We are so grateful for home owners insurance and God's provision to cover the necessary costs of this project. Insurance paid for the repairs and so much of the flooring, God blessed us with providing for the additional cost to replace the carpeting in the bedrooms as well. Our carpet has been in such bad shape for years but between the cost of replacing and the large number of children who tend to spill living here we had not wanted to replace it. We couldn't pass up the opportunity to replace carpet while they were already here doing most of the house, and this way we would have one carpet thoughout instead of 3!
After the countertops were finished we began preparing for the flooring. We had already emptied most of the kitchen for the other repairs so it was ready for flooring but the rest of the house was full as usual. We packed up, or filled shelves in the closets with everything we could do without. Knowing they would be coming last Thurs morning to begin upstairs we were down to just a couple dressers and mattresses on the floor by Wed night. That morning we hauled the dressers into the bathroom and put the mattresses downstairs out of the way.
Jacob and Camryn headed to school, Jeff to work and my mom joined the little kids and I for a day running errands while the work happened. We had held off on any shopping or errands needed until that day to give us plenty to do. We went to 2 banks, for Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and our personal account. We got some things for the Cub Scout Blue & Gold Banquet Silent Auction coming up. We got some things at the Scout Shop for Jacob as he finishes up Cub Scouts this spring and prepares to join Boy Scouts. We browsed the Girl Scout Shop as Bailey looks forward to joining in the fall. We had lunch at KFC, Bailey's choice. The little kids loved browsing for books and playing with the trains at Barnes and Noble and we did some shopping for upcoming birthdays (now I need to find the wrapping paper :)
We came home to enjoy the new carpet!! The kids did "carpet angels" and Isaac ran like crazy though each room and around and around. We were so excited. Then we got right to work, getting all the things moved back upstairs and clearing the downstairs for the next day. The stuff filled everything up fast and we ran out of room, the guys ended up with the couches and dining table & chairs on the deck outside. Thanking God for the beautiful weather, 50s that day.
While they worked downstairs, installing the carpet and new kitchen flooring, putting the dishwasher back in and other small details, we were putting everything away upstairs. We got a lot done and enjoyed our last picnic upstairs for this project. Bailey, Isaac and I were so glad to see the end of our confinement upstairs.
This weekend we worked on more and more organizing and decluttering. We did enjoy this opportunity to clean out so much but it is nice to see the house coming back together.
Yesterday the final things were completed. The stairs got new carpet and a few last minute items finished up. How awesome it is to have it all done and to enjoy the improvements. We have the kitchen all back together and most of the rooms. We still have a lot in the garage to go through and find places for or give away.
We did a bit of rearrangeing while we were moving furniture already. The girls got a new room together and Isaac got his own room. Lately Isaac has been climbing a lot, trying to get out of his crib; he was really interested in Bailey's bed. In order to avoid putting the crib together one more time, probably just for use for a little more time, we moved Isaac to a big boy bed. All the rooms need some work but we will work slowly to get their. Isaac's room needs non-purple walls and some more boy touches, the girls need their new furniture and would like to paint their room as well, Jacob just needs some paint touch ups before putting his loft bed back up. The house is being enjoyed by everyone and we are looking forward to the finishing up to come.
The new carpet downstairs
The new kitchen
Girls' Room
And Isaac's new big boy room
The final change was for Jeff and I to move downstairs to the actual Master Bedroom. The girls are now in the room we have used for the last 4 years. It is a bit different to be on a different floor than the kids, and to have to use a baby monitor again, but it is peaceful to have a room that is just ours and not family room. It has been fun to change our routine at night to go upstairs, get all the kids ready, showers/baths, pjs on, clothes out for tomorrow, stories read, prayers said, goodnight kisses and hugs, and then downstairs we go. It is a good different, only difficulty was last night when the flu hit Camryn at 2am, another blessing that she made it just to the edge of the new carpet before it hit her.
We are so enjoying the "new house" and looking forward to getting into a new normal again. After surviving this I think we will be able to add in other things we have been wanting for our family on a daily basis.
Sheri
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