Kitchen Transformation

Well- I promised some before and after pictures and figured that going room by room would be the easiest way to accomplish this. As I mentioned in a previous post- we took 6 weeks before moving in...and flipped this house. Every inch of it has something new: flooring, paint, carpet etc. The result was a nice sharp, clean, fresh- not so 70's looking house.


So- because it's the most drastic change- let's start in the kitchen.

Before: (note...if you're on any medication that could make you hallucinate...do not look at these "before" pictures.)








And During:










And after:









Future plans:

While the kitchen still seems very yellow- we have a long range plan in mind. We are planning (aka: saving) to put in butcher block countertops. We hope the light yellow walls will go nicely with the butcher block accented periodically by all my lovely polish pottery! We also plan to change the hardware for the cabinets and update the appliances at some point. All in good time- when our bank account recovers!

A few other things you might not be able to tell from the pictures:
1. we stripped the ceiling completely of popcorn, retextured it, and repainted it.
2. We (and by we...I mean Justus, Jake, Alisha, Byron and myself....thanks Yocum clan!) took down, primed, and painted all the cabinet doors and base frames by hand.
3. Replaced a damaged wall (near front windows). This will be a whole separate post!
4. Added bead board and trim
5. Replaced the front windows with energy efficient brushed bronze single hung windows. Beautiful!

So....we bought a house!

This post is about 4 months overdue, but to sum up....Byron and I bought our first house back in October. We'd been eyeing the neighborhood it was in for more than 6 months. Finally this gem popped up! The former owner kept excellent care of the lawn (which I managed to let die in about 6 weeks. but hey...it's winter anyway right?!?!). She also took great care of the inside of the house. It was just MAJORLY outdated. We're talking funky psychodelic wallpaper, olive green and brown shag carpet, and disco bar in the living room outdated. See the sample pics below. Yikes. I'm sad to say I didn't snap some pics of the carpet before we ripped it up, but trust me: it was awful. The wallpaper and carpet were the first things to go and I promise to post pictures of the progress and final product!






After 6 weeks of hard labor, we flipped our outdated house and successfully spent all of our savings! There are many many things still of the list of changes we'd like to make- but the major issues have been knocked out.

Just a sample of the things we accomplished:

1. Ripped out all carpet.
2. Remove all wallpaper (kitchen, two bathrooms, and laundry room)
3. strip ceilings of popcorn in whole house (save hte master bedroom- we got tired out by then) This is WAY more work than you'd ever thing
4. Spackle and prime ceilings
5. Repaint all ceilings
6. Paint all walls (we painted a fresh coat in the entire house which gave the house a fresh, new, and CLEAN feel.
7. Chisel out tile in hallway
8. Lay wood floors
9. Laid baseboards
10. Fixed small problem areas on Roof (flashing and water diverters etc)
11. Installed carpet (we didn't do this one...it wasn't too expensive to have someone else come in)
12. prime and repaint kitchen cabinets. (Thanks Yocum family!)
13. replace all windows in front area with energy efficient models.
14. Repaired damage in Kitchen and bathroom area walls (this involved taking out an ENTIRE section of wall and studs.
15. Removed sliding glass door in bedroom and converted the area into windows. This also involved taking out a whole wall and having another rebuilt.

Thanks to all of our friends and family for the blood sweat and occasional tears you put in! we couldn't have finished it without you!

thoughts

I found this old post when I was 'cleaning' out files from my computer this morning....

I recently traveled home to good ol' Thurmont for a dear friend's wedding. Everything was simply beautiful and it was wonderful to see my friends and family. But- As I read a book last night I came across this paragraph. I've adapted the pronouns to fit my life.


Sometimes without conscious realization, our thoughts, our faith, our interests are entered into the past. We talk about other times, other places, other persons and lose our living hold on the present. Sometimes we think 'if we could just go back in time' we could or would be happy. But anyone who attempts to reenter the past is sure to be disappointed. Anyone who has ever revisited the place of his birth after years of absence is shocked by the differences between the way the place actually is, and the way she has remembered it. She may walk along old familiar streets and roads but she is a stranger in a strange land. She has thought of this place as home, but she finds she is no longer here...even in spirit. She has gone on to a new and different life and in thinking longingly of the past, she has been giving though and interest to something that no longer really exists. This being true of the physical self, how much more true it is of the spiritual self.
~ The Color of Water, McBride






Funny how fitting those words really are. Thurmont is exactly the same, Save for a few new restaurants and an additional stop light. But, it has changed for me. I used to feel famous there in that small town.... in the sense that I knew everyone, everyone knew me and the town raised all us kids collectively. It was wonderful...well...not if you were causin' trouble I guess- but in general- it was great. The town was so big and it was our whole world. We had to come up with some seriously elaborate plans to even think about getting away with stuff since EVERYONE in town knew what you were up to. If you said a bad word, skipped school, or cracked a beer under age etc, you can bet your parents knew about it 2 minutes after it happened and were on their way to drag your butt back home for due punishment.

