NATCHEZ &8212; Tapper Hendricks and Kristin Nelson are working together to make their house a home before they tie the knot.

The two met while they were each going through a divorce of their own and dated for two years. Renovating the house they will move into is a project they can share, they said.

&8220;I think it makes it your own,&8221; Nelson said. &8220;It gives it your own touch.&8221;

Hendricks and Nelson were in the process of remodeling their kitchen Saturday. A couple of their friends were helping cut and lay ceramic tile.

The kitchen is just one of several renovations they have planned, they said, one they hope to have finished before their wedding in August.

Hendricks has owned the house for about five years, he said. After they were engaged, Nelson and her daughter moved in, and Hendricks lives elsewhere.

Hendricks has two daughters, as well, and all three girls are looking forward to their new rooms, he said.

The couple plans on renovating the girls&8217; rooms and replacing the living room carpet, among other things. They have already painted areas of the house, including the kitchen.

Living with the stove and sink torn out makes it nearly impossible to cook, the couple said.

&8220;We&8217;ve been eating a lot of hot dogs and hamburgers,&8221; Hendricks said.

&8220;Yeah,&8221; Nelson said, &8220;McDonald&8217;s has become our favorite.&8221;

Hendricks works for a consulting firm, so he is away for two weeks and home for two weeks. Even when he is away, Nelson makes progress on the house.

&8220;Every time I come home, something is different,&8221; he said.

Hendricks said he is waiting for the day when all the refurbishing is complete. He looked at the bookshelf in the middle of the living room.

&8220;I&8217;m looking forward to being able to come home, sit in my recliner, and enjoy life,&8221; he said.