Bungalowbliss: I’m so glad to hear there is a citrus smelling stripper. I am excited to try it out, however, I have to finish up the stuff I have first. But hopefully it won’t take me too long as I’m ready to strip all three doors I’ve been working on. I’ll put up a newel post picture this weekend after we sand it!

Thanks to both of you for the comments!

As for your stripping project(s), you may want to give Citristrip (http://www.citristrip.com/ and available at both big-box and local hardware stores) a shot. It’s all I use, and the citrus fragrance is boatloads better on the snout and lungs than the harsh chemicals. It works really well, too!

Your doors are going to be gorgeous. Can’t wait to see the newel post!

Re: the fire alarm…dunno if you’re looking for new ones, but they make fire alarms that you can record your voice on. Turns out that kids will sleep through a regular blaring smoke alarm, but will wake up immediately when they hear their mother’s voice telling them to get up right away. We’re getting one for the boys’ room in the new house. Just thought I’d pass the information along to you (hope you don’t mind!) Here’s the link if you want to take a look-see: http://www.amazon.com/Vocal-Smoke-Detector-Family-Safety/dp/B0018SANVY