Our New Old House

Long Time, No Blog...

2011-04-02T20:37:00.002-04:00

Just a note in case you're checking in on our blog to let you know that I've obviously fallen terribly behind (my last post was September 8, 2010). Life simply became too busy with trying to complete the house; move; get settled; and, handle day-to-day school and activity obligations to squeeze in any quality blog time. Family has been more important. I have lots of photos and stories left to share about our home building journey though and hope to begin updating again soon. All the best is yet to come -- the interior choices that will make our house a home. Thanks for following... I promise the reveals will be worth it, even if I am a year late posting them.

Tile, Tile Everywhere

2010-09-17T23:07:00.000-04:00

Just sharing a couple photos of the progress being made on our tile work. Grouting was done today in the kids' bath, while the carrera subway tile install was started on our hand-built master shower. The slate in our mudroom is near completion also and will soon be ready to grout.

Delivery Day

2010-09-16T22:48:00.000-04:00

Always an exciting day when we get a delivery from Connor Homes. Today we received our millwork, including our white pine wide-plank flooring; interior doors; screen porch panels; various built-ins; mantel; and, our long-awaited staircase. Noone will be happier to see that go in than me...

Save the Frogs - Part II

2010-09-15T21:30:00.000-04:00

Our GC and his youngest son stopped by tonight while we were working. Shimmer and Shine were trying to overcome their fears and save the last few frogs. They got a lesson and a helping hand from our GC and were able to catch a few. I walked them down to the pond before it got too dark so they could set them free.

Moonlighting

2010-09-15T20:30:00.000-04:00

On our to-do-list tonight, Daddy and I rolled the paint in our master bathroom (fernwood green -- the same shade as Shine's bedroom). Earlier this week, we painted the kids' bathroom, too. It's a pretty pistachio color by Benjamin Moore called Pale Vista. We're working fast and furious to try and keep one step ahead of floor installations, for as long as we can anyway. A white ceramic hex tile was laid today in the kids' bath and we've chosen a carrera marble hex tile for our master which is scheduled to begin tomorrow. I love the simple honeycomb pattern.

All in a Day's Work

2010-09-15T16:30:00.000-04:00

Day to day things are changing fast now... I feel like I can't keep up in a lot of respects. We spend every evening over here, and with school in session the late nights make me feel guilty that a normal bedtime seems to have gone by the wayside. When I stopped over this morning, our permanent driveway was being roughed-in and our slate tile installation had begun in the mudroom addition. Brickwork on our chimney had been finished and covered to protect from the elements, also.

Up on the Rooftop

2010-09-13T18:00:00.000-04:00

Shine and I drove over to the house this afternoon and found the guys way up on the lift laying the bricks for our chimney. Every addition adds one more layer of character. Much to Shine's delight, we also discovered that despite some recent excavation, the frogs have still managed to find a few puddles :)

Color Their World

2010-09-12T23:05:00.000-04:00

You might remember we decided not to drywall Shimmer's and Shine's bedrooms, instead we had them paneled with primed, tongue-and-groove poplar (a little more vintage and a lot more durable). This weekend we broke open our interior paint choices and started with Shimmer's room, brushing it with Beach Plum by Benjamin Moore. Mommy's choice would have been a nice muted shade of green, but Shimmer had her heart set on "pinkish-purple". And, my original thought for Shine's room was a warm earthy tan, but his favorite color is green, so how could I give his sister green and not him??? In the end, I decided that they should be able to choose the color of their rooms, but Mommy did ultimately choose the exact shades. By Sunday afternoon, we had both rooms painted. Shine's was done in Fernwood Green also by Benjamin Moore. I think we made the perfect choices...

By the way, I'm all about sharing our color choices and other sources. I know when I see something I love on the web or in a magazine, I'm so appreciative when it's not a mystery or secret where I can find it. If you ever have a question, just ask... I'm flattered.

Knowing Your Limits

2010-09-10T22:34:00.000-04:00

So... we decided that if we want to keep this house moving ahead, priming the interior is a job that is just beyond us. At this point we still have exterior priming and painting to finish on the garage (our crew just completed the siding on it earlier this week); not to mention, all the interior painting. It really is a daunting task and subbing out the priming is one of the smartest things we could have done. Stress has been pretty high lately and seeing the primer and ceilings sprayed professionally has lifted a weight and even brought a smile.

Road Trip

2010-09-09T22:02:00.000-04:00

After dropping Shimmer and Shine at school today, I made the 75 minute drive to one of our key suppliers to pick up our kitchen sink and some of our slate tile for the mudroom. The heavy cargo meant I had to take Love's truck. This was my second attempt to pick up our sink. It arrived in white (the wrong color) the first time and I was so thankful to have discovered it before getting it back to our house. Today it's right though, and my precious farmhouse sink is perched on top of a pallet of our tile awaiting a long and winding road to make it back home. Praying and trying to trust that the guys have it safe and secure, and talking to Jesus the whole way home... white knuckles and all! I had to snap a picture once I made it into our development, so you could appreciate my journey.

Memories

2010-09-08T22:15:00.003-04:00

Nine years ago today, my husband and I moved into the first home we built. We were newly married and full of hopes to build a life and family together there. Leaving that home was emotionally very hard for me. Tears well even now as I look back at this favorite photo taken just a few days before Shine's birth. You pour your heart into building a home, improve it over the years, and most of all envision your children growing up there and marking their own milestones in it.

It's hard to believe that anyone else would ever appreciate all the decisions you make when building a home, and I don't think it would be fair to expect that they possibly could. Do they know that Shimmer stood by the limelight hydrangea with Daddy for a picture on her first day of kindergarten; that Shine's chair at our kitchen island was the one on the end by the refrigerator; that the reading light in the living room was given to me by husband on my birthday while we were building the house; or, that the scratches on the hardwood maple floors are from our faithful black lab who we know will soon be leaving this world? No. No more than I know now all the things they've found meaning in as they make it their own.

Now my husband is giving life to a home more beautiful than I ever could have dreamed of to replace the heartache of leaving our first family home. I pray that it will bring happiness and warm memories to our family for generations to come. More than this though, I pray that we'll remember rooms are also being prepared for us in our heavenly home, and how much more will we realize then, how even this beautiful home will pale in comparison...

"Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose."

