the renovation : kitchen progress poetry

'Twas a month before Christmas and all through the house
So many power tools were stirring you couldn't hear a mouse.
The mantle was removed from the chimney with care
In the hopes that someday there would be some new decorative tile there.

The baby was nestled all snug in his bed
The whirring of drills and air compressors ringing in his head,
With mama in her maternity pants and dada in his UK cap
Wondering when, oh when, would they ever get a nap???

Over the past few weeks there has so much been clutter and clatter
And so many tears from the preggo wifey that hubby didn't know what was the matter.
So away to Louisville last weekend he flew (with baby) like a flash
To escape a hormonal mama, who immediately went to the mall with a dash.

The cabinets are almost completely hung in their places with care.
The granite picked out, not much more to do there.
Appliances delivered, all shiny, stainless steel and new.
When plumbing and electric are finished, installation shall ensue.

I'm excited to cook, and unpack all my kitchen stuff!
Wow, this kitchen renovation sure has been tough.
I'd be lying if I said I'd do it over again.
At least not pregnant.  I'd never do it then!

Well, this has gone from Christmas classic to Dr. Seuss...guess it is time for me to stop rhyming.

Here are some kitchen pics!  

This was before the cabinets were installed...

Then we removed the oak fireplace mantle {not our style} and discovered various layers of wallpaper and an ingrained pattern on the stone that was most likely from 1859, when the house was originally built.  Actually, I have no idea, but that is the story I am going with.  See the second photo below for the detail...

And...here are some views of some of the new cabinets.  Sorry for the bad lighting.

There will be a ladder on rails to reach those super tall cabinets.  And that cluster of cabinets in the middle is the island, sans countertop.

Okay, so we still need: a ventilation hood in that big space there, potfiller, trim on the upper cabinets, tile backsplash, under and over cabinet lighting, the sink, oven, and cooktop to be installed...oh, and various other things like the granite countertops...so basically there is still a TON to do before this kitchen renovation is complete.  But...it finally is feeling like a kitchen.   I feel like maybe I will be able to cook something in the next month or so.  That, my friends, is a beautiful feeling.

Merry kitchens to all, 

and to all a good night!
g

{good morning beautiful}

despite the lack of sleep, 

despite the lack of personal time,

despite the frequent spit-up down my shirt,

despite the eardrum-piercing screams,

despite the endless diaper changing,

moments like these 
make me forget it all
and only remember 

I love you.

g

{note:  baby does not sleep in the bed with us...but every morning for an hour he and mama snuggle.  best hour of the day}

vintage memories: the farm

{view from the farm I grew up on in Minnesota}

Life was simple

There was always a breeze,

One you could actually hear.

Mom was there when you needed her,

Not thousands of miles a way

But present with a hug and

A glass of lemonade.

There was a chance to get bored

Go outside and explore

Fireflies buzzed and were

Kept in jars like fancy lamps.

No buildings or smog, just

Wide open skies that

Seemed to never end.