This small town looks and feels different than I remember. It's still beautiful, and it's still the kind of town I want my kids to grow up in. The people are still kind, and passionate, and involved with each other. It still has a sense of community. But I've come to realize/admit it is no longer home. I've started a new home in life with Byron. Maybe that's the difference. Home is no longer a place- but a person. Standing in the bridal party really put that into perspective.

You see- the bride and groom are the only 'surviving' couple from high school and they are ever so cute. They are steadfast and loving people that have held up through the storms of relationships when most of us packed up and headed out. They are made for each other. How lucky to find your true match so early in life!

The bridal party consisted of all the former couples. It was only slightly awkward. (Just kidding....we're all adults. Mo was kind enough to not recreate the past and have us matched up together). I couldn't help but stand there and imagine how different our lives could have been.

Have you ever heard the song "Unanswered prayers"? Thank you Lord, for unanswered prayers. God has a plan for all of us- and for many of us...it doesn't include our high school boyfriends. We found happiness elsewhere. My definition of happiness has changed drastically since high school. The definition of a "full" life in high school is completely different than it is now, as I'm sure it'll continually change as I enter other chapters of life. Getting asked to the Prom, or having cool clothes, or getting your braces off, or making that zit on your cheek go away, or managing an invite to Wiley's house on a friday night after a football game once ranked supreme on the proverbial list. Things are different now you might say.

A disclaimer: I don't want to give the impression that I (or anyone) turned out 'better' than another. That's not what I'm saying at all. All of us have found great people to share our lives with (most of us are married) and are all leading very blessed lives.

I got into the car after the ceremony and couldn't stop thinking about how in love I am with Byron. I couldn't wait to come home to him. Because he is my home. Taryn and I exchanged looks and I could tell- she was thinking the exact same thing about Mike.

It was strange (and wonderful) seeing so many people from my childhood. Parents of old friends, old coaches, even friends of my youngest brother that are grown and married now. These are kids I used to babysit- for cryin' out load. Married! Crazy. Crazy. One of my brother's friends' Dad (did you follow that?) came up to me at the reception and said-

Mr. Keith "Sarah, I had no idea who you were coming down the aisle. No idea. I was looking in the program for some semblance of a name to recognize and....nada. I had to ask Adam (his son).

Adam:"Dad...that's Sarah Yocum" (Obviously my name has changed hence his failure to place me in the program)

Keith: "No way! She looks totally different."

Now...mind you- this is probably because the only times he's ever seen me was on a sports field/court in a uniform with my hair in a pony tail. This time- I was in a dress- with hair, makeup, and nails freshly manicured. I didn't even recognize myself!

Anyway- I though that summed up the experience well. The old self is still there- those old experiences helped shape us into the people we are today. Hopefully- for the better.

Annual Fish Fry Labor Day event

Every year, the Branches and McCaulley's have a fish fry up at the ranch. People bring their best dish and we all sit around for an afternoon visiting on the front porch.


Ava is about two now. (Her Mom Ashley always tells me her age in months...which I then mentally convert into years to even make sense to me, which ends up being like 1.8 years...and then I just round up). Anyway...she is super cute now and fully animated. She LOVES her some icecream, chocolate cake, cookies....anything sweet.


She beelined for Mr. Roach when she saw that cake. After she ate Sofia's icecream.... and a cookie of her own.




"I'll take it from here"



Anyway- I thought these were cute of her.... o the things you can do when it's not your kid and you don't have to put her to bed. Extra prayers for Ashley tonight:)


We also spent the week housesitting for Warren and Melissa. It was fabulous staying in their house. They have a HUGE kitchen with all the latest and greatest gadgets. I really enjoyed cooking there (we have a teeny tiny galley kitchen where you can have two cabinets open at the same time). We could turn up the AC as much as we wanted, and watch as much bad CABLE tv as our little hearts could handle. Pure. Bliss.