Save the Frogs

2010-09-06T23:57:00.000-04:00

Shimmer and Shine recently learned that the frogs that have entertained them all summer will be buried soon by our excavator. It's inevitable in the name of progress.

After searching for a new home for them on our lot and having no luck (it's been a dry summer); we decided the best spot may be the pond a few lots down. Shine was really hoping to find a closer spot so he could visit them more often, but he's willing to sacrifice his wishes for their safety. He wants to save his endangered little green friends in the worst way; but, both he and Shimmer have been a little leary of touching them. Today they finally caught some... and on our way home they released those four lucky frogs.

The Reveal... so far

2010-09-06T22:40:00.001-04:00

Labor Day... more like Labor Week and then some. So much more to face; but, we press on, and find hope in the beautiful view of the front of our new old house and in the word of God.

Matthew 11:28
James 1:12

Keeping a Promise

2010-09-03T21:51:00.000-04:00

After school today, Daddy made good on his promise to give Shimmer and Shine the ride they've been wanting on the equipment we rented to help paint the house. They held on tight and made a lap around the house, before we packed it in for the day.

On the inside, our drywall finisher didn't quite get done as planned so he'll be putting in some time tomorrow morning to wrap things up. That means we won't really be able to start priming the interior yet like we thought; but, I have plenty of windows left to finish and the garage needs to be tackled while we still have the lift (at least the hard to reach spots). Actually, the siding on the end still needs to be completed before we can totally finish our exterior work.

Hard to Reach Places

2010-09-02T22:52:00.001-04:00

Stayed a little longer tonight and my husband worked hard to finish the second coat on the garage side of the house. That meant tackling the peak which has been one of the hardest places to reach. Check out his feet... not for the faint of heart!

Inside today, our crew was undertaking the drywall to enclose our future stairwell to the third floor. Even with scaffolding there was no easy way to finish that job either.

Heartfelt Thanks

2010-09-02T22:31:00.000-04:00

Today my sister's boyfriend came along with my Dad to brave the relentless heat and add his brush to the paint bucket. Looking pretty good by the end of day four and leaving us in good shape to hopefully finish the house by the end of the week. We can't thank them enough for their help.

I'll still be working on the windows for awhile and we'll still have some garage painting to finish too, but they have eased our burden immensely. Have to say the thought of all the interior priming and paint work ahead is overwhelming at this point, but we'll take it one day at a time.

Looking In from the Outside

2010-09-01T22:03:00.004-04:00

Our third day of painting ends with the first look at some of our windows being replaced after drying. No separate trim or accent colors, just a primitive monochromatic look. These double hung windows with 12 over 12 panes are typical of the period and Georgian style of our home. Beautiful to look at... time consuming to paint! But, there is a sense of personal satisfaction each time I finish one.

Meanwhile...

2010-08-31T23:14:00.000-04:00

While we work on the exterior, our crew has been hard at work on the interior. Shimmer's paneling was installed today. Love the primitive look and the practicality of it.

It Takes Two

2010-08-31T22:59:00.001-04:00

Two days in and my Dad has been a huge help painting the house. I don't remember if I told you but he painted houses in the summer for twenty-five years when he taught school. One coat on the back, the side, the screen porch and well on their way on the front.

Last Day of Summer Vacation...

2010-08-30T22:39:00.001-04:00

Shimmer and Shine head back to school tomorrow. Daddy is on "vacation" this week to hopefully paint the house with help from my Dad. Forecast is VERY HOT, but thankfully dry. I'll be on window duty. So many panes... nothing to do but take them one at a time.

Shimmer had fun playing photographer while we worked today. They both wanted Grandpa to play with them. He treated them to a short walk in the woods before making the long drive home. One day down...

Blue Skies and Sunbeams

2010-08-29T17:11:00.000-04:00

Sunday afternoon and I just thought I would share a few photos I took today. The house seems alive to me today... or maybe, I'm just more aware of the beauty God surrounds us with.

Psalm 27:4

A Gift

2010-08-27T22:30:00.001-04:00

We found an early housewarming gift tonight... Shine brings out the best in our crew.

Generations

2010-08-25T21:46:00.001-04:00

I took Shimmer and Shine on a roadtrip today to visit my Aunt Diane before school starts next week. She lives on Main Street in a quaint little town a few hours away. You won't meet a more wonderful hostess than her, or her late Aunt Doris. Their homes were childhood inspirations of mine... timeless, charming, warm and welcoming.

We stopped by our new home before heading out of town. Inside, drywall being hung in the foyer. Outside, one of my favorite details and something I've always dreamed of -- a beadboard porch ceiling (timeless, charming, warm and welcoming). Looks like Shimmer loves it, too. Like mother, like daughter...

Excitement in the Air

2010-08-24T20:33:00.001-04:00

Our crew began hanging drywall upstairs yesterday, and by today they also had done most of the downstairs. After my accident, the technical difficulties, and the physical mess of the whole insulation process, I'm so happy to put that chapter behind us and behind drywall literally. Shimmer and Shine made their way into the house first tonight and were surprised to find walls in the mudroom. They came running back out to Daddy and I absolutely thrilled to report that, "it's a house... it's a house!"

HVAC work is also continuing; but, my big excitement for the night was the front porch construction. Shimmer took a picture of Shine and I hanging out there tonight (sorry it's a little blurry). With the big pile of dirt pretty much gone, as promised, I was also able to take a nice front photo. I've been waiting a long time to do that. Good things come to those who wait...

Rainy Days and Mondays

2010-08-23T17:07:00.000-04:00

Been a pretty dry summer, but rain yesterday and this morning made it difficult to get the well drilling equipment up to the house. Our excavator came through and helped in a pinch. I brought Shimmer and Shine over this morning and we found a better view on the screen porch. A little nerve-wracking wondering how deep they will need to go, but they hit water fairly quickly. For a better reserve, I think they ended up drilling to about 300 feet. Since he was already here with his equipment our excavator worked to level out one of the big piles out front. Should make it a lot easier to get nice photos of our house, so I'm happy to see that pile go!

