Finished, Terminado, Fini, Fertig, Finito!

Well friends, I can actually say that our kitchen is FINALLY finished. Aside from a few paint touch ups, all of the remodeling is complete. While I enjoyed picking out the lighting, tile, etc., I have discovered that I do not handle home renovations very well. I found most of it quite stressful, primarily because I know very little about the subject. This, compounded with the fact that Michael was at work and I was here having to make quite a few executive decisions on my own, left me too often second guessing myself and feeling stupid. I did manage to hold it together in front of the contractors so that they didn't think I was completely psycho. All in all, I have learned a lot and can honestly say that I would not do it again in a heartbeat. But with that said, I do LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the way the kitchen turned out. Please join me for a pictorial journey through the birth of my, (oops, I mean our) new kitchen! I know that some of the pictures were included in previous posts, but wanted to show the complete progression.

BEFORE - As you will recall, this is when I discovered that I am NOT cut out for camping! The pink tub from here on out will be used solely for keeping beverages cold during large gatherings, not for doing dishes!

DURING - Oh happy day, I have cabinets, a counter top and a beautiful kitchen sink. Have I mentioned before that I missed my sink? Progress is being made and I am a happy girl at this point!

AFTER (part 1) - Looky, looky, my kitchen is back!!!! Woo Hoo!!! Hello old friend. Now all that is left to do is the tile back splash and install the new lights. The tile is in, but where are the lights? Oh, they're still in New Jersey, hmmmm...... Let the stress begin. (We were supposed to have the lights in 3 weeks, which turned out to be more like 4 1/2 weeks! UGH!)

AFTER (part 2) - After too many phone calls to count and several trips to Lowe's for miscellaneous items, the lights and back splash are finished! I can't believe the transformation. I loved my kitchen before, but this is beyond what I had envisioned the final look to be. I think that it is absolutely beautiful. Now all that is left is to put my stuff back on the counters.

Welcome to my beautiful new kitchen. I can't wait to start cooking!!!!!

Michael is now talking about renovating our master bathroom. While I love the idea he has of making it more like a spa retreat, I may very well have to seek refuge elsewhere while the changes are being made. This would simply be for the safety of my loved ones and my own personal sanity. Love you all!!!!!! :)