A year ago, we blogged about 10 projects that you could look forward to happening in 2012–and today we are here to report back and grade ourselves and laugh at what we thought we would get done, but also celebrate what we did–with a focus on the celebrating, because that is what this is all about. Â We completely forgot we wrote that post, so it was fun for us to look back. Â Without further adieu.
1. Â The garage. Â Oy. Â It has become everything but a place to park our car. Â
Woot! We can check this one off. Â Kinda. Â I am giving us an A- on this one. Â This summer, my mom and I spent a day or two completely cleaning out our garage and I am happy to report, it has stayed clean and we can still park in it. Â Although I can’t give us a full A because we still need to get a workbench in there. Â Like yesterday.
2. Â New hardwood flooring in the dining room, kitchen, living room, up the stairs and into the master bedroom (I still haven’t sold Chris on the idea of hardwood flooring in the family room). Â
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Uhh, F. Or maybe a D- because obviously when we wrote this goal, the family room plans weren’t even on our radar. Â Really. Â At the beginning of 2012, we had no plans to renovate the family room–although it sounds like we were maybe discussing flooring options. That renovation was a big project that happened and the only thing that redeemed this as a complete fail. Â Afterall, we did replace that flooring. Â As for new hardwoods everywhere else–we’re still dreaming of the day! This year we hope!
3. Â The Master Bedroom. Â We have made some progress in our bedroom, but it still needs work. Â
Our bedroom still needs a ton of work. Â It is still in phase 1 of, I don’t know, 6?! Â But we did replace the ceiling fan and added some curtains (that we had around the house already) and one piece of art, but are still on the hunt for more, more, more!! So, hmm. Let’s give ourselves an A-. Â Those hardwood floors we had on the schedule came back to bite us again.
4. Â Paint all the trim in the house. Â
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Why, oh why did I put this horrible task on my list of things to do? Â I’ll take my F and move on.
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5. Â The kitchen. Â Phase 2. Â
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The kitchen is a project that we are most excited to do, but are also being very thoughtful and cautious before we dive in. We actually have changed our minds 3 times on the kitchen layout (see the plans here, here and here) and the last one we are letting sit for a little while before we move forward to make sure it is just right–which is smart and responsible, right? Â So, not an F. Right?
6. Â Plant an edible garden. Â
Maybe we didn’t get an edible garden in (wow, this is turning into a lot of excuses) BUT we did, in the very final weeks of the year finally FINALLY get rid of all evidence of the previous owner’s dog outside. Â Hip Hip Hooray, the dog house and kennel are gone! A++++ for that, F- for the garden.
7. Â Tackle the third bedroom upstairs. Â
Air-fives all around. Â This year, the studio was born and I can’t tell you how wonderful it has been. Â Don’t get me wrong, it is no baby, but it has definitely filled a void.
8. Â Build a storage solution for Greta’s toys and books in her room.
This year we learned that it isn’t a good idea to store Greta’s toys in her room. Â Especially now that she isn’t confined to a crib–she would be up all night playing! Â So, when we designed and DIYed our built-ins in the family room, we left the entire bottom shelf of three bookcases dedicated to storing Greta’s toys and books and it has been wonderful. Â A+
9. Â Re-do the laundry room floors.
I’ll see your re-do and I’ll raise you a refresh the floors and revamp the rest of the laundry room. Â Been there. Did that. A
10. Â Panel and beam the vaulted ceiling on the first floor.
Oh Really??? Oh we crack ourselves up. Â We didn’t get there this year. Â And I still love the idea, but the effort. Â Oy! Maybe down the road. Â Wayyyyyy down the road.
If we average out the scores, looks like our grade for 2012 (according to the list we made at the beginning of the year) would be a C+. Which stands for cookies!! Â Humor me. But to be honest, it felt like a B kind of year and 2013 will be an A+! Â It’s our year. Â I can feel it. Can’t wait to see what projects we stumble into this year. Â Someone whisper, “kitchen.”
Hehe. Fun fun post. I think the paneled living room wall and the complete family room makeover should count as extra credit which I believe means you get an A! :) Can’t wait to hear what the big plans for 2013 are going to be.
I love how you are keeping it real. You get an A+ on that project! ;)
Even if you didn’t tackle EVERYTHING on your list, you made some amazing progress! So remember that instead. :) I love the changes you have made and I’m so excited to see what you do in 2013!
Oh yeah. Like I said, this post is really about focusing on the celebrating. That list was part crazy!
Looking forward to more projects from you! I think it was a good year. I hopped on board in the middle of all your doings and I’m loving it!
Thank you!! We’re looking forward to next year. Err. This year. It’ll be a great one.
I think you get an A for the whole year just for doing the garage! I’m so in denial about the state ours is in that I forgot to even put it on my list of goals for 2013…though it clearly deserves the top spot.
Hahahaha. Not the most glamorous project. It sounds like your garage=my painting the trim. I just can’t get motivated to do it!