Family Work Day

2010-08-21T22:19:00.001-04:00

Well... the time has come to reveal some of our color choices! Shimmer and Shine went with me yesterday to pick up our primer for the garage (which we had tinted), and a quart of our exterior paint for the house. Daddy tested an area off the back of the hearth room. Both are Benjamin Moore colors from their historic line. The house will be Abingdon Putty and the barn will be Hampshire Gray, with Abingdon Putty trim.

I've gotten rather used to seeing our gray and white house... it kind of has a "beach"-look about it! Or, maybe I am just going through withdrawal since we missed out on the beach last year to move and this year to build ;) I'm loving our color choices though... they have an earthi-ness about them that I'm drawn to and that I think suits our style and the setting for our home.

Shimmer and Shine took turns riding his bike in the cul-de-sac while Daddy and I primed the barn. They each wanted a turn though, so I gave them a paint lesson before calling it quits for the day.

Welcome Back...

2010-08-20T21:57:00.004-04:00

Feels like things have slowed down lately, but our crew started drywalling the second floor ceilings yesterday and continued with the master bedroom today. We don't plan to put drywall up in Shimmer's or Shine's rooms. They'll have horizontal plank paneling instead.

Insulation was put up in the mudroom addition and to soundproof other areas also, before drywalling continues next week.

Deja Vu

2010-08-19T21:39:00.005-04:00

Remember WAY back in April when we were in the middle of the never-ending lot clearing??? Our excavator was on the job again today to take away some of the remaining stumps and debris as we get ready for our well to be drilled on Monday. I think it's safe to say that he feels the same way we do... will this mess ever be gone?

Catching Up

2010-08-16T21:01:00.001-04:00

Thought I would share a few photos I took today, after taking it easy the last several.

Made it through the weekend, with nothing more than a few advil. I know I am so lucky, just walking a little slower and sleeping on one side for now. Had my staples checked yesterday and everything is fine. Life is a gift... isn't it?

The open-cell insulation was finished on Sunday. Now just the clean-up remains. We'll work at that over the next couple days. Our construction crew is still spending their time on the house next door; but, the mason, HVAC, and electrical subs have been making progress here. I don't think I've shown you the fireplace and hearth in a while. We should be moving in at the perfect time of year to enjoy it.

Someone to Watch Over Me

2010-08-12T23:31:00.002-04:00

You never know what the day ahead may hold; BUT, God, our Father, does...

After our amusement park trip yesterday, we worked from 8:30pm to 10:30pm at the house last night, covering the first floor windows with plastic to protect them from impending Day Two of the open-cell spray foam insulation. I guess I should explain that WE are doing this, and NOT the subcontractor, because my husband got a really good price through a mutual friend. Hence... a little more work on our part. In the end, I believe it will be worth it; but, here and now, it's a load of stress on me to make sure that I finish getting all the windows upstairs; our bathroom tub fixtures; and, our exterior doors covered in plastic before the insulators arrive and start work again. I don't think my husband anticipated how much mess this stuff would make or we would have taken these measures sooner.

To complicate things, I promised Shimmer a sleepover with Grammie and Grampie (an hour away) and I have a meeting I need to be at from 9am - 11am. I didn't want the kids around the fumes from the insulation anyway, so at 7am I drove both Shimmer and Shine over the river and through the woods and then headed back for my meeting. I was thankful that the meeting was closed in prayer and grateful for that support since I'm definitely out of my comfort zone today at the house. Without my husband there firsthand, I feel like if something goes wrong it will be my fault. He's got enough pressure at work... so I hope I get this right!

Got to the house by 11:45am I think, and no sign of the insulators. That was actually a relief since it gave me time to get things covered and protected. I was doing pretty well on my own to start, but then God sent some rain, and as a result, the help of a few of the crew from the site next door to help me staple up the plastic. They did the third floor for me since I was afraid to climb up there, and handled the tubs for me, too. What a HUGE help and an even bigger relief to get it ALL done before the insulators arrived. Now just hoping they show up so that we stay on track for drywall on Monday.

They arrived about 3pm... but unfortunately had more equipment problems. Our GC and our HVAC contractor were kind enough to help the sprayer and his girlfriend try to fix things. Have you ever had a job to do with a customer waiting and had technical difficulties??? Then you know how these two felt. They were doing their best but had little backup. I felt for them... it was 5pm before they were able to spray. Things went well for about an hour and then more malfunctions on the second floor. I knew my husband wouldn't want them to spray anymore until it was working properly again, so they stopped and tried to figure things out.

It was getting close to 6:30pm by this point, and I needed to run home to grab some things for a board meeting at Shimmer and Shine's school. I'm heading up a new fundraiser and had a presentation to make. My husband was still 45 minutes away from home (he'd been out of town for a meeting), and I hated to leave the house but needed to get going.

Do you ever wish you could have a few seconds back??? I was about to... as I was headed down the ladder from the second to first floor to leave, I lost my footing and fell backward with about four or five rungs left to go. What an awful feeling to be falling and even worse to hit the floor full force. It was NOT the smartest thing I've ever done. I had my cell phone in one hand, I was talking to the subs above me, thinking about getting to my meeting, and trying to negotiate the rungs with the spray hose running up one side of the ladder. Not a good combination!

God is good though and thankfully my children were not there to witness their mother laying on the floor and bleeding profusely from the back of my head. Our poor subs, their day went from bad to worse thanks to me! They were wonderful. Called 9-1-1 and kept me still and calm until the ambulance arrived. Actually, I credit God with my calmness as well. Anyone that knows me also knows that since childhood I have had a debilitating fear of doctors, blood, etc... I've gotten better through prayer and the support of my husband during both of my pregnancies.

The EMTs arrived and were unable to determine the extent of my head wound, but I was very coherent so I tried not to be too concerned. They carefully placed me on a backboard and transported me to the local hospital, where my husband met me. Five staples and a tetnus shot later, I was released. No broken bones, just a lot of aches, a stiff neck, and more thankfulness than a heart could hold.

Insulation Day

2010-08-10T18:02:00.002-04:00

House was quiet this morning, as Daddy waited for the insulation subs he hired to arrive. He took the day off of work to be on-site. I think it was after lunch before they got there. I spent yesterday afternoon "shop-vac"ing the house top-to bottom, and in between all the studs, to make sure we were ready for them.

They sprayed a good portion of the first floor today before running into equipment problems. The necessary part won't arrive until Thursday morning, so they won't be back until that afternoon. Daddy is stressed and that makes me worry in turn...

