Christmas in July

I have hated the nasty carpet that has been in our family room since we moved here. Not only was it stained horribly from kids and adults alike spilling food and drinks, but in my opinion, it was just plain ugly. I'd NEVER have picked it. My mom was so gracious enough to give us our Christmas present early: a NEW floor.

We had looked at samples of flooring until I just couldn't take it anymore. I was way too overwhelmed. After going back and forth from Lowes to Home Depot, I said, "Just go to another store (I had a dr's appointment for myself) and bring home some you like." So they did, and I chose 1 of the 3 that they brought home. Travis installed it himself, which was WAY more work than any of us thought. But he did it so that my mom could see the results of her generosity. It is absolutely gorgeous. It changed the room for the better 110%, and we ALL (particularly SAGE) love it. I told Sage, "This is your Christmas present from Nonni," only kidding, but she threw her arms around Mom and said, "THANK YOU!" What a sweet girl. Thank you so much, Mom! We LOVE it!

This was the morning after it was finished and the room was cleaned up. I don't think I could handle a remodel. I went slightly crazy during this transition of not being able to go in the family room or kitchen.This was the night it was finished. We were trying to clean up, but look how excited Sage was.

Also, we thought that we lost a family member during remodel '10: Goldie. Travis practically drained the tank to move it, and to fill it back up quickly, he put the WATER HOSE in there! The fish laid on its side like this. I thought for sure that he/she was a goner. Travis said that it was just stressed. I laughed hysterically. But....a miracle occurred and he began swimming everywhere again! I'm still not sure how.

Killer. Only not really because Goldie still lives.