Our house is a MESS!

oh. my. god. If ya'll could see our house right now... you know, the never-ending construction zone disguised as a real live house?

We're (and by that I mean Chris) installing oak floors in the entire first floor - minus the kitchen and bathroom. They are turning out to be "just beautiful". Really, Chris is doing a great job. I don't think a professional could do them any better!

However, with a ripped up floor, where is one to put the furniture? hhhmmm Currently, we have couches stacked on top on one another, along with anything that will fit into the small gaps between them. The dining table is in the foyer next to the piano, blocking the only way upstairs. I guess we DO have a 6 inch gap between the table to get up there... but, it seems to be shrinking everyday. I swear mute midgets keep breaking in at night and moving the damn thing over!

Oh, and the tools. Don't. forget. the. TOOLS. they are everywhere. on the table, on the floor, in the hallway (my big toe found that one the other night as I tripped over it and almost killed myself during a very routine trip to the loo at 2 am). Thank god for safety covers on power saws!!!! sheesh. Crap is on the kitchen counters, along with paint cans and knee pads. AHHHH, and all of this is not to be missed with the near pallet of oak flooring yet to be installed, which is stacked ever so neatly 2 feet in front of the front door! It's a bit of a balancing act getting in and out of the construction zone.

Did I mention that I thought it would be brilliant to re-paint the dining room and entire living room/foyer a wonderful 2 toned-scheme, AND install a chair rail WHILE the floor is being installed? Oh yes. I thunk it. I even started it. I finished painting the dining room but that's it. I've got a way to go! But it will look pretty. The chair rail will be about 32" from the floor. The paint from the ceiling to the rail (top half) is a light praline, almondy color. It's nice and light and contrasts the dark cranberry red that is below the rail. I think the actual color is "cinnamon cherry". I love red. Coupled with the primer, it only took 3 coats to complete it!

Our plan is to have this all completed before Xmas. Maybe by Thanksgiving. we'll see.

If we don't invite you over for a while - you now know why. I think Laura can attest to that!