Ann, maybe you and I will be back here in a few years, in the midst of a major kitchen remodel or building a house, wondering why we ever wanted to leave our current kitchens behind! LOL We have been talking about making some changes to our current kitchen for a while, both in terms of what we would like to have and what would be best for resale. I'm more inclined to do what will make me happy, rather than strictly going by what we think will make the biggest contribution to resale. I'm not going to do anything so crazy or unusual that it will harm our resale, I'm just going to make sure that what we choose to do pleases us. If this were only for resale, it would be smarter to wait until just before putting it on the market and then upgrade according to what is selling at that time. Instead, we need to go with timeless updates that will add at least some value and give us pleasure. Another rule is that we do one thing at a time, as we can afford it--no debt. Raehelen, have you been sneaking into my kitchen and peaking in the cupboards? :) Actually, reorganization is already underway. I did a minor reorganization about six months ago, but decided I need to do a more thorough one, with additional purging of duplicate or unused items. And, yes, you were a big help. If you hadn't chosen to post your pictures, I'd still be looking. Oruboris, I agree 100% with what you have written; and I'm glad to see that so many others have responded in a similar vein. Seedsilly, if there are any particular organizational ideas that have been helpful, please share. As Raehelen so perceptively noted, I can always use help in that area. It always amazes me what a difference just reorganizing one or two drawers in my kitchen can make. Christy, I'm very impressed with what you've done in your kitchen. It looks great, and the granite is beautiful. I noticed you had a sample of it. Did you do a lot of testing on your sample before installing the granite? When I see granite like yours I think that's what I want to do with my countertops, but then I think I'm afraid of choosing the wrong stone (such as buying something that is sold as granite but really isn't granite). I think you made some excellent choices in your kitchen. It looks all brand new, but very functional. Rhome, I know what you're saying. At first, I thought, "I should do that, too," every time I saw a good idea on this board. I would have ended up with a traditional, country, contemporary, rustic, casual, but elegant kitchen with every device and appliance known to man. But, like you, I stopped and thought about what I really want or really would use. Like you, I don't want to accumulate debt, either. Again, I'm glad that you all understood what I was trying to say. I have been impressed that, regardless of how modest or extravagant the kitchen design might be, someone is always ready to offer assistance when it's requested.

Thank you all for your kind attempts at providing answers to my questions. I seem to have given you the wrong impression of this lady. I've known her since she began working for me in 1988 and we've become friends. She doen't gossip, but she does confide in me. No one else knows what's going on in her marriage, not even her children. This woman is active in her church, is pleasant, warm, cheerful and liked by all who know her. But you're right,she's not your typical minister's wife. She has a heart of gold, but doesn't have any sophistication to her...not in dress, manners or appearance. Her table manners are basic and her speech is not considered "proper English". She often mispronounces words and sometimes uses the wrong choice of words when trying to explain herself. But that's her and what makes her special. But she's not a good partner for this man because they are on 2 different social levels and she doesn't fit in with his people. And he makes sure she knows this. I'll give you an example: They and some friends saw a movie with subtitles. After the movie the group was discussing the movie and he told others in the group not to bother including her in the discussion because Lillie couldn't read well enough to have followed the sub-titles. Nice, huh? "Rev" didn't marry her for her paltry dowry. He married her because a Reverend in his church needs a wife to act as hostess. He had been widowed for several years and his congregation was about to oust him and search for a minister with a wife. He needed someone to tend to his house, cook his meals and tend to his needs. She was a cheap resource for all of this. He bought himself some time when he started dated her. He sought her out because she didn't ask for much. He thought she'd be flattered by his attention. And he expected she wouldn't complain about anything because being a "Reverend's Wife" would be enough for her. Lillie has no education. She worked in the fields as a child growing up. She reads at about a 4th grade level and though she has a heart of pure gold her exterior is rusty. In conversation one day a couple of years ago she confided in me. She wondered what would become of her if anything should happen to her husband because she was not provided for in his will. That conversation led me here. In my haste to post, my information came across as confusing and misleading. I have not changed my story as part of a game. I simply said the wrong thing and I've attempted to correct the info. I'm even getting the feeling that at least one person thinks I'm a troll OR that this is my story in disguise. You're wrong on both counts.

Stephanie, until last year, I was the same way. Since I wasn't working for most of last year and it was the first time that all the kids were out of the house, I forced myself to spend the time organizing everything in the house. My husband used to never believe that at work, my desk was always orderly, I was always organized and on top of things and most importantly, knew where every piece of paper was. At home, I'd be searching for hours for any paperwork. At home, I organized everything by mine, DH's and product, such as map box, photo box, stationery, etc. It just made it easier for me.

We still have a long way to go in terms of being organized. One good thing we did when we bought this house last year was to think in terms of function. We made sure we had a room or area for the crafting, the kid's toys, the main computer and home office stuff. We don't have everything set up or out of boxes yet, but that's only part procrastination. I'm trying to see what stuff we really need and what can live without. Our added benefit to all of this is that I can clean the public areas of the house in about an hour. Visitors will see the playroom when they walk in the door, but that's kid mess and is contained to that area. The living room, dining room, and kitchen areas are relatively clutter free and any mess is a work in progress. Oh and I finally discoverd that sippy cups are huge mess makers so I eliminated them. They gave us a false sense of security and we ended up with more stains and messes because of them. Now the kids will try to help clean up a spill if they make them. It's easier since the drinks are limited to the kitchen/dining room areas of the house instead of all over the house.