New Mexico Trip

We went to New Mexico for the guys to go on a Mule deer hunt. Chris' step-sister and I went along just for a get-away vacation. And boy was it ever. After the LONG ride down there Mona and I just sat back and relaxed. No phone, no TV, no radio. While the guys were out looking for deer we kept ourselves busy with reading, talking and walking around the ranch. We all went out for some 4-wheeler rides on the 200 some acres that the ranch owner had. There sure is some beautiful sceanry out there. It was breathtaking and I am sure my amature pictures do not do any of justice. Here are just a few of the many pictures I took.

Chris did allot of this. He was allways glassin' for that big buck.

And, he got one, but it was no huge trophy. Not for out west anyway.
But, he was still happy to come home with something.

We also saw allot of cattle at the ranch where we stayed.

This was the whole crew that went on the morning that we left.
We all had allot of fun and will maybe do it again someday.

Gettin' Antsy

Am I the only one who can't wait for winter? I know what you all are thinking, that I am crazy but I love a sunny winter day or even a day that the snow is blowing outside. I don't care what you all say but...

I LOVE winter!!

Canning Frenzy

Who says weekends are for relaxing. We started canning tomatoes at 9am. After three trips back home to pick up more needed supplies and one trip to town in my PJ's (yikes), we finally finished. For those of you who know me, I do not eat tomatoes!!
Chris on the other hand wanted tomato juice.

Since we had all of the canning stuff set up we decided to make dilly beans too, another thing I also do NOT eat!

Thank you Julie and Brian for letting us use your garage for canning. We made such a mess I can't imagine doing this in the kitchen.

Happy Birthday Babe

Happy Birthday Chris!!

Now this is my kinda man. I can't believe he walked in these shoes all night!!

New Windows

We put some new windows in the house. I really love them!! This is the old bay window that was in the living room. We decided to not put a bay window back in. After the window came out we saw alot of nasty hornets nests. Chris REALLY hates hornets. I think he must have had a bad experience with a hornet or bee at some time in his life because he really goes nuts when they are around. I remember one time when I was a kid I was outside with my mom and she was hanging clothes on the line and then a hornet was buzzing around me and she started to chase me with a broom to swat the hornet. I'm sure there is more to the story but this is all I can remember.

This is how the new window looks from the inside and yes, it was raining when we were putting in the windows.

Next came the trim. After we sprayed them with the varnish stuff they had to dry. So where do you put all this trim to dry? Well you lean it all against the house of course!!

Our poor bikes are just yelling at us to ride them!! Not until all the work is done!!

Visit to Munson Bridge

A few weekends ago we finally went to Munson Bridge Winery. I have been waiting to go there for over a year now, and guess what...it only took me 10 minutes to get there!!! Now that is pretty pathetic. I loved it there. I actually asked the owner guy if he rented rooms cuz I wanted to live there. Jannelle and I split a case of wine so now we are in the case club. I am not really sure what this means, but I guess it is quite an honor. We are both wine lovers.

Bike Crazy

Here is a picture of what has been taking up most of Chris and my time. Hey, Connie, remember when we used to ride bike all the time? The old "Ten Speeds." I remember when Connie went flying over the handlebars once right onto the highway. That was not very fun.

I never was much for riding bike, butt always hurts, back hurts, legs hurt... What was the point of it all anyway? Well.... Chris talked me into trying it again and now I am hooked. I was kinda dissapointed the other day when I asked Chris if he was ready to go for a ride and he said that we shouldn't go cuz it was too hot outside! He didn't want me to get heat stoke I guess. We ride almost every evening after supper. The other day we rode at sunset and that was really cool. I should have had my camera along!! Last Friday we rode down the rail trail from Medford to Pot Belly then drank some beer, ate supper and rode back in the dark! Isn't it crazy the things you try as you get older just to make your life more exciting?

Does anyone else do this or is it just me?

More Home Improvement

It's time to stain the siding on the house!! Didn't we just do this? Oh, I guess it was about 5 years ago. Where does the time go?? We have the wonderful cedar siding and love the way it looks but as with anything there is some maintenance involved. It was amazing how different the house looked after it was done.

Brewers Game

We went to a Brewers Game a while ago. They WON!!! Thank's to Paul and Lynn for asking us to go with them when they won 4 tickets. It was alot of fun. Chris and I love to watch the games and love even more to go to the games. Even if you are not a fan of baseball, just give it a try maybe you will find out that you like it. I know I used to think that the baseball games were so boring but once you get to learn things about the game and the players it is not so bad.

Here is a picture of my "Hart!" He seams like such a cool guy. I wish I could meet him someday. What is up with his hair this year? One day he is blonde and then he comes along with this dark hair, yuck. Like I said this game was a while ago and he has since changed his hair again, now he has gone to a partial shaved head.

Here we are at the game. Don't you love my Brewers Beads??

I know, I know, It's about time!

So I have been hearing from alot of people that I need to make a post on my kitchen progress.

We actually found these stools about 2 weeks ago. Chris heard about this sale and we went online and looked at them. He went to the store a few days later.

