Grandma & Grandpa Moo's visit

My Mom & Dad, (lovingly called Mama Moo and Popop) were here for a few days...Silas could hardly contain his excitement. Here he is waiting by the window for their car.

We had the NJ gang over for dinner with G&G Debel.
Could have been 4 generation picture if I was there

Silas helping Popop do the dishes

Cute little Eric
Now, besides coming to see us, the other reason my parents came out was to put together the pantry cabinet my Mom made for me. It took every spare moment of our time to get it up before Thursday. It was well worth it! This is just the bare shelves.It started out as just a passing comment, "oh Mom you can make something for me" but she took it seriously. So I drew a picture of what I had in mind, and she was up for the challenge! We had many things to figure out as we went, in order to make it all work out but we now have the finished product!
Now the painting and staining is in my hands...someday you will see it completely finished!
Thank you Mom! I can just see the canning jars all lined up come fall!!!

Simple Pleasures

We are really enjoying our new home, we finally are able to eat dinner together, we don't have to all sleep in the same room anymore, having more space is pure delight!

Tia is enjoying a bath in our new sink...

Since we had no bread in the house, Phil made some rolls to go with hamburgers. They were great! I love when my husband works in the kitchen!

We are finally here!

After 6 1/2 months of work we are finally able to move in...last Friday (the 30th) was move-in day. As much as the day was hectic, everything went really well, even the kids went with the flow.

Thanks Duane for all your help!

Just needed to pause a bit and capture the beauty.

Living Room

Woodstove

Island in Kitchen (It hasn't been that clean since the picture was taken)

Dining Room

Refinishing Hardwood Floors

Silas waiting for the transformation.

The U-Sand sander rental from HD works great ... it just takes hours and hours!!

Tired Rebecca ... after sanding late into the night.

Dining room floor with first layer of stain Minwax "Gunstock" which we thought was too red/orange.

Applying the second layer of stain Minwax "Early American" made it just right ... you can see the old color in the foreground.

The next two pictures are after the first coat of poly.
Minwax High Build Gloss. Don't use this brand of poly.

Last two pictures are the Final Product ... After two coats of Parks ProFinisher Satin.
(it is lighter than it looks)



Tedious work but we are very happy with the results.

Kitchen floor is done!

This is the island in the kitchen, Dad is finishing the counter top

The critical moment...the first tile being put down by the man of the house

Thanks Scott for all your help!
Looking into the laundry roomLaundry Room again

Christmas Celebrations!

Nellie going off to play with her doll.

Silas opening his gift from Isaac, a truck and horse trailer!

Aunty Ada's new warm and comfy robe!

Lawrence, Ellen and family were able to watch all the excitement through skype. Boaz and Malachi played with their new Hess trucks as they watched each other on the screen.

Big thank you hug from Boden for his gift.

I wonder what Tia was thinking as we opened her first Christmas gift.

Just had to post some pictures of our delectable meal on Christmas day, these were only some of the dishes.

Cute picture of Selah & Tirzah

and Judah

For those eager to see more progress!