Ikea = Hawaiian for "Many Little Pieces"

Okay, so I made that up. But that's what it should mean. We thought, no big deal, we've put together many items since moving into this house. But this was different, this appeared a bit overwhelming. Since we had no clue what we were going to do with all the boxes, we just asked the delivery guys to put the boxes on the back deck. The deck is actually currently in its own reno-- you know, just something on the side since the kitchen isn't time consuming or anything-- so it has no posts or rails. So forgive that. But here are our boxes, Saturday early afternoon, as we Jamie and the delivery guys piled them all on the deck.

Here's a shot from another angle. Please also disregard anything random in the yard. You see, when you are gutting a kitchen there is a lot of trash. And wood. And everything gets all moved around.

So last night, we gathered everything and carried them all into the kitchen. We knew this couldn't be the permanent solution, but leaving cabinets and appliances sitting outside also did not seem like a good plan. Today, we separated all of them by base, doors, accessories, and did more carrying. My muscles hurt. I call them the bendy over muscles, Jamie says that they are my hamstrings. Also my shoulders and arms hurt. I am weak. This is good for my weakness, and to burn some calories. Especially since now we are pretty much down to take out or restaurants for eating. Unless you can microwave or toaster it up. Which I did this morning for breakfast. Again, I digress. Anywho... here are the boxes after some moving around. Still "many little pieces" though, as you can see. Or, big pieces.

These are the top pieces. We placed them on a wall. I realized shortly after they need to move again, because the fridge will go there. Also check out the immense amounts of dust on the floor. Breathing hazard!

The pieces in the kitchen still are cabinets for the bottom half. The base cabinets if you will. More dirty. Yuck.

Now, the last pieces (the doors) are upstairs in the guest room. Said guest room has not been revealed on the blog yet, because it still needs my DIY headboard and a few other accessories to complete the look. But, for purposes of showing you that there are indeed, more boxes, here we go...

And now, for the things that keep me going, pictures of other people's ikea cabinets after they are complete. This is why I am allowing this whole kitchen project to continue... the dream of one day having beautiful cabinets and a kitchen I actually enjoy cooking in.

Oooo, Ahhhh. Except, we are cool and got granite countertops, so ours will look like, even cooler. But, I do love those pulls for these cabinets. J and I disgree on hardware choices, so we went with his for now... but I secretly (okay not so secretly if it's on the internet) hope to get some of those cute little pulls on the drawers at least.

Okay, so our kitchen is 1/4 this size. Well maybe 1/2. But still, I think this is actually a very similar set up and I like it. Approved. Dream Dream Dream. Again though, our counters will be prettier.

In conclusion, I realize we saved a ton of moolah by ordering from Ikea, plus I really do love the cabinets design and the countertops we chose. However, be prepared to be scared out of your mind by the sheer number of boxes. Now, because my forearms hurt from both lifting boxes and playing in a philanthropy volleyball tournament, I need to stop typing and go watch mindless television.

Tomorrow I'll show you the latest and greatest in the kitchen. And someday soon I'll post the pictures from a St. Patty's day bash at my parents.  Busy Busy bees!

P.S. Cheers to our parents who have offered to come help us. Dad, we have no coffee pot but I swear we will buy you an entire box o joe from Dunkin Donuts, conveniently located down the street, for your hard work.  We can also offer you wawa, or microwaved bagel bites. Your choice. Aren't we generous?