Kitchen Island Project

I'm currently working on my kitchen island.  You can see my before picture above, that the butcher block top doesn't look right with the base cabinets.  So I have finally started on this kitchen island project.  It's taking me longer to finish because of problems with finding the right supplies or tools that I need.  But I wanted to show you what I've done so far so you don't think I'm not doing anything around here.

Okay, most people empty out all of their cupboards, me, I emptied out one side and left the rest.  A little lazy, but I can work around it.

I sanded the cabinet doors and island then used a deglosser on them.  Next, I used a wood grain filler on them to fill in the oak grain.  I wasn't sure if the wood grain would bother me, so I decided to experiment with the island before painting the rest of my cabinets using a wood grain filler.  It's an extra step, but it might be worth it in the end.

I used Timbermate wood grain filler.  First I thinned it a little with water and used a putty knife or rag to apply it into the woodgrain and let it dry.  Then I sanded the heck out of it.  It was hard to get it out of the grooves.  I think next time around I won't put it into the grooves, but just do the flat parts.

(After I sanded, below)

Now on the island we used poplar 1" x 4"boards for the top and sides and 1" x 8" for the bottom.  I also replaced the backboard.

Here it is with some primer.  I still have more to come.  I have a coat of primer on the cabinet doors and one coat of paint.  I'll show you more when I'm finished, hopefully sooner than later!



Fun Adventures

Since we've moved to AZ we've been exploring new places.  There are a couple nice lakes close by.  Perfect for boating or wave runners.

 

More desert.

My brother moved in with us and will be staying with us for a little while.

Have you ever seen an amphibious car?  We'll here you go!  I think it would be fun cruzin around the lake in your convertible.

We went to California for the second time in the last 5 months.  One great perk to living only 6 hours to the CA coast.  We love the beach!

 

We explored Newport Beach.

We met up with some good friends and did a boat tour in the Newport Bay.  Pretty nice homes!  Oh yeah and very expensive!

 

In Carlsbad, Spencer flew a kite while the other three boys played in the ocean.  More beautiful homes.

Beautiful Day!

Jason's parents came down to visit.  We rented some big boy toys and got muddy and had a lot of fun.  It was cold so I didn't go out on them much, but there are some really great trails.

That's some of our recent adventures.  I'm sure there will be plenty more to come.

Quilting for Babies

Recently I made a quilt for a friend who had a baby boy back in October.  I used Riley Blake's Peak Hour Jelly Roll.  I cut each strip into various lengths and sewed them together, easy peasy.  On the back I used chenille, which makes it nice and soft.

I made a couple baby bibs for another friend who had a baby girl.  I used a mini charm pack in Marmalade, I just love this fabric.  My inspiration came from Nana & Company, she makes the most adorable things.

Merry Christmas!

We have had a busy December!  The kids had a couple school concerts, we've been exploring new areas, and making new and old traditions.  We went to the LDS Mesa Temple to see the lights and hear live Christmas music.

Preston is so excited for Christmas!  He just loves Santa and the magic of Christmas.  He's a first grader, which has really made me so sad for the families in Connecticut who lost a child and won't be with them for Christmas this year.

Logan is excited of course too.

Tanner still doesn't mind talking with Santa, but not too close.

The kids decorated the tree.  I think about 90% of our decorations are handmade by me or the boys.  Every year we talk about getting new decorations, but it doesn't seem to happen...maybe next year.

Preston turned 7.  I can't believe my youngest is that old now.

Tanner and Preston had school concerts.  Preston sang songs with the first grade class, so adorable.  Tanner played his sax and had a speaking part.

We are fans of The Piano Guys (if you've never seen them look them up on YouTube).  We surprised the kids with an early Christmas gift, a concert last Friday to The Piano Guys.  It was a lot of fun and entertaining.  Tanner was even able to get Jon Schmidt's autograph.  They will be performing for the big PBS fundraiser on TV, they are becoming very popular.  We were lucky to get tickets to one of their last smaller concerts before they get too big for us little people.





I'm so excited for my Christmas present that will be coming after Christmas, a new camera.  About half of the pictures I take with the camera I have now come out blurry.  Anyways, hopefully soon I will have clear quality pictures.  I can't wait.

More Kitchen Photos

Here are more photos of the whole kitchen. 

The before (above)

The peninsula is painted Sherwin Williams Tidewater, which goes beautifully with the backsplash.

I LOVE this sink.  It's large and only one drain that food can go down.  Great for kids!  I also love our new faucet, easy to use.

Our new dining table, well at least it's new to us.  I bought it off of Craigslist.  I love the pedestal legs, aren't they pretty?



Oh yes, beautiful roses in December.  It's amazing my rose bushes are still loaded with roses.  I'm still getting used to the weather here.  It feels like summer to us still, I'm not complaining I like it, but it doesn't seem like Christmas time yet.

Glass Tile Backsplash

We finally did it!  The new glass tile backsplash is done.  I ordered the glass tile online from The Home Depot, it's the arctic ice tile in the 2"x 4" size.  It comes on mesh which makes installation go quicker.  We bought a tile saw after comparing the price of renting one to buying an inexpensive one that we could take our time using and keep when we were done.  It took us about half a day to cut and install.  A couple days later I grouted.  Lastly, well I still need to seal the grout, but it shouldn't take long.

The kitchen looks modern and fresh now!

A small area between a wall and the refrigerator.

(above)

I'm happy with how it has all turned out.  Here is what it was like before, just too dark for me.  It is light and bright now!  Next, paint the cabinets.  Probably not anytime soon, I need a little break.