Dream House: December happenings

I think the blogging world probably gave up on ever seeing another house update, but friends and family haven't let me forget that they have been waiting (and waiting and waiting) for an update on our progress. My only excuse for the delay is that I really unplugged this December. This is the first time I've pulled out the laptop in over two weeks. Which means that: I have hundreds of unread blog posts from blogs that I follow backed up in my google reader, I had hundreds of photos stuck in my camera waiting to imported, edited, and uploaded, and that I spent a ton of time this Christmas with family and friends eating, playing games, watching movies, reading, baby sitting, laughing, talking, helping people move, shopping, snuggling, and just enjoying each others company. It has been so amazing and relaxing just to step away from the laptop for a few weeks.

While I have been blissfully vegging out, the dream house has been a flurry of activity. Here's what happened in December:

We have outlets (lots and lots of outlets!) just look at how many places I can plug things in in the kitchen alone. We took pictures of pretty much every outlet, pipe, vent, and wire in the house for future reference, but those pictures are not very exciting to look at. What is super exciting? Siding! Finally!

A few "during" shots. The color is woodland cream by Hardiplank. In a few of these photos it reads a bit tan thanks to overcast days and/or the setting sun, but in person it is a lovely pale, pale yellow. Here are the after shots:

I can't wait to paint the door a cheerful red and have a finished front porch. Once the siding was up, they were able to start the insulation.

We have standard batting insulation, blown in insulation, and foam insulation, depending on the part of the house. We decided to go over the budget to get a really high r value. We should get our money back in lower electric bills over the life of the house. It's not as fun as splurging on light fixtures or tile, but this girl can't stand being cold, so my toasty toes will thank me in the future!

Finally, the Sheetrock went up this week.

They still have to finish mudding, then it's on to flooring and trim!

Woot! House progress was a pretty wonderful Christmas gift!

<3
Hattie