Dekeoboe, Thanks for posting those images within the thread. For the stools, we'll probably change the 8 stools as shown to 5 stools (one on end and two on each side) since we have 5 in our family. Lafdr, Thank you for the many comments. Our lot is 2 acres, but we probably only have about 1.2 buildable acres because of the pond and woods. Also, the lot is much deeper than it is wide so we don't have a ton of width to the lot but I appreciate the thoughts about getting more windows/natural light (which is important to us). Think we'll go ahead with the Jack N Jill bathroom. I'm guessing that the doors won't be locked much. For the stairway, we're picturing an open staircase something like this: [[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/nemo-contemporary-staircase-orlando-phvw-vp~3745201) [Modern Staircase[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-staircase-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_745~s_2105) by Winter Park Home Media Design & Installation Storch Entertainment Systems So we wouldn't be able to locate the coat closet under the stairs if we opt for something like that. Still not sure on what we want to do for the sitting room. Would you remove the walls and just have a wider bedroom? We're still debating the advantages and disadvantages of the sunken room. We think it will look cool, make it easy to transition from tile in the foyer/kitchen to hardwood in the great room, and give us another 14" in ceiling height in the great room, but we understand the safety issues and some of the functionality issues that could arise. bpathome, We appreciate all comments that improve the functionality of our home. We will flip the pantry. pixie, We'll make the changes to the kids closets. Good ideas for other possibilities for that 6x8 extra space in the one bedroom. I'll discuss with my wife. You're right - we may want to add a door to the closet. I'd like to shorten the closet a little but don't know how with the current layout because we want to maintain a wall for the covered patio. Excellent idea for changing the mudroom door to enter into the hallway across from the pantry. That will give us access to the mudroom if we enter the other garage door also. My wife loves that idea and is now asking why I ever drew it the other way :). Switching to 5 stools should solve the issues with space in the island right? Yes, that circle is a fire pit. Against code to have fire pit under an enclosure? Bummer. Scrapbook and kirkhall, Thanks for the notes about the pocket door. We'll be moving that doorway to open across from the pantry. Thanks all and please keep the comments coming!

I love the pool table idea, but will have to wait until I see how much deck space we end up with. I looked at both websites and will get with my contractor to see if he can get me a discount. I also looked at Fogco. I love their gallery photos so I will get with my contractor on the misters too. It seems to be something my DH really wants and he has a b-day coming up in February. Kelly - If you do happen to run into your neighbor and find out where he got his fire pit, I would love to know. I have seen some that I like, but nothing that I just cannot live without. The digging starts on Monday so maybe I will get out of my shopping spree mode then, but I have never been so determined to shop and not been able to find much. I ordered two Molly Brown floats/rafts the other night. One is for me and the other one is for our Chocolate Labrador. I also bought her a Furminator (dog comb) that was expensive for a comb, but works FABULOUSLY! All just little things. Anyway, until the digging starts, I am still shopping!!!! And I am still looking for ideas! Melissa

Well the open house was a huge success despite the weather. Normally its low 60s for temp this time of year -yesterday we had a snow storm. It was pretty funny that one group of people coming to the open house sang a christmas carol when I opened the door. Its all good becuase my house shows really well in cold weather with its warmth (I had the fireplace going and everything). There were a few people that cancelled becuase they were afraid of driving but not too many. The downside is that all this time and money I spent on the yard getting new plants etc didn't matter as it was all buried in snow. I hope the new plants are OK! The candle centerpeice actually got lots of compliments (and also some jokes about my masculinity when they found out I picked them and arranged them - I just passed the buck onto all you GWers. My DW was egging them on when she told them how much time I have spent on window treatments. Thankfully my sister-in-law chewed them all out and told them that most women would love it if their man cared about the curtains - all the teasing stopped right away after that LOL). The previous owners and their kids (now grown up) came and that was great fun hearing all the stories about the house over time since it was built and, thankfully, they loved what we'd done to the place (lots of the wife saying "I told you we should have done that" to the husband was worth lots of laughs) Anyway we went through something like a dozen bottles of wine (of which I had to try some of most) and the "7-11pm" event ended up going till 2:30am. Needless to say I am a little out of it. Sorry I only have a couple pictures of the event before it started. Once it got going I was so busy talking (millions of questions), socializing, greeting and saying goodbye etc that before I knew it, it was over and I didn't take any pictures. I could have taken some after photos but no one likes party aftermath (well you might have had fun checking out the empty wine bottles). Right now my computer is not hooked up and I am using my DW's so later tonight I will get the before party pics up.

Thanks again for all the advice guys. The pool table is definitely a bad idea. I was lucky to get rid of it the first time, why would I be dumb enough to buy it back? You are right, it is more of a guy thing, it does take up a lot of space, and in todays world, video games are definitely the better choice for family entertainment. I never thought of some of those ideas, and I thank you for sharing them with me. It is also not the greatest idea to leave the lawnmower behind either. I also never thought about the lawnmower reminding people there is yardwork - good idea. This is a section relating to house selling. I feel bad that this post has recieved so much attention when I originally just wanted a couple simple answers - and it has metamorphasized into this mess! A lot of that is my own stupid fault. I tend to read things, take them the wrong way, and then I have to respond and "defend" myself - when I was never under attack to begin with. Then I read things again, realize things were NOT as malicious as I originally thought, and then think Duh! Why did I get upset by that? Well this is yet another of my Duh! moments - and I apologize. Yes Brickeyee, I can be a very good kettle, and yes badgergrrl, I can also be a grumpy old man - thank you for not calling me something worse. I really am a nice guy, but often I find myself in this predicament. So again - sorry! As if you can't tell, I have a hard time letting things go. I went through a real nightmare attempting to sell my house before, and I am dreading having to go through it again. I am also dreading whatever repairs and cleaning I will need to do after the tenant moves out just to get the house ready again. This is still 1 1/2 months away, and I am already getting stressed out over it. All I want is to get rid of the house, do it quickly and easily, and without being financially raped in the process - a whole lot easier said than done. So this is why I am the way I am - I am carrying a lot of stress relating to the whole house thing. Thanks again for the good advice and thank you for understanding what I am going through. I know it is ultimately up to me to figure these things out, and no matter what you guys say, you can't really fix things for me. You are total strangers, but it still helps me having some sort of outlet for me to voice my concerns - to people who might understand me. Thanks again. Have a good day.