bathroom re-models nearly complete

The bathroom re-models are FINALLY nearly complete. We've had quite the experience with this project with three full baths all being remodeled in various stages. All three bathrooms got crown molding added as well as bead board ceilings. I think this is the nicest thing we added to all three and it really is a nice upgrade and adds to the quality and look and feel of the house. Sarabeth's bathroom got a full gut rehab down to the studs. It came out great although I wish I could have put in shower doors with no darn frame but I was told but multiple people NOT to do that (despite the asthetics) because it is a child's bath that is used daily and the framless doors while they look amazing in magazines...are not so durable so we went with safety over design there. Someday.... Her shower got beautiful white subway tile, a decorative stone band that matches the shades of blue in the paint color I selected, a new custom built vanity and custom built permanent mirror with white wood frame, new toilet, bathtub, shower and sink faucets, all but the floor got done in here. We are only awaiting the new window blind that is to be installed on October 22nd. Jackson's bathroom besides the ceiling and crown got a new vanity, mirror and toilet and new towel bars. His shower was already upgraded and really nice so we left that alone. Our master bath also got quite the overhaul including taking out the large shower doors and building a knee wall...it's like a spa now and amazing. We upgraded the shower heads in there including a huge real rain shower in the middle and we upgraded our toilet and are awaiting the final piece coming in shipping hopefully next week which is a new vanity and mirror as well as new towel bars for the master bath. It all came in several weeks ago but the vanity top was cracked in shipping...we've also had THREE toilets that have had to be returned in this process due to cracks in shipping...I was really shocked at this process and all of the waste in products that crack or are damaged in shipping. Kohler must build in some sort of damage fund is all I can think!!! We went to one piece faucets in both kid's bathrooms, chrome for the faucets, towel and toilet paper bars, lots of white, marble counter tops, the works. We also had custom plantation blinds installed throughout the house. After this I am taking a break on house re-modeling at least until the spring! Over spring break while we are away I hope to have the main parts of the house painted and outfitted with crown molding. After that we should be good inside for a while...........the outside of the house needs to be re-sided in the next few years and also the AC units will need replacing but hopefully that can wait a few years. Good thing we plan to stay here a long time and we got a fantastic deal. THe real estate market here is really on the up swing. We are sitting on at least 150k in equity in our house (not that I plan to use that, just a good thing to have as a security blanket) and for the first time I am feeling positive about real estate! We got burned so bad on our last house that I've been gun shy. The lesson to be learned from the last uptick in the market though it to STAY PUT. Enjoy having equity but don't jump to buy up enjoy the deal we got and hold tight.

Around our house these days

Around our house these days we have been decorating for Halloween, although its taking longer than normal to decorate outside because it has been really hot again this weekend!! Highs in the upper 80's which just puts a damper on Halloween decorating, enough said!! We had Jackson's first soccer game yesterday morning followed by our local Touch a Truck festival that we could not escape because it was set up next to the soccer fields at the local fair grounds. Today we have just been doing yard work and tasks to catch up on around the house. We've got our "holiday" outfits set out (remember its near 90 degrees and will be agian tomorrow...remember this when you get our Christmas card...we sweat for everyone's benefit lol) in preparation for our Christmas card photos tomorrow early evening...we have to do this at this point in the year here despite the heat to get a spot with the photographer before the time change and it is dark in the evenings so early and also so that she has time to get me the proofs, time for me to select and design a card, etc....it is quite the process!! Today is also Grandma's birthday. We talked to her this morning and wished her a great day! It sounds like it is a great fall day up north today! Jackson and I picked out some pumpkins at the local grocery store yesterday.........no pumpkin patches or apple orchards here!! Just ahead of Halloween a few generic pseudo pumpkin patches will spring up but for anyone from up north this season is a MAJOR BUMMER in Florida. The only good thing is that winter does not follow it here but instead fall like weather does come and that is our winter! Happy Sunday all....the Browns just killed the Steelers so we have a happy household here!!