Before and Almost After.....

I'm so excited I finally get to write this post.  When we moved to the new farm this past summer, we knew this was going to be one of the first rooms we renovated.  I've loathed this kitchen since day one.  I don't know what I disliked more: the mismatched counter tops, the cabinets by the sink without doors or the tile they choose for the back splash.  It was a functional kitchen, but man-oh-man was it an eyesore.  

There were actually drawers here but no doors on those beauties up on the wall.

Forgive me for the writing on the fridge.  Little one's did it, I swear!!

I loved the deconstruction part.  It was so therapeutic to rip all the ugliness down and see it go out the door.  We started trying to just remove the tile, but ended up finding it easier to cut the drywall out.  We had recently had some practice hanging drywall upstairs, so we were feeling pretty confident about it.  It seemed a little intimidating, but it went up rather easily.  The end pictures don't do it any justice, but when we were done with the drywall we painted the kitchen a pretty shade of yellow.  It was yellow before, but we choose to go with a warmer shade to cozy up the space.

Bye, Bye ugly tile!

Hello Studs!!!

We got our cabinets and counter tops at Ikea and did all the installation ourselves.  It really wasn't that difficult and we probably saved ourselves a couple thousand dollars.  Other than getting the cabinets shipped to us, the process was pretty easy.  Of course my favorite part was picking out and planning the kitchen.  Life was a little rough without a fully functioning kitchen, but with my great crock pot and the little makeshift kitchen in our family/dining room we survived.  We just got our counter tops installed a few days ago, but I was in love within a few minutes of the installers pulling away in their truck.  We lucked up on our new appliances when a great friend sold them to us before she moved.  So far I'm glad to report we've only spent approximately $6000.00 on everything.  Not bad for completely gutting the space.

This is the only place we changed our layout.  We moved the cabinets closer to the fridge and added an above the fridge cabinet.  I think it makes it look much more finished.

My favorite parts are the sink and the integrated dishwasher.

We still need to pick out tile for the floor and for a back splash.  Change out the lighting.  I'm wanting to find a cool pendent light to hang over the farmhouse sink.  I don't know if you can see the pantry doors in any of the above pictures, but I'm also painting them with chalkboard paint.  We also need to finish installing the trim pieces above and below the cabinets as well as the toekicks so I can quit fighting with the little princess about pushing things up underneath the base cabinets.  Sounds like a lot, but we've come a long way baby!! 

Well, that's all I have to share for now.  I'll share more from the farm as we get it done.  I'm off to do a little more sanding and painting!

Linking up over at:

My long lost love...

Having a baby has changed so many things in my life.  I seem to always struggle finding time to do all my hobbies that I love so much.  Playing around with my camera on Thanksgiving, I captured this photo.  I was stumbling through cleaning up the photo folder on the computer the other day and it caught my eye.  I've forgotten how much I enjoy photography.  Hopefully in the coming year I'll find more time to do a few of the things I love.  What are your plans, wishes, hopes for the new year?

Merry Christmas!!!

It's amazing how fast this year has flown by.  We've been so busy out at the farm the last few weeks getting ready for Christmas, redoing the kitchen and celebrating the little princess's birthday, but I needed to take a few minutes out to sit down and wish everyone a Happy Holiday season.

As I pulled these pictures out to share with everyone, it really hit me how much this little one has grown in such a short amount of time.  My life has never been so perfect as it is right now.  I never realized how rewarding being a mommy really is.  I can't wait to get to see her enjoying the day tomorrow with all her family that is here.  Life is joyous and wonderful here at the farm today.  Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Christmas 2009

Christmas 2010

Party, Party, Party!!!!

It's so hard to believe that the little princess is already a year old.   It feels like only yesterday that we were bringing her home, staring at her and trying to figure out what to do next.  This last year has been one of the best years of my life. 

Invites

e celebrated in style today at the farm for the Miss Maddie's first birthday.  Family and friends came out to party with the little one.  I started thinking about and planning for this party in my mind for about the last 6 months.  I had so much fun the last few weeks putting all my plans into action.

I was able to make all the decorations myself.  The inner Scrapbooker in me was in heaven.  I've missed crafting so much the last few months since my office is still in shambles from the move.

I've been calling the little princess "bug" or "ladybug" since she was really little and knew that it was the theme I wanted for the party.  

Cupcake Toppers

Balloons!!!

Happy 1st Birthday Banner

Ladybug cake

I really have no experience making cakes, but I had a good time making this little ladybug cake for Maddie.  After having a little difficulty with the first body breaking apart into about 17 pieces, I was able to get it to cook right in a glass bowl.

We haven't let Maddie have much cake or any sweets, but she dove into the cake like a pro.  She was a little unsure at first, but she loved it.  I'm not sure how much got into her mouth, but she loved squishing it between her little fingers.

She wasn't too sure about the candle.  Daddy was there to help her.

Mmmmmmm........

We choose to host a book exchange for the party since Maddie's birthday falls so close to Christmas.  We still had a couple of gifts to open and Maddie had a great time tearing paper and discovering the treasures inside.  Keeping her on task was a struggle, but she had a great time with her new presents this evening after all the excitement quieted down.

She loves books!

Getting the hang of this present thing.

Thanks to all our family and friends that helped make my little princess first birthday so much fun.  Maddie had a wonderful time!

Big Girl!!

Missing in action....

Life has been crazy at the farm the last 2 weeks.  We successfully ripped out the old kitchen and are almost done putting back in the new one.  I'm sore, I'm tired but it is looking beautiful.  I can't wait until we get our counter tops next Wednesday.  I'll share some pics soon, I promise.

I've also taken a little time to do a little overdue crafting.  I'm gonna work on getting a tutorial put together to share with everyone for these fairy princess wands I made for the little princess.  Hope everyone is having a terrific week!

I'm sure she was watching the weather channel here, it's her favorite.
 P.S.  Please ignore the laundry in the background.  I'm still holding
my breath for that maid to show up soon.

I won, I won, I won!!!!

I never win anything.  I mean NEVER.  You would have thought I won the lottery when I opened my email few days ago.  I am soooo excited!!! 

I can't thank enough to Jennifer over at Tatertots and Jello and Cristil at Lilsteinstyles for this amazing little tutu outfit for the little princess.

I can't wait to get this awesome outfit, dress up the princess and share pictures with you all.  I have actually been contemplating making Maddie a cute Christmas tutu, so this couldn't have come at a more perfect time.  I can just see her sitting on Santa's lap wearing this cute little number.

Everyone should check out Cristil's shop.  She not only has adorable stuff for little girls, but check out these capes and shirts for the little guys.














I'm so glad I found Jennifer's amazing blog awhile back while surfing the net for DIY ideas for the new farm house.  I enjoying reading her blog everyday and winning this contest is just a bonus.  Please everyone go show these two some love and check out what they have to offer.