The BIG Reveal!

MOVE THAT BUS!!!

Just like the Extreme Home Makeover, I've waited to post a picture until it was done.

But here it is! Our Craftsman Cottage!

I am really excited how it turned out. It was nerve racking when we started demo-ing the house. Pete was VERY tense when we didn't have a roof in our living room. It turned out better than I had thought it would.

Below is a before picture of the house. I kept getting nervous because it did look good before .. but I LOVE how it looks now.

Here are the kids enjoying the new walkway. Pete got me the rocking chairs and porch swing for Easter and Mother's day. I think he realizes they are VERY expensive because it made me want to do this project even MORE.

Here is our living room with the barrel vault ceiling. I LOVE it. It is so peaceful to sit in the living room and look out the window. Pete loves how our living rooms stays fairly clean. Despite what is going on in the rest of the house .... there is at least ONE room of order. And yes, I was mostly excited to put a 12 foot christmas tree in this room come Christmas time.

This is the first time that we had a contractor. It was actually nice this time since this was a tricky project with city codes, structural changes, etc. They did a great job!

Happy 4th of July

Another 4th of July weekend as come and gone. I really enjoyed this weekend because I got to do all of my favorite activities and they were spaced over a few days.

Friday: Centerville Bike Parade

Even though it can get a little hot, the kids LOVE to be part of the kids bike parade in Centerville. They have a fair with bounce machines, food stands at the park afterwards and fireworks. It usually is a late night for the kids but the fireworks make it worth the wait! Most of the night is spent lounging in camp chairs or laying on a blanket hanging out with family. Here is a great 'Blarbing' picture:

Above: Lily's First year riding a bike on her own. She went the whole way! YAY!

Below: Amelia is Queen of Sheba in the wagon that Pete pulled.

Neighborhood Breakfast - Monday Morning

This breakfast is an act of love for any of those who are in charge of food prep. Pete's parents were at the church at 5:30 AM to start cooking the eggs and sausage. I was glad that this weekend we had a good two day breather to just stay home and do projects.

Neighborhood parties

We had two parties this weekend with good food, friends and lots of fun for the kids. I wanted to make cupcakes. Thanks to Pete, he made the cupcakes Sunday night when I was too tired. It's not a holiday without some cute cupcakes!

Tonight we are lighting off fireworks at a neighbors house. I bought the newly legal aerial fireworks and Pete doesn't want to shoot them off by our house since we are almost done with our remodel. I'll upload some pictures of our house when it is ALL DONE. I was tempted to post a quick picture .. but I will wait for the BIG REVEAL! ;-)

I'm grateful for the freedoms that we enjoy to live in such a great country. GOD BLESS AMERICA!