He's off work again tomorrow to spend a planned annual summer day away with us and friends at a favorite amusement park. I'll be getting up early to buy some plastic to cover our windows and doors before the insulators return on Thursday; and, since Daddy can't take a third day off work right now, he wants me to be there at the house when they return.

Meanwhile, Shimmer and Shine each took a turn helping to clean-up tonight. Our crew is also building a new house on the lot next to ours and they are busy getting it framed and under roof.

Simple Pleasures

2010-08-09T17:50:00.000-04:00

Another new week underway... another beautiful summer day. After an unusually cold summer last year, I've been loving the good old-fashioned long, hot summer we've been blessed with this year.

Today when we stopped over to the house, father and son were putting the final piece of trim on the front. Beauty simplified...Georgian charm.

To Every Thing There is a Season

2010-08-07T17:35:00.001-04:00

Early this spring we bought Shimmer and Shine each their own betta fish. Shimmer's became sick earlier this week and was not able to swim without spinning in a circle. We looked up the problem on the internet and followed the recommendations, but prepared for the worst which was a possibility.

Her fish, Summer, died last night. We're thankful that we had some warning. She placed some flowers in a box with Summer and we decided to bury it under a tree at our new house.

Sweet dreams, little fishy...

In God's Country

2010-08-06T19:15:00.000-04:00

So many great pictures from this perfect day that I had to share a few more...

Deuteronomy 33:13-14

On Golden Pond

2010-08-06T18:59:00.004-04:00

It was really humid this week, but the weather broke in time for Grandpa's visit and gave us a perfect summer day for fishing. There's a little pond in our subdivision, a few lots down from us, where we often see people (including our GC) fish. He says there are some big bass in there and we really should take the kids. I finally called the owner today to see if he would mind. "Have fun", he said... and did we ever!

The pond is a beautiful spot, and Shimmer and Shine each caught and released at least five really nice bluegills a piece. Grandpa spied a 14-15 inch bass in the pond and tried his luck before we left. He snagged it, BUT it broke his line! Fixed the line and then caught and released a smaller large-mouth bass before we packed it in for the day.

Days like this I'm in awe of the beauty God surrounds us with... I love our new hometown.

Looking Things Over

2010-08-06T18:51:00.000-04:00

Grandpa came up for a visit today to see the progress on the house and to take Shimmer and Shine fishing. He'll be helping Daddy paint the house when the time comes, so they were looking things over. Crew was off this afternoon, so we were able to give Grandpa the grand tour. Makes me think I need to charge up our video camera and capture the quality framing materials provided by Connor Homes to build our new home.

You Light Up My Life

2010-08-05T18:42:00.002-04:00

Got a call from our GC this morning to come over to verify a few things. Busy place as everyone is getting ready for an inspection next week before insulation begins. Electric company was there running our lines... we've got power!

Riding on Two Wheels

2010-08-04T18:13:00.000-04:00

Shimmer and Shine have been learning to ride their bikes without training wheels this year. Mostly we've been practicing in our small yard at the house we've been renting, so that if they take a spill, they won't get hurt and discouraged. Shine's been feeling more confident lately and so one Sunday afternoon a few weeks ago Daddy took him off riding on a local bike trail... came home with a couple scraped up elbows :(

We got him some gloves, elbow and knee pads this week and he's back on the bike. This time at our new place. The cul-de-sac is a perfect spot to practice... and off he went! Picked up a little more speed than he expected though! Anyway, this will be a great place for the kids to ride once we are over here.

As for the house, by the end of the day, the siding was complete on the backside.

Tracking Critters

2010-08-02T21:03:00.001-04:00

Looks like someone, or rather some-THING, else has found our frog village. Shine spotted some raccoon tracks this morning and then showed Shimmer tonight when we all went back over. They found some more animal tracks in the mud closer to the house, too.

Seeing Spots

2010-07-31T17:51:00.002-04:00

First step to painting our garage is to spot-prime the knot holes on the pine siding with stain blocking primer. Daddy and I managed to get one coat on all the siding except for one small area on the back of the garage. Tomorrow he'll do a second coat just to be sure, while I sweep up inside the house. Shimmer enjoyed snapping the photos while we painted. Next step will be to prime the garage with a tinted primer before painting it with our color of choice.

Brick by Brick

2010-07-31T17:39:00.002-04:00

Yesterday afternoon Shimmer and Shine had a playdate at the pool courtesy of some friends while Daddy and I took a road trip to pick out brick for our fireplace and chimney. The final decison was a molded antique brick. Not as much color as I had originally envisioned, but the "oldness" of the brick was more to Daddy's liking.

Today our little bricklayers were hard at work unloading the brick one by one into the shed, so Daddy could return the trailer we borrowed. Then we were ready to tackle our next goal...

Home is Where the Hearth Is

2010-07-29T21:35:00.000-04:00

Work on the firebox began today. So grateful to have an experienced mason this time around. When we built our last home, we ran into a subcontractor nightmare when it came time for the fireplace to be constructed... and I shed lots of tears before we had to have someone else come and try to correct the mess. Thankfully, this time we are blessed with a wonderful man to do the job... a craftsman through and through.

Back to Nature

2010-07-29T21:26:00.000-04:00

Today we had a few visitors at the house. Shine and this little froggy spent some time watching each other... and tonight as we drove up to the house with Daddy, this Mama deer and her baby were passing by.

My Chimney Sweep

2010-07-27T22:56:00.003-04:00

Our mason has been making progress on the chimney stack. Tonight he got a little admiration and help from the cutest chimney sweep I know :)

Working Your Way Up

2010-07-27T21:45:00.005-04:00

Between yesterday morning and tonight the front of the house is now almost completely sided... home sweet home.

Measure Twice, Cut Once

2010-07-26T12:30:00.001-04:00

Shine and I dropped Shimmer off at her first day of soccer camp this morning and then drove over to the house to see what might be happening. Turns out the crew had started siding the house! Don't be fooled... it may look like it will be gray with white trim, but it's all primer on the hemlock. We actually plan to paint the whole house including trim monochromatically for a primitive look. I won't give away our color choices just yet... you'll have to keep following.

Meanwhile, we stayed a little while this morning for a carpentry lesson to watch how they would side around the windows.

