Before & After

OK, so this post is mainly for our benefit and encouragement, but some of you might find it interesting too.  I've tried to put together some before and after photos of the house through all its many stages.  

These are all from the 1st floor.

July 2012:

Kitchen

Living Room 

 Entry Hall

Fall 2012

Kitchen

 Living Room

Entry Hall 

Fall 2013 

(I know this is a HUGE time jump, but there was tons of stuff to do behind the walls and under the house before we could rebuild)

Kitchen

Living Room 

 Entry Hall

March 2014

Kitchen

Entry Hall

  

 September 2014

Kitchen 

Living Room

with bonus: new stove-just had to throw that one in there:)

Entry Hall

 Whew.

I can't say it's been fun, but at least the two of us are still in love!

Catch of the Summer

Just in time for school to start, the boys caught a record breaker:

Almost done!

Latest project!

Waiting for the Dark

Today was a banner day at the house. For the first time in more than a year and a half ... we have lights! We have been painting and re-wiring them for weeks, but the electricians put in the switches TODAY! So, we spent the afternoon adding light bulbs and anxiously awaiting the dark. These pictures don't do them justice, so you'll have to stop by sometime! Between the fixtures, Edison bulbs and dimmers ... it's really quite a sight!

Rainy Day

Making dinner on a beautiful stormy afternoon.

In other news, the electricians have begun putting in our outlets and switches and will soon be hanging our fixtures.  Let there be light! 

And, if you think about it, pray that our AC man will come back to finish the job, because it is getting hot, hot, hot over there!!

Best Surprise

I go on vacation with the kids, and this is what my amazing husband does while we're gone!  

And he managed to keep it a secret, so I was completely shocked....and delighted!! 

One of the best surprises I've had in years:)

Archaeologist

Did I mention that he's already found his vocational calling? He does this at the house for hours and has amassed quite a collection. We are hoping his "diamond mine" yields the real thing! 

More Evidence

A sweet juxtaposition found. More evidence of our life right now...and the beauty and adaptability of our kids in the midst. 

Maryland Move

This is why we came. I caught this moment between Kip an Avery, who is here playing while Gus is at school and Amy and I are working on the house. Hard to see, but Kip is giving Avery a push on the swings. So sweet!

Despite the craziness of the house, we are so glad the kids have this time with their cousins, aunts and uncles and grandparents. Just wish everyone from the Noll side was here, too!