Before and After OUTSIDE

With 20 acres, the work truly never ends! We were able to save a few thousand dollars by cutting this tree down ourselves. I don’t love taking away a lovely shade tree, but construction could not start until this tree was gone. I “drove” the tractor a few feet to pull the rope while Jon handled the chainsaw. We make a pretty good team :) But I feel like the tractor driving was instrumental to our success.

Before

Adding two bedrooms and a bathroom to this left side of the house, so the tree has to go.

After

Fell just where it was suppose to!

Not going to lie, it has taken us wayyyyy longer to figure out what the heck we are doing regarding renovations. I assumed I knew what I wanted, and then we started living here and got so confused. We took the cabin plans to the extreme, adding tons of square footage, a massive deck, floor to ceiling windows. When I saw that plan on paper, I LOVED it but knew it was not what I wanted for OUR little cabin. The footprint is small, and I want to keep it that way. When we simplified our plan, things became so much more straightforward. Taking that time to dream, draw, and drive each other crazy with changing our minds is what we needed. Saying goodbye to this tree is one of the many steps towards making this little place feel more like home. I will be sharing plans, sketches, and more. Stay tuned; I am glad you are here!

Finished up right as the sun was setting. A big burn pile and a big sense of accomplishment!

Interior Changes

Happy Monday!  I hope you gave yourself one day this weekend to chill.  We had a packed Friday and Saturday, so Sunday was a nice change of pace.  Pancakes, fishing, naps, 4-wheeler rides and of course finger nail painting and catching frogs. :o)

More on the progress of the tile floor soon, but I wanted to show you a few things that have happened INSIDE the cabin.  

One of the first projects we tackled was removing the cedar post in the middle of our living room, a trial and error project.  Initially, Jon wanted to see if just the metal bracket could hold the weight of the floor and support the beams.  That did not end up going so well…. ;o)  BUT I LOVE the result.  Breaks up the wood and gives the room an industrial feel.  Jon designed it, and the guys at Lowe’s Welding had it fabricated in no time.  Shout out to my dad, who helped Jon alllll day as they measured and jacked up the ceiling/floor over and over, trying their best to keep things level and safe.  Ultimately we replaced the cedar post and cement block with a custom piece of wormy maple.  I love how clean it turned out! Sometimes projects don’t go as planned, but there is always a lesson learned and experience gained from the process. Enjoy the pictures!

BEFORE - Cedar post on concrete block

BEFORE

Hoisting the HEAVY bracket

AFTER

12 bolts = here to stay :)

What did you do with all your STUFF?!

This is the first question we get asked when people find out we have moved from a 3 bedroom 1 bath home with a LARGE attic and HUGE workshop to a 2 room, 1 bath home. Here is some Instagram VS. Reality for you.

Our GORGEOUS “Instagram Ready” view!

Now the reality of the complete view….. :)

The truth is we were not able to keep everything we owned. I sold a lot and donated 5 carloads FULL of clothing and items we just no longer needed. This unit is full of some miscellaneous household items and a fair bit of Jon’s tools that we need to keep locked up. It was not my ideal choice, but a necessary, temporary option for right now.
Also, I have another small unit in Burlington that I am keeping our extra furniture, some décor and our seasonal clothing. I cannot remember everything I’ve sold, donated or given away and I can tell you I haven’t missed anything…...yet! ;o)

Tomorrow I will be sharing how we are keeping items organized INSIDE our home.