On Top of Things

2010-07-23T23:04:00.000-04:00

Another week comes to a close already. The beadboard ceiling was installed today on the screen porch and so were the garage transoms. Details are everything...

And, speaking of details, have I told you that we've decided to put our guest quarters up on the third floor instead of in the basement as originally planned. There was so much great space in the attic we hated to see it go to waste, and this will free up the basement for more recreation area in the future. We also think that someday Shine will probably want to have his own hangout upstairs and then we'll use his bedroom as the guest room instead. I'm afraid as fast as time seems to pass now, that "that someday" will come much sooner than we think...

Place Your Orders

2010-07-22T22:38:00.001-04:00

Shimmer and Shine took a road trip with me to our old neck of the woods this afternoon. Shimmer got to go swimming with her oldest BFF's, while Shine (who won't leave Mommy) went with me to finalize orders for most of our lighting, countertops and tile flooring. Despite the distance, I find things like this are sometimes better done in person.

On our way home Daddy sent us to meet our GC and mason at a home he had looked at when it was on the market awhile back. It has a rumford fireplace like he wants and the new homeowners were gracious enough to let us visit this evening to take some measurements and a few pictures for reference.

Since we were out of town most of the day, we missed all the goings on at the site, which included moving the showers and tubs that were delivered yesterday up to the second and third floors. Probably better I wasn't there to see that anyway... would have made me nervous to say the least!

We also got some better pictures of the siding on the barn. Plus, the house looks extra beautiful tonight with all the window screens removed. I'm guessing they've been taken off to prepare to side the house.

A Late Night Visit

2010-07-21T23:24:00.003-04:00

Daddy's parents were over tonight for a certain celebration and we were able to take them by our new house on their way back out of town. A little too dark for pictures but I did snap one of the siding that was started today on the barn.

Simple Beauty

2010-07-20T20:46:00.000-04:00

Front entry trim added today and screen porch nearing completion. I don't know what else to say... I'm in love with the timeless designs of Connor Homes. Thoughts of welcoming family and friends through our front door in the years to come fill me.

Galatians 6:10

Opposite Ends... and In Between

2010-07-19T19:31:00.003-04:00

This week opens with more work on our screen porch. The mahogany flooring was installed today. I also thought I'd take a few pictures of our garage, since I don't remember doing that lately to give you a view of the trimwork that's been added recently. Still waiting for the transoms to be installed. They are one of my favorite things about our "barn".

I don't think I've shared that many photos of the rear of our home either. Here's one that shows the exterior progress and the beauty of our home from all sides... something that has always been important to us, and another reason we were drawn to Connor Homes.

He Got One!

2010-07-18T21:01:00.003-04:00

As if all the activity, heavy equipment, and progress on the house weren't enough entertainment, Shine has been filled with anticipation with each trip since the discovery of the frog village. He wants to catch one in the worst way... and, all his hunting paid off tonight. As Daddy and I were headed up to the house to mark out exterior outlets and faucets, we heard him squeal with excitement "I GOT ONE... I GOT ONE!!!!" We took a few pictures, watched him a little, and then let him go.

Another Door Opens...

2010-07-16T21:15:00.000-04:00

Driving up to the house tonight and Shine was bursting with excitement... "we've got doors!!!!!" Aren't they beautiful? I just don't think there is anything like an authentic wood door.

Shingling is complete on the house and garage, and trimwork has begun on the screen porch. Great ending to another week on the site...

Shimmer was a big help to Daddy while we swept up tonight, too.

Heating Up

2010-07-15T22:02:00.002-04:00

Met with our HVAC contractor today while more shingling continued on the exterior. We originally wanted to heat our home using a geo-thermal system; but, unfortunately it is too cost prohibitive. Would love to do radiant heat instead, and hope we don't regret not doing it, but that would require a second system for a/c (which also adds considerable cost). We've decided to go the forced air route. Warmth in the house is all that really matters to me in the end... and I plan to find some decorative register returns to add some charm.

Frog Hunters

2010-07-14T23:28:00.000-04:00

As if roofing wasn't enough excitement, we found out today that some little frogs have made their home in the ditch in front of our lot. Our GC told Shine about them and he couldn't be more excited. Apparently, they hitched a ride on a load of river rock that was used to backfill and found their way to the water in the ditch.

Shine got Shimmer to help him try to catch one tonight. The frogs are fast! And, the kids were a little timid so they'll have to work on their frog-catching skills again the next time we come over.

Up on the Roof

2010-07-14T22:07:00.000-04:00

The roofing crew was on site today and shingling started on the mudroom addition and the garage. By days' end the entire mudroom connector was shingled. Only one problem... our plans called for some sort of standing seam metal roofing on the front porch. We'd hoped to "break" things up and make the house look like it had been added to over time.

Worse things could happen though... and we weren't yet sure what the added cost would've been to do the metal roofing, so we're moving ahead. Suggestion was made to think about doing metal on the screen porch instead, but if we do it at all, I want it to be on the mudroom. Maybe a few years down the road, we'll revisit the idea and do that entire section of the house (front & back), which would probably look better than the small portion over the porch we had planned anyway.

Go Sit on the Step...

2010-07-13T21:46:00.004-04:00

Trimwork being done on the mudroom addition today when we stopped over. The electrician was also hard at work installing the meter box. Tonight when we came back over with Daddy, Shimmer and Shine got themselves in some trouble by being a little too wild in the house. Their punishment... sent to the step for the first time under this roof. Basement steps were installed today and they serve more than one purpose just fine ;)

The Windows to My Soul

2010-07-12T19:50:00.000-04:00

We took delivery of our exterior trim package this morning from Connor Homes and by day's end all windows in the house were installed. "Nail by nail and board by board" this is quickly beginning to feel like home. I drove Shimmer and Shine over again at the end of the day and we found shelter from a passing storm inside our home and watched the raindrops through our new windows.

We're proud to be using windows made in the USA in Rutland, VT by Green Mountain Window Co. They combine the "traditional/historic detail distinct to the Northeast with the energy performance demanded by its unique climate".

Nail by Nail, Board by Board...

2010-07-11T17:48:00.006-04:00

Daddy's giving life to Mama's dream...

