Too Hot to Garden

I've got the garden to a fairly good point- mulched and ready to grow. I couldn't imagine working out there this week. And.... the gnats are here. I mean- it's lovely! Really! Come visit!

My New Truck.... I Wish.

We finally got the pine straw mulch put on our garden. Perfect truck for the job.... perfect hat for the job!

Thanks Mom & Dad

We've been lucky to have both our parents visit this spring. Mark and Cheryl stopped in for a few days of hanging out before they made their way to Florida. We enjoyed some delicious dinners out and cut-throat game nights! Chalk up points to Team Mark & Leisa!

Then my parents came down for a week- doing anything to escape the Illini chill. It may not sound like much of a vacation- but they wanted a few projects to work on! Well, we were blown away by what they accomplished!

Project 1
FIRE PIT

Project 2
CLEARING OUT OUR MARSH VIEW

BEFORE

Now we can see through the tree line, out to the marsh. We've seen ducks, a blue heron, and look what Luke found in the yard!

Cooling Down

Well, I heard it might freeze in Illinois this week. We, on the other hand, are just beginning to enjoy our 6-7 months of fall. Winter never really comes to south Georgia.... and I'm ok with that. It's still fairly warm during the day- but last night there was a cool breeze on the back porch and someone in the neighborhood was burning something- ahhhh....the smell of fall. I even picked up some apple cider. So, when the harsh northern winter has got you down- just remember that you are always welcome to come and sit on our front porch. Direct flights from Bloomington to Atlanta!

Filling a House

Once we moved into our house, we realized we don't really own much furniture! Spreading out our apartment stuff into the house- well- there were just some big empty spaces. So, we've been shopping. Yea! And I really do mean WE. Luke has suggested, approved, or at least commented on each new purchase:) He has been very helpful. So, our latest addition is a new couch for our living room. This is where we listen to records, read, and eventually will cuddle fireside!

Oh So Close

When we got back from vacation, some new street signs were put up in our little subdivision. Luke is very disappointed. We are one lot away from living on Beaver Bottom Court. I, on the other hand, am not devastated.

On The Inside

The Art Studio

The Family Room... a little lonely right now.

The Hall Bathroom

The Kitchen

Ta Da!

Ok- I am finally keeping my promise to upload pictures! I apologize for the delay... let's call it technical difficulties. So, here's the outside- beginning in Oct- until today!

So Close

So- here's the update. Thanks to awesome help from Mark & Cheryl- all of our stuff- except our bed and clothes- is in the garage! Yea! Hopefully I can start moving things INTO the house... today. All we need is a kitchen sink *coming today* and.... cleaning! I'll take pics soon. I promise.

Some Sketches

I met with our "cabinet man" today. I had to show him my... variations on his design. Ahhh- another thing off the list!

Decisions made this week:

shutters- garage only.
stone shape & color- check.
sound system- none.
cabinets throughout- check
irrigation- yep.
gutters- in a few spots

Our Next House

I've been spending a lot of time perusing house magazines, blogs, and everywhere else for ideas on the many decisions to be made. Today I found a whole new house! I'm in love (but I love mine, too). Don't tell Luke.

While We Were Gone

Siding is about half done & we are loving it. They are pretty much finished with insulation and have begun dry wall in the room over the garage. Also- all of the duct work is finished.

Oh yeah- we got the official - 3 more months. No date- but I'll take 3 months for now!

Turn on the Power

Electrical work has begun!















The front door is in!

More Changes

Things seem so drastically different every time we see the house! Shingles are done, siding is ordered, windows in, showers in, hmmm... I can't remember what else. Electric begins this week.

pictures, pictures, pictures

rafters up












standing in the bonus room over the garage















the attic

















dormers!

A ROOF FOR MY BIRTHDAY

Yep- we've decided to go with a roof.

























Here's the basic idea. We're almost there:)

How To Build A House In Georgia- part 2

Is it wrong that I wish we weren't putting a roof on?















ok- so back to the instructions...

Take a look at the plans. (click to see larger)





Make late night measurements and realize- this is actually the size that is on the plans.










Build a front porch. A BIG front porch. I LOVE MY FRONT PORCH!













Then begin the garage- pour floor etc.









A little video for fun. I'm scared of the nail gun... but I think I could do it.

How To Build A House In Georgia

1. Get a beautiful lot- about 1.5 ac

2. Clear the bad trees and keep the good ones. Use quality equipment.












3. Make your way back to the marshy bog... if you
have one. We do :)











4. Chat with Jess and Johnny. Say "recon" and
"kindly" a lot. Ex. I recon we'll kindly place your house right there.












5. Make a driveway. Dig and pour the footings. No, we did not forget the basement step... I recon we don't have basements in these parts. See... we're
getting good at it!