Puttering in my garden: The time has come

foxglove

The kitchen wall comes down

After a few years in our present home, with four children under the age of six, I began to dream of removing the wall dividing the kitchen from the 'dining' room. The 'dining' room was the playroom and the wall was a barrier between myself and the kids, and I dreamed of one large play and work space.

At some points it became an obssession, other times an obstacle between Fred and I, and once in a while I could dismiss the desire. Three times, I came close to battering a huge hole in the wall to force the issue. The reality was that the choices Fred and I made concerning our family - stay at home Mom and Christian education - and Fred's opening of a bookstore kept us frugal (to say the least).

Then, a few years back, Fred closed the bookstore, began an new job, and financially things began to ease. Fred expressed an interest in renovating the kitchen and I began to dream again in earnest. If we were going to do it, said Fred, we would do it well - think big, think outside the box. The process was slow; it stalled for awhile (third time I almost battered a hole) even though plans were being developed. My patience was stretched and as I was just shutting my heart to the possiblities again, things began to fall into place.

Fred was dreaming the dream with me and it has begun.

My brother, Rene, has agreed to do the work and he plans to begin the last week of August when we deliver our two oldest to their perspective colleges/universities. In the meantime we are rearranging the furniture, deciding how to set up house during the reno, and trying to do as much dismantling before Rene comes. The deposit on the cabinets is in, the flooring ordered, window and sliding patio door as well. We aquired a new microwave and dishwasher, but the biggest step, the one of no return has been made ... the wall has come down!!!!

Through pictures and my thoughts (if I can navigate this blog stuff), I hope to walk you through the changes. The plan is to switch the places of the kitchen and dining room, but as one open space. The kitchen will be U-shaped with a peninsula facing the dining area. If you are familiar with Len and Anita's layout, it is very similiar.

Julie asked if she could doodle on the walls before we tore them down - she always wanted to do the forbidden - write on the walls. Knock yourself out guys! Which they did.

So, here are some before and after shots of "taking down the wall"