A year ago I was filled with mixed emotions about moving... excited about the town we were moving to and being so close to Daddy's job, but racked with heartache to leave the first home we built together and started our family in. Now tonight is the eve of our second delivery from Connor Homes, and this brokenness inside me has started healing.

There is peace in following the voice of God. I was led to leave my job and be home with Shimmer and Shine, and while I had no idea what this last year would bring, I've been blessed beyond measure and am grateful for the support of family, love of friends (old and new), and the promise to all of us found in Jeremiah 29:11.

Shelter from the Storm

2010-07-09T19:25:00.000-04:00

End of the week and it looks like a reprieve from this heatwave may be on it's way, as we race over to the house after Daddy gets home, trying to beat a looming storm. Supports were poured a few days ago for our porches. We'll have a small covered porch on the front of the mudroom addition and a 12x12 screen porch off the family room side of the house. I envision that being one of my favorite spots in the years to come... maybe even a good spot to sit and watch summer thunderstorms.

This & That...

2010-07-08T17:38:00.000-04:00

This has been such a hot week for our crew... over 97 degrees yesterday and not much lower today. They finished the housewrap this week, installed our bilco door and basement egress window wells, and even placed some of our outlet boxes. Wiring to start next week.

Just Checking In...

2010-07-07T21:50:00.006-04:00

Sorry I've fallen behind on my blogging. I'm still taking photos and will catch everything up soon... I hope!!!

I've been swimming in paint chips, lighting fixture options, and a zillion other details that would bore you. But, we have also been firming up the interior package with Connor Homes, and as we drove away from the house tonight, I was filled with anticipation of when we can finally call our new old house "home"...

Even though I couldn't ask for a better time of year, there still don't seem to be enough hours in the day as I try to juggle this project with my first summer off with Shimmer and Shine. We are thoroughly enjoying our new hometown and all the activities it offers, and I am reminded more than ever that I could not do any of this without God by my side every step of the way... Proverbs 3:5-6.

Taking Cover from the Heat

2010-07-06T14:30:00.000-04:00

Guys worked some in the basement today as the heatwave continues... over 95 degrees today and hotter yet tomorrow! Made some lemonade and filled a big jug for them. Took it over at lunchtime and the kids and I were able to walk my Aunt, who was visiting today, through the first floor.

Shimmer's turn to Shine

2010-07-05T22:07:00.000-04:00

No work today due to the Fourth of July holiday and I'll bet the crew is glad to be spared at least one day of this heatwave that has started. It's going to be a brutal week though...

We waited until the evening to come over and mark out a few more lights and double-check outlet locations. Shimmer got to go "upstairs" for the first time tonight, but she needed a lot more coaxing than Shine did. He showed her the way and she got to check out her room first-hand.

Tar Paper by the 4th of July

2010-07-02T18:00:00.000-04:00

Feeling better Daddy???

Going Green

2010-07-01T23:56:00.001-04:00

So, June IS a wrap and July starts WITH wall wrap.

Connor Homes utilizes Green Guard's RainDrop. It’s innovative drainage channels keep water out of the wall system. Because it’s not perforated, RainDrop resists air and water infiltration This reduces energy consumption and cost.

Shine and I checked it out today... well actually, he was more interested in posing for a picture on some of the equipment.

Dog Teaming

2010-06-30T23:43:00.001-04:00

More work today on our Dog Team Barn from Connor Homes. And, time tonight for the kids to "team" up on Daddy beside our new garage.

Mommy's Night Out

2010-06-29T23:31:00.003-04:00

Now that the house is under cover with plywood sheathing, the garage is getting some more attention. Shine and I made just a quick stop by today, and saw a gable placed, before heading off to bring Shimmer home from Grammie and Grampie's. Gotta get back in time for a girl's night out at the driving range and desserts at a friend's house. Daddy was nice enough to give up his bike night so I can go. He and the kids are headed to Toy Story 3. Fun for all!

When Shimmer's Away... Shine Will Play

2010-06-28T23:07:00.003-04:00

No summer camps on the schedule for Shimmer this week so she is having her first sleepover with Grammie and Grampie... TWO nights and she is double-excited! Shine and I stopped by the house today and the crew is hard at work again. Plywood complete on the back of the house and they were starting the front as we got ready to leave. My "shadow" had fun climbing the dirt piles with me to get some photos.

Came back over with Daddy this evening and Shine got to do some more climbing... this time up the ladder to our second floor, with Mommy waiting at the top and Daddy following him, so he could go into his room for the first time. He did a little happy dance... wish I had that on video! One of those memories mommies stash away in a special corner of their heart.

Passing Time

2010-06-25T22:43:00.001-04:00

Nice weather on Thursday and Friday but not much happening at the site, other than a little backfilling. A couple guys are on vacation and the others had some cabinetry to put in at a prior job that had been back-ordered. No complaints here... I would want my kitchen too if I'd been waiting! Our windows are delaying our exterior shipment anyway, so we can spare some time. Daddy is anxious though to get the house under roof. All in God's timing... not ours.

Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me...

2010-06-23T22:28:00.000-04:00

Trying to squeeze in an evening VBS tonight for Shimmer (and Shine) at a little country church nearby with some friends, (since she is missing ours due to art camp this week). So, it was getting late before we made it over to the house tonight. House and the connecting mudroom are roof-ready.

As we were leaving, we spotted an incredible sunset and raced to the top of the hill to try and get a picture before it dropped below the horizon.

Raising the Rafters

2010-06-22T22:12:00.002-04:00

Looks more like a home everytime we stop... framing the roof today.

Movin' On Up...

2010-06-21T21:59:00.001-04:00

Beginning of another week and summer is officially off and running... and so is Mama! Shimmer started art camp, Shine has VBS, and things keep moving right along at our lot. Second floor framing was completed and the guys were installing the third floor joists, when we stopped over today.

Seeing is Believing...

2010-06-18T23:11:00.001-04:00

Picked Daddy up from work today and after a quick change at home (from pool clothes for us and work clothes for Daddy), we headed over to waterseal the second floor. Shimmer and Shine were anxious to get a firsthand look at their rooms, but that will have to wait until we have actual stairs. They went on a "nature walk" up and down the road in front of the house while we worked.

I still can't get over how much progress has been made this week. It's been exciting to watch...

