Out With the Old (backsplash and year) and In With the New (tile and year)

Last March, when we bought our new home, we also purchased some tile for the kitchen.  There was no backsplash at all and anything that spilled could go right behind the cupboards.  However, being the careful cook that I am, that has not happened.  It's only a matter of time, as they say, so we needed to get the backsplash up.  It was December 31st and we finally started the project.  Son J, the Cougar who goes to the U, has some experience with tiling his house so I took advantage of the May birthday present he promised and he came over to help.  We couldn't have done it without him!  He knew the answers to questions Hubby and I had and prevented a lot of probable disagreements as well as knowing how to measure and cut.  Thanks also to son in law J, the first Ute, for the use of his great tile saw and tools.

 Hubby did some wiring so first so that we can eventually have some under-cabinet lighting.

 We decided to create a focal point above the stove with a diamond shape requiring a lot of measurements and cutting.  Son J was great with this. 

 We used some mat paper instead of mortar.  It was a bit expensive but so NOT messy and very quick to put up.  Here Hubby is putting up a 12 x 12 tile piece on the mat paper.

 This part took most of the day but I think it looks so good!

 Yours Truly finally handed the camera off so that all the world would know I was there...and working.

 We haven't yet finished all the little cuts, edge pieces or grout, but hope to do that today.

After cleaning up a bit, we hurried out to Tepanyaki for a fun dinner on New Year's Eve.  We had made arrangements to meet up with Elder B's girlfriend, B, who we meet up with often.  A and her family decided to join us.

At Tepanyaki you don't just get a good meal; you get an experience!

 Son-in-law, J the original Ute, actually caught a cooked shrimp in his mouth!  Although we all tried, I think he was the only one who was able to do it.

We were all tired, so we decided to save a game night for another time and everyone just went home where they spent the typical Anderson New Year's - watching television until midnight (in New York). The next morning is far more important because we always make the traditional Nuisch Kokas (New Year's cookies).  Since S and J had slept over, she helped make some.

 "I" was the best chef.  She made the most and had fun doing it.

They last at most 24 hours because they are more than just weird looking donuts - they're YUMMY!