Christmas 2009

As Christmas Eve approached, I found myself saddened that we had decided to not do a Christmas tree this year. Even though we managed to squeeze one into the camper the past two years – this year time was our hindrance more than space. Simply put – there is so much happening and needing to happen with the house this year, that we just didn’t have the time. The kids were fine with it … as long as the presents would still be there :)

John had to go into the prison on Christmas Eve, so the kids and I decided to make a little Christmas tree. We had been gathering “fruit” from sweet gum trees to try to make a Christmas tree from them, so that is what we did on Christmas Eve.

Here it is – the brown, pointy balls are the sweet gum tree fruit. First, we made a tree shape out of cardboard and wrapped our lights around it and taped them in place. Savannah trimmed the stems off the the gum balls. Then we used hot glue to affix the gum balls and little ornaments to the “tree”. Then we added some ribbon and little garland lights. Nothing too fancy, but it was fun.

In the process of making our little tree and looking for the trimmings, we came across 5 more little trees that I had completely forgotten about. They had the tiniest, cutest little ornaments and garland to go with them. The kids really had fun having their very own tree to decorate. I was praising the Lord for giving us way more than we asked or imagined.

 

Christmas morning – we enjoyed a break from the work and opened our presents on the main floor (even though it isn’t finished yet).

The rest of the day was filled with gaming and fun. I even managed to make a ham dinner – a very simple one.

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Today was a beautiful day so we decided to take a drive after church onto the wildlife management area. They have been clearing land across the way from our house, so we wondered if we could see our house from there.

Sure enough, we can and here it is.

John discovered a Survey marker on a rock.

My current very favorite picture! My three favorite people, with our house on the far hillside. Can you see it?  

Floors and kitchen

Bamboo floor is 2/3 installed on the main floor. They did enough to support getting the kitchen cabinets in today. We love how it looks, but the flooring is a little softer than we expected. This just means that we will have to be more careful and try not to scratch or damage it.

 

Shot of the island and upper cabinets. The far left is for the refrigerator, the next opening is for the oven and the little one on the far right is the microwave. Needless to say, we are VERY excited.

From the other angle – this wall portion will also have a countertop area to allow passing dishes from dining table to sink or as a serving area.

Now, we need to finalize the countertops and get them ordered. The appliances are still about 2 weeks away.

Merry Christmas

Isaiah 9:6  For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Flooring …. and I forgot to show you the snow!

Here’s the start of the flooring. I even got to help some and boy, is it tiring! I’m really excited to see it all finished.

A couple of Saturday’s ago, we woke up to snow. We had about 1/2 an inch and it was mostly gone by noon, but it was really pretty. Here in the south, we have a very wet snow, so it sticks to all of the branches of the trees. A very short-lived winter wonderland.

 

Our view with snow-covered pines.

House and life update

First of all – MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Life has been happening at a breakneck pace lately, it seems. We are progressing very rapidly on the house, which is really great, but can be pretty tiring, too.

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(pics l-r Christmas wreath at Noccalula Falls, Savannah blowing candles, Savannah with “Samantha”, Hadden petting rabbits, kids with cute Christmas tree)

We celebrated Savannah’s 9th birthday last week. She was a real trooper and allowed Mommy to spend about 2 hours at the cabinet shop discussing details and trim. Afterwards, we ate at that cool chicken restaurant and then went to Noccalula Falls to see the Christmas lights. Then, home for presents, cake and ice cream with Daddy.

They both also participated in the Christmas program at our church which was last night.

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(pics l-r my new “stair master”, kitchen cabinets, kitchen ceiling fan, one door installed, other ceiling fans)

On the home front, we are almost finished with the main level. Painting is finished (*for now) and laying out the plan for the flooring started today. Tomorrow, they plan to lay enough flooring to be able to install the kitchen. The electricians returned and installed the ceiling fans. We LOVE how the fans look.

A really big decision focus for right now has and continues to be the kitchen. We are finalizing all of the little details on the cabinetry, talking with the countertop people and purchasing the appliances. I have felt a little overwhelmed, but we decided that we didn’t need to rush the countertops after all. After 2 years without a real kitchen, a few more weeks is not that big of a deal. The cabinets are supposed to go in next week!! Appliances will be another 2 weeks or so.

Also – the final set of stairs has been completed! John was able to bring them home tonight.

Lots going on, I guess I should blog a little more often :) Hoping to show you flooring pictures tomorrow.

Stay warm!

Pictures … you’re welcome :)

Last Saturday was moving day. We rented a U Haul and moved our remaining items from storage into the basement of the house. Exciting stuff! We took two trips – one of mostly furniture items, and the other of boxes. Some We Care friends (Bucher’s) and their friends stopped by and the men helped John unload the furniture load while I got my baby fix. The Bucher’s have a one-month old who is just a cutie-pie and I was working hard rocking him. Really, it was hard work :)

The kids enjoyed riding in the truck with Daddy when we returned it.

While John picked up the remaining flooring, the kids and I went for a trip to the McWane. Our membership expired at the end of November, so we got one last visit in.

    

Here, they are “catching coins”

 

 

OK – now for some house pictures. We have set up temporarily in the basement while we finish the rest of the house. It is wonderful! The only thing we lack is a kitchen space, but we are managing with the microwave for now.

Before moving in – the kids doing school work at the table while I painted. It is so nice to have them right there with me.

 

Wall colors are tricky to photograph. I guess I’ll have to get out my nice camera and try during the daytime.

 

My honey, enjoying his couch … and laptop :) The wall behind him is yet to be finished – a remnant of our poured concrete walls.

Grand Central – where I am currently broadcasting from. Note: the screen is showing the current status of the OSU – U Of O game – Go BEAVS!!! Current score is 30-21, Beavs. Winners go to the Rose Bowl.

 

My orchid, and blue bird (aka penguin). Don’t laugh at my dust!! There’s a lot of dust around here right now.

 

Kitchen space – don’t you love it?

The dogs are loving being in the house, too. They were a bit concerned with all of the hubbub of the moving truck, but have settled in rather nicely now.

“Did you forget to show them something?”

Why, yes, Lilly – I did! I can’t believe I forgot - the orange room!

When I first painted it, the only word to describe it was WOW! I immediately thought that I would be needing to repaint it in the near future. However, after seeing it during the daylight, it actually looks pretty good. Bright, but it is a color that grows on us. We both like it now, so I am thrilled that I can wait a while before painting it again.

The color is called Rejuvenate – and by the way, this is our guest bedroom space … eventually.

Last, but certainly not least … aaahhhh – a real chair!!! I LOVE this chair! Notice Mercy in the background – she’s pretty comfy, too.

We are so grateful to be at this point. I am still painting – concentrating on the main level right now. Tomorrow, I should finish priming and then be able to start on the first coat.

Psalm 105:1-4

¹ Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;
       make known among the nations what he has done.

² Sing to him, sing praise to him;
       tell of all his wonderful acts.

³ Glory in his holy name;
       let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

⁴ Look to the LORD and his strength;
       seek his face always.