Now Framing: Our Second Floor

2010-06-18T22:00:00.003-04:00

After lunch downtown with Daddy today, Shimmer had a birthday party to go to for a classmate. Daddy had been to our lot this morning (we realized last night after looking at our floorplan, that the pocket door framing for our laundry room had been installed on the wrong side and he wanted to let our GC know. They are glad we noticed it... should save trouble down the road). Anyway, Daddy said they probably would be framing the second floor this afternoon, so Shine and I ran home for the camera and drove over to take a few photos before needing to pick Shimmer up. Great timing today... we got there and saw a wall go into place on the master bath. Overheard the crew say it went up perfectly.

We've Come a Long Way

2010-06-17T21:50:00.002-04:00

Grandpa paid a visit today to see how our new house is coming along. Last time he was here was April 6th, and back then we were still clearing the massive pile of downed trees and brush. Excited to have him see all the framing that's taken place in the last week. When we pulled in this afternoon, the steel beam had already been installed in the garage and work was progressing on our second floor, floor joists.

Work in Progress

2010-06-15T21:36:00.001-04:00

As excited as we were to see the progress on the first floor last night, I was a little disappointed to miss all the action! So... I took Shimmer and Shine over late this morning in hopes of seeing a wall go up, but we were later than I wanted to be and lunch break was due. We looked over the garage framing that had started and then decided to head home ourselves for lunch. Shimmer went next door to play with a friend after lunch, but Shine and I headed back and spent an hour at the lot and did get to see walls and a header set for the shed.

What a Difference a Day Makes

2010-06-14T21:40:00.003-04:00

Shimmer and Shine spent the day with me while we ran some errands out of town, including a few stops to pick up more paint chips since I just can't seem to make up my mind. It was 5:30pm before we made it over to the lot and storm clouds were hovering, but what a surprise we got when we drove down the lane...

Can you believe it??? Almost the whole first floor framed in just one day!!! It was so fun for me to walk them through room by room. This makes it real...

It was also literally an answer to prayer for me overnight, since I had just spent the night before praying over our project again and asking that it would be a blessing to our GC and his crew as well. We've all gone into this with blind faith to a certain extent and today a weight was lifted off our shoulders. Glory to God and compliments to Connor Homes!

Let the Good Times Roll

2010-06-12T21:21:00.005-04:00

First floor decking was completed yesterday and Daddy spent last evening rolling it with water sealer to protect against forecasted showers this weekend. The openings are for our fireplace and stairway. After some whining (from him), I convinced Daddy to pose with Shimmer and Shine inside our future foyer before leaving.

All Hands on Deck

2010-06-11T21:04:00.003-04:00

Rain-out the day after delivery, so the real work started yesterday with floor joists being installed. We drove over late morning with my "soul" sisters who were in town for a visit; plus, three extra little ones. Sorry no pictures... I was keeping a close eye on the kiddos at the worksite.

Today the first floor decking is going down and I let Shimmer and Shine take a few steps on it. They were thrilled to step foot "on" our new home. Shine even helped with clean-up by blowing off some sawdust.

The Moment We've Been Waiting For...

2010-06-08T22:08:00.001-04:00

Near 10:00am, I spotted the truck approaching on a nearby hill and we watched it pull in before racing back down the cul-de-sac to call Daddy and see it unload. He arrived just before it was ready to leave. We also got to meet our GC's crew today and who could hope for any better. They went straight to work and when Shimmer and Shine and I returned tonight, we found that they had the sill plate completely installed. All in all, I think the kids and I spent five memorable hours ourselves at the lot today and it was perfect...

Delivery Day is Here!

2010-06-08T15:52:00.005-04:00

I could barely sleep last night (don't know if it was nerves or just excitement... but I felt like a kid again, the night before the first day of school). Up early to get ready and take Shimmer and Shine over to our land to see the first delivery from Connor Homes arrive. We weren't quite early enough though... the first truck was already there when we pulled in at 7:40am. Only a few stacks had been unloaded and we learned that another truck was a little more than an hour out and on its way also. Very happy to hear that we would still have a great photo op to mark the occasion.

Daddy didn't arrive until after the first truck left. Meanwhile, Shimmer and Shine and I took a walk out to the end of our road to wait for the next truck to come so we could snap the perfect picture of our new home on its way. We saw two squirrels and a rabbit; plus, the red-winged blackbirds on our walk. It took the truck a little longer than expected to arrive, so Daddy had to go back to work, but we thoroughly enjoyed the sunshine and beautiful view from the spot we chose to wait. Shimmer and Shine found a ladybug that pre-occupied them for quite awhile, and we even had a young deer run right nearby! Sorry, I was so busy getting Shine's attention to see it that I didn't get a photo. It would have been amazing!

Ready and Waiting...

2010-06-07T22:44:00.001-04:00

Excitement is in the air tonight as we know the first shipment from Connor Homes (our exterior shell) is scheduled to arrive first thing in the morning!

In the meantime, the garage floors were poured as planned today, completing the foundation and slab work. The sky was painted up as we left tonight and raises our hopes for a perfect day for delivery tomorrow...

Like Father, Like Son...

2010-06-04T20:53:00.003-04:00

First day of summer vacation today, and the start of my first summer off with Shimmer and Shine. We plan to make the most of it right here in our little corner of the world, and building our new home will make it memorable on its own.

Tonight, Daddy inspected the finished basement floors while Shine looked over the fill and drains placed in the garage bays and attached shed. For once we are actually hoping for rain. It would help the fill settle before the garage floors are poured on Monday. Forecast looks like it will make that happen at some point this weekend. Praise God from whom all blessings flow...

Division of Labor

2010-06-02T16:04:00.000-04:00

I stopped over to the lot this morning after taking Shimmer and Shine to school. Foundation crew will be pouring the basement floor today so I'll bring Shine over later to see the cement trucks one more time. Some questions raised about the amount and type of fill to use in the garage, and who should do the work. In a perfect world, we wouldn't have needed any fill to speak of... but the miscalculations mean we'll need quite a bit.

Shine and I picked up Daddy at lunchtime and met our GC at the site to discuss all the issues. Got there just as the concrete was being delivered. Harder to see now that the walls are up, so we watched through one of the basement windows. A second truck came as we were getting ready to leave. Perfect for a pose!

After the Holiday Weekend...

