Peanut Butter & Jelly

The remainder of the insulation was completed this past week. In this photo you can see our Master Bedroom wall on the left. It was filled with blow-in cellulose for soundproofing. All exterior walls also received the blow-in cellulose after the foam. There is approx. R-28 to R-30 in the exterior walls. We better have some low utility bills!



Here is a close-up photo of the insulation. It's made from recycled newspaper and a bit of glue to hold it together. The guys worked so hard installing it--what a dusty mess!



Our siding installation continues. I think my days on the walkboard are officially done.



This is the dining room.



Ryan's friend Mike has worked so hard. We're not sure what we'd do without him. He is compensated, though, with peanut butter & jelly sandwiches.

On Friday the insulation company started their work. We chose a 2" layer of spray-in foam to seal all exterior walls. After this, cellulose will be blown in to fill the remainder of the wall studs and attic. There will be fiberglass batts installed in the garage, floor, and ceiling above the dining room (no attic). There are two more days of insulation to be completed before the sheetrock.



We tried to take Friday off, but just couldn't do it. We ended up with two huge bonfires to clean up some scrap lumber piles. We are trying to have as little trash as possible.



On Saturday and Sunday, we had to get back to work on the siding. We have temporarily lost the use of the big lift we were borrowing. Hopefully, we'll get it back soon or we'll be at a stand-still on the siding.



Ryan and Jenny installed all this siding this weekend.



Here's a nice Father's Day photo. We are really enjoying this project as a family. It's hard work, but it's so rewarding. We are so excited to be building our own home.

Barn Raisin'

Well, this weekend we had our own version of an Amish Barn Raisin'. Uncle Dave Heath and cousin Josh were so kind to offer their services with the electrical pre-wire. They brought Aunt Annie along and the ladies saw this as an opportunity for a family reunion, so we had quite the crowd. Cousin Mindy came with 3 week-old Avery and almost-8 year-old Kaya. Jenny's Mom and Dad came with their new baby, Ellie, seen lying on the front porch here.



Here, Josh drills holes on Day One.



Jenny's Dad, Gary, worked so hard to keep up with all the mess. We are very thankful for him this week as we're recovering from the weekend and the place is so nice, clean, and organized.



Here, Ryan watches as Uncle Dave installs a ceiling fan box.



We ended up with so many circuits, Uncle Dave had to go run for a sub-panel.

Tough as Nails

Yes, you are seeing this correctly. Jenny and Ryan are working on the siding. Enjoy it while you can, because once this lift goes any higher, Jenny will be signing off this job.



It was actually kind of fun!



The brick is now complete.



The garage floor is poured. No dogs this time. I do wish it could stay this nice.



And a Hidden Mickey of our own. It's a year 2000 Virginia quarter (wedding year), 2004 dime (for Ashton), and 2007 dime (for Quinn). Ryan's idea.

Let Ryan's Fun Begin!

Ryan and his friend Mike started on the exterior of the house this week since their job is still slow. This picture shows the soffit, which is actually being installed by the framers.



Here is Ryan on a very tall ladder measuring before installing a corner Miratec trim board. We chose Miratec trim and Nichiha fiber cement siding. Ryan and Mike are installing this. It is pre-primed and will need painted after installation.



I think the boys know more about the ipods than I do. You can see some of the siding work in the background here. Quinn is sitting on the front porch. The dog prints fade quite a bit if we rub them.



Here's a close-up of our siding (primed grey, unsure of final color). We're very happy with it so far.



Another view of the siding from the front of the house.

Who Let the Dogs Out?

They poured and broom-finished our front porch today.



Yes, this is what you think it is. Neighborhood dog. Not sure how to proceed with this one. This is the view from our front door.



The brick is complete on the front and sides of the house.



The brick on the back is coming along.



The garage floor is prepped for concrete tomorrow. Ryan will be there to put up dog barriers.