The Last Window IN... yipeee!

Celebrate... The last window in! This was a long project, not only did we replace the windows, we removed the old frames and made new ones. We do feel the house is a little more sturdy.

notice the three beams in the room...

they are holding up the celine while we build a stronger frame.

This project is stressful!

Now we get to frame the windows with wood. One project done, 5000 to go!

Some things look BETTER with SNOW

Although, it is sunny and 75 degrees outside,

I'm reminded of two weeks ago

when we had a beautiful dusting of 3" of white.

The snow just encourages me to get rid of the ugly red roof!

Cabin Update

I never thought I would say this... but I just want to work at the cabin! WHAT????

I'm really getting excited. I see a picture of how it is going to look finished in my head. I told my husband yesterday... when it is done, it is going to be so beautiful, it will be featured in Log Home Magazine... He laughed and said, "REALLY"? As if I was dreaming, maybe I am... but I think it will be that wonderful. It is good to feel positive (for once) about this project. I've been such a "glass half-empty" person with this one. Maybe it was the carpenter bee's or the black mold, tearing out EVERYTHING in the house, moving exterior walls with a tractor and a telephone pole (and praying the house doesn't fall in) and sanding every square inch of wood inside & out.

Windows on bottom New... top Old

They still need to be trimmed out!

The view with big open widows is amazing

I can't sleep at night because I think about what I'm going to do with our bed(it won't fit in our new bedroom at the cabin and it is the wrong style). I had wanted this bed before we got married. After a few years, I had enough money to buy it and the nightstands... so we went to the most expensive furniture store (the only ones who sold it) in town and bought them. I told my husband I want to die an old lady in this bed (how romantic or is that gross?). Well, I'm fearing one day I will need to get rid of it and I'm sure my kids won't want it! So I lose sleep (I've been losing sleep over the bed now for over one year... and I'm sure it will be years before I need to get rid of it)!

Well, we are 1/2 way done with the windows. 17 down- 16 to go (woo-hoo). Imagine them being trimmed out with nice wood... we aren't there yet!

Also, I have one day's left of prelude (UV primer for wood) then I can put the acrylic gloss on the logs. We did however finish the Master bedroom as we wanted to see how it would turn out. Notice the wood shinny... this is the finish on the master bedroom. The black spots will have tongue and groove and there will be a log placed in between the wall and ceiling

A Sign of HOPE... Cabin Windows begin!

I've mentioned it over, and over... This is by far the HARDEST project my dear husband and I have ever done! We have built many homes, but yesterday I told him I was worried this project going to put me in the grave (kidding). I don't know if it is because we have to commute so far to work on it, or the fact we are truly doing ALL the work ourselves.


I have to admit, I'm SLOWLY falling in love with the house. We were laughing yesterday because everyone who has seen the house, HATES it. We were discussing that when they see all the work we have done, they are going to LOVE it. Then we had someone visit, and they gave us the look that they still hate it. We laughed!

We have been installing windows and finding more wood rot as we go, and I keep buying marine epoxy... I've spent so much on the stuff, I'm convinced the house will be so strong that the wolf will not be able to blow it down (or the carpenter bee's).

here is a picture before the battons

making battons

Battons...after

I'm not done staining them (I need more hours in a day).

As I look at the house, I see HOPE. We found a metal roof color that matches the windows and I'm starting to see the finished project, and I get excited. I must admit, I pray daily for strength for my dear husband and myself. I have to give my hubby credit... he is simply amazing. He knows how to tackle and build anything and he has a better attitude than me. I sure love that man!

The Cabin Continues

Well, We are a little over 4 months into our project. It is going very slow, but we are really encouraged. The house is almost empty. We still have about 500 feet of tile still to remove. We have now started cleaning logs....so excited!

We were really encouraged this last week, as we met a man in the next town who is restoring another log home that is the same floor plan as ours. He is about 1 year ahead of us in the restoration. He gave us many great tips, and now I'm ready to get busy!

Blog Cabin

Well, this is what happens when you watch HGTV's show... blog cabin! You end up getting your own because you are so inspired by the work. Do yourself a favor... don't watch the show! I thought I would post pictures of our blog cabin for family and friends to see what we are up to these days. Feel free to comment if you think you have a great idea. I'm not sure if I will use it, but I love feedback and would like some input. In the mean time...let the demolition begin!


he loves to work with us
well, this used to be a bathroom... future kitchen island

I'm picturing a nice big kitchen

one of the reasons we bought it... the most incredible view!