It's Really Real

If you see me in the next few weeks, I will probably have a tissue in my hand. And it's all because of this.

My brother Kelly, my nephew Kaleb, and my dad have started the framing on our house. It has taken them three short days to get all the walls up. Any of you familiar with my last building nightmare realize what a big deal this is for me. Let's just say the last house took four times longer to finish than it should have and leave it at that, shall we?

Here is where it all started. If you are looking for any kind of dirt work, etc., you will want to call this guy at Devon Bunker Excavating. He is my brother's brother-in-law. No wait, he is my sister-in-law's brother. Either way, he got everything that needed to be done in two days.













It's very interesting to see how things come together when you are building a slab on grade home, especially when it comes to the plumbing and heating. Everything requires very precise measurements to make sure that it will all line up after the concrete is poured. Welcome to my kitchen!
















Smooth as a baby's bottom. My brother employs some really good guys on his construction projects. They get it done, and get it done right, just as it should be.













Tuesday was the start of framing. I decided to drive up to see how things were coming along after work, and when I drove around the corner I totally lost it. To see walls up, to see the materials that will become a home for Riley and me, was just so overwhelming. I walked around snapping pictures, and sat for a bit in my window frame and just took it all in. It's been such a painful road to get where I am right now, and to see that things are moving along and that my future is in my hands and the hands of people who love me so much to do this for me puts me completely in awe. No one but me will ever be able to understand how big this is, how this heals me to my core, and how much I will always love and appreciate what everyone from my family to the cable guy are doing for me and Riley. From my sister sending me good wishes every day from afar, my sister-in-law picking up a light for me while she is shopping out of town, to the guys at the lumber yard making sure my windows will be here on time, I am truly blessed.

For you kids who grew up in Bemidji but have moved on to other pastures, this picture will tell you where to find me when you come home to visit. See the towers in the back? You know where they are. Come on over anytime.

Last night I took Riley up the hill to see it all, along with my parents. Things are going so fast that we had to make a run to the Home Depot to order shower stalls, pick up a living room rug, and get pulls for the cabinets. I am meeting with my cabinet guy today to officially pick out what color wood I would like to have. For me that is like heaven. I believe, as a lot of people do these days, that your kitchen is the heart of your home, and that is a big reason why I chose a layout that had the kitchen right smack in the middle of the living and dining rooms. I can't wait to have friends and family over, and to finally go through with my continuing promise to my mom that THIS YEAR I will have Thanksgiving at my house. But she still has to bring the turkey.


Thank you for sharing in our new home, I will keep you updated as we progress!