They live in a cute area of San Antonio that has all kinds of little boutique shoppes. One of my fav's is a french bakery right around the corner. The owner and all the cooks are french. The food is amazing. And doesn't this store front just invite you in for breakfast?!?!

Beach weekend Part II

So...one week later Byron and I packed up the car again and headed back to Port A. This time the Brown's let us use their condo which was actually only a few doors down from where we stayed last week! It was nice to already know the route. It makes the trip go faster. Byron wanted to stop on our way into town and hit the good fishing spots for dusk. He stayed in the water for almost 3 hours.



I had a good book and a beach chairs so I was happy as a clam for most of it. . I even caught a beautiful sunset.
However, I was REALLY ready to go when Johnny called to have us pick him up. I was sooooo hungry!

Johnny was in Rockport for a business trip and was dropped off by his buddies at the ferry. Byron and I picked him up on the other side. He was waiting for us- suitcase and fishing poles in hand under a gas station sign. Funny sight. I wish this picture wasn't blurry. I'm sure he felt super cool. He said he was the only guy walking....on a ferry full of cars. Funny image.

We decided to try Trout's seafood for dinner and it was delicious! Once again- expensive- but at least this time- the service (& food) was great.


Saturday morning started off with a lazy breakfast and the sounds of excitement from Byron. Cup of coffee in hand...Byron and Johnny headed out the door with all their fishing gear... while I -book in hand- headed to the beach. Genevieve was on the road (Poor girl....had to work late Friday night). O the bliss.

Genevieve arrived around lunch time and the boys stopped in for a quick bite- on their way to the OTHER side of hte island to try the fishing there (These boys love to fish!). Genevieve and I headed back out to the beach for a few afternoon rays and some good catching up. It was heavenly. We headed to Snoopy's for dinner (A highly recommended place) and it was AWESOME. Cheap, fresh and casual. O man..it was delicious. MElt in your mouth fresh seafood. Yummo!

After adequately stuffing ourselves...we headed home for some homemade cookies and a good movie. and by good movie...I mean TWILIGHT. Yeah- that's right. Your read that correctly. I reverted back to overly dramatic high school television as my recreation of choice for just one night. Don't judge me. Byron was asleep in about 30 minutes, but the rest of us were lovin' us some teenage love drama:) O high school....how I miss thee.

Sunday morning we awoke to the smell of homemade cinnamon rolls courtesy of Genevieve. Yum. I'll say it again...That's what vacation is for right? Eating lots of yummy food you don't/ shouldn't normally eat.

We all hit the beach for a few hours before leaving and Byron and Johnny attempted to catch a few waves.




All in all it- was a GREAT weekend.

Beach weekend 1

Ooops- this has been waiting to be published for a while now.... so when I say "Last weekend"...I mean four weekends ago. Ooops




Last weekend Byron and I were able to get away to Port Aransas, TX. I must say...my expectations for the Texas beaches were limited at best...since I"ve heard countless stories about how 'unpretty' they are. And with the oil fiasco on top of it all- I wasn't expecting much. I was pleasantly surprised however upon arrival. Granted the sand dunes aren't as large, and the waves weren't as 'crisp'....but overall- it was beautiful! Nothing will ever compare to Topsail... But Port A...you're holding your own!




The McCauley's let us use their beach condo for the weekend so we were right on the beach. We brought two other couples from church with us: Beth and Dustin, and Courtney and Patrick. I drove a sleeping- post call worn out Byron to the beach. He only woke up once to tell me to pay attention to the road. How sweet he is to be so concerned for me (uh hum....dripping with sarcasm:) The rest of the crew arrived later that night after the work day ended.

The next day the boys tried their hand at surfing while us girls just sat in the sun (Or under the umbrella) and soaked it all in. I LOVE the beach. I lOVE waking up there- cooking breakfast- moving at a little slower pace than normal and just soaking up the sun. Yes- it was hot- but there's always a steady breeze at the beach to make it bearable.

