Cement!

Thursday morning after the footings had a chance to dry, the crew was at it bright and early assembling the frames to pour the concrete walls. Then the cement trucks arrived and the foundation started taking shape!

One guy would direct the cement, while another would follow and tap the frames to help the cement settle and eliminate any air bubbles.

A handheld remote was used to move the cement truck arm around to get the cement where it needed to go.

More pouring!

Friday, while Brian and I were away in Chicago, the crew removed the frames and Brian and I had a chance to see the new foundation walls!

Bright and early again this morning, the crew was out waterproofing the foundation. Considering we live on what I call the side of a mountain, we need all of the waterproofing we can get! Water is always a concern, but especially when the new addition will be exposed to large amounts of water rushing down toward the lake.

Here comes the big backhoe to backfill the dirt and dig our those last three tree stumps! Bye bye scary gaping hole in our yard!

Time Away in Chicago

In an attempt to spend some good time with family we don't get to see very often, and as an opportunity to escape all of the commotion the addition project is bringing, Brian and I jumped in a truck with my parents, brother and cousin to make the trip down to Chicago.

Found lots of neat things out there...

The random ferris wheel at Navy Pier. Not sure what the attraction is to it exactly, but I was hooked. Perhaps it reminds us of a simplier time as children. Reminds me to bring my childlike faith and joy to each day.

My beautiful parents - without whom our house still wouldn't be painted.

A family that is engaged in each others lives. Not all families are like that and I'm grateful to have it!

All it takes is one tree to provide necessary shade on a hot day, or a bright sparkle of color in a dull landscape.

Life isn't meant to walk alone, be prepared to come alongside others and don't be afraid to let others walk with you.

Take a few moments every day to sit still and listen. 

Appreciate those calm moments in life when all is settled and well.

A city rich in history while at the same time able to progress forward, the skyline of Chicago serves as a reminder to hold on to what makes us who are while still growing into who we can be.

I wish I could run up and down these without getting tired...

Don't forget to carve out time for a romantic evening for two!

That's us, looking at ourselves. Fascinated. What do you see when you look at your reflection?



Just cool.

This is for Grandpa. He got to see her while in the war.
To all of the vets out there, thank you. We don't say that nearly enough.

And finally, make time for family and friends. That's what really matters in life. Have you known anyone on their death bed to say they wished they would have spent more hours at the office?

Excavation Has Begun

The excavation crew finished digging a gaping hole in our yard last night. This is what we came home to after work!

It's a little uncomfortable standing at the edge of the driveway to see the ground drop off about 20 feet. Careful!

Before the sun came up (for those of you who don't know me personally, it's wicked difficult for me to wake up before the sun rises) our excavation crew had jumped into the pit that will be our addition and started prepping to pour the footings.

This is where our walk out will be for the new family room!

Bird's eye view

There's our contractor Steve making sure we stay on schedule! A man after my own heart...

Last night Brian and I added a few hazard cones to the edge of the driveway so we don't drive into the hole at night.

Cement truck!

All is level, now just let it dry.

Just Doing A Little Digging

Yesterday the excavation crew began digging. They brought all sorts of fun toys to destroy our yard. 

If I were a 5 year old boy I'm sure I would drool over having such access to bobcats and who knows what. But since I'm not I just notice dirty machines blocking my parking space... but all for a good cause of course!

It took them 4 hours just to get the ground dug around one stump! Four hours! These trees just don't want to let go...

Bye bye yard...

These used to be the steps that led from the driveway to the front door. Not gonna miss these in the slightest!

No More Trees

After a giant headache with Wells Fargo (please do yourself a favor and don't ever use them for a mortgage), we have FINALLY kicked off the house project! Today our four giant trees are coming down. I'm not sure I will recognize the place when I drive home.

Didn't take much time for the crew of four to start taking down limbs. I am thrilled to see these trees come down. Not only do they block all of the sunlight and make things feel dark, but three of them are bad and likely to tip onto our house. Plus they're where the new house will be so they have to go. This project is starting to feel real because now I can see it!

Next week excavating will kicked off followed by foundation and framing. I can't wait!!