Trip to the farm

Over Fall Break last week we went down to my sister-in-laws families' home east of Indy to enjoy some time on the farm. The weather was beautiful. We had fun hanging out with them. They are one of the funniest families I know. I told them they could do a reality show! The boys had fun roaming the property on the golf cart, holding chickens and pigs.

Brandon took my 3 middle boys hunting in the morning and Reis in the evening. They didn't get anything but had just as much fun. At least my boys did.

We were able to see piglets just after they were born.

And play on the combines and tractors before they are put away for the year. Because of the weather this year they got done harvesting over a month earlier than usual.

We took lots of walks and enjoyed each other. We wish we could have stayed longer.

We'll be back soon!

More Progress

EVERYONE has been busy around here lately. The boys and I worked one afternoon to get down our paneling from our family room. Each piece had about 20 nails and lots of glue on it. I know it was a fad in the 70's but...really??? They sure weren't thinking of us 20+ years later wanting to take it off.

Even Davis had a job...pulling out nails from the trim and paneling.

As for our bedroom/bath and mudroom addition, our inspection passed with flying colors. Apparently Marshall county isn't very particular when it comes to building inspections. My brother-in-law (acting as our general contractor) teased Scott that he lost sleep over nothing. Oh well, we know that everything was done right. Important when it comes to electric and plumbing:) Monday a company was out to blow in the insulation.

It makes a big difference to see actual walls.

My hallway/mudroom. I can't wait to have our coats and shoes in a designated place! Just in time for winter coats and boots!

Above is our family room that we tore down the paneling from. Guys were out on Friday to drywall it. We are also carpeting this room which will cozy it up a bit. Meanwhile...
All of our furniture is in our office and front living room.

The end is so close! I am so thankful for a husband who has worked very hard to get it done well and as quick as possible.

Harvest

Things look quite different around here lately. The farmers across the street have been busy for the last couple of weeks harvesting the beans and corn all around us. Now we can see for miles. First time since we moved in 3 months ago. I LOVE this time of year.

Views from windows on either side of my living room. I love the giant picture windows. Especially the one with this beautiful tree transforming! We won't love so much the raking coming soon:)

Progress

I have not been very good at posting our progress made on our addition. We are converting our attatched garage to a mud room, master bedroom and bath. Here is the garage after we had the garage floor dug out, put in pea gravel and Scott and his dad and brother put in the sub floor.

Below is the finished floor. Notice the tiny windows from the original garage. Those are coming out and are being replaced by big beautiful ones!

We've had many late nights working. Well...Scot has I should say. He has tried to involve the boys as much as possible. Here they were out late pulling off the siding outside.

Yesterday a good friend helped Scott put in our windows and french door. It was an exciting day to see those in!

Below is our master bath shower to the left, garden tub and big new window.

Here is the back of the house. It's exciting to see what has gotten done in the last 9 weeks. Thanks to some amazing gifted and willing to help friends, Scott has not had to hire out. We are greatful!

More pics to come!

Yummy!

I made a dinner last night that was a big hit so I have to share it! I had all 5 boys come back for second and third helpings. That doesn't happen very often because they all seem to have their likes and dislikes and to have them all say..."this is good, mom!" well...it thrilled me!

http://www.food.com/recipe/ruby-tuesdays-potato-cheese-soup-101843?scaleto=8&mode=null&st=true

Its a great time of year for soup...hope you give it a try and have the same result with your family!

Fall Fun

I've had fun decorating my front porch. Especially since most of my house

is under construction in one way or another inside!
We had a little fall party and let the 3 middle boys invite their friends. We ended up with 16+ kids last Friday night. Some parents stayed as well and we had a great time.

The line-up to bob for apples.

Kittens are growing!

Some of the gang