Many hands make for light work

So my dad flew in and was a tremendous help. That guy knows how to get things done. Like for reals. My brother Brent came to help as well. 

 And Brannan... well, he brought the hot wings. Ya know, the necessities.

Thanks to great neighbors who had great tools they were willing to lend us, these guys flew through the basement and got a lot done. They worked like trojans and it was so appreciated. We     feel so good to have that much more finished.



And the timing was perfect for Papa to go to the Veteran's Day assembly at the school. Dallas and Preston loved having both Papa and Grandpa at their school event. They were pretty proud of those awesome veterans.

This week coming up is going to be a stressful one full of inspections, internet wiring, insulation, more inspections, drywall and something else... what was it? Oh yeah, Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I happen to love this holiday and I'll love it even more if we pass all of our inspections. That would definitely be something to be thankful for in addition to our many blessings.

I think I can, I think I can

Well we are still alive and still building. There were some definite slow moments in there but it feels like we're rolling again. I compare this whole experience to pregnancy. No, I'm serious! The beginning was tough. Like really tough. In the first trimester of pregnancy it is hard to be excited because you just feel so sick. It's hard to be excited about the potential of something when it seems so far away and the moment you are in is terrible. The middle part of the process is pretty good. Things are going along pretty well, everything is dandy. You feel up to doing things... like making decisions on flooring. I imagine the closer we get to the end, like with pregnancy, it will feel like it's dra-aaa-ging on and on. You know the end is inevitable but it just can't get here fast enough.

I'm almost to that point but still okay. There are enough exciting things happening each day that I'm happy with the progress thus far. Here is what our house looks like as of today. We have about 1/2 a roof!

Here's the siding crew from Warburton's. Clay, Tyler and Trevor. They are putting up the house wrap for us since we totally didn't finish it ourselves. Everything is a lot harder to do than you think once you're doing it!

 And here is how they let me repay them; with a homemade lunch. We gave them a little menu to check the things they wanted on their sandwiches. They had 3 choices of bread, 2 meats, 2 cheeses, multiple pickles and chips options, and fruit with dip. Good thing Cody went to the store. I mean I would have made it nice, but not with all the options. The boys are always happy when he does the shopping because we actually have food! Anyway, they also got a lemon square and a brownie. So this is them so happy to let me take their picture before they dig in.


Let me just add that that has been my secret weapon with the crews. Making treats. Lots of them. I am particular, indecisive and I change my mind! And they are so much happier to change things for me or show me different options because I treat them well! I think it's been key. Remember "the way to a mans heart is through his stomach"? Well apparently it applies to building as well. I just don't think it's to the heart as much as the hands... okay that was a stretch.

Here is the back of our house currently. With windows, a door, hard siding, etc.

Here is the family room with can lights and wiring.

Master shower plumbing.

Downstairs bathroom plumbing.

Shiny new furnace.

And this is what our front yard looks like today. The electrician, the roofer, the exterior guys, and two Murray City trucks. Busy. Thank you neighbors for your patience! I love having so much getting done at once but I'm not sure they love having to step over each other to work. 

And here is the side they finished today. The siding comes primed only so some painting will happen at some point but we may be too late this year. Eventually the house will all match but it might be a while.

I'm learning so much through this process and mostly I'm really enjoying it. I've learned a lot about myself which is interesting. I thought I had no problem being confrontational but I've actually struggled with asking for what I want or confronting people when there is a problem. I've discovered I don't have a problem doing with companies over the phone or with someone at a business where I will likely never see them again but when we will work together again and again... I don't do so well. I'm figuring it out. Kind of. Well I'm making treats, that's what I'm doing. (And sometimes in the dark since we have no power here and there)

My Dad says drywall is half way. Please tell me that's wrong. (But don't tell him, he's never wrong) Totally kidding. But that brings up a good point I really need to address. My dad has been invaluable throughout this project. He jumps to answer my every phone call to answer my questions and help me through the difficult times. He's eased my mind during stressful moments and given me great advice. If all of that wasn't enough, he's getting on a plane this weekend to come here and help us with a bunch of work. He's so hard working and willing to serve and it means the world to Cody and I. Thank you, Dad. And thank you, Mom, for giving him to us for a few days. We really appreciate it. Thank you for your endless support and shared enthusiasm. I don't know what I would do without you.

Another big thank you to my sis, Lisa. She is a talented designer and really understands what my design goal is and has helped me countless times with difficult, time sensitive decisions. My house would not look as beautiful as it does without her advice, sending emails back and forth with inspiration pictures etc. How she keeps all her design projects straight in her head I'll never know. But thank you, sis, for keeping my project straight in your mind. :) And for making me a priority in your already busy life. Thank you, thank you, thank you.