We ventured out on the town in search of some fresh seafood for dinner. We decided on Virginia's since we'd received many recommendations for the place. Um....sub par. Seriously. I know I'm a seafood snob (hello...Maryland roots)- but the others agreed with me. It just wasn't worth the $. O well. I mean seriously- who serves steamed shrimp... cold? I sent mine back. And when I asked for warm steamed shrimp... our waitress said "I don't think we can do that." Umm....for the 25$ you're charging me? I don't think so. The chef steamed them once- I think they can do it again. Needless to say- the chef obliged and I didn't need to storm out. I'm not a difficult customer...I promise. I've done my time waitressing to those not so pleasant customers who think they are the ONLY ones on the planet. I try to be understanding when the restaurant is abuzz with action. But for the money we were spending there, and considering it was 5 PM...PRE restaraunt rush hour...- I expect a little bit of service. This lady was just NOT cutting it. They did have good dessert though. Key lime pie. Extra sour. Yum.


We hit the ice cream shop afterwards (what is vacation for after all?!?!? gorging yourself with treats you don't normally allow right?) and then headed home. Beth, Court and I watched Juno while reading cosmo, eating more icecream and cookies while Byron took the boys on a fishing adventure on the jetty. Byron could stay out there all night- but most people (myself included) don't usually last longer than two hours. They caught a few small ones but nothing worth keeping.


Everyone crashed HARD that night. We were all a little crispy (except for Beth who sat in the shade to protect herself all day) despite numerous applications of 30+ sunblock. This is also one of my favorite things about the beach. I love getting some sun- grabbing a fresh shower and then taking a long nap /getting a good night sleep. It just feels great.

Sunday we all woke up around 9 (which is really late for most of us) and set out in search of a breakfast place. The service at the Islander was superb and the bill was much gentler than the night before:) After stuffing ourselves (yet again) we hit the beach for a few more hours before packing up and heading home. Byron was eying all the new fishing spots he wanted to try on our drive home.

We are headed back to Port A for round two next weekend with Johnny and Genevieve Collins. We are really looking forward to it! Two mini vacations in one month...I LOVE neurology. Maybe a career change is in Byron's future?! just kidding. sort of.

Walk Like an Egyptian....

The theme of VBS this year was "Joseph- from Prison to Palace". I signed up this year with my friend Jill (actually she signed me up and hoped I would agree to be her partner:) to run the jewelry booth for the kiddos. I must say- it was a lot of fun - but a lot of work! watching/entertaining kids for 3 hrs a night after working all day is a CHALLENGE. Those kids were bouncing off the walls. By the time the 5th graders got there- Jill and I agreed to just let them do whatever. They were bigger than us anyway! The little ones are always very cute though- as seen here by Bethany and Cade "walking like Egyptian's".


Jill and I went all out with our costumes- blue makeup and bad wigs and all. I lucked out (being blessed with dark hair) that I didn't actually need a wig. We ordered two- but the company only sent us one. Thank goodness. Jill drew the short straw and had to wear that BAD wig for three nights in a row. YUCK!


Caleb, Andrea, Ashling and Cade came to TX to visit some friends last week. WE met up with them at one of our fav mexican restraunts Mamacitas. Ashling may just be my favorite little girl. I love listening to her talk. She has so many stories all full of imaginative detail and events. Cade has grown so much in the last few months and has a big toothy (well, two teeth) grin. He sat on my lap and ate fresh homemade tortillas (a major plus of living in TX) till his heart's content. It was a great evening with friends and we can't wait to see them again this winter.

Two weeks ago I went out to Lake Medina with a few friends from our Young Married's class to celebrate Marshall and Erin's last weekend in town. Marshall just graduated from Dental School here and he and Erin are moving to Tyler, TX. We sure will miss them!

A few of our friends had boats and a bunch of us piled in and spent the ENTIRE day playing out on the water. It was absolutely perfect. It's very rare that all of us get together and just play for an entire day. Life usually just gets in the way. I tried my hand at water skiing (failed) and wakeboarding (also failed- but not as badly as skiing). I was SOOOOOOOO SORE the following four days! I discovered muscles that have lain dormant for the last 26 years. Ouch!

Byron also tried his hand at Wakeboarding this last weekend with a few of his friends and group of Young Life kids. two days later...he can barely move. Talk about whiplash! But- I'm excited he got out and enjoyed the sun for a few hours and tried something new. His appetite for adventure has all but left his body after one year of residency and I'm thrilled to see signs of it's return!

We headed to Cheescake Factory last friday night for a birthday dinner for Courtney. Little Ava did an amazing job of entertaining herself for the entire 3 hrs we ate and talked. You can see- only her 'Aunt Beth' will let her play like she really wants. Look at that face!

Nothing new on the house front lately. Still searching for the perfect home....