Kitchen demo

Saturday we picked up Mark's dad from the airport.  It is so amazing to me how Ethan remembers people.  When papa (grandpa's name since that is what he can say ;) came walking into the airport Ethan ran up to him and gave him a hug.  I think papa kind of liked that!  We spent most of Saturday picking up the rest of the supplies needed for the kitchen remodel.  Of course we stopped for some lunch and then we also stopped at Giant Springs State Park.

If I was carrying Ethan he would not be petting a snake in the park!  But since dad had him he did and from his face I think he liked it ; |

Sunday was Father's Day.  The morning started off with Mark coming home from work and the dogs got out of the fence.  So he got his dad and they went looking for the dogs.  It didn't take them long to come back which is uncommon.  It didn't take me long to figure out why it didn't take them long... looks like the dogs found a porcupine!  They pulled about 20 quills out of Kiara's mouth/nose/chin/neck and about 15 out of Dakota's front leg.  Unfortunately we couldn't get one quill in Dakota.  We ended up going into the vet.  I was not looking forward to the emergency vet bill for a sedation and quill removal.  He had me drop Dakota off because he had to take care of a horse first.  So we had lunch.  An hour later he called and said he was ready to go.  The bill.... $51!  Geez back in Wisconsin I am pretty sure it would have cost $200 at least!  Yep... we love our vet.  No outrageous charges.  We drive 20 minutes to see him.  So after all of that Mark and Arlan (his dad) started tearing out the kitchen.  I packed up the kitchen and Ethan was an awesome while I did it.  He played in the box full of his cups and plates.

This is what the dining room looked like when the previous owner had it....
We replaced the flooring with rustic hickory hardwood, replaced the doors, painted, removed popcorn ceiling and replaced the florescent light with a light bulb (finally got a light to put there which will be part of the kitchen remodel because the wiring needs to be moved to center over our table)

 And the kitchen view from the dining room when the previous owner had it....

 And the view from the garage door entrance (behind the stove is the dining room) also when the previous owner had it...

None of these pictures are great but the following pics are bad... I needed to change my lens but too lazy to do it!  So these will have to do for now.  The following pictures are the kitchen right before the remodel (

 This is one of our pantries that will be closed off...

 This is the other pantry that will be made wider and more efficient...

 From the dining room to the kitchen...

 And this was the end of day one...

Monday I had to leave town for a Dr's appointment.  So Mark and Arlan got up to empty the truck at the dump only to find out that they are not open on Mondays!  Good thing one was open 20 minutes away as I needed the back of the truck clear to bring back more supplies!  So Ethan and I went to Great Falls for just a checkup on the baby... all is good.  Braxton Hicks contractions going on which totally freak me out.  Having a baby after having a preemie is not an easy journey!  They say I shouldn't go into labor early but of course I have my thoughts of "what if they are wrong?  What if they are missing something?"  Fortunately I didn't get home til late.  The house is now a complete disaster.  There is a film of dust on everything.  We have our kitchen table in our entry way full of paper plates, food, and lots of random stuff.  Our dining room has our stove, microwave and refrigerator in it with only the refrigerator working.  There was some old slate like stone in the back entryway, hallway and in front of the fireplace that was tough to get up (so I hear ;)  They also took out the bulk head above the kitchen which also took extra time but once they got it out they realized that we didn't need new drywall for the ceiling which saves time on putting it up and some money.  Ahh money... kitchen remodels are not cheap that is for sure!  Maybe that is why after remodeling 3 houses this is my first kitchen remodel!

End of day 2...

 Our 1970's fireplace wall that will be remodeled soon but for now there was tile on the floor in front of  it that is being replaced since it runs in to the same floor as the kitchen... notice the dust ;(

 Dining room... yes looking out of the dining room is a nice enclosed porch that needs to be remodeled and would make an awesome hang out spot with the kids and a photography location as it has mostly windows for walls and skylights but as for now it is marks wood working shop with two kittens...

So that is the update.   Can't believe I am posting pictures to share this mess with everyone but it will be nice to post pictures of the finished kitchen.  I am not expecting a finished kitchen by July 1st (when Arlan leaves) as they are making the kitchen cabinets.  Yes, making them from scratch.  Mark talked me into that back in January when he said he could build the cabinets and get the tools to make it for the same price as ordering the cabinets.  Since he has been wanting these tools for a long time and they are quite pricey I said yes. I am just hoping for new walls, lights, flooring and some working space.  Mark knows the kitchen does have to be finished by August 16th when the baby comes ... lets just hope she doesn't have other plans!