2010-06-01T21:54:00.000-04:00

We stopped over after Shine's preschool graduation ceremony tonight. Foundation crew has been applying the waterproofing membrane and preparing for the basement floor to be poured.

Higher Ground

2010-05-26T22:16:00.001-04:00

All the walls are poured... house, mudroom and garage! More mismeasurements to deal with though. The house and garage are sitting higher than planned (plenty of blame to go around, but again what good does that do). We'll move the driveway entrance to deal with it and bring in more fill when the time comes.

Pouring the Walls

2010-05-26T14:08:00.001-04:00

Another exciting day for Shine and I, as the big crane is coming to pour the foundation walls. Lucky for us, the timing coincided with his day off from school. It was something to see! We'll make a trip back again tonight with Daddy and Shimmer to show them the walls.

Mis-measurement

2010-05-24T21:55:00.004-04:00

Back tonight to look things over... garage and attached shed footers are poured and awaiting ICFs. As for the mudroom, apparently the foundation crew mis-read the plans and thankfully our GC caught the error. Correction made to the footer and they'll need to reframe before pouring the walls later this week.

Garage Footers

2010-05-24T16:32:00.002-04:00

Spent the day on a field trip with Shimmer today. Being in school all day she often misses the trips Shine and I are able to make to the lot. Today when we stopped over she got to see the cement truck. The crew was just finishing up the garage footers and she was able to see the extra cement get poured into one of the walls. They both had fun picking more flowers and Shine even spotted a grasshopper. If you know about his first show and tell at preschool last fall, then you'll appreciate that... we'll stop back later tonight with Daddy to see what is going on with the mudroom.

Two Steps Forward... One Step Back

2010-05-23T21:16:00.001-04:00

A weekend trip to check on the progress, finds several more courses of ICFs added. However, we were also surprised to find the mudroom portion that had been framed a few days ago torn out now... hmmmm???? I guess we'll find out tomorrow morning what the problem is.

Styrofoam... Not Just for Packing Peanuts!

2010-05-19T20:31:00.000-04:00

The foundation crew started setting our ICF's (insulated concrete forms) today. These styrofoam forms are produced from recycled materials, making them an environmentally friendly product, and are designed to make our home more energy efficient, quiet and comfortable. Shine was excited to see things taking shape!

Pouring the Footers

2010-05-17T17:43:00.002-04:00

Beginning of a new week... the excavating for the mudroom addition is complete, and form-a-drain is all in place. Shine and I stopped over after school and found out that a cement truck was on its way to pour the footers for our new home today! We ran home to grab the camera and told Daddy about the excitement (he was home for lunch).

We made it back to the lot in plenty of time. The cement truck was running late. Saw the crew lower the wall system into the hole and then with camera in hand watched the first cement delivery and pour take place. In moments like this, I'm especially grateful not to be tied to a desk...

On the way out, we spied a red-winged blackbird.

Forming the Footers

2010-05-13T17:25:00.001-04:00

Dry enough today for our foundation crew to get started. Stone is in the hole and form-a-drain is being set up for the footers.

Rainy Days and Wednesdays...

2010-05-12T22:06:00.000-04:00

Rainy weather has put a damper on the groundbreaking and is slowing progress at the site. Frustrations are mounting amongst the subs; but, you can't control Mother Nature. You can only control your own attitude...

I was able to enjoy some time with Shine today in his preschool class while they had a volcano eruption party. Their own lesson in the power of Mother Nature... the little scientists were so adorable!

It was late tonight before we drove over to the site. Not much work happening due to the weather, but the foundation wall system has been delivered.

The Big Dig

2010-05-11T20:14:00.003-04:00

Clouds and rain moving in at the end of the second day of digging. Daddy drove over before dinner. More dirt on top of the ground than in it... means the foundation under the house itself is dug (mudroom and garage areas still to be done). Looks like some gravel for drainage was delivered today, too. We're gonna need it by the sounds of the rain as I write this tonite.

Breaking Ground

2010-05-10T19:27:00.001-04:00

More rain in the forecast, so more debating about whether to break ground or not today. The crews left the decision up to our general contractor. After checking the weather forecast again. He decided... DIG!

Couldn't wait to pick up Shine and get out to the lot to share the excitement with him. We met another one of the crew. Got to see him trek into and out of the hole, measuring depth. Excavator says he must be a mountain goat to be able to do it without a ladder! The digger hit a big, stubborn rock right before we left. Couldn't pry it out without tipping the whole tractor (and making me nervous), or pound it out. Fortunately, I don't think they needed to go much deeper. The wise man built his house upon the rock anyway, right?

In the evening, Daddy took Shimmer (and Shine) over, so they could see the official start of our new home for themselves and check on the progress at day's end.

A Boy's Life

2010-05-08T19:20:00.000-04:00

Some rain came this weekend, not as much as predicted, but enough to make the lot pretty "mucky". Shimmer stayed in the car while we checked out the placement of the house. Not Shine though... he has loved this land since the day we first walked it. Lots of logs and sticks and things to find. Today he enjoyed getting his crocs nice and muddy and then tossing some stones in a puddle :)

Location, Location, Location

2010-05-08T18:10:00.004-04:00

Saturday brought very high winds into town. Branches down everywhere and even some trees. We took a drive over to the lot so I could see how the house was staked out and make sure I was happy with it before digging starts. I value the opinions of our crew and with the garage yet to be added on the left side and a screen porch off the right side, I think the lot is made for it to be right where they have it. The house will sit perfectly through the opening of trees left standing out front. Glad to see they are still standing, too! If they survived today's wind, they can handle a lot.

Meeting of the Minds

2010-05-07T16:04:00.001-04:00

Word has it ground may be broken today! Met Daddy at the lot after dropping Shimmer and Shine off at school. He surprised me with a "Mc"Mocha... enjoyed that while our general contractor, excavating and foundation crews walked the site, measuring transits, for drop and drainage, and all those things that are important, but beyond me. Apparently the forecast for the weekend predicts rain of over 1-1/2 inches, so the group decided to hold off on breaking ground until Monday. Spent quite awhile at the site anyway, discussing foundation, utilities and bilco locations. They staked out some corners before I had to leave for a Mother's Day Luau in Shine's class. Spotted another pretty wildflower on my way out...