Country Estate Progress (Photostory)

 Danielle's been a busy bee.  The house is not done, but she is making progress.  Rod and the boys are seeing the updates for the first time.

Danielle is explaining the pink kitchen to Rod.

"The markdown was just too good to walk away from.  It doesn't have to stay pink forever, but it allows us to move in quicker.  Not to mention with a new baby on the way, we will need the extra money."  (Danielle)

"How long before we can change the color?"  (Rod)

"Can you hang in there until after the baby comes?  The smell of paint fumes does not mix well with morning sickness."  (Danielle)

"Alright, alright."  (Rod)

"Let's go out on the patio.  I have something new out there for the boys."  (Danielle)

Danielle directs the boys to try out their new patio chairs that are just their size.  She takes a seat on a patio lounger.  She's excited about the chairs for the boys.  She will be able to watch them playing out there while she's in the kitchen.

"Alright, that's enough.  If we stay out here much longer, I'm going to fall asleep.  Help me up, please, so I can show you the rest of the house."  (Danielle)

"Yay!  Let's go see my room."  (Julian)

Much to Julian's dismay, Danielle starts in the living room.

"I got them to change out that checked floor and add in hardwood so the living room and the sitting room flows better.  I'm still fiddling with this room.  Not sure what it will be in the end, but I wanted to see if there was enough space for two sofas."  (Danielle)

"What happened to the idea of getting a sectional?"  (Rod)

"That's still on the table.  Like I said, I'm still fiddling.  Come see the dining room."  (Danielle)

"I'm testing out this translucent table.  It gives the appearance of more space.  I'm thinking of adding a more elegant table with parson chairs later.  For now this is the economical choice.  I'm also going to change out that wallpaper.  I know you aren't a fan of pink."  (Danielle)

"I like the table.  It might be nice to get a rectangle one in the future, so we can have larger family gatherings."  (Rod)

"I did think of that.  This table can seat eight."  (Danielle)

"Mom, can we go see my room, now?"  (Julian)

"Yes, but I have to warn you, it's not done.  I still have some work to do in there."  (Danielle)

They make their way to the third floor.  As you can see the new walls are up, but not wallpapered.  I also finally made Jacob's car bed yesterday.  I was planning to paint it the same red, but I think it will be interesting to have two different cars.  I laid the checked flooring this morning.

"Jacob's getting a car bed, too?"  (Julian)

"Yes.  Is that okay with you?"  (Danielle)

"Yeah.  That's cool.  We can race while we're sleeping."  (Julian)

"You are so silly."  (Danielle)

Julian climbs into his bed, and Jacob decides to follow suit.

"Oh no you don't.  That's not a good idea.  Let's wait until it's finished."  (Rod)

"I need to get this room finished next.  I'm gong shopping for wallpaper tomorrow.  I wish there was a little more space in here."  (Danielle)

"Why don't you turn them into bunkbeds?  They would have a lot more space to move around."  (Rod)

"I'll think about it.  Now are you ready to see our room?"  (Danielle)

"I'm going to stay here and rest mommy."  (Julian)

"Oh you are?  Okay."  (Danielle)

I'll show you the progress on the room before they get here.  She's ultimately going for a French inspired look.  I covered up the walls with beige and lilac.  I'm not finished with the beige.  I need to get one more piece of scrapbook paper.  Then tidy it up.  The nightstands will be different.  I just wanted to make sure I had space for two of them.  The green pillow is just a placeholder.  There will be some other colored pillows added.  That back wall may have fabric draped across the whole thing.  Lots still left to do, but happy with the progress.

Rod is taking it all in.

"I'm not finished, but do you like the direction I'm going?  Is it too feminine for you?"  (Danielle)

"No.  I like it.  It's serene and peaceful.  Just what you want a bedroom to be."  (Rod)

"What do you think of the new wrought iron bed?"  (Danielle)

"Jacob seems to like it.  I like it, too.  It doesn't squeak does it?"  (Rod)

"No.  I made sure I tested out the potential noise level."  (Danielle)

They both laugh.

"Hey pumpkin.  You decided to join us."  (Danielle)

"Yeah, it's no fun without my toys."  (Julian)

"You know we brought the lincoln logs for you and Jacob to play with.  They are still down in the kitchen.  Want me to go get them?"  (Danielle)

"Are we staying here long?"  (Julian)

"Not too long.  We'll have to leave to go get dinner soon."  (Danielle)

"I don't want to start playing then have to stop."  (Julian)

"Why don't we leave now and have an early dinner, then you guys can play after that?" (Rod)

They gather their things, lock up and head to dinner.  Rod makes sure he praises Danielle for the work she's done so far.

Here is a quick look at the boys room with the cars side by side.  Once we get the wallpaper installed, I think things will fall into place.