Auburn Hill Drive, Chapter 1

Well, the house is so far in the lead of what to see next, so I thought I'd start with a little bit of why we bought this house.

For starters, this is the prettiest neighborhood in Alabama. It has trees, flowers, grass, peaceful neighbors... everything that you would want for your kids to know growing up. Scott and I fell in love with this neighborhood 2 years ago, and have waited for a house to come up for sale since.

Our good friends, and now neighbors, called us one night to tell us that the house across the street had just gone up for sale. It was the house they built and lived in for many years. Thanks to Meredith, who trampsed across the street in her pajamas to get the realtor's phone, we had an appt the next day to see it. That was Monday. By Wednesday, we submitted a contract to purchase it. Yes, 2 days later. I was scared to death - those who know me well know that I usually mull over a major decision for a while, and Scott needed to push me on this one!

So we have been here for almost 3 months now. Here is a list of things that have already been done to the house (either by us or my Dad):

1. Wallpaper stripped from Kate's room, Brooks' room, kitchen, master bedroom, both baths, foyer, and partially from the guest bedroom
2. Chair railing removed
3. Baseboards and crown molding primed and painted white
4. All doors painted white
5. Ceilings painted
6. Bathroom surround tiles, tub and floor reglazed
7. Toilets replaced
8. Bathroom hardware replaced
9. Ceiling fans replaced
10. Granite counters placed in kitchen
11. Appliances replaced in kitchen
12. Chandelier hung in kitchen (I did that myself!)
13. Recessed lighting in kitchen, living room and hallway
14. Wood floors laid in kitchen, hallway and foyer
15. Blinds replaced with 2 inch faux wood blinds
16. Removed paneling in living room

Looking at this list amazes me! Still to do:

1. Tile backsplash in kitchen
2. Paint kitchen cabinets
3. Finish prepwork of walls in living room/paint
4. Carpeting for living room
5. Finish wallpaper in guest room/paint
6. Crown molding in master bedroom
7. Somehow replace vanities in bathrooms
8. Replace light fixtures in bathrooms
9. Change out all switch covers, electrical outlets
10. Change out door knobs

I will start with the kids rooms in the next chaper.