I used a power tool today!

And what is that under the cart?

Why yes, it is our new floor!

John and I finished up the floor last night. I'm very pleased with this floor. It is laminate & we purchased it at HOBO* for .99/sq ft!

John had really wanted to try laminate in the kitchen and I was not thrilled with the ceramic tile laminate he kept showing me at the store where he did the laminate install class, so I was still pushing for a vinyl floating floor. Then we happened to come across this uneven tile laminate at HOBO for an incredible price and now we have a new floor!

The laminate install was very simple. I'm very impressed and would not hesitate to do it again.

Because I seem to be joining everything this year. I'm also participating in K-Love's Love Dare. Day 1 was yesterday and it was a call for patience. The Dare was to not say anything negative to your spouse. Last night's install was one of the most peaceful projects we've ever done and I was the only one holding my tongue...

*Home Owners Bargain Outlet - I think this store is only in our Chicagoland area (I just checked and there are two stores in Wisconsin as well)

I can do this.

On the next to last day of December last year, Julie launched her 2010 project. Pick 12 rooms/areas in your home to work on each month. I was intrigued, but then decided to work on our clutter in general first and I'll get to decorating eventually. Then Theresa popped up too (of course, they are friends) and I really cannot ignore them both because I was already thinking that now all the baby making is done, it's time we make this place more ours.

So here are my 12 rooms/areas (in no particular order - I too will follow the "what do I want to work on this month" order):

1. Entry
2. Kitchen
3. Dining Room
4. Living Room
5. Playroom (den)
6. Kid's Bathroom
7. Kid's Room
8. Our Bedroom
9. Our Bathroom
10. Laundry
11. Craft area
12. Backyard

So January 2010 is the month of Operation Kitchen.

(baby gate up to keep kiddos out until the floor is finished)

We did a lot of work here last August with the cabinet refacing, new counter/sink, and paint. Last night John & I laid most of the new laminate flooring & last week we bought a kitchen cart so I can get everything - except the knife rack & coffee maker - off the counters. The things left are to decide on the shelf going up, I want something new to hold my cooking spoons, spatulas, etc., and perhaps I'll do one seasonal towel a month this year just to perk things up a bit.

I'm really excited about finally making our house a home!