Thank you LawJedi! (Like the name, btw!) I haven't had much time to more than stop by for a few minutes over the past 6 months or more! We've had some family medical issues and with this being my daughter's senior year in HS, lots of activities (including all her final year of varsity volleyball & basketball - I didn't want to miss any of her games!) I probably will still only be here on & off - but I do try to stop by occasionally as I find it a nice break from the "routine". ============================================= To address earlier concerns about the layout (prior to Matt's response): The landing space for the refrigerator is across the aisle on the 22" counter next to the range. It's 49" or so away - close enough, IMHO, to the 48" max recommended by the NKBA. The island isn't that far away either. As to the location other than the landing space - it's out of the main work area so any children, guests, etc. who want to get something out of the refrigerator will not be underfoot of those working in the kitchen. There really isn't any other place for it b/c the other two walls of cabinets aren't long enough to accommodate the refrigerator + other appliances and/or fixtures and adequate landing/work space for them. That's also why I show the MW opening to the right - anyone using it for snacks won't be the way of those prepping (70% or more of the time spent in the kitchen is spent prepping). The 45" aisle b/w the range wall and the island should be enough to have someone working at the range while someone is using the MW. Also, the MW and refrigerator are close to each other - useful b/c most MW'd foods come from the refrigerator/freezer. If the representation of the window is correct - with a center "stile" down the middle (or two windows slid together w/frame b/w them), then I wouldn't want the sink centered on the window b/c they you would be staring at the "stile". If centering the sink bowl on the window is important, then I'd either line it up with the left edge of the sink at the "center" point or center the sink on the window on the right. With the sink as I show, if you offset the faucet to the right, it is centered on the right window. The faucet is the "visible" fixture when looking at the window so the sink will appear centered. As for the cabinet "allowance"...most likely the builder is using a cabinetmaker s/he has an agreement with - the builder buys all cabinets from the cabinetmaker at the lowest level of quality/functionality offered by the cabinetmaker - so the builder is getting a "bulk" cost. If you don't get the cabinets, s/he will only offer the "cost" of the cabinets. IF the builder offers upgrades, you might be able to use the allowance on upgraded cabinets in the bathroom(s) or as, someone else mentioned, don't get the island and use the island allowance to pay for some upgrades to the rest of the cabinets. Then, get your island later with different...

Where is your garage? Do you have a deck or patio? Where does the door out the family room lead to? Do you need a mudroom space? If you are planning on more children, its definitely something to think about. It seems to me that you are not optimizing use of your LR or DR in your current set up and I'll speculate and say that your den may not be used much either. In your May 17th at 12:45 post, you loose your family room altogether. With a growing family and also for consideration of resale, this is probably not the best plan. In your May 22nd at 16:52 plan, your kitchen is in the midst of a walkway between your DR and FR. If this were my home, I would start some new layout sketches with the kitchen in the left most corner and move the entrance to LR to the right. I think this is the key to improving the flow and layout of your home. Even though it is a step down, moving this doorway will direct the traffic to the center of the house instead of into your kitchen work area. I would then put the dining in the center of the room and leave the FR as is, but put a large walkway or pocket door into the den. You might want to read some of Sara Susanka's books. Even though your home is probably bigger than her focus with "Not So Big Living" concepts, her books are great to get you to think about how you live and how you use your space. Here is a link that might be useful: Sara Susanka

I appreciate everyone's advice. Since we are only replacing one window at this time and will probably have to replace 3 more to match it at a later date, we decided we would just buy an inexpensive vinyl window to match the existing windows to hold us over until we're ready to do more renovations. I was concerned with going over budget on this project, and being locked into matching an expensive window style in the future. If I have to trash the new window in a couple of years, at least I'm only spending $150 on it now.

Faye, Merry Christmas! I opened my gift this morning and I am overjoyed with everything! Thank you so much! The monkey is so special because my little brother had one of those sock monkeys as a kid and every time I see one I think of him. I am going to send him a picture so he can see it. The ornament is also so special and reminds me of my grandparents that are no longer with me. I love the macrame and this was one of my favorite hobbies as a young adult. I can't wait to hang it up. The stocking with the plaid snowflake is adorable and the journal and pencils are something I can really enjoy in my quite time. I love the precious card that you made with the Snowman and snowflakes! The cutting board is awesome and will definitely be used in the kitchen. I have been seeing those chocolates advertised on tv and thinking I would love some! Yum! The body spray smells amazing and I will keep it with me in my purse. I also thank you for the seeds which I will be winter sowing very soon, I so appreciate everything and all the thought and care that went in to my gift. It is all so special! Thank you so much and hope you have a very, very Blessed New Year! Amy