Our Fireplace {Re- Done!}

We decided we would get more benefit from having a fireplace if we put in an insert with a blower...contrary to our knowledge, we could not use an insert because we had a {fake} chimney. So, we had to get something similar to what we had...no big deal! After buying a brand new fireplace, flew, and rebuilding the exterior of the chimney [and painting it] we were ready to start putting on the new stones! So about two months later...here is our blank canvas that we started with!
I laid out the rocks where i wanted them and dad was in charge of putting on the "butter"

Its almost done!

Dad is getting the last stones put on...

If you are asking yourself "why are there towels in the fireplace" its because we had a massive rain before the top of the chimney was done...SO they were used to soak up the rain! Thank goodness not too much came in!

All the rocks are in place now! The black strip is where the mantel is going to go...its the same {wooden} one we had before!
The next step is to get the grout between all the stones...which may be a thanksgiving vacation project!

its been two days and all the stones are still sticking up there so that is good news! haha

This gives the room so much more personality than the brick did...i'm glad logan refused to get brick now :)

New Front Door

We decided that our solid front door {with a half circle window at the top} needed to go! So, dad ordered us a door with a 3/4 window and sidelight. ~the frosted designs, however, left a lot to be desired.

Being the adventurous crafty person that I am...i decided i would frost it myself with my own design :-) With the help of caressa and a late friday night....here is the final project installed and in use...thanks to Logan, Dad, and Uncle Homer. {minus a storm door} i'm not quite to the point where i want to cover it up yet!


It is AMAZING how much light comes in now!

Next up...the fireplace stone installation-hopefully ***hold your breath*** by thanksgiving!

Aiden & Braylee

Braylee got to spend some extra time with her cousin Aiden this weekend...(and aunt Jessi & uncle craig) Nana usually takes them once a week to eat supper and play...so this was bonus!

Everyone assumes they are brother and sister since they look so much alike!

Logan's deer

Logan got a doe about two weeks ago---and this BIG GUY today! Must have been the new camo his wonderful wife bought him for {early} christmas! :)




thats logan's excited face! haha he's been waiting for this one for a while!

he weighed 200#

12 point buck 2009...