My Favorite Handyman

As we enjoy the view of our next-door neighbors' house, a word about the Man in our house...

James has done an incredible amount of work.  Much more than he's got listed on this handy-dandy 2x4.  He continues to impress us with his abilities, and we are grateful for his hard work.  At the end of his 10-hour work days, he comes home, gives kisses and hugs to all, joins us for dinner, then gets back to work on the house.  After dark, he quits, showers, eats his cookies and milk, and collapses into bed.  And he doesn't complain.  Ever. (must be the cookies)  I am grateful for my big-picture husband, who leads us with love and action.  

Before and After

Well, it's morning, and here's the view!

 Still a long way to go, but it's starting to take shape...

Working until Midnight

One last pic of the remaining yellow siding.  After this, it's all gone...

The hole is cut for the giant playroom window.

And we brought in a buddy for the evening.  Jason's here to help get the window in place. (I'm only good for picture-taking and snacks)

And as the dark deepens, THE WINDOW IS IN!  These guys and their headlamps...

Love this glow from the inside lights.  Can't wait to see it in the daytime tomorrow!

The Critics Weigh In

Well, of course, the girls had to check out the new view.  And, yes, they approve.  

WINDOWS

Aren't they beautiful??

 The windows finally got delivered today, and James was able to get to work on them. First up, the opaque windows for the upstairs bathroom.  James was especially concerned about privacy up there for his girls. I think it's probably a fantastic idea.

"Yes, babe, hurry up and take my picture.  Can I get back to work now?"

 So, here they are (this is the back of the house):

And here's the first one up on the front of the house:

It has begun...

Ah, the yellow siding is going.  

James removed this beautiful pile in order to cut out a hole for the first new window. I feel better already...

An update

The upstairs windows have been ordered.  The electrical and heat/air and plumbing -- all done.  Insulation estimates are being gathered.

Next up. Removing THIS: (the hideous, rotting yellow siding)  Yes, we'll be sad to see it go...

Then, taking out the windows, installing new ones.

New plywood, new siding, insulation.  

That's going to be a busy weekend!

And what's after that??? SHEET ROCK!!!!!