Children under the Stairs

The kids played and found some new hiding spots while Jim put in the closet under the stairs and patched the hole where we had a built-in shelf.

It's beginning to look a lot like christmas!!

I decorated the mantel and we put up the tree this past weekend. The decorations this year are pretty minimal because the house is a mess due to the construction. Jim wanted to put lights on the dumpster but I refused. My living room is packed with all the stuff in the attic so I can't decorate in there. I figure we spend most of our time in our family room and it's the one room that hasn't been affected by the addition so I decorated there.
I'm really into silver this year. I picked up these tassles at homegoods not knowing what I would do with them but I loved them so much I couldn't pass them up. I think they look perfect flanking the mantel.

Irish Soda Bread

I don't think that I've had this since one of my roommates used to make it in college. I forgot how easy and delicious it is! I prefer no caraway seeds and just plain old raisins. The kids loved it warm from the oven with butter. I think that I spoil them with baking because they don't bat an eye anymore at fresh bread. Maybe I need to remind them that not all kids are so lucky!

Messy

Unfortunately this is one of the most exciting parts of our remodel yet the most difficult to share. The walls have been going up and the guys will be done plastering by next weekend. It is so exciting to see the rooms that we will actually be living in soon but it is really difficult to take pictures of them. One thing for sure is that plaster is messy! But at least it's not as dusty as dry wall would have been. I'm working on picking out tile, flooring and paint colors so hopefully I'll be able to share soon!

Sheet-Rock Delivery

Another nail-biter...

Destruction

I guess part of construction is destruction when you are adding onto an existing space. The plumbing and electrical are done and we passed both inspections! I wasn't prepared however for the amount of cutting and holes that would be made by the plumber and for the electrical. I feel like we live in a house of Swiss cheese at the moment. We had the rough-in and framing inspection today and we passed that as well. We will start dry walling and insulating tomorrow! I'm exciting to be able to actually see some walls go up. Stay tuned...

Halloween Crew

Here are the costumes that I made for the kids (minus Benny's). Jack was the Joker. I feel the need to explain because some people thought he was Eddy Munster when we were out trick or treating. I'll blame that on the poor lighting. Nora was a "wedding bride" as she put it. Benny had to do a last minute change because he was a sheep which was a costume I had made for my nephew many years ago. I had to change because it was such a warm night that I thought he would melt in such a warm costume. They had a fun night. Benny was especially happy that so many people were willing to just give him candy!!