The countertops are done! Check out the 'Recent Photos' on the left to see the finished product. We are both pleased with how they turned out; however, the need to replace our kitchen appliances and flooring in the kitchen/dining area has now been made that much more evident.  Oh well, one thing at a time, right?

I have to say, I was a little nervous about the dark pattern I picked out, but seeing it finished, up against the oak cabinets with black hardware, makes me feel like I definitely made the right pick!

Drew has been a busy bee this week with demolition of the old countertops; drywall patching, sanding, and painting where the old backsplash used to be; then installing the new sink and faucet today after the installation was complete. He's awesome, basically.

-Em

When we first looked at this house, I remember saying to Drew, "One of the first things I would want to change are these ugly, off-white, damaged, and stained countertops." It's been more than three years since then, and they're finally, finally going! Woo hoo!

Drew has been working on most of the demolition today (we opted to do this part ourselves to save money), and the new countertops are supposed to be installed on Wednesday. We will be without the use of our kitchen for a few days, but I think it'll all be worth it. We need to go pick out our new sink and faucet in the next couple of days as well.

Check out the 'Recent Photos' on the left for a few demolition pics and a preview of what the countertops will look like. I'll post more photos of the finished product later this week.

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In other news, we traveled down to Earlville yesterday for Barry and Kristi's wedding reception. It was a lot of fun, and we got to see some friends we haven't seen for quite sometime (Hi Ryan and Brooke! Aaron and Kelli!). Earlier, before the reception, I enjoyed some much-needed girl time with Kate, Aubrey, and Michele while Drew went golfing (and, ahem, bar-hopping) with Collin, Darrell, and Brent. It was great spending time with the girls, and I know for a fact that Drew enjoyed himself, too. Miss you guys already!

-Em

Only a couple days left of feeling obligated to post every day. Yes, all of a sudden I am feeling burnt out.

Obviously, I no longer have a perfect record, since Drew served as my under-study last night. I haven't been feeling very well the past couple of days. Just really tired and run-down, though, so it's not a big deal. I guess that's my only excuse for not having much motivation to post the past couple of days.

Anyway, I don't have anything very interesting to post tonight. Yes, as Drew mentioned, we've been getting a lot of estimates for replacing countertops, appliances, and carpeting/tile (upstairs in the living room/kitchen/dining area as well as the hallway to the upstairs bedrooms, stairway to both levels, and entry area). We'll probably do a little at a time, as we can afford it, and I think countertops will be first on the list. We got some initial estimates on solid surfaces such as granite, quartz, and Corian, but I don't think we're willing to spend that much. We're leaning toward laminate or granite tile (which can be comparable, price-wise, to laminate). Drew has been researching the granite tile a bit more to see if he is up to the challenge of doing it himself. (I'm not sure I'm up to being without a working kitchen for a couple weeks or more, but I guess we'll see. )

Other than that, it looks like we'll be getting a winter storm over the weekend. More snow for us!

-Em

Drew Here. I'm standing in for Em today so she can keep her perfect record :)   more »

Tonight I am thankful for...

a yard free of fallen leaves...

clothes and linens clean, folded, and put away...

yummy homemade comfort-food meals simmering on the stove...

Christmas presents purchased...

grocery shopping completed...

quality time spent with doggies and hubbie...

and a few more hours of freedom and relaxation before a shortened work week begins.

-Em