Easter Fun and Sneak Peek of Remodel

Well, I wish I could say that this week went better than last. But it was equally rough. However, since it is Easter, I am not going to dwell on the negative (such as a rotten contractor that we had to fire mid job for dishonesty and dangerous workmanship) and instead I am going to focus on the finish line. It is in sight. We are so close. One more week. Yay!!

I feel like I do when I am on mile 22 or 23 of a marathon. So close yet so exhausted.

I have to say that my Mom has been a HUGE lifesaver over the last two weeks. I couldn't have done it without her . . . literally. Thank you, Mom! Also, today's Easter messages have recharged me.

First some pictures of Easter festivities. The kids had fun hunting eggs and attending the Niko's annual Easter party! At the church Easter party, Bella got stung by a bee. This is the second year in a row that she has gotten stung around Easter. :( With a little help from copious amounts of candy, some handy benadryl, and some baking soda, she was fine. Three other kids got stung at the church party (one on the lip). In fact, the Primary presidencies had benadryl and baking soda on hand in anticipation of stings. Maybe next year's will be indoors.

Niko bash:

Primary party:

Next, here are a few before and after pictures of the two stair cases we had redone in the new house. It is a bit hard to tell in the before pictures, but the former owners had a funky, modern, black metal design on both stair cases and a 1980's looking faux crystal chandelier in the foyer.

Old foyer:

New foyer:

I love the new foyer light. This picture doesn't do it justice. It makes the space. And Stephen keeps reminding me that he picked it out all by himself, which he did.

Old second staircase railing:

New second staircase railing:

The room I am most excited about is the kitchen. It looks great! The painter and lights guy we used have been fabulous (they weren't the ones we had to fire). We were a little nervous to use them because we had never worked with them before, but they turned out to be really good. So if you are looking for a great painter and lights guy, let me know and I will give you some numbers.