Picture this.. Chris in the store looking at stools all by himself. He finds them then pulls one down to take a seat and see if they are actually comfortable to sit on. Then he starts walking around the store to find something that is the same height as our countertops. After he finds something he goes back to the stools and takes one and starts to walk thru the store carrying the stool. He gets to the counter/table and takes a seat. Leaning on the counter, making himself comfortable and trying to decide if these stools will pass his test. Well he decides that they will fit his standards of comfort and then purchases them.

I don't think I would have gone thru all of that if I was by myself. I would have looked at them, maybe took a seat for about 30 seconds then said okay I will buy them. I usually am pretty quick to make a decision but Chris on the other hand has to think out every possible angle. I think maybe that is why we blend so well together.

Can I have a drum roll please....

I am just kidding.. it is still not totally done. We need to put all of the trim back up and a few more cabinet doors, just minor things.

Here is a look at what my cabinets look like now. This is maybe not the best picture to show but is was the best I could do at 9:00p.m. and ready for bed. When you look at them you can see the stain has stuck to the grain of the wood so you can see almost like a texture or contrast in the light and darks of the finish.

Here is a picture of the island. I wanted something on both ends to offset them. I didn't want just plain ends so I had them build these shelves on each end to display things. I think is really makes the island unique.
Here is a picture of the countertop. We wanted to go with a darker countertop to contrast all of the lightness of the cupboards, floor and walls. I think they really offset the colors in the room. The island is definately the focal point of the whole room.

Now we need to start the shopping for stools for the counter and maybe some new furniture in the living room.

The End is Near!!

Wow, that is not a very good title, but that is how I feel about this whole kitchen remodel. In the past few weeks I have learned a little something about myself, I am not cut out to live in a constant state of remodeling. I don't know how some people do it?? I was going crazy with the constant question of, "Where did I see that last?" or "What box is that packed away in?" But... the End Is Near and we are coming into the home stretch. I have been taking pictures but I just can't post them until I have a finished product. Isn't the suspense killing you all?? The countertops are in, the kitchen sink is in, I filled the pantry. I have never had a pantry so I love this part. No more running to the basement shelves to see if I maybe have one more can of Tomato Soup? I have been busy giving my cabinets some final touches and I think most of them are ready to go in tonight. Some friends came over the other day and one person's coment was, "It looks like a magazine picture!" I am so happy that we went thru this remodel even though there were some days when I did not think I could stand one more minute. It is all worth it in the end right? Pictures to come soon.

Kitchen Island

I walked in the door after work on Monday and this is what I saw. I have an island!! They cut out the shape of the countertop that we wanted and hooked up the stove and dishwasher and hung the pendant lights. Things are really coming together now.

Now I am really starting to dislike my couch and chair in the living room. What was I thinking when I thought that stripe and flower patern were cool? Yuck!!

New Flooring

Today it was back to work for Chris and I. Wait a minute, we have been working like crazy the past week. What a way to spend our vacation!! It was well worth it. I said it was nice to come back to work just to relax and take it easy.

No more yelling...

"Has anyone seen my hammer? I know I just had it!"

"Do you have that painting done yet?"

"Is this day over yet?"

Just kidding, we all worked well together and we did get alot done. There is still alot to do yet but the major things are in place. It will be a few more weeks before it will be totally done.

We have not even ordered our counter-tops yet.

Stop over and take a look, you will not beleive the difference!

Here is another picture of the new wood floor. I really do love it. This is just one of my favorite things in the new kitchen. I initially wanted a darker color but the character and different colors/designs are very beautiful.

It is maple if anyone was wondering.

Days two, three and four of our Remodel

Day 2 was kind of a slow moving day for me. The guys were busy with wiring lights and patching drywall. I did a little painting but for the most part, not a real busy day.

Definately not like day 1!!

Here is Jordy way back in the attic pulling wires for outlets and lighting. Chris had to pull some of the beads out of the way so we could see him. When Jordy came down I told him he looked like a snowman. He was covered in these white insulation beads and Megan had to vacum them off. I think I am going to be finding these damn beads in my house for the next month.

Day 3 had a little more action. We tore out the sink and toilet in the 1/2 bath right off of the kitchen. Chris was excited when we went to the store a few weeks back to pick out his new throne. The guy at the store told him that this new toilet would flush a small child. This must be a man thing because he is telling everyone that his new toilet can flush a small child! Yikes!!

We had alot of discussion on where to place the can lights, but after much discussion and me losing a battle of having a light in the middle of the dining room area, Chris got to work on cutting the holes in the ceiling.

Day 4 was much more active than the last two days.
Paul got started early with spraying the drywall texture on the ceiling.

Megan and I finally got to start some painting. We both like to paint so it was fun to get this started. Also, it makes you realize how far we have come. Of course Megan had to pose for the camera. She is so much like her Dad. I have so many pictures of Chris posing for the camera and stopping to make a silly grin.

Just after we finished lunch I saw a semi coming down the road with our new applicances.

Now, this was an exciting moment for me.

A girl has to have all new applicances with a new kitchen right?

Thank goodness it was a nice day and the snow quit for a while. Hopefully it is all done!

