Erik and his dad worked the past two weekends on installing the subfloor upstairs. It was amazing how fast they got it done. We've really appreciated all his help and advice! #renovation #flooring #subfloor

We have several little gardens in our back yard, one of which was overgrown with weeds and a couple saplings. There was also a metal garden edge and a few stakes buried fairly deep - which was definitely a hazard whenever we played fetch with Norris. After two days of yard work, the weeds, edging and stakes are all dug up and we are ready to add some topsoil and plant grass. #renovation #outdoor #garden #yard #backyard

After removing the ceiling in the bedroom upstairs, we knew that the rafter ties had to be updated. We replaced the old ties with larger cedar beams and raised them about 18 inches. The lofted ceiling we are envisioning is starting to make its appearance... #renovation #exposedbeams #cedar #bedroom #ceiling #lofted

While pulling out the last wall of plaster and lathe upstairs we finally found a little piece of history. In the supporting beam at the top of the stairway is a carving: We now know our house is around 150 years old - several years older than we expected. Now to start some digging in the library's historical reference section! #renovation #history

Last night Erik installed insulation in the upstairs bedroom. We've got a lot to do yet, but it's starting to feel more and more like a bedroom! #renovation #walls

All that was left of the upstairs bedroom wall were the studs - until my brother came over today to help us take them out. It only took about an hour of work and cleanup before we had the upstairs bedroom and hallway completely cleaned out. At first we thought we would just put up a new wall to create the second bedroom/closet, but after several suggestions and seeing it open, we decided to go with an open concept, loft bedroom. We'll turn what is currently the bedroom into

We opened up the entry between the studio and living room. We also removed the closet and ceiling to expose the supports. Our plan is to install smaller French doors, install drywall around the headers and cover the headers with wood veneer. #renovation #demolition #exposedbeams #studio #office #livingroom #openconcept

We had helpers today! My brothers came over to help dig up rocks along the fence line... ...and take out plaster and lathe from the upstairs bedroom and hallway. We also took out the ceiling earlier. We were so thankful for the help! Here are the finished results: #renovation #demolition #ceiling

Today was a major step! We took out the wall between the kitchen and living room to create a more open feel. What a difference this has made! We had a header installed and will have to reroute some electrical. We have to have electric work done anyway because we found old knob and tube (spliced - yikes!) under the ceiling when it was taken out. It is already looking like a completely different house. Big difference! To be honest, the entire space feels a little smaller,

It's important to look for the small joys and pleasures in a renovation project this size, especially when you are living in it all. We took a break from the work tonight, so Erik brought out his cello. Come to find out, an empty room makes for a beautiful concert hall. #renovation #livingroom #music