I've been a slacker when it comes to blogging, but anyone that has moved into a new home knows that there is always something on your to-do list. We received a huge sigh of relief when we finally received all the paperwork from the bank and county stating that everything was finished. We have already made our first mortgage payment and all the new bills have started rolling in as well. For those that thought we would have major sticker shock when it came to our new power and gas bills, I am pleased to announce that we were quite happy with the results. We really think our decision to have the foam insulation and investing in a "smart" programmable thermostat were well worth the cost.
I have promised more pictures, so here are some of the main living areas. These aren't the best because they were taken with my phone. Our camera is on it's last leg and doesn't hold a charge either.
As you walk in our door from the garage, we have a mudroom space that I love! All our coats, bags, shoes etc get thrown here.
The double doors in the mudroom are to a closet for cleaning supplies, etc and
also where the laundry chute drops into...
Right off the mudroom is our laundry room. So far I'm a huge fan of the clothes rod and large sink.
On the opposite side of the washer and dryer is a built in desk and space for laundry baskets. Some day I'd like to put a shelf above where the baskets are in the picture to get more use out of the space. This is also a catch all place for whatever...
This picture turned out pretty dark, but this is the window in the laundry room. Gigi and I made the roman shades based off a "simple" project found on pinterest of turning a cheap mini-blind into a roman shade. As always the project took MUCH longer than anticipated, but I do love the end result.
Right as you walk into the kitchen from the mudroom, we have our MASSIVE pantry. I have received numerous comments of envy on this one. I have to say one of my favorite parts of the house...
I really like that all our small appliances don't have to take up valuable kitchen cabinet space.
You probably can't tell, but in person you would realize that we do coupon/stockpile. Love getting deals!
I never realized how much I would love the layout of the kitchen until actually using it. My favorite is that everything is within arms reach...
Including a garbage cabinet to the left of the sink.
Probably should have turned the dining room lights on for this one.
Here are some more DIY attempts that were actually easy and turned out well (in my opinion). I had left over fabric and picture frames (inherited from the close of my company office in Bham several years ago), so I covered the glass with fabric and hot glued on some clips so that we could display Nicholas' artwork (or I should say footwork based on what's up there). The cross was made from TP rolls that I cut, glued and spray painted.
We have had a few "picnics" on our screened in porch. At some point we will purchase some patio furniture so we don't have to use our dining room chairs to do so...
From the mudroom you can either go into the kitchen or living room. On your way into the living room is a small powder room.
Also off the living room is the doorway to the basement. You can tell what is to come, based off the floor mat.
Not much in the living room, but I love how spacious it is! I'm sure we will get more furniture over time, just not in any rush right now.
Looking into the foyer from the living room.
Incredibly tall foyer, which needed an incredibly tall foyer chandelier to match
(I think it's close to 4 feet tall itself)
(I think it's close to 4 feet tall itself)
Ever since we started building, I haven't devoted much of the blog to Nicholas. He is always full of energy and so tender-hearted! He says the funniest things and is a sponge, so you always have to be aware of what you say around him. He will finish up his second year at Mother's Day Out in May, but is in for a change next year. Nicholas will start preschool in the fall, which consists of 5 days a week from 9-1pm. This will also be a change for me as well as I have already confirmed with my boss and will change my work schedule. Right now I work 3 days a week all day long and will be switching to 5 days so that I can work while he is in school and be home with him when he is not. I'm excited about this new school and know he will learn a lot and definitely be prepared for Kingergarten the following year. I'm still in shock that my baby boy will be 4 in May.
