Burning Updates....

This is where the fire started in our home. It hasn't yet been a full week, and I am already thoroughly exhausted.  The fire and smoke damage has been so extensive that we had to throw out all the food, and all of our clothing.  There has been very little that we have been able to save, even though the flames were only in a single room.  Due to the amount of plastic that was burning in that room, the fire burned hot, and black, carrying the smoke throughout the entire house.  There is no getting the smell of burnt plastic out of your clothing and stuffed animals.  Smoke Clean has been able to do an amazing job of cleaning up the few things we desparately wanted to save. 

The walls were once a cream color.  Now you can see where the heat line was throughout the house.  Picture frames on the far side of the house were melting, and the soot, and ash just covers everything in the house, even the dishes that were inside the dishwasher, and all the clothes in the drawers that were closed.  This ash gets everywhere! 

This is what my kitchen now looks like.... The only good news seeing this, is that the demolition has started.  It took me 2 months to have my kitchen built when we bought this house three years ago, new appliances, counters, cabinets, etc.  It took all of three and a half hours for the demo guys to gut it!  Yes, on the bright side of  things, if there was ever a time that I wanted to change something, now would be the time to do it... However, I could have thought of an easier way to do this without having my up go up in smoke! 

This is what my rugs now look like, all throughout the house.  This used to be where the dogs beds were.  The smell throughout the house is just unbearable.  We have been cleaning out and cataloging all of our belongings wearing gloves, and masks, and taking lots of outdoor breaks. 

Our spirits are still up though, we are all working together, and trying to make the best of things.  Our daughters school has really pulled together and given us a tremendous helping hand.  Many others have offered to help where they can, such as Maria, over at My Chicago Mommy, who has been placing posts throughout the days on my blog.  I can't thank you enough Maria! 

I will continue to update you all as progress continues.  I am hoping that the progress continues to move along quickly!