We've come so far...

Here is a before picture, after the old tile was ripped up. You know how in makeovers they make the before look really bad so the after looks really good?? That's what I'm going for here. So -- this is the kitchen before and...

After... (minus any real decor and a couple of random cabinets that we are still waiting on and crown molding, etc. etc. But you can say that is it 90% finished.)

<<--shiny new sink. I need something fun to hang in that space above. Any ideas??

<<-- big drawers to hold dishes. Love that!

<<-- coming from the dining room... look at all the counter, would ya? (still need the side skins for the cabinets there)

<<--the bar area, lazy susan in the corner, book shelves for pretties and cook books

It's still not quite real that it's done and ready to use. I've started putting things away but don't yt feel like it's mine, I guess. I want to be really choosey in what I put away, cause if I don't love it or it's not useful I don't want it anymore. Having everything packed up for so long helps put all the clutter of life in perspective. I've really forgotten so much of the crap I had stuffed here and there, I realize I don't need or want it. I know, it's ironic to 'de-clutter' now that I have tons of places to put things and when I had one drawer and 2 feet of counter I kept everything ever given to me, but oh, well. I've seen the light.

Thanks so, so, so much for all your advice and interest in our project. It's been fun to have those I love be a part of such an adventure with me. I'm now looking forward to finding pretty's to put here and there and then to lots of company !!

To another fun topic: Jonathan's class field trip to the zoo. Katie and I went along for the day. It was tons of fun. I thankfully remembered my camera and took some pics along the way. I hestitate to share many of his classmates without permission, so here are my favorites otherwise from the day.

<<---<<---yes, that is my son getting soaked.

<--<--Jonathan with Ms. Quest, his teacher for 1st and 2nd grade. Gonna miss her next year!

<<--the faithful giraffe. She will always give me a good shot. Can't have a zoo trip without stopping by the giraffes.

<<--<<--my #1 favorite - the hippos. This one liked us alot and was swimming by us. Doesn't she look like she's smiling for the camera?

<<--<<--cute penguins being fed. Those fish were stink.y. These were the outside penguins. Inside its a balmy 45 degrees. can you say Brrrrr????

<<--Sweet sleepy sun bear.

<<--Kate's favorite , the prairie dogs. She loves the wee ones.
<<--<< -- and yes, my daughter got soaked too. What kind of mom says "no" to the sprinklers?? Look close, she got that one right in the face!

Taking off tomorrow to go on a photography mystery tour with Mom and Leon. Thinking it's gonna be quite the adventure.