Here is a sneak peak at the flooring that we started in the afternoon of day 4.

I told you it was a busy day.

That's all I have for now.

Tomorrow we have another busy day and hopefully I can show you some finished pictures soon.

Gotta go back to work. I have alot to do before this day is over.

Day 1 of Kitchen Remodel

The sun came in thru the kitchen window bright and early on the first day of our kitchen remodel. We were ready for a long day ahead and boy was it ever.

We got alot done on the first day, so here are the results...

Here is the wall that is coming down!!!

Chris and I got everything moved out before our contractor guy arrived.


Chris and Paul got to work removing the sofit in the kitchen. I think Chris thought he was a monkey hangin from the ceiling.

Here is the wall, or where the wall used to be I should say.

Since this is a supporting wall we had to put this big beam in the ceiling. I went upstairs to make a phone call to the appliance company and was only gone about five minutes so I did not get pictures of them lifting this into the ceiling. I'm sure there was alot of gruntin' going on.

Here is the room all open with one of the support beams that will come down on the sides of this kitchen island. The room is sssoooo big.

That's all for now.

I have to get back to work before the guys find out what I am doing.

Let the FUN Begin

This past weekend we actually started our Kitchen Remodel project. After several weeks of planning and purchasing of new things the actual work has begun.

Here is a picture of the kitchen before. Very dark and 70ish. I tried to spruce it up with some color a few years ago which satisfied me for a while but I always knew that I wanted to have the whole kitchen re-done.

Here is what we had after only a short time of Demo on Saturday morning.

Thank you to Paul, Mike and Megan for all of your help. We found out that it really does not take long to tear things apart but we are in for a few weeks of remodeling. This was not our first day of demo either.

You can see I was very excited with all the room I have in the kitchen with the cupboards gone.


Next week we will start the major demo and will be tearing down all of the sofit and this wall that you see where the stove and refrigerator were will also be gone.

After the demo was done, this is how I spent the majority of the rest of my weekend...

Painting!! (and a little drinking beer also)

I really don't mind all of the painting because I know that I am going to love the end result.

To all of you who voted on leaving the cabinets with the oak finish, I am sorry to say, I will be painting them. Trust me, you will love the end result.

I will keep you all posted with the progress.

Meg The Singer

Anyone who knows Megan, knows that she loves to sing and she is good at it too. Now that she is grown up she does not sing as much as she used to. When she was living at home she used to sit up in her bedroom and sing for hours. I don't know if she knew this but I would mute the tv and just sit there and listen to her sing. Maybe it's just because I am her mom but in my opinion she is one of the best singers I have ever heard. She has brought tears of joy and admiration to my eyes so many times when I have listened to her sing. I wish I could sing like her.

This picture was taken of Megan when she was about two years old. She started way back then by pretending that she was a singer. She would move her lips and sway her head from side to side and pretend to sing. No sound would actually come out of her mouth. It was so funny. Several years down the road she was about elleven or twelve she wanted to learn to sing the National Anthem at the race track. I know how the song goes but again I just don't have the sound like she did. We worked on it for several weeks and I kept having her sing over and over. We would tape record it and play it back, then do it again. She never gave up and was determined to get it right. I loved her determination and she still has it today.

This picture is her Senior year in high school when she sang at the "Taste of Hollywood" show. She sang Amazing Grace for us at our family Christmas a few years ago and it was beautiful.

I don't think she sings very much lately, she has been too busy with working and school. I'm sure that once she is settled into her life she will sing again.

Makeover

Chris and I are doing a Kitchen Makeover/Remodel and the questions have already begun. Here are a few pictures that I have taken and I need advise... Please comment...

Here is a picture of the cabinet door after I had sanded. Chris likes the natural wood look and the cabinets are oak, but I had planned on glazing the cabinets. Chris is trying to change my mind of course.
Here is a picture of the cabinets the way they look now.... Very dark.

Here is a picture of the sanded cabinet with a sample of the flooring that we bought, which is very light in color....

Now here is a picture of how I want the cabinets to look. I was thinking of going a little darker with the base color so they are not too light. What do you all think?? Please comment.

Outhouse Race

Today was the Third Annual Outhouse Race in Perkinstown. What Wisconsin people will do on a cold winter day!? Well this year Chris pushed again for Northwoods Archers and they came in second with a time of 1:13. (That's one minute and thirteen seconds) First place came in with a time of 1:01. It may not look hard but some of the people after the race just fall on the ground and lay in the snow to try and catch their breath. Some of them even threw-up! This may have been because of a few beverages before they ran?

Here they are with their trophy. Nice huh! It is a little outhouse and a roll of toilet paper.

They also took 1st for the fastest team over 40!
After the race we all went inside a big tent that they had there and there was a new game that none of us had ever seen before. Here stood a girl holding a mouse in her hands and then people walked around and sold paddles for a buck.
After all of the paddles were sold she put the mouse under this cover and they spun the table around and then took off the cover.
Whichever space the mouse ran into won the prize.
Again, What we Wisconsin people will do on a cold day to keep busy.