the 'to-do' list and the 'done' list. It's too easy to forget everything you've done and it makes you feel good to re-read it!

[Mary Beth]

How wonderful! I'm so happy for you. I think it looks great.

[Basil]

Congratulations! I've been waiting for this good news. I knew it would happen. I love your last line: we're dreaming, and happy. That just so captures the thrill of moving to a new place, especially one that is all yours. Someday we'll make the jump to ownership too...