Denver and Home

When I go to Denver there are all these cute houses in the neighborhood where Sarah, Alex, and Ali live. Sarah doesn't really want me to take pictures of the houses, but I think I am going to start clicking away the next time I go. This one is just my style! Although I'd most likely have more flowers in front.

Ali's house is landscaped. It's been two summers with just dirt and weeds, so it looks great.

Sarah called this their Dr. Seuss tree. I didn't notice the trunk when she sent me the first pictures, but it is a unique specimen!

I had a Home Depot gift certificate that I used and got a diamond tipped drill bit for ceramics and a new pot. I liked it so much that I had to see if there were some in Greeley and brought home two more.

The heat has finished off my lilies, but I did manage to get a pink one before it faded.

Tomorrow is a family picnic and we will also celebrate my dear FIL's 90th birthday! He's a real firecracker, born on the 4th of July. I love him dearly!♥♫

HOME - Exterior

The newlyweds have been here for almost a month. I went for a visit and was able to take a current picture of their HOME.

Before:

During:

Present:

The front entrance is now where a living room window was before the remodel.
The posts are solid wood and were stained to match the front door. The mailbox is so cute and perfect for that spot! Ali's parents did such a great job. I'm sure it was frustrating at times, but everyone seems so happy to be HOME.

More boxes have been unpacked and put away and a few things are now up on the walls which makes it more like HOME.

Moving In

Ali's house has occupants! Her family bought the house almost across the street at the end of last October. The outside walls remained the same, but most everything else changed.

Kitchen back door before:

New French doors and a walk in pantry.

STEEP stairs with not even space for a person's foot to stand on each step.

Half wall and a small closet removed. Notice the handrail angle-almost like a ladder!

Much safer now!

Living room now has a cathedral ceiling.

Window removed for a new front entrance.

Wide door to accommodate Ali's wheelchair

Walls between bathroom and bedrooms were removed.

Ali's desk area and a glimpse at her dressing room and shower.

The picture below shows the former bedroom that became the shower and the narrow hall with a linen closet, the kitchen closet, and a peek into the kitchen.

Looking into the living room through a charming archway.

Kitchen before the cabinets were painted and distressed.

New counter tops and the curved shelves taken out at the end of the cooking island so there's more space for Ali to maneuver around in the kitchen.

I'm so happy to see that there is still a curved arch way into the living room!

At the bottom of the stairway there is a small hall going to Sarah and Alex's bedroom or to the bathroom. If you go through these double doors, you are in another room that doubles as a bedroom/office area. The bed is just to the left in the picture.

The short wall makes it seem more like a bedroom.

Both bedrooms now have the egress windows required by code.

Sarah and Alex's master bedroom before:

With the new window and other one removed as it was under the new front door.

Shelves on both sides of a large walk in closet.

Double vanity before the mirror arrived. Tub and shower are to the right.

Everything smells new because it is!! Lots of work to do and a few things to move from my house that haven't fit in the car. I'm just happy they have a home to live in! We are thankful for all the work that has been done to this house to make it as nice for Sarah and Alex as it is for Ali.

Waiting

Sarah and Ali will live here when the house is handicapped accessible for Ali.
Lots of changes inside and out.
Down and up. This stairway will be safer.
French door to backyard.
New front door where the window is so Ali can navigate in and out with her wheelchair.
New door meant changing sewer lines!
Muscle power to move the dirt.
New layout for Ali's suite. Hmm...wonder where the furnace flue will go?
Haven't seen blue prints for the main floor. I am experiencing this remodel through Ali's mom's pictures. I was able to see the "before" any changes in December. We've been waiting for all the permits, drawings, planning approvals, etc. I have all the fun and none of the responsibility of this whole process.
Demolition of walls and ceilings means carpenters can get busy.
Sarah works for an amazing family and loves Ali like a little sister! They are going to be roommates and Alex will be joining them. The three of them will be a fantastic family together. Between decorating a new home and planning a wedding Sarah is going to be such a busy girl! And I will be happy to help!! ♥♫