Well, I can't find the cord to upload photos to my computer or else you would be looking at what used to be my kitchen. Work began last Thursday. My awesome brother tore out the cabinets with the help of Christian and his favorite friend Timmo. There are big holes in the wall board where new windows are going next to the range hood. The wall between the dining room and kitchen is gone. A half wall is going in with double sided glass cabinets above. I am moving the refrigerator to the area that used to be pantry.
It all started with the non functioning appliances. I always wanted a cabinet front on the dishwasher, (hate stainless and what else is there if not a cabinet front?)
so I couldn't purchase a new dishwasher without new cabinets.
Right?
It makes perfect sense to me.
It has been a very long 2 month process getting to this point, making all the decisions. But I have had the good fortune of working with Don vonAhlfeld at Hayes Custom cabinets and it's been much easier with his help. His brother Paul is doing the wall prep, framing, moving of duct work and pipes, etc... and I am so grateful!
The cabinet building begins today! In the next two weeks I will have floors refinished and I will paint my walls.
I have ordered a copper range hood and copper farm house sink from China at a smokin' deal. (Thanks again to brother Kenny).
Counter selection was made and then 'un-made' due to extreme budget considerations.
So I have got to get that figured out this week.
My appliances have been ordered and will arrive about the same time as the cabinets.
It's all coming together.
Finally.
I will say it has been an emotional roller coaster. Well, life in general has been up and down and mostly down, as you know for a year. I wouldn't have chosen to undertake this project at this time but it's been a good distraction for the most part. Something to think about when I am awake at 3AM...
Besides the fact that there isn't a dent in the pillow beside me.
Prepping for the kitchen tear down, I cleaned out all of the cabinets and found so many hidden treasures.
In an upper cabinet over the refrigerator I found 2 little avon ceramic jars with lids on them. Inside one I found the sequins from my hand made bridal veil and the other held shells from the beach in Cabo from my honeymoon. Well you know that started the water works...
I have been searching for the past few months for a letter from Nick. I just kept hoping that he left me something... a good bye letter, some instructions, something that said what he wanted me to do with the rest of my life without him in it...
nothing.
But I did come upon a drawer full of cards.
Valentines Day
Anniversary
Birthday
Filled with loving thoughts and caring words
and I realized this was my message from Nick
and it's enough.
He loved me and I will always love him
Matthew and I talked about how weird it is to have the heart of our home look so different. We have so many memories in that kitchen.
It surprised me how sad I feel about ripping it out.
It's kind of appropriate given our hearts have been done the same.
It's a new era for us, our family and our home...
Sometimes we don't have a choice.
Appliances don't last forever and neither do we....
Kimberley, I'm wishing you all the best as you move forward on your renovation project! I can not wait to see it in person when it's finished. Taking out that wall between the rooms is going to bring in so much light, it will look fabulous! Exciting stuff..exciting.. love, Ozzie
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