Progress on the Deck

A few weeks ago, Jason decided that he was going to tackle a couple of projects in our backyard. The first was to put a flagstone patio on the side of our deck, which turned out amazing (pictures below). The other project was to cover our deck. While the flagstone patio took a few days, this project has taken a little more time given the complexity of the project as well as Jason's busy schedule. I didn't get a "before" picture, but this was the beginning of the project:

Jason's parents came to visit a few weeks ago, and his dad helped him get started on his project. John has a lot of experience with this as he just finished covering their deck back in Peachtree City, which looks incredible! As with most projects at our house, Jason enlisted the help of his best friend, Kevin, and the three of them worked all day in the hot sun to take all necessary measurements, get all materials needed, set the posts and frame up the deck.

Jason and Kevin setting the posts.

The guys spent quite some time that day framing up the beams to hold the roof.

Those of you who know me well know that I think my husband and Kevin are the greatest. But, I'm pretty sure this project would have taken 10x longer without the help of my wonderful father-in-law. He's the best, and we are sooooo thankful for all his help! We love you!

By the time Jason's parents headed home on Sunday, the entire frame was up and the roof was ready to go on the deck. As I previously explained, progress on completing the project has been a little slow due to Jason's schedule, but Jason and Kevin have been working on it in their spare time, and it's finally coming together! In the last couple of weeks, the guys have gotten the roof up, and today they started working on putting up the ceiling and running the wiring for the ceiling fan.

Jason and Kevin finishing up the roof (I'm aware that this doesn't look safe...).

I was so excited this afternoon when I got back from the gym to see that the guys had purchased the plywood for the ceiling. By this evening, they were putting them up!

Kevin using the nail gun to put up the plywood.

My husband waiting patiently for his turn to "play" with the nail gun.....can I just take a moment to say that I think my husband is sooo hot! Especially on the rare occasion that he throws that hat on backwards (not to mention the Lynyrd Skynyrd shirt and the fact that the hat is camo!!!). Oh my heavens!

As with every home project, the guys ran into a little snag while putting the ceiling up. This is them coming up with a solution.....and they did! I am so blessed to have these men in my life! I'm pretty sure I couldn't ask for a better husband and he couldn't ask for a better friend! More pictures to come when the deck is complete.

The Countdown Continues....

Jason and I have officially begun our final semester and year (respectively) of school!!! Jason is currently completing his first rotation at Doctor's Hospital here in Augusta. This rotation has proved challenging, especially since Jason is working hard to put his best foot forward. He has been getting to the hospital extra early and staying late, which usually results in 11-12 hour days. In addition, he was surprised to learn that he is required to take an online class this semester, which he anticipates will take quite some time. I am trying to be encouraging...it's only one more semester! He's still not thrilled that this requirement was sprung on him at the last minute, but such is life. I have started my final year in the MAcc program at Auburn, and I can't wait to be done! This semester is Advanced Topics in Accounting (including topics such as deferred taxes, derivatives, intercompany transactions, and foreign currency exchanges....extremely boring for those of you not in the accounting profession but interesting to us dorky accountants) and Integrated Accounting Applications. Four more classes to go and I will officially be done! In addition to starting the semester, we are still working on construction in our backyard. Jason is trying hard to finish the deck so we can enjoy it during football season this year. Stay tuned for pictures of the progress. We are also both training for a half-marathon on November 1 here in Augusta. Needless to say, it should be an eventful fall!

Newest Addition to the Family

We have a new addition to the Faunce family!!! Derrick adopted a dog today from our friends Stephen and Ashlyn. Migo (short for Amigo) is so sweet and cute! He is going to be a great dog for Derrick, and his cousins already love him!

Update and Patio Construction

I am sure I am officially in trouble with all of you who check our blog on a regular basis. I am aware that it has been awhile since our last post, but our lives have been a little crazy lately. Jason just finished his rotation in Athens. He now has a week off and then starts his rotation at Doctors Hospital here in Augusta. We are still counting down to Jason's graudation, and it is getting closer and closer (I literally CANNOT wait!!!). I just returned from working in Atlanta for the week. While the traffic was a little stressful, I really enjoyed spending time with my mom and getting to visit with my mother-in-law and my cousin, Abigail.

While most people with a week off would relax or hit some golf balls, my wonderful husband has decided to take on a couple of backyard projects during his time off. Specifically, he has decided to put a patio in our backyard along the side of our deck as well as cover our deck. He started the patio last weekend and was able to finish it today with the help of his brother and two of his best friends, Kevin and Travis. The pictures below are the progress of the project. I was thrilled this afternoon to come home after an extremely long week to see the project completed!! I am so proud of the guys! It looks incredible, and I couldn't be happier with it!

Jason and Derrick started out by digging up the grass and leveling out the ground to get the area ready to lay the gravel, sand and then the stones. This picture is particularly humerous because the guys hit a hole while they were digging up the grass. Jason looked at Derrick and said, "Derrick, stick your hand down there and see where it goes." Without hesitation, Derrick did exactly as his big brother instructed. I am sure this is a glimpse into their entire childhood! Poor Derrick!

My hard-working husband! I love him so much!

By the time I returned from Atlanta on Thursday, the guys had poured the gravel and sand as well as laid most of the flagstone.

The guys used mortar to put in between the flagstone to keep it together. This is the 60 pound bag of mortar that the guys were convinced I could not pick up and carry across the yard. Of course, I proved them wrong....

When I got home on Friday from work, the patio was complete! It's still wet in this picture from the water that they sprayed on it to set the mortar, but I think it looks awesome! I am so proud of them!

Jason and Kevin relaxing after a hard days work....they are resting up for the next project, which starts tomorrow....covering the deck!