Sorry, but they gotta go!

 Here is a picture of our house.  The very first time we saw this house online I thought it looked nice, but the ugly juniper type bushes would have to go.  Ryan's dad was more than willing to come, bring his truck and chainsaw and help us rip those things out.  The thing was massive.  And if you look close there is a lamp post hidden away in there.  We've had several neighbors who commented that they were so excited to see those go!  What a great way to meet your neighbors.  Just rip out your bushes!

 The boys had the job of jumping on the bushes to squish them down.

Ah, much better.  Looks a little bare now but hopefully within the next few years the new shrubs and flowers will grow and fill in.  I like to sneak a peek every now and then.  :)  It makes me happy!  Now on to the rest of the juniper bushes that surround the other 3 sides of the house.  But we might just have to wait on those until it cools down a bit.  Working in 90+ degree weather is pure madness. 

Before and After

 The new house.  It has great, great bones.  All brick, nicely insulated.  But it was built in the 1970's. Early 1970's and shall we say a tad bit dated for my tastes.  Wallpaper in almost every room. Brown paneling in the basement that compliments the brown/orange 40 year old carpet.  We knew that we would update as time and finances would allow.  We tackled the front room first.  We pulled down the wall paper.  Oh my goodness what a task.  Then we painted and added taller baseboards and crown molding.  What a difference.  I love it.  It's my favorite room in the house!  This room almost makes me want to tackle another room.  Almost.  Give me some time to forget what a nightmare pulling down wallpaper can be.  If you ever had a thought to hang wallpaper in your house.  DON'T DO IT! 

BEFORE:

AFTER: