Tina - I am not a pool finish expert, but have talked to several PBs recently about this topic. The impression I got from most is that Pebble Tec, River Rok, Wetedge etc. are all pretty much the same in terms of product quality and longevity. Obviously bigger rocks (Pebble Tec) have a more rough surface and smaller Pebble Sheen and Fina are smoother. Some PBs have a deal with Pebble Tec to only use them, but we found that Pebble Tec was overpriced. We went with River Rok. I agree, the Beadcrete looks great, but very expensive. Also remember to read the fine print on the warranty. Most PBs told us that yes, they have a 10 year warranty, but will likely find a way to get out of it (daily pool chemistry readings required, etc). However, most did say that the aggregate finishes have lasted a long time. I read on here somewhere that the blue color in some of the plasters of aggregate finishes fades over time, but have not confirmed that. Hope that helps a little. DocZ

Thanks everyone. We have been through a few of the houses for sale in our neighborhood and honestly, they don't really compare for a number of reasons. Lot, quality, style. Style is big. A lot of 80's oak trim. We are one of the only houses that has wide maple trim. It's one of the reasons I bought the house. There are some that have narrow painted trim that are as nice as ours, but they're listed in the $400s. The realtor is still confident at $339 and my husband has talked to a couple appraisers and other realtors and they are sure the bank won't accept the short sale at $249. They think they're just trying to generate interest and they also said that when looking at comps they throw out any anomaly, high or low, so if it sold at that it wouldn't even be a comp. Now, there is a valid comp that sold for $299. But, it is on a busy street off of a VERY busy street, and the driveway is almost at a 90 degree angle. So, who knows? That said, I hear what you're all saying and I think I would feel better at $325, but everyone who comes in our house has agreed that $339 is the right price, despite the short sale. I guess I will just have to trust the experts who know our market and our property. We shall see. I am leaving for a week vacation with the kids and when I get home it will be on the market. Wish us luck. If you all end up to be correct, feel free to tell me you told me so. Just do it gently :-)

dotz - "No revolving door scenario, Kroopy, but a dinner 4 months in to meet my friend? No PDA? See how it goes?" I have no problem with that approach...just have seen way too many people fall head over heels for someone and have them "meet the kids" like a week later...only to have it blow up in their face....if the kid's 15...that's one thing, they can probably understand what's going one...if the kid's 5....whole different story. Amber - sorry but I also have to dissagree with you on something else you said: "but you want to watch out for the dads that say "my kids are my world" or something similar - that is just code for "my kids RUN my world"." Sorry...but I started dating when my kids where young...10 and 7...and yes, they WERE (still are) my world, and they DID run my world. As a divorced dad who has his kids more than 50% of the time, in a world full of deadbeat dads wanting nothing to do with their kids, that is a label I am PROUD to wear. I made it clear from the start when I started dating that this was the case....anyone being interested in me had to understand that no matter what our plans were, they were always a sore throat, a stomach ache or a playdate away from being cancelled. I wanted NOTHING to do with any woman that would ever expect to take a priority over my kids. Likewise, I expected to find a woman who would put her kids first also....luckily for me I met someone who shares my views and in the 4 years we have been together I have lost count of the number of times our "plans" have had to change at the last minute, due to kid issues....but we get it....it's part of the deal. If you have the opinion that "...but you want to watch out for the dads that say "my kids are my world" or something similar - that is just code for 'my kids RUN my world'.", please do not ever date a man with kids....go find a man with no kids. Kids are only young for a short period of time....they do not deserve to have to fight for their dad's attention with a self-centered woman.

Thanks so much for all the recent comments!! This board is so supportive!!! It's been a busy time at work, so just a few comments for now.... Rhome- I don't know if you remember (or will see this) but you helped us so much on our kitchen back last summer. I am sure you have done 100's of kitchens since then. Thanks for your comments and help!! Abananie- Good luck with your desk. I wish we had planned for cord storage. It's hard to tuck away the laptop, phone and ipod cords. I think there were some good ideas on GW, drilling through the granite keeping cords in a drawer, but we didn't plan enough for that. Shelayne- The stools are very comfortable and were recommended by someone on GW! Miss Mary and Julie- I think TB looks great with darker cabinets too. Julie, I looked for your kitchen and it is very rich and beautiful! OK...I really ought to be working!! :)