Renovations 2010!

We have two big renovations we are really excited about this year! The kitchen has been one that we were originally going to do this Spring, but once we started looking at all the options I became quickly overwhelmed and decided that we could do lots of other less daunting projects before we do the kitchen. I think 2010 will END with a complete gut of our kitchen! So exciting, and scary, all at once...




Like I've noted before, our kitchen oven does not work, so we have a over-sized toaster oven that works fine for the two of us for now. Our stove works, 3 of the 4 burners, so I think that is just fine. We bought a new fridge and have a microwave. What more could one ask for? I know! I know! Pick me! Pick me!!

ANYWAYS...

The project I am really excited about is our new backyard. We are going to install (ahem have the hired contractors install) a paver patio with space to lay out on a warm sunny day and grill out on a warm summer night. We are also going to put up a nice tall privay fence. No more looking in on our neighbors eating breakfast early in the morning or late at night...phew. I've had ENOUGH of that! How dare they eat breakfast in their own dining room!

We are also going to landscape (new sod, flower beds, etc) in both the back and front yards.

We plan to do the fence and patio this month and next month and then all the planting late April. We are so excited! Can't wait for you all to see!

Here is the beautiful before...




This is what I would love to be the after:


This first one is a dream...I could never keep all those beautiful plants alive...




This is the most realistic of the bunch...



And again, someday we will live on a lake...but other than that, love that patio.



We'll keep you updated on our progress!