The second picture, the brick watered down so we could see the texture and have a patteren to go by when we put them back down. We are on a hunt now to find the mantel, something simple that will not eat up the room. Estes, still waiting on your help!!
Still working hard, this is floor number 5! We are in our second year working to rebuild Granny Smallen's old farm house. Floor number 5 is the "Living Room" and the fireplace to contend with. The in-cert was taken out to open up the original fireplace, Rodney and Dad "Rodger" also busted off the block that had been covering up the old fireplace for some time. Once removed they found the hand made brick that has rested on a pillow of dirt and sand for over 100 years. I removed the bricks to later reposition at the fireplace landing. (I love the look) I am sure that this is the things you can not buy. Rodger remembers as a little boy coming over to the house and standing in front of the old fireplace to warm his backside and Granny Smallen sitting in front of the fireplace quilting "I also have the quilt she made Rodger for graduation (dutch doll)" priceless.. 
We are in day two of this process, three layers of floor have been removed the top layer - plywood (for strength) I think the last homeowner had carpet, the middle layer was hardwood and the bottom was the original tongue and groove - beautiful but not salvageable. Today Rodney is working to put the joist back in after taking everything out to the dirt!! I have to say that this time we both kind of chuckled as to last time when we "both" woke up the next morning teared up wondering what had we done. Lake seems to be better at this now, last few he was out of here - headed somewhere normal. I think we picked the hottest days to have taken a vacation and started this again. Rodney has somehow got off track during the last few months and snuck' outside to start yet, another LARGE project - WE call it the mother-in-law house (works both ways) we laugh - The real truth, that is Estes's house - who else will keep his contrary tail. I really think Rodney is trying to move most of my junk out to the new house (addition to the little house) as we call it - I'll update you later on that. He is trying to finish #5 quickly so he can get back on it. UUUUHHHH he has made me turn the air off and it is so hot and smells like pure dirt!! (not that I don't like dirt) anyways, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to me.... on this day and Congratulations to you MOM for a beautiful daughter 39 years ago - who could ask for more? I am thankful for you & I LOVE YOU MORE !!! Estes get to feeling better 
