House in transition

The outside of our house is almost complete!  The painting is finished, and Brett has completed the posts and shutters.  Just need to finish the back deck/posts.  I'm so glad I married such a handy man!

Here is a before shot...

And here are a couple after shots...

I'm anxious to see it with the back deck done and with the front door painted with the rails back up.

I'm so glad we went with this home when we were selecting a place to live.  I love that the garage is around back giving our home a small and cozy look.  

  This Sunday we have a guy coming to give us an estimate for dry wall for our basement.  While I love a small and cozy home, if we ever want to expand our family, it would be nice to have a completed basement for the kids to really spread out and play!  And thank you pinterest for some amazing ideas for playrooms.  I think the basement project will be the most fun for me!

Emma and I made it over to see my grandma on Monday.  When I was eight, we moved to Aurora, just two houses down from grandma and grandpa.  I'm so glad I was able to grow up with them so close.  I remember snapping beans and sun tea on the porch swing with grandma during the summer.  During the winter, it was homemade hot chocolate and loaves of bread fresh out of the oven.  I'm especially grateful that my baby girl gets to spend a little time with this incredible woman from time to time.  She is 92 years old and so witty and full of wisdom!

Also, we put our Christmas tree up!  We are going to have a busy holiday season keeping little miss twinkle toes and her buggy away from the tree.  She is definitely mesmerized.  So precious!

Christmas is my favorite holiday!  Nothing brings me greater joy than selecting the most perfect gifts for my friends and family!   I really don't mind the cold and snow as long as I don't have anywhere to go.  I LOVE Christmas trees and holiday decor. And, I love how cozy our home is with all of our Christmas things out!

My mama is coming up either tonight or tomorrow morning to watch Emma while we attend the Harvest Ball with Brett's company.   Next week we will be very busy between work and Thanksgiving, so everyone have a wonderful holiday and travel safe if I don't talk to you before!

p.s.  My friend has new twin girls, both have reflux...so if you are the praying type, new mama could use a few as she is very exhausted!