T - 12 Days, and Counting...

Today is the last of May. Tomorrow starts the month in which we will actually move into our new house. This is the moment that we have been dreaming about and planning and watching come to fruition for 4 years now. I am feeling relatively calm about it this morning, but those obsessive-compulsive tendencies that I'm known for are simmering just below the surface, and threatening to explode in the face of the next person that makes direct eye contact with me.

J and I have finished our last full day of Kindergarten. It makes me a bit nostalgic when I think about it a lot...that my baby is growing up, and that recent lost tooth is going to be just another day in the life after a couple of weeks. Mostly though, I am thrilled! It was tough being a teacher when I never expected to be one. Over all, I'm glad we did it, AND I'm glad we're done. Today we are celebrating by eating out at Red Lobster (her choice), and for the next 2 weeks I am planning on several outings to take our minds off the fact that there is still a lot to be done before we can move our beds in.

Meanwhile, I am trying to tie up some last minute details. I ordered drapes and 100 cabinet knobs in the past week (not quite as expensive as the light bulbs, but a close second.) I have been thinking about towel racks and curtain rods and toilet paper holders...all of those mundane necessities of life. I'm hoping that the house can be ready to live in soon after we are handed the keys.

All the while, things keep happening out at the house. Last week they finished up the kitchen/dining room ceiling, and put in the kitchen cabinets. It has a log cabin feeling in there now, and the galley-type kitchen has become quite cozy. There are several things about the cabinets that we are not thrilled with, but overall, they are great. JP is of the mindset that our "dream kitchen" should be perfect. Perhaps I should think that way, but I grew up (as did he, really) in the "make do with whatever" mode, so I am planning to do just that. This photo is taken from the dining room, looking toward the pantry. The cupboard just behind our scratch-and-dent range hood is way back in a corner. It is a bit awkward, but a difficult area to fill because of the cabinet for the wall ovens and the small space.

This shot is from the pantry out toward the dining room. We have LOTS of drawers, which will be GREAT!

L could hardly wait to show me that they have put in the doors and trim downstairs. This is her beside a door in her room.

They have begun trimming out the windows and doors in the great room with wood. The rest of the house will have white trim (less expensive), but we wanted the wood look in this room.

The tiles are laid in the Mud Room and adjacent bathroom.

They were working in the Master Bathroom as well...put in the shower floor and drain, and will likely start tiling it as well before the day is out.

The whole crew was out on a Saturday. I expect they will be putting in a lot of overtime in the next 2 weeks. In fact, the builder asked when the light bulbs are to arrive so that he can work some in the evenings. I think they should come in by Tuesday so we can light up the night.

We have also chosen an exterior paint color for the house. It is called "Portobello"...because we are a bunch of FUN-GIS (guys)!