Meant to say the legendary @mamagoose.

No input on layout -- I think your kitchen will be fabulous despite the agonizing details. BUT reading "The problem is that I have three kids (12, 12, 13). I know that even with tiny stools, this size island will only lead to elbowed ribs and fights.", I will share that we moved dinners from the table to the new large island when we finished the kitchen and it magically transformed the teens. The less informal space meant everyone felt less compelled to elbow and crowd, the conversation was easier and the space allowed us to better set dinners up for self-serve. Magic transformation. Teens will be ok :-) Also, while I do love waterfalls, esthetically, they remove the ability to expand the sitting situation with an extra chair or two on that edge. I realize it's a traffic zone, but when kids bring friends over, or neighbors stop by to share a bottle of wine, that expansion can be handy. You might even find that pulling a chair there during dinner allows for more face to face interaction. Ikea cabinets themselves are not great at supporting large overhang countertops, but if you can insert a ponywall between the cabinets, then you can use hidden brackets that support the countertop without legs or a waterfall. (No hate on Ikea, we looked long and hard at their cabinets and will probably use them in a future kitchen remodel in a different space). Here's an example, (they are left apparent in the image, but you can also sink them in the drywall and plaster over.) https://ironsupports.com/products/standard-front-mount-countertop-l-bracket?variant=15840870531143&gclid=CjwKCAjwj42UBhAAEiwACIhADuYhGFydInNGo02TPe-wA6UWGe1cY6Nu9lSf-zWhuf90nC55zBuhPxoCNFkQAvD_BwE

Char, and they all have quilts except for the last 2 babies and I'm working on those. Sure have kept Beverly busy over the last 20 some years. lol Altogether about 50 quilts or more......lap size, doubles, and few queens and kings.

Thank you all! ❤️ I did wear the first dress and glad I took my denim jacket because the temp took a dive as a storm front moved through-- thankfully there was no rain just grumbly thunder and crazy humidity. I was comfortable ... and as my sister dropped me off at home, Mom said I looked gorgeous lol. Not a compliment I often get from my mom-- not that she doesnt compliment me but not usually that enthusiastically. lol Nini.. the dress comes in only two colors and I've returned the other. It is displayed on the site as a beautiful hot pink but it's more like a deep red raspberry. A deal breaker for me. I'd absolutely buy it in every color.. well, every color other than red and bright yellow. I DID think about wearing spanx with the orange (sable) dress but I kind of want to earn it the old fashioned way lol. It really will be a big success when it fits perfectly. It isnt even that snug but enough for the pockets to pull ever so slightly. When it fits it is going to look great-- and it is such a "me" dress, I am not willing to settle for almost a good fit. Thank you, Pricklypear-- you've been on this ride with me and I appreciate your encouragement and I was so glad to see how great you looked in your cocktail dress! I have a long way to go but these rewards along the way help keep me motivated. Many thanks to all!