NewlyWoodwards

an unconventional home

Porch progress and the baby-do list

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Have you heard of a “honey-do” list? Well, Ryan is taking this list to a whole new level. There were quite a few things on our baby-do list that were still unfinished a few weeks ago. So, instead of getting naggy (or naggier), I asked Ryan if I could make a list for us both. (Shout out to my mother-in-law for the brilliant idea of making a list.)

The problem – Ryan is dominating the list. He’s totally WINNING. (I know, I know. It’s not a contest. Although, it is kind of a contest.) And this preggo momma still has lots of unfinished projects on her side of the list …

Anyhow, one of Ryan’s largest projects was something he was dreading – installing new railings on the front and back porches. He went to town over the weekend and finished the railings.

A little trip down memory lane – this is what the back porch looked like in August 2010 when we took possession. Ugly house color, ugly back door, horrid light fixture, nonworking grill and rickety railings.

And while not finished, here’s how it looks after Ryan’s hard work over the weekend.
He installed new posts and built all the railings, including cutting all the spindles. I’m loving how much better it looks already.
Strangely, the back porch feels much larger now, likely due to the few extra inches of space allowed from the new post locations.
As for the front porch, it’s coming along nicely, too. Here’s what the front looked like in August 2010.
And today …
If you’ve ever installed railings, you know it’s not a quick and easy job. I’m so thankful for a handy and hardworking husband who finished the job without (much) complaint. And I think he’s happy to have another check off that list on the fridge.
But, you see the real problem, don’t you? THE PAINTING IS ON MY HONEY-DO LIST! He’s showing me up and making more work for his baby momma. 😉
Luckily, I have a bit of an excuse – namely, growing a baby. But, I will need to get working on the painting at some point. And it’s really no fun being the cause of the hold-up to progress.
Are you impressed (like I am) by Ryan’s most recent project?

Comments

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  4. looks good! Who would have a grill permanently stuck in their yard?!? I thought those were only for public parks, LOL!

  5. That looks wonderful! I hope Jeff turns out to be as handy around the house as Ryan is . . . I’ve never had a chance to find out yet. If not, I’ll be purchasing a ticket for Ryan to come for a visit. Tell him to pack his tools 😉 The house looks amazing!

  13. Ryan is ridiculously talented and you are ridiculously smart for marrying him. (And he is lucky to have you, too!). Also, growing a baby counts for about 20 things on any list, so you are winning! And don’t even get me started on how many points you get for delivering…

  14. The railings look great! Even without the paint it just seems more finished. My hubby would kill me if I told him to make railings for our porch, ha! He did a really nice job!

  15. haha, your hubby sounds just like mine! I feel like he’s bustling around getting all this stuff done lately. Maybe they nest too before babies come?!? 😉 The railings look great, by the way!

  16. I love the railings – they just make it seem so much homier, don’t they? Solid work, Ryan. Don’t your in-laws like to paint (or was that just for the nursery?)? Pretty sure they’d love to help their daughter-in-law out with her list. Right? Right.

  17. I just love that you and your husbamd renovate homes, I just love that. I have always wanted to renovate a house and fix it up.

    You can see such a difference already, You can definitley tell how much hard work and dedication has gone into this house! Keep up the good work!

  18. Hooray for handy husbands! I’m also in possession of one of those – also named Ryan… coincidence? – and I don’t know what I’d do without him. 🙂 My compliments to your Ryan. The railings look spectacular!

  23. Are you kidding me? How could you NOT be impressed!? It’s quite the transformation and it’s obvious that your house is getting well-loved.

  26. What a difference already! I should make a giant list too. It becomes more motivating crossing stuff off. Just seeing the list reminds instead of nags 🙂 Smart lady.