Moving Along...Quickly!!

So here's the new front of our house. They actually put this up yesterday but I didn't get to take pictures because I've been feeling a little under the weather and it's been pretty crazy around here. But as promised, for all of you who have been requesting updates, here are the latest pictures from today...They put in this gable end this morning. This is the roof ridge beam that they boomed in today. That was a nail bitting event. I almost couldn't watch. The truck burned a lot of our grass as you can see in the top picture. I guess it's a small price to pay for all the added room we'll be getting. Overall our bushes and plants have been spared any major damage so far. Thanks Mike!

Tomorrow they'll put in the rest of the rafters and start the sheathing. We should have the makings of a room by the end of tomorrow.

Back Wall Goes Up

Here's Jack hanging out with the guys on the second floor.

Even with some downpours yesterday the guys were able to make some progress by getting the subfloor done. We did have some leakage during the heaviest rain but nothing that a little spackle and paint can't cover up. They put up the back wall today.

More Action

They removed the rest of the roof and got the supplies to build up the floors, walls and ceilings.

I brought Jack out front to watch them load the lumber up on the roof. I don't think that he was as impressed as I was.

And There Goes the Roof!

A New Room

The beginnings of the mudroom...

And so it begins...

We started construction this morning. They dropped off a truckload of lumber and got right to work at 8 am. Benny did pretty well taking his afternoon nap while they jack hammered the concrete steps. Above is a picture of the driveway looking like a real construction site. Jack wanted to know what the port'o'potty was for.

This a picture that I took yesterday to remember the "before."

The work after day one: removal of the concrete steps; digging the footing; and starting to remove the siding.

Finally!

We finally got all of our building permits at the end of last week. We'll be starting construction tomorrow! I can't believe it. After months of planning and agonizing we are finally going to begin the real agonizing. We are both having mixed emotions. We are eager to see things begin but at the same time nervous about undergoing such a huge renovation. But everytime I try to stuff another towel in our tiny linen closet or try to squeeze by someone in our little bathroom I feel relieved that it won't be too much longer...

Jack Can Swim!!

Jack learned to swim this spring. He can swim for short distances without any help. Hopefully he'll get a chance to practise if this rain will ever let up!! These are some pictures that I took at their swimming lessons at the Y.

Have Kids, Will Dig

Here's Jack modeling his new sandbox that we built yesterday. I was getting sick of the kids digging under the slide in the dirt so we figured a sandbox might stem that behavior. Besides every growing boy needs a sandbox! Now we just have to teach Benny to keep the sand in the sandbox...

A Welcome Visitor

I spotted an Oriole in my backyard yesterday. I thought that I had seen one last year but wasn't sure. I kept seeing this flash of orange out of the corner of my eye but was never sure if it was actually an Oriole. I definitely saw it this time. The color is amazing. This website tells more about them (as well as any other bird you might be interested in) and has a recording of their call. I listened and it does sounds familiar...

Jack's Last Day of Preschool

His last day of his first year that is. He keeps telling everyone that he's done with preschool and I have to remind him that he still has one more year to go.

My Boys

Hanging out in the car waiting for Nora to get off the bus on a dreary day...

Goat's Beard

This is one of my favorite shade plants. I think it is so pretty. It grows to be about 4-5 feet tall and sways in the breeze beautifully. It's flowers remind me of fourth of July fireworks. I loved it so much I had to have the mini version (last photo) which is so cute with it's tight foliage and little dainty flowers. Try it in your shade garden. I hope you love it as much as I do!

Amelia

Pen and Ink Sketch

A fitting name for a seal at the New England Aquarium...

Look what's blooming...

Irises

The snowball merigolds that I grew from seed in February.


One of my favorites, poppies.

I got lots of volunteer digitalis from a single plant that I put in a couple years ago...

New Pouch

Love the fabric of the bag but not the dimensions. Too short and fat...

House Plans

Just wanted to give you an update on our addition. We're still stuck in the permit process. We finally submitted all the necessary paperwork and gone through the conservation office, the accessor's office and a few other offices at the town hall. We proved that our foundation was adequate and that we are not going beyond our original set backs. Now all they have to do is look over the plans and give us the permits. Hopefully that will be by next week and we'll begin the following week. And I thought that the building part was the hard part...
Above is a scan of what the exterior of the house will look like when all is said and done. Sorry for the poor image quality but I had to stuff an 11x17 sheet into my little printer to get it.
Keep your fingers crossed for us